Solar Living Institute

The Solar Living Institute promotes sustainable living through inspirational environmental education. Our organizational values include empowerment, quality, integrity, passion and compassion.

SLI is a non-profit organization whose focus on educational workshops grew to include green career counseling, sustainable living courses in gardening and home construction, and professional solar installer training. The Solar Living Institute was founded in 1998 by John Schaeffer, who started the Real Goods Store as the first sustainable living store in Willits, Calif., in 1978.

Workshops: Full list of our training and educational programs

Visit SLI: Come see how the sustainable technologies can transform your home and life.

Other programs: From custom training to kid's field trips, Solstice to SolFest, there's always something going on.

Shop Books, DVDs and Videos and more available online.

Internships Interns come from around the country and world to participate in the daily life and work of the Institute. Be part of the change!

Cornerstone of our education programs are our Workshops, where over 1,000 participants learn the how-tos of renewable energy systems and a host of natural building techniques. Whether it's installing a PhotoVoltaic (PV) electric system or building a straw-bale house, training for a green career or learning how to raise bees, SLI

Solar & Renewable Energy

The heart of the Solar Living Institute's programs are these workshops, including ST (Solar Thermal) and PV (Photo Voltaic) classes, useful and hands-on training for the home owner or the professional.

NABCEP Testing for solar skills

Many courses are focused on training for proficiency in basic terminology and concepts of PV systems, or NABCEP testing -- a certification for employment in many jobs. (NABCEP is the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.)

Green Careers & Business

Add to your job and life skills with Solar Technology, Sustainable Living and Green Career workshops. Most held in South San Francisco.

Green and Natural Building

Learn how to build a straw-bale house, an earth oven, with bamboo, or green remodeling for energy efficiency.

Local Sustainability

Sustainability begins at home - with mushroom cultivation, urban beekeeping, and other courses designed to keep you harmony with nature.

Women's Learning Series

Why should the guys have all the fun? Workshops introduce women to hands-on skills in plumbing, electrical systems and more. Of course women are welcome at all our workshops.

Online Solar Training Workshops

Continuing a tradition of leadership in renewable energy, we are pleased to now offer an innovative new online course in Solar PV Design & Installation Training. Self-paced or instructor-supported programs available, utilizing interactive e-learning modules, discussion forums and social and peer networking among other features. Coming next year: three new online courses in Sales, Marketing and e-Finance.

Come visit! We have a world-famous demonstration site for renewable energy, alternative fuels, green building, permaculture, and sustainable living technologies. The 12-acre Solar Living Center is located 95 miles north of San Francisco on Highway 101, approximately a two hour drive from the Bay Area. (See MAP for directions)

The Solar Living Center is open seven days a week and 362 days per year (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day) and admission is free to the general public, with donations encouraged.

Self-guided tours are available any time between 10 AM to 6 PM, and guided tours every Friday through Sunday at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Led by our caretakers, these fun and informative tours last approximately 50 minutes; a modest donation is suggested.

Tours for school-age children and for professionals are also available by arrangement.

Sustainable living information and workshops. Get online services! We offer info on solar energy and bio-fuels.

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