Meet Solar Power’s Leading Advocacy Group
(Page 2 of 3)
April 1, 2009
By Madeline Hyden
How has ASES evolved over the last 50 years?
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The American Solar Energy Society was founded in 1954 as a way for researchers and scientists to share insights and ideas about renewable energy. It didn’t take long for ASES’ first members to realize the huge potential for finding new ways to harness the free energy from the sun. The technology was an obvious choice for use in the U.S. space program. Homeowners in rural and mountain regions also liked the idea of living off the electrical grid, especially where the cost to run new power lines was prohibitively expensive. The solar industry boomed in the 1970s. But after the incentives were cut in the 1980s, it was clear that solar professionals needed to do more than promote research and share good ideas. The industry needed to get better organized and keep driving down costs. Today, ASES is the leading association of solar professionals and grassroots advocates, speeding the transition to a sustainable energy economy.
What does the future look like for ASES? Any new programs or resources in the works?
The solar industry is changing at an unprecedented pace. The United States is likely to be the world’s largest solar market by the year 2013, if not sooner. Billions in federal and private investment are flowing to the industry. Policymakers and the general public no longer need to be convinced that solar energy is an economic generator. They hear about it in the news every day. They see their friends install solar technology on their homes. They see it at businesses. As the industry evolves, ASES continues to expand its efforts to reach the needs of wider audience. The ASES National Solar Tour, the world’s largest grassroots solar event, now reaches some 140,000 participants, providing a great opportunity to see how neighbors are using solar energy to reduce monthly utility bills and decrease carbon emissions. The 38th ASES National Solar Conference in May will cover the latest insights on how the industry is changing and where the new opportunities are today. Our Solar Today magazine continues to evolve with the times, highlighting how the industry is changing and where it is headed. Plus we continue to expand our advocacy efforts, industry research and communications programs.
What is your advice for someone who is just getting started with solar energy practices? Or someone who is interested in solar energy, but lives in an urban or rented space, or who cannot afford to install photovoltaic panels?
