Once the team has aligned on campaign goals, it should prioritize building the campaign’s structure and time line to establish deadlines. Two primary structural decisions that impact the campaign start and end dates are:

1. When to issue and who issues the RFP
2. When to select and who selects the installer

In a typical Solarize campaign, a steering committee selects the solar installer before launching the enrollment period. The sign-up window for these campaigns is usually short since participants just need to sign a predetermined contract.

In contrast, in the Solar United Neighbors’ Solar Co-op model, the team begins outreach and launches the enrollment period before an installer is selected. Once a critical mass of residents signs up, they can weigh in on the selection process, after which additional participants can sign up. Two sample time lines are shown in the graphic below.

After aligning on the structural model, the team can determine the overall time line. Solarize campaigns typically take three to six months to plan, are active for resident sign-ups over a four-to-five-month period, and have a contract signing deadline one to two months after the sign-up deadline. Solarize campaign installations typically occur throughout the sign-up period and for several months after a campaign officially closes to prevent overloading installers.

Suggested Next Steps:

Draft your proposed campaign process and time line. Consider using Part 3 of RMI’s forthcoming Inclusive Solarize Campaign: Goals and Roles Worksheet for assistance.