SEPA
SOLAR ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION
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The Solar Electric Power Association SEPA is comprised of over 560 utilities and solar industry members. From national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA is the go-to resource for unbiased and actionable solar intelligence. Breaking down information overload into business reality, SEPA takes the time and risk out of implementing solar business plans and helps turn new technologies into new opportunities.
We`re Hiring!
Early Bird Deadline Extended to July 2 for Utility Solar Conference/Detailed Agenda Now Posted!
Register before July 2 to save $100. Register three or more attendees at once and take an additional 15% off! Detailed Agenda with Speakers Now Posted at www.utilitysolarconference.com
SEPA`s Utility Solar Conference is a two-day conference open only to utility employees. The comprehensive educational content is being designed BY utilities FOR utilities, targeting employees across departments with a role in solar program and project development and implementation, from executives to distribution engineers to program marketers. Visit UtilitySolarConference.com for full details.
Registration Opens for Solar Power International `09 in Anaheim, CA
Largest B2B Solar Event Expected to Draw 25,000 People from 90 Countries; 650 Companies Snap Up Nearly Double Last Year`s Exhibit Space; Expo Floor to Occupy 200,000 Net Square Feet at Anaheim Convention Center
Registration is now open for Solar Power International 2009, the largest business-to-business solar conference and expo in North America. Presented by Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Solar Power International 2009 will take place October 27 - 29 at the Anaheim Convention Center. As of today, the show has already attracted more than 650 exhibitors, up from 425 exhibitors in 2008. Total exhibit hall floor space this year is 200,000 net sq. ft., with 167,000 net sq. ft. (more than 83 percent) already booked. This represents growth of more than double the size of last year`s show. Judging by these early booking numbers, organizers are confident of another advance sell out of both exhibit space and registration. New this year, the show floor - which covers all solar technologies and all parts of the solar supply chain - will be segmented by product type, making the show easy to navigate for businesses looking to build and expand relationships.
Press Release Full Details Registration
SEPA Offers Scholarships for Utility Execs and Public Utility Commissioners to Attend the Utility Solar Conference and/or Solar Power International
We are pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships for utility executives to attend SEPA`s First Annual Utility Solar Conference in San Jose, July 28-29th or Solar Power International in Anaheim, CA, October 27-29th. The scholarships are intended to encourage attendance of utility staff who would not otherwise be able to participate due to budgetary and/or travel restrictions. Municipal, cooperative, investor-owned, and utility association staff are all eligible to apply. Geographic location, utility-type, and SEPA membership status will be considered to ensure a diversity of recipients. Deadlines: USC - June 26; SPI - July 8. Details.
In addition, a limited number of scholarships are available for Public Utility Commissioners to Solar Power International. The scholarships are intended to encourage attendance of elected or appointed commissioners who would not otherwise be able to participate due to budgetary and/or travel restrictions. Deadline for application: July 8. Details.
SEPA Releases Top Ten Solar Rankings Report for 2008
Report Illustrates Power Industry`s Adoption of Solar Electricity
Today, the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) issued a report demonstrating that the industry has made major strides amidst a tough economic climate. SEPA`s "2008 Top Ten Utility Solar Integration Rankings" report identifies the utilities in the U.S. that have the most significant amounts of solar electricity integrated into their portfolio, and records the increased collaboration of the U.S. electric utility and solar energy industries. The report shows that the utility segment is making a major investment to increase the amount of solar energy in power portfolios, with many utilities doubling the amount of solar power in their portfolio in just one year. The overall installed solar capacity of the top ten ranked utilities rose from 711 megawatts to 882 megawatts, reflecting 25 percent growth. Ninety-two utilities participated in this year`s survey, an increase of more than 80 percent over last year, showing that the utility industry`s interest in solar power is stronger than ever.
Duke Energy and State Regulators Reach Agreement on Utility-Owned Distributed Solar Program
New "Distributed Solar Power Plant" Model Moving Forward in North Carolina
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) commends the leadership of Duke Energy for finding common ground with the North Carolina Utilities Commission and reaching an agreement to move forward on the proposed $50 million utility-owned distributed photovoltaic (PV) program, the first of its kind in the southeastern United States. Under the terms of the agreement, Duke Energy will commission up to 10 megawatts of roof- and ground-mounted PV systems located on utility property, businesses, and homes, leasing customer roof space with the PV systems sending all of the electricity back into the electric grid. The customer`s electric bill will remain unchanged but they will receive economic compensation from the lease. Read the full SEPA Media Statement.
