San Diego Solar Experience is back, more powerful than ever. Countywide initiative kicks off new year of events

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:

On Feb. 10, 2018, the San Diego Solar Experience kicks off for the second year in a row, presented by nonprofits Center for Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Campaign. The educational, countywide initiative comes at a time when solar policy and technology are experiencing rapid changes, companies are engaging in unethical tactics, and misinformation about solar power is at its highest. The educational events are sponsored by local firm Sullivan Solar Power.

“Installing solar power is the best, long-term energy upgrade homeowners can make to save money on their utility bills and reduce their home’s carbon footprint,” said Benjamin Airth, a solar expert with the Center for Sustainable Energy. “Our organization has helped thousands of county residents to go solar and is confident that the San Diego Solar Experience will encourage many more to make the transition to clean energy.”

From 11 a.m. to noon, Feb. 10, 2018, educational seminars will take place in Rancho Bernardo, La Jolla and La Mesa, with speakers from Center for Sustainable Energy, Climate Action Campaign, LG, LG Chem, Panasonic and nationally certified energy practitioners from Sullivan Solar Power. Attendees will learn how solar works, types of homes optimal for solar, the truth about battery storage, case studies, available incentives, SDG&E’s recent and upcoming policy changes and more.

Following the seminars, nine homeowners will open their doors and showcase their solar power systems to the public from noon to 1 p.m. Attendees will be able to ask their neighbors first-hand about their experience going solar, see batteries integrated with solar, and have their questions answered in a no-pressure setting.

The final event of the day is the San Diego Solar Experience Kick-Off Celebration in Miramar. Guests can attend the “Battery Q&A” with LG Chem, speak with manufacturers at the solar technology fair, listen to the “Solar 101” presentation, test drive electric vehicles, sign up to support local nonprofit organizations, race solar-powered cars, and more. There will be free food, craft beer, music and solar trivia.

The event is open to the public. 2018 educational series is slated to run through October 2018. More details and RSVP at sdsolarexperience.org

More than 2,000 residents attended events across Southern California last year. San Diego is the solar capital of America, and while the monumental growth of solar power has received widespread support, less is known about the adverse impacts of President Donald Trump’s recent solar tariff, or the latest advancements in battery technology. There are also many misconceptions about solar financing and about net metering, which is the solar billing arrangement with the local utility. Nationally certified solar practitioners will educate residents about this program in their portion of the seminar presentations.

— Business Spotlight features commercial enterprises that support La Jolla Light.