Sun Edison Founder Challenges Texas' Commitment to Solar Energy



May 19, 2009
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Pearl Stable at the Pearl Brewery
312 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX

Reservations/Sponsorships:  210-354-0236
Email:  cchapa@solarsanantonio.org

 Click Here for Online Reservations

A renowned visionary committed to renewable energy, keynote speaker Jigar Shah will deliver a critical message to Texans about the future of solar energy in our state.

Shah launched SunEdison in 2003 based on a business plan he originally developed in 1999 for a university class. That plan became the basis of the SunEdison business model: Simplify solar as a service. This model changed the status quo, allowing organizations to purchase solar energy services under long-term predictably priced contracts and avoid the significant capital costs of ownership and operation of solar energy systems. 
 
Under Shah's guidance, SunEdison pioneered the solar power services agreement (SPSA) model, which served as the foundation for much of the growth of the solar industry in the past five years. SunEdison now has more solar energy systems and megawatts under management than any other company. Customers include Public Utilities, Commercial National Accounts, Municipalities, States, and Federal facilities. In the process, Shah became an expert on energy project finance, changing energy policy, working with entrenched stakeholders, convincing different type of customers to embrace energy technology, and hiring over 500 of the most talented people to realize an improbable dream.
 
Today, Shah works closely with some of the world's leading influencers and guides policy makers around the globe on key issues surrounding renewable energy, global warming and sustainability. He continuously challenges his colleagues and the industry to move solar forward by creating new markets across the globe.

A Local Solar Visionary: Bill Sinkin

The last 10 years have seen great changes in the public’s awareness of sustainability issues, particularly with regard to renewable energy.  What was once regarded as a “fringe” issue is now front and center in the discussion of how to transform our economy while saving out planet. Today San Antonio is a leader in solar energy, and many chalk this up to the pioneering efforts of one man--Bill Sinkin.

                         
As founder of Solar San Antonio and chair for the last decade, Bill has often heard people retell the story of how he installed solar panels on his local bank building in the 1970s.  And how his charming but relentless approach has persuaded even the staunchest critics to give solar a chance.  Today San Antonio stands as one of a handful of Solar America Cities, designated by the U.S. Department of Energy.  Local utility CPS Energy has plans on the books to build a 100 megawatt solar plant.  And San Antonio is home to Texas’ largest rooftop solar installation at the Pearl Brewery development.  
 
Without Bill Sinkin’s dogged determination and belief in the power of solar to transform our community and our future, it’s safe to say that San Antonio would not be where it is today. Please join Solar San Antonio, Judge Nelson Wolff, Mayor Phil Hardberger and special guests in celebrating Bill Sinkin’s contributions on the occasion of his 96th birthday and the 10th anniversary of Solar San Antonio.

For more information on reservations or sponsorships call 210-354-0236 or email cchapa@solarsanantonio.org.