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Energy Connection Newsletter - May 2011

Energy Connections Newsletter

From the Director's Desk

Solar Water Heating Coming Back


Sometimes characterized as the "other" solar technology, solar water heating ( SWH) is poised to make a resurgence in California and across the nation as energy costs increase, concerns over greenhouse gas emissions grow and technologies improve. CCSE's involvement in promoting SWH goes back to 1999, and we have worked on its adoption ever since. And we are not done yet.

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Energy All-Star

CCSE's Marlene King (left) and low-income housing developer Ginger Hitzke hold up the Energy All-Star Award given to the LEED Platinum certified Autumn Terrace Apartments in San Marcos during a community Earth Day event.

 

 

 


Noted Architect to Share Simplicity

Michael Kaufmann says it should be easy to go green

Internationally renowned architect Michelle Kaufmann, noted for designing innovative green homes, will present a noontime seminar titled "Simplicity" from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, June 1, at CCSE. She will discuss how simplicity in design and construction is a core component in creating more sustainable homes and communities.

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First Local Auto Dealer Goes Solar

Carport installation provides power and shadingSANDEE Awards

Drew Ford of La Mesa, the oldest family owned car dealership in San Diego County, switched on a 200- kilowatt solar photovoltaic ( PV) system, the first solar installation at a car dealership in the county, during a ceremony held on Earth Day, April 22. Terry Clapham, CCSE manager of distributed generation, presented general manager Bill Drew a rebate check for $132,272 from the California Solar Initiative.

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Solar Thermal: Training the Trainers

CCSE joins efforts to supply qualified installers

SANDEE Awards

While the popularity of solar water heating grows, thanks to incentives added to the California Solar Initiative last year and increasing consumer demand, there remains a lag in the supply of properly trained workers to install Solar Thermal systems. To help fill this gap, CCSE is participating in a statewide collaborative effort to provide technical education to community college faculty and other public school instructors who want to begin solar training or improve existing programs.

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Symposium on Growing Green Jobs

Experts to explore future of local green marketplace

SANDEE Awards

Despite the enthusiasm for green jobs and the massive investment of federal stimulus dollars, the future of green job growth in the San Diego region remains somewhat unclear. Local jobs experts and business leaders will examine the green marketplace during "Growing Clean, Growing Green, Growing Jobs" from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursday, May 26, at Cuyamaca College.

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Report on Solar Water Heating Pilot

CCSE program helped lead to statewide rebatesSANDEE Awards

A report evaluating the California Solar Water Heating Pilot Program, which CCSE operated in the San Diego area during 2007-09, has been issued that outlines how its success helped lead to a statewide program of rebates for Solar Thermal applications.

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Creating Sustainable Building Envelopes

Passive design concepts achieve energy efficiency

SANDEE Awards

When designing new commercial construction or remodeling an existing building, you can achieve tremendous energy savings by employing relatively simple technologies integrated into the building envelope. Speaking at a recent workshop at CCSE, architect Greg Sharp of Covina, Calif., explained how a building's exterior can passively promote sustainability by controlling energy losses and gains.

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Inside the ERC


CCSE's Energy Resource Library now has its complete catalog of books, DVDs and tools online with advanced hold for items you want to check out. Simply search by subject, author, title, manufacturer, name or type, and if what you want is available, you can put a hold on it until you come by CCSE to complete the check-out process. Go to the library website.

Display
Solaro Day: The Skylight that's Not

Proprietary solar panels made with multicrystalline solar cells that are designed to collect sunlight even on cloudy days and convert it into safe low-voltage, high performing simulated daylight into your home or office. Click here to learn more.

 

Tool
Solar Pathfinder Assistant
5 Software

The Solar Pathfinder Assistant software allows you to quickly create accurate, customizable, data-rich reports for customers and all state rebate programs. Also includes thermal and PV plug-ins.
Click here to learn more.

Book
Green Lighting: How Energy-Efficient Lighting Can Save You Energy and Money and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

This do-it-yourself guide makes it easy to upgrade residential and commercial lighting to reduce costs and environmental impact while maintaining or even improving the quality of the lighting. Filled with step-by-step instructions, Green Lighting shows you how to save money and energy with light-emitting diodes (LEDs), compact fluorescent lighting (CFL), solar lights, windows, skylights, fixtures, controls and other bright ideas.
Click here to learn more.

