“Solar Power: From Science to Policy to Plugging In”

NEWS RELEASE

For more information: Jeff Lutsey, 920.217.4304

“Solar Power: From Science to Policy to Plugging In” will be the theme of the Door County Solar Celebration May 12 and 13. The festivities will begin at Bjorklunden, Lawrence University’s north campus and retreat center at 7590 Boynton Lane, Baileys Harbor, and continue Friday afternoon and Saturday with self-guided solar tours to residences, nonprofits, and businesses around Door County.

Sponsored by Lawrence and the Climate Change Coalition of Door County, the Solar Celebration will share Bjorklunden’s net-zero initiative and see its impressive new solar array. At Bjorklunden, Lawrence has created a net-zero carbon emissions educational facility that strives to balance carbon emissions with equivalent carbon savings on site.

Participants at the Solar Celebration will learn about the project, explore solar policy, hear about developments in Wisconsin, and discuss how to create a robust solar infrastructure in Door County.

The event begins at 10 am Friday, May 12, when Relena Ribbons, Ph.D., Lawrence University assistant professor of geosciences, and Israel Del Toro, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at Lawrence, will provide a scientific perspective on climate change and efforts to control it while discussing the Bjorklunden project, its implementation, goals and accomplishments. A Q&A will follow. Then Public Service Commissioner Tyler Huebner will explain the current state of renewable energy in Wisconsin and the key issues the state and Public Service Commission are facing, again with questions and answers following. A hike to Bjorklunden’s solar array follows.

The Solar Celebration will bring together community members, businesses leaders, academics, policy makers, and vendors to consider the benefits of solar power and plan for a climate-friendly future in Door County.

The Solar Celebration continues through Saturday afternoon with self-guided solar tours. Participants can visit solar installations and talk to owners and vendors about their projects. A tour map with times and locations will be provided at the event and posted online.

The Solar Celebration is free and open to the public.

The Climate Change Coalition of Door County is a non-partisan organization that through education, outreach and civil dialogue increases public understanding of climate change and its many detrimental impacts at home and around the world. Your donation to the Climate Change Coalition is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership, our fiscal agent, is a 501(c)(3) organization.