Albuquerque, NM:

In an era of economic recession people ask themselves “How can I live more economically and sustainably?” A Sustainable Lifestyle invokes questions about energy use, home building techniques, home food production, alternative transportation, recycling and much more.

The Solar Fiesta brings people in all these fields and more together for two days at the Albuquerque Academy August 27th and 28th from 10am to 5pm. Developed by the New Mexico Solar Energy Association, the Solar Fiesta offers a way for the average homeowner to come and look over all the options out there. Reading about it in magazines and online does not give you the personal knowledge that talking to the experts and seeing available products does.

Are you curious about Solar and Wind energy systems? How about electric vehicles, rainwater catchment, solar cooking, natural lighting for your home, and residential beekeeping? Go to www.solarfiesta.org and click on the schedule of workshops and events to discover the world of information available to you.

In addition to exhibits and workshops on all aspects of renewable energy and green building, the Fiesta offers the community a chance to see what our research facilities are doing. Sandia National Laboratories and the University of New Mexico Research Department will deliver reports on the cutting edge information investigated right here. In addition, New Mexicans will be introduced to the new Dean of Engineering at UNM, Dr. Gruia-Catalin Roman.

The Future of Rooftop Solar is in question with all the upcoming changes to the renewable energy credits. On Sunday afternoon a panel of experts moderated by Marlene Brown of Sandia Labs will include PRC Commissioner Jason Marks, the President of the Renewable Energy Industries Association Ben Rodefer, and the executive director of PNM Resources regulatory department, Gerard Ortiz.

All aspects of renewable energy and green building are generating the next wave of employment opportunities around the country. New Mexico Workforce Solutions will bring their Green Jobs Van to the Fiesta with information on what kinds of jobs are out there and how to get into them.

Children will enjoy the Solar Kid’s area. NMSEA educational director Gary Vaughn has the Sunchaser demo units set up and Monte Ogdahl brings remote control solar model cars to the event. More exhibits and games are provided by the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails Council.

Chocolate chip cookies are on the menu at the big Solar Oven. Exhibits include several types of solar trailers you can set up and plug into your home, a solar air conditioner, solar misting unit, rain barrels and small greenhouse units. NMSEA also has a Solar Silent Auction where they will be auctioning donated units such as solar panels and a solar oven.

So come on down to the Albuquerque Academy for a day full of fun and education! There is no charge for the exhibit grounds, but there is a $5 parking fee. Workshop tickets are $25 for the weekend or $15/day. All tickets are purchased on site the day of the event. For more information go to www.nmsea.org and click on the Solar Fiesta banner.

We thank the following sponsors for their generous support of this year's Solar Fiesta: Consolidated Solar Technologies, Positive Energy Solar, PNM Resources, Solar Ranch, Sacred Power Corp, Green Fire Times, Schott Solar, Array Technologies, Sandia National Laboratory, Lexus of Albuquerque and the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails.

We thank the following sponsors for their generous support of this year's Solar Fiesta: Consolidated Solar Technologies, Positive Energy Solar, PNM Resources, Solar Ranch, Sacred Power Corp, Green Fire Times, Schott Solar, Array Technologies, Sandia National Laboratory, Lexus of Albuquerque and the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails.

Rose M. Kern

Solar Fiesta Manager

505-246-0400