National News
| 1) New Ideas for Educating the Green Jobs Workforce - A National Conference
"Green" jobs are the foundation for the new clean energy sector emerging across the country. Join us for a unique and timely conference on "New Ideas in Educating a Workforce in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency." This national conference will take place on March 19 and 20, 2008 at Hudson Valley Community College (outside of Albany), New York. 2) DOE's Renewable Energy Forum, February 12, 2008, Washington, DC
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is hosting a forum to provide input on the development of on-site renewable projects at DOE sites. The Department plans to enter into contracts for on-site renewable energy projects. These projects will also help the Department meet (or exceed) the federal renewable requirements in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and Executive Order 13423. 3) The SEPA Utility Survey: A Conversation with Steven Letendre
Last summer, the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) developed a nationwide survey of utilities to develop an unbiased understanding of utility metering and interconnection practices. Collaborating with SEPA was the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and Steven Letendre, Associate Professor of Management and Environmental Studies at Green Mountain College, and frequent collaborator with the Prometheus Institute. Read this newsmaker interview with Letendre. 4) Rhone Resch on NPR's Talk of the Nation/Science Friday 2/1/08
Rhone Resch, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) was joined by Evan Schwartz, author of "Saved by the Sun," a documentary for NOVA. Interviewed by NPR's Ira Flatow for NPR's Talk of the Nation/Science Friday, the 20-minute podcast focused on concentrating solar power (CSP), but other solar thermal technologies were also mentioned. 5) NABCEP Launches Search for Executive Director
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is pleased to announce that it has opened a search for an Executive Director. Submit your resume electronically to Karen Christopher, NABCEP's Operations Manager, by March 1, 2008. 6) WAPA & DOE's GeoPowering the US Announce Two Workshops for '08
Western Area Power Administration (Western) and the US DOE's GeoPowering the US Initiative are hosting two Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) workshops. The first is March 17-18 at the Redwood Falls, MN Community Center. The second is March 20-21 at the Sioux Falls, SD Holiday Inn. 7) NEED Low-Cost Solar Hot Dog Cookers For Your Class?
With school budgets shrinking as fast as our polar ice caps, it is not always easy to come up with hands-on solar projects. Thanks to NEED, the National Energy Education Development project, we used their plans to build the fastest, lowest cost, most portable solar oven not on the market. 8) Solar ABCs: A Primer
The Solar ABCs is one of the major projects of the U.S. DOE's Solar America Initiative (SAI) Market Transformation efforts. The Solar America Board of Codes and Standards (Solar ABCs) is a central body to address solar codes and standards issues. Its activities improve the responsiveness, effectiveness, and accessibility of solar codes and standards to U.S. PV stakeholders at all levels. | State & Local News
| 9) CA: Energize Minds for SMUD's Solar Design Solar Grant Program
SMUD's Solar Grant Program, Energize Minds for Solar Design, provides a limited number of grants to high school and community college educators and students (within SMUD territory) to develop and implement solar projects that help teach about solar technology and practical applications. 10) CO: 2nd Annual Solar Industry Seminar & CoSEIA Conference
Solar Energy International (SEI) is proud to announce the Solar Industry Seminar & CoSEIA Conference taking place at the Marriott in Fort Collins, CO, March 25-29, 2008. SEI will be partnering with CoSEIA again this year to maximize industry networking. CoSEIA will kick off the event with their two day Conference March 25-26. Registration is separate for these two events. 11) FL: FP&L Launches Rebate Program for Residential PV Systems:
Florida Power and Light - Sun Funds Solar Electric (PV) Rebate Program
The Florida Power and Light (FPL) Sun Funds program offers rebates to its residential customers of $1.50 per watt for photovoltaic (PV) systems installed after December 1, 2007. Sun Funds are available on a first come, first served basis and will be distributed until 100 kilowatts (kW) of new solar electric capacity is awarded. Applicants must purchase and install the PV system through a certified licensed solar electric contractor. 12) FL: Tallahassee Utilities Unfurls Rebate Program for SWH Systems
The City of Tallahassee Utilities offers a $450 rebate to homeowners* and homebuilders who install a solar water-heating system. This rebate may be applied to a first-time installation or to the replacement of an older solar water-heating system. Homebuilders may also apply for the rebate when installing a solar water heater on a new home. 13) HI: Sets the U.S. Pace for Green Energy Initiatives
The U.S. Department of Energy and Hawaii signed an agreement on an unprecedented project to produce 70 percent of the state's energy from renewable sources by 2030. 14) HI: Oceanlinx to Provide Electricity from Waves for Maui
At a press conference with Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle on February 4, 2008
Oceanlinx Limited, an Australia-based high-tech company, formally announced
plans to provide electricity to Maui Electric Company from Hawaii's first wave
energy project. 15) MA: Commonwealth Solar Rebates Available
Commonwealth Solar, a program launched in January 2008 by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC), provides rebates for the installation of grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) systems at residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and public facilities. Commonwealth Solar rebates are available to electricity customers served by the following Massachusetts investor-owned electric utilities: Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light (Unitil), National Grid, NSTAR Electric and Western Massachusetts Electric. Non-residential projects are eligible for rebates for PV projects up to 500 kilowatts (kW) in capacity, and residential projects are eligible for incentives for systems up to 5 kW. Larger PV systems are eligible for rebates, but only for the first 500 kW (DC) for non-residential systems and for the first 5 kW (DC) for residential systems. The minimum project size is 1 kW-DC (STC). 16) NY: NYSERDA Issues New Guidelines for PV Incentive Program
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) provides incentives of $3 to $5 per watt (DC) to eligible installers for the installation of approved, grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. The maximum capacity supported by the program is 50 kW for non-residential systems and 10 kW for residential systems. During 2008 and 2009, this program will provide $13.8 million in funding for PV systems. 17) NY: NYSERDA Launches Incentive Program for Customer-Sited Fuel Cells
Under PON 1150 The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers incentives for the purchase, installation, and operation of customer sited tier (CST, also called "behind the meter") fuel cell systems used for electricity production. Because such systems will help fulfill the CST component of the state RPS requirement, eligibility for incentives is generally limited to customers who pay the RPS surcharge on their electricity bills.
