From Oak Park Library:

Join the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and local community members to learn about how to get started going with solar. CUB's Solar Programs Coordinator will present information about Solar Switch Chicagoland and opportunities for property owners to help pool their buying power and secure discounts that make the process of installing solar power more affordable. Community members will share their knowledge and experience on Community Solar as well as solar panel installation. There will be presentations, a Q & A, and informal discussion time. 

REGISTER HERE.

From Illinois Solar Education Association:

Jay first became interested in solar out of environmental concerns. As soon as the technology became financially viable for homeowners, he decided he needed to become part of the solution rather than just being upset by the problem!

Jay will take you through the process of going solar on Thursday, May 12th at 7 PM, as well as answer any questions you may have. Join us to learn how you, too, can start your solar journey!

The webinars are free and we welcome everyone - please share the good news about solar with your friends and family!

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvfu6oqj0sHt0WG5nyALCzjmxfMnO28Kpt.

From the Illinois Solar Education Association:

Solar Ambassador Jeff Gahris tells his story. He is a semi-retired environmental engineer and current DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner with a passion for protecting the environment for future generations. As an environmental advocate, he sees the value of solar energy as part of an environmentally and economically viable solution to America’s energy needs. Additionally, using solar increased his awareness of how he consumes electricity. "My wife Bonnie and I have reduced electrical household demand substantially through energy efficiency and conservation measures. This means the solar equipment will supply much of what we need."

Jeff will take you through the process of going solar at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, as well as answer any questions you may have. Join us to learn how you, too, can start your solar journey.

The webinars are free and we welcome everyone - please share the good news about solar with your friends and family.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUude-oqzsjE9dujJrWUYH1YyI0Auh2pLuB

Illinois Solar Education Association presents a new webinar discussing solar for public buildings:

Join them at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 12, to learn about the processes in place for towns and municipalities to invest in solar, as well as the impact using renewable energy has had on operations. Since every installation is a little different, this presentation will feature two speakers - Daniel Hebreard, President of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, and Sarah Grammer, Normal Township Supervisor - and will be moderated by ISEA's Solar Ambassador Jeff Gahris.

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckc-qqqzgoGdAtn3i0xAzZoWjGtsciKEVB

From Illinois Solar Education Association:

Mark Weitekamper, a Green LEED certified contractor and realtor in Chicago, knew that going solar was a great way to plan for the future. It was important to him to reduce coal-produced energy and set an example for his neighborhood!

Mark will take you through the process of going solar on Wednesday, July 21st at 1 PM, as well as answer any questions you may have. Join us to learn how you, too, can start your solar journey!

Free registration here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqcuyhqT8tGd1Z8SlGh08NrKHBjbg2OpO3

Illinois Solar Education Association invites you to a Solar Social:

Jeff and Bonnie Gahris installed a PV system on their home 5 years ago and have enjoyed flawless operation. They value the opportunity to reduce their environmental impact while drastically reducing electricity bills, and are happy to share the "solar experience." Light refreshments will be served for this outdoor event.

Register: https://illinoissolar.org/event-4385077

Illinois Solar Education Association invites you to a Solar Social:

Kevin McKee has solar PV on his home, as well as solar thermal panels for heating water, a geothermal HVAC system, and electric cars. He and his family decided to go solar because "we wanted to reduce our use of carbon-based fuel and our impact on the environment. We want to lead by example."

Register: https://illinoissolar.org/event-4312828

Illinois Solar Education Association invites you to a Solar Social:

Karen Roothaan has solar PV on her home, as well as solar thermal panels. She and her family decided to go solar because they wanted to "help the environment, but it has also reduced our bills." Her panels don't supply all of her energy, but she emphasizes that you don't have to "go 100% or nothing. Do what you can and help others start on the path as well."

Register: https://illinoissolar.org/event-4333609

Illinois Solar Education Association invites you to a Solar Social:

Mark Weitekamper has solar PV on his home, as well as an electric vehicle and other energy efficient modifications. He and his family decided to go solar because they wanted to "plan for the future, reduce coal produced energy use, and set an example for the neighborhood. " Mark is also a Green LEED certified contractor and realtor.

Register: https://illinoissolar.org/event-4321615

From Illinois Solar Education Association:

Jay Futterman first became interested in solar out of environmental concerns. As soon as the technology became financially viable for homeowners, he decided he needed to become part of the solution rather than just being upset by the problem!

