Ohio’s first Solar Congress brings community of solar supporters together

More than 50 solar advocates from across Ohio joined together earlier this month in Zanesville. Zane State College served as the Solar Congress host. Attendees gathered to learn, share stories, and celebrate solar’s impressive growth in Ohio.

The day began with opening remarks from Zane State College Dean Randy Wharton. Wharton discussed the College’s solar training program and how solar was creating good local jobs.

The Congress then broke into workshop groups to learn about a variety of solar-related topics. This included sessions about joining the solar industry as a career, solar policy, the role the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio plays in solar, and a ‘solar 101’ tutorial.

After a networking lunch, Dean Wharton took attendees on a tour of the College’s Alternative Energy Training Lab. Other attendees listened as solar co-op members shared their experiences going solar with a group.

The final series of workshops included a screening of the film Catching the Sun, a discussion about electric vehicles, and a conversation about the National Solar Tour.

The day ended with a plenary solar forum discussion. Attendees shared ideas about ways to grow Ohio’s community of solar supporters.