2014

Final Internship Report

Solar Nova Scotia

CHRISTIE CHAPLIN-SAUNDERS
 Box 700, Chester
Nova Scotia, Canada, B0J 1J0
Telephone 902 275 3235
January 28, 2014

Shawn Swallow
Career Services Manager, Graduate Programs
Sobey School of Business, Office #203
903 Robie Street, Halifax, N.S. B3H 3C3

Dear Shawn Swallow,

Thank you for receiving my final internship report for course number SMBA
6696.
This internship results from the initiative of a volunteer not for profit
organization known as Solar Nova Scotia, and took place between May 2013 and
January 2014. Contact information for Solar Nova Scotia is c/o 83 Old Scott’s Road,
McGraths Cove, N.S. B3Z 3V2 Phone: (902) 852-4758

Solar Nova Scotia strives to enhance the adoption of solar energy technologies
throughout Nova Scotia by contributing to education, public relations and policy
advocacy, as well as creating relevant networking opportunities. The purpose of the
internship project was to assist Solar Nova Scotia in a revitalization effort.

This objective was addressed by gathering, consolidating and presenting input

from members and interested parties, then gathering ideas and gaining commitments to
action. These were achieved by using a digital survey followed by an in person
presentation and workshop.

Several individuals are to be credited and thanked for substantial contributions.

This effort has been championed by Richard Vinson, Chair of the Solar Nova Scotia
board, proficiently assisted by the efforts of Solar Nova Scotia secretary Dan MacKay,
steadily guided by Mark Raymond of Saint Mary’s University, and aided by your sharing
of expertise in internships and digital surveying. Sharon LeBlanc of Performance
Synergy contributed excellence in workshop facilitation.

This report will cover the revitalization project phases, the greatest successes and
challenges that I encountered and recommendations for consideration by Solar Nova
Scotia.

Appreciatively,

Christie Chaplin-Saunders
Final Internship Report
Solar Nova Scotia Primary Research
Christie Chaplin-Saunders
A00334974

February 3, 2014

Solar Nova Scotia is a volunteer based not for profit society dedicated to
furthering the adoption of solar energy technology in the province. Saint Mary’s
University School of Business was approached by the Solar Nova Scotia board chair
requesting assistance to extend the reach and impact of the organization. An internship
position within the MBA program at Saint Mary’s University was created in response.
This report outlines the resulting initiatives and extrapolations of the consultation and
research undertaken by student intern Christie Chaplin-Saunders.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ iii
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1
Discussion ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Conclusions ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Recommendations .......................................................................................................................... 10
Scope and Scale: ........................................................................................................................ 10
Future vision: ............................................................................................................................. 11
References ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Appendices..................................................................................................................................... 14
Project outline: ........................................................................................................................... 14
Early Challenge ................................................................................................................ 17
Solar Nova Scotia Supplied Survey Questions .......................................................................... 18
Survey Development Presentation ............................................................................................. 20
Survey Results Summary Presentation ...................................................................................... 23
Workshop Questions .................................................................................................................. 27
Member Input from January 25th Workshop .............................................................................. 28

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Executive Summary

The volunteer not for profit society known as Solar Nova Scotia approached the

Sobey’s School of Business in the spring of 2013, seeking support for their efforts to

invigorate the organization. This resulted in an internship position, whereby member

input was gathered in order to determine the most appropriate role, undertakings and

mechanisms for the organization.

Member input was collected first through an on line survey. A link to this survey

was distributed to approximately 1500 email addresses in the fall of 2013. Following

analysis and summarization of the information gathered from the survey, additional input

from members was collected during a facilitated half day workshop in January 2014.

This process succeeded at attracting new interest, establishing the vibrancy of the

organization, enhancing relationships, augmenting resources and articulating appropriate

undertakings. Tactical initiatives have been outlined, and volunteers are committed to

time frames. Included in this initiative, members have begun to consider a future vision

for Solar Nova Scotia.

Clarifying the optimal scope and scale for the organization is recommended.

