Portland, Ore. – March 31, 2009 Demonstrating its deep commitment to solar electricity, the non-profit Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) has just renewed its contract with non-profit Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) to offset its 2009 carbon footprint with BEF Solar Offsets.

SEPA will offset about 300 US tons of CO2 with this solar offset purchase, mitigating the climate impact of its operations with investment in clean, renewable, solar energy. BEF Solar Offsets are certified by Green-eÆ Climate using the greenhouse gas offset methodology established in the Green-e Climate Protocol for Renewable Energy.

ìOur work has shown that solar electricity has a prime place in the energy mix for every utility in every part of the U.S.,î said Julia Hamm, Executive Director, SEPA. ìWe will go the extra mile in all aspects of our operations to support the development of solar electricity.î

SEPA has experienced tremendous growth in the last year, and this 2009 commitment is 240% larger than its 2008 purchase. Additionally, SEPA is truly walking the talk with its commitment to 100% solar: Although costs continue to come down, solar electricity is still more expensive per kWh than wind, and renewable energy offsets cost more than many other offset types like reforestation or methane capture, so a commitment to a 100% solar offset represents a premium spent in full support of solar electricity.

According to the US EPA clean energy greenhouse gas equivalency calculator, SEPAís solar offset purchase avoids the same amount of CO2 as diverting 93.8 tons of waste from landfill, or not consuming 633 barrels of oil or 30,892 gallons of gasoline.

BEF offers a full range of high-quality offsets certified by Green-e Climate, Voluntary Carbon Standard, California Climate Action Reserve and renewable energy certificates certified by Green-e Energy for companies and individuals looking to offset their carbon footprint and support the development of new sources of renewable energy across North America.

About SEPA
The Solar Electric Power Association is comprised of over 560 utilities and solar industry members. From national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA is the go-to resource for unbiased and actionable solar intelligence. Breaking down information overload into business reality, SEPA takes the time and risk out of implementing solar business plans and helps turn new technologies into new opportunities. www.solarelectricpower.org.

About BEF
An entrepreneurial nonprofit, Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) is creating a more sustainable future by investing now in clean energy and fresh water. When customers purchase BEFís independently certified carbon offsets and renewable energy certificates, they support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the development of new renewable energy facilities. Additionally, their purchase supports long-term watershed restoration and renewable energy education for students and communities nationwide because BEF reinvests its net revenue to fund its 10-year Model Watershed and Solar 4R Schools programs. Since its founding in Portland, Ore. in 1998, BEF has been a pioneer in helping people and companies become better stewards of the environment.