Olympia Community Solar

What Olympia Community Solar does

Olympia Community Solar is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2018 and headquartered in Olympia, Washington, with a stated mission to steward an equitable and accessible transition to clean energy. The organization operates the Solarize program, a community-sponsored residential solar group purchasing model that aggregates homeowner demand across Washington State to negotiate discounted installation prices with a vetted network of local solar contractors. Solarize campaigns have been deployed across Thurston County, Bainbridge Island, Yakima County, and the San Juan Islands, generating more than 400 homeowner installations and $3.4 million in investment during the 2021-2022 cycle alone.

Beyond residential group purchasing, the organization provides project development services to tribes, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and commercial entities across Washington State. These services include free development technical support, fee-based solar and storage feasibility studies, grant writing services (hourly with nonprofit and tribal discounts), and grant management services. Notable deployments include the 1,386 kW Yakima County Solar Portfolio across nine county buildings, a 152 kW installation at City of Olympia Fire Station #1, and projects with Trinity Lutheran Church (99 kW), St. Barnabas Episcopal Church (53 kW), Canterbury Manor senior community (276 SilFab panels), and the San Juan Community Home Trust affordable housing development. In 2026 the organization supported partners in securing over $3.7 million from the Washington State Department of Commerce for nine projects representing 1,077 kW DC of solar capacity and 225 kWh of energy storage.

Revenue is generated through tiered individual and corporate sponsorships (Individual $50 to Megawatt $3,000 annually), annual meeting sponsorships, donations, fee-based grant writing and feasibility study services, and the low-income solar deployment program funded through grants. The go-to-market is community-led: municipal co-sponsors (e.g., City of Bainbridge Island) promote Solarize programs locally, while OlySol provides the organizational framework, vetted installer network, and educational support. The organization also leads policy advocacy through the Community Solar WA Coalition, supporting HB 1598 and SB 5515 (Fair Access to Community Solar Act) to expand community solar access for renters, low-income residents, and multifamily housing in Washington State.

Name

Olympia Community Solar

Legal name

Olympia Community Solar

Website

https://olysol.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Olympia Community Solar is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating the Solarize group purchasing program for residential solar installations across Washington State, while providing grant writing, feasibility studies, and project development services to tribes, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Solar Development and Energy Access Services

NAICS

Solar Electric Power Generation (221114), Civic and Social Organizations (8134), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Solar Development & Subscription Management (EUAMAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Solar Financing, Leasing & Ownership Platforms (Tax Equity, PPA, Securitization) (EUAMABAJ), Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System) (EUAMABAB)

Keywords

• Solar group purchasing
• Community solar development
• Grant writing services
• Solar project development
• Clean energy nonprofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Olympia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Sponsorships: Olympia Community Solar is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that generates revenue through individual donations, corporate sponsorships (Megawatt $3,000, Kilowatt $1,500, Watt $750, Professional $200, Individual $50), and annual meeting sponsorships.
2. Grant Writing and Management Services: The organization provides grant writing services for an hourly rate with discounts for nonprofits and Tribes, and grant management services with fees that can be included in project funding requests.
3. Project Development Services: Services include development technical support, solar and storage feasibility studies, contractor solicitation and selection assistance. Development support is offered for free; feasibility studies and grant services are fee-based.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Olympia Community Solar runs a nonprofit-sponsored Solarize group purchasing program that aggregates residential homeowner demand to negotiate discounted solar installation pricing with vetted local installers, supported by free home assessments and community education. The organization also provides project development services including feasibility studies, grant writing, and grant management to tribes, public agencies, nonprofits, and commercial entities. It further leads community solar policy advocacy through the Community Solar WA coalition.

Product overview

Olympia Community Solar is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates several interconnected service programs rather than a single software product. The core offering is the Solarize program—a group purchasing model that aggregates homeowner demand to secure discounted solar installation prices from vetted installers. Supporting services include project development technical support, grant writing and management, feasibility studies, and solar education resources. The organization also leads community solar policy advocacy through the Community Solar WA coalition.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Solarize Bainbridge Island A nonprofit-sponsored residential solar group purchasing program for Bainbridge Island residents offering discounted installation prices from vetted local installers, free home assessments, and community education workshops.
• Solarize Thurston A residential solar group purchasing program for Thurston County residents that helps homeowners navigate the solar purchasing experience with discounted installation prices and vetted installers.
• Project Development Services Technical support for solar projects including contractor proposal solicitation, contractor selection assistance, and financial planning support for tribes, public agencies, nonprofits, and commercial entities.
• Grant Writing Services Grant writing services for solar project funding applications, billed at hourly rates with discounts for nonprofits and Tribes.
• Grant Management Services Support for grant funding contracting, contractor procurement, and grant reporting through construction completion, with fees that can be included in project funding requests.
• Solar and Storage Feasibility Studies Detailed feasibility studies to create project scope, identify construction barriers, and collect community input, particularly for commercial-scale energy storage.
• Solar Education Resources Educational materials including the Solar Owners Manual, Five Steps to Solar guide, Washington solar incentives information, and federal tax credit guidance to help homeowners and organizations understand solar adoption.

Quantifiable outcome

• 200 solar installations and $3.4 million investment generated through 2021-2022 Solarize campaigns
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.