Related research steps and resources have been outlined. This is preliminary to the

additional recommendation that the organization develop a well-articulated future vision.

It is recommended that this vision be drafted and ready for validation by members at the

2015 Solar Nova Scotia Annual General Meeting. The purpose of a future vision is to

unify efforts, inform goal setting and strategy development, frame decisions and guide

actions undertaken by Solar Nova Scotia.

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Introduction

The merits of integrating renewable energy sources are well understood

worldwide. Amongst the well-established sources of renewable energy, solar technology

has seen by far the greatest growth in investment over the last number of years. Very

substantial improvements in photovoltaic efficiency are reducing capital requirements per

unit of energy, making this option more competitive than ever. (Frankfurt School UNEP

Collaborating Centre for Climate and Sustainable Energy Finance, 2013)

Having established progressive targets for renewable integration (25% by 2015

and 40% by 2040), the province of Nova Scotia ironically has no current renewable

energy activities that integrate solar. (Government of Nova Scotia, 2012)

The volunteer based not for profit society known as Solar Nova Scotia strives to

advance the integration of solar energy in the province. In the spring of 2013 Richard

Vinson, board chair, approached Saint Mary’s University seeking resources to assist with

extending the reach and impact of Solar Nova Scotia. His initiative resulted in the

creation of this reported internship position.

Through consultation, Mr. Vinson, and Saint Mary’s student Christie Chaplin-

Saunders determined that gathering member input was essential, and a digital survey was

identified as the optimal technology. The potential merits of a follow up workshop we

also discussed during the planning phase of the project.

This report considers the process and results of the internship. The project

encompassed consultation, survey planning, implementation and reporting and the follow
up workshop held in January of 2014. Also, the report offers conclusions and

recommendations that are intended to supplement the contribution that this internship has

made to advance the interests of Solar Nova Scotia.

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Discussion

This discussion begins with Solar Nova Scotia background information. It then

describes the stages of the internship project which have been planning, research

development and implementation, reporting and resulting initiatives.

The Solar Energy Society of Nova Scotia (aka Solar Nova Scotia) filed a

memorandum of association in October of 1980. Its’ mandate is to “foster and encourage

by all appropriate means the use of alternate energy technologies in Nova Scotia” (and)

“to act as a clearing house for information and experiences relating to the implementation

of alternative energy technologies. (Solar Energy Society of Nova Scotia, 1980)”

The following background information offered in this report has been derived

from conversations with various board members; additional formal records have not been

available.

Up until approximately three years ago, Solar Nova Scotia functioned in a very

casual manner. Beyond holding an annual general meeting and submission to the

Registry of Joint Stocks the requisite director’s names, financial statements and

appropriate fee, the society primarily created networking opportunities for persons

sharing an interest in the mandate.

Beginning approximately three years ago, under the guidance of the current Chair,

Richard Vinson, the society began to hold regular board meetings in addition to the long

established drop in meetings held in some various Halifax pubs.

Although membership fees have long been established at Solar Nova Scotia,

personal membership benefits have been difficult to define, and in 2013 it was

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determined that the effort invested in collecting personal membership fees is a losing

proposition. Corporate members pay a more substantial fee and derive advertising

benefits through a supplier listing feature on the organization’s web site. Solar Nova

Scotia’s financial resources are primarily derived from corporate membership dues as

well as modest returns on workshops and the sale of their publication, the Canadian

Solar Home Design Manual.

Concerned that the organization is not achieving its potential, Mr. Vinson

approached Saint Mary’s University in the spring of 2013 seeking resources to enhance

performance. An internship was proposed, and Mr. Vinson provided a list of questions

for orientation purposes.

From the perspective of the writer, the most challenging aspect of this internship

project was the planning phase during which the needs of the organization became

understood and the response plan formulated. During consultation with the board chair, a

fair degree of frustration with the level of organizational effectiveness was apparent to

the student intern. Once extensive consultation had concluded that soliciting member

input via a digital survey was the best option for the internship, the project outline

(provided with this report) was accepted at the end of July 2013. Board members were

then asked to add to the initial list of questions advancing the survey content

development. The board’s questions were received by the intern in late September of

2013. Questions centred on identifying the most relevant priorities, effective practices

and appropriate initiatives for the organization.

