By MASSIE SANTOS BALLON
MediaNews

Going green is hot. So is solar energy.

Solar energy will be the focus of today's monthly meeting of the Northern California Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council at the Moss Landing Marine Labs. The meeting is at 6 p.m.

"The Nuts and Bolts of Solar Technologies" will be covered by several speakers, including Assemblyman John Laird, D-Santa Cruz; Roger DeNault, president of Solar Technologies of Santa Cruz; and Rob Cruz from Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

Among other topics, Laird will discuss his bill, AB 1058, which calls for state green building standards by 2010. The legislation is awaiting approval by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

California's goal is to generate 3,000 megawatts of electricity from solar energy by 2017, according to the Public Utilities Commission and state Energy Commission. The state now reports that only 217 megawatts is being produced by solar energy.

But that small amount of solar power appears like it will be growing a lot bigger.

More than 1,000 applications to install solar grids on new homes were filed with state regulators through April, the most recent figures available.

The PUC'S California Solar Initiative, a nine-month-old program that offers cash incentives to pay up to half the cost of a solar-power systems for existing homes, has received nearly 4,600 applications. Business, government and nonprofit agencies account for another 666 applications.

All together, the 2007 applications represent a potential of 162 megawatts of solar-generated electricity.

Homeowners who may want to "green" their homes without making major renovations can start with small changes.

For example: Use high-efficiency light systems with dimmers or light directly above a work station to reduce energy costs. The state's Integrated Waste Management Board, which seeks to reduce California's solid waste, recommends low-flow plumbing fixtures and recycled construction materials.

The green council event is $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. For information about the council visit www.usgbc-ncc.org