Week in Arizona: Vacation?

First we drove up to Flagstaff where there was 2 feet of snow and it was 22 degrees ( I thought I was taking a week in Arizona to escape that) where on Monday we took a tour of SW Windpower’s manufacturing facility.

Then on Tuesday we took a tour of a 150kw parking lot commercial system.

 On Wednesday I did a presentation of The Climate Project at Arizona State University and walked around to see all their sustainable projects. The cafeterias have food fights; see who can produce the least amount of food waste per person. And there is now a brand new public transit train.

Wednesday (check in reception) through Saturday was a great conference put on by AEE where we (AES) brought the most people of any company.  I especially enjoyed Bill Brooks code class.

Midwest Solar Installer Business Attends Renewable Energy Conference

The nationwide surge in interest in solar and renewable energy shows no signs of slowing down. News headlines about rising energy costs and global warming as well as national security concerns are motivating many Americans to reduce their energy usage, buy high-mileage or hybrid cars, and install solar energy systems on their homes and businesses. State rebates, federal incentives, and the ability to “run the meter backwards” have also contributed to explosive growth in the solar industry.

Aur Beck, chief tech for Advanced Energy Solutions (AES) of Pomona, IL recognized solar’s bright future almost 10 years ago when he helped found AES. Since then AES has grown to also serve Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Asheville, NC, Kansas City, and Arizona. “I decided in 1999 that getting into solar made good business sense while also making a contribution to a green energy future,” Beck said. “And now that decision is looking better than ever.”

Beck along with 7 others in the Green Geek Squad (their Renewable Energy install network) just returned from a four-day solar training conference in Mesa, Arizona. The conference was held by AEE Solar, one of the nation’s oldest, largest and fastest-growing wholesale distributors of solar systems and equipment, and the primary supplier for Advanced Energy Solutions. AES sent eight members to the AEE Solar conference, more than any other solar business. “For three solid days in Arizona we all took classes taught by some of the top people in the solar industry,” said Beck. “Even as seasoned solar pros, we increased our knowledge about every aspect of the business: the latest installation tools, the 2008 National Electrical Code, new renewable energy products.We brought home a lot of real-world, hands-on value for our business and our customers.” Beck found talking to others at this conference to be particularly fun. “These people have been installing and designing solar power systems for many years. They have a genuine passion for solar. Want to have a half-hour discussion on the best way to wire a solar power system? This was the conference to go to.”