NEWS from the KENTUCKY SOLAR PARTNERSHIP and the KENTUCKY SOLAR ENERGY

NEWS from the KENTUCKY SOLAR PARTNERSHIP and the KENTUCKY SOLAR ENERGY SOCIETY

1. SOLAR PV WORKSHOPS IN LOUISVILLE JANUARY 16 – 18Seats are still available! Register today! 

TO REGISTER: http://www.kysolar.org/solar_photovoltaic_workshops.htm#intro_pros January 16 – 17 : Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics For Electrical Contractors, Solar Installers, and Building Design Professionals, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, $170. *  The workshops qualify for CEU coursework from the Program in Sustainability Studies of the Adena Center at Webster University.

Location: University of Louisville Shelby CampusRegistration includes lunch. AIA members will be able to submit self-reporting forms for Continuing Education Units.January 18 : Solar PV Electrical Code Primer For Code Officials, Installers, Inspectors, and Building Professionals8:00 am – 12:00 pm, $40 AIA members will be able to submit self-reporting forms for Continuing Education Units.  * Other professionals and the public can sign up on-site to to get CEU credit from the  Program in Sustainability Studies of the Adena Center at Webster University.

Location: University of Louisville Shelby CampusJanuary 18 : Introduction to Solar PV For Consumers1:30 pm – 5:30 pm, $25Location: University of Louisville Shelby CampusPre-registration is required. Registration forms can be downloaded from the link below. A limited number of scholarships are available based on financial need. Please call to inquire.
TO REGISTER:
http://www.kysolar.org/solar_photovoltaic_workshops.htm#intro_pros

2. FEDERAL ENERGY BILL PASSES WITHOUT RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARD AND WITHOUT EXTENDING SOLAR TAX CREDITS The President signed an Energy Bill into law in December 2007. To learn about what is and is not in the bill for renewable energy, see
http://www.solar-nation.org/2007/12/19/petropolis-dc/#more-119

3. KSP WORKING TO SUPPORT STATE INCENTIVES FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY. KSP and the Kentucky Solar Energy Society are working alongside other organizations to promote legislation in Kentucky’s 2008 General Session to provide much-needed incentives for solar energy, other renewables, and energy efficiency. Last summer Representative Steven Riggs proposed an amendment to the 2007 Energy Bill (HB1) which would have provided rebates for solar water heaters. Unfortunately, the amendment was not included in the final bill. In December Representative Rick Nelson pre-filed legislation to provide residential energy incentives, including solar tax credits. Other related bills may be presented in the months to come. We’ll keep you posted on the progress of this and related bills. To read Rep. Nelson’s bill, visit:
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/08RS/HB149.htm Representatives Nelson and Riggs should be commended for their leadership and support for sustainable energy. The Kentucky General Session runs from January until April. Let your Legislators and Governor Beshear know that you support State incentives for renewables and energy efficiency!

4. GERMANY TO REQUIRE RENEWABLES FOR HEATING NEW & EXSITING HOMESA new law in Germany will require all new and existing homes to install renewable energy heating systems. New homes will have to meet 14% of their total energy use for heating and domestic hot water with renewables and existing homes will have to meet 10%. The government is allocating $517 million per year for grants to assist homeowners in meeting these goals. The solar water heating industry is expected to play a major role in helping Germany meet these goals.To learn more:
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=50746

5. FRANCE SETS AMBITIOUS RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGETS The French government has committed to meeting 20% of the nation’s total energy consumption with renewables by 2020. Their goals include increasing installed wind capacity from 810 MW in 2006 to 25,000 MW by 2020, installing 3,000 MW of solar PV, and 5 million solar thermal units by 2020. To learn more:
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=50971

6. FRANKFORT CITY COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY ENDORSES US MAYORS AGREEMENT FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION On Monday, December 17 the Frankfort, Kentucky City Commission voted unanimously to endorse the US Mayors Agreement for Climate Protection and take steps to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions within the City and wider community. The Commission was acting on recommendations presented to them by the Mayor’s Task Force on Energy Efficiency and Climate Change. KSP and Appalachia - Science in the Public Interest helped facilitate the work of the Task Force and looks forward to supporting the City’s implementation of the Task Force recommendations.

Andy McDonald,
Coordinator
KY Solar Partnership,

Appalachia - Science in the Public Interest
2235 Gregory Woods Rd.
Frankfort, KY
502-227-4562
www.kysolar.orgwww.a-spi.org

--The Kentucky Solar Partnership is a project of the non-profit organization Appalachia - Science in the Public Interest. Working for healthy land and sustainable communities in Kentucky and Central Appalachia.

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