DVD
"Plastic Planet"


In "Plastic Planet," interviews of the world's foremost experts in biology, pharmacology and genetics shed light on the perils of plastic to our environment and expose the truth of how plastic affects our bodies – and the health of future generations.
Click here to learn more.

 


Policy and Planning

Sunrise Powerlink Transmission
Project (A.06-08-010)

San Diego Gas & Electric ( SDG&E) seeks authority from the California Public Utilities Commission ( CPUC) to construct a 500 kV transmission line in conjunction with several 230 kV transmission lines, expected to run 150 miles between the Imperial Valley to San Diego.
Read updates.
California Solar Initiative,
Self-Generation Incentive Program and Other Distributed Generation Issues (R.10-05-004)

This rulemaking continues the work of R.08-03-008, developing and refining policies, rules and programs for the California Solar Initiative ( CSI) and the Self-Generation Incentive Program ( SGIP) and considering policies for the development of cost-effective, clean and reliable distributed generation ( DG). Read updates.

Event Calendar

Did you know CCSE offers free, ongoing workshops on energy efficiency, solar energy, green building, transportation and climate change? Register now! Click on the links below or call (866) SDENERGY.

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Passing the CSI Inspection Protocol
Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Skip's Tips - Solar Water Heating Workshop
Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Solar for Homeowners 1 - Getting Started
Date: Thursday, May 26, 2011

Energy Upgrade California for Homeowners
Date: Thursday, May 26, 2011

Solar Water Heating Basics for Homeowners
Date: Thursday, May 26, 2011

Simplicity With Architect Michelle Kaufmann
Date: Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Sustainable Fruit Trees - Best Practices for Home and Schools
Date: Thursday, June 2, 2011


Other Events

Electric Vehicle Showcase–CleanTECH San Diego is showcasing electric vehicles from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, at the new LEED Silver certified Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier. Former Indy car champion and EV enthusiast Danny Sullivan will be the keynote speaker. Various EVs and charging stations will be on display. Admission prices vary. For registration, click here.

Carbon Nation – A climate change solutions documentary that shows tackling climate change can boost the economy, increase national and energy security and promote health and a clean environment. "Carbon Nation" premieres in San Diego with director Peter Byck in attendance during two screenings at the Museum of Photographic Arts on Sunday, May 22, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. CCSE affiliates can obtain a $5 discount by purchasing tickets online and entering the code: CCSE. The film will also be shown at the Huntington Beach Central Library on Saturday, May 21.

Climate Conversations – Join Paula Murray from Public Health Services to explore how changes in climate will be an additional force in shaping the public health of San Diego County, the United States, and the world. Then participate in our Climate Conversation to look at where we are now, what may be ahead, and how we can best prepare for the future. The workshop is free and located at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center on Tues., May 24, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. RSVP to 619-238-1233 ext. 847. Learn more by clicking here.


CCSE: In the News

Energy Upgrade California in the San Diego Union-Tribune April 16, 2011


Employee Spotlight

Heather Shepard
Associate Program Manager
Transportation Programs

As a member of the transportation team, Heather Shepard develops and implements programs that accelerate the adoption of alternative-fuel vehicles in California. She manages a vehicle rebate program for taxis and shuttles at the San Diego International Airport and works closely with the San Diego Regional Clean Fuels Coalition and other stakeholder groups.

Prior to joining CCSE, Shepard was a partner at Wiser Ventures where she managed the clean-tech/green practice area providing business development services to start-ups and growing companies in San Diego. Shepard's business experience includes consulting firms, large multinational companies, start-ups and public/private partnerships across a range of industries and technologies. She has a master's degree in international affairs and public policy from UC San Diego and a bachelor's degree in English literature from Wesleyan University.


Monthly GreenTip

Get Ready for AC

It's almost time for air conditioning. Inspect your duct work for any deterioration. You may need a pro to test for leaks. But you can change your filter to keep the air moving. If your house is too hot, don't try to cool it faster by setting the thermostat really low because it runs at fixed rates. If you can, program your thermostat to turn down 30 minutes before you return home each day.



Notable Quotable

"You can make a lot of speeches, but the real thing is when you dig a hole, plant a tree, give it water and make it survive. That's what makes the difference."

- Wangari Maathai, Kenyan environmentalist and political activist


Contact Us

Energy Connection is a monthly e-newsletter of the California Center for Sustainable Energy.

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CCSE Calendar

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Notable & Quotable

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

- Winston Churchill