Local nonprofit and solar industry experts help in the quest to 100 percent clean energy
On October 6, the first San Diego Clean Energy Fair will provide the public a series of free, educational workshops and activities focused on ways San Diegans can transition to 100 percent clean energy. The event will be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the San Diego Electrical Training Center, an educational facility jointly run by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 569 and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) San Diego. The San Diego Clean Energy Fair is a collaboration between dozens of local nonprofit advocacy organizations, solar and energy storage experts as well as electric vehicle professionals. Together, they will provide accurate information and education about solar power, energy storage, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, workforce development and more.
“The city of San Diego’s Climate Action Plan calls for moving to 100 percent clean energy, which is key to stopping climate change and improving quality of life,” said Sophie Wolfram, director of programs at Climate Action Campaign, “The San Diego Cleans Energy Fair is a place for locals to learn about how they can make an impact and can voice their support for clean energy options.”
The San Diego Clean Energy Fair will offer workshops to homeowners new to solar as well as homeowners who already have solar and are interested in adding battery storage or an electric vehicle to their home. Certified energy practitioners will speak about how solar and energy storage work, warranties, if solar will work for your home, incentives and as well as what you need to know about the recent San Diego Gas & Electric rate increase as it pertains to solar.
Workshops for businesses and institutions include Commercial Solar 101 and Commercial Energy Storage Solutions. Case studies will highlight different local solar projects on San Diego organizations, including the largest solar power system in Major League Baseball for the San Diego Padres.
IBEW Local 569 will lead a session about the San Diego Electrical Joint Apprenticeship for those interested in getting into the solar industry as electricians. The documentary “Catching the Sun” will be shown and there will be solar-related activities for children. Additionally, there will be a cleantech fair where San Diegans can speak directly with solar-related manufacturers as well as nonprofits engaged in local advocacy to make San Diego a brighter community.
Solar paired with an electric vehicle allows families to run their home and car by the power of the sun. For those interested in learning more about plug-in cars, the event will include the Electric Vehicle Showcase and Test Drive, featuring cars from local dealerships. Electric vehicle enthusiasts from the Electric Auto Association of San Diego will also be at the event, sharing their experience.
“We have the technology, skill and financing to move to a 100 percent clean energy future, and the San Diego Clean Energy Fair is giving local families and businesses the tools to be part of the solution,” said Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power, a co-host of the fair, “We have the ability to show the rest of the world that we can ditch fossil fuels and create a brighter future.”
Event coordinators say come prepared to learn and have fun at the San Diego Clean Energy Fair with food, raffles, goodie bags and more. This event is kid friendly and free to the public. For more details about workshop times and to RSVP, please visit www.cleanenergyfair.org.
