SEI Offers More Fall Workshops than Ever Before!

SEI has some exciting new workshops coming up this fall. You can learn about PV Design & Installation in beautiful Yosemite National Park, or learn how to heat your home with solar radiant heat. And if you can't make it to one of our workshops, don't forget about learning with SEI online!

• Solar Home Design Online - Sept. 6 - Oct. 14
• PV Design Online - Sept. 6 - Oct. 14
• Intro to Renewables, NJ - Sept. 10
• Utility Interactive Photovoltaics, NJ - Sept. 12 - 14
• Solar and Radiant Heat, NV - Sept. 15 - 17
• PV Design & Installation, Yosemite, CA - Sept. 26 - Oct. 1

Solar Tax Credit

For the first time since 1985, homeowners who install solar energy systems will receive a tax credit from the federal government worth 30% of the system cost, capped at $2,000. Businesses that purchase solar equipment will also receive a credit worth 30% of the system cost. These tax credits, in the recently passed energy bill, will bring solar power costs over the tipping point in many areas of the country.

According to Rhone Resch, President of the Solar Energy Industries Association, "With the solar provisions in this Energy Bill, Congress is supporting individual Americans who make a real contribution towards U.S. energy independence. Installing solar energy on your roof is one of the most meaningful steps an individual can take to reduce our reliance on foreign sources of energy and help declare energy independence. Now solar comes with a more affordable price tag, and more consumers will take a step towards energy independence by choosing solar power. That means cleaner air, more jobs, and greater energy security for all."

Energy Bill Woes

Despite the solar tax credit, many environmentalists are not happy with the new energy bill recently signed into law, which they claim highly subsidizes the fossil fuel industry.

The bill exempts oil and gas industries from some clean-water laws, streamlines permits for oil wells and power lines on public lands, and helps the hydropower industry appeal environmental restrictions.

The bill's biggest winner is probably the nuclear industry, which received billions of dollars in subsidies and tax breaks covering almost every facet of operations.

For more information on why some are not happy with the energy bill see the article at emagazine.com

Largest Solar Installation in the Works

A massive multi-MW solar thermal power project is slated for the desert Southwest that would be the first commercial application of dish-style solar thermal stirling energy units from Stirling Energy Systems (SES).

If all goes according to plan, a partnership between SES and Southern California Edison (SCE), would see the construction of an expansive 4,500-acre solar generating station in Southern California. When completed, the proposed power station would be the world's largest solar facility, capable of producing more electricity than all other U.S. solar projects combined.

For more on this topic and other renewable energy news items visit RenewableEnergyAccess.com

Thanks to Evergreen Solar!

SEI would like to thank Evergreen Solar for their generous donation of solar PV modules for our solar education station. This traveling biodiesel powered school bus will be used to teach children and adults about renewable energy technologies. Thanks again to Evergreen Solar 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!