IREC serves as one of the many catalysts between renewable energy projects and the public. Their mission, "to accelerate the sustainable utilization of renewable energy sources and technologies in and through state and local government and community activities," helps to bridge projects that are experimenting with energy and not only utility companies, but also the public who may be curious about how a renewable energy grid may come about given the economy.

IREC is asking projects that started generating energy in 2008 to submit their applications for their 16th annual award search. Applications are due by July 30.

Past awards went to individuals and organizations like the San Francisco Department of the Environment who developed a Solar Map technology identifying residences and businesses where solar panels may be installed to generate energy. Other winners include the Texas State Energy Conservation Office, Conservation Services Group, and the Texas Solar Energy Society, who provided renewable energy lesson plans for teachers across the state, and the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Office, U.S. DOE and Partners who nixed the island's fossil fuel energy consumption and replaced it with five city projects that generate solar power.

For those projects that use wind, wave, and other renewable energy sources other than the sun, SUBMIT! It seems as though so many past winners are solar projects and there is so many more opportunities for clean energy than just the sun.

IREC awards showcase these projects and help to inspire more.