07.30.2024

Today’s Forecast

Real Estate

Decode the code: Residential solar panels

A man works to place a solar panel on a shingled roof.

Installing a solar panel or solar array can help reduce your home’s energy consumption. | Photo by Kindel Media

Sure, the PNW is cloudy most of the year, but the sun is still out there and it can help you save thousands on your electricity bill while keeping things green.

Let’s talk solar panels.

What’s solar power and how does it help?

Solar power harnesses the sun’s radiation to help reduce the cost of energy, contribute to a resilient electrical grid, and generate backup power.

Solar power has upfront costs for equipment — including photovoltaics or various types of panels — and installation but saves money over time, especially with the associated 22%-30% federal tax credit.

Local start-up cost is approximately $12,000-$16,000, but it pays itself off in six to eight years and saves ~$30,000-$50,000 over 25 years.

Estimate your cost and savings based on location and usage with this calculator.

Local regulations

Once you get all your math done, your new solar panel installation will require a few permits to get set up depending on where you live.

Seattleites may not need building permits for their single-family residential installations as long as their project adheres to a series of conditions like the panels being mounted to lightweight rooftop material (like shingles) and that the structure meets fire code. Electrical and plumbing permits will still be required.

Getting started

In Washington, solar panels are typically installed on the south side of the roof for maximum sun exposure. Double-check with your neighborhood or homeowner’s association for specific guidelines when it comes to street-facing installations.

A qualified solar installer can help determine the appropriate size panel based on your energy consumption, roof size, and solar exposure.

Asked

Did you participate in Drink Up Week?

A. Yes, I loved the deals.
B. No, I wasn’t into it.
C. What’s Drink Up Week?

Let us know

Events

Tuesday, July 30

Scope Screenings: Live Underground Film Festival | Tuesday, July 30 | 6:30-10:30 p.m. | SIFF Cinema Egyptian, 805 E. Pine St., Seattle | $25-$80 | Socialize with other film buffs and watch a curated selection of narrative short films, music videos, feature trailers, and more.

Wednesday, July 31

Gilmore Girls S:1-3 Trivia Night | Wednesday, July 31 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Wildrose, 1021 E. Pike St., Seattle | $7 | This is a jumbo-coffee event — prepare your team so you can win some extra cool prizes.
Sad Sapphic Girl Summer : The Drag Show | Wednesday, July 31 | 7-10:30 p.m. | Unicorn, 1118 E. Pike St., Seattle | $10-$100 | “Brat” girl summer not really fitting your vibe? This drag show will give you a place to dance while you cry.

Thursday, Aug. 1

Yerbana Yoga in the Park | Thursday, Aug. 1 | 6 p.m. | Gas Works Park, 2101 N. Northlake Way, Seattle | Free | Get a good stretch in at the park before sipping on some yerba mate and making new friends.

Friday, Aug. 2

Alyssa Edwards: Glitz and Giggles Tour | Friday, Aug. 2 | 8:30 p.m. | The Showbox, 1426 First Ave., Seattle | $45 | This drag queen featured on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is bringing her ferociously gag-worthy performance to Seattle.
Seattle Mariners vs. Philadelphia Phillies | Friday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 4 | Times vary | T-Mobile Park, 1250 First Ave. S., Seattle | $25+ | Time to grab a hot dog and root, root, root for the Mariners.

Saturday, Aug. 3

Alanis Morissette: The Triple Moon Tour | Saturday, Aug. 3 | 7 p.m. | White River Amphitheatre, 40601 Auburn Enumclaw Rd., Auburn | $78-$385 | You oughta know... the “Jagged Little Pill” singer-songwriter is performing.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

Bellevue is the latest local municipality to jump on the office-to-residential prioritization train as it looks to change its city code to increase flexibility for this type of development. Bellevue City Council had its first meeting to initiate the process, which it must complete by June 30, 2025. (Downtown Bellevue Network)

Sports

More trades have taken place with the Mariners this week. Blue Jays infielder Justin Turner was acquired through a trade, and Ty France is officially over with the Cincinnati Reds. Hear from the local experts on the Mariners with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Development

The developers for highly anticipated South Lake Union project Lake Union Piers recently announced that it’s been able to offset 100% of its embodied emissions by prioritizing sustainable design and purchasing carbon offsets. The project will begin opening in stages early next year. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

Biz

Local pizza chain Big Mario’s is selling its Northlake Tavern location just a year after opening it. The restaurant is also closed until the end of August for a “summer break.” Owner Jason Lajeunesse said he hopes its new owner will be able to better continue the tavern’s legacy. (Eater Seattle)

Coming Soon

Let’s taco-bout this. A new Mexican restaurant called Sí is coming to Capitol Hill in The Canterbury’s former location. The project has help from local restauranteur Ethan Stowell, but no projected opening date has been announced. (Capitol Hill Seattle)

Olympics

The 2024 Summer Olympics are happening now in Paris, France — keep up with Team USA and some of our favorite local athletes via KING 5. Today’s events include table tennis, beach volleyball + swimming, starting at 6 a.m.

Weather

Rain, rain, go away. While July 29 is typically the Seattle area’s driest day of the year, some summer showers ended our 31-day streak yesterday. Seattle has only seen measurable rain on July 29 four times since record-keeping began in 1945. (KING 5)

Shop

Ditch the men’s dress pants — the Dealmaker Pant is the ultimate pant for work or play, with an impeccable fit and feel. Save 15% with code READ15.*

Community

Thanks for stopping by

Play the game from SEAtoday’s trivia night

Think you remember everything we’ve covered in the past year? | Graphic by SEAtoday Staff

You’ll have to excuse the quizzical expressions on our faces. We’re still recovering from SEAtoday’s Drink Up trivia night.

We had an absolute blast at Navy Strength on Sunday trying to stump teams in a variety of Seattle-driven categories, from weird history to an audio round of local bands. There were prizes, laughs, and lots of yummy drinks.

We want to thank the folks that turned out and our good ole pal former City Editor Gabe who came by to say hello.

And we can’t forget Navy Strength, which graciously let us play host — those Miss Modulars were soooo tasty and we appreciate you bearing with us while we fumbled with your Spotify for those audio rounds.

Have FOMO now? Try answering a few of the questions we asked — which include some oh-so-close wrong answers submitted by the teams who played.

Play the game

The Buy

The Buy 7.30.24 (Affiliate)

These quick drying women’s water shoes — they’re perfect to slip on during any aquatic adventure, from summer beach trips to waterfall hiking.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alina

From the editor

I forgot to mention that I went to my first Torchlight Parade over the weekend (I’m bummed I missed the days when it was held at night), and I had quite the experience.

Not only was I “HAD” by two different Seafair Pirates, but I got arrested by a clown cop and was almost put in their fire truck. I couldn’t tell if they were serious about riding in the car, otherwise I definitely would have jumped in. It would’ve been just too weird of a story to pass up.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

›

Advertise with us to stand out.

›

Games | Crossword, Sudoku, and More

›

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY