WASHINGTON, DC - Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA (R)) President and CEO Rhone Resch released the following statement in reaction to yesterday's announcement that solar manufacturer Solyndra is suspending operations:

"The loss of any manufacturing jobs - in solar or otherwise - is disappointing, but it is important to look at an industry's health more broadly rather than through the narrow lens of one company's success or failure.

"Today, the solar industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, employing nearly 100,000 Americans at more than 5,500 companies across the supply chain in every region of the country.

"What we are seeing in solar happens in every industry that is maturing and growing more competitive. You're going to see winners emerge who find innovative ways to offer consumers the most competitively priced products.

"The last twelve months have seen one of the most dramatic price drops in the history of the solar market. Already in 2011, the cost of solar PV panels has come down by 30 percent.

"Competition in the solar industry is good for American consumers. It means that costs are coming down and solar is increasingly affordable for more and more Americans every day."

About SEIA(R):
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association(R) is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA is working to build a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies 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.