Solar Beach Solar Saturday Workshop
SOLANA BEACH — The City of Solana Beach’s Local Energy Subcommittee will host a free Solar Saturday workshop on July 19 at the La Colonia de Eden Gardens Community Center. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is open to the public.
This no-cost, vendor-free event is designed to help residents and business owners learn how to transition to solar power while existing tax credits are still available. According to organizers, the workshop will offer practical advice and resources for making the switch to solar before the expiration of current tax incentives.
The workshop features a panel of non-profit experts covering topics such as:
- Incentives for Commercial Buildings, Landlords, and Homeowners ( Presented by Lane Sharman )
- Implementation Support Services from the Non-Profit Sector ( Led by Tara Hammond )
- Current Policy Issues on Net Metering and Battery Storage ( Discussed by Bill Powers )
About the Speakers
Lane Sharman
President of Open Doors Management, Sharman co-founded the San Diego Energy District and helped establish the Solana Energy Alliance. He is an advocate for renewable energy and volunteers with multiple non-profits.
Tara Hammond
Founder and executive director of Hammond Climate Solutions, Hammond also chairs the California Solar + Storage Association’s San Diego chapter and serves as board president of Grid Alternatives. She has long advocated for solar energy customers.
Bill Powers
Principal of Powers Engineering and co-founder of the San Diego Energy District, Powers specializes in environmental and energy engineering. In June 2025, he presented a key argument before the California Supreme Court on Net Metering, advocating for solar customers’ rights.
What You'll Learn
Attendees will learn how to find reputable vendors, compare quotes, and secure financing—all before the end of 2025 to qualify for current tax credits. The event will also explain changes to Net Metering policies and their impact on utility bills.
Organizers emphasize the urgency of attending, as tax credits, once extended through 2032, may now only be available through the end of 2025, depending on pending legislation.