GLOWING REVIEWS FOR SAN DIEGO’S SOLAR ENERGY POTENTIAL TO BE SEEN JUNE 19 AT SOLARDAY

By Rachel Mahoney

June 17, 2010 (San Diego) – Southern California’s use of solar energy is the third highest in the world--and East County has the “ideal climate for solar,” said Ross Williams, manager of operations at Home Energy Systems (HES), one of two local companies participating in SolarDay 2010 this Saturday, June 19, at Balboa Park. Sponsored by the California Center for Sustainable Energy, the event will feature open houses and information on  economic and environmental advantages of renewable energy sources over imported fossil fuels.

“With the oil spill in New Orleans there is going to be a big push for clean energy," said Addison Heugel, executive director of SolarDay 2010. 

Heugel added that solar was already growing rapidly due to numerous rebates and incentives.  But he added, "This environmental disaster focuses on the need for renewable energy..It’s an opportunity for cities, governments and organizations to highlight rebates and programs available for homeowners and businesses." 

The benefits of transitioning from fossil fuel and nuclear-based energy sources to clean and sustainable energy sources are becoming better-known in the United States, which leads the world’s nations in global carbon emissions per capita at 20% annually, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Solar is among the most efficient forms of alternative energy. Local SunPower solar energy dealers Home Energy Systems (HES) and Solar Plus will be participating in SolarDay 2010, which strives to educate San Diego residents about how to transition to solar energy and why the transition is now more affordable and vital than ever before.

Ultimately, Williams believes that solar energy is “in a great place right now,” and he is “really excited to see where it goes.”

Even energy supplier SDG&E is investing in clean solar energy, including a new concentrated solar demonstration program and a website devoted to providing information for consumers about solarizing homes and businesses. http://www.sdge.com/environment/solar/ The utility has also claimed that its proposed Sunrise Powerlink plan would transport renewable energy generated in the Imperial Valley into San Diego, though contracts for solar farm resources remain pending.

For more information about SolarDay 2010, please visit: http://www.solarday.com/events

For more information on Home Energy Systems,  see:  www.homeenergysystemsinc.com

For more information about SunPower, visit: http://us.sunpowercorp.com/