WASHINGTON, DC - The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA(R)) and the Maryland, DC and Virginia SEIA (MDV-SEIA) today announced a formalized partnership to coordinate the resources of both organizations and promote the growth of the region’s solar energy market.

“The formal recognition and the history of highly successful collaboration between MDV-SEIA and SEIA is a testament to the tremendous leadership exhibited by both organizations both current and past,” said Francis Hodsoll, Executive Director of MDV-SEIA. “On behalf of my Board we see tremendous opportunities to accelerate the deployment of solar within rational market structures for our members and all those stakeholders interested in creating clean energy jobs, driving technological innovation, and advancing environment stewardship.”

“The Maryland, DC and Virginia area has an opportunity to be a major solar market, but it will take leadership at the national as well as local level, ” said Tom Kimbis, Vice President of Strategy and External Affairs for national SEIA. “With SEIA’s national resources and MDV-SEIA’s on-the-ground efforts, this partnership will help to build a robust regional solar market. We look forward to working closely with MDV-SEIA to help create new jobs and opportunities in solar for this region and across the country.”
Today, solar energy is one of the fastest growing energy technologies in the United States. The U.S. solar industry now employs more than 100,000 Americans who work at more than 5,000 companies, mostly small businesses, located in every state. With the expansion of the U.S. solar industry, the costs of solar panels have declined by 30 percent since the beginning of 2010. Solar electric power across the country currently surpasses 3,100 megawatts, enough to power 630,000 American homes.

MDV-SEIA represents a growing solar market. Maryland, DC and Virginia together are home to over 280 solar companies that employ over 3,300 solar workers. At the end of 2010, enough solar was installed in the three states to power 4,100 homes. This number is expected to significantly increase when the 16 megawatt Mount Saint Mary’s University Solar Farm in Emmitsburg, MD comes online next year.

About SEIA:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA and its 1,100 member companies are building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy.

About MDV-SEIA:
Founded in 1984, MDV-SEIA represents the interests of photovoltaic and solar thermal equipment manufacturers, installers, distributors and component suppliers serving Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. Our members design, sell, integrate, install, maintain and finance solar energy equipment for residential, commercial and institutional customers throughout the region. Among our ranks are the accountants, attorneys, builders, architects, electricians, plumbers, and consultants that support the solar industries.