Eric Thomas talks to his partner and field sales representative Aaron Deanda about the diagrams on the wall of Solar Epiphany that explain how solar systems work. The 'Educational Showroom' has equipment included in the wall diagrams to make clear what the systems involved can do.
Eric Thomas, owner of Solar Epiphany has opened a new "Educational Showroom" at 6016 B California Ave. s.w. to both sell solar equipment and bring people up to speed on using solar energy as a supplemental energy source for their home or business. His partner is Tricia DiBernardo.
Thomas, also owner of Red Cup Espresso in the Junction, has operated the solar energy equipment company for the past few years and his new location is meant to help him with meeting his goal of explaining and educating people on what works, how it works, and what the best applications are for solar energy.
"We have actual diagrams painted on the walls, along with the real equipment so that when people come by that are interested in solar, we can walk them through systems and show them exactly how they work and what they are getting into before they make their investment."
The company conducts classes in the space though space is limited. To sign up go to their website, solarepiphany.com and click on Free Solar Classes to RSVP.
Selling solar energy products in Seattle is a challenge because the belief is that it's not as sunny as other parts of the nation. Thomas acknowledges this, saying, "Most of the sun we get in Seattle is between March and September," but points out that this isn't the whole story.
"We pretty much have to build the market, we have to educate people on what solar can do in our area there's no educational wing out there doing that but that's 30% of our business. Education, Installation, Advocacy. Those are the three wings of Solar Epiphany."
The company has some Western Washington exclusives in the form of a solar powered skylight, which is a module mounted on the roof, directly wired to a daylight simulator which is the equivalent of a 220 Watt lightbulb. It's meant to provide light, just like natural sunlight in basements and other areas where a real skylight would be cost prohibitive or impossible. The skylight is $749 installed with a 25 year warranty.
The other item is a solar powered attic fan that evacuates hot or moist air and costs $699 installed.
Both items qualify buyers for a 30% federal income tax credit.
The store is open by appointment only or "We're usually here on the weekends, doing work or teaching classes so people are welcome to stop by." You can reach them at 206-919-3014.
