Nevada Now Home to Federal Solar Demonstration Zone

WASHINGTON, DC – Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) President and CEO Rhone Resch today praised U.S. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) for working with U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu and U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to select a site for the Solar Demonstration Zone Project. The two agencies chose a site that will take advantage of Nevada’s world-class solar resources to highlight the latest innovations in solar technologies while creating clean energy jobs.

“Today’s announcement is another example of Senator Reid’s leadership to create stable, good-paying jobs for Nevadans and across the nation. Solar energy is already one of the fastest growing industries in the world, and this project ensures that Nevada will be at the center of this booming industry.

“Nevadans are well positioned to use their world-class natural resources and talented workforce to be an exporter of clean solar energy rather than an importer of hazardous nuclear waste and polluting fossil fuels.

“This announcement also highlights the importance of passing solar policies that ensure the industry grows here in the U.S. A two-year extension of the Treasury Grant Program, which expires in December, and an expansion of the solar Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, will go a long way toward meeting the solar industry’s goal of installing solar energy to power 2 million homes by 2015. These policies are expected to create 3,000 jobs in Nevada.

“The purpose of the DOE Solar Demonstration Zone Project is to speed adoption of advanced utility-scale solar technology. The project allows solar energy companies to gain valuable field results, accelerating deployment of highly promising innovations to the market. Such improvements can reduce large-scale solar system costs, increase their efficiency and enhance storage capacity. Also, this real-life testing improves financing opportunities for solar projects.

“There are currently 22 gigawatts (GW) of utility-scale solar projects in the development pipeline, enough to power 4.4 million households with clean, safe energy and create tens of thousands of jobs.”

The DOE Solar Demonstration Zone Project will be located on 25 square miles at DOE’s existing Nevada Test Site located in Nye County, Nev.

About SEIA:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the solar energy industry. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 members 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. Learn more at www.seia.org.