Second annual Global Solar Day to be held on June 19th, 2010, SunPower is official sponsor

The organizers of "SolarDay 2010" on April 7th, 2010 announced that this year’s global event will be held on June 19th, 2010. According to the press release, SunPower Corporation (San Jose, California), a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, will be an official photovoltaic (PV) sponsor of the event. SolarDay 2010 is to be a global day of recognition and celebration of solar energy, sustainability, energy independence and protection of our planet, and it is to include local events throughout the U.S. publicizing renewable energy programs and providing information to the public. The objective is to drive awareness of the many benefits solar power offers and the financial incentives available for residential and commercial customers.

Organizers to provide free assistance to cities and non-profit organizations to organize local SolarDay events

Many U.S. cities have renewable energy and conservation programs. SolarDay reports that it will offer cities free information to create local SolarDay 2010 events. Non-profits are also to receive complimentary assistance to plan their events, including fundraising tips. SolarDay 2010 is to provide useful information for consumers, such as information on energy audits, solar rebates, SolarDay community events, and links to informative U.S. and state government websites related to energy conservation. John Reed, San Francisco-based Director of SolarDay 2010, said: "More and more people are adopting greener lifestyles, including the use of solar power. You see green in the cars we drive, the consumer products we buy, the everyday things we do, from recycling to building greener homes and commercial buildings, and the intensive interest in lowering our energy costs and energy conservation."

Solar incentives facilitate project financing

Reed explained that government support on the state and federal level has been crucial: "In California, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the California Solar Initiative (CSI) rebates reduce the cost of a solar installation by nearly half." Reed pointed out that PACE, which is another innovative new funding program currently available in 16 U.S. states, can allow existing home and business owners to pay for their solar installations through their property taxes. Last year’s SolarDay 2009 included a solar thermal tour hosted by the City of San Francisco, for example.

More information on the event is available at: http://www.solarday.com