News > How Sun Day lit up the nation this September

How Sun Day lit up the nation this September

October 15, 2025

On the autumnal equinox, September 21, 2025, communities across the country gathered for Sun Day, a nationwide celebration of solar and wind power. Hosted by our partners at Third Act, Sun Day is more than a festival. It’s a grassroots movement celebrating that solar is now the cheapest source of new electricity, and that neighbors everywhere are ready to put rooftop solar at the cornerstone of our energy system.

From sunrise concerts to sunset rallies, families and friends came together to build, sing, and organize for local solar progress. Organizers chose the equinox because it reminds us that change is constant. On this day of balance between light and dark, people chose the brighter path of solar energy.

“Flagstaff’s Sun Day event was a joyful reminder that solar is powering real change. Mayor Becky Daggett’s participation underscored the importance of local leadership and the fact that communities like ours are moving forward with solar regardless of federal setbacks. Being part of Sun Day was inspiring. Families, neighbors, and city leaders came together to learn, celebrate, and continue the momentum towards an energy system powered by rooftop solar,” said SUN Arizona Program Associate, Jess White.

Why Sun Day matters more than ever

The federal government has stopped smart investments into solar, like tax credits, and illegally rescinded the Solar for All Program. Still, Sun Day proves that local action shines through federal setbacks.

Across the U.S., states, cities and neighbors are pushing solar forward anyway. From community solar wins in Minnesota to net metering victories in Colorado, every new rooftop solar array protects clean air and water, lowers energy costs, and builds energy independence.

Communities lit up the map

Sun Day events stretched from small towns to big cities, creating a mosaic of celebration and action. Here are some examples:

• Falling Waters, West Virginia — Neighbors explored a home powered by rooftop panels, an electric-vehicle charger, and battery backup, learning firsthand how solar saves money and keeps the lights on.
• Flagstaff, Arizona — The city’s mayor, Becky Daggett, joined residents for the Sun Day festival where Solar United Neighbors partnered with the Climate Action Campaign to share solar knowledge and policy updates.
• Reno, Nevada — Families enjoyed educational workshops on going solar and avoiding scams, live music, children’s solar craft stations, local food vendors, and neighborhood solar tours.
• Indianapolis, Indiana — The Indy Folklore Academy performed a traditional Mexican Folklore dance for Sun Day attendees at Sun Day.

Whether swapping tips on electric vehicles or dancing to local bands, participants discovered that solar fun is for all ages and that joining together is as joyful as it is powerful.

Keep the Sun Day spirit going

Sun Day is just the start. Here’s how you can stay involved:

• Join a solar group — work with neighbors to go solar and save money 
• Attend one of our upcoming SUN events or webinars — learn about solar basics, battery storage, and solar policy updates
• Sign up to volunteer — Get involved with solar changemakers at SUN through opportunities like hosting a solar open house, writing a letter to the editors, and sharing your solar story

Sun Day shows that even when federal policy stalls, local communities will keep solar energy moving forward. Solar isn’t going anywhere and neither are the neighbors who make it happen. Let’s celebrate their success, expand solar access, and keep the light of Sun Day shining all year long.