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Up-and-coming companies can win free booths at the industry’s most innovative event

Arlington, VA – July 29, 2012 – Start-Up Alley is a new, featured show floor area at Solar Power International that will bring up-and-coming companies to the Expo Hall to showcase what’s on the horizon for the solar industry. Based on other successful programs of this type, Start-Up Alley will further enhance the cutting-edge nature of SPI’s offerings, and offer start-up companies the support, visibility, and access to industry leaders that can lead to a solid footing in the solar energy business.

Mike Dershowitz, President & Founder of ModSolar, and the driving force behind the program, commented, “At so many major events, finding the start-up companies with the innovative ideas is like looking for a needle in the proverbial haystack. Start-Up Alