Generation180 partnered with Solar United Neighbors and American Solar Energy Society for the 25th anniversary of the National Solar Tour—the largest grassroots renewable energy event in the nation. Thousands of people joined us between September 28-October 4, 2020 for engaging live online events and to explore the nearly 500 virtual solar open houses and tours across the country.

The National Solar Tour celebrates the vital role schools play in creating a brighter future for everyone. On October 1, 2020, Generation180 organized Solar For All Schools Day of the tour and hosted three online panel discussions with school district, community, and student leaders who led the charge for solar at their school districts. Watch the recordings below!

A Brighter Future For Schools Through Solar 

K-12 schools play an integral role in reaching students, parents, neighbors, and local decision-makers to encourage clean energy action throughout the community. Dive into Generation180’s 2020 Brighter Future Report as we share our latest research on why and how schools are going solar across the country. Learn how a district reinvested solar savings into teacher salaries and how another is using solar + storage to boost resilience.

Speakers:
Tish Tablan, Generation180, Program Director
Laura Capps, Santa Barbara Unified School District, President of Board of Education
Dr. Michael Hester, Batesville School District, Superintendent

Electrify Your Ride to School 

The dirty yellow school bus is going green. Electric school buses are popping up from coast to coast, and your school could be next. Hear from trailblazers that are switching to electric school bus fleets and learn about how you can advocate for cleaner rides to school in your community.

Speakers:
Eleanor Fort, Dream Corps, Deputy Director of Green For All
Gilbert Rosas, Stockton Unified School District, Energy Education Specialist
Brian Foulds, City of Concord, Chair of Climate Action Advisory Board

Students Lead the Charge for Solar 

Get inspired by the next generation of solar leaders who are driving change in their school communities and calling for 100% clean energy and carbon neutrality. Not yet able to vote, coordinating action, and fighting for change is how they voice their opinions and advocate for both their planet and their lives.

Speakers:
Lisa Hoyos, Sierra Club, Director of Climate Parents
Student leaders from Jason Lee Middle School, Tacoma Public Schools
Student leaders of SolaRISE Portland in Maine

Learn more about the tour at NationalSolarTour.org.