The Solar Forward outreach program has created an information clearinghouse and forum for community partners
Paonia, CO – The outreach program, Solar Forward, has developed the online “Solar Forward Resource Center” for community partners to be able to access marketing and training resources, receive updates from Solar Forward about sustainability and renewable energy funding sources, and communicate with other Solar Forward communities through an online forum. The idea for the Resource Center came from Solar Forward wanting to develop a way for communities to continually implement more solar education and outreach as well as benefit from the knowledge and creativity of other Solar Forward community partners implementing Solarize campaigns.
Solar Forward was developed by Solar Energy International (SEI) to consult with rural and under-resourced communities about the Solarize group buy-in model and solar education. Solar Forward promotes a holistic model of solar market development by demystifying solar, promoting different financing models and workforce development, as well as streamlining the process of going solar for community members. Solar Forward advises communities on how to implement solar campaigns targeting their local energy sustainability goals.
Community partners already benefit from the Solar Forward marketing toolkit and program advising to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions through solar, the Resource Center will enable communities to access a growing library of resources for local solar development and sustainability funding. The most up-to-date Solar Forward marketing and outreach toolkit resources will be accessible, including additional resources developed by partners. The “Cyber Cafe” will facilitate communication and resource sharing amongst partners. The “Forum” function of the Resource Center will provide updates about SEI and Solar Forward program development as well as funding opportunities for partners. The “Funding Opportunities” tab will provide a non-exhaustive list of diverse state and federal funding opportunities to advance solar, renewables, efficiency, and sustainability.
To ensure continual solar workforce development, the Resource Center includes a tab with more information about SEI’s courses and U.S. solar workforce information. More information about the K-12 educational curriculum and Career Technical Education (CTE) will be housed under a tab for the SEI Solar in the Schools program. To further enable solar education and coordinator confidence in implementing new outreach efforts, Solar Forward has created a tab to house trainings. These training modules will include education about the solar process and benefits so customers feel confident in their decision to invest in solar, as well as training for coordinators to be able to communicate effectively about the solar process with customers.
“The Resource Center is meant to be a continual conversation and celebration of how different communities are addressing solar affordability, education, and policy,” expressed Ellen Ross, Solar Forward Program Manager, “We are giving our community partners more tools to address the climate crisis with solar deployment and a broader understanding of how the solarize model is being used.”
The Solar Forward Resource Center is live, although in its infancy, and more community partners are needed to make the new platform thrive. Interested solar and sustainability advocates, local governments, and nonprofits are welcome to apply for the free advising program on a rolling basis.
Contact Solar Forward Program Manager, Ellen Ross at [email protected] with comments and questions.
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