Jay will take you through the process of going solar on Tuesday, June 22nd at 7 PM, as well as answer any questions you may have. Learn how you, too, can start your solar journey!

The webinars are free and we welcome everyone—please share the good news about solar with your friends and family!

Free registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkc-mtqjIjEtYyJizz2eEv4eo7_19SXWLO

Illinois Solar Education Association invites you to a Solar Social:

Richard Jones has solar PV on his home, as well as backup batteries, a geothermal HVAC system, and electric cars. He and his family decided to go solar because "we wanted to become energy independent and reduce our carbon footprint."

Register: https://illinoissolar.org/event-4312881

From Illinois Solar Education Association:

Scott Willenbrock, a professor of physics at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, decided to go solar because of climate change. "We owe it to our children to transition to a sustainable future."

Scott will take you through the process of going solar on Monday, May 24th at 2 PM, as well as answer any questions you may have. Join us to learn how you, too, can start your solar journey!

The webinars are free and we welcome everyone - please share the good news about solar with your friends and family!

Free registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsd-6qqj8uGNPTVOei3CB7wQAED-IOIZmu

From the Illinois Solar Education Association:

Jay Futterman first became interested in solar out of environmental concerns. When he moved to Highland Park, he saw trains full of coal on the way to the power plant and thought that he needed to be part of the solution, rather than just being upset by the problem. Jay had his panels installed on his roof in April of 2016. Since then, he has been trying to share his story with others in Illinois. We in Illinois live in an area that solar works well and can save money while providing clean renewable energy and job growth.

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqdu6vrzkvHt0g1MO2RmGVEwji1AdBlnOB

From the Illinois Solar Education Association:

Join ISEA Solar Ambassador Jeff Gahris as he tells his Solar Story!

Jeff's interest in solar goes back to when he was a young boy who liked to play with electricity. Now, he is a semi-retired environmental engineer with a passion for protecting the environment for future generations. As an environmental advocate, Jeff sees the value of solar energy as part of an environmentally and economically viable solution to America’s energy needs. Additionally, using solar increased his awareness of how he and his family consume electricity. They have reduced electrical household demand substantially through energy efficiency and conservation measures. This means the solar equipment supplies much of what they need.

Jeff will take you through the process of going solar on Monday, January 4th at 3 PM, as well as answer any questions you may have. Join us to learn how you, too, can start your solar journey!

The webinars are free and we welcome everyone - please share the good news about solar with your friends and family!

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArf-GtrjIjHtPG_8Pr-E-iuOSAj5JNnPsj

From Illinois Solar Energy Association:

Join ISEA Solar Ambassador Peter Gorr as he tells his Solar Story!

Peter and his family decided to go solar because they felt they had a responsibility to future generations: "As parents and grandparents who accept and take the science of climate change seriously, we felt a responsibility to change those parts of our lifestyle that contribute to this most serious of all global crises." Besides the environmental benefits of going solar, Peter also knew it was the right decision financially, both for himself and the local economy - he used a local small business to sell and install the system.

The webinars are free and we welcome everyone. Please share the good news about solar with your friends and family!

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctfuCprDkpH9avmjWhsVkvjQlggjFvk1d8

You can read more about Peter and his system here.

From Illinois Solar Education Association:

The Illinois Solar Tour is a series of FREE, virtual open houses located all across the State that demonstrate how Illinois homes and businesses are using solar, wind, geothermal, passive solar design, and energy efficiency to be energy independent. The home and business owners themselves will be providing the tours, and can answer your questions on how you, too, can harness the power of the sun to fuel your homes and businesses!

This year, the Solar Tour will be two-fold:

1. YouTube videos and photos from Hosts, guiding you through their installations. You can see all hosts and videos on the Illinois Solar Tour page here.

2. A series of Live Zoom Solar Tours, hosted by select solar homeowners! This will be your opportunity to ask questions live, and engage with other solar enthusiasts.

Register for a Live Zoom Tour Near You! Click the events below to register. Feel free to attend more than one!

