Here is a list of our workshops through October. Be sure to take advantage of these great learning opportunities. Also be sure to see additional information on workshops later in this newsletter.

SEPTEMBER
22 -- Breakthrough Solar Sales and Marketing (LA) -- SOLD OUT!
23 -- How to Make the Financial Case for Solar (LA)
24 -- Find Your Dream Job in Solar (LA)
29-30 -- Intro to Grid-Tied PV Systems -- SOLD OUT!

Australia's first Solar City is hoping to set a precedent and pave the way for communities across the country to adopt more renewable energy resources and solar technologies.

The trial energy project will double the current capacity of photovoltaic (PV) panels in Southern Australia and provide energy savings of US $3.7 million per year.

The proposal aims to install PV panels on more than 1,700 homes in the northern part of Adelaide, roll out 7,000 "smart meters" and help residents save around US $150 a year on electricity bills.

Chosen last month out of 23 cities to host the trial project, Adelaide was congratulated by Australia's Prime Minister John Howard for embracing the visionary concept.

Consumers will be able to purchase the PV panels, made by BP Solar in Sydney and SLIVER cell technology from Origin Energy's Adelaide plant, using discounted loans. The project also plans to help low- income and rental households in the community share in the benefits of the project through other cost- saving initiatives.

Solar Cities is part of the Australian Government's $2 billion climate change strategy that aims to develop clean, low emission technologies; build an effective global response to the issue; increase understanding of climate change science; and help communities adopt renewable energy.

Commercial production of cellulosic ethanol as a low- cost renewable fuel by Mascoma Corp., a cellulosic biomass-to-ethanol company, is one step closer to becoming a reality. The Massachusetts-based company's new partnership with Dartmouth College will allow the continuation of research into producing ethanol from cellulosic biomass technology based on several patents from Dartmouth.

Ethanol made from cellulosic biomass (grass, wood, agricultural and forestry wastes) has significantly lower raw material cost and expands the potential for ethanol to blend with and displace gasoline with a cleaner, renewable, domestically produced liquid fuel. Currently ethanol in the U.S. is made primarily from corn, a relatively expensive and limited supply food crop.

This editor is genuinely convinced that Richard Heinberg is truly one of the great communicators and visionaries of our times. Richard is able to speak to the masses in a simple and clear style about our energy plight and oil depletion in a way that inspires individuals and governments to action. It was his book The Party's Over that was the breakthrough work that transformed the discussion of oil depletion from one among petroleum geologists to the general public.

And now you absolutely won't want to miss his new book, The Oil Depletion Protocol! Timely and critically important, The Oil Depletion Protocol is a must-read for policy makers and for all who seek to avert a Peak Oil collapse.

Be sure to also visit the new Oil Depletion Protocol website. Here you can read and adopt the protocol, educate yourself, help publicize the protocol, and share your energy reduction experiences. There are also good news feeds to be found here.

Since oil is the primary fuel of global industrial civilization, its imminent depletion is a problem that will have profound impact on every aspect of modern life. Without international agreement on how to manage the decline of this vital resource, the world faces unprecedented risk of conflict and collapse.

The Oil Depletion Protocol describes a unique accord whereby nations would voluntarily reduce their oil production and oil imports according to a consistent, sensible formula. This would enable the task of energy transition to be planned and supported over the long term, providing a context of stable energy prices and peaceful cooperation.

Seen the movie? If you haven't, it is worth your time. Don't like movies? Then you can read the book. In either case, if you are interested in global warming -- and we all should be in the opinion of this editor -- then the documentary movie and book, An Inconvenient Truth by former Vice President Al Gore, is definitely worth your time.

The truth about the climate crisis is an inconvenient one that means we are going to have to change the way we live our lives.

Our climate crisis may at times appear to be happening slowly, but in fact it is happening very quickly - and has become a true planetary emergency. The Chinese expression for crisis consists of two characters. The first is a symbol for danger; the second is a symbol for opportunity. In order to face down the danger that is stalking us and move through it, we first have to recognize that we are facing a crisis. So why is it that our leaders seem not to hear such clarion warnings? Are they resisting the truth because they know that the moment they acknowledge it, they will face a moral imperative to act? Is it simply more convenient to ignore the warnings?

Perhaps, but inconvenient truths do not go away just because they are not seen. Indeed, when they are not responded to, their significance doesn't diminish; it grows.

Be sure to check out www.climatecrisis.net, for information about the movie based on the book.

Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist Alp Findikoglu has created a breakthrough in solar cells using aligned crystalline silicon (ACSi) and a buffer layer created through specially directed ion beams. The patent-pending ACSi technology is designed to create solar cells that combine the cost benefits of amorphous silicon films with the crystalline quality and performance characteristics of single-crystalline silicon.

Solar cells based on Findikoglu's ACSi film technology research are estimated to exceed 15% efficiency, proving that ACSi solar cells have the potential to match the efficiency of bulk crystalline solar cells. Also, it is estimated that optimized ACSi solar cells will cost 40% less than single-crystal solar cells.

10 Days Left for Early Bird Special: Register for our Green Career Day by September 30 and save $25!

If you’ve been thinking about finding your niche in the emerging green economy, you won’t want to miss our Green Careers Day. This special event will feature leading green entrepreneurs and green career experts who will present the full range of career opportunities in the green economy. You'll come away with ideas, strategies, resources and contacts to help you find your dream green job.

For more information call us at 707.744.2017, or visit our website to sign up today!

Purdue University researchers are using genetic tools to design trees that they report can readily and inexpensively yield the substances needed to produce ethanol. The Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Biological and Environmental Research is funding the $1.4 million, three-year study.

A hybrid poplar tree is the basis for the research that is part of the DOE's goal to replace 30% of the fossil fuel used annually in the U.S. for transportation with biofuels by 2030.

The Purdue faculty members Clint Chapple, Richard Meilan and Michael Ladisch are focused on a compound in cell walls called lignin that contributes to plants' structural strength, but which hinders extraction of cellulose. Cellulose is the sugar- containing component needed to make the ethanol.

Purdue scientists and experts at the U.S. departments of Agriculture and Energy say corn can only be part of the solution to the problem of replacing fossil fuel. In 2005 ethanol accounted for only 4 billion gallons of the 140 billion gallons of U.S. transportation fuel used -- less than 3%. About 13% of the nation's corn crop was used for that production.

"We need a bioenergy crop that can grow many places year-round," Meilan said. "The genus Populus includes about 30 species that grow across a wide climatic range from the subtropics in Florida to sub- alpine areas in Alaska, northern Canada and Europe."

To advance production of non-fossil fuels, Chapple and Meilan are using genetic tools to modify the poplar and then study how the alterations changed the plants' cell walls. Meilan also is attempting to find ways to produce trees that are reproductively sterile so they are unable to transfer introduced traits to wild trees. (Haven't we heard this before? Do you believe it?)

Approximately 10 tons of poplar could be grown per acre annually, representing 700 gallons of ethanol. Changing the lignin composition could increase the annual yield to 1,000 gallons of ethanol per acre, according to experts. Planted on 110 million acres of unused farmland, this could replace 80% of the transportation fossil fuel consumed in the U.S. each year. (Of course, that will be 110 million acres of farmland no longer available in the future for growing food too.)

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) is a membership-based association of colleges and universities working to advance sustainability in higher education in the U.S. and Canada. Their mission is to promote sustainability in all sectors of higher education - from governance and operations to curriculum and outreach - through education, communication, research and professional development. Businesses, NGOs, and government agencies can participate as AASHE partner members. The Solar Living Institute is a partner member of AASHE.

AASHE aims to advance the efforts of the entire campus sustainability community by uniting diverse initiatives and connecting practitioners to resources and professional development opportunities. The association also provides a professional home for campus sustainability coordinators and directors.

AASHE defines sustainability in an inclusive way, encompassing human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods, and a better world for all generations.

Prepare for Peak Oil--Workshop Special

Modern industrial societies are built on cheap fossil fuels, but cheap oil and gas will likely soon be things of the past. What will be the impacts — personally and societally? And what strategies will work best for families, bioregions, and nations, as we enter the post-carbon era?

Join world-renowned Richard Heinberg, author of The Oil Depletion Protocol and The Party’s Over, for Powerdown: The End of Cheap Oil, a full- day workshop on November 2, as he provides participants with practical strategies to prepare for peak oil.

Stick around on November 3 and 4 and join Jason Bradford and Brian Weller in our Organizing Sustainable Communities workshop. Join these economic localization experts as they provide further insight on how to localize food, energy and basic goods production. This interactive workshop, which receives rave reviews from our students, will surely inspire you to get involved in preparing your own family and community to deal with the impact of peak oil.

Register for both classes now and save $75! Hurry, offer ends October 1.

