2019 Ohio Solar Congress

Solar supporters came from all across the state to attend the 2018 Ohio Solar Congress.

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2019 Ohio Solar Congress!

The Ohio 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 Ohio. The day will include a series of presentations about solar technology and policy topics as well as ways to get involved with helping to grow solar in Ohio.

We are excited to partner with the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs for the 2019 Ohio Solar Congress.

Topics will include: solar 101, residential solar + storage, how to best advocate for solar, success stories, working through local barriers to solar, and much more! The event will conclude with a participatory open forum discussion for all attendees to discuss priorities and opportunities that solar supporters in Ohio should focus on in the coming year.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Whether you are a solar homeowner, completely new to solar, or somewhere in between – this event is for you!

Breakfast and Lunch will be provided for all attendees, courtesy of local solar-powered business, The Village Bakery!

Agenda

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Doors open, registration, breakfast (provided for all attendees) – BUC Theatre Lobby

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Welcome remarks: The state of solar in Ohio – BUC Theatre

Luke Sulfridge, Solar United Neighbors of Ohio
Special remarks by Voinovich School Associate Dean and Professor Dr. Geoff Dabelko

10:40 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Session 1 presentations

Solar 101 – BUC 240
Learn how solar works and how you can go solar by joining a local solar co-op.

Matt Bearzotti, Solar United Neighbors

Ohio University Voinovich School’s research on solar energy – BUC Theatre
A panel of Voinovich School faculty, staff, students, and alumni will discuss lessons learned from small-scale, community, and utility solar energy research on and around campus.

Facilitated by Gilbert Michaud, PhD, Assistant Professor of Practice, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, Ohio University

Community dialogue to achieve equitable solar in all communities (Discussion will span sessions 1 & 2) – BUC 242
The Equity Committee of the Ohio Energy Table invites you to join them in a dialogue. This is the second of such talks that are happening around the state.

Ohio Energy Table Equity Committee

11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Session 2 presentations

Rural electric co-ops – BUC 240
Learn about Rural Electric Cooperatives and engaging with them to improve policy for members and solar generators.

David Carpenter, Research Scientist and Educator

Electric vehicle and charger panel discussion – BUC Theatre
Join experts from electric charger companies and electric car experts to learn about what is available and discuss the state of electrification in Ohio’s transportation sector.
Community dialogue to achieve equitable solar in all communities (Continued from session 1) – BUC 242
The Equity Committee of the Ohio Energy Table invites you to join them in a dialogue. This is the second of such talks that are happening around the state.

Ohio Energy Table Equity Committee

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch (provided), informal networking – BUC Theatre Lobby

1 p.m. Electric vehicle showcase – Baker University Center Surface Parking Lot

Check out different electric vehicles and talk with electric vehicle owners. EV drivers – show off your cars!

1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. – Session 3 presentations

Working with the media to advocate for solar – BUC 240
Learn effective techniques in speaking with the media, writing and utilizing new media.

Krile Communications

1. The PUCO, rate design and the value of solar – BUC Theatre
  The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio determines what most Ohioans pay for electricity and how your solar is valued. Learn from one of our partner advocates how rates are approved.