Renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar energy extensively use certain rare earth metals. The availability of these materials, including indium, may be affected by export restrictions for rare earth elements declared in China. The associated industries are trying to restrict usage of the necessary rare earth metals.
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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.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Relies on Solar Panels
The 1,316 solar panels at Weslaco’s southern wastewater treatment plant gleamed in the heat last week as they were officially plugged in and the facility went from being an energy consumer to a self-supporting energy generator.
Solar Power Amping Up In Central Ohio
In the past two years, the price of solar panels has dropped dramatically. In Ohio, the industry is creating jobs and helping boost our economy in a big way. And the growth is just beginning.
Solar Institute in Lauderdale to Train Jobless Veterans
The U.S. Solar Institute, a Fort Lauderdale school, has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to train former military service members without jobs in how to install solar-panel systems.
Solar: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Energy Independence
No energy source is more American than solar. Technologies to convert sunshine to electricity were pioneered in the U.S. half a century ago at Bell Labs, and quickly became a source of inspiration and imagination. In the last several years, solar energy has awoken from yesterday’s dream to today’s reality.
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US Solar Industry Could Employ 200,000 to 430,000 by 2020
Last year, we wrote about the US solar industry surpassing 100,000 jobs. With the industry expected to grow many times over in the coming years, especially with strong policy support, that number could grow substantially.
Interior Secretary Touts New Solar Power Plant in Ivanpah Valley
Eight months after he touted the job-generating power of renewable energy, Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar returned to Nevada's newest solar power plant with a different message.
California District To Save $18 Million with Solar
The William S. Hart Union High School District in Santa Clarita Valley, CA is building a photovoltaic (PV) solar system designed to produce between $18 and $20 million in energy savings over 20 years.
BMW Pushes Solar Power With New Partnership
BMW has taken another step in what is shaping up to be a multifaceted electric vehicle initiative that focuses on spurring infrastructure and lifestyle changes among consumers, as much as touting the vehicles themselves.
The End of Clean Energy Subsidies?
The federal government has given generously to the clean energy industry over the last few years, funneling billions of dollars in grants, loans and tax breaks to renewable power sources like wind and solar, biofuels and electric vehicles. "Clean tech" has been good in return.