Biodiesel America: How to Achieve Energy Security, Free America from Middle-East Oil Dependence and Make Money Growing Fuel by Josh Tickell
Regularly $29.95, Now Just $23.95 for a Limited Time

Before September 11, 2001, few Americans had heard the term “energy security.” Now, with soaring fuel prices, rising tension in the Middle East, and natural disasters threatening U.S. petroleum production, the need for an immediate solution to our oil-dependence has become a national priority. Yet a magic formula for freeing America has eluded technocrats, lawmakers, and the American public alike. In his powerful new book, Biodiesel America, energy expert Josh Tickell shatters the myths that surround America’s oil dependence and illuminates the solutions.

From Saudi Arabia’s most guarded secret to Henry Ford’s thwarted plans to fuel the nation with biofuel, from exposing the link between school buses and asthma to showing the potential for every school district in the nation to run on clean-burning biodiesel, from top secret cars that get over 300 miles per gallon to new fuel crops that could soon yield billions of gallons of clean fuel, Biodiesel America provides a fresh perspective on our oil-laden history, our present position of energy compromise, and the true potential for a fossil-fuel-free future.

In no-nonsense language, Tickell explains:

• why America is more dependent on oil than any other nation
• why Saudi Arabia’s oil empire will soon crumble, sending energy prices skyrocketing
• why normal, everyday vehicles that get 80 miles per gallon are already sold in Europe, but not in the U.S.
• how Rudolf Diesel invented an engine to run on vegetable oil over 100 years ago
• how you can take simple steps to make money and decrease your dependence on oil

Biodiesel America shows that an abundance of available, economically viable, and profitable energy solutions exists. At the forefront of these new energy technologies is biodiesel, a fuel that could bring over one million jobs back to rural America, invigorate our economy, and create a stable domestic fuel supply.

Biodiesel Intensive -- October 13-15

Take our introductory How to Make and Use Biodiesel on October 12, and follow it up with a 3-day Biodiesel Intensive: From the Processor to the Pump on October 13-15. In this information packed, hands-on workshop, you will learn to build your own biodiesel processor, create a co-op, or start up your own biodiesel distribution or retail business!

Sign up by October 1 and save $50 on the Biodiesel Intensive.

Electric Vehicle: Hands-on Clinic -- October 21-22

If you’re wondering whether an electric vehicle might be the answer for you, would like to learn how to do the conversion yourself, or educate yourself on the most cutting edge technologies so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing, then this workshop is for you!

The first day of this intensive workshop is an information-packed lecture, and the second day will be held at a mechanic’s shop where participants will take apart and rebuild an electric VW. Bring your overalls and plan on getting greasy!

Sign up by October 1 and save $25

The Solar Living Institute is always on the lookout for inspiring workshop instructors and innovative workshop ideas. If you have a workshop idea that you'd like to share, or if you're interested in leading one of our existing courses, please send an email to our Workshop Director, Lindsay Dailey.

We're especially interested in ideas related to sustainable business opportunities, green careers, green building, solar, and biofuels.

In recognition of your ongoing efforts toward a greener world, West Coast Green would like to offer you a free Homeowner Day pass to attend their exciting inaugural show. In case you haven't heard of West Coast Green, here's some information:

West Coast Green,­ the Nation's Largest Residential Green Building Conference and Expo, will be held September 28-30, 2006 at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco.

Make your next home project a green building project. You've heard about green building - here's your chance to see it, feel it, experience it, and ultimately put it into use in your next home project. From carpeting a room to building and landscaping a new residence this is the place for information and ideas on ways to create a healthier, happier home.

Sat., Sept. 30 is reserved for the general public to come and explore the latest opportunities and concepts in green building. Over 250 exhibitors will showcase the latest innovations in resource- efficient materials along with sustainable and healthy building products.

Keynote speaker Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. will be kicking off the day at 9:00 AM. Following is over 25 diverse educational presentations by top individuals in the field of green residential building. From designing a dream green kitchen to finding and interviewing a green building professional you're sure to find something relevant to you.

Already have a project in mind? Come talk to green building service providers in the "Service Provider Fair." What better way to decide who you'd like to hire for your next project than by meeting them in person!

View conference details. Registration to attend is simple!

1. go to www.westcoastgreen.com/freetrade
2. on the next page, enter code: trade7
3. and your pass will be waiting for you at the door!

Please note: your Homeowner Pass is also good for the Tradeshow Floor only on Thurs., Sept. 28 and Fri., Sept. 29.

