n057  1137  29 Mar 78
 
SOLAR
(Newhouse 001)
By PETER J. BERNSTEIN
(c) 1978, Newhouse News Service
    WASHINGTON - In the tradition of Earth Day, and with just as much
hoopla, May 3 will be Sun Day.
    To mark the occasion, the Energy Department is considering
legislation to require the use of solar heating and cooling systems
in all new homes financed with federal housing loans.
    Although Sun Day has the public support of Energy Secretary James R.
Schlesinger, planners at Sun Day headquarters here say that one of
its main purposes is to pressure the Carter administration into more
support for solar energy.
    They believe that Schlesinger's promise to consider mandating solar
systems in new homes - made in response to a question at a
congressional hearing last week - is not enough. More solar research
funds are needed, they say.
    In the current U.S. energy budget, solar holds down only 3 percent,
compared with upwards of 80 percent for nuclear power. Next fiscal
year's budget calls for some $11 million less for solar.
    Backing Sun Day is a broad coalition of environmentalists, labor,
farmers and various energy experts. To show its support, the Carter
administration has earmarked several millions of dollars to finance
solar exhibits and other activities.
    Planners say all 50 states will participate, with activities ranging
from a solar festival in Seattle to a tour of a dozen solar homes in
Martinsburg, W.Va., to a sunrise concert at the United Nations.
    There even will be an expedition to the top of Maine's Cadillac
Mountain, the first spot in the United States to receive each day's
sunlight.
    Solar activities to mark the day also are planned in Western Europe,
Japan and Australia.
    ''It's really taking off,'' said Peter Harnik of Environmental
Action, one of Sun Day's creators. ''Solar energy is here - the solar
age begins now.''
    ''Though some people have labeled solar an exotic and futuristic
technology, most of the needed solar technology is available right
now, and more will be ready as soon as mass production lines start
moving,'' he said.
    Harnik said some 25 million Americans are expected to turn out for
Sun Day activities. ''All indications are this will be bigger than
Earth Day.''
JG END BERNSTEIN
    
0329 1438pes
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a006  2146  16 Apr 78
PM-Sun Day, Bjt - 2 Takes,460-670
ConsumerWatch
By LOUISE COOK
Associated Press Writer
    First there was Earth Day. Then came Food Day. Now, there's Sun Day.
    And it falls on a Wednesday.
    It's less confusing than it sounds.
    A diverse coalition of activists - some of whom worked on the
environmental and nutritional ''days'' of the past - is sponsoring
programs across the nation on May 3 to call attention to and draw
backing for solar energy. Supporters include consumer groups, union
officials and businessmen.
    ''It's hoped Sun Day will both create a political constituency and a
network of people who are interested in solar energy and will educate
the general potential market,'' said Allison Freeman, media
coordinator for Sun Day.
    The official sponsor of the event is Solar Action Inc., a nonprofit,
tax-exempt public interest institution set up in Washington, D.C. Ms.
Freeman said the group is spending about $150,000 on the project,
with most of the money coming from individual contributors. Sun Day
posters, T-shirts, bumper stickers and buttons also will be sold to
raise money.
    Supporters of solar power got some encouragement recently from a
report by the Council on Environmental Quality which said prospects
for increasing use of systems based on the sun's energy ''are brighter
than most imagine.'' The council said: ''For the period beyond the
turn of the century,it is now possible to speak realistically of the
United States becoming a solar society.''
    Unlike the now-discontinued Earth and Food Days, which were annual
events, Sun Day is planned as a one-time occurrence only, Ms. Freeman
said. She said organizers hope the activities will encourage federal
officials and agencies to boost  support for research and development
of solar alternatives to traditional energy sources.
    Ms. Freeman also said that the increased availability of solar
energy devices can cause confusion for a public unfamiliar with the
new techniques and equipment. ''We do not have an educated consumer
right now,'' she said, adding that Sun Day organizers hope their
program will help clear up some misunderstandings.
    Kathleen O'Reilly, executive director of the Consumer Federation of
America and a member of the board of directors of the Sun Day group,
said the program ''addresses a vital issue - the need to develop
safe, efficient and environmentally sound energy alternatives - and it
presents an opportunity for dynamic consumer education in an area
where technological advancements have outpaced consumer awareness.''
    Philadelphia Sun Day backers plan a week-long program to highlight
different aspects of solar energy. On Sun-Agriculture Day, for
example, the focus will be on a large farmers' market; Sun-Economics
Day will feature a forum on jobs and solar energy; and
Sun-Transportation Day will include a bicycle tour of renewable energy
sites.
    MORE
    
ap-ny-04-17 0047EST
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a007  2151  16 Apr 78
PM-Sun Day, Bjt - 1st add,210
UNDATED: energy sites.
 
    Among the programs planned elsewhere, according to organizers, are:
a sunrise celebration on Cadillac Mountain in Maine where the sun's
rays first hit the United States each day; dedication of a greenhouse
to serve as a vegetable garden for inner-city residents of Chicago;
the opening of a permanent solar exhibit at the Los Angeles Museum of
Science and Technology; a Solar Art Contest, organized by the
Lincoln, Neb., chapter of Midwest Energy Alternatives; a May 6 fair,
with exhibits, slide shows and theater, in Lansing, Mich.; a tour of
solar homes in the Martinsburg, W.Va., area; and a solar festival on
the site of the World's Fair grounds in Seattle.
    Sun Day organizers have prepared a special kit for use in schools.
It is available, for $2.95, from Sun Day, 1028 Connecticut Ave. N.W.,
Room 1100, Washington, D.C. 20036.
    Individuals thinking of using solar power should start by conducting
an energy audit of their own homes. For information, contact the
National Solar Heating and Cooling Information Center, P.O. Box 1607,
Rockville, Md., 20850. The center, established by the Department of
Housing and Urban Development with the cooperation of the Energy
Research and Development Administration, can also provide a broad
range of information on solar systems. It has a toll-free telephone,
800-523-2929.
    
ap-ny-04-17 0052EST
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