SEPA Leads Third Annual Solar Fact Finding Mission for Utilities

WASHINGTON, July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), an educational and research non-profit focused on helping utilities integrate solar into their energy portfolios, will lead 18 utility executives and managers to Japan on its third annual Solar Fact Finding Mission from July 25 to 30. While abroad, the delegation will meet with Japanese utilities, government officials, and solar companies, and will also tour commercial installations and research facilities.

"Allowing U.S. utility decision makers to see first-hand how solar integration is providing tangible value in Japan will help these executives translate relevant examples into solar activity here in America," said SEPA President and CEO, Julia Hamm.

Gathering in Tokyo on July 25, the group will travel throughout central Japan to learn about solar research initiatives taken by the Japanese government and its research bodies; investigate the structure and design of the country's long-term policy framework for renewable energy; and develop working relationships with peer utilities from around the United States and Japan.

During the trip, Hamm will be posting daily updates and impressions to her Twitter timeline, @JuliaHamm.

Upon returning to the U.S., SEPA will prepare a report summarizing the key findings of the mission, and participants will be available for media interviews.

Past missions gave delegations insight and experience into different European solar markets. In 2008, the group traveled to Germany and spent a significant amount of time learning about the policy that has driven the solar market in that country. Spain was the destination for the 2009 mission, where participants explored both photovoltaics and concentrating solar thermal electric installations.

"This trip was an excellent opportunity to see first-hand many of the critical issues that solar faces in becoming a major part of our energy portfolio," said Steve Malnight from Pacific Gas & Electric of SEPA's Mission to Spain. "It was a great opportunity to see these facilities first hand and talk to the key policy makers, and it was made even more valuable by the group of utility executives on the trip, each of whom brought different perspectives and experiences that added to the learning."

ABOUT SEPA

The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios. With more than 700 utility and solar industry members, SEPA provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org.

SOURCE Solar Electric Power Association