SAN DIEGO SOLAR EXPERIENCE KICKOFF SLATED TO ENERGIZE RESIDENTS IN 2019

Local nonprofit and solar industry experts come together in Ramona to launch a new year of clean energy education

East County News Service

February 4, 2019 (San Diego) -- The third annual San Diego Solar Experience Kickoff returns to sunny San Diego on Saturday, February 9. The event, beginning with a presentation at the Ramona Public Library at 11 a.m., will unite residents with local cleantech businesses and nonprofits to piece together the puzzle of new clean energy policy and share insights into what’s changing in renewable energy in 2019. As policy changes and our communities continue to implement plans that achieve our climate goals, it's both necessary and difficult to remain informed. The San Diego Solar Experience Kickoff event aims to conquer this challenge.

Participants of the San Diego Solar Experience Kickoff event can attend one of the three county-wide seminars in Ramona, Carlsbad and Chula Vista, where they will learn from nationally certified energy practitioners and nonprofit experts on the facts and benefits of gaining energy independence.

The day culminates with a central celebration at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 569 (IBEW Local 569) in San Diego, where guests can enjoy a cleantech expo, nonprofit advocacy corner, electric vehicle showcase and test drives, keynote presentation and complimentary meet-and-greet cocktail hour. Here, renewable energy advocates will be available to provide key insight into going solar in 2019 and answer questions about San Diego’s clean energy goals. Event partners include SanDiego350, Surfrider Foundation San Diego, Sierra Club San Diego, Sullivan Solar Power, Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego, Panasonic Solar, San Diego Climate Action Network and many more organizations. 

A major force in the world of clean energy policy, California State Assemblymember Todd Gloria, will be delivering the keynote presentation at IBEW Local 569.  Gloria is a long-time supporter of clean energy. He began working on the city's current Climate Action Plan while serving as interim mayor in 2013 and 2014. His work propelled San Diego to the forefront of communities for clean energy and set the stage for the state of California to adopt Senate Bill 100 in 2018, moving the state to 100 percent clean energy by 2045. 

“California would not have passed Senate Bill 100 if the city of San Diego did not adopt its current Climate Action Plan,” said Assemblymember Gloria at a recent event, “We led here in San Diego, and as a result, we created the space to allow the state to think about what the future looks like for all of us.”

Following Assemblymember Gloria’s keynote address at the San Diego Solar Experience Kickoff celebration, there will be a question and answer session with Nicole Capretz, Executive Director of Climate Action Campaign and Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power.

“For nearly 15 years Sullivan Solar Power has been fighting to move San Diego to 100 percent clean energy to show the world we do not need to depend on fossil fuels to power our homes, businesses and vehicles,” said Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power. “The San Diego Solar Experience Kickoff will relay to residents exactly what they can do to commit to 100 percent clean on an individual level while providing information and tools needed to join the solar energy revolution.”

This one-day educational initiative is happening at a pivotal time for renewable energy. As cities and states catch on to the environmental, social and financial benefits of renewable energy, more and more climate action plans are calling for 100 percent clean energy with increasingly aggressive deadlines. While many people believe the benefits are obvious, the implementations may seem unclear or out of reach. Initiatives from the Solar Experience Kickoff aim to change that, offering free to the public education to help enlighten San Diegans on their quest for energy independence.

The San Diego Solar Experience Kickoff website offers more information on the event schedule and participants. Learn more and RSVP at www.sdsolarexperience.org.