Join us Tuesday, January 31, for the first 2012 event in Solar One’s and NYC ACRE’s cleantech discussion series Clean Energy Connections: No Money No Problems? Financing Cleantech in the Post-ARRA Era.

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2011 7:00pm-9:00pm (doors open at 6:30p)
The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space at WNYC
44 Charlton Street, New York, NY 10014
General Admission: $25, Students: $10

Register for your advanced tickets here
A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

The beginning of 2012 ushers in a new era in renewable energy funding. Section 1603 Treasury Program is dead in the water thanks to a gridlocked Congress, and low tax appetites have hamstrung potential investors. As we move into an uncertain financial landscape, where will today’s renewable energy upstarts find funding for their projects and companies? Will private financing step in to sustain the industry’s momentum? How can the considerable financial power of New York City take a leadership role? Financial experts will examine these issues and offer a realistic assessment of where cleantech is headed now that the federal buck has stopped.

A networking reception will follow the panel discussion and audience Q&A.

Opening Speaker:
- Nathanael Greene, Director of Renewable Energy Policy, Natural Resources Defense Council

Panelists:
- Izzet Bensusan, President and CEO, Karbone
- Ann Davlin, Director of Development, Carbon War Room
- Jason Scott, Partner, EKO Asset Management Partners

Moderator:
- Michael Molnar, Partner, Greentech Capital Advisors

Can’t make it? Greentech Media is the media sponsor for this series and will host a free live web stream of this event at www.greentechmedia.com. Questions for the panelists and comments can be submitted via Twitter@CleanECNYC, #CleanNRGx.

No Money No Problems? is the first event of the second season of the cleantech discussion series Clean Energy Connections. Clean Energy Connections is a program of Solar One and NYC ACRE at NYU-Poly that brings together professionals, policymakers, investors and academia to explore major topics shaping NYC’s blossoming cleantech industry, and provides an expert forum to share best practices and new inspirations.

Join us this Wednesday for the 6th event of Solar One’s and NYC ACRE’s cleantech discussion series Clean Energy Connections: EVs in NYC: What Roll-out Strategies Work Best for the Big Apple?

Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 7:00pm-9:00pm (doors open at 6:30p)
The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space at WNYC
44 Charlton Street, New York, NY 10014
General Admission: $25, Students: $10

Register for your advanced tickets here
A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

New York City has the nation’s largest hybrid vehicle fleet and the best access to public transportation in the United States. City officials and Con Edison are planning for widespread adoption of electric vehicles and its impact on the electric grid. This event will focus on fleet-based approaches for electric vehicles, charging infrastructure challenges, and what this roll-out means for grid-scale storage and reliability issues.

A networking reception will follow the panel discussion and audience Q&A.

Opening Speakers:
- Christina Ficicchia, Executive Director, New York City and Lower Hudson Valley Clean Communities
- Keith Kerman, Deputy Commissioner, New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS); New York City’s first Chief Fleet Officer

Panelists:

- Brian Asparro, Chief Financial Officer, Green Charge Networks
- John Shipman, Department Manager, Electric Vehicle Programs, Con Edison
- Brett Gipe, Regional Sales Director, Eastern U.S. & Canada, Smith Electric Vehicles
- Anatol Feygin, Vice President, Energy Strategist, Loews Corporation

Moderator:
- David Leeds, Senior Manager, Smart Grid Research, Greentech Media

Can’t make it? Greentech Media is the media sponsor for this series and will host a free live web stream of this event at www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/evs-in-nyc-what-roll-out-strategies-work-best-for-the-big-apple. Questions for the panelists and comments can be submitted via Twitter@CleanECNYC, #CleanNRGx.

EVs in NYC is a part of the cleantech discussion series Clean Energy Connections. Clean Energy Connections is a program of Solar One and NYC ACRE at NYU-Poly that brings together professionals, policymakers, investors and academia to explore major topics shaping NYC’s blossoming cleantech industry, and provides an expert forum to share best practices and new inspirations.

