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from the editor...
Jane Pulaski
The Latin phrase omne trium perfectum, translates as 'everything that comes in threes is perfect,' or 'every set of three is complete.'
It conveys the same idea as the 'rule of three,' while also (appropriately) using exactly three words.
So while not exactly three words, here are three recent events that merit mentioning.
1) CA PUC rules 5-0 for net energy metering. Nothing short of consequential, this unanimous vote by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) clears up the methodology for calculating the State's five percent net metering cap, and will dramatically expand opportunities for solar energy in California. IREC, represented by Keyes, Fox & Wiedman, LLP in the proceedings, teamed with other organizations, including members of the Coalition for Solar Rights in this landmark case.
2) Despite the patchwork of permitting procedures for solar rooftop systems in cities and counties across the U.S., innovative approaches to improve efficiencies do exist. Sharing Success - Emerging Approaches to Efficient Solar Rooftop Permitting, authored by Sky Stanfield, Erica Schroeder and Thad Culley, Keyes, Fox & Wiedman, LLP, was released last month, and highlights successful examples already in place. Latest numbers show that there have been over 6,300 views on Renewable Energy World since the report was first posted on May 17. There's a free webinar on the report on June 6, part of the ICLEI/ICMA seminar series.
3) There are now 122 approved IREC credential holders with 26 applications currently under assessment. And, if you're an IREC ISPQ Certified Master Trainer or Instructor who is no longer teaching, you can now apply for Emeritus status. Certain provisions apply, but Emeritus status offers a way for Instructors and Master Trainers to remain engaged with IREC's Credentialing Progam even as they transition in their careers.
As we welcome June, a reminder that applications for IREC's 2012 Innovation Awards are due June 29th. Categories this year include: clean energy workforce development; K-12 education and training; community renewable energy projects; and state and local government initiatives. Winners will be recognized at IREC's Annual Meeting, Monday, September 10 in Orlando. Details about the Annual Meeting, including registration and the Preliminary Agenda, are on the IREC website.
Also in June, watch for the release of the Solar Instructor Training Network's Best Practices documents and registration will be open in a few weeks for the November Clean Energy Workforce Education Conference.
Until we see each other again, here's to your continually inspiring work.
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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Special reduced rates for IREC members in good standing (as of 6/15/12). Questions about membership? Contact Jane Pulaski.
Want to know what we've got planned? The Preliminary Agenda is online. Paula Mints, Navigant Consulting, is our keynote.
Each year, IREC recognizes individuals and organizations that have implemented innovative renewable energy projects during the past year. June 29 is the deadline to submit applications. GET BUSY!
Sunday, September 9th, at The Groove, in Orlando. Get your best 1982 party vibe on. We can't imagine celebrating this remarkable event without you.
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The latest news from our friends at DSIRE.
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Connecting to the Grid
California PUC Unanimous Vote Resolves Net Energy Metering Cap by Laurel Varnado
The May 24, 2012 unanimous vote by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) clarifying the methodology for calculating the State's five percent net metering cap will dramatically expand opportunities for California ratepayers to go solar. The vote brings to an end a discussion initiated by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. (IREC) in November 2009 concerning how to calculate the cap. MORE
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IREC ISPQ Credentialing Program 
New IREC ISPQ Emeritus Status Established by Pat Fox

The IREC Credentialing Program now offers Emeritus status for IREC ISPQ Certified Master Trainers or Instructors who are no longer actively teaching. Certified individuals can voluntarily withdraw their status due to retirement or inactivity, but continue to promote IREC ISPQ certification. "We are pleased to bring this additional value to our credential holders." states Pat Fox, IREC's Director of Operations. "The Emeritus status is a way to keep Instructors and Master Trainers engaged with the Program, even as they transition in their careers." MORE
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Solar Instructor Training Network
Best Practices Series - ready for prime time
by Joe Sarubbi
We're putting the final, finishing touches on The Best Practices series, a compendium of national best practices for instructors in solar training, education and workforce development. In the works since 2011, the Best Practices are designed to significantly hasten the development of quality solar training and education programs in the U.S. These Best Practices build on IREC's previous work of Best Practices first published in 2008 and updated in 2010. They'll be released this month, and will reside on the SITN website. Watch for details.
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Small Wind News
The Small Wind Newsletter, Spring 2012
by Larry Sherwood
The Spring 2012 issue of the Small Wind Newsletter is out. Learn about two recent small wind installations in New Jersey and Wisconsin. AWEA informs us about distributed wind markets, including a decline in installations in 2011 compared with 2010. A number of public policies were released, including new NYSERDA incentive program guidelines, and new U.S Fish and Wildlife Service wind guidelines. More
2012 Wind Senator Training Program
Are you a K-12 educator interested in wind energy science? Looking for a wide array of curricula and educational materials to use in your classroom? KidWind is looking for 25 educators to become a WindSenator, and is offering training July 29-August 4 at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, ME. Applications are due TODAY, May 1, 2012. Check to see if there are any scholarships available for your region. Find out how to apply.
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of note...
Sharing Success: Emerging Approaches to Efficient Rooftop Solar Permitting, a new IREC report, outlines innovative strategies being implemented across the United States to help increase the efficiency of permitting procedures for rooftop solar systems. Prepared by Sky Stanfield, Erica Schroeder, and Thad Culley of Keyes, Fox & Wiedman LLP, Sharing Success documents extensive one-on-one conversations with cities and counties about their permitting processes and the specific improvements they were putting in place.
Free webinar 6/6 on new IREC report on permitting of solar rooftop systems
If you haven't had time to read the new IREC report, join authors Sky Stanfield and Erica Schroeder, Keyes, Fox & Wiedman, LLP on June 6th, 2:00-3:00 pm EST for a webinar on the details of the report. The webinar is free, but you must register to attend.
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Five technical, hard-to-find, and thought-provoking workshops on tap, Tuesday, November 13th at The Albany Marriott, ahead of the Conference.
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Developed by Dr. Sarah White and IREC for the Solar Instructor Training Network, explores the many job opportunities available in the solar industry.
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In their own words: credential holders talk about the value of IREC ISPQ
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Read IREC's Newsletters
The IREC Report
Connecting to the Grid
Small Wind News
The ISPQ Insider
The SITN Quarterly subscribe |
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Where in the world is IREC?
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IREC thanks these very generous sponsors for our Annual Meeting.
Want to see your name here? Contact Jane Pulaski for sponsorship details.

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Like what you see here? Have suggestions or comments? We want to know. Let us hear from you.
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September 10-13
Orlando, FL
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ABOUT IREC The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is a non-profit organization accelerating the use of renewable energy since 1982. IREC's programs and policies lead to easier, more affordable connection to the utility grid; fair credit for renewable energy produced; best practices for states, municipalities, utilities and industry; and quality assessment for the growing green workforce through the credentialing of trainers and training programs. Visit us at www.irecusa.org.
Disclaimer The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process that is referred to or linked to in this newsletter. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply IREC's endorsement or recommendation.
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