What’s Sun Day? Check out the National Mobilization for Clean Energy Day with Speakers and Resources at Bainbridge Library this coming Sunday

Two area events honoring Sun Day 2025 – A National Mobilization for Clean Energy, will be held this coming Sunday September 21 on Bainbridge Island and across the county in Bremerton. 

At the Bainbridge event that will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Bainbridge Island Library, 1270 Madison Avenue N., Jeremy Smithson, founder of Puget Sound Solar, will discuss the history of solar energy in the United States and shed some light – so to speak – on where the industry is headed.   

“What we’re doing is enacting the 3rd Act to help with the climate crisis,” says Mike Cox, one of the day’s organizers. “It’s a celebration of renewable energy and solar (energy).” The 3rd Act is a movement aimed at empowering people over 60 to engage in climate action and social justice. It’s spearhead by notable activist Bill McKibbon, a prominent environmentalist who seeks to harness the experience, resources and influence of older Americans.

Similar events are taking place not only in our backyard but across the country, says Cox. “We’re gathering people together; we’re moving forward (on these initiatives) regardless of what the federal government” is doing, he notes. “Solar is still the cheapest form of energy we have.” Among other things, the event will celebrate the future installation of solar energy panels at the library.

Cox, a former director with the Environmental Protection Agency who is deeply involved in climate issues locally, says that way in back in 2005 there were only two solar installations of any kind on Bainbridge. Today, there are some 500 homes, businesses and government entities that are producing solar energy. He says some of the more visible installations on the island include those at Woodward Middle School, the new Helpline House building, Bethany Lutheran Church, City Hall, and St. Barnabas Church. Plans are also in the pipeline for solar arrays to be added to Grace Episcopal Church, and some new residential developments currently being built out, Cox notes. 

Besides the history of solar presentation, Sunday’s event will also feature a handful of resource people familiar with solar energy, such as solar installers, architects and representative from Helpline House and the library who are involved with their individual projects. In order to attend, organizers ask that people register in advance here:  https://actionnetwork.org/events/bainbridge-island-sun-day-event

Meanwhile, over in Bremerton a similar event is taking place at the Kitsap Unitarian Universalist Fellowship – 4418 Perry Ave NE, Bremerton. It starts at noon and runs until 2:30 p.m. “Timed with the fall equinox—a moment of transition—we’ll come together to showcase energy sources that can power our world without pollution: the sun and wind. Clean energy is here: it’s more affordable, healthier, and fairer than the fuels of the past, says Kathryn Owen, of the Church’s Social Justice Committee.

“Communities that get most of their power from solar energy report fewer asthma attacks, clearer skies, and quieter neighborhoods – clean energy improves lives in ways you can actually feel,” Owen explains. “Through rallies, electrical vehicle parades, art, and events around the world, communities are coming together to learn about advances in solar, wind and electric power and see some practical, low-cost examples of how to incorporate clean energy; help advocate for clean energy legislation in Washington; learn about resources to fund your own clean energy transition; and celebrate the sun through family-friendly activities.”

Bremerton Sun Day events will include:
— A tour of the solar panel installation on-site at Kitsap Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (KUUF)
— A demonstration of solar-powered battery chargers
— An electric vehicle showcase
— Activities for kids including “painting” with sun, making “suncatchers,” and racing solar- powered toy cars
— Info on the status of clean energy legislation in Washington state & advocacy opportunities

For more info check out: Third Act – Our Time Is Now, Seattle’s Solar Energy Solutions Provider Since 2001 – Puget Sound Solar LLC