Federal support for solar energy is at a critical turning point - your help is needed.

The US Congress has just begun final negotiations to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the vital 2007 Energy Bill that the respective chambers passed earlier this year. This bill represents our biggest opportunity yet to jumpstart solar energy in this country.

The federal government must support the long-term development of the solar industry in order to bring solar energy into the mainstream, and keeping strong solar provisions in the final energy bill will do just that.

The 2007 Energy Bill has the potential to extend for up to 8 years the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC), currently set to expire at the end of 2008, and to eliminate the $2000 tax credit cap on residential installations.

This is a huge opportunity. Extending the investment tax credits over a longer period will give the solar industry the market certainty it needs to make long-term investments and create local jobs. And eliminating the cap on residential installations will make this clean, renewable energy more affordable to many more people.

We want as many Members of Congress as possible to support solar in the current energy bill negotiations. The more people who let Congress know what’s important, the more likely it is that the final Energy Bill will contain strong solar incentives.

The time for action is now.

Please send an email to your legislators, asking them to insist that strong solar incentives stay in the energy bill. It’s that important.

Complete the form below to take action now!

Note: To read the House and Senate Energy bills currently being negotiated, follow this link and enter HR6 for the Senate bill and HR3221 for the House bill:

Click to learn more and take action now

LEMOORE — The City of Lemoore and the Lemoore Redevelopment Agency are pleased to announce the availability of $200,000 in grant funding through the city’s new Residential Solar Grant Program. This program has been implemented in an effort to encourage residents to install solar systems and reduce their dependence on traditional electricity suppliers.

For more information about any of the city’s housing programs, contact Lemoore Redevelopment Division at 924-6701 or visit the Community Development Department, 210 Fox St

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The largest renewable energy event in the U.S. just gained a powerful new partner.

“ASES National Solar Tour gives people the opportunity to see how homeowners and businesses are benefiting from the many financial and environmental benefits of renewable energy. Attendees see systems working firsthand in their own communities and hear the enthusiasm of solar energy system owners. This is really the ideal venue for people interested in learning more about renewable energy or considering investing in a system themselves,” said Jyl Safier,Conergy’s Marketing Communications Manager. “Conergy is proud to sponsor this important event.”

The ASES National Solar Tour is now sponsored by Conergy, one of the largest renewable energy companies worldwide. Now in its 12th year, the National Solar Tour will introduce some 115,000 people across the U.S. to renewable energy technology and ways to reduce their monthly utility bills.

The National Solar Tour is anticipated to include 46 states this year, making this the largest event of its kind in the U.S. Tours are focused on current installations, giving neighbors an opportunity see, explore, and ask questions about the real world applications of renewable energy.

Most tours take place on October 6, 2007, though dates vary by location. A complete list of scheduled events may be found at www.NationalSolarTour.org

Conergy’s support offers a powerful endorsement for this rapidly growing event.

“ASES National Solar Tour gives people the opportunity to see how homeowners and businesses are benefiting from the many financial and environmental benefits of renewable energy. Attendees see systems working firsthand in their own communities and hear the enthusiasm of solar energy system owners. This is really the ideal venue for people interested in learning more about renewable energy or considering investing in a system themselves,” said Jyl Safier, Conergy’s Marketing Communications Manager. “Conergy is proud to sponsor this important event.”

Not only will tours demonstrate passive and active solar technologies available today, but educational tools will be available to teach participants how to cut their energy bills with improved building techniques and appliance efficiency.

By focusing on this “close to home” education, the mystery of using solar and wind technology to power homes and buildings is erased, along with barriers to implementation and ownership. The best educators and advocates for the use of renewable energy are system owners themselves.

The National Solar Tour is organized by the American Solar Energy Society and supported by local organizations and hundreds of volunteers across the U.S.

About the American Solar Energy Society
The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nation’s oldest and largest membership society dedicated to advancing the U.S. toward a sustainable energy economy. ASES organizes the annual National Solar Tour, publishes SOLAR TODAY magazine, produces the National Solar Energy Conference, and advocates for government policy initiatives to increase the use of renewable energy. ASES is based in Boulder, Colorado and has regional and state chapters throughout the country.