There are some really excellent books coming out this year, and you can get them right here at our web store. For a short period of time, we are offering a special pre-order discount of 20% on the following titles: Eating Fossil Fuels by Dale Allen Pfeiffer and The Post-Petroleum Survival Guide and Cookbook by Albert K. Bates. You won't want to miss them, and at 20% off the regular retail price, this is the best price you will get for these important books. Don't miss these great prices!

Additional new and recent titles added to our web store that you will want to be sure and read include the following:Planetwalker by John Francis, The Oil Depletion Protocol by Richard Heinberg, Biodiesel America by Josh Tickell, Towers of Deception by Barrie Zwicker (this promises to be an extraordinary expose on media coverage of 9/11 by the narrator of The End of Suburbia DVD many of you have seen), Armed Madhouse by Greg Palast (five autographed copies are still available), Energy Switch by Craig Morris, Solar Water Heating by Bob Ramlow with Benjamin Nusz, Your Green Home by Alex Wilson, Cutting Your Car Use by Randall Ghent with Anna Semlyen, Biodiesel Basics and Beyond by William H. Kemp, Ecocities by Richard Register, and the film Ecological Design now in DVD format.

Be sure to check out our other titles in the following categories:

• Ecological Design and Planning
• Energy and Appropriate Technology
• Environment and Economy
• Natural and Green Building
• Oil and Natural Gas Depletion
• Progressive Leadership
• Sustainable Living
• Food and Permaculture

We encourage you to shop with us. Our online bookstore is growing rapidly. We are adding titles weekly to bring you some of the best reads on sustainable living available. Shop with the Solar Living Institute, and help support our valuable work!

It never would have happened on the "Donna Reed Show," but at the Solar Living Institute in Hopland about a dozen women spent their day cracking jokes and having a good ol' time doing what was once considered "a man's job."

The Women's Carpentry Skills Primer held in May provided women with little or no prior carpentry experience the opportunity to tackle a creative construction project, as they built a set of picnic tables.

On the first day of the workshop, participants learned about measuring, choosing lumber, selecting tools and how to use them safely. On Friday, they were able to put their newly learned skills to work.

"Today they see their finished product, using both hand tools and power tools to do it," instructor Jane Elias said as she wandered amongst the women wearing sun hats, work gloves and goggles when they made cuts using the compound miter saws.

• Read the May 13 Ukiah Daily Journal (630K, pdf) article
• Save $50 and register for the Women's Carpentry Skills Primer workshop on Oct. 6-7
• Save $50 and register for the Women's Carpentry Advanced Project on Oct. 8-9

Gaiam Real Goods, the country’s largest provider of residential solar and renewable energy, seeks knowledgeable, organized, computer literate applicants for telephone-based solar and renewable energy systems design, sales and support.

Customers reach the company through their quarterly catalog or online. This position is for a telephone based support technician who will assist customers with placing orders, designing and writing quotes for projects and assisting customers with questions about our vast line of renewable products.

Required: passion for renewable energies and eco- friendly lifestyles, great customer service skills, good math skills, good phone skills, fast learner, effective multi-tasking skills, and associates degree or higher. Preferred: knowledge of solar energy system design, direct renewable energy experience, and good understanding of electricity and electrical systems.

How to apply: Please E-mail or fax (303-222-3599) resumes and cover letters to Bill Giebler. Please make title/subject: “Job Application.”

If you have job openings in the areas of renewable energy, green and natural building, sustainable living, and permaculture, please let us know so we can help you promote your position.

We're hiring here at the Solar Living Institute. We have two position openings: Workshop Coordinator and Administrative Assistant.

Workshop Coordinator: Our fabulous interim workshop coordinator (and former Institute intern) is returning to UC-Davis to finish her master’s degree, and we are looking to replace her toward the end of September. This position reports to our Workshop Director and is a great opportunity to become part of the fastest growing area of the Institute’s programs. Review the job description for the Workshop Coordinator position and send your cover letter and resume to our Workshop Director, Lindsay Dailey, at lindsay.dailey@solarliving.org.

Administrative Assistant: Our excellent Administrative Assistant has also decided to go back to school, and we are looking to replace her also as soon as possible. This position reports to our Operations Manager. Review the job description for the Administrative Assistant position and send your cover letter and resume to our Executive Director, Bob Gragson, at bob.gragson@solarliving.org.

For other energy and environmental positions throughout the world, you might also check out these websites:

• Green Dream Jobs
• Environmental Jobs & Careers