Established in 1998 as a spin-off from Real Goods Trading Company, the Solar Living Institute in Hopland, CA is an educational organization whose mission is to promote sustainable living through inspirational environmental education. Real Goods Solar supports the Solar Living Institute as an independently operated 501(c)(3) non-profit. The Institute provides practical education by example and hands-on workshops on renewable energy, green building, sustainable living, permaculture, organic gardening, and alternative environmental construction methods. Online courses and onsite courses are now available at the Institute.