The Fall 2007 CCEI Conference was held Oct. 26th and 27th at Merced College in Merced, CA. 

Renewable Energy for Today and Tomorrow

The focus of our conference this year was on renewable energy.  Two long-timemembers of CCEI, Tom Diskin of College of San Mateo and Tom Chatagnier of Diablo Valley College, put together a great program for you to enjoy.  On Friday afternoon, there was a presentation which included an overview of renewable energy, and an introduction to solar photovoltaic system design and installation principles.  This session was the preparation for the Saturday hands-on session where we built a system from the ground up.  You learned how to assemble a photovoltaic array, in a variety of configurations, and connected it to the balance of system components to include the DC disconnect switch, inverter, AC disconnect switch and electrical distribution panel.  When completed, it was a functioning, grid-interactive photovoltaic system.  This hands-on session was run twice on Saturday, morning and afternoon.  Simultaneously a workshop led by Tom Chatagnier on training programs that lead to industry recognized certifications, the NABCEP certification, Energy Management programs, the California Solar Initiative and instructor training opportunities with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.  The two Saturday sessions were run both morning and afternoon. 

The traditional Friday night banquet was held at the Merced Ramada Inn's Eagles Nest Restaurant.  Tom Diskin has arranged for a keynote speaker from PG&E, Northern California's version of SoCal Edison.  He will speak on the topic of net metering from the utility's perspective on home-based renewable energy systems.

Renewable energy for today and tomorrow was the central theme of this year's conference.  With Merced resting about as close as you can get to the geographical center of the state and has Highway 99 running through it, the location was pretty accessible.  There is an AmTrack station in Merced so if you choose, you can ride the rails instead of driving.  It takes about 5 driving hours to get to Merced from the LA Basin depending on traffic conditions south of the Grapevine.  Car pooling from the South is also an option.

The Conference Hotel is the Ramada Inn, Merced.  Located at 2010 East Childs Ave,, Merced, CA  95340.  Phone 209-723-3121.