SD’s largest, annual solar power event gives power to the people

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (February 20, 2019) - The third annual San Diego Solar Experience Kickoff event returned to San Diego this past Saturday. The day-long event brought together over a dozen local nonprofits, international cleantech organizations, elected officials and solar energy professionals to demystify myths surrounding clean energy and to provide an update on San Diego’s progress towards achieving its legally-binding goal of 100 percent clean energy.

As policies change and communities continue to implement plans to achieve city and county-wide climate goals, it is challenging to remain informed. The San Diego Solar Experience Kickoff event conquered that challenge by delivering three simultaneous seminars in Carlsbad, Chula Vista and Ramona. The day culminated with a cleantech expo and an inspiring keynote presentation from California Assemblymember Todd Gloria at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 569 in San Diego.

Seminar attendees learned from nationally certified energy practitioners from Sullivan Solar Power and LG Chem about how solar works, changing SDG&E rate structures, the integration of energy storage, and how to take advantage of available incentives like the expiring 30 percent federal tax credit and state rebate for batteries. Local nonprofit, Climate Action Campaign, was present at each seminar to show residents how going solar can reduce their personal carbon footprint and to speak about how Community Choice Energy programs in San Diego County will help us achieve 100 percent clean energy.

Later in the day, guests learned directly from clean energy manufacturers at the cleantech expo, featuring manufacturers of solar panels, energy storage, inverters, solar racking and more. Those interested in climate change advocacy stopped by the nonprofit groups, which including SanDiego350, San Diego Climate Action Network and GRID Alternatives San Diego. Electric vehicles, from the 1973 Volkswagen Squareback to the popular Chevrolet Bolt and the new 2019 Nissan Leaf were among some featured in the electric vehicle showcase thanks to the Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego.

"The Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego supports 100 percent clean energy and enjoyed educating attendees of the San Diego Solar Experience about our electric vehicles and their benefits for the planet,” said Tyson Siegele, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego, “Electric vehicles go hand-in-hand with solar and batteries, and together put San Diego on the road to 100 percent clean energy."

San Diego is a national leader of clean energy policy, largely in thanks to California State Assemblymember Gloria and his work on San Diego’s Climate Action Plan with 100 percent clean energy. Assemblymember Gloria delivered an engaging keynote presentation at the San Diego Solar Experience Kickoff event, spelling out how San Diegans can expect Senate Bill 100 to take effect in their backyards, explaining how policy is going to create a cleaner future and encouraging citizens to do their part.

“What I love about San Diego achieving 100 percent clean energy 10 years before the state of California, is that [San Diego] will have to be the incubator for how we get this done,” said Assemblymember Gloria.

Following the keynote address was a captivating question-and-answer session with Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power, and Nicole Capretz, founder and executive director of Climate Action Campaign. The session aimed to demonstrate not only how the solar industry and climate advocacy cooperate, but how individuals can adopt residential solar power to contribute to San Diego’s commitment to 100 percent clean energy.

Did you miss the kickoff event? There will be additional educational solar seminars throughout the year. Visit www.sdsolarexperience.org to find an upcoming presentation near you.

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