Six ridiculously simple ways you can help solar take off in the U.S.

by Shannon, posted on July 31st, 2010.

Solar adoption in the U.S. currently stands at less than 1 percent of homeowners…even as millions of families look for ways to cut expenses in the midst of a still tough economy. If you already know about how great solar energy is (it’s free, it’s clean, increases the value of your home, yadda yadda) there are several things you can do to help spread the word.

1. Talk it up.

Nielsen’s been telling us for awhile now, but it’s also just common sense that people trust recommendations from friends more than any other source, so one very simple, but ultra-potent way to increase solar adoption in the United States is simply to talk about it with those around you. You can learn a bit more about solar here first if you’d like, then strike up a conversation with the people in your life who may not know much about it. During a recent 1BOG event, three 1BOG members attended for the singular purpose of explaining to other homeowners how great it is to have no energy bill anymore, and we could actually see the looks of skepticism transform into ones of excitement.

2. Make it about savings.

While early solar adopters might have been motivated by environmental reasons, a second wave is more motivated by financial benefits like dramatically decreased energy costs, dramatically increased home value, and the joy of knowing exactly how much they’re going to pay for power from month to month instead of variable, ever-rising utility hikes . Some of the most vocal proponents of solar these days, in fact, are people who own big ol’ energy-intensive homes and who have wiped out their gargantuan monthly energy bills in one fell swoop. (By the way, you can see how much money you would save by going solar with our online solar calculator.)

3. Post a flyer in your favorite cafe or community center.

It’s surprising how many people out there don’t know that solar is a realistic and affordable option these days, or just how much money it stands to save them. An easy fix for that is just to put a flyer up in your community center, local pool, library, cafe…anywhere there’s a bulletin board. Here’s one about the basic steps of going solar and here’s one debunking the most common solar myths. Print one out and post it!

4. Join One Block Off the Grid.

That’s us! One Block Off the Grid (or 1BOG) is increasing the rate of solar adoption in the U.S. by arranging group discounts on solar energy and preventing homeowners from having to negotiate with solar installers on their own. 1BOG also makes the process of going solar much safer and simpler for homeowners by coordinating communication between installers, permitters, and government rebate programs. Signing up  for 1BOG is free and doesn’t obligate you to anything. You should tell your friends to join too.

5. Host a solar house party or brown bag lunch at your office.

If you live in one of 1BOG’s active campaign areas, and can get ten or more people to attend a gathering to learn more about solar energy, we’ll arrange for a solar expert to be there with you to answer your guests’ questions. We’ll also provide lots of cool freebies for you and your guests. Send an email to community (at) 1bog.org for more information.

6. Instill some friendly feelings of competition.

While you’re spreading the word about solar power, you might also mention that Germany, Japan, and Spain are all beating the pants off the U.S.  in terms of residential solar adoption. It’s true that strong government subsidies helped to propel solar power in those countries, but it never hurts to point out the leaders in a given field, especially in a country as naturally competitive as the U.S.!