Based on research into best practices, the student intern presented

recommendations to the board on re-phrasing, sequencing, question type selection,

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survey length, duration of availability, as well as software selection and costing. This

was an in person presentation using Power Point, during the October 16th board meeting.

It was also the intern’s first opportunity to meet members in person.

Board members were appreciative and receptive to the intern’s recommendations,

and agreed to a survey testing phase at the end of October, to be followed by distribution

of the survey link.

Following approval of the final version, a link to the digital survey was circulated

to approximately 1500 email addresses, posted on the Solar Nova Scotia Facebook

Discussion page, and invitations to parallel organizations were sent in order to solicit

input. The survey remained available for just over two weeks beginning on November

21st. and concluding on December 7th. During that time, additional promotion was done

via the organizations discussion page on Facebook as well as emailed reminders.

Survey completion responses numbered over 150; ample to ensure acceptable

accuracy of the information acquired. The student intern presented preliminary results to

the board of Solar Nova Scotia at their meeting in mid-December. There was consensus

that statistical analysis of the results was not required. Responses contributed via the

open ended text boxes warranted careful review. The board was most excited by the

impressive number of participants who indicated they are able and willing to help the

organization move forward. Over seventy participants provided their contact information

in response to this invitation. Another benefit of the survey was identified; many

personal memberships had been renewed with payment, in conjunction with survey

completion. It was agreed that a follow up workshop would be appropriate, Saturday

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January 25th, 2014 was selected. The board expressed interest in involving a professional

facilitator, sourcing of which the intern was able to assist with.

The following weeks were occupied with workshop preparations, expertly guided

by facilitator Sharon LeBlanc of Performance Synergy. All survey respondents were

invited by email to attend the workshop. During an extraordinary board meeting in

January of 2014, it was agreed to divide the list of seventy potential volunteers amongst

the seven present and augment the invitation process with telephone contacts. Also at

that meeting, open ended text results were scrutinized and summarized. These

summaries were incorporated in a survey report by the student intern, and distributed

with the final email invitation to participate in the workshop.

Attendance at the workshop exceeded advance registration and included 32

individuals from across the province. The four hour event took place at the Waterfront

Campus of Nova Scotia Community College. It included a working brown bag lunch and

was followed by a tour of the renewable energy facilities at the college.

The workshop format was largely guided by the facilitator, Sharon LeBlanc. It

began with a presentation of summarized survey results by student intern Christie

Chaplin-Saunders. Key survey summary results can be distilled to say that members

believe that education, public relations and policy development are the most appropriate

initiatives for Solar Nova Scotia.

Prompted by the workshop facilitator, participants provided a future vision of a

successful Solar Nova Scotia, identified priorities, and committed to action within

specified time frames.

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 Also during the workshop, participants were invited by the current Solar Nova

Scotia board to attend an open format board meeting to be held in February, with the goal

of identifying candidates for new board membership. The chair announced his intent to

step down.

The workshop questions were designed to build consensus and resulted in eleven

defined initiatives with volunteers committed to action and time frames. This is a

significant step forward for an organization that previously had no committees, and relied

heavily on its’ board for initiatives and action in addition to guidance and co-ordination.

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Conclusions

1. Due to minimal record keeping, the organization is at risk of knowledge loss,

particularly should the current chair decline to remain as past chair.

2. Since a change in the board chair is imminent, new leadership is a key concern for

Solar Nova Scotia. Although as a volunteer organization, considerate leadership is

crucial, the infrequent or often casual interactions typical between members of Solar

Nova Scotia highlight the need for compensating structure.

3. Through primary research and workshop discussions appropriate initiatives for the

Solar Nova Scotia organization have been articulated by members.

4. These initiatives are complex; they encompass education, public awareness and

policy contributions supporting the integration of unconventional energy sources.

