Banking on the success of last year’s event, which drew crowds of 3,000, the San Diego Regional Energy Office (SDREO) will sponsor its second Annual Solar Energy Week Sunday, Sept. 24 to Saturday, Sept. 30.
The event, a collaborative effort between local governments, organizations and businesses, will feature educational presentations, solar-powered car races, fuel cell and hybrid cars, solar oven baking, and free refreshments. San Diego County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price and representatives from the county office, as well as San Diego Gas & Electric and Qualcomm will speak on the solar energy.
Project Wildlife and Skyhunters, San Diego animal rescue and conservation groups, will also be on hand to discuss how energy conservation positively affects the environment.
“Whether you’re a novice or an expert, interested in going green or just want to save money on your energy bill, Solar Energy Week is the perfect way to get the information you need,” said Irene Stillings, SDREO Executive Director.
Other activities will include tours of both commercial and residential buildings powered by solar energy and a solar energy conference, which will explore legislation, trends, technologies and economics.
According to Tom Geldner, SDREO marketing director, the week of events grew out of the annual San Diego Solar Homes Tour.
“There was so much interest [by the fifth installment], we made the decision to expand it to a whole week,” he said.
According to a press release, the San Diego Regional Energy Office (SDREO) is an independent, non-profit corporation that helps residents, businesses and public agencies save energy, reduce grid demand and generate their own power through a variety of rebate, technical assistance and education programs.
For more information on Solar Energy Week or to register for the events listed below, visit www.solarweek.sdenergy.org.

EVENT INFO
Sunday, Sept. 24, noon to 3 p.m. A variety of solar powered options will be on display, including solar-power car races and solar oven baking, at Family Solar Energy Day at San Dieguito County Park, 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Del Mar. The cost is $2 per car.

Tuesday, Sept. 26, 7:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The free, four-hour Commercial Solar Tour will showcase various solar technologies of local businesses. Participants to meet at the San Diego Regional Energy Office, 8520 Tech Way, suite 110. Registration required.

Wednesday, Sept. 27, 8 a.m. The free, all-day San Diego Solar Energy Conference will address legislation, trends, technologies and economics related to solar energy at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park. Registration required.

Saturday, Sept. 30, 8 a.m. The seventh annual free San Diego Solar Homes Tour will feature more than 30 residences that utilize solar technologies. Registration required. Starting location to be determined.