A successful clean energy project depends on good financial planning.

It’s time for clean energy organizations, financial services professionals and others to convene to better understand how they can work together to continue to advance the clean energy industry in North Carolina, the Southeast, and the nation. This workshop provides a great way to connect, share ideas and gain insiders’ perspectives into the world of clean energy financing.

This forum provides an avenue for accountants, architects, attorneys, banking executives, venture capitalists, clean energy developers, installers, engineers and others to connect, share ideas and gain insiders’ perspectives into the world of clean energy financing. Discussion topics include the fundamentals of clean energy financing and incentives and best practices for funding clean energy projects.

People are spending more time on the Internet and social media sites than ever. Utilize this time to engage your potential client and convert them into business. With a focus on the Clean Energy channel, we will break down the social media sector of advertising to help you determine how to create an effective social media strategy. Topics will include:  Clean Energy in NC, Creating an Effective Social Media Strategy, and Converting Business through Website Interaction. A networking reception will follow this event. It is free and open to the public. Please RSVP by Feb. 17.

                              [Space for this event is provided by Renewable Energy Special Projects Committee (RESPC) of Student Government.]

                       This event is part of, NCSEA's innovative educational series Clean Energy Connections which raises awareness for North Carolina's clean energy sector.

Self-Help Credit Union will launch its new Business Energy Loans for energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to existing buildings and renovation projects of small businesses, child-care facilities, charter schools, multi-family homes and other commercial real estate. The launch is part of the North Carolina Sustainable energy Association’s (NCSEA) innovative education series, Clean Energy Connections.

Self-Help’s new product offers a $15-million loan pool leveraged from $5.5 million in funding from Bank of America’s CDFI partnerships program and will be deployed in Charlotte, Washington D.C., and other target cities in Bank of America markets. Borrowers will be encouraged to do the most cost-effective investments in envelope, HVAC, lighting and water.  Renewable energy, geothermal, retro-commissioning, and costs of third-partycertification are eligible as well. Full program materials will be posted at self-help.org.

 When: 3-5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16

 Where: The Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte

Information: Registration is required. Please RSVP here.

Featured presentations include “Financing Energy Upgrades”  by Self-Help Credit Union loan officers and 5-minute energy efficiency success stories by Meghan McDermott of Southern Energy Management; Rich Deming of Calor Energy and Josh Hawn of Sustainable Industrial Solutions

About Clean Energy Connections

Clean Energy Connections, presented by NCSEA, is designed for NCSEA members and the public. The informative series aims to increase awareness of clean energy topics across North Carolina. Events will be held throughout the year and include discussions on financing, speed networking and much more.  In addition to encouraging networking within individual communities throughout the state, Clean Energy Connections will provide up-to-date information on the growth of North Carolina’s clean energy economy.  You can expect an event to be held in your region whether you live in Asheville, Charlotte, Eastern NC, or the Triangle and the Triad.

Contact Charles Adair at Charles@energync.org to become a presenter or a sponsor.

The North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) presents Clean Energy Connections, an innovative educational series designed for NCSEA members and members of the public. Certain events, however, will be for members only or by invitation.

The informative series aims to increase awareness of clean energy topics across North Carolina. Events will be held throughout the year and include discussions on financing, speed networking and much more.  In addition to encouraging networking within individual communities throughout the state, Clean Energy Connections will provide up-to-date information on the growth of North Carolina’s clean energy economy.  You can expect an event to be held in your region whether you live in Asheville, Charlotte, Eastern NC, or the Triangle and the Triad. The first event, Clean Energy Financing 101: Commercial, Federal/State, and Personal Financing /Investment, was from 2 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 24 at the NC Solar Center Training Room at 1575 Varsity Drive in Raleigh. This event was full with a waiting list.

The NC Solar Center provided the space. NCSEA was proud to present a panel that covers a range of topics on clean energy financing:  Bank of America representatives Samantha DiGiovanni, Vice President, Small Business Banker & Lewyn Hayes III, Vice President, Small Business Banker discussed what it takes to get your business a commercial loan for clean energy projects.

The Solar Center gave a presentation on the current Federal/State incentives available for clean energy projects and the DSIRE database. The center also shared its new Solar Dashboard, a modeling tool designed to help solar businesses present to potential investors. 

Briant Sikorski, Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch, gave a presentation entitled “Green – The New Color of Investment Opportunity” which will show how individuals and employees can direct their investments towards clean energy and “green” sectors through their investment accounts, individual retirement accounts and business retirement plans, such as 403(b)s and 401(k)s.

To see pictures from the event, visit us on Facebook or Flickr.

Celebrating North Carolina's Success in the Clean Energy Economy

With over a thousand businesses supporting tens of thousands of jobs and the goal of a more sustainable future fueling its growth, the clean energy economy has become one of the leading industries in North Carolina.  Renewable energy and energy efficiency projects dot the map from the mountains to the coast, generating momentum for positive growth.  What are these projects, how did they become successful, and how do we repeat these successes to sustain the growth curve?  What are the opportunities for, and the barriers to, success?  How do you create a "bankable project" that can meet the stiff requirements to achieve funding? Who are the decision makers and stakeholders that you need to partner with to effect change and grow your business? Join us and explore these and other topics at the NCSEA 2011 Annual Conference, Making Energy Work:  Celebrating North Carolina's Success in the Clean Energy Economy on November 9 at the Raleigh Convention Center.  Register now and be part of the dialogue between top business and industry experts as they discuss the economic, policy and resource issues and opportunities facing North Carolina's clean energy economy.  You will come away enlightened and feeling empowered to create your own success with the knowledge and contacts you have gained!

Click here for more conference information.

Energy Executives Roundtable, Community Energy Leaders and Supporters Forum, 
NCSEA's Annual Membership Meeting, & Educational Forum

From the national economy to discussions around the dinner table, energy has become a dominating force in our lives.  In the Southeast, rising energy prices and energy inefficiencies pose a risk to our state economies, businesses, and workforce. 

Amidst this uncertainty, leaders in our region have begun to understand sustainable energy can provide significant economic growth, enhance energy security and job creation opportunities. It is time for the Southeast to ensure our energy resources are working for us, instead of placing a strain on our economic well-being through rising costs, which may include carbon constraints in the near future.

To turn these risks into economic opportunities, the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, along with our partners and sponsors, is pleased to presentMaking Energy Work: Building a Sustainable Energy Economy in the Southeaston February 3, 2009 in Raleigh, North Carolina at the Raleigh Convention Center, the second LEED certified convention center in the nation.

The forum will bring together over 800 leaders from across the region and nation to discuss the Southeast’s emerging new energy economy and developing sustainable energy resources. Participants will include local, state and federal government, educators, business and industry, electric cooperatives and investor owned utilities, facility managers and owners, design and engineering companies, academic institutions, economic developers, and community organizations from across the Southeast.