The National Institute of Building Sciences Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC) will host the webinar, “Solar Energy from 6,000 Years Ago until Today,” Wednesday, April 29, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm EDT.

During the presentation, professor and author John Perlin will discuss his book, Let it Shine: The 6,000-Year Story of Solar Energy. The book tracks the use of solar energy techniques, from those used in ancient China to new products being installed around the world today. In this webinar, Perlin will discuss the history of solar technologies, including passive design, water heating and photovoltaics, and how such processes have impacted the design and construction of buildings throughout the centuries. (SBIC itself plays a role in this history. The Council was first called the Passive Solar Industries Council when it was established in 1980.)

An author, lecturer and consultant, Perlin has written four books and numerous essays and articles on solar energy and forest preservation, and has traveled extensively, both across the United States and around the world, to lecture on the topics. He is an Analyst in the Department of Physics and Director, Implementation of Solar Energy/ Energy Efficiency, Student Affairs, where he oversees multiple solar installations, at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

The webinar, “Solar Energy from 6,000 Years Ago until Today,” is free to attend. However, pre-registration is required and space is limited. Registration ends April 28, 2015. But don’t wait. Sign up now.

About the National Institute of Building Sciences

The National Institute of Building Sciences, authorized by public law 93-383 in 1974, is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that brings together representatives of government, the professions, industry, labor and consumer interests to identify and resolve building process and facility performance problems. The Institute serves as an authoritative source of advice for both the private and public sectors with respect to the use of building science and technology.

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