Report Authors
The Solar Foundation is the primary author of this report, supported by the Solar Energy Industries Association. This report was prepared for the US Department of Energy’s SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership program. More about this program can be found at www.solaroutreach.org
About the Solar Foundation
The Solar Foundation (TSF) is an independent national 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to increase understanding of solar energy through strategic research that educates the public and transforms markets. TSF is considered by the Congressional Research Office and others as the premier research organization on the solar labor force, employer trends, and economic impacts of solar. TSF is also one of the nation’s leading providers of solar educational materials and technical assistance support for local governments through its work with the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership.
Over the last several years, TSF has been involved in a number of solar energy and K-12 schools related efforts. Not only is it the sponsor of the Brian D. Robertson Memorial Solar Schools Fund and co-chair of the National Solar Schools Consortium, but it is the founder of the National Solar Schools Census database, which represents the beginning of an intensive data collection effort to understand the baseline of solar energy on school property and in school curricula in the United States and was the inspiration behind this report. More about TSF’s research and education at www.thesolarfoundation.org.
About the Solar Energy Industries Association
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2014, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.
Acknowledgments
Without the contributions of the following organizations and individuals, this report would not have been made possible.
First, The Solar Foundation would like to recognize and thank its funders. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership program under award number DE-EE0003525.[1] Additional funding was provided by the Sierra Club.
Second, The Solar Foundation would like to recognize and thank the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) for its significant pro bono data collection, analysis, communications and design support. Hundreds of hours of phone calls and internet research was conducted over the last 12 months with the support of Hank Wiedefeld and Caitlin Seppi at SEIA and Andy Barnes, Jason Cooper, Isshu Kikuma, and Malcolm Surer at The Solar Foundation.
Third, The Solar Foundation would like to recognize and thank the expert reviewers who took the time to ensure the analysis was rigorous and the advice practical: Sharon Dannels of the George Washington University Graduate School of Education; Sharon Deich with Cross and Joftus; Michelle Fox; Jen Stainton with Woodstock Union High School (VT); Al Sena with Rio Rancho High School (NM); Dr. Alexis Neumann with Rapport Academy (TX); Eric Lueders with Parkway School District (MO); Mike Sattley with Palm Springs Unified School District (CA); Andy Swapp with Milford High School (UT); Joe Biluck with the Medford Board of Education (NJ); Jonathan McClure with Jurupa Unified School District (CA); Keith Davis with Drury High School (MA); Don Ulrich with Clovis Unified School District (CA); Tom Horton with Carlisle School District (PA); and Yolanda Seabrooks with the Brian D Robertson Memorial Solar Schools Fund.
Fourth, The Solar Foundation would like to recognize the other member organizations of the SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership – the American Planning Association (APA), ICLEI-USA, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, Meister Consultants Group and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA).
[1] This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.