On February 23, the PA Solar Center announced it is recruiting “Solar Ambassadors” to help spread the word throughout Pennsylvania about the benefits of solar energy.
Through the program, the PA Solar Center will train solar enthusiasts to give presentations in their communities about solar and encourage their neighbors to take action.
“We’re hoping our Solar Ambassadors will help more people ‘see the light,’ so to speak,” said Sharon Pillar, Executive Director of the PA Solar Center. “Many people know about the environmental benefits of going solar, but the economic benefits haven’t been as heavily discussed, which is a shame. We’re going to train our Ambassadors to be knowledgeable about the various financial incentives and savings solar provides, as well as the jobs the solar industry creates in local communities.”
2021 is a pivotal year for solar energy because the state's keystone renewable energy policy -- the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) -- is set to flatline on May 31, 2021.
The goal of 8 percent renewable energy with 0.5 percent solar will be met in May.
Pennsylvania renewable energy projects have created almost 10,000 jobs spanning the entire supply chain since the AEPS was passed in 2001, from technicians and engineers to salespeople, construction workers, and manufacturers.
And according to the Finding Pennsylvania Solar Future Project, increasing the solar portion of the state’s electricity mix from the current 0.5 percent goal to 10 percent by 2030 would create upwards of 60,000 jobs and result in a net economic benefit of $1.6 billion annually.
The PA Solar Center is urging lawmakers to increase these standards soon in order to create tens of thousands of jobs during this economically difficult time. And the Center sees its Solar Ambassador program as one way to help move that goal forward.
“We ultimately see our ambassadors as playing a major role in increasing statewide solar energy goals and in creating tens of thousands of clean energy jobs,” Pillar said.
How It Works
The PA Solar Center is seeking people who are excellent communicators and comfortable providing online presentations via Zoom.
The Center will provide ambassadors with training, a toolkit of information and resources, and pair them with a renewable energy professional for their presentations.
They will also offer Ambassadors Zoom access, support from their team, and communications assistance to spread the word about their events.
Possible venues for presentations include local libraries, environmental clubs, Rotary clubs, economic development organizations, garden clubs, municipalities, and even partnering with local legislators.
Feb. 24 Webinar
Find more information and register here for a virtual informational session on February 24, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and register here for the extensive training on March 3, from 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Visit the Solar Ambassadors webpage for more information.
Want To Switch To Solar?
Organizations interested in potentially switching to solar energy should be sure to check out PA Solar Center’s GET program (Galvanizing our Energy Transition), which provides technical assistance and financial guidance. Applications for the fourth round will be accepted until March 1. Questions should be directed to: info@pasolarcenter.org.
For more information on solar energy in Pennsylvania, visit the PA Solar Center website.
Related Articles:
-- PA Solar Center Recognizes 10 Solar Energy Leaders In Central PA
-- PA Solar Center Solicits Proposals To Help Businesses Transition To Solar Energy
[Posted: February 23, 2021] PA Environment Digest
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