Thurston Green Medium Business of the Year: CapStone Solar

The Thurston Green Business designation is a coveted award, given annually to over 100 deserving businesses. And among those winners, a select few are honored as the best of the best – the small, medium, large, and municipal “business of the year.” This year’s winners are true champions of sustainability, and they’ll be recognized at the upcoming April Thurston Green Business Forum on April 12. We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on these remarkable businesses in this issue of the VOICE.

MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: CapStone Solar

Congratulations to CapStone Solar, the Thurston Green Medium Business of the Year!

About

CapStone is more than just another solar installer — they’re one of the top installers in the state of Washington. CapStone’s commitment to quality and value is second to none, and they’ve built their reputation on delivering the highest-quality solar solutions to their customers. What really sets them apart is their utility-scale backing, which gives them a unique advantage in the industry. With this backing, they are able to purchase and install more solar panels than all other residential installers in Washington and Oregon combined. That means they can offer their customers unbeatable prices and the most efficient solar solutions available.

“With our diverse background in telecommunications, utilities, and both commercial and residential solar construction, we bring a unique perspective to the solar industry,” said Tim Wachtman. “Our structure allows us to take advantage of economies of scale, which means we can offer clients more competitive pricing than our competitors. But we don’t stop there. We are committed to providing an exceptional customer experience. We put you at the center of everything we do and strive to exceed your expectations every step of the way.”

CapStone Solar believes that solar energy is more than just a product; it’s a solution to a better future. CapStone is dedicated to providing sustainable, renewable energy to clients, while making it affordable and accessible for all.

How has COVID-19 changed your business’s sustainability efforts?

If you’re looking for a silver lining in the pandemic, look no further than our sustainability efforts here at CapStone Solar. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, we’ve managed to make great strides in reducing our environmental impact.

One major way we’ve done this is through the adoption of virtual meetings. By eliminating the need for in-person meetings, we’ve been able to drastically reduce our carbon footprint. This not only benefits the environment but also saves us time and money.

We’ve also made significant changes to our supply chain in order to promote conservation and reduce waste. With supply chain constraints limiting our options, we’ve had to become more creative and intentional in our efforts. For example, we’ve transitioned from bottled water to filtered water, replaced paper towel dispensers with reusable cloth towels, and installed bidets in our facilities to reduce toilet paper usage.

Please share more information about some of CapStone’s Green Business Practices.

At Capstone Solar, we’re not just about providing clean energy solutions – we’re committed to practicing green business at every level. And our partnership with Olympia Community Solar for the Solarize Campaign is just one example of how we’re putting that commitment into action.

Now in our third year of the partnership, the Solarize Campaign is a powerful way to bring affordable, clean energy to our community. By leveraging local resources, we’re able to offer discounted access to solar power, making it an accessible option for everyone. This not only benefits the environment, but it also helps to reduce energy costs for individuals and businesses alike.

Where have you been the most successful in your green business practices? What have been the biggest challenges?

At CapStone, our commitment to green business practices runs deep. And while we’re proud of our success in many areas, there are two key areas that stand out: our core product and our dedication to sustainability in all aspects of our business.

By providing cleaner, renewable energy sources, we’re helping to reduce the need for fossil fuel electrical generation throughout Washington. This has been a significant success for us, as we work towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. With every solar panel we install, we’re making a real difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a healthier planet.

However, we recognize that there have been challenges along the way. Supply chain issues and rising hard costs have made it difficult to maintain affordability and access for our clients. But we haven’t let that slow us down. Instead, we’ve redoubled our efforts to find creative solutions, minimize waste, and reduce our environmental impact. We’re always looking for ways to innovate and improve, both for the benefit of our clients and the planet as a whole.