Join us this Thursday for the 5th event of Solar One’s and NYC ACRE’s cleantech discussion series Clean Energy Connections: Biomimicry in the Big City: Can Nature Inspire Cleantech Solutions?

Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 7:00pm-9:00pm (doors open at 6:30p)
The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space at WNYC
44 Charlton Street, New York, NY 10014
General Admission: $25, Students: $10

Register for your advanced tickets here
Order in advance because only a limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

Humans have always looked to nature for inspiration in industry and progress. By observing nature, we have developed better machines, materials and buildings to improve our world. Only recently, however, have we begun to explore the potential of observing nature to advance clean-energy technology. Entrepreneurs, investors and biomimetic designers will discuss how companies are utilizing biomimicry to design, build and operate innovative cleantech technologies. Join us as experts explore the benefits and challenges of this new collaborative model and dive into the best strategies for success.

A networking reception will follow the panel discussion and audience Q&A.

Opening Speaker:
- Miriam Pye, Senior Project Manager of Manufacturing Technology Development, NYSERDA

Panelists:
- Sam Cochran, Co-founder, CEO & Chief Design Officer, SMIT
- Mark Dorfman, Consulting Scientist, Biomimicry 3.8
- Chris Garvin, Partner, Terrapin Bright Green
- Pat Sapinsley, Venture Partner, Good Energies; President, Build Efficiently, LLC

Moderator:
- Reena Jana, Contributing Editor, SmartPlanet, a CBS Interactive site

Can’t make it? Greentech Media is the media sponsor for this series and will host a free live web stream of this event at www.livestream.com/greentechmedia. Questions for the panelists and comments can be submitted via Twitter @CleanECNYC, #CleanNRGx.

Biomimicry in the Big City is a part of the cleantech discussion series Clean Energy Connections. Clean Energy Connections is a program of Solar One and NYC ACRE at NYU-Poly that brings together professionals, policymakers, investors and academia to explore major topics shaping NYC’s blossoming cleantech industry, and provides an expert forum to share best practices and new inspirations. The event partner for Biomimicry in the Big City is Terrapin Bright Green.

How can smart co-ops and condos turn pressure to “go green” into an opportunity to reduce costs and comply with new codes?

Solar One and the Council of New York Cooperatives and Condominiums (CNYC) are hosting another Intro to Green workshop for co-ops and condos at 7:00pm on October 13. This two-hour workshop will present cost-effective ways to reduce energy expenses and have a healthier, greener building; details on the NYSERDA Multifamily Performance Program for energy efficiency retrofits and financing; an overview of new green laws and code changes; and strategies for engaging owners in the greening process.

Date: Thursday, October 13, 2011
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: New York Society for Ethical Culture
2 W. 64th Street, New York, NY 10023
Register

If your building wants to go green but doesn’t know where to start, this is the workshop for you. We hope to see you there! See below for how to register, or check out the Intro to Green website to learn more. Pre-registration is required due to limited space.

This workshop is free for residents of CNYC member buildings. If your building is a CNYC member, please register by contacting CNYC at (212) 496-7400 or info@cnyc.coop. For questions about the workshop, call Solar One at (212) 785-0734 or email jeff@solar1.org.

There is a $30 fee for non-CNYC members. Please sign up by clicking here.

Well, it’s just not our year for screenings…

NY ASLA has decided to cancel tonight’s screening of Women In the Dirt. They’ll be rescheduling sometime in October in a different venue. You can find out more on their Facebook page.

Women in the Dirt is about the groundbreaking work of seven landscape architects. Their projects combine awareness of architectural and landscape principles, concern with sustainability, safety and beauty. The scope of their work ranges from private homes to vast public projects.

Through conversations with the landscape architects in their offices, or in the stunning spaces they’ve designed, the film explores each woman’s personal aesthetics and approach to their discipline. Women in the Dirt shows how these “masters of the obvious” create the sublime.

