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Consultants pitch state-funded rooftop solar for Washtucna High School
Summary
ATS Automation and subcontractor Ellensburg Solar asked the Washtucna board for permission to apply for a Washington Department of Commerce grant that they estimate could fund a roughly $591,006 system, produce an estimated 33% of the high school’s energy and save about $21,000 a year; the board was asked only to approve applying, not to commit funds.
Moe Salem of ATS Automation presented a Department of Commerce grant proposal for rooftop solar at Washtucna High School and asked the board for permission to submit the application. Salem said the system “will generate over 33% of the energy being consumed by the high school,” and estimated the district could see roughly $21,000 in annual utility savings if the project is funded.
Sam Ehlinger of Ellensburg Solar, a subcontractor, joined Salem for technical details and answered questions about mounting, glare and structural loading. Presenters said the package is competitive and that if the district is awarded the Commerce grant, the award would fully fund installation and the district would not be required to provide local matching funds. Salem stated a total project cost estimate of $591,006.24 and noted Commerce prefers Washington-made modules, which the presenters said can add roughly $85,000–$100,000 to project cost.
Board members and participants pressed on safety and design. Ehlinger said the proposed ballast bays sit at a low five-degree tilt and that the panels are anti-reflective; he gave a ballast figure of about “9.4 pounds per square foot” for the weighted (non-penetrating) system and said a structural engineer and building-permit review would address wind and load concerns. Presenters also proposed an internship for a high-school student to support data and performance monitoring if the project proceeds.
The presenters said Commerce application materials were due by Nov. 4 (as stated in the transcript), awards are typically announced in December–January, and the team would aim to finish installation by mid-August to avoid classroom disruption. They emphasized that board permission to apply does not bind the district to accept the grant if awarded and that a formal contract and structural analyses would come before any final commitment.
The board took no formal, binding financial action during the presentation; staff asked whether they should proceed with permission to apply. The presenters and staff agreed to continue preparing the application and to provide follow-up materials (structural analysis and photos of comparable installs) for the board before any final contract consideration.
