Solar United Neighbors launches SUNtober to shed light on solar
Solar can be a complex topic. But not during SUNtober! Solar United Neighbors is hosting a month-long series of virtual sessions about solar energy. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to go solar from real solar homeowners, speak with nationally acclaimed solar experts, and connect with fellow solar supporters from around the country.
“Solar is resilient and so are solar supporters,” said Anya Schoolman Solar United Neighbors Executive Director. “While we’d love to gather in person, we’re thrilled by the interest from solar supporters to come together virtually to learn, share stores, and celebrate solar energy.”
SUNtober begins September 28 with the National Solar Tour. Co-hosted with the American Solar Energy Society and Generation 180, the National Solar Tour brings together hundreds of solar home and business owners, schools, community organizations, farms, and more. Now in its 25th year, the Tour is the nation’s largest renewable energy event.
“I really think the virtual tour will turn out to be a great way to conduct the tour by increasing participation and giving people access to solar solutions all over the country, not just their own neighborhoods.” said Paul Lauenstein, a Tour host.
SUNtober continues the following week with the first ever National Solar Congress. The Congress will bring together solar supporters from across the country for three weeks of virtual education sessions. These sessions will cover a variety of topics important to solar supporters. This includes: what to know when going solar, powering an electric vehicle with solar energy, and how solar makes our energy system fairer.
The Congress will also host the first-ever Solar Ignite competition. This will be a rapid-fire dive into the frontlines of some of the latest technological and policy developments and how communities are using these to create a more democratic, clean, local energy system. Attendees will see real, tangible ways in which these new developments are improving lives – and be inspired to ignite similar projects in their communities.
Solar Congress attendees will be able to vote for their favorite presentation and the winner will receive $5,000 dollars and the honorable mention will receive $1,000. Solar United Neighbors is still accepting submission. Those interested in presenting can send an email to: getinvolved@solarunitedneighbors.org. The email should include a short, 3-4 sentence paragraph explaining the project or initiative presenters wish to highlight.
Register here for the National Solar Tour and the National Solar Congress.
About Solar United Neighbors
Solar United Neighbors helps people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights. We start solar co-ops, fight for pro-solar policies, and help ensure regular people share in the benefits of rooftop solar. We are a national nonprofit dedicated to protecting the rights of solar owners, and making sure rooftop solar is a cornerstone of our energy system. 