One of the highlights on display was the Solar Eagle III, a National Champion solar car built by a team of engineering and technology students from Cal State L.A. under the guidance of faculty and staff. The flaming yellow Solar Eagle III, weighing in at just 427 pounds (without a driver and batteries) is powered by 762 terrestrial grade silicon cells and a 108-volt battery system. The vehicle outperformed, outdistanced and outclassed 40 other intercollegiate contestants during the 1,230-mile Sunrayce 97 solar car race. It was the only car in the field of contenders that didn’t break down—not even a flat tire. Its average speed: 43.29 mph.

 Solar Energy Resources

Solar Day Recap

Hundreds of Alhambra residents joined the international celebration of SolarDay 2010 to recognize the benefits of Solar Energy, Clean Technology, Energy Independence, Sustainability and Protection of the Planet at an informational, family-oriented event at Shorb Garden sponsored by the city’s Utilities Department.

Quite a few vendors were on hand to provide information about their products, including the benefits of installing a solar energy system, tax credits and other incentives available to reduce upfront costs. If you didn’t make it to the event or would like to investigate the benefits of installing a solar energy system or other conservation measures, check out the following resources …

• Home Depot – www.homedepot.com; 1-800-HOMEDEPOT – The Home Depot provides free, in-home estimates related to home solar installation.
• Los Angeles County – http://solarmap.lacounty.gov/ – The L.A. County Solar Map is an interesting online tool that provides residents and businesses with a simple and fast way to find out whether you can save money and help maintain the environment by installing solar panels. The Solar Map uses an advanced solar engineering model using roof size, pitch and shading from nearby trees, buildings and mountains to provide a building’s solar potential.
• Pasadena Solar – http://pasadenasolar.net; 626-227-1155 – Pasadena Solar is a local residential and commercial solar company that is committed to making sure the customer gets the right system for the specific project and budget.
• Republic Services (Allied Waste Services/AWS) – provided information on recycling and reducing our consumption of natural resources. For more information, see www.cityofalhambra.org/government/trash.html.
• Run on Sun – http://runonsun.com; 626-793-6025 – Located in Pasadena, Run on Sun installs solar PV systems serving commercial solar, residential solar and non-profit customers in the greater L.A. area. The company is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
• San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (SGVMWD) – www.sgvmwd.org  – The SGVMWD procures water from the state water project, which is used to supplement ground water supplies to its four member cities (which includes Alhambra).  The District's website promotes water conservation and what one person can do to save water (and money) at home.
• Solar Max – http://solarmaxtech.com; 866-285-2388 – Solar Max is a vertically-integrated company offering full-service solar electric (PV) systems from initial design to final integration. The company develops, manufactures, designs and installs solar PV systems for commercial and residential customers nationwide.
• Solar Unlimited – www.solarunlimited.com; (818) 843-1633 – An authorized dealer of Sunpower Corporation products, a leading manufacturer of solar energy systems.
• Southern California Edison – SCE buys 65% of all solar power generated in the United States. For more information on their partnerships with customers and developers, visit www.sce.com/PowerandEnvironment/renewables/Solar.
• Southern California Gas Company –SoCalGas is investing heavily in research, development and demonstration of new and emerging clean, energy-efficient technologies. Check out their website at www.socalgas.com/environment/greentech.html and www.socalgas.com/environment/livegreen.html.
• Sun Green Systems – http://sungreensystems.com; 626-851-0008 – Located in Irwindale, Sun Green Systems integrates solar technology, architectural design, and real estate development skills to deliver customized solar solutions.