All about the 2017 VA Solar Congress including notes, PowerPoint presentations, photos and more from Solar United Neighbors of Virginia here.
Join solar energy enthusiasts from across Virginia for the 2nd annual Virginia Solar Congress, hosted by our partner organization, Solar United Neighbors of Virginia (formerly VA SUN). RSVP here to attend.
2017 Virginia Solar Congress
Saturday, October 14
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
James Madison University – ISAT-CS Building
701 Carrier Dr., Harrisonburg, VA 22807
The Virginia Solar Congress is a free public conference that brings together solar supporters from across the state to learn and discuss the current state and future for solar energy in Virginia. The day will include presentations about solar technology and policy topics as well as ways to get involved with growing solar in Virginia. We will also hold a participatory open forum discussion for all attendees to discuss the priorities that solar supporters in Virginia should focus on in the coming year.
This event is FREE and open to the public. Everyone is welcome to attend!
We’re excited to announce that we’ve finalized our agenda for the 2nd Annual VA SUN Solar congress in Harrisonburg on October 14th.
You’ll see from the agenda below that this year’s conference will have something for everyone! We look forward to seeing you there!
9:30 to 10:00 – Registration, breakfast refreshments
10:00 to 10:35 – Opening Remarks
10:45 to 11:45 – Workshops – Session 1
1. Solar 101 Information Session
Learn the basics of how solar works on a home or small business, the economics behind solar, and the incentives available to you. If you are new to solar or considering going solar, this is the session for you!
2. Growing Solar in Your Community
Solar homeowners will share their experiences spreading the word about solar in their community, from hosting solar open houses and solar tours to writing articles in local papers and tabling at community events. You’ll leave this session with tangible ways to share your experience going solar and bring more solar to your community.
Facilitated by Climate Action Alliance of the Valley member Joy Loving
3. Electric Vehicles and Solar
Learn why electric vehicles are the perfect match for solar. The presentation will focus on technology, costs, charging and other practical considerations so that you can ‘fuel your vehicle with solar’. The session will also cover information for business owners interested in installing an EV charger at their business.
12:00 to 1:00 – Lunch and informal networking – lunch will be served
1:15 to 2:15 – Workshops – Session 2
1. Solar Jobs in Virginia
The expanding solar industry is creating new opportunities for the Virginia workforce. Learn about the range of solar jobs in Virginia, the skill sets needed to be successful in the industry, training opportunities, and how to break into the field.
2. Case Study: Local DIY Solar and Barnraising Initiatives
Learn about how a group of community members in Harrisonburg took solar into their own hands by creating and implementing multiple non-traditional models for solar, including a pool of community resources for several DIY solar installations and a ‘barnraising’ crowdfunding initiative to solarize local non-profit, Gift & Thrift.
3. Solar and Energy Storage
Learn the latest on battery storage for residential, commercial and municipal solar installations. A panel of experts will discuss emerging technology, costs and the applications for battery storage in Virginia.
2:30 to 3:30 – Participatory Open Forum Discussion:
Discuss and weigh in on practical policy steps we can all take to expand access to rooftop solar in Virginia.
3:30 to 3:40 – Closing remarks
4:00 to 5:30 – Post-congress Happy Hour at Three Notch’d Brewing Company
We hope you will consider attending this exciting event!
Facebook event page here.
Climate Action Alliance of the Valley 