California Center for Sustainable Energy

From the Director's Desk
Where does solar fit in for 2010?

Looking ahead to 2010, this is a great time to be optimistic about the continued rapid expansion of solar energy installations. Recent legislative actions and continued tax credits, along with upcoming innovative financing options and new rebates, will give a big push to the marketplace. Read more.

Brighten Your Future at SEW 09
It's a great time to learn about being energy independent

Solar Energy Week 2009 puts solar power in the San Diego spotlight by bringing together residents and business owners with solar experts, suppliers and installers to explore the benefits of using sunlight for electricity and water heating. This week of events offers a day-long solar conference, tours of solar homes and commercial installations and a fun Family Solar Day. Read more.

Solar Program Reports Successes
Installations on track to produce record-setting year

So far, 2009 is a record-setting year for solar projects funded by the California Solar Initiative ( CSI) launched in January 2007 as the nation’s largest solar incentive program. Statewide, May was the highest month ever for new solar installations (1,444), and June was the busiest month on record for CCSE’s residential CSI program with more than 350 applications. Read more.

Solar Water Heating Set for Big Boost
Programs & workshops contribute to solar water heating

Making the decision to install solar water heating, as part of new construction or as a retrofit, should become easier in 2010 as California implements the Solar Water Heating Efficiency Act, which would establish an estimated $368 million incentive program with the goal of installing 200,000 systems by 2017. Read more.

Inside This Issue:

From the Director's Desk: Sustainability – Where does solar fit in for 2010?

Brighten Your Future at Solar Energy Week

California’s Solar Program Reports Successes

Solar Water Heating Set for Big Boost in 2010

CCSE has Large Positive Carbon Impact

UCSD to Receive $11 Million for Fuel Cell Energy

New California Gray Water Code Adopted

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.

Residential Energy Efficiency And Solar - Reduce Then Produce
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009

Solar Water Heating Basics For Homeowners
Date: Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009

Green Roofs
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009

Intro To Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing
Date: Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009

Zero Cost Energy Enhancements For Control Systems
Date: Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009

Solar Shade Workshop
Date: Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009

SOLAR ENERGY WEEK 2009
Date: Sept 27-Oct. 3 , 2009

Solar Energy Week Solar Conference
Date: Thursday, Sept. 29, 2009

Employee Spotlight

Katrina Phruksukarn
Solar Water Heating Pilot Program Manager
California Solar Initiative

Katrina Phruksukarn is the manager of CCSE’s Solar Water Heating Pilot Program. She is responsible for administrating the current program in San Diego (scheduled to end in December 2009), managing a program for the City of Palo Alto and contributing to planning for a statewide solar water heating incentive program. Read more.

Greening Your World^SM Monthly Tip

Keep Your Panels Clean –
Solar photovoltaic panels are easy to maintain, requiring little or no upkeep, while supplying decades of electricity from sunlight. They won’t live up to their energy potential, however, unless they are kept clean. Dirt and dust on a solar panel reduces its output.

How often solar panels need cleaning depends on what’s near the system. Every other month will probably be enough, unless conditions warrant more frequent washing. Construction can produce lots of particulates and dust, as can a desert wind or ash from a wildfire. If the panels look dusty or dirty, cleaning them is simple.

If the dirt is not caked on, stand on the ground and spray a stream of water from a garden hose onto the rooftop panels. Or use a soft rag on the end of a long pole to wipe them off. If there are stubborn bird droppings or other dirt that won’t spray off, get on the roof. Just wash the panels with nonabrasive soap and water – taking care not to slip off the wet roof.

While washing solar panels, take note of any new tree branches or other things that may be obstructing sunlight. Shade is a solar panel’s #1 enemy!

Notable Quotable

"Clearly, we need more incentives to quickly increase the use of wind and solar power; they will cut costs, increase our energy independence and our national security and reduce the consequences of global warming."

- Hillary Rodham Clinton,
67th US Secretary of State

Consider Your Commuting Choices

Help us STAND FOR LESS. So that everyone can enjoy life more.

Go to work, but leave your car at home during Rideshare Week, Oct. 5-9, a statewide event encouraging commuters to make alternative choices such as carpooling, walking, bicycling and telecommuting. Using alternative transportation, even if only one day a week, helps relieve San Diego’s congested streets and highways, saves money on gas and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. You can find effective options to driving by visiting the RideLink.511sd.com website, sponsored by the San Diego Association of Governments. You can use the new “Ride Matcher” to locate a carpool partner and be entered into a prize drawing, or learn how to start a new vanpool and receive a free $100 gas card. Employers are invited to a Rideshare Week forum on company commuter programs on Oct. 7. For details on the forum, contact Deborah Jones at 619-699-6988 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Please take a few minutes today and join us at www.standforless.com.

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

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