Markus Virta

About Markus Virta

I work at the intersection of clean energy policy, project development, and real-world deployment.I am the co-founder and Managing Partner of Cascadia Renewables and Sulis Energy. Through Cascadia Renewables, I lead feasibility, planning, program design, and project development work for community-scale solar, battery energy storage, and microgrid projects across the United States. Through Sulis Energy we carry complex community energy infrastructure projects through delivery as a microgrid-focused EPC/Construction Management firm.Our work focuses on the integration of distributed energy resources with emergency management, climate resilience planning, and distribution system utilization. This includes supporting resilience hub development, microgrid feasibility studies, and technical assistance programs that help communities move from early concepts to construction-ready projects.I’ve been involved in the solar and storage industry since 2010, working across installation, system design, development, and policy advocacy. I previously served on the board of the Washington Solar Energy Industries Association (WASEIA) from 2017 to 2023, including three years as President where I focused on supporting emerging frameworks for BESS and microgrid adoption in the PNW.I’m particularly interested in how distributed energy systems can strengthen communities, modernize the grid, and create a more resilient and equitable energy future.

Experience

1. Cofounder & Managing Partner

   Cascadia Renewables

   Oct 2022 — Present · Bellingham, WA, US

   We combine our decades of industry experience and technical expertise to develop, finance, and deliver decarbonization portfolios for public, tribal, and private entities. Our team has led regional policy initiatives focused on ensuring equality, transparency, and affordability at the nexus of the clean energy transition.​By working together, your team will have access to our deep market knowledge, cutting-edge technologies, and state-of-the art application engineering to ensure the most robust, long-term solutions.

Education

• Solar Energy International (SEI)

  The SEI Solar Professionals Certificate Program

• Pacific University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Skills

• Violence Prevention
• Customer Service
• Renewable Energy
• Event Planning
• Editing
• Project Management
• Ecology
• Research
• Environmental Awareness
• Sustainable Design
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• Teaching English as a Second Language
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Sustainability
• Higher Education
• Permaculture
• Solar Pv
• Management
• Solar Energy
• Public Speaking
• Energy Efficiency
• Sustainable Development
• Teaching Adults
• Social Media
• Environmental Policy
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Leadership
• Creative Writing
• Community Outreach
• Environmental Issues
• Project Planning
• Social Networking
• Teaching
• Time Management