Northern California Solar Energy Association

 The Northern California Solar Energy Association (NorCal Solar) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization whose mission is to foster the development and application of solar energy through the exchange of information.  Since 1975, NorCal Solar has advocated for the passive, building integrated, active PV and solar thermal industry inspiring tens of thousands of people to support and adopt solar energy technology. Throughout its history, NorCal Solar has maintained its role as an information portal for industry professionals, policymakers, advocacy groups, the media, and the general public by serving as a leading unbiased information clearinghouse.

NorCal Solar is the Northern California chapter of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), a national organization dedicated to advancing the use of solar and other renewable energy sources for the benefit of the global environment.

What We Do

Maintain an educational web site: Providing a Calendar of Events, Solar News & Resources.

Develop Education Kits & Member Updates: Release ENews, Fact Sheets & Bulletins.

Publish the Solar Energy Resource Guide: Presenting basics on technology, financing and resources.

Publish the BASI Report & CSA Celebration: Announce Bay Area Solar Installations Report & Awards.

Advocate for Important Policies: Promote pro-solar policies and programs through action alerts.

Engage and Inform the Public:  Provide networking opportunities, workshops and seminars.

How We Are Advancing The Cause With The Bay Area Solar Installations (BASI) Report & the City Solar Awards Celebration (CSA) at Intersolar:

• The Bay Area Solar Installations Report (BASI) is another example of how our organization is committed to the increased development and application of solar technology through the exchange of facts and research information.
• This BASI report spotlights progress and raises awareness of the leading communities, helping to bring about stronger adoption of solar energy in Northern California.
• The BASI Report uses publicly available solar incentive data to describe the number and amount of grid-tied PV installations from the start of the CSI through 12/31/2008 in ten Bay Area counties and 163 cities and communities.
• This program effort is the basis for NorCal Solar’s City Solar Awards (CSA) program which recognizes cities and counties for their leadership efforts in promoting solar adoption within their borders, as well as to raise awareness and a friendly competition between communities.  We are pleased to acknowledge 12 cities and four counties with special awards at the 2009 CSA event taking place at the 2009 Intersolar North America Conference in San Francisco.

Make A Difference:

Join as a member and supporter. Your financial support enables us to stay involved in our many activities and expand three major current initiatives—Educational Website, Consumer Education Resources and Solar Ambassador Efforts. Your help will enable us to strengthen Solar Awareness towards an environmentally sustainable society.

Sponsor NorCal . Donate funds beyond membership dues enabling us to undertake more outreach activities. Tell your employers and colleagues about us. NorCal Solar is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization (Tax ID #) and gifts may be tax deductible.  (See attached chart for BASI Sponsorship Levels and Benefits)

As a crucial part of the climate crisis solution, the NorCal Solar Board of Directors envisions an educated and empowered population that uses all forms of solar energy technology and practices for an economically viable, secure, and environmentally sustainable society.

For more information contact:

Elisabeth Holmgren, Executive Director at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or

Deborah Burstyn, Communications Consultant at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it