WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reacting to news today that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), along with the State of California, will expand financing for energy efficiency and solar energy in multifamily housing, Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), released the following statement:
“This is an important step toward meeting the White House’s goal of installing 100 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy in federally subsidized housing. We applaud President Obama, Secretary Castro and Governor Brown for their continued commitment to energy efficiency and clean energy. These far-reaching efforts will help to create
new American jobs, give local economies a big boost and help to reduce pollution. It’s a huge win all the way around. But it gets even better: It will also help to save money. Clean, reliable solar energy is now more affordable than ever, with blended average system prices having declined 53 percent since 2010.
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“Today, the U.S. has an estimated 20 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity, enough to effectively power nearly 4 million homes in the United States – or every single home in a state the size of Massachusetts or New Jersey – with another 20 GW in the pipeline for 2015 and 2016. This tremendous growth is due, in large part, to smart, effective public policies, such as the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Net Energy Metering (NEM) and Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). By any measurement, these policies are paying huge dividends for both the economy and environment.”
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About SEIA:
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Celebrating its 41st anniversary in 2015, 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.
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Media Contacts:
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Ken Johnson, SEIA Vice President of Communications,
kjohnson@seia.org (202) 556-2885Â
Samantha Page, SEIA Press Officer and Communications Manager,
spage@seia.org (202) 556-2886