Jack Star and Julian Smith will speak on current solar technology issues
October 26, 2010 meeting of the USGBC-Georgia Savannah Branch
Contact:
Beth Ann Jackson
(912)604-8923
bethannjackson@gmail.com
Local solar technology authorities, Julian Smith, solar systems designer and certified installer, and Jack Star, solar advocate and facilitator of Solar Champions, will engage in a conversation about the present and future state of solar PV and how it impacts both new construction and the built environment. Topics will include system design and components, grid parity, new solar PV materials, the coming solar-hydrogen-fuel cell cycle, financing options, government incentives and LEED point acquisition.
The meeting, which is free and open to the public, will be held October 26, 2010, from 5:45-7 p.m. on the second floor of Wild Wing Cafe in City Market.
The role of solar power in new and existing construction should receive a real boost as two major manufacturers of solar panels -- Solar World and Sharp Solar -- mount TV ad campaigns. With prices of solar photovoltaics (PV) continuing to decline and the variety of solar solutions expanding, now is the time for USGBC members to see how they can harness the power of the sun, and earn more LEED points.
Julian Smith started SolarSmith in 2006 serving southeast Georgia providing solar energy products. With a back ground in Computer Science Julian changed from using energy to generating it. Receiving certification from Savannah Technical School in Photovoltaic installation he has gone on to work with many manufactures of PV Panels. "To date we have installed 21KW of photovoltaic panels, 12 solar hot water systems, 15 natural light tubes, and 4 solar attic fans" said Smith. "We work with Georgia Power to benefit our clients with reduced energy costs and in some cases eliminate electric bills. Now is the time to install solar energy products."
Jack Star is a former bureau chief for McGraw-Hill World News in Milan, Italy and New York City writing for 18 publications including all of those in the energy and manufacturing sectors. He also served as Director of Public Affairs for Boston University, where he co-hosted the first personal computer show in Boston, and was the founding managing editor of the COMDEX Show Daily, featuring the world's largest computer trade show. He wrote and edited for that publication for 14 years. In addition he taught marketing communications at Florida International University's continuing education program, produced computer trade shows and was a small business consultant. He became a solar advocate after attending a solar industry trade show in 2005.
The Savannah Branch of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) - Georgia Chapter is dedicated to promoting sustainable design and green building throughout the Creative Coast while seeking to educate the public on the long-term benefits of green building and how sustainable design can be integrated or implemented into one's life. The group typically meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 5:45-7 p.m. on the second floor of Wild Wing Cafe in City Market. The meetings are free and open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend.
