Colville Schools Go Solar
$1.5 Million Installation Now Powering Four Schools Through The Giving Grid -- At No Cost to School District
9/1/20262 min read
COLVILLE, WA — Four Colville schools are now powered by solar energy after a $1.5 million installation reached commercial operation this month. The project, developed through The Giving Grid program, brings approximately 520 kilowatts of solar capacity to Colville High School, Colville Middle School, Fort Colville Elementary, and Hofstetter Elementary, marking one of the largest rural school solar deployments in Eastern Washington. The Giving Grid creates solar projects that, in turn, direct energy savings back to low-income programs for the school.
The installation comes at zero cost to the Colville School District, as the project is part of The Giving Grid. Through The Giving Grid community solar program, the district will pay only for the energy the systems produce, at rates lower than traditional utility costs. Over the life of the systems, the district is projected to save $4 million in energy costs, with savings going directly back into classrooms and community programs.
"These are communities that have historically been left out of the clean energy conversation," said David Funk, President of Zero Emissions Northwest. "The Giving Grid was built to change that. Colville's four schools are proof that rural communities don't have to wait for clean energy investment to find them. We can bring it to their doorstep."
About The Giving Grid
The Giving Grid is a community solar initiative that brings solar energy to rural schools and public facilities at no upfront cost. The program is a partnership between Zero Emissions Northwest (ZEN), Partners for Rural Washington (PRWA), Craft3, and Ellensburg Solar, with support from the WSU Energy Program, and the Sustainable Energy Trust.
Colville joins more than 20 schools across Eastern Washington now participating in The Giving Grid, collectively representing tens of millions of dollars in projected energy savings for rural communities.
How It Works
ZEN develops, finances, owns, and operates the solar systems for the first 10 years, ensuring zero upfront or ongoing maintenance costs for the school district. Craft3, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), provides the financing that makes these projects possible in underserved rural markets. Ellensburg Solar handles the engineering, procurement, and construction. PRWA serves as Washington's rural development council and connects school districts and communities across rural Washington with resources to thrive.
A Video Story
To celebrate this milestone, Zero Emissions Northwest has released a short documentary profiling the Colville project and the broader impact of The Giving Grid on rural communities. The video, produced by Spokane-based Rogue Heart Media, features interviews with project partners and community stakeholders. Watch it above or here.
Community Benefits
In addition to powering schools with clean energy, The Giving Grid delivers direct benefits to the broader Colville community:
$4 million in projected energy savings over the life of the systems
Energy savings redirected into low-income school programs and student resources
15% discount on residential solar installations available to Colville residents through Ellensburg Solar
A replicable model now being expanded to additional school districts statewide
For School Districts
School districts interested in learning how The Giving Grid can bring solar to their buildings at no cost are encouraged to contact Zero Emissions Northwest.
Media Contact:
Elise Azara, Director of Marketing
Zero Emissions Northwest
elise.azara@zeroemissionsnorthwest.com
About Zero Emissions Northwest
Zero Emissions Northwest (ZEN) is a Spokane-based energy consulting company that strives to do big things for small communities by creating a more sustainable future through practical energy solutions. Through education, collaboration, and support, ZEN works with individuals, businesses, and communities to take meaningful steps toward a zero-emissions future. Learn more at zeroemissionsnorthwest.com.
# # #
