PV Industry Week

SEI is offering a new workshop this summer for all you PV enthusiasts out there. PV Industry Week provides participants an opportunity to hear and meet PV industry professionals. Representatives from manufacturers, distributors, installers, and researchers will make presentations. There will be both formal and informal time allowing participant questions and interaction. Industry representatives will provide technical training on their specific products and services. Participants can earn NABCEP continuing education credits.

This week-long workshop takes place August 1 - 5 in Carbondale, Colorado. Click here for more information.

2005 Solar World Congress

The 2005 Solar World Congress, August 6 - 12, in Orlando, Florida will be one of the largest, most diverse gatherings of renewable energy professionals in the world! Over 700 speakers, from more than 70 countries, will come together to present a comprehensive program of the latest international technical research results, design case studies, business success stories, policy initiative results, advocacy activities, hands-on workshops, renewable energy and cultural tour sites, and networking opportunities.

SEI will be participating in the Congress by offering two pre-conference workshops:

• Women's PV Hands-On Workshop - a hands-on intensive and comprehensive 5-day workshop which teaches women how to design and install PV systems. The workshop will install a PV system on an ASES Legacy school in the Orlando area. Support for this project comes from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, the Florida Solar Energy Center and the Sheinkopf Group.
• Renewable Energy for the Developing World - Learn how to implement sustainable RE projects in developing countries.

For specific information about all Tour and Workshop offerings, as well as a preliminary program and registration information, visit www.swc2005.org. Save $100 on your Congress registration fee by signing up by June 24. You won't want to miss it!

USDA Grant for Renewables

Farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses considering renewable energy or energy efficiency projects may find help from a USDA program. The Section 9006 program offers grants to farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems. The grants are for up to 25% of project costs. The deadline for applications to be postmarked is June 27, 2005. For more information, see www.farmenergy.org or contact Andy Olsen at Environmental Law and Policy Center, 608-222-6998, AOlsen@elpc.org.

Utility Company in Dispute over Solar

A discrepancy over the wording of Amendment 37, Colorado's Renewable Energy Standard, is pitting XCEL energy against environmental groups over how much solar energy must be generated by 2007. Amendment 37 was passed by voters in November, and directs utilities to get a portion of their electricity from renewable resources.

Environmental groups are calling on XCEL to comply with the amendment and have 18 megawatts of solar energy each year beginning 2007 through 2010, instead of averaging 18 MW which is how XCEL interprets the amendment. Environmental groups are also pushing XCEL to raise their net metering limit and offer PV rebates. For more information visit the COSEIA Solar Defense Fund website.

Thank You to BP Solar

SEI would like to thank BP Solar for their generous donation of 23 PV modules . These modules will be used in our workshop laboratory exercises, to help teach people about solar electricity. Thank you again BP for supporting renewable energy education!

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 are 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!