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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.
Solar's Steady March: New Installation Figures Are Out
It seems that nearly weekly we hear more good news on the solar energy front. Today, the Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research released their Solar Market Insight Report for Q3 2012, with a summary of accomplishments year to date. The progress is impressive and would have been unimaginable just five years ago. Furthermore, the growth is expected to continue for the next several years, jumping from 3.2 GW in 2012 to 7.8 GW by 2015. Some highlights from the report:
Solar Installations Surge on Lower Costs and Government Support
The number of solar installations grew strongly in the nation’s residential, commercial and utility sectors in the third quarter, largely as a result of falling costs, a federal investment tax credit and state programs that support renewable energies, the solar industry’s main trade group reported on Tuesday.
U.S. Solar Surges 44% in Third Quarter Driven by Rooftops
Developers installed 684 megawatts of solar panels in the U.S. in the third quarter, 44 percent more than a year earlier, as residential projects rose to a record, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
New Report: 3rd Quarter U.S. Solar Energy Growth Highlighted by PV, Record Residential Installs
WASHINGTON D.C. -- GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA®) today released the U.S. Solar Market Insight: Third Quarter 2012. The report finds that the U.S. solar photovoltaics (PV) market installed 684 megawatts (MW) in the third quarter (Q3) of 2012, representing 44 percent growth over the same period last year. This quarter marked the third largest on record for the U.S.
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House Votes to Extend, Improve Solar Tax Credits
House-passed bill would extend federal solar tax credits for 8 years, eliminate $2,000 cap on residential projects, and remove exemptions for utilities and AMT filers
Solar Energy Industries Association Names Senator Gordon Smith as 2008 National Solar Energy Champion of the Year
(Washington, DC) – The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) today announced that U.S. Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) is the Republican winner of its 2008 National Solar Energy Champion Award, citing his strong support and leadership on solar energy-related issues in the U.S. Congress.
Senate Reaches Bipartisan Agreement to Extend, Improve Solar Tax Credits
Solar Energy Industries Association president Rhone Resch released the following statement after the Senate voted on bipartisan legislation to extend federal solar tax credits by 8 years. The amendment to H.R. 6049, the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, to extend renewable energy tax credits passed by a vote of 93 to 2. SEIA expects the Senate will complete votes on other amendments and pass H.R. 6049 later today.
Poll Reports 94% of Americans Say It's Important for the U.S. to Develop and Use Solar Energy
A vast majority of Americans, across all political parties, overwhelmingly support development and funding of solar energy. Ninety-one percent of Republicans, 97 percent of Democrats and 98 percent of Independents agree that developing solar power is vital to the United States.
SEIA's Rhone Resch on BLM's Moratorium Announcement
“The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) announcement that it has lifted its moratorium on solar energy applications on federal lands is the right decision. While we applaud today’s announcement, BLM has only resolved half the problem. They have yet to approve a single solar energy project. Expediting the permitting process is the next step in developing solar energy projects on federal lands.
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Schools Raise the Roof on Solar Energy
Renewable Energy World
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In one 50-minute period last month, the Intro to Engineering students at Chatfield High School in Jefferson County, Colorado, charted the strength of solar panels at their desks, then climbed through a trap door to examine the 100-kilowatt solar array on their school's flat roof.
Presidential Candidates Clash Over Energy Policy During Second Debate
After a first debate that mentioned infamous solar manufacturer Solyndra but offered little substantive energy policy discussion, President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney made energy issues a central topic during their second debate on Tuesday night. Solar energy garnered several specific call-outs from both candidates.
FedEx begins work on major airport solar project in Newark
The FedEx Express arm of FedEx Corp. today broke ground on its largest solar panel project to date, which will be mounted on the rooftops of its three distribution facilities at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The price of solar panels continues to drop, making solar power more cost-effective for mainstream use
Solar power has long been known for its environmental benefits, but as the technology becomes more affordable, it's taken on mainstream use in homes, farms and businesses.
UPDATE: Western Solar Zones to Streamline Development on Public Lands
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar officially announced last week that the Department of the Interior has designated 285,000 acres of public land for solar development on pre-sited zones in the Western states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah, as RenewableEnergyWorld.com reported in July.
