The Solar Living Institute was formed as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization by Real Goods founder John Schaeffer in 1996.

Real Goods Solar, Inc. (www.RealGoodsSolar.com) is a leading solar energy integrator in California and Colorado, having installed over 7000 residential solar electric systems, and over 10 megawatts of commercial solar. Real Goods Solar offers turnkey solar energy services, and has 33 years of experience in sustainability, beginning with the sale in 1978 of the first solar photovoltaic, or PV, panels to the public in the United States. Real Goods offers renewable lifestyle products and educational classes through their Hopland, CA retail store and the Solar Living Institute in Hopland, a 12-acre demonstration site for solar and renewable energy. Real Goods Solar is part of Gaiam Inc., a for-profit company.  To contact Real Goods, call (707) 472-2403.

The Solar Living Center, owned by Real Goods Solar, is a 12-acre sustainable living demonstration site that is home to the Solar Living Institute and the Real Goods Store, at 13771 S. Hwy. 101, Hopland, CA 95449.

No! As a non-profit organization, our educational programs and outreach efforts are funded entirely by our programs and by contributions from our donors and Partners. Without your support, we wouldn't be able to achieve our vital educational mission.

There are many ways you can support our educational mission. Learn more...

The Solar Living Center is open seven days a week, every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Hours are 10:00am to 6:00pm.

For directions, go to Visiting Us: Directions.

You can pick up a self-guided tour brochure any time you visit the site. We also offer intern-guided tours of the site every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 3pm from March through November. A $2 donation per person is requested and greatly appreciated. There is a suggested parking fee of $2 per vehichle at the entrance.

If you would like to arrange a custom tour for your school or community group, or a professional level tour for your business or college class, we would be happy to arrange it. There is a charge for these tours. For complete information on our tour program, go to Visit Us: Tours.

Your financial support is vital to sustaining our industry-leading renewable energy workshops. To learn more about the options and benefits of supporting the Solar Living Institute, go to About: Support Us.

We're always interested in hearing from hard-working, enthusiastic individuals. For a list of current job openings, go to Contact Us: Employment.

Absolutely! Volunteers are involved in virtually every aspect of our work. Examples of recent activities include: preparing mailings, assisting with workshops, building new structures on the site, and helping out with SolFest. For more information about volunteering SLI, visit Support Us: Volunteer Opportunities.

Absolutely! Many graduates of our workshop program have gone on to satisfying and financially rewarding careers in green building, solar energy, and a host of other related fields. To review and register for upcoming courses, go to our Course List.

To learn more, go to Resource Links for an extensive list of websites.

We welcome inquiries from the media and are happy to arrange photogenic site vists, and content-rich interviews.

For more information, contact Daniel Arendt at (707) 472-2459 or by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it