Two New SEPA Educational Programs Announced for
Utilities Exploring Solar Options
SEPA Releases Details on 2009 Fact Finding Mission and Utility Solar Conference
Read the full Press Release
Solar Fact Finding Mission for Utility Decision Makers, Spain, May 17-22
From May 17th to 22nd SEPA will lead a delegation of utility executives and managers to Spain to learn about the country`s experience with both photovoltaics and concentrating solar power. The group will meet with Spanish utilities, regulators and solar companies, and will also tour commercial installations and research facilities. Full details of the Fact Finding Mission may be downloaded here. Utilities should apply to participate in the Fact Finding Mission no later than Friday, March 20th.
SEPA Utility Solar Conference, San Jose, July 28-29
SEPA`s Utility Solar Conference (USC) is a two day conference open only to utility employees interested in exploring how to develop a viable long-term solar strategy of benefit to all stakeholders. USC provides a forum that allows them to share information, exchange ideas, and talk through the details of various strategies and business models in a safe environment free of outside influences. Electric utility employees can learn more and register online.
Organizers of America`s Largest Solar Conference and Expo Announce the Opening of Exhibit Space Sales to Public
Brisk Pace of Solar Power International`s First Day of Exhibit Sales Defies Economic Downturn
On Tuesday, February 24, Solar Power International organizers quietly opened exhibit space sales to the general public and by the end of the day had booked an astonishing 100 new exhibitors (in addition to the 308 "priority points" exhibitors who had already secured space in advance of the public sale date). In spite of current economic realities, it appears the sixth year of this quintessential industry event, which will be held in Anaheim, California, October 27-29, will prove to be another for the record books. According to the show organizers, Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the exhibit floor is expected to sell out quickly as potentially 650 companies from around the world gather to showcase their technologies. To date, 128,000 net square feet has been sold-more than last year`s overall total of 87,000 net square feet-to a total of 408 exhibitors.* Overall attendance is expected to top 25,000 in 2009. Press Release
SEPA Statement on Gainesville Regional Utilities` Feed-In Tariff
Municipal Utility Looks to Stimulate Economic Development, Diversify Renewable Resources, and Simplify Solar Deployment with New Program
On Thursday, February 5th, 2009 the Gainesville, Florida City Commission voted in favor of a feed-in tariff (FIT) proposed by Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU), making it an historic day for both the city and the utility. The GRU FIT is very similar to the FIT incentive structure implemented in Germany and will pay as much as 32 ¢/kWh with a 20 year contract for solar electric systems feeding into the GRU grid, resulting in an estimated 5% - 10% after tax return on investment. Press Statement.
Industry News
Solar Thermal Energy News - RenewableEnergyWorld.comRenewable Energy News Headlines provided by RenewableEnergyWorld.com - the leading online publisher of renewable energy news and information world-wide.
VC Investment in Green Tech Up to US $1.2B in Q2
Greentech Media Inc. this week released quarterly data showing that venture capital investment in green technologies totaled US $1.2 billion in 85 deals in the second quarter of 2009. This is up from $836 million in 59 deals in the first quarter of 2009.
Nominations Open for Lifetime Leadership Awards
People who know worthy nominees for the Building Efficiency Lifetime Leadership (BELL) award are encouraged to visit http://bit.ly/BELLdoc to review the nomination criteria and download the award nomination form.
Funding for a wide range of energy related projects
View SEPA`s Full 2009
WEBINAR SERIES
Recent SEPA Reports
SEPA Issues Challenge to Utility and Solar Industries
Watch Julia Hamm`s address at Solar Power International 2008.
SEPA Executive Director on Fox Business
Arnold Schwarzenegger Delivers Surprise Speech at Solar Power International 2008
Visit the Solar Power International Website
Find a Local Solar Installer
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Featured Member
Madison Gas & Electric
» www.mge.com
Member since 2000
Madison Gas & Electric (MGE) operates 16 PV systems, for a total of 52 kW, to study and communicate their economic benefits and technical performance. Each of the 10 area high schools hosts one of these systems. Monitoring equipment allows students to keep track of energy output and weather information on MGE`s website. Teachers, school district staff, MGE and the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) staff have created educational materials and conduct teacher training to make the most out of this learning opportunity. In addition to operating PV systems, MGE a offers new solar buy-back rate called Clean Power Partners. Participants receive 25 cents per kWh for 100% of the output from their solar system. This premium is paid for by participants in MGE`s optional green pricing program. This has resulted the installation of about 150 kW of new PV capacity in the first six months.