Monday event is 57th in series; will provide valuable information to home and business owners considering solar
TUCSON, AZ – July 16, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Rep. Ron Barber will kick off the 57th Solar Power 101 workshop on Monday, continuing a popular community education series that has drawn thousands of Southern Arizonans over the past five years.
“Arizona is the nation’s sunniest state, so there is no reason Arizona cannot be the nation’s solar leader,” Barber said today. “I had solar panels installed on my own home and have seen firsthand what a difference it makes in reducing energy costs. The Solar Power 101 program provides vital how-to information to those interested in finding out more about solar.”
The Solar Power 101 series was started in November 2007 by then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and Barber, who served as her district director. Giffords’ office held 53 of the events until she resigned in January 2012. Since then, three Solar Power 101s were held by Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild in partnership with the city of Tucson, Pima County and the Pima Association of Governments.
This is the first Solar Power 101 Barber has held since he was elected last month. He plans to make them fixtures on his office schedule, with future events being held throughout his Southern Arizona district.
The Monday workshop, to be held at the Murphy-Wilmot Branch Library, will focus on the importance of solar to the local economy as well as an overview of solar programs for those interested in installing a system. Speaking will be:
- Dianna Thor of the Pima County Public Library, welcoming participants
- Barber discussing the importance of solar to the Southern Arizona Economy
- Carmine Tilghman, director of renewable resources for Tucson Electric Power Co., who will give an overview of the utility’s solar programs
- George Villec, owner of GeoInnovation, a local solar company, who will give an introduction to residential solar and leased systems
Monday’s event is free and open to the public but anyone interested in attending is asked to RSVP by contacting thomas.alston (at) mail.house (dot) gov or 520-881-3588.
Solar electric energy use worldwide has grown by an average of 30 percent annually over the past 20 years, driven by rapidly declining costs and prices. And the growth has not abated. In the first three months of 2012, solar installations worldwide were up 85 percent from the same period a year ago.
Tucson is one of the Department of Energy’s 25 designated Solar American Cities.
Media is welcome to attend Monday’s event.
WHAT: U.S. Rep. Ron Barber hosts Solar Power 101 workshop
WHEN: 6 – 7:30 p.m., Monday, July 16, 2012
WHERE: Murphy-Wilmot Branch Library, 530 N. Wilmot Road, Tucson
Contact:
Mark Kimble
Communications Director
U.S. Rep. Ron Barber
Arizona’s 8th Congressional District
(520) 881-3588 or (520) 904-5876
