Looking for fun activities for your kids? Or how about a new wildlife documentary film screening? Or maybe, a workshop on gardening or bike repair? Our calendar features upcoming community events for those who enjoy a mix of outdoors, activism, creativity, and learning.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Homer S. Gudelsky Institute for Technical Education (GITE)
1264-1398 Hungerford Drive
Rockville, MD 20850
The 2019 Maryland Solar Congress brings together solar supporters from across the state to learn and discuss the current solar landscape and future for solar energy in Maryland. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all attendees. Read on for a full agenda of the day’s activities. The event is FREE and open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend!
Agenda
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Registration, breakfast refreshments
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Welcome Remarks
10:40 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Presentations – Session 1
– Solar 101
Learn about how solar works for a residential home—from the equipment, how it connects to your roof, warranties, incentives, and financing options.
– Community Solar 101
Learn about Community Solar and how it can enable individuals, businesses, or organizations to purchase or lease a “share” in a community solar project.
11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Presentations – Session 2
– Zoning Laws and Grassroots Advocacy
We will be discussing the recent changes in statewide zoning laws, and what they mean for the future of solar. We will also be talking about how you can get involved with the Solar United Neighbors Advocacy Team to fight for your solar rights!
– Solar 201 – Battery Storage and Electric Vehicles
Technology is advancing every day. In this discussion, we will break down the new solar-adjacent technologies, and discuss how they integrate with distributed electricity generation.
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch and Electric Vehicle Showcase
1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. Presentations – Session 3
– Solar Homeowner Panel
Hear from real solar homeowners on what it means to go solar. The panelists are all solar homeowners who will discuss their experience with Solar United Neighbors, and how solar homeownership has benefited them.
– Solar Democracy and Equity Collaborative
Solar United Neighbors is now a part of the Solar Democracy and Equity Collaborative. This group is made up of 6 pro-solar organizations working to expand access to solar for low and moderate income communities. We will discuss the collaborative and how Solar United Neighbors will be participating.
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Participatory Open Forum Discussion
We will re-convene at the end of the day to discuss themes, insights, and questions from the day. During this discussion, we will have staff members available to provide individualized support for solar-related issues and questions.
3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Closing remarks