Notable Organizations
Solar Champions
NorCal Solar
Established as an advocacy and education group in 1974, NorCal Solar is dedicated to accelerating the use of solar energy. Publishes yearly the Solar Energy Resource Guide, which offers information on all things solar and an extensive resource list. PO Box 3008 Berkeley, CA 94603. (510) 869-2759.
www.norcalsolar.org
National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)
U.S. Department of Energy sponsored lab for cutting edge research and development of renewable energy.
www.nrel.gov
California Solar and Storage Association
CALSSA is a trade association representing solar photovoltaic and solar thermal contractors, installers, manufacturers, distributors, consultants, engineers, and designers.
www.calssa.org
Environmental Protection Agency – Power Profiler
The Power Profiler will determine your power grid region based on your ZIP code and electric utility, compare the fuel mix and air emissions rates of the electricity in your region to the national average and determine the air emissions impacts of electricity use in your home or business.
www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-and-you/how-clean.html
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
SEIA is the national trade association in the United States, representing companies doing research, manufacturing, distributing, financing, building and installing solar projects domestically and abroad.
www.seia.org
American Solar Energy Society (ASES)
ASES is the nation’s leading association of solar professionals and advocates. Since 1954, ASES has advanced education, research and policy development towards a sustainable energy economy.
www.ases.org
Other Mendocino Solar Service Interests
Solar Electric Initiative in Sierra Leone, West Africa
This concerned group brings rural solar electrification to an impoverished country. This project is a program of the Friends of Sierra Leone non-profit, an association of Peace Corps volunteers and country nationals. Co-owner Maggie Watson served in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone. http://www.fosalone.org/projects.php#SEI Or contact Leslie McKeon – mckeon119@mac.com
ALL Power Labs in Berkeley, CA
This organization that has perfected small scale biomass gasification. Their Power Pallet can be used in off grid or back up applications and runs a generator off of wood chips or other bio mass. http://gekgasifier.com/
Green America Come Together
We appreciate this group’s useful guide to use when shopping to make choices that benefit people and the planet. http://www.greenamerica.org/