The sun bathes the earth with more energy in an hour than the world consumes in a year.  As the focuses its attention on developing alternative energy sources, solar power is becoming an increasingly important part of the energy equation.

Reporters are invited to a lunch briefing next Wednesday (Sept. 6) to hear experts analyze solar energy’s role in a sustainable energy future.  Sponsored by the International Society for Optical Engineering and hosted by the Senate Science & Tech Caucus, the briefing will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. in Dirksen G50.  Reporters do not need to RSVP.

If you cover energy, science, innovation or competitiveness issues, you’ll leave this briefing with a better understanding of all aspects of the solar industry, including:

v      The basics of solar technology – how do photovoltaic cells work?

v      The facts about global energy usage, cost and production.

v      The barriers to the widespread use of solar power in the U.S.

v      Policy matters!  Germany is the world’s largest solar market, despite having only as much sunshine as Alaska .

Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), who co-chairs the Senate Science & Technology Caucus with Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), will welcome the speakers.  Dr. Dan Arvizu, director of the National Renewable Energy Lab, will moderate.  Panelists will be Dr. Jeffrey Nelson, solar technologies manager at Sandia National Laboratories; Dr. Steve Eglash, principal, Worldview Technology Partners; and Dr. Subhendu Guha, president and COO of United Solar Ovonic.

Non-media are welcome to attend.  RSVP to Bob Boege at 202/320-8836 or by e-mailing “YES” to rboege@adelphia.net.