In this issue
		Energy Services Bulletin home page
		Recycling promotion highlights energy efficiency, local resources
		MHA Nation tackles wind development one step at a time
		ACORE committee provides renewable energy forum for utilities
		Schools, forests, taxpayers all win with Fuels for Schools
		Utilities join projects to promote energy-efficient homes
		SOLAR 2006 focuses on renewable energy's role in climate recovery
		Automated meter reading spreads through Western territory
		Nebraska utility, university partner on energy research center
		Western plans workshops to demystify power factor
		New Equipment Loan manager brings experience, plans to job
		Topics from the Power Line: Powering irrigation with renewable energy
		Energy shorts
		Technology spotlight: Pressure-independent valves - Do they save energy?
		Calendar of events

Solar 2006 focuses on renewable energy's role in climate recovery

ASES's annual convention will take place at the Adams Mark Hotel in Denver, July 7 through 13. (Artwork by American Solar Energy Society)

The old saying, "Everybody talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it," will be upended July 7 through 13, when energy professionals, environmental experts and policy makers come together at SOLAR 2006 – the National Solar Conference, hosted by the American Solar Energy Society and the Colorado Renewable Energy Society.

This year's conference theme, "Renewable Energy: Key to Climate Recovery," will focus on climate change and highlight the role of renewable resources and energy efficiency in reducing U.S. carbon emissions. "The power industry has the opportunity to take the lead in reducing greenhouse gases," said Communications Consultant Phil von Hake, who is promoting SOLAR 2006. "The conference schedule showcases the options and resources available to utilities wondering where to begin."

Location sets example

ASES is holding the annual event in Denver, a location that is significant for a number of reasons.

Mayor John Hickenlooper recently announced plans to build a large, urban solar plant to provide power for the city jail. Denver is among several Colorado municipalities to have a climate change policy, including Aspen, Boulder, Fort Collins and Steamboat Springs. Delta Montrose Electric Association and Holy Cross Energy are just two examples of co-ops with innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.

Colorado is home to premier research institutions studying renewable energy and climate change, including the NREL National Center for Photovoltaics, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

The conference also coincides with a kick-off to implement Colorado's Amendment 37, the nation's first citizen-initiated renewable portfolio standard. "More states are adopting RPSs and some are increasing their original standards," said Renewable Energy Program Manager Randy Manion. "Utilities will be looking for ways to meet those requirements. The more they know about renewable power and the issues surrounding the different resources, the better their decisions will be—for the industry and the consumer."

Sessions address utility concerns

Several workshops and technical sessions on the conference agenda directly address issues concerning power providers.

"Introduction to Distributed Power Systems," July 8, will compare solar and renewable power systems with fuel-based distributed power systems. Participants will learn about different system designs, principles of operation and applications, compare combined heat and power systems, and examine renewable hydrogen as a replacement for fossil fuels.

"PV Technology, Performance, Market Costs to 2020," July 9, is a comprehensive course covering cell technology, performance and manufacturing costs of photovoltaics. Case studies emphasizing the integration of PV elements as part of the building skin will be presented. The program concludes with a forecast of the industry to 2010.

Technical sessions of interest to utilities include "PV Utility Interactions," on the challenges of very large-scale deployment of grid-connected PV, and "Economics and Finance," an economic assessment of alternative energy.

Mayor Hickenlooper; Dr. Dan Arvizu, NREL director; Amory B. Lovins, chief executive officer of Rocky Mountain Institute; and former U.S. Senator Timothy Wirth will speak at the opening plenary session. Other plenary speakers will include Dr. James Hansen of NASA, Dr. Warren Washington of NCAR, former CIA Director James Woolsey, prominent researchers and academics, and notable professionals from the solar, electric, engineering and financial fields. Following the conference, proceedings from the various climate change sessions will be published in a special report.

Exhibits, tours round out schedule

The SOLAR 2006 Exhibit Hall offers the opportunity to exchange information, launch products and close deals. More than 100 manufacturers, installers, dealers and consultants will be on hand to answer practical questions about purchasing and installing renewable energy systems. Attendees will also be able to meet and talk to representatives from groups such as the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and North Carolina Solar Center.

ASES has scheduled tours of NREL and NCAR facilities, along with a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park and a whitewater rafting tour on the Arkansas River. The events will allow conference attendees to sample some of Colorado's famous natural beauty, and "remind them of what we need to protect," added von Hake.

The chance to combine a little recreation with top-level professional development is the kind of efficiency that should interest busy professionals, observed Manion. "It's the one place where utility representatives can learn about solar programs and technologies and make very useful solar contacts in only a few days. SOLAR 2006 is a once-in-a-year opportunity."

For information about sponsorship or exhibiting, contact Becky Campbell-Howe, operations director for the American Solar Energy Society, at 303-443-3130 ext. 103.