07 Jun 38th IEEE PV Specialist Conference Opens with Austin Solar Day & Student Competition
On Sunday, June 3rd the 38th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC) opened with Austin Solar Day. The purpose of Austin Solar Day was to raise public awareness of solar energy and its potential impact on the Austin community. The event, free and open to the public, included close to 30 exhibitors, eight of which were area high school groups entered in the IEEE High School PV Competition, plus thirteen Speaker’s Corner presenters.
"Texas is home to one of the sunniest climates in the U.S. and is ripe with opportunities for home and business owners to alleviate electricity costs through renewable energy. Although interest in 'going solar' is growing in the Austin area, many residents are unsure of where to begin the process," said B.J. Stanbery, Conference General Chair for the 38th IEEE PVSC. "Austin Solar Day offered an unparalleled opportunity for our community to learn about solar energy from the people who know it best. We're excited to share our expertise with our neighbors and to showcase the solar innovations of Austin's young PV scientists."
The winning team from Taylor High School, the B.L.A.D.E., received the 1st place award for converting a 1999 GMC Safari van into an Alternative Energy Vehicle, AEV. Judges said they had a hard time deciding winners since all the projects were excellent and consequently named two 2nd place winners and two 3rd place winners … but overall everyone was a winner who participated in the solar engineering challenge!
Several members of locally based Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) played prominent roles in the event. Board member B.J. Stanbery, CEO HelioVolt officiated as Conference General Chair and Austin Energy, HelioVolt, ImagineSolar, and Pflugerville Community Development Corporation constituted four of the five top-level sponsors of Austin Solar Day. The second level of sponsors included TREIA itself and members SolarBridge and Solar Community. All were present as exhibitors, and members Hill Country EcoBuilders (Hill Country EcoPower), Lighthouse Solar and TXSES exhibited as well.
Michael Kuhn, CEO at ImagineSolar was one of the speakers at Austin Solar Day. Kuhn talked about what is happening in the solar and smart grid industries, what is creating their growth, and what career opportunities are available now. He gave an overview of several solar career pathways – including component production, system design, marketing/sales/permitting, and installation and operations. He also spoke about diverse career opportunities being created as the smart grid is implemented across the nation.
“The solar and smart grid industries are launching an expanding wave of new technologies and business models that are disruptive to the traditional energy industry," said Kuhn. "There is a need for specialized training and continuing education to stay on top of this wave. Career opportunities in this field are available to everyone including engineers, electricians, entrepreneurs, and other professionals.”
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