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What’s Your Solar Story?

In past solar chats, we’ve talked about the need to share solar success stories, details about the people and families who’ve gone solar and how it’s changed their lives, with the media in order to spread the word about solar power in an inspirational, impactful way.

Solar homeowners, solar curious tweeps and solar professionals alike, led by guest panelists Tom Kimbis, VP of strategy & external affairs and general counselor for SEIA, and Kendra Hubbard, solar marketing and social media professional, did just that in the most recent #SolarChat, held April 11, 2012. The topic of conversation for the one-hour, whirlwind Tweet-fest was “solar stories.” We wanted to hear about why people went solar, or how they joined the industry, and most importantly, how solar has changed their lives.

Here were some of the key takeaways from the #SolarChat…

Why We Went Solar
Coming from Israel, where conservation is a way of life, made going solar a very natural choice for me. But the reasons others go solar, either in their homes, businesses, or their careers, are as varied as the people themselves.

One key factor is sustainability. This seemed to be more true in regard to solar pros than people who installed solar panels on their homes. A lot of people who personally “go solar” with a solar PV installation do it for the cost savings. But solar industry professionals have a true passion for sustainability.

Take a look at some of these tweet, for example:

It’s a solution for a more sustainable future. I want to provide that solution for everyone today for a better tomorrow. – Sarah Dara

I came out of retirement to help spread the word about #solar! That’s how much I love it! – Solar Coach

“I’ve finally met like-minded professionals and enthusiasts that are passionate abt creating a better, cleaner, smarter future.” – Kendra Hubbard

“Visiting our national parks really connected me with our environment and drove me to help preserve it!” – Scott Skender

“I love the environment it’s honestly that simple, we should protect it in anyway we can!” – Streamline Solar

Willing to Move for Solar
Several #SolarChat participants mentioned that they relocated for job opportunities in solar. This industry, and the sun itself, has a power that causes people to uproot their lifestyle just to be a part of it. That is the passion of the solar industry, and those are exactly the sentiments that “shone” through during the #SolarChat.

Solar’s Success is Tangible, Measurable
Many members of the solar industry mentioned that they like being part of a growing industry with real, practical solutions to combating peak oil issues, environmental pollution and other ecological issues.

Chris Stabile tweeted: “I was working for a [nonprofit organization] whose goal was saving the planet…not exactly
a goal with deliverables, so I chose the solar industry.

Aztecsolarpwer said: “We were building “green” homes and that industry declined as the solar industry was growing. Smooth sustainable transition!”

Solar at Home
Just as growth in the solar industry is measurable, so are the savings you’ll see when you install solar panels on your home.

While many of our #SolarChat participants mentioned their passion for solar, sustainability, and eco-consciousness as a key reason for entering the industry, the decision to install solar in their homes also came down to dollars and cents. Solar is one source of energy whose price will not go up and you will save money from the very first day you begin using your panels to get clean, free renewable energy from the sun.

I could go on and on about the benefits of solar energy and the inspiring solar stories all around us. The Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) summed it up best by tweeting: “Wish all the great #solar stories I’ve heard from SEIA staff could fit into 140 characters.”

To share your solar story, comment below, or contribute to SEIA’s Solar Works for America campaign.