Renewables in Costa Rica

SEI recently conducted two renewable energy workshops in Costa Rica: Renewable Energy for the Developing World—Hands-On at Rancho Mastatal and Solar Electricity for the Developing World in the Durika Community.

Projects in Mastatal included building and using solar cookers, with the Sol Verde women’s cooperative in Guanacaste province; converting a bicycle to electric propulsion; and installing a solar-electric system for Alcidis, a very poor and developmentally disabled man in Mastatal. Participants also built a methane biogas system for Don Mario and family.

In the Durika community we desigend and constructed numerous solar-electric systems for lights and battery charging.

These projects were made possible by the generosity of several organizations, companies, and individuals including The Oregon Conservancy Foundation, The Alternative Energy Store, C. Crane Phocos, Morningstar, OutBack Power Systems, and Compañia Nacional de Fuerza y Luz.

For more upcoming international workshops visit SEI's website.

Wind Power is Growing in the US

With 2,454 megawatts of wind capacity added in 2006, the U.S. is the fastest growing wind market worldwide. But there still remains substantial room for expansion, as wind power currently generates less than one percent of total U.S. electricity consumption.

That is but one of the findings in a new report from The U.S. Department of Energy's Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program, which recently released "U.S. Wind Power Installation, Cost, and Performance Trends: 2006." With a particular focus on the trends in 2006, it is hoped that this report fills the need for timely, objective information on the industry and its progress.

For more information read the entire article on RenewableEnergyAccess.com

Businesses Support Solar in the Schools

Xcel Energy announced a $10,000 grant to SEI’s Solar In the Schools teacher training program. This program provides energy education with a focus on renewable energy, conservation, and efficiency to schools located primarily in the Western Slope of Colorado. SEI also received support from Alpine Bank, US Bank, Mason and Morse Realty, Lee Melly, the Aspen Ski Company and SEI’s Sustaining Members. All the support helps us educate youth to be responsible and innovative in their personal energy use.

Middle school teachers still have time to sign up for the first teacher training course provided by SEI this June. The course will run June 26 to June 29 and prepare teachers to implement fun, hands-on, energy curriculum activities with their students that meet Colorado and national science standards.

For more information contact soozie@solarenergy.org

Appropriate Technology in Mexico

SEI is partnering with the International Renewable Resources Institute (IRRI) in Mexico to offer numerous workshops on Appropriate Technology. If you would like to learn how to build a methane biodigestor, harvest rainwater, or purify water with biosand filters, check out the following workshops in beautiful locations throughout Mexico.

• Biodigestors and Rainwater Harvesting: July 5 - 8
• Biosand Water Filters: July 16 - 20
• Water Management and Technology: Sept. 10 - 14

Upcoming Solar Events

The 18th annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair is being held June 15-17 at the ReNew the Earth Institute in Custer, Wisconsin. Since its inception in 1990, the Fair has shown 190,000 fairgoers how to change the world while having fun. The Fair is the world’s largest renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living educational event of its kind.

Solar2007 is right around the corner as well. Being held July 7 - 12 in Cleveland, Ohio, it is the largest and most inclusive solar and renewable energy conference in the U.S. each year. SOLAR 2007 will explore the theme “Sustainable Energy Puts America to Work .” The Conference combines a premiere technical conference, plenary and forum sessions, a Renewable Energy Products and Services exhibit, and workshops, tours and special events of interest to professionals and consumers.

Visit SEI's booth at both these events!

Your Generosity Ensures our Success!

SEI would like to welcome 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 we do and membership dues help sustain our renewable energy endeavors.

Please join us! Membership benefits include (depending on membership level) discounts on workshops, a one year subscription to either Home Power magazine or E magazine, an organic cotton/hemp SEI t-shirt, a SEI bumpersticker, and more!

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

To all SEI members . . . SEI sends thanks!