• Sunergy SystemssupportingTechnology or IntegrationSunergy Systems is an employee-owned company founded in Seattle in 2005, specializing in sales, design, and installation of solar electric and back-up energy storage systems for residential homes with over 2,500 installations and 15-megawatts of clean energy in the Puget Sound area.
• Puyallup Tribe of IndianscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Puyallup Tribe has been known for generous and welcoming behavior to all people who enter their lands. The tribe operates from waters fed by Mount Rainier and maintains cultural traditions.
• Nisqually Tribe of IndianscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Nisqually Tribe's mission is to perpetuate their home and culture by helping their people thrive.
• Mad Energy NWsupportingTechnology or IntegrationA complete team committed to core values of safety, integrity, customer satisfaction, professionalism, and family. Provides quality, care, and precision for home and business solar projects.
• Tulalip TribescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Tulalip Tribes are successors in interest to the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skykomish, and other allied tribes and bands signatory to the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott.
• Solterra SolarsupportingTechnology or IntegrationAward-winning, certified woman-owned solar installer based in Seattle since 2008, delivering solar solutions with innovation, sustainability, and commitment to powering good in the Pacific Northwest.
• City of Bainbridge IslandcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of Solarize Bainbridge Island program as part of their broader climate action plan to promote renewable energy adoption and education throughout the community.
• South Sound SolarcoreTechnology or IntegrationLocally owned solar energy provider based in Olympia, Washington with over 15 years of experience specializing in residential, commercial, and nonprofit installations throughout Western Washington.
• Ellensburg SolarsupportingTechnology or IntegrationFounded in 2011, Ellensburg Solar is the largest solar installation contractor in Washington State, providing affordable, sustainable, and reliable energy solutions.
• Power Trip EnergysupportingTechnology or IntegrationSolar installation partner for St. Barnabas Episcopal Church project on Bainbridge Island.
• Swiftwater Electric and SolarsupportingTechnology or IntegrationDesigned and installed the solar system for San Juan Community Home Trust (HolliWalk) project in Friday Harbor.
• Sunbridge SolarsupportingTechnology or IntegrationPacific Northwest solar energy contractor based in Washougal, Washington with operations in both Washington and Oregon. Founded in 2010, specializing in residential and commercial solar panels, battery backups, and EV chargers. Certified B Corporation.
• Blossom SolarsupportingTechnology or IntegrationSolar installer partner for Solarize Bainbridge Island program. Has earned a 4.8-star rating across more than 180 Google reviews, expanding beyond solar to offer smart home electrical upgrades and HVAC solutions.
• Northwest Electric and SolarsupportingTechnology or IntegrationSolar installer partner for Solarize Bainbridge Island program, empowering communities and electrifying Washington by embracing sustainability through high-quality, reliable energy solutions.
• Silfab SolarsupportingTechnology or IntegrationAmerica's leader in design, engineering, and advanced manufacturing of premium-quality cells and solar panels with more than 40 years of solar expertise. Tier-1 quality brand recognized across North America.
• Cascadia SolarsupportingTechnology or IntegrationSolar division of Frederickson Electric, which has served Olympic and Kitsap Peninsula communities since 1974. Grid-tied solar installations prioritizing performance and aesthetics.
• A&R SolarsupportingTechnology or IntegrationSolar installation partner for Nisqually Market project.
• Washington Solar Energy Industries Association (WASEIA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional trade association established in 2013 to be a unified voice for solar industry business interests, public policy, legislation, and governmental relations in Washington State.
• Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization providing information on community solar cost allocation strategies and utility involvement in community solar.
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal laboratory providing community solar resources including Sharing the Sun analysis, Lessons Learned publications, and Community Solar 101 educational materials.
• Coalition for Community Solar AccesssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational coalition with excellent resources on community solar policy and implementation.
• NW Energy CoalitionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner for community solar policy advocacy in Washington State. Supports legislation for community solar expansion.
• Community Solar WA CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition organized by Olympia Community Solar to advocate for community solar legislation (HB 1598 and SB 5515). Includes partners like Alliance for Solar Access, Solar United Neighbors, Climate Reality King County, 350 Washington, Seattle Housing Authority, and others.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA): Industry organization that provides research on community solar cost allocation and utility involvement; Olympia Community Solar's Executive Director has co-authored publications with SEPA, indicating close thematic alignment on community solar policy.

Direct peers

• Vote Solar: Nonprofit advocacy organization advancing equitable solar and community solar policy at the state level; directly comparable on policy advocacy and community solar expansion efforts.
• Solar United Neighbors: National nonprofit that operates Solarize-style group purchasing programs for residential solar across multiple states, directly comparable to Olympia Community Solar's core Solarize model and community-led outreach approach.
• Coalition for Community Solar Access: National coalition advocating for community solar policy and implementation; Olympia Community Solar is a member and the two collaborate on community solar legislation in Washington.
• Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR): Nonprofit promoting equitable, community-owned clean energy; comparable on energy democracy, community energy models, and policy advocacy.
• GRID Alternatives: Nonprofit solar installer focused on low-income and underserved communities; comparable mission, customer base, and free/low-income deployment model.

Emerging players

• 350 Washington: Washington-based climate advocacy organization that is a coalition partner in the Community Solar WA coalition; comparable on grassroots climate advocacy and renewable energy campaigns in Washington State.

Broad incumbents

• Center for Sustainable Energy: Larger nonprofit administering statewide solar incentive programs (including in California) with a broader portfolio than Olympia Community Solar but overlapping on clean energy program delivery and equity-focused deployment.
• Puget Sound Energy: Washington utility offering solar grants and net metering programs; overlapping on customer segments and incentive programs, and a partner via board representation (Adam Harrison).

Regional players

• Sunlight Solar: For-profit community solar developer operating in adjacent geographies; relevant as a competing community solar business model rather than direct Washington competition.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/olympiasolar
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/olysol
• Instagraminstagram.com/olympiasolar

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Olympia Community Solar