We’re sharing some big news here at Western Solar with a mix of gratitude, nostalgia, and excitement. After 15 years of dedicated service across a wide range of roles, our General Manager, Eric Blatz, is retiring.
Eric first connected with Western Solar back in 2010 after reading about our installation at Lakota Middle School in the Bellingham Herald. At the time, it was the largest solar project in Washington state—a 37 kW system. Inspired by our mission to expand clean energy adoption, Eric joined the team, bringing decades of experience as a commercial electrician and electrical administrator. He was the perfect addition for our growing company.
Over the years, Eric has worn many hats. In 2017, he stepped into a co-leadership role and in 2022, became General Manager. Under his guidance, Western Solar navigated the ups and downs of the solar industry, achieved major milestones, and strengthened our role as a leading Washington solar installer. His integrity, technical expertise, and care for our team have left a lasting legacy.
We’re incredibly thankful for Eric’s leadership and wish him all the best in this next chapter—one we hope is full of joyful adventures, well-earned relaxation with his wife Kim, and plenty of time doing what he loves. While Eric is stepping back from managing, we’re thrilled that he will continue supporting us as our electrical administrator. And of course, his black lab, Gallie, has an open invitation to stop by the office anytime.
As we celebrate Eric, we’re also excited to announce Brandon Provalenko as Western Solar’s new General Manager.
Brandon’s relationship with Western Solar goes back more than a decade—he first met Eric at a solar conference in 2012, when Western Solar was one of his customers at Outback Power. That chance meeting (and a memorable evening of swapping stories) grew into a friendship and professional respect that has lasted ever since. After years of leadership in the solar and storage industry, Brandon returned to Bellingham and joined Western Solar in 2023. Since then, he has worked closely with Eric, leading our residential sales team, supporting business development, and helping strengthen our community partnerships.
A Marine Corps veteran, Bellingham native, and longtime advocate for resilient clean energy, Brandon brings both global experience and local commitment to this role. His vision for Western Solar aligns with our core values: integrity, craftsmanship, and care for community. We’re confident he’ll guide our solar team into a new era of growth and innovation.
Please join us in congratulating Eric on his well-deserved retirement and Brandon on his new leadership role! We’re grateful to have you with us as we continue building a brighter, more sustainable energy future for Washington.
