Community Solar Workshops

Meet with experts and learn about group discounts for solar, battery storage, and EV chargers.

Simplifying the process of going solar for residents

OC Goes Solar is a local nonprofit with a goal of simplifying the process of going solar by providing education to community members, pre-selecting equipment, negotiating prices and warranties.

The Solarize program is open to all Orange County residents.

OC Goes Solar partners with the City of Irvine to expand the Solarize Irvine Program for residents, nonprofits and businesses!

What is Solarize Irvine?

Solarize is a community-based solar photovoltaic (PV) group-purchasing program that makes solar energy, battery storage, and home electric vehicle (EV) charging more affordable and accessible for all residents.

Solarize Irvine is a limited time campaign run by OC Goes Solar in partnership with the City of Irvine. 

OC Goes Solar (OCGS) is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization based in Irvine serving all cities in Orange County. It is a mission-driven organization committed to supporting a just and equitable clean energy transition for all.

  • Get to know OC Goes Solar’s pre-screened contractors by clicking here. It’s time to convert to the use of clean energy, reduce utility bills, and improve home value.

    • Group discount pricing

    • Contractors pre-screened by the community

    • Pre-selected solar panels, batteries, and hardware

    • Warranty above industry standard

    • Virtual and in-person workshops

    • Community feedback and support

    • Competitive contractor selection

    • Free site evaluations and quotes for all participants

    • Pre-negotiated group price for solar panels

    • Multiple community-wide solar workshops

    • Limited time offer to encourage participation

  • Register for our Upcoming 2024 Workshops here.

    March 2024 Workshops: March 2, 2024 at 3pm at Chapman University in Orange and March 14th at 6pm at Portola Springs Community Center in Irvine.

    October workshop: October 17, 2023 @ 6 PM (Refreshments @ 6 PM. Presentation @ 6:30 PM)

    August workshop: August 28, 2023 @ 7 PM | Virtual

    July Workshop: July 26, 2023 @ 7 PM | Los Olivos Community Center - 101 Alfonso, Irvine, CA 92618

Spectrum News features OCGS founder & director, Senait Forthal, along with Irvine resident, Jasmine Talesh, who has gone solar through our program.

Spectrum Networks, Jo Kwon | Reporter

 

Testimonials

  • A benefit for decades to come.

    “OC Goes Solar dramatically lowered the time and energy needed to evaluate a solar installation. They pre-vetted installation companies and the technologies they would use. This was like having a “friend in the business” - someone who knew all about solar installs who was helping us make a good choice. We ended up using one of their recommended companies and were very happy with the result. Two plus years later, our panels are generating enough power such that we have no electrical generation charges despite having a large house and (since our install) buying an electric car. In 5 1/2 years, the panels will have paid for themselves and we will likely have no electrical generation charges for many years to come. In sum, we recommend OC Goes Solar and are grateful that they helped us make an informed choice that will benefit us, and our community for years.”

    - John Clarke & Max Chao, Aliso Viejo

  • Making the right decision.

    “OC Goes Solar was instrumental in helping me make the right decision, in that I was getting a good deal and I was definitely not alone. I don’t really pay for electricity anymore, nor for gas for that matter, thanks to my new electric car. My solar panels with a guaranteed life expectancy of 25 years will be paid for in less than five years from installation.”

    - Phivos Kimonis, Irvine

  • An informed choice.

    “I want to give a hearty thanks to the wonderful volunteers at OC Goes Solar for their research, advocacy and education that allowed us to make an informed, confident and economical choice. ”

    - Terry LePage, Irvine

  • We are thankful for Solarize Irvine.

    “After searching for solar for months and getting quotes that were too expensive for my budget, a friend told me about Solarize Irvine. After contacting them, they immediately replied and answered all my questions. Everything has since been installed. Installers were quick and professional and solar is working perfectly. We are very thankful for Solarize Irvine.”

    -Nathan Irvine, CA

  • Simplifying the process of going solar

    OC Goes Solar was a key driver for me getting solar. Your vetted contractors with the bulk discount rate made it incredibly easy to find a great solar provider. The quick return on investment made it a no-brainer. Thanks for doing this program!”

    -Charles, Irvine, CA

Using the power of community to go solar.

We are a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to reducing barriers and increasing access to affordable and renewable energy for all Orange County residents. 

For more information on our upcoming workshops & programs, please register below for updates:

Our goal is to guide the community to screen contractors, simplify equipment selection & negotiate group discount pricing and excellent warranties. More than 600 Orange County homeowners have taken advantage of our program thus far.

Helping Communities Go Solar

OC Goes Solar The Challenge

The Challenge

The process of acquiring solar energy — from selecting reliable contractors to sifting through all of the available equipment options — can be intimidating and time-consuming.

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Our Process

We guide our community to screen and choose contractors, negotiate a group discount, and secure above industry standard warranties. We educate homeowners by staying connected during and after installation. 

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The Impact

2023 marks the 7th year for OC Goes Solar’s community-led program. Since 2017, our program has been successful in assisting over 600 homeowners transition to clean energy.

Interested in learning more about our community solar program? Sign up below!

For more information about our program or how to join our next workshop, sign up below or contact us for further details.