Consortium for Solar Lighting (CSL) Manufacturers Select Connecticut-Based Solar Leader to Head Organization

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA (May 8, 2012) The Consortium for Solar Lighting (CSL), a group of manufacturers working to accelerate the global adoption of reliable solar lighting technology, has hired clean energy veteran Michael Trahan as executive director to lead the group’s effort to develop universal specifications to support consumers’ fair and comprehensive evaluation of commercial-scale lighting systems.

 

Trahan has served as executive director of statewide industry group Solar Connecticut, Inc. since 2008 during which time industry membership has quadrupled. Earlier this year, HeatSpring Magazine wrote that, “Mike Trahan is the hardest working man in solar,” mainly for his efforts to galvanize manufacturers, installers and state policy makers to adopt a set of America’s most progressive government policies toward residential and commercial solar power usage.

 

The CSL was created by some of the most active solar lighting producers in North America to foster awareness and provide education in solar lighting and the applications where it is a viable alternative to conventional grid-connected lighting technology.

 

CSL founders include (in alphabetical order) Carmanah Technologies Corporation, Sharp Manufacturing Company of America, Sol, Inc., SolarOne Solutions, Inc., and Trojan Battery Company.  More than sixty solar lighting manufacturers, researchers, educators and related businesses worldwide have expressed interest in joining CSL since the group was formed.

 

Trahan states that a lack of clear and accurate equipment standards will adversely affect the rate of solar adoption in the lighting industry, and that CSL will take a leadership to develop a fair and comprehensive evaluation of commercial-scale lighting systems.

 

“Consumer frustration over the lack of independent solar powered lighting standards including effective sizing of today’s high technology products is on the rise and left unaddressed, will adversely affect the rate of solar lighting adoption,” Trahan said.  “Working with a broad spectrum of product and component makers, we will aggressively reach out to local, state and federal government and commercial customers, specifiers and everyone else in a decision making position and educate them on best practices when it comes to procuring solar lighting,” he said.

 

Last July, CSL released the first in a series of CSL Recommended Practices reports called “Solar Lighting Recommended Practices: Introduction.”  A more detailed report will be made available this summer. 

 

The original paper outlines solar lighting system sizing gaps in today’s recognized industry standards and the importance for a specific standard that directly addresses solar lighting. The report also defines the process of selecting and configuring a solar lighting system to ensure that the system will operate reliably 365 days a year.

 

To view CSL Solar Lighting Recommended Practices: Introduction and to learn more about the CSL including membership, please visit www.consortiumforsolarlighting.com.  

 

The CSL founding members, and Executive Director Trahan, will attend the LIGHTFAIR International tradeshow (LFI) on May 9-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Current and prospective CSL members are invited to discuss the CSL and its mission this with any of the CSL members.  To arrange a meeting during LFI at the Las Vegas Convention Center, contact Michael Trahan, Executive Director of the CSL, at 1-860-256-1698.

 

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