Second Global Solar Day Announced
The organizers of SolarDay 2010 have announced that this year's global event will be held on June 19, 2010. In addition, SunPower Corp. a is the official photovoltaic (PV) sponsor. SolarDay is a global day of recognition and celebration of solar energy, sustainability, energy independence and protection of our planet.
SolarDay 2010 will include local events throughout the U.S. publicizing renewable energy programs and providing information to the public. The objective is to drive awareness of the many benefits solar power offers and the financial incentives available for residential and commercial customers.
Many U.S. cities have renewable energy and conservation programs. SolarDay offers cities, at no cost, information to create local SolarDay 2010 events. Non-profits are also provided complimentary assistance to plan their events, including fundraising tips. The use of the SolarDay 2010 logo is provided to governments and non-profits at no cost.
With rising energy costs, SolarDay 2010 will provide useful information for consumers, such as information on energy audits , solar rebates (and how they vary by location and state), suggested SolarDay community events, and links to informative U.S. and state government websites related to energy conservation.
John Reed, San Francisco-based director of SolarDay 2010 said: "More and more people are adopting greener lifestyles, including the use of solar power. You see green in the cars we drive, the consumer products we buy, the everyday things we do - from recycling to building greener homes and commercial buildings - and the intensive interest in lowering our energy costs and energy conservation.
"Solar is clean, green, renewable energy. Nearly half of U.S. electricity is generated by coal-fired power plants; nearly 83percent of China's electricity generation comes from burning coal.
"Government support on the state and federal level has been crucial. In California, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the California Solar Initiative (CSI) rebates (as well as city and county rebates, if available) reduce the cost of a solar installation by nearly half. Another innovative new funding program, PACE (now in 16 states) can allow existing home and business owners to pay for their solar installations through their property taxes.
"With every sunrise we have the opportunity to move in the direction of energy independence and sustainability wherever we live in the U.S."
