From: Julia Hamm
Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2008 3:35 PM
To:
Subject: Utility Solar Fact Finding Mission to Germany - application process is now open
Importance: High

SEPA Utility Members,

I am excited to announce that SEPA is offering a Fact Finding Mission to Germany for 20 US utility decision makers from June 8 -15, 2008. Participants will receive a $1,000 stipend for air travel; additionally hotel costs will be covered by the organizers. Participants will be selected through a competitive application process; online applications must be submitted by April 18.

The principle goals of this Fact Finding Mission are to:

Examine how US utilities can emulate the success of German utilities in integrating large quantities of renewable resources into a national utility grid without creating transmission bottle necks, system quality distortions, and scheduling issues.
Understand how German utilities have used a feed-in tariff to leverage customer investments that reduce the need for capital projects, while meeting load growth and portfolio obligations.
Develop a group of US utility decision makers that has a working relationship with German counterparts.
Expose US utility decision makers to various solar applications, ranging from building integrated residential and commercial projects to multi-megawatt ground mounted projects.

The delegation of 20 utility decision makers will assemble in Freiburg, Germany on June 8^th for residential and commercial solar project tours, meetings with Germany utilities and researchers, and a visit to a solar manufacturing facility. Upon leaving Freiburg and in route to Munich, the delegation will visit multi-megawatt ground mounted solar projects. In Munich, the group will attend Intersolar, the world’s largest solar expo, and meet with various solar manufacturers and integrators. The mission will conclude on June 15^th.

This mission is intended for senior level decision makers within utilities. If you or another individual within your utility is interested in being considered for this mission, please complete the online application no later than April 18. Click the Participate Now button after reviewing the details provided on the webpage.

SEPA would like to extend a huge thank you to First Solar, the sponsor of this Fact Finding Mission.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND ACCESS TO THE APPLICATION.

Best regards,

Julia

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Facilitating Utility Use and Integration of Solar Electricity

Julia Hamm (formerly Judd)

Executive Director

Solar Electric Power Association

1341 Connecticut Ave NW Ste 3.2

Washington, DC 20036

202-857-0898 x4