Save the date: 7/25/12 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST to join EcoOutfitters.net (@EcoOutfitters) and a panel of experts in a discussion of what information homeowners really need to go solar....

How can the industry best pinpoint and deliver the answers consumers have when it comes to solar PV and other installations? How can solar pros be proactive about educating potential customers? In what ways can companies assure the growing solar-curious consumer base that solar is, ultimately, the right decision for them?

Joining us will be Jim Jenal (@RunOnSun), chief executive officer and founder of Run on Sun; Kathleen Troy Maier (@SolarKathleen), marketing manager for the mid-Atlantic region for Real Goods Solar; and Heather Moos (@SolarGirlSoCal), regional marketing manager for Real Goods Solar; and Eugene Rinehart (@Sunrun), marketing and customer care associate at Sunrun Inc. 

Jim Jenal is a NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™ who holds degrees in Mathematics, Computer Science and Law. His technical background at Bell Labs and his legal experience as a trial lawyer at OMelveny & Myers gives him the ability to distill complicated issues down to their essence; thereby allowing decision makers to fully comprehend all aspects of the matter before them whether that be assessing the performance of an existing PV system or evaluating competing proposals for adopting a new technology. Jim has developed numerous computer applications related to PV systems, including remote monitoring, performance estimation, and economic analysis.

Kathleen Troy Maier has been in the solar industry for eight years, initially as a marketing consultant for ISI Solar and Alteris Renewables and now as a marketing manager for Real Goods Solar.  She has a passion for spreading the word about solar power, and can often be seen at community events and speaking engagements throughout New York and New Jersey. 

Heather Moos began working as a marketing professional in 2000 for construction companies and is a self-proclaimed sustainable building affectionado ("LEED groupie") with dozens of LEED-certified project involvement. Motivated by her love of sunshine, kindness to the environment, and giving back, Heather serves as a Regional Marketing Manager at Real Goods Solar, where she spends her time informing homeowners about the benefits of solar energy.

Eugene Rinehart presides over dual roles at Sunrun, acting as both social media guru and customer care representative. His station gives him unique insight into the aspects of solar that homeowners are most inclined to discuss, from sore points to great successes. He’s also responsible for acting out Sunrun’s brand personality on various social media platforms and publishing Sunrun’s biweekly blog posts.

#SolarChat welcomes solar and renewable industry experts and consumers who are "solar curious" to discuss relevant issues like solar energy, solar PV, solar hot water, solar pool heating, and related subjects. The Twitter chat provides an opportunity to connect homeowners and qualified installation professionals, to demonstrate the affordability and environmental impact of all types of solar solutions, and to educate consumers on this emerging field. "We believe in the power of solar to change the world," says Russo. "We hope #SolarChat will further advance EcoOutfitters' goal of making solar a reality for every American home and business." 

For those new to Twitter, a hashtag (#) is an easy way to find and follow people who are tweeting about a certain topic. #SolarChat has a simple mission: Curious consumers, energy experts, and installation professionals can tune into Twitter at the designated chat time to share advice and resources, weigh in on discussion topics, pose questions or concerns, and work together to advance solar awareness.

#SolarChat is held on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST.