Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, the ranking Republican on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, unveiled her Energy 20/20 proposal this week. The 123-page document is intended as a “blueprint for discussion” about U.S. energy policy and includes a wide range of provisions, from oil drilling to energy storage R&D.
News
You are here
SEIA is the solar energy industry’s go-to source for the latest coverage on solar power, including U.S. and international policy, research and polls, business and financing trends, and more. Our staff strives to support the media covering solar energy issues and guide our members on effective media outreach with clear statements, background materials, news and multimedia resources.
SEIA is committed to informing policymakers, the media, and the American public about the benefits of solar energy for today’s communities, our economy, and our country.
Learn more from our statements and industry news below.
Thin-Film Solar Power To Be Sold For Less Than Coal Power
According to a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between El Paso Electric Company and First Solar, electricity will be sold from First Solar’s thin-film solar panels to El Paso Electric Company for 5.8 cents per kWh (a good 4-8 cents cheaper than new coal, which is in the 10-14 cents per kWh range).
Statement from SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch on the Notice of the Departure of Energy Secretary Steven Chu
“SEIA applauds Secretary Chu for his outstanding leadership of the Department of Energy and for his work to foster the growth of clean energy technologies to power America. Secretary Chu clearly believes in the power of science and innovation to drive change, which was evident in the way he led the Department. Under Dr.
IKEA Plugs-in South Florida’s Largest Solar Energy System
IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today officially plugged-in the solar energy system installed at its South Florida store in the City of Sunrise.
Former Colorado Senate Majority Spokesman To Head Solar Association
Eddie Stern, the former director of communications for the Colorado Senate Majority, has been hired as the director of the Colorado Solar Energy Association, the group formed in 1989 that represents hundreds of solar industry members across the state.
Pages
Poll: 3 out of 4 Americans Approve of Solar Energy Development on Public Lands
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) today released new national polling data showing that 75 percent of those surveyed support the development of solar energy plants on public lands.
Senator Harry Reid Named 2009 National Solar Energy Champion Of The Year
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) today announced U.S. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) as recipient of a 2009 National Solar Energy Champion Award, citing his tireless leadership to combat climate change, steer our economy towards a clean energy future and put solar energy to work for all Americans.
Secretary Ken Salazar Named 2009 National Solar Energy Champion of the Year
“In his role at the Department of the Interior, Secretary Salazar oversees the best solar resources in the world and understands that we need to put this clean, domestic resources to work for America,” said Rhone Resch, president of SEIA.
FERC Kicks Off Process to Get More Solar onto the Grid
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) President and CEO Rhone Resch released the following statement in response to today’s announcement by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that it is reviewing its policies with an eye toward integrating more variable resources into the electric grid.
U.S. Solar Industry Taking the Lead In Promoting Sustainable Business Practices
Today, leaders of the Solar Energy Industries Association’s Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Committee announced their 2010 priority issues. The committee met today in Anaheim, Calif., in conjunction with the 2009 Solar Power International conference. Solar energy is acknowledged to be pollution-free and reduces the emissions that cause global warming.
Pages
Climate skeptic group works to reverse renewable energy mandates
The Heartland Institute, a libertarian think tank skeptical of climate change science, has joined with the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council to write model legislation aimed at reversing state renewable energy mandates across the country.
Solar energy sector lights up in California
Al Jazeera
On a cool autumn day in Oakland, California, the sun shines brightly on the south facing façade of Miya Yoshitani’s office building.
Yoshitani is the Associate Director for the Asian Pacific Environmental Network, an East Bay organisation promoting sustainable and equitable conditions for Asian and Pacific Islanders. "We have a stake in solar too," Yoshitani said. "But want it to happen in an inclusive way that benefits our communities directly."
US: Georgia Power’s solar initiative approved
The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved Georgia Power’s Advanced Solar Initiative (GPASI). Overall, the utility aims to acquire 210 MW of solar power over the next two years.
Solar Companies Seek Ways to Build an Oasis of Electricity
When Hurricane Sandy wiped out the power in areas like coastal Long Island and the Jersey Shore, what should have been beacons of hope — hundreds of solar panels glinting from residential rooftops — became symbols of frustration.
Veterans find jobs, and new mission, in cleantech
When military veterans search for jobs, they often want more than a paycheck. Many say they look for rewarding work and a team of dedicated people focused on a common mission.