News from Solar America Cities 18) CUNY Joins Statewide Solar Effort to Promote Research, Eco Devo and Jobs; Looking for Solar Coordinator
The City of New York, a Solar America City, participated in a press event recently with the Solar Energy Consortium (TSEC) to create a new research and economic development partnership between solar energy companies and academic institutions across the state, in order to dramatically advance the solar industry in New York. The City is looking for a Solar Coordinator to implement New York City's new Solar City Partnership. This two year position would include efforts to rapidly build New York City's solar market, develop and implement strategies to address solar energy market risks, and integrate solar energy into the City's long-term planning. The Coordinator would be a key member of a network of staff from New York City agencies, the US Department of Energy, and twelve other Solar Cities from around the country working on the Solar America Initiative Solar City Partnership. | | Grants/RFPs | | 
19) NYSERDA Funding Opportunities
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has several Program Opportunity Notices (PONs) on the street, including: - PON 1124: Clean Energy Business Growth & Development offers $6M for three rounds intended to help clean energy companies achieve success, grow and develop new markets through expanding their business, attracting new companies to New York, etc. Due dates are 8/4/08. For information contact: Vicki Colello, vac@nyserda.org or 518-862-1090, xt. 3273.
- PON 1176: Renewable, Clean Energy, and Energy Efficiency Product Manufacturing Incentive Program offers $10M to expand the level of manufacturing of renewable, clean, and energy-efficient products in New York State. Proposals will be accepted through June 30, 2011 by 5:00pm (ET) or until funds run out, whichever is first. Proposals will be evaluated on a first come, first served basis as they are received. Contact Jennifer Harvey at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3264 or jlh@nyserda.org.
To see full details on any of these solicitations, visit the NYSERDA website and scroll through the listings to find them. 20) SMUD Releases 2008 Renewable Energy RFO
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) has released a Request for Offers (RFO) of renewable energy for power purchase agreements (PPA). Proposals are due April 7, 2008. 21) SPS Issues RFP for Solar, Biomass, Geothermal, Other Energy
The RFP seeks approximately 40 - 50 MW of solar and 9-12 MW of biomass/geothermal/other, with commercial operation dates beginning on or before January 2011. For those planning to submit a proposal in response to this RFP, email a completed NOIB form by Monday, March 3. Although NOIB forms are not required as a prerequisite to bidding, they are strongly encouraged. Proposals must be submitted by: Monday, May 5th, 2008 - 5:00 Mountain Time. | Other News
| 22) IREC Offers NABCEP Solar Thermal Exam Prep Training
On Monday and Tuesday, February 11-12, 2008, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) will offer a web-based Preparatory Training for the NABCEP Solar Thermal Exam. This workshop will prepare individuals for the NABCEP Solar Thermal Certification Exam on March 15, 2008. 23) Rahus Institute Announces Upcoming Solar Forums
The Rahus Institute has arranged to host a series of California Solar Center -Solar Forums in early 2008: February 8th (Northern California/Pleasant Hill). The Solar Forum is open to all parties interested in learning about current issues regarding Solar Energy policy and development in California and an opportunity to network with others in the field. Topics for both forums include a review of the California Incentive Programs, a review of metering/monitoring performance reporting tools and services, a PV simulator, the Solar Schoolhouse and other relevant and timely topics. Online registration. Lunch will be provided. 24) WIREC 2008: March 4-6, Washington, DC
The U.S. Government will host the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC 2008) at the Washington, DC Convention Center on March 4-6, 2008. The American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE), and the leading U.S. renewable energy trade associations will host the Trade Show to be co-located with WIREC 2008. The Trade Show at WIREC 2008 is anticipated to be the largest business to business and business to government conference and exposition ever held on renewable energy in the U.S. It will be global in scope, hosting exhibitors, speakers and delegates from more than 70+ countries from around the world. 25) Jennifer Malinowsky Leaves GLREA for Michigan State U
GLREA announced recently that Jennifer Malinowski, GLREA's brilliant, competent program manager, has taken a new position as the Academic Specialist, Environmental Sciences for the Learning Resource Center at Michigan State University. On a personal note, I had the pleasure to work with Jennifer on a number of projects with GLREA, including its ISPQ accreditation process. Jennifer was instrumental in preparing the materials necessary for accreditation. Her background work was impeccable. I'll miss her. If you need to contact GLREA regarding past work with Jennifer, please call and speak with Jeremy Wittrock or Jennifer Alvarado at 517-646-6269 or email info@glrea.org. Best of luck, Jennifer. 26) NESEA's Building Energy '08 Conference March 11-13, 2008
NESEA's 33rd annual conference will be held at the Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, March 11-13, 2008. NESEA says the updated conference website will be updated later this month. Stay tuned. 27) 2008 Workforce Education Conference at Hudson Valley Community College, Troy NY
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is pleased to announce the second National Conference on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Workforce Education to take place the week of March 17, 2008 at Hudson Valley Community College outside of Albany, New York.
| Upcoming Events
| NOTE: For details about these and other upcoming events throughout the year, click the calendar icon on IREC's home page. 28) Feb. 11-12 IREC's Solar Thermal Exam Prep Course for NABCEP Exam, Webinar 29) Feb. 12 SEPA Call Seminar: PV Installations in Germany - Same Technology, Lower Costs 30) Feb. 16 GLREA Introductory Renewable Energy Seminar, Ann Arbor, MI 31) Feb. 19-21 Power-Gen 2008, Las Vegas, NV 32) Feb. 20-21 2008 National Electricity Development Forum, Washington, DC 33) Feb. 23 GLREA Intermediate Solar Heating Seminar, Dimondale, MI 34) Mar. 1 GLREA Introductory Renewable Energy Seminar, East Lansing 35) Mar. 4-6 WIREC 2008, Washington, DC 36) Mar. 11-13 NESEA Building Energy '08 Conference, Boston, MA 37) Mar. 15 NABCEP PV and Solar Thermal Certification Exams, TBD 38) Mar. 17-18 Geothermal Heat Pump Workshops, Redwood Falls, MN 39) Mar. 18-20 Workforce Development Conference, Troy, NY 40) Mar. 20-21 Geothermal Heat Pump Workshops, Sioux Falls, SD 41) Mar. 27 SEPA Call Seminar: Decoupling Utility Profit from Sales - Issues for the Photovoltaic Industry 42) Mar. 25-29 CoSEIA Annual Meeting & Conference and SEI Solar Industry Seminar, Ft. Collins, CO 43) Apr. 7-8 EIA's Annual Energy Conference, Washington, 44) Apr. 10 SEPA Call Seminar: 2007 Solar Year in Review and Future Trends 45) Apr. 12 GLREA Intermediate PV Seminar, Dimondale, MI 46) Apr. 14-16 Solar America Initiative Annual Meeting, Tucson, AZ 47) Apr. 14-16 Windustry's Community Wind Energy 2008, Albany, NY 48) Apr. 19 GLREA Intermediate Wind Seminar, Dimondale, MI 49) Apr. 21-24 IEEE T&D Conference & Expo, Chicago, IL 50) Apr. 30-May 2 28th Annual Utility Energy Forum, Tahoe City, CA 51) May 3-8 Solar 2008: ASES Annual Conference, San Diego, CA 52) May 8 SEPA Call Seminar: Utility Solar Business Models - Final Report 53) May 11-16 IEEE PV Specialists Conference, San Diego, CA 54) May 17 GLREA Introductory Renewable Energy Seminar, Hastings, MI 55) May 21-22 Fuel Cell 2008, Long Beach, CA 56) June 1-4 Wind Power 2008, Houston, TX 57) June 3 Small Wind Stakeholders Meeting, WINDPOWER 2008, Houston 58) June 20-22 19th MREA Energy Fair, Custer, WI 59) June 26 SEPA Call Seminar: National PV Incentive Program Survey - What do Solar Customers Think? 60) June 27-29 Michigan Energy Fair, Onekama, MI 61) Oct. 5-8 Geothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting, Reno, NV 62) Oct. 13 IREC Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA 63) Oct. 13-16 Solar Power 2008, San Diego, CA |
| About this Newsletter/How to Subscribe
| The State & Stakeholder Newsletter is published electronically on a semi-monthly basis by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. To subscribe to this newsletter, click here and follow the instructions. There is no fee for subscriptions. If you have comments or news items, please send them to Jane Pulaski. Disclaimer: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process that is referred to or linked to in this newsletter. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply IREC's endorsement or recommendation.
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