SEIA Applauds President Obama for Continued Commitment to Solar

Washington, DC – SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch issued the following statement today after learning the White House has begun installing solar panels “to improve overall energy efficiency” of America’s most famous building:

“It’s only fitting that today’s great news comes on a beautiful, sunny day in our nation’s capital.  We applaud President Obama for, once again, leading by example.  Today, solar is generating enough electricity to power more than 1.3 million American homes, and we’re extraordinarily proud to be adding the White House to this constantly-growing list. 

“Installing solar panels on the First Family’s official residence, arguably the most famous building in America, underscores the growing popularity of solar energy nationwide.  Today, more than 30 utility-scale, clean energy solar projects are under construction – utilizing both concentrating solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) technologies – putting thousands of electricians, steelworkers and laborers to work, while also helping to reduce carbon emissions from power plants.  These facilities, along with rooftop solar on homes, businesses and schools, will generate electricity for generations to come.

“Presently, there’s more than 8,500 megawatts (MW) of cumulative solar electric capacity installed in the U.S.  What’s more, in the first quarter of 2013, nearly half of all new generating capacity added to the grid was solar.  All totaled, it’s expected that more than 5,300 MW of new solar electric capacity will come online this year.  In addition, innovative solar heating and cooling systems are offering American consumers cost-efficient, effective options for meeting their energy needs, while lowering their utility bills.

“Solar now employs nearly 120,000 Americans at more than 5,600 companies, most of which are small businesses spread across the United States, making solar one of the fastest growing industries in America.  Part of this amazing growth is attributed to the fact that the average cost of a solar system has dropped by nearly 40 percent over the past two years.

“We applaud the President for making solar a shining symbol at the White House for clean, renewable energy.  We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress on even more ways to expand the use of solar throughout the federal government.” 

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® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies 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. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contacts:
Jamie Nolan, jnolan@seia.org, 202.556.2886
Ken Johnson, kjohnson@seia.org, 202.556.2885

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