Welcome to The Great Solar Giveaway 2025!

Orlando’s premier environmental nonprofit, IDEAS For Us, is thrilled to bring you the Great Solar Giveaway! This is an incredible opportunity to claim FREE solar panels and make a positive impact on the environment by repurposing retired panels! In collaboration with the Orange County Convention Center, we are distributing over 5,800 decommissioned solar panels to Floridians. This initiative is open to individuals, organizations, businesses, and hobbyists who want to upcycle these panels into creative and sustainable projects!

The 19 year old panels are being replaced from the Orange County Convention Center’s roof, and rather than sending them to a landfill, we are helping get them into the hands of citizens to repurpose them for practical uses across the Sunshine State. Please know these panels are NOT new but they are very much functional and perfect for all kinds of secondary uses. From lighting art murals at night, to building solar-powered phone chargers, to powering backyard irrigation systems, and garden lights – we can’t wait to see how you harness the power of the sun!

Event Details:

• What: The Great Solar Giveaway
• When: Saturday, February 1st & Sunday, February 2nd, 2025.
• Time: Cars can begin queueing at 9AM EST until 5PM EST on both days.
  
• Where: 9860 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 (Orange County Convention Center Warehouse). Please be aware that the intersection of Tradeshow Blvd and Universal Blvd is closed, so please use the address provided in hopes your GPS automatically redirects you to come via Destination Parkway to the tent on Tradeshow Blvd. 
• Eligibility: Open to Florida residents with a valid ID (e.g., driver’s license).
• Limit: Up to 100 panels per vehicle (restrictions may lift later based on availability).
• Logistics: Each vehicle will be responsible for loading the solar panels themselves. Volunteers, County staff, and IDEAS For Us team members will be there to direct participants to the pick-up zone but can not assist in loading solar panels. Bring gloves, safety glasses, and help to move the panels! 

If you’re interested, please:

1. Fill out the form linked below on our website to indicate your time for pick up and quantity of panels you will be picking up
2. Agree to the terms of 100 panels per vehicle and we’ll see you on February 1st or 2nd for the IDEAS For Us Great Solar Giveaway!

Why It Matters:

This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. For over 15 years, IDEAS For Us has educated, engaged, and empowered communities through innovative environmental programs. Energy is one of our core Five Pillars, and the Great Solar Giveaway 2025 is part of our commitment to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all.

By participating in this event, you’re helping us divert thousands of solar panels from landfills and put them back into meaningful, practical use across the Central Florida region. Together, we can foster sustainability and make a lasting impact on our environment.

How to Get Involved:

Complete the sign-up form below and a member of our team will reach out to you, confirming the address and details for pick up.

Let’s harness the power of the sun and work together for a brighter, more sustainable future! ☀️