Hal Aronson, Ph.D.

Hal Aronson, Ph.D. co-founder of The Solar Way Forward, has been teaching solar electricity and designing solar electric systems for over thirteen years. Aronson has built and co-leads the green energy program at Ohlone Community College and is a lead instructor for the Boots on the Roof program in California.
In 2001, Hal co-created the California-based Solar Schoolhouse program which brings renewable energy education to 3rd to 12th grade students through training school teachers. Additionally, Hal leads trainings for the Solar in the Schools program at Solar Energy International (Colorado). In 2000, Hal started the California Youth Energy Services (CYES) as a program of his non-profit organization, Rising Sun Energy Center. CYES now employs over one hundred youth to improve the energy efficiency of homes and apartments. Along with Dr. Laura Stachel, Hal co-founded WE CARE Solar (www.wecaresolar.com) to enhance maternity care in developing countries using solar energy to power lighting, communication gear, and hospital equipment.
As one of the early solar "guys," Hal built the first legally permitted solar powered house in Santa Cruz County in the early 1980s.
Hal was awarded a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1997. His research focus was Environmental Justice and Social Movements.

Contact:  Hal@solarwayforward.com

Mike Strykowski,

Mike Strykowski is the co-founder of The Solar Way Forward. As the former Renewable Energy Education Manager for Solar Living Institute, Mike designed solar electric systems, curriculum, and teaches around California. He works for PG&E doing renewable energy trainings, and engages in off-grid and on-grid PV design, wind energy, micro hydro, solar thermal and whole house energy efficiency for Real Goods. Mike provided solar electric design and consultation for solar powered schools in Africa through "Paths to Native Africa," and provides solar design consultations for WE CARE Solar.