New Alternative Fuels Workshop

SEI is offering a new workshop this summer on Alternative Fuels. The workshop will cover all types of renewable fuels and alternative transportation. Experts from the field will discuss how we can move away from a gasoline economy, and rely less on foreign oil. Click here for more information.

Other new workshops for 2003 include Politics of Energy, Advanced Strawbale Construction, and Solar Water Pumping. Check out our website at www.solarenergy.org.

SEI's New Political Outreach Directive

SEI is excited to introduce our new Political Outreach Directive. Here at SEI we have been looking to expand our awareness and influence in legislation, policy, mandates and other related issues in the renewable energy world. We hope to share the news through occasional alerts, notices and updates via e-mail. The greater the number of people who are aware, the louder our voices will be heard. If you would rather not receive these messages, please let us know. If you are interested in making a donation in support of our new political directive or would like to share information, please e-mail us at sei@solarenergy.org.

MREF and Women's Wind Power

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) will hold their annual renewable energy fair in Custer, Wisconsin, June 20 - 22. There will be exhibits, workshops, home tours, kid's events, entertainment, and a keynote speaker. For more information click here.

Before the fair, SEI and MREA are cosponsoring a Women's Wind Power workshop. This workshop, to be held June 8 - 14, will teach women how to design and install residential wind generator systems. For more information click here.

Colorado Renewable Energy Conference

The 6th Annual Colorado Renewable Energy Conference - RENEWABLE ENERGY NOW! - will be held June 27-29 in Montrose, Colorado. There will be pre-conference workshops and 4 session tracks on Energy Policy Issues, Rural Power, Exemplary Buildings, and Education. The conference is Sponsored by the Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES). For more information visit the CRES website. or call 303-806-5317 or e-mail CRES.

Earthsense Workshop with Richard Perez

SEI alum Scott Ely is holding a Photovoltaics workshop this July at the Powderhorn Institute in Gunnison, Colorado. The Powderhorn Institute serves as an information center focused on the conservation of energy and the application of renewable energy sources to everyday living. For more information on this workshop click here.

Congratulations California - No Exit Fees!

Congratulations to everyone who worked hard to oppose the proposed solar exit fees in California. By a 3-to-2 vote, the state Public Utilities Commission agreed to exempt many consumers getting power from solar, wind and fuel cells from these fees. While the fees proposed by the Legislature would have helped pay back the $6 billion the state spent buying electricity, environmentalists and clean power advocates warned it could have damaged the fast-growing solar industry.

"We're ecstatic at the decision," said Kari Smith, policy director for the California Solar Energy Industry Association. "It's a pretty clear signal that the state of California knows how important our industry is to the future."

For the entire story see the California Solar Center website.

Federal Solar Tax Credits

The U.S. House of Representatives passed an energy bill that includes a tax credit for homeowners who purchase solar systems. If the bill passes the Senate, homeowners will receive a 15 percent tax credit for the purchase of residential solar electric and solar hot water systems, capped at $2,000 per system. There are also many state incentives around the country. To find out about solar incentives in your state visit www.dsireusa.org.

SEI Membership

Please join us! Become an SEI member and support our important work (and receive a free one year subscription to Home Power magazine.) Help us continue our programs educating and promoting renewable energy around the world. Click here for more details on how you can become an SEI member.

To all SEI members . . . SEI sends thanks!