How It Works

1. Identify nonprofits and low-income households that would benefit from solar power.

2. Complete an energy audit on the home or building.

3. Identify cost-effective improvements through which energy efficiency could be enhanced.

4. Implement energy-efficiency improvements to the building with the help of volunteer labor.

5. Find a solar installer to manage the project start to finish.

6. Assess energy demand and design an appropriately sized solar energy system.

7. Fundraise.

  • Identify sponsors and affinity groups.
  • Establish a Solar Seed Fund.
  • Identify financing options.
Mayor of Harrisonburg Deanna Reed assisting volunteers with installation.
Mayor of Harrisonburg, Deanna Reed, City Council member, Laura Dent, and Charles Hendricks assisting with solar installation.

8. Solar barn raising.

  • Recruit volunteers.
  • Give volunteers orientation.
  • Hold solar barn raising.
Drone shot of solar panels.

9. Flip-the-switch ceremony

  • Connect the solar array to the grid
  • Invite supporters to flip the switch and turn on the power of the sun!
If you know of a nonprofit that would benefit from GiveSolar, please contact Jeff Heie, [email protected] or 540-656-6841.