ANAHEIM, CALIF. and WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a strong show of leadership in the fastest-growing renewable energy industry in America, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) today issued the SEIA Solar Business Code to further transparency and understanding in solar power transactions, while maintaining high levels of competiveness. The code is the first national guidance document covering interactions between solar companies and consumers and is effective immediately. 

 

“We are leading by example,” said Rhone Resch, SEIA president and CEO. “Solar has long been known as the right energy choice for many reasons.  We’ve had a Code of Ethics for years, but wanted to push further in consumer protection. SEIA and the solar industry are taking the right path in helping to make sure both solar companies and consumers fully understand each and every transaction.”

 

As an industry employing 174,000 Americans, solar is now one of the leading sources of new power for the United States. Data released last week showed the U.S. now has enough solar installed to power 4.6 million homes.  As the industry grows, more homeowners and businesses are turning to solar as a competitive, affordable and reliable energy source.

 

“The solar industry is committed to helping people and businesses access clean, affordable energy, and providing consumers with a positive experience," said Nat Kreamer, CEO of Clean Power Finance, and Chairman of the Board of SEIA. “SEIA has proactively championed best practices in consumer protection, and we are proud to be part of an association and an industry that puts the consumer first.” 

 

“Solar is growing because it allows customers a way to save money and reduce greenhouse gas, air and water pollution at the same time,” said Seth Weissman, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of SolarCity, the nation’s largest solar installer.  “SEIA’s guidelines will help consumers differentiate among providers, and lay the foundation for solar energy to become a mainstream source of energy in the U.S.”

 

The SEIA Solar Business Code covers many aspects of the standard solar transaction, including advertising and customer acquisition, sales and marketing, how solar is portrayed to consumers, and terms of solar contracts.

 

The SEIA Solar Business Code is the result of the work of SEIA’s Consumer Protection Committee, whose mission is to address consumer-oriented issues within U.S. solar markets through activities that increase consumer, industry, government, and media understanding of solar energy transactions, technical capabilities, and characteristics, while promoting solar industry growth and competition.

 

 

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. 

 

Alex Hobson, SEIA Press Officer & Communications Manager, [email protected] (202) 556-2886