5. Mechanisms currently employed by Solar Nova Scotia have been validated through

member input.

6. The undertaken primary research and workshop project enhanced member

relationships and built consensus.

7. Resources have been enriched as a result of the volunteer offers received through the

digital survey.

8. Tactical initiatives have been agreed upon, and activities scheduled.

9. Solar Nova Scotia has a (rare and honorable) role of simultaneously advancing the

interests of the public as well as the interests of select commercial endeavours.

10. The student intern has observed that members are diverse (which can be a strength)

and that financial resources, formal records and organizational structure are modest.

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11. Membership is geographically disbursed, however activities primarily occur in the

Halifax metro region. This is a source of considerable frustration for many members.

12. There is uncertainty amongst members about which energy sources are appropriate

for the organization to advance. The existing memorandum of association references

“alternative energy sources” (Solar Energy Society of Nova Scotia, 1980) without

identifying the conventions.

13. The catchment of interest in the organization extends beyond Nova Scotia and

includes the Maritimes. This may be explained by the absence of parallel

organizations in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

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Recommendations

To mitigate the risk of knowledge loss, it is recommended that current chair

Richard Vinson be enticed to remain on the board for another period in the capacity of

past chair. Also, a brief chronicle of the organizations history may be a valuable resource

for future participants; this is suggested as an appropriate undertaking for long standing

members.

Solar Nova Scotia has made significant structural advances with the introduction

of regular board meetings, and by undertaking this reported project. The student intern

encourages Solar Nova Scotia to continue to develop organizational structure. This

development can be considered under the headings of Scope and Scale and Future Vision.

It is recommended that both these structural initiatives be developed and presented for

validation by members during the Solar Nova Scotia Annual General Meeting in

approximately March of 2015.

Scope and Scale:

Sustained ambiguity on the central questions of technological and geographic

catchments risks member frustration and dissatisfaction. The student intern recommends

that Solar Nova Scotia determine the optimal scope and scale of the organizations’

undertakings. The range of possible technologies and geographic catchment should be

openly contemplated. A small scope risks ostracizing members and reducing resources,

too large a scope unwieldy and therefore unpromising. These determinations should not

be undertaken arbitrarily.

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 To proceed, an account of the organizations capabilities can be established. This

could take the form of a searchable data base inventorying members’ expertise, interests

and availability, as well as an outline of current revenue streams and assets. Such an

account will likely serve additional purposes for the organization. (Identifying volunteer

IT expertise that could help distribute event content is an example of a possible benefit.)

Secondly, a survey of parallel organizations is highly relevant. Regional, national

and international operations warrant inclusion. Such research would consider mandates,

scope, measures of success and resources utilized. In addition to clarifying Solar Nova

Scotia’s unique potential, such a survey may suggest new resource options for the

organization.

Either or both of these research initiatives might be undertaken as this project has,

by utilizing student intern(s) under the guidance of a committed board member. Research

interpretation to be undertaken by the full board.

Future vision:
The workshop on January 25th drew from members their ideas for a future

successful Solar Nova Scotia. In summary, members suggested features and activities

and referred to structure. It is recommended that this envisioning process be advanced.

A clearly stated, shared image of the future and outline of Solar Nova Scotia’s role in

forming that future will unify and strengthen member efforts. Such a future vision will

inform goal setting, strategy development, frame decisions and guide actions.

Many variations of the imagined future are possible. The resources required and

potentially available must be taken into account. The author recommends that a

committee work to articulate a future vision for Solar Nova Scotia. This work would

11
build on the member input from the January 25th workshop as well as a research based

determination of optimal scope and scale. The future vision must incorporate the

established emphasis on education, public relations and policy contributions.

With the organization’s purpose, capabilities and unique potential well

understood, the imagined future can be rendered achievable, relevant and thereby

compelling.

