Sec. of Energy Ernest Moniz to Attend Solar Power International

WASHINGTON, DC – The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) today announced that U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz will keynote the general session at Solar Power International (SPI) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Wednesday, Oct. 22. In his cabinet role, Dr. Moniz implements critical Department of Energy missions in support of President Obama’s goals of growing the economy, enhancing security and protecting the environment.

“Since Secretary Moniz took office, he has been a strong supporter of the solar industry and the 143,000 Americans who work in solar energy,” said Rhone Resch, SEIA president and CEO. “From the new pilot job training program for veterans to the continuation of the hugely successful SunShot Initiative and the important research at its national laboratories, the Energy Department under Secretary Moniz has helped reduce red tape and facilitated the development of clean, renewable solar energy. This Administration’s forward-looking public policies – which allow emerging technologies to compete with entrenched energy sources – are helping to ensure a clean, prosperous future for our nation.”

”Under the leadership of Secretary Moniz, the Department of Energy recognizes the important role of collaboration between the solar and utility industries to successfully advance our nation towards a cleaner energy future,” said Julia Hamm, SEPA president and CEO. “Through funding of partnerships on smart grid deployment, solar research, and soft cost reduction, Secretary Moniz and the Energy Department are helping parties with often disparate interests to collaborate on areas of common interest. His participation in SPI 2014 is a demonstration of his commitment to further those positive efforts.”

Today, solar is the fastest-growing source of renewable energy in the United States, pumping $15 billion a year into the U.S. economy and helping to reduce pollution.

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About SPI:
Solar Power International is presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)® and Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA)®, whose combined efforts have created world-class events. This event focuses solely on creating an environment that fosters the exchange of ideas, knowledge and expertise for furthering solar energy development in the United States. Unlike other solar industry events, all proceeds support the expansion of the U.S. solar energy market through SEIA’s and SEPA’s year-round research and education activities, as well as SEIA’s® advocacy efforts.

About SEIA:
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2014, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at <a href=”http://www.seia.org”>www.seia.org</a>.

About SEPA:
The mission of the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is to support utilities’ integration of solar energy to the benefit of themselves, their customers and the public good. SEPA envisions a future in which solar represents a significant portion of the United States’ electricity portfolio while maintaining healthy and vibrant utility and solar industries. Visit SEPA online at <a href=”http://www.solarelectricpower.org”>www.solarelectricpower.org</a> and follow us on Twitter @utilitysolar.

Media Contacts:
Ken Johnson, SEIA Vice President of Communications, kjohnson@seia.org, (202) 556-2885
K Kaufmann, SEPA Communications Manager, kkaufmann@solarelectricpower.org, 202-379-1637