Solar Energy for the Shoshone

Solar Energy International in conjunction with Honor the Earth, the Western Shoshone Defense Project, American Spirit Productions, and the Battle Mountain Band of Shoshone (NV), will install a PV system in the heart of Western Shoshone territory near Elko, Nevada.

The PV system will power the ranch home of Mary and Carrie Dann, two elder Western Shoshone matriarchs, who are central to the Western Shoshone quest for environmental justice, treaty rights and sovereignty. The project will serve as a beacon of safe, clean energy possibilities in an area slated for housing the most deadly garbage created by humankind: high-level nuclear waste.

“We’re at the beginning of a new energy age,” explained Winona LaDuke. “As Native peoples we. . . want to be at the beginning of the renewable and hydrogen economy. The Western Shoshone Nation and the Dann Sisters represent hope for our future.”

If you would like to donate to this important project please contact Honor the Earth

SEI is seeking funds to document this historic solar installation for the purpose of distributing an instructional DVD to Native American tribes who wish to provide small scale renewable energy solutions to their tribal members. To donate contact sei@solarenergy.org.

Building with Straw

Straw bale construction is gaining in popularity as people recognize its environmental benefits. SEI will be offering an Introduction to Straw Bale Construction workshop April 8 - 10 for those wanting to learn the basics of building with straw.

For people wanting more information on a variety of topics related to Straw Bale Building, don't miss the Colorado Straw Bale Association's Annual conference April 23 - 24, held at the Waldorf School in Carbondale, Colorado. The conference, sponsored by SEI and Etown, will feature many gifted speakers, presenting on a wide range of topics including Bale Techniques, Lime Plasters, Testing Results, Earthen Floors, Passive Solar Heating, Financing your Bale Home, Straw Bale Today, The Future of Straw Bale and More.

For more information or to register for the conference click here.

World PV Market Soaring

World solar photovoltaic market installations soared to 927 Megawatts in 2004, representing a growth of 62% over 2003, says the annual PV market report issued by Solarbuzz Inc., a San Francisco based solar energy consultancy. The US market grew by 27%.

In 2004, Japanese manufacturers contributed 48% of world PV cell production, with the US contributing 11%, compared to 26% five years ago.

For the full 170 page Marketbuzz 2005 report click here. For complete coverage of the world PV market read Paul Maycock's PV News.

Arctic Drilling?

E magazine reports that the battle over oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) has reached a fever pitch, as lobbyists from both sides of the debate swarm Capitol Hill hoping to influence the few members of Congress still on the fence. President Bush and most Congressional Republicans continue to press for opening up the pristine land in Alaska's remote northeast corner to oil drilling so as to lessen dependence on foreign reserves. Meanwhile, environmentalists and most Democrats are vying to protect ANWR from oil development at any cost.

For the full story visit Emagazine.com.

Your Generosity Ensures our Success!

SEI would like to welcome our new members! As a membership-based non-profit, SEI's members are the heart of our organization and allow us to continue our educational programs. SEI Staff is passionate about the work that we do and membership dues help sustain our renewable energy endeavors.

Please join us! Become an SEI member and support our important work (and receive a free one year subscription to either Home Power magazine or E magazine.)

Click here for details on how to become an SEI member.

To all SEI members . . . SEI sends thanks!