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References

2013, c. (n.d.). Survey Questions. Retrieved from Question Pro:

http://www.questionpro.com/survey- questions.html
Bodnar, K. (2011, 02 17). How Long Should a Marketing Survey be Online? Retrieved from
Hubspot:http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/9742/How-Long-Should-a-
Marketing-Survey-Be-Online.aspx
Egeland, B. (2013, 06 11). What Makes a Project Requirement Good? Retrieved from entry.com:
http://www.entry.com/good-project-requirement/
Frankfurt School UNEP Collaborating Centre for Climate and Sustainable Energy Finance.
(2013). Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2013. Frankfurt: Frankfurt
School of Finance and Management.

Garza, J. (2012, 05 15). How Long Do I Keep a Web Survey Active? Retrieved from TeleSight:
http://www.telesight.com/blog/index.php/2012/05/15/how-long-do-i-keep-a-web-survey-
active/
Government of Nova Scotia. (2012, 04 24). Nova Scotia's Renewable Energy- Current Activities.
Retrieved from Nova Scotia Canada: http://novascotia.ca/energy/renewables/current-
activity/

Liana, E. (2013, 4 9). Survey Shortcuts are a Waste of Time. Retrieved from Survey Monkey
Blog: http://blog.surveymonkey.com/blog/2013/09/04/survey-shortcuts-dont-do-
em/?utm_source=RPS&utm_medium=SM_CRM_MKTG_PA&utm_campaign=RE_NL
&utm_content=survey.32729
&Date=2013-10-09&CID=67977053&promo1_cta_shortcuts
McNamara, C. (n.d.). Basics of Developing Questionnaires. Retrieved from Free Management
Library:http://managementhelp.org/businessresearch/questionaires.htm#types
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.esurveyspro.com/article-understanding-question-types-and-
data-validation.aspx

Qualities of a Good Question. (2013). Retrieved from Stat Pac:

http://www.statpac.com/surveys/question-qualities.htm
Roberts, D. L. (2011). What is Solar Energy. Retrieved from Clean Technica:
http://cleantechnica.com/2012/03/01/what-is-solar-energy-types-solar-energy-technology/
Solar Energy Society of Nova Scotia. (1980). Memorandum of Association. Halifax, Nova Scotia:
Registry of Joint Stock Companies.

Swallow, S. (2013, 06 13). Manager, Career Services, Graduate Programs, St Mary's University,
Halifax NS. (C. Chaplin-Saunders, Interviewer)
Understanding Question Types and Data Validation. (2013). Retrieved from esurveyspro:
http://www.esurveyspro.com/article-understanding-question-types-and-data-
validation.aspx
Woodford, C. (2012, 01 10). Passive Solar Buildings. Retrieved from Explain That Stuff:
http://www.explainthatstuff.com/passive-solar.html

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Appendices
Project outline:
Solar Nova Scotia Internship Project Outline, July 27, 2013
Participants:

 Solar Nova Scotia, represented by Richard Vinson, advisor

 Saint Mary’s University, Sobey’s School of Business student Christie Chaplin-
Saunders
 Saint Mary’s University, student supervisor Mark Raymond, advisor
 Saint Mary’s University, support staff member Shawn Swallow, advisor
Objectives:
Solar Nova Scotia wishes to extend the reach and increase the impact of their
efforts to promote solar energy technology integration in Nova Scotia.
This project is intended to generate recommendations related to the following three
objectives:

 How best can Solar Nova Scotia focus their offer and public relations efforts to
meet the needs of their members and build the strength of the Solar Nova Scotia
organization
 How best can Solar Nova Scotia build awareness of solar technology and
effectively promote a wider adoption of solar energy use in Nova Scotia
 Identify the motivators and obstacles to solar technology being adopted in Nova
Scotia
(htt1)
Renewal of the organizational mission statement has been identified as an
appropriate effort, and this project will conclude with a facilitated retreat (half day
or less) dedicated to the purpose of generating a renewed mission statement in the
context of the project’s research and recommendations.
Methods:
With the guidance and supervision of Richard Vinson and Mark Raymond, as
well as contributions from the Solar Nova Scotia board and Shawn Swallow, student
Christie Chaplin-Saunders will assist Solar Nova Scotia with their primary research by
undertaking the following:

