SUN Day is a national day of action to celebrate the power of clean energy.

Solar energy is now the cheapest and fastest growing source of power on the planet, increasingly available to help consumers accelerate the clean energy revolution. On the Fall Equinox people across the country will showcase solar installations, electric homes and businesses, and vehicles running on clean power.

Locally, Third Act of Oregon/Eugene, 350 Eugene and others have planned an afternoon of teach-ins, interactive displays and tabling, children’s activities and music to provide resources and fun for all. The event will culminate in a brief demonstration highlighting the link between protecting democracy and advancing a clean energy future, for those who wish to participate.

“We have the technology and the solutions to make clean energy a reality. What we need is the political will to make it happen. If we educate ourselves on what is possible and advocate for more access to solar resources, we can make it happen,” said Patty Hine, 350 Eugene co-president.

There will be five teach-ins offered.
1) The ABCs of Solar - Better understand the basics of solar energy and electrification. Comprehensive information on solar and home battery storage. Presented by Nicole Maticic of Solar Oregon.
2) Solar Installation - Nuts and Bolts - Thinking about how to do your own solar project? What’s involved in a solar project on a home or business? What are the costs and benefits? Hear from local installers Vince McClellan, Jeremiah Chavez and Jonah Witten of Energy Design.
3) The Present and Future of Clean Energy in Oregon - What is the status of Oregon law and resources for clean energy? What is possible now with some federal funding going away? How can we influence policy to support advancement? Edith Bayer, Oregon Dept. of Energy, Energy Systems Senior Policy Analyst.
4) Citizen Activism Amps Up Solar Projects - Local volunteers have advocated for solar projects with local government and non-profits with some tangible, positive results. Learn about how people power can make a difference with Doug Bovee, 350 Eugene volunteer.
5) Democracy and the Climate - The technology and solutions to achieve a clean energy world are here. We just need to make it happen. How can we achieve that, especially with current democracy back-sliding? What is the role of non-cooperation and activism? Stan Taylor, Indivisible Eugene-Springfield.