Community News

Upcoming Solar Conference Features Tech Exposition

Presented by the Solar Electric Power Association and the Solar Energy Industries Association, UPEx 2003: Solar Power Experience Conference & Technology Exhibition will be held October 7-10 at the Marriott Mountain Shadows Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Highlights of the conference include keynote speaker Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and a tech exposition showcasing solar products and services. Some of the topics at the conference will be:
• Power for Critical Resources and Energy Security
• Home Builders: Building PV into New Homes
• Broader Renewable Mandates and the Role of PV
• Structuring State Solar Programs: RPSs, buy-downs and other options
• Off-Grid: Providing Power Where There Is No Grid
• Creative Business Partnership Models
• Utility-Scale Solar
• Sustainable Zero Energy Buildings

For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org/upex/default.cfm.

New Arizona Community to Feature 487 Off-Grid Homes

GreenWood Ranch Estates east of Kingman, Arizona, has opened what will become a community of 487 five-acre ranchettes, each equipped with a 1.65-kilowatt solar electric power system. Each home uses propane to power its furnace, refrigerator, range and oven, and the electric water heater can be upgraded to propane

PerfectPower Inc., an alternative energy corporation and SEIA member, was awarded the contract to provide power systems for GreenWood Ranch Estates. Home prices will begin under $100,000. For more information, visit www.66greenwood.com.

DOE Names 2005 Solar Decathlon Teams

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced the selection of 20 university teams to compete in the 2005 Solar Decathlon. In its 2002 premier, the Solar Decathlon featured 14 teams of students competing to design and build a solar-powered house. Similar to the 2002 event, the 2005 Solar Decathlon will be held at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The teams will have to build their homes and then operate them for a week using only solar energy.

The Solar Decathlon is made up of 10 contests, most of which focus on solar energy and energy efficiency, including space heating and cooling, hot water, lighting, refrigeration, and appliances. Also, additional credits are awarded for any extra energy a house can generate to charge an electric vehicle. For more information, visit www.eere.energy.gov/solar_decathlon/.

To submit an news item, click here.