Dan Lepinski - "The Solar Man"

As a youngster, Dan received a solar energy experimenter's kit as a gift. It was love at first light. He was hooked. A few years later, he built a solar radio from scratch for a Science Fair project, and titled his project "Solar Power - Energy of the Future". One of the Science Fair judges left a note saying, "Next year, pick something different. Solar energy will never be practical." Never?!?  He's been on a mission ever since.

Dan is Co-host and Producer for Mother Earth News Radio. With nearly 40 years experience in energy, energy conservation, and solar energy, Dan brings a strong technical background to Mother Earth News Radio. His own home is a model of energy efficiency, and includes solar electricity and solar hot water systems.

During the week, Dan works in the solar energy industry as Senior Engineer for Exeltech, manufacturer of DC-to-AC sine-wave inverters for solar energy and other applications. A true energy nut, Dan eats, breathes, and sleeps energy conservation - and his wife Lisa is nice enough to let him get away with it. Their home is often a test site for Dan's experiments. Of course, their near-zero electric bill every month sure helps!

With extensive experience in the energy field, Dan is a respected energy expert, serving as an advisor to individuals, municipalities, corporations, colleges and universities .. and more. For several years, he was an Associate Technical Editor for Home Power Magazine, a publication focused on all forms of solar energy and energy conservation. Holder of a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Dan is the only "civilian" member of the City of Dallas Executive Task Force for the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act on Energy Expenditures. He also serves on the Curriculum Advisory Boards for Tarrant Community College District and the Dallas County Community College District.

Blessed with a unique talent to translate complex energy issues into plain English we can all understand, Dan is much in demand as a public speaker, energy advisor, and authority on energy-related issues and topics.

In his "free" time, Dan's other interests include astronomy, meteorology (weather), camping, organic gardening, alternate transportation (electric vehicles and biodiesel), flying airplanes, solar cooking .. and teaching classes in solar energy and energy conservation to students of all ages. Oh! Did we mention .. he also frequently provides solar electricity at environmental and many other events!