 Through consultation with Solar Nova Scotia board members and Saint Mary’s
University supervisor and support persons, compose between fifteen and twenty
questions designed to reveal opportunities and insight related to the three above
objectives (see sample section)
 Transpose the prepared questions into a digital survey format, ready for
distribution by Solar Nova Scotia to their approximately 1,000 member email
addresses and 200 Face book contacts

14
  Monitor, gather and analyze the survey results
 Prepare a written report on these results
 Co-facilitate a half day retreat for organization members with the purpose of
generating a renewed organizational mission statement informed by the research
and recommendations

Solar Nova Scotia Internship Project Timeline

Time line: Responsible Participants:

Target Project Activity Christie Richard Solar Mark Shawn

Date: Chaplin- Vinson Nova Raymond Swallow
Saunders Scotia
Board
July 28, Project approval X X
2013
August 11, Draft questions X
2013 prepared and
circulated to
advisors
August 18, Draft questions X X X X
2013 edited
August 25, Draft questions X
2013 revised
September Survey questions X X
3, 2013 approved
September Participation X X
3, 2013 incentive secured
(see sample
section)
September Survey questions X
10, 2013 transposed to
digital survey
software, ready for
distribution
September Distribution list X
10, 2013 provided
September Cushion for
17, 2013 contingencies
September Survey launched X X X
20, 2013 and promoted
(Happy Fall
Equinox!)

15
September Additional survey X X
27, 2013 promotion as
needed
October 4, Survey X X X
2013 completion,
analysis and
assessment
consultation begin
October Report writing X
25, 2013 begins
November Draft report X X
1,2013 circulated for
review and editing
November Report revisions
8, 2013
November Report X X
15, 2013 completion,
distribution to
members
November Retreat co X X X
30, 2013 facilitation, project
completion
December Project assessment X X
14, 2013 (as required by
Sobey’s School of
Business)

Sample section:

Question samples: (designed for a rating scale)

How important is it that Solar Nova Scotia plays an advisory role in the
development of provincial government energy policy?
To what extent is misinformation an impediment to the integration of solar energy
in Nova Scotia?
To what extent is there duplication of effort by Solar Nova Scotia and other
organizations promoting renewable energy in Nova Scotia? Please identify
organizations which efforts are substantially duplicated.

Incentive suggestion:

Survey participant names will be entered in a draw, and the winner will receive a
$200 voucher for goods or services from a participating corporate Solar Nova Scotia
member.

16
 The survey overview would include a list of the participating corporate members,
and the time frame for the voucher to remain valid. Solar Nova Scotia would offer the
corporate members a discounted annual membership in exchange for their incentive
contribution. (Bear in mind that the additional exposure through the survey has value to
your corporate members). Indicate the date for the draw (one day after the survey
closes), and publicise the winner promptly, simultaneously building anticipation of the
upcoming half day retreat dedicated to mission renewal.

Terms:

In addition to the roles and responsibilities described above, Solar Nova Scotia
agrees to provide Christie Chaplin-Saunders with an honorarium of $600 (the
approximate value of course tuition), as well as cover out of pocket expenses for the
survey distribution and retreat event. Also, Solar Nova Scotia will be responsible for any
expense associated with creating an incentive to survey participants. Incentives as well
as clear benefits of the research are known to improve survey participation rates.

Early Challenge

One contributing factor to the writer’s challenge early on in the project was her

perceived sense of urgency on the part of the client. There may have been an unstated

assumption by the client that university scheduling requirements would be constraining.

Since the internship was outlined as a summer course and board member availability

tends to be reduced during the summer months, an unrealistic time frame for the project

was a possible hazard. In reality, the university has been flexible and the selected student

had no substantial concerns about the lengthened course format. This degree of

flexibility is not likely to be possible in a situation where budgets and financial metrics

are developed and used to gauge success. The internship project concluded

approximately eight weeks later than scheduled in the project outline. Effort invested by

the student is comparable to course requirements typical of her experience in the MBA

program at Saint Mary’s University.

