With demand for smaller wind and solar energy systems rising, the University of Northern Iowa's Center for Energy and Environmental Education has partnered with the National Center for Appropriate Technology, the Iowa Renewable Energy Association and Alliant Energy in sponsoring a summit for installers of these systems. This event will take place Friday, Sept. 24, at the Joe Rosenfield Center, room 101, at Grinnell College.
"These systems can provide economic opportunities and environmental benefits to Iowa," said Carole Yates, communication and grants coordinator for the UNI CEEE, "it is critical that they be implemented in safe, efficient ways. That means looking at how technicians are trained to reassure customers they are getting quality equipment, quality installations and working with ethical businesspeople."
These themes are going to be a major focus during the summit, along with education, policy, grants, incentives, certification and zoning.
"Participants will learn about the state of small renewable energy systems in Iowa. Representatives from industry, government and utilities will be gathered in one room in an effort to make the small renewable energy industry beneficial to Iowa. Iowans will eventually have more opportunities for green jobs and economic development because of a growing small renewable energy system industry in the state," noted Yates.
The registration deadline for this event is Sept. 17. The summit is free and open to the public. The registration form can be found online by visiting www.ceee.uni.edu/solartraining.aspx.
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