10 AM: Mark Weitekamper, Chicago
10:30 AM: Mike Bullock, West Chicago11 AM: Lisa Elkins, Chicago
11:30 AM: Kevin McKee, Troy12 PM: Peter Gorr, Deer Park
12:30 PM: Jay Futterman, Highland Park
1 PM: Beth Galbreath, Woodridge and Compassion United Methodist Church, Brookfield
1:30 PM: Wendy Vernon, Carol Stream
2 PM: Scott Willenbrock, Champaign
2:30 PM: Jeff Gahris, Wheaton

From PlanIt Green:

If you can't put solar panels on your own home, but still want to support renewable energy, you can now subscribe to a community solar project. There's no upfront investment, and you can save money while also supporting local, renewable energy right here in Illinois.

Join Trajectory Energy Partners and PlanItGreen for an online webinar via Zoom of the program details, savings benefits, contract terms, how to sign up, and more.

From the Citizens’ Utility Board, Midwest Renewable Energy Association, and Seven Generations Ahead:

Thinking about going solar? Solar energy is a great way to reduce your energy bills, support the local economy, and help create a healthier environment. Come to a virtual presentation to learn the basics of solar and financial implications for your household, including a limited time solar discount.

If you are a Cook, Will, DuPage or Kane County home or business owner, attend a free, virtual Solar Power Hour webinar on Zoom to learn more about the Solarize Chicagoland program, an initiative aimed at making solar more accessible and affordable in our community. Come learn about the basics of solar, its financial benefits, and how the solar group buy program works. After the session, you can schedule a free, no-obligation site assessment. www.solarizechicagoland.com

Seven Generations Ahead will host Virtual Solar Power Hour from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, July 27. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6415935722218/WN_a1vTLvNeStWwya6aky7ssw

Contact Peter Murphy, Solar Program Director at MREA with any questions – PeterM@midwestrenew.org

From Illinois Solar Education Association:

ISEA Solar Ambassador Kevin decided to go solar because he and his family wanted to reduce their use of carbon-based fuel and their impact on the environment. "We want to lead by example."

Kevin will take you through the process of going solar on Thursday, July 16th at 2 PM, as well as answer any questions you may have. Join us to learn how you, too, can start your solar journey!

From Seven Generations Ahead:

Speakers:

Tom Bassett-Dilley AIA CPHC, President, Tom Bassett-Dilley Architects

Renner Winston, Lead Solar Advisor, Atlas Solar Advisors

Description:

This session will feature ways that residents can move toward lowering their carbon emissions through a variety of steps and strategies leading to net zero carbon emissions. Topics will include energy efficiency measures beyond LED lights, net zero carbon homes, the electrification of homes, and financing models for residential solar installations.

Please join from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/836018997

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (646) 749-3122

Access Code: 836-018-997

From Illinois Solar Education Association:

Join an ISEA Solar Ambassador, Prof. Scott Willenbrock, as he tells his Solar Story!

Scott, a professor of physics at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, decided to go solar because of climate change. "We owe it to our children to transition to a sustainable future."

Scott will take you through the process of going solar and answer any questions you may have. Join us to learn how you, too, can start your solar journey!

The webinars are free and we welcome everyone - please share the good news about solar with your friends and family!

From Illinois Solar Education Association:

Join Solar Ambassador Wendy Vernon to hear her Solar Story!

Wendy and her husband installed their solar panels and backup battery in May of 2019. They decided to go solar for both the environmental and the financial benefits. "It fascinated me to learn that you could produce enough energy to power your home just by putting solar panels on your roof. It also surprised me that you could get a significant portion of the cost of solar panels covered by incentives and even more amazed at how much money you could save on electricity over the lifetime of the panels."

Wendy will take you through the process of going solar on Monday, May 25th at 2 PM, as well as answer any questions you may have.

The webinars are free and we welcome everyone - please share the good news about solar with your friends and family!

From Illinois Solar Education Association:

Join ISEA Solar Ambassador Jeff Gahris as he tells his Solar Story!

Jeff's interest in solar goes back to when he was a young boy who liked to play with electricity. Now, he is a semi-retired environmental engineer with a passion for protecting the environment for future generations. As an environmental advocate, Jeff sees the value of solar energy as part of an environmentally and economically viable solution to America’s energy needs. Additionally, using solar increased his awareness of how he and his family consume electricity. They have reduced electrical household demand substantially through energy efficiency and conservation measures. This means the solar equipment supplies much of what they need.

Jeff will take you through the process of going solar on Tuesday, May 19, at 1 p.m., as well as answer any questions you may have.

The webinars are free and we welcome everyone - please share the good news about solar with your friends and family!

From Illinois Solar Education Association:

Join ISEA Solar Ambassador Peter Gorr as he tells his Solar Story!

