San Diego Solar Day Ignites Kids' Interest in Renewable Energy with Solar Science Challenges

Hosted by Baker Electric Solar and Cleantech San Diego, the 2nd Annual San Diego Solar Day provided kids with hands-on opportunities to better understand the impact solar energy technologies offer today and for generations to come.

Baker Electric Solar, a full-service solar company, and Cleantech San Diego, a nonprofit trade organization supporting the regions cleantech economy, hosted the 2nd Annual San Diego Solar Day (SDSD) on Saturday, April 15 at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM).


This Earth Month celebration is the first solar-intensive middle and high school event of its kind in San Diego. Following the debut of four kid-produced "Rock the Sun" renewable energy short films and remarks from community leaders, kids ages 10 to 18 took part in a variety of solar science challenges. The activities included: working hand-in-hand with members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to construct a working solar car charging station; building and racing mini solar race cars; watching Aurora Solar photovoltaic design demos; creating solar grasshoppers; and taking part in an interactive "sun-inspired" social media display. The kids also received education and clean energy job tips at college and career readiness booths staffed by community and industry professionals.

Speakers included: Sam Abed, City of Escondido, Mayor; Patricia Prado-Olmos, CSUSM, Vice President of Community Engagement; James A. Floros, Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, CEO and President; Jason Anderson, Cleantech San Diego, President and CEO; and Mike Teresso, Baker Electric Solar, President.

"San Diego Solar Day is intended to motivate kids to shape the future of renewable energy within their communities now and into the future. Were not standing by as the world debates climate change and ways to encourage job growth," said Baker Electric Solar President Mike Teresso. "Solar and other clean energies continue to drive a powerful new economy while providing a safe clean environment. What better way to sustain this growth and clean energy consciousness than educating and inspiring the next generation? Baker Electric Solar and Cleantech San Diego share this vision."

"In sunny San Diego, solar energy has been a key part of our cleantech story since day one, and we are proud to rank #1 in the nation for solar installations" said Cleantech San Diego President and CEO Jason Anderson. "San Diego Solar Day is an exciting way to not only celebrate our regions solar strengths, but to inspire and mentor the next generation of renewable energy champions, innovators, and workers."

For more information, visit https://www.bakerelectricsolar.com.

About Baker Electric Solar
San Diego-based Baker Electric Solar designs, installs and maintains solar systems for homes, commercial facilities and utility-scale projects across Southern California. As a member of the Baker family of companies, Baker Electric Solar is a BBB accredited business with an A+ rating and a recipient of the 2016 BBB Torch Award for Ethics. Baker ranks No. 23 on Solar Power World Magazines 2016 Top 50 Solar Contractors in California and No. 76 on the Top 500 Solar Contractors in North America. It was recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as San Diegos No. 16 Fastest-Growing Private Company. Baker also earned the Angies List Super Service Award four consecutive years (2013-2016). For more information, visit https://www.bakerelectricsolar.com.

About Cleantech San Diego
Cleantech San Diego is a member-based organization that positions the greater San Diego region, including Imperial County, as a global leader in the cleantech economy. As a nonprofit organization, Cleantech San Diego is uniquely suited to support the industry by fostering collaborations across the private-public-academic landscape, leading advocacy efforts to promote cleantech priorities, and encouraging investment in the San Diego region. Cleantech San Diegos members include more than 100 local businesses, universities, governments, and nonprofits committed to advancing sustainable solutions for the benefit of the economy and the environment. For more information, visit www.cleantechsandiego.org.

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