The Board of Bainbridge Public Library decided in early 2025 to fundraise for a project to install solar panels on the roof the library. The purpose of the project is to reduce the amount of electrical energy consumed from the Puget Sound Energy (PSE) grid for library operations and use all of the solar energy generated by the solar panels. The 66KW solar array system consists of 153 solar panels, an inverter, an optimizer and the tie-in to the PSE grid. The expected payback for the investment is somewhat less than 10 years.
The fundraising started in August with all the Board members contributing to establish a fund for matching donations of community supporters. The fundraising effort was successful and the the installation of the solar panels began in the fall. The system was put into operation in December 2025.
Below is a video clip from a drone showing the finished installation.
