Registration is now open for these two programs which represent cornerstone events of SEPA's 2009 expanded solar educational outreach to utilities.

In the past year, the U.S. has seen a total change of perspective on solar, with utilities on their way to quickly becoming the largest and most important customer for the solar industry.

Renewable portfolio standards, impending carbon costs, increasing commodity prices, volatile fuel prices, and customer demand for "green" have caused utility executives to recognize the relevance and importance of solar energy to their overall business plans and energy mix.

"SEPA's focus on educating utilities about the use and integration of solar electricity is more important than ever," said Julia Hamm, SEPA executive director.

"As utilities explore options to incorporate solar into their portfolio, more forums are needed to facilitate information sharing with their peers, both in the U.S. and abroad. SEPA's Fact Finding Mission and the Utility Solar Conference provide two excellent opportunities for utilities to better understand both the technical and non-technical matters related to incorporating solar projects and programs into the utility business."

Solar Fact Finding Mission for Utility Decision Makers
From May 17th to 22nd SEPA will lead a delegation of utility executives and managers to Spain to learn about the country's experience with both photovoltaics and concentrating solar power. The group will meet with Spanish utilities, regulators and solar companies, as well as tour commercial installations and research facilities.

Participation will be limited to 30 utility employees; candidates will be reviewed through an online application process and a limited number of scholarships will be available for utilities that do not have funds available for international travel. Full details of the Fact Finding Mission may be downloaded here. Utilities should apply to participate in the Fact Finding Mission no later than Friday, March 20th.

In 2008, SEPA conducted its first annual Solar Fact Finding Mission, leading 31 utility executives and managers to Germany to learn about the country's success and experience integrating significant amounts of solar energy into the electricity grid.

The trip was a resounding success, with 100% of participants saying they would recommend a future SEPA Fact Finding Mission to their utility peers. Additional details are available in the 2008 Trip Report.

"When it comes to solar power, there is no organization more knowledgeable than SEPA and no better way to learn about the vast potential of solar power than to participate in a SEPA Fact Finding Mission," said 2008 Fact Finding Mission participant Erik Poulsen with the Washington Public Utility Districts Association and former Washington State Senator/Energy, Environment and Technology Committees Chairman.

David Rubin, Director of Service Analysis for Pacific Gas and Electric Company, also encourages utility peers to participate, commenting that, "SEPA organized a world class tour of German solar installations and solar companies for U.S. utility executives in 2008. The agenda was thorough, packed with information and insights, and the execution was flawless."

SEPA Utility Solar Conference
SEPA's first annual Utility Solar Conference (USC) is a two day conference open only to utility employees.

Utilities that are interested in exploring how to develop a viable long-term solar strategy of benefit to the utility, its customers, its shareholders, and its stakeholders require a forum that allows them to share information, exchange ideas, and talk through the details of various strategies and business models in a safe environment free of outside influences.

SEPA's Utility Solar Conference provides this forum. The conference will not include exhibits, and industry participation will be limited to a small number of select sponsors. Space is limited to 300 utility participants. The conference will take place on Tuesday, July 28th and Wednesday, July 29th, with pre- and post-conference events on July 27th and 30th.

The comprehensive conference content is being designed by utilities for utilities, targeting employees across departments with a role in solar program and project development and implementation, from executives to distribution engineers to program marketers. The conference will include a track for distributed solar and a track for utility-scale solar projects.

Related Links
Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA)
All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com

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