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Go Solar in Arizona
Community Outreach Program

Energy Efficiency/Solar Town Hall Meeting

Energy Efficiency/Solar Town Hall Meetings

There are many ways local governments can encourage the integration of solar technologies into new home developments through outreach, communication, and education programs. These programs can be relatively inexpensive to implement, and can help increase awareness among local home builders of state and local incentives, as well as the environmental and economic benefits of solar and energy efficiency technologies. The following section provides an assortment of different outreach and education programs which might be helpful to your community.

Click to See a Step-by-Step Solar Community Outreach Program Template

Community Solar Education

Educating your community about the economic and environmental benefits of installing solar energy systems can help increase the consumer demand for such systems in your region. Education efforts should be focused on topics and issues such as the availability of state and federal incentives, the components of the permitting process, the beneficial environmental aspects, and the economic benefits (e.g. average costs, utility bill savings, calculating pay-back periods, etc.).

Potential components of a Community Solar Education Program:

• Download a reference copy of the California Energy Commission's "New Solar Homes Partnership Guidebook." Edit this reference material in order to create a New Solar Homes Partnership Guidebook for your community. Once created, the guide can be handed out at the city's planning desk to promote energy efficiency and solar.
• Create a new sub-page on your community website to provide builders and homeowners with information and resources about energy efficiency, solar technologies and green buildings.
• Hold a "Solar Education Month," during which the city hosts informal workshops and seminars on the benefits, uses and applications of solar energy. Ask staff to promote the month by announcing it on their email signature.

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More Links to Learn about Solar:

• What is an Energy Efficient Solar Home?

• What is Solar Thermal Hot Water Heater?

• What is Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Array?

• Top 10 Reasons to Go Solar in Arizona

• Call a Local Solar Installation Company

• Advertise on Go Solar in Arizona

• Read Up on Solar Products and Services

• Become an Arizona Solar Advocate

• Build Your Own Solar Community Outreach Program

• Find a Solar Subject Matter Expert

• Take a Solar Training Course to Learn about Solar Energy

• Find a Solar Job

• Support an Arizona Solar Feed-in Tariff

• Promote Energy Efficiency 203k Green Home Mortgages

• Create Green Building Programs for Your City

• Create a Solar Builder Reognition Program for Your City

• Streamline Solar Permits with Incentives and Rebate Options

• Create Solar Educational & Resource Assistance Programs

• Monitor Fraud with the Arizona Solar Watch Dog Program