West Seattle business news: Solar Epiphany’s new storefront

September 1, 2010 at 9:45 am | In West Seattle businesses, West Seattle news | 6 Comments

Story and photo by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Eric Thomas’ Red Cup Espresso (which he co-owns with his wife Tricia DiBernardo) has come to be known by many as the “hybrid” coffee shop, because of its rooftop array of photovoltaic panels.

But he isn’t just a solar customer — he also owns Solar Epiphany which provides education on solar energy, and installs professional-grade solar energy systems.

Thanks to a WSB’er tip about the newly painted shop window (photo at left), we discovered that Thomas is expanding his solar enterprise into the former site of Puget Sound Key & Lock at 6016 California SW. The space will be an educational showroom where potential customers will not only see solar panels and learn how they work, but they’ll also be able to learn about government incentives that make going solar more affordable.

Thomas has been installing solar electrical and water-heating systems for three years, for both residential and commercial customers. He says, “The biggest obstacle to installing solar is that people don’t know how it works or how much it will cost.”

Thomas hopes to have his new storefront open the weekend after Labor Day. They plan to be open by appointment during the week and open to the public on weekends.

6 Comments

  1. I LOVE these people.

    Comment by irukandji — 9:56 am September 1, 2010 #

  2. The future is upon us….

    Comment by waman — 11:25 am September 1, 2010 #

  3. Best of luck to you Eric!

    Comment by Faze Uno — 11:38 am September 1, 2010 #

  4. Really good news.
    I wish them all the best.
    If I remember correctly, Eric deals with
    “Made in Washington” solar panels that, with the tax deals
    are extremely competitive with Chinese imports.
    Great to have another active business in the Morgan Junction.

    Comment by old timer — 1:34 pm September 1, 2010 #

  5. Yay Eric and Tricia!!! Good luck to you guys, you are an awesome part of the WS community.

    Comment by NT — 2:30 pm September 1, 2010 #

  6. Wow. I wish I’d known about you guy when I was re-building my house last year. I called another solar company, who came out & gave me estimates for several types of systems & NONE of them was affordable. Which is too bad, b/c I really wanted an “off the grid” house.
    .
    :-(

    Comment by Cheryl — 4:52 pm September 1, 2010 #

Sorry, comment time is over.

All contents copyright 2012, A Drink of Water and a Story Interactive. Here's how to contact us.
No photo reuse without permission.
Entries and comments feeds. ^Top^