Peter and his family decided to go solar because they felt they had a responsibility to future generations: "As parents and grandparents who accept and take the science of climate change seriously, we felt a responsibility to change those parts of our lifestyle that contribute to this most serious of all global crises." Besides the environmental benefits of going solar, Peter also knew it was the right decision financially, both for himself and the local economy - he used a local small business to sell and install the system.

Peter will take you through the process of going solar on Wednesday, May 13th at 12 PM, as well as answer any questions you may have. Join us to learn how you, too, can start your solar journey!

The webinars are free and we welcome everyone - please share the good news about solar with your friends and family!



From Illinois Solar Education Association:

Join ISEA Solar Ambassadors Jay Futterman and Mark Weitekamper as they tell their Solar Stories!

Jay first became interested in solar out of environmental concerns. As soon as the technology became financially viable for homeowners, he decided he needed to become part of the solution rather than just being upset by the problem!

Mark, a Green LEED certified contractor and realtor, knew that going solar was a great way to plan for the future. It was important to him to reduce coal-produced energy and set an example for his neighborhood!

Jay and Mark will take you through the process of going solar on Thursday, May 7th at 11 AM, as well as answer any questions you may have. Join us to learn how you, too, can start your solar journey!

The webinars are free and we welcome everyone - please share the good news about solar with your friends and family!

From Kohl Children’s Museum:

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Kohl Children’s Museum will hold an Online Mini Film Festival featuring the short, elementary school, winning films from the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest followed by a Zoom Q&A with the young filmmakers. Films featured will be:

10 a.m. Saturday, April 18: “The Impossible Way” by Grady Roderweiss-O'Brien of Beye Elementary School in Oak Park. 4th Grade.

10 a.m. Sunday, April 19: “No Time to Waste,” by students from Dryden Elementary School in Arlington Heights. 5th Grade.

10 a.m. Sunday, April 26: “We All Can Help the Earth!” by Zoë and Jada Nevels of Mann Elementary School in Oak Park. 2nd and 3rd Grades.

James Redford/2017/71 min/Energy

FILM DESCRIPTION: When the issue of renewable energy comes up, it’s common to think, “that’s a future thing. It’s like sci-fi.” Well, this film is here to tell you, the clean energy revolution is happening right now. Director James Redford, an award-winning filmmaker … and, yes, Hollywood legend Robert Redford’s son … takes us on his personal journey into the dawn of the clean energy era as it creates jobs, turns profits, and makes communities stronger and healthier. “Reaching well beyond a story of technology and innovation, Happening explores issues of human resilience, social justice, embracing the future, and finding hope for our survival,” says Redford.

After the screening, join us via Zoom live chat with a panel of local energy experts guided by facilitator Kyra Woods, Clean Energy Organizer for Sierra Club and Ready for 100 Chicago Collective:

• Charlene Andreas, Latin United Community Housing Association, Director of Affordable Housing

• Quinn Biever, Elevate Energy and Ready for 100 Chicago Collective, Policy Manager

• Akosua Goosby, Elevate Energy, Community Outreach Representative

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the new solar panel installation at the Oak Park Conservatory, learn how solar energy is being used, and interact with a solar panel expert to learn how you can support solar in your energy conservation effort at home. Presented by the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory (FOPCON). FREE for FOPCON members; $10 for non-members. Visit www.fopcon.org to become a member.

The Illinois Solar Tour is a series of FREE PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES. Home and business owners with renewable energy installations will open their homes to the public to share their passion, knowledge and experience of owning and living with renewable energy. Visit any site at any time between 10am and 3pm. Homeowners will be available at each site to provide information, share experiences and answer questions.

Come to the Aurora GreenFest on Sept. 28 and learn how to take care of the environment and have fun at the same time. Be ready for a day filled with fun activities to live more sustainably and help save our planet. As always, the GreenFest is a free and accessible event, so bring the whole family. 

The GreenFest is 10 years old this year!  This year’s theme: “Celebrating the Power of Ten!”  all about the top 10 ways to help the environment and stop climate change. 

Aurora Greenfest invites lots of wonderful, sustainability-minded exhibitors, including local non-profits and businesses with a green story to tell. They welcome local farmers, who help them find clean, organic food. They invite local artists and crafters with a theme of reusing old or found objects or nature themes. Volunteers, sponsors and exhibitors please sign up on their website, www.auroragreenfest.com.