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8/5/08 Malta, NY.

NABCEP has released its latest Study Guide for solar professionals, available for free on the NABCEP website. This guide is an excellent summary of the technical aspects of solar electric power systems, and would be of use to anyone looking for in-depth educational materials on solar.

8/7/08 San Jose, CA.

The solar installation class at San Jose City College was featured in the business section of the San Jose Mercury News. Graduates of the class are qualified to take the NABCEP exam, and are grabbing solar jobs in the Bay Area. Solar Mike will be a guest speaker in the class next week, introducing students to the design of off-grid solar power systems, and sharing his reflections on the solar industry.

7/15/08 San Francisco, CA.

More than 10,000 people attended Intersolar North America held in San Francisco this week, in conjunction with SEMICON West. Solar Mike noted changes in the industry, including an increasing number of Chinese solar manufacturers, and a dramatic rise in European companies selling, or investigating, solar thermal in the U.S. market. Everyone was talking about the tough affects the end of the federal solar tax credit will have on the U.S. PV market next year.

6/11/08 San Francisco, CA.

PG&E electric rates are going up, again, over 6.25% on average, over the next 8 months. PG&E announced rate increases for October 2008 and january 2009. It attributed increases to the rising cost of natural gas and less availability of hydroelectric as rainfall levels are low this year.

5/22/08 Santa Cruz, CA.

Designs for a Green Future: The Transportation---Land Use Connection. 6:45 p.m. Forum at the Live Oak Grange Hall, 1900 17th Ave., Santa Cruz. Principles of land-use design that make for walk-able and transit-friendly communities. With speakers from UC Berkeley and the NRDC.

4/22/08 Santa Cruz, CA.

Earth Day 2008. Local author Chuck Tremper has released his new book, "As the Ocean's Rise. Meeting the Challenges of Global Warming." Focusing on the many ways people can take action on global climate change, the book is filled with rich stories and local characters making a difference. Solar Mike is profiled in Chapter 6: Getting the Carbon Out -- Alternatives to Business as Usual. The book can be ordered from Chuck at his website www.astheoceansrise.com.

4/8/08 San Jose, CA.

A course on solar design and installation is now being offered at San Jose Community College. Solar Mike spoke to the class about solar electricity, hot water, and the hot prospects in the solar job market.

3/27/08 Santa Cruz, CA.

Good Times newsweekly published their Home and Garden special issue, in conjunction with the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Home and Garen Show. A two-page article highlighted Solar Mike's ideas and activities, spanning his 32 years in the solar field.

3/19/08 Santa Cruz, CA.

Solar Mike was a featured speaker at the Green Living Workshop sponsored by Financial Advisor Cheryl Rebottaro of Morgan Stanley. His talk highlighted both community solar projects and the international demand for solar energy systems. Other speakers included energy investment guru Geoffrey Ashton, Senior Vice President of the Calvert Group.

3/17/08 Silicon Valley, CA.

Scientists from around the country are taking part in "Solar Week", hosted by NASA and other institutions. Solar Mike brings his expertise to answer questions posed by students and the public about solar energy. Topics for discussion include The Sun, Solar Energy, and Solar Careers.

2/28/08 Santa Cruz, CA.

Solar Mike presented a two-hour lecture and slide show at Cabrillo College's newest course on energy, "Solar Photovoltaic Design and Installation." One of the few college solar classes in the state, the course is designed to help prepare students for their NABCEP certification, and get jobs in the solar industry. Mike covered the basics of how solar electric systems work, sun and sky geometry, and how to do a site visit. He explained that the solar business is very competitive, especially in the Bay Area. "Find a niche in the industry," he said, "something that distinguishes you from what all the other solar installation companies are doing." Instructor Joe Jordan and the students invited Solar Mike back to do another presentation later in the semester.

11/14/07 Santa Cruz, CA.

The Women's Health Center in Santa Cruz is the first downtown business to install solar panels. They held an Open House to show off the solar as well as other green features in their recently remodeled building. On a typical sunny day the solar panels will generate enough electricity to power the building. In addition to the financial savings, there are big environmental benefits - reducing CO2, avoid making air pollution, and having cleaner air to breathe. The solar electric system was designed and built by Full Circle Solar.

6/7/07 Santa Cruz, CA.

The radio airwaves we're buzzing with solar talk when Geoff Shuey and Solar Mike we're interviewed on KSCO radio with their solar customer Jim Chubb of Pacific Inland Home Mortgage. Chubb had Full Circle Solar install a solar electric system at his mountain home this year. "The numbers work," Chubb said. "I expect a payback on the system in 9 years." Referring to the team at Full Circle Solar, Chubb added "I endorse these guys. Their work is great." Callers to the weekly real estate radio program asked questions ranging from rebates to battery back-up systems. Answers to these and other questions can be found at our FAQs page.

6/5/07 Santa Cruz, CA.

Construction has been completed on a solar power system for the home and office of Bob Landry, of Landry and Foy Builders. In addition to solar panels on the roof generating electricity, Landry has incorporated natural lighting into all the work areas, using large skylights. A self-professed "solar believer", Landry is enthusiastic about getting his electricity from the sun. And someday owning an electric car.

5/29/07 Santa Cruz, CA.

Full Circle Solar party and activities were reported in the Santa Cruz Sentinel newspaper today. "The sun -- along with great food and wine -- was a powerful draw when Full Circle Solar held a solar party at its Sash Mill offices in Santa Cruz. More than 125 people turned out for the event. Many of those attending have solar power in their homes." To read the entire text click here Solar energy shines.

5/23/07 Santa Clara, CA.

CleanTech 2007 showcased solar energy as part of the Nanotechnology Conference in Santa Clara, CA. Questions about solar cell efficiency was the most asked question of the day at the Full Circle Solar booth. Mike Arenson and Bey Proctor spoke with an international crowd of scientists, engineers, business people and students. Their exhibit included the Sanyo HIT solar panel, the most efficienct panel on the market.

5/5/07 San Jose, CA.

The San Jose Mercury News real estate section headlined solar power, "Solar Systems Going Mainstream", including an interview with Mike Arenson of Full Circle Solar. For the full text of the article, click Going Solar.

Step It Up, a national campaign on climate change, rallied in Santa Cruz. Mike Arenson was one of the featured speakers. He encouraged students to pursue careers in renewable energy, as he had done thirty years ago. Arenson also noted the success and growth of the solar industry in Santa Cruz and the Bay Area.

4/3/07 Santa Cruz, CA.

Local newsaper, the Santa Cruz Sentinel, highlighted Full Circle Solar in a feature article today in their Business section. The article begins "When Full Circle Solar started up a little over a year ago, the partners discovered it was too late to get listed in the phone book. Relying on word of mouth, they did more than $1 million worth of solar business.

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