17
Solar Nova Scotia Supplied Survey Questions

Solar Nova Scotia – 2013 Member/Supporter Questionnaire

Solar Nova Scotia is looking forward to determine our best direction and actions based on
our available resources. Much has changed since we first organized in 1980 – both in
solar technology and in member expectations of who and what we are, …or might be.
Your feedback means a lot, otherwise we are only building our organization based on
what we believe to be common interests. With this in mind, we hope that you will take a
few minutes to give us some feedback as to where you’d like to see us headed over the
coming years.

Please identify if you are a corporate member of Solar NS ___yes ___no

1. Do you own a solar installation? If so, would that be ___ DHW ___PV ___ Air

___Other: __________________________________

1a. If you do own a solar installation, please indicate how happy you are with it.

Not Happy 1 2 3 4 5 Very Happy

1.b. Are there improvements that the solar industry could make based on your personal
experience? Please describe:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________

2. Are there changes that we could make at SNS that you believe would build a stronger
organization? (Please describe)

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________

3. Are there any other organizations that you believe we should be affiliated with?
(…perhaps for undertaking joint projects.) If yes, please identify:
__________________________________

4. What do you believe is the reason we haven’t seen more growth in the acceptance of
solar technology in Nova Scotia? (please rank from most important to least important)

___ climate ___lack of incentives ___ cost of installation ___ govt policy

___quality of installation companies

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5. Could we do more to highlight notable solar projects in Nova Scotia? ___yes ___no,
already adequate. If yes, what vehicle(s) do you think is the most effective?

___ public tours ___media releases ___social media ___notice to members

Other (please specify) _____________________________________________

6. SNS presently sponsors two related courses in buildings/construction using solar

principles. Should we be doing more courses? ___yes ___no

7. Would an expanded offering of one day (or less) workshops or seminars be an

effective way to reach a wider public? ___yes ___no

If yes to 7., which broad course (or seminar) subjects do you think would be in highest
demand? Please check a max of three.

___ residential PV ___commercial applications for solar ___economics of solar for

Nova Scotia ___do-it-yourself projects ___home assessment ___

8. Would you like to see SNS more active in any of the following areas? ____advocating
for policy change in Nova Scotia? ___home tours ___solar demonstrations ___more
educational materials ___better corporate directory ___special offers from corporate
members

9. On the topic of policy initiatives, where should we be directing our efforts? (Rate 1 as
highest through 4 lowest priority)

___ public education ___incentives for solar ___ policy papers for government
___Efficiency Nova Scotia ___Nova Scotia Power ___provincial cabinet other:
___________________

10. Are you interested in committing time to SNS to help us move forward with any of
our programs? If so, where do you see yourself fitting in? (check all that apply)

___ policy ___ program ___administration ___AGM ___corporate interests

___ public outreach ___ membership ___research ___board member

Name and contact info requested (And if yes to any of 10).

(All contact info and responses are for the sole use of Solar Nova Scotia and will remain
within the organization for planning purposes only)

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Survey Development Presentation

20
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22
Survey Results Summary Presentation

23
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25
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Workshop Questions
Following presentation of the summary survey results, on January 25, 2014,

workshop participants were asked a series of four questions by facilitator Sharon

LeBlanc:

Question 1 What does Solar NS do well?

Question 2 What does a thriving, sustainable Solar NS Association look like to

you?

Question 3 What are the most important actions to take to move Solar NS

forward in continuing to be a thriving effective organization?

Question 4 What do you plan to do or will do for Solar NS to ensure these

initiatives and ideas happen?

The first question was posed to the full gathering, input was captured by the

facilitator on a flip chart. Subsequent questions were addressed by participants in groups

of eight people gathered around tables and equipped with flip charts. Each table assigned

a scribe to capture input and was asked after a brainstorming period to agree on three top

ideas for presentation to the room prior to advancing to the next question. All

contributions captured on flip charts have been transcribed by Solar Nova Scotia’s

volunteer secretary Daniel MacKay into digital format and are to be available to

workshop participants.

27
Member Input from January 25th Workshop

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