AltEnToday

I arrived home yesterday and checked the mail and discovered a packet from ASES - the American Solar Energy Society which I just joined about a week and a half ago. Fortunately, since I’m still a student, I was able to get the professional student rate, which provides me with the benefits of a full membership at a discounted amount.

I have to admit, I’m really pleased with the information contained within. The bumper sticker - meh, I’m not a bumper sticker kinda guy - not to mention I don’t drive anymore. (As an aside, Silicon Valley and Bay Area public transit is really great, especially considering that I live just a block away from the light rail and Downtown San Jose transit hub). Other than the bumper sticker though, there’s a wealth of good information contained within.

• Solar Today magazine, which is published several times a year, and is filled with a range of industry news geared towards both the interested consumer and the practicing industry professional
• A membership certificate - probably worthwhile to put on a wall in an office (were I to have an office and/or a wall to feature it on)
• Additional access to a wealth of online resources that the society provides
• A book list of important industry books that can be purchased through ASES (although I’m venturing a guess that Amazon might provide a better deal)

I’m eager to attend this year’s Solar Conference in San Diego this October and will definitely cover that event in depth as I go through the sessions. Perhaps most notable about the ASES is it’s history - for over 50 years it’s been involved in bringing solar energy information forward. Hopefully my generation will finally see that objective come to fruition.