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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