The Solar Roots Party
Oct 30 - Nov 1 in Grass Valley, CA
See the documentary debut of "Solar Roots: The Pioneers of PV" and Celebrate the birth of an industry
About the Solar Roots Party
The Solar Roots Party is a three-day celebration honoring the grassroots innovators and early pioneers who sparked the solar energy revolution. Taking place October 30 through November 1, 2026, at the Ponderosa Hall in the Nevada County Fairgrounds, this historic weekend serves as both a reunion and a tribute to the men and women who brought this magical technology down from space into homes around the world.
We are gathering in Grass Valley - one of the major birthplaces of the off grid solar movement - to celebrate the visionaries who built the PV industry through ingenuity and a shared commitment to a sustainable future.
The weekend offers a packed schedule of festivities designed to connect industry veterans, local community members, and sustainability advocates alike. Tent and RV camping is available and hotel options are listed here. We will have a curated museum room in Ponderosa Hall so bring your solar artifacts for show and tell. Attendees will hear firsthand stories from the founders of the PV industry and be able to celebrate the success of transforming the world of electrical power generation.
The main event kicks off Friday at 12 Noon with a meet-and-greet at Ponderosa Hall in the shade of a beautiful Ponderosa forest. Friday evening activities include dinner and a musical performance from Solar Roots soundtrack creator TJ Kanczuzewski.
Saturday morning breakfast is at the campground followed by the DEBUT of SOLAR ROOTS at 10:00 AM at the Del Oro Theater. Following the debut, we will meet back at Ponderosa Hall for the afternoon events and activities, presentations, and celebrations.
Sunday breakfast will be followed by a second showing of the documentary with free tickets available to local residents at Mother Truckers and Natural Selections.
Join us in honoring this incredible legacy—explore our agenda and register today to secure your spot for a weekend of inspiration, history, and community
The Sponsors
About the documentary film "Solar Roots: The Pioneers of PV"
"Solar Roots: The Pioneers of PV" tells the true story of the birth of an industry with focus on those visionary engineers and business hippies that brought solar power down from space into homes around the world. This website serves as a hub for learning about the documentary, exploring the history of solar photovoltaics, and connecting with the "Solar Family" - a community of pioneers and professionals dedicated to renewable energy.
Our mission
Solar photovoltaics (PV) is a magical technology that converts the power of sunlight into electricity with no moving parts to generate clean energy to power our planet.
Our mission is to educate & inspire by connecting dedicated solar professionals and advocates with other member of the Solar Community who share the passion to expand solar power by promoting sustainability and knowledge of our unique history to help make the world a better place.
Past Events
Solar Pioneer Parties
2015, 2016, & 2017
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