#MillionSolarStrong gains widespread support as 70+ organizations sign pro-solar declaration

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The #MillionSolarStrong campaign is gaining widespread support with more than 70 organizations signing an official declaration favoring a strong role for solar energy as a part of America’s energy portfolio. The campaign is a recognition that the solar industry has raced past 1 million solar systems in the United States and is rapidly accelerating toward 2 million.

Additionally, the hashtag reached nearly 77 million people through a thunderclap across the social media platforms Facebook and Twitter with even President Obama weighing in to give #MillionSolarStrong a social media shout out.

“American leaders, entrepreneurs and organizations across the country have come together to publicly recognize solar as part of the mainstream energy discussion, and that’s not something that can be easily ignored,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “While it took us 40 years to hit one million U.S. solar installations, we’re expected to hit 2 million within the next two years. Solar energy isn’t just here to stay, it’s rapidly growing because of the hardworking American families who have made it clear they want access to clean, affordable, reliable electricity.”

The organizations that signed on to the declaration include some of the nation’s largest solar companies along with groups like the Young Conservatives for Energy Reform, the Christian Coalition of America, the Climate Reality Project, Union of Concerned Scientists, the National Electrical Contractors Association and the National Roofing Contractors Association.

A report issued this week by the George Washington Solar Institute found the million solar systems now installed in the U.S. provide enough electricity to power the entire state of Pennsylvania. The report also shows that solar accounted for one in 83 jobs created in the United States last year. For more information go to www.millionsolarstrong.org.

###

About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 42nd anniversary in 2016, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact:

Alex Hobson, SEIA Press Officer & Communications Manager, ahobson@seia.org (202) 556-2886