Second Annual Go SOLAR & Renewable Energy Fest

The Second Annual Go SOLAR & Renewable Energy Fest will be held on June 6 & 7, 2014 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center. This is the premier event in South Florida to promote and expand rooftop solar in Florida. The Go SOLAR program is growing! For our second Fest, in addition to photovoltaics, we added topics such as thermal, biomass, energy efficiency, wind energy and job creation to our agenda.

Abstract Deadline: December 10, 2014
Manuscript Deadline: March 10, 2014

Abstract Submittal Form (PDF)

The first Go SOLAR Fest proved to be a shining success as more than 1,220 attendees, 54 exhibitors and 37 speakers showed up to the Broward County Convention Center on January 25-26, 2013 for the inaugural event. The exciting event offered solar and electrical contractors, installers and residents interested in bringing more solar energy to South Florida a unique opportunity to hear from the experts about recent advances in permitting, financing, solar rights, zoning, net metering and interconnection.

Prospective authors for the second Fest are requested to submit an abstract of 200-500 words and one 100 word biography by December 10, 2014. The abstract must clearly describe the nature, scope, content, organization, key points and significance of the proposed paper by completing the application package.

Presentations are to be original, non-commercial in that they focus on the technical business merits of a design, a method, a structure, an integration scheme, a material or a process rather than on the individual company’s product benefits. All abstracts will be reviewed and selected speakers will be notified no later than February 10, 2014.

Manuscripts of three to six pages including diagrams, figures, and photographs, are to be submitted electronically via Email. The deadline for manuscript submittal is March 10, 2014.

We invite you to share your expertise by submitting a proposal to present at the conference. We encourage presentations and panel discussion on the following topics:

Finance and Policy

• I can get my permit in minutes…how do I pay for my solar system?
• Increasing the Use of Renewable Energy in Florida
• Federal, state and local policies that affect solar and other renewable energy
• Production Tax Credits
• Building Community Solar Programs
• Financing commercial and municipal solar projects
• Solar Economics 101
• Available Financing Options for Residents

International Renewable Energy Developments

• Renewable Energy Projects Across the World
• The role of renewable energy in developing and developed countries
• Energy and economic growth in emerging economies
• Public-private ventures for energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability

Renewable Technologies and Market Trends

• Technologies beyond PV and CSP, such as micro-inverters, central inverters and power optimizers
• Pros and Cons of Battery-Based Solar Systems, Design and Maintenance
• Preserving historic properties while embracing renewable technologies
• Solar Thermal in the Sunshine State
• Sustainable Transportation
• The latest PV research
• Energy Efficiency

I am ready to Go SOLAR!

• I am interested in solar, what do I need to do first?
• Simple ways to save energy and money (programmable thermostats, weatherizing, energy efficient windows, and more)
• How many panels can I put on my roof to have a zero electric bill?
• How does the FPL rebate work, what tax incentives are available?

Training Workshops: (Learning Units Preferred)

• Code Compliance and Inspection of PV Systems
• Fire Fighter Safety and Solar PV Systems
• Sustainable Design (LEED)
• Consumer Level ABCs of Solar

Jobs in Renewable Energy

• What jobs are available?
• What special training will I need?
• What do they pay?
• Is this a growth field?