WASHINGTON, DC – The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA®) and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association (HSEA) today announced a formalized partnership to coordinate the resources of both organizations and promote the growth of Hawaii’s solar energy market.

“The U.S. solar industry is thriving right now and Hawaii is helping to lead the way,” said Mark Duda, president of HSEA. “Solar energy creates jobs, grows the economy, and generates clean energy that we don’t have to import. Hawaii is already one of the strongest solar markets in the U.S. and I expect this great partnership with SEIA will help us to expand opportunities for more Hawaii homeowners and businesses to go solar.”

“Our partnership with HSEA strengthens our efforts to promote solar energy and create jobs on a state and national level,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of SEIA. “Hawaii’s combination of immense solar resources, a dynamic business environment and smart state policies has enabled it to forge a position as a leading solar state. I look forward to working closely with HSEA to help grow the solar industry in Hawaii and across the country.”

Today, solar energy is one of the fastest growing energy technologies in the United States. The U.S. solar industry now employs more than 100,000 Americans who work at more than 5,000 companies, mostly small businesses, located in every state. With the expansion of the U.S. solar industry, the costs of solar panels have declined by 30 percent since the beginning of 2010. Solar electric power across the country currently surpasses 3,100 megawatts, enough to power 630,000 American homes.

The U.S. Solar Market Insight™ presented by SEIA and GTM Research shows that Hawaii is a national leader in solar installations. Hawaii’s solar growth continues to accelerate, ranking 8th for solar deployment during the second quarter of 2011. Cumulatively, Hawaii has enough installed solar capacity to meet the needs of over 10,400 homes.

About SEIA:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA and its 1,000 member companies are building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy.

About HSEA:
The Hawaii Solar Energy Association has been the voice of Hawaii’s solar industry since 1977. Through legislative, regulatory, and educational outreach efforts, HSEA works to increase access to renewable energy for Hawaii’s homes and businesses. HSEA is comprised of over 60 installers, distributors, manufacturers, auditors, and financiers of solar water heating and photovoltaic systems. The majority of HSEA’s member companies are locally owned and operated.