The New York chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects will be presenting this premiere screening at Solar 1 on Thursday September 15 at 7pm. Solar One is delighted to present this program- Stuy Cove Park was designed by a female landscape architect, Donna Walcavage. You can learn more about the design and construction of the Park on the Solar One website HERE.

Guest Presenter: Achva Stein, Professor & Director, Graduate Landscape Architecture Program at CUNY

Thursday September 15 at 7pm at Solar One

Rain date will be determined 24 hours in advance, if necessary.

UPDATE! We’re rescheduled Dancing In Public for the evening of Wednesday September 14! We hope to see you then!

On September 7th, Dance Films Association will host an evening of  live and cinematic works focused on “Dancing in Public”. As a part of the Solar One Green Energy Arts Festival, the evening will begin at 7:00 with a reception featuring live performance created by Rebecca Brooks, with dancers Ursula Eagly and Emily Wexler. The evening will feature a dynamic screening of several dance film shorts curated by Jennifer Edwards, Content Creator and Founder of JenEd Productions, and Christy Park, Executive Director of Dance Films Association. In creating this event, the curators focused on finding pieces that speak to various interpretations of dance and public space. Moving ‘bodies’ range from construction equipment to school children, and their dancing is carried out in spaces ranging from deserts to grocery stores to Grand Central Station. This is an event – with works by OK GO, JenEd Productions, David Hinton, and Anthony Atanasio – holds something for everyone yet promises to carry viewers on a journey through shifting landscapes and genres effortlessly. A Q&A with the choreographer and filmmakers will follow the screening.

Sun to Stars returns to Solar One for its 6th season on September 10, 2011 from 2-10 pm [Rain Date September 11]

This year’s performers include: Neel Murgai │ Shobana Ram│Indrajit Roy-Chowdhury│Gaurav Shah│ Parul Shah Dance Company│Malini Srinivasan│ Rujuta Vaidya │Jay Gandhi │Nitin Mitta

Please click on the links above to learn more about the artists!

This year’s Festival will have a special emphasis on children, with special activities for them in the early part of the Festival (2pm-4pm). These activities will include traditional kite and lamp making, coloring South Asian deity puppets, learning to wrap a sari and a special storytelling performance.

Curated by Parul Shah with Reena Shah

Artistic Direction by Tamar Rogoff

Food from Five Star Banquet and Catering

East India Pale Ale from Brroklyn Brewery

For more information about Sun To Stars, click HERE.

Saturday September 10 from 2pm-10pm with special activities for kids from 2pm-4pm

Schedule (subject to change):

2pm Kids Program: Student Performers, Arts & Crafts, Storytelling, Kite Making

4pm Dance Performances: Malini Shrinivasan, Shobana Ram, Parul Shah Dance company, Rujuta Vaidya

6:30pm Music Performances: Neel Murgai, Jay Gandhi & Nitin Mitta, Indrajit Roy-Chowdhury, Gaurav Shah

Sun To Stars Video by Andrew Baker

Hello, world! Beautiful day today, isn’t it? You’re probably out enjoying it, after being cooped up all weekend. This evening,  join the Stuyvesant Cove Park Association for the next event in the Margaret D, Lawrence and Helen W.Collins Memorial Music and Dance Series at Solar One. On  Monday, local singer-songwriter Paul Sachs returns with his band, and on Tuesday, we’ll have informal dance lessons and open dancing with local legend Evelyn Diamond. Both events are free and open to the public!

Paul Sachs & Band
Monday August 29 at 6pm

Folk Dancing with Evelyn Diamond
Tuesday August 30 at 7pm

Join us tomorrow for a repeat performance of choreographer Gabriel Forestieri and projectLIMB’s Handleless, a site-specific dance work created especially for the Park.

Melissa Guerrero, photo by Luka Kito

ProjectLIMB creates, evolves, and performs work where real time relationships, rather than content, are primary. 

For more information, visit the Dance page.

Benjamin Asriel, photo by Luka Kito

Friday August 26 and Saturday August 27 at 5pm (rain date Sunday August 28)
At Stuyvesant Cove Park
18th Street and Avenue C entrance (Map)

UPDATE! MORE THUNDERSTORMS SUNDAY NIGHT, DIRT! THE MOVIE CANCELED AGAIN

Please check back here to find out when we might be able to screen DIRT!

Due to thunderstorms on Friday, the screening of DIRT! the Movie has been postponed until TONIGHT Sunday August 21 at 7pm (film will screen around 8:30).

The summer is more than half over, and you know what that means- time for Solar One’s annual Solar-Powered Film Series! As usual, we’ll have 6 programs of (mostly environmental) features and shorts, with a few surprises and special guests thrown in. Also as usual, we’ll be partnering with the always-amazing Green Edge NYC, a social network that helps New Yorkers live more sustainably. This year’s Film Series is also sponsored by Chapin Hill Advisors, a financial planning and wealth management firm with a strong commitment to the environment. We’re excited to welcome them to the Solar One family!

Also new this year: the first week of films deal with the themes of food and urban agriculture, and we’re incredibly excited that the urban farmers of Eagle Street Rooftop Farm will be coming to Solar One and setting up a farm stand where attendees will be able to buy popcorn, snacks and produce grown right across the river in Greenpoint, Brooklyn! Eagle Street is close to Solar One’s heart not only because of their farming venture, but also for Growing Chefs, a great program that teaches schoolkids to not only grow food, but to prepare it as well.

  
Come and meet them on Thursday, Friday and Saturday August 18-20!

And now, more about the first film we’ll be screening- DIRT! the Movie:

From the website:

DIRT! The Movie–directed and produced by Bill Benenson and Gene Rosow–takes you inside the wonders of the soil. It tells the story of Earth’s most valuable and underappreciated source of fertility–from its miraculous beginning to its crippling degradation.

The opening scenes of the film dive into the wonderment of the soil. Made from the same elements as the stars, plants and animals, and us, “dirt is very much alive.” Though, in modern industrial pursuits and clamor for both profit and natural resources, our human connection to and respect for soil has been disrupted. “Drought, climate change, even war are all directly related to the way we are treating dirt.”

DIRT! the Movie–narrated by Jaime Lee Curtis–brings to life the environmental, economic, social and political impact that the soil has. It shares the stories of experts from all over the world who study and are able to harness the beauty and power of a respectful and mutually beneficial relationship with soil.

DIRT! the Movie is simply a movie about dirt. The real change lies in our notion of what dirt is. The movie teaches us: “When humans arrived 2 million years ago, everything changed for dirt. And from that moment on, the fate of dirt and humans has been intimately linked.” But more than the film and the lessons that it teaches, DIRT the Movie is a call to action.

“The only remedy for disconnecting people from the natural world is connecting them to it again.”

What we’ve destroyed, we can heal.

Speaker: Leanne Spaulding, Program Coordinator for the Western Queens Compost Initiative will talk abut the latest in compost initiatives and how YOU can get involved! Find out more about WQCI on their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/wqnscompost.

You can see trailers and get information about the entire Series HERE, and check back here in the coming days for more details about each program!

Unfortunately and once again, severe thunderstorms are headed straight for us, so we’ll be canceling the screening of Urban Roots tonight. Since we’ll be screening DIRT! on Sunday August 21, we’ll have to see about a rain date for Urban Roots.

URBAN ROOTS!

We’ve all got some urban roots, don’t we? Well, a small group of Detroit natives have discovered that their urban roots, and brought them to the center of a farming revolution! The movie, URBAN ROOTS, directed by Detroit-native Mark McInnis details the powerful story of a small group of unique individuals involved in Detroit’s inner-city agricultural movement.

The documentary from Tree Media (produced by Leila Conners and Mathew Schmid and directed by Mark Mac-Innis) the film follows the urban farming phenomenon in Detroit. Urban Roots is a timely, moving and inspiring film that speaks to a nation grappling with collapsed industrial towns and the need to forge a sustainable and prosperous future.

While it follows the inspiring stories of several agricultural programs, each story in Urban Roots is designed to address a specific issue. Not only are the organizations amazingly productive and emotionally driven, but the people tilling the soil and picking the harvest have fantastic stories to tell!

Speaker: TBA

Anyone Up For A FOOD FIGHT?

When we walk into a supermarket, we assume that we have the widest possible choice of healthy foods. But in fact, over the course of the 20th century, our food system has been co-opted by corporate forces whose interests do not life in providing the public with fresh healthy and sustainably-produced food.

Fortunately, for America, FOOD FIGHT, produced and directed by Christopher Taylor, is here to expose the nation’s tainted, conventional food system. FOOD FIGHT documents the journey of a group of political, anti-corporate, protesters – led by Alice Waters – as they voice their dissent over the conventional food system. The unintended result was the birth of a vital, local, sustainable, organic, food movement that has brought back taste and variety to our tables.

FOOD FIGHT is a fascinating look at how American agricultural policy and food culture developed in the 20th century, and how the California food movement has created a counter- revolution against big agribusiness.

In addition, FOOD FIGHT empowers views to share in this revolution. We have the power through our food choices to put the culture back in American agriculture. We get three votes a day, and they don’t all have to be perfect. But if just one meal is made with a mind to the small farmer, the land, and the environment, then we can all make a huge difference, one meal at a time.

Speaker: Paula Lukats, CSA NYC Program Manager for Just Food
Paula has 15 years of experience working in community and program development in New York City and has helped groups start CSA sites for the last 6 years.

Just Food has been the leader in connecting local farms to NYC neighborhoods and communities since 1995. Our mission is to unite local farms and city residents of all economic backgrounds with fresh, seasonal, sustainably grown food.

Join Rooftop Films for another evening of short films this Friday, August 5, at 8pm.

The landscape of these films is clear in our collective memory, though we see much of it at night, in too-bright sun, while we are dreaming, or in an impossible dusk. Everything is a little off as we wander as innocents down rural backroads, across the crunchy gravel parking lots of last-stop motels, through the silence of carpeted hotel hallways, into our own apartments (did we leave the window open?), not knowing what we’ll encounter next.

These films run along a spectrum but most hover in the realm of the dark. We are at times lost, broken down. The characters recount traumas, or create them. A pulse beats throughout the films, pulling us between calm and storm. Though the program varies widely, a thread connects the films, as if the characters are cut from the same cloth, a band of outsiders plotting to take over our world.

- Sarah Palmer

Tickets are $10, available at Rooftop’s website (along with info on each film) or at the door.

An evening of free dance classes and open dancing with local legend Evelyn Diamond. You’ve never experienced folk dancing like this before! Presented by the Stuyvesant Cove Park Association.

Enjoy an evening of traditional jazz music with our favorite father-and-sons-trio. Rain date Friday, July 22nd.

Live jazz music from one of NYC’s oldest and most respected jazz institutions- Jazzmobile!  Vocalist Cynthia Holiday will perform accompanied by piano, bass and drums. Presented by the Stuyvesant Cove Park Association.

The next in our monthly series of walking tours of Stuyvesant Cove Park. Come and enjoy a peaceful walking tour of New Yorks’s sustainable riverside gardens!

RSVP to daisy[at]solar1[dot]org

Live Salsa music from some of NYC’s premier musicians.  Presented by the Stuyvesant Cove Park Association. Rain date Monday August 15th

Park Volunteer Days offer the chance to get your hands dirty while helping to maintain the Park. Tasks include weeding, mulching, graffiti removal, tree pruning and general beautification. RSVP to daisy[at]solar1[dot]org