Banking on the success of last year’s event, which drew a crowd of 3,000, the San Diego Regional Energy Office (SDREO) will sponsor its second annual Solar Energy Week from Sunday, Sept. 24 to Saturday, Sept. 30.
The event, a collaborative effort between local governments, organizations and businesses, will feature educational presentations, solar-powered car races, fuel cell and hybrid cars, solar oven baking and free refreshments. San Diego County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price will speak on solar energy, as well as representatives from the county office, San Diego Gas & Electric and Qualcomm.
Project Wildlife and Skyhunters, San Diego animal rescue and other conservation groups will also be on hand to discuss how energy conservation positively affects the environment.
“Whether you’re a novice or an expert, interested in going green or just want to save money on your energy bill, Solar Energy Week is the perfect way to get the information you need,” said Irene Stillings, executive director of SDREO.
Other activities will include tours of both commercial and residential buildings powered by solar energy and a solar energy conference that will explore legislation, trends, technologies and economics.
According to Tom Geldner, SDREO marketing director, the week of events grew out of the annual San Diego Solar Homes Tour.
“There was so much interest [by the fifth installment], we made the decision to expand it to a whole week,” he said.
The San Diego Regional Energy Office (SDREO) is an independent, nonprofit corporation that helps residents, businesses and public agencies save energy, reduce grid demand and generate their own power through a variety of rebate, technical assistance and education programs.
For more information on Solar Energy Week or to register for the events listed below, visit www.solarweek.sdenergy.org.
“¢ Sunday, Sept. 24, noon to 3 p.m. Family Solar Energy Day will take place in Del Mar at San Dieguito County Park, 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Drive. A variety of solar-powered options will be on display, including solar-power car races and solar oven baking. There will also be several guest speakers. The cost is $2 per car.
“¢ Tuesday, Sept. 26, 7:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The four-hour Commercial Solar Tour showcases various solar technologies at local businesses. Business owners will be available to answer questions. Participants will meet at the San Diego Regional Energy Office, 8520 Tech Way, Ste. 110. The event is free, though registration is required.
“¢ Wednesday, Sept. 27, 8 a.m. The all-day San Diego Solar Energy Conference will address legislation, trends, technologies and economics related to solar energy at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park. The event is free, though registration is required.
“¢ Saturday, Sept. 30, 8 a.m. The seventh annual San Diego Solar Homes Tour will feature more than 30 residences that utilize solar technologies. The self-guided tour is free, but registration is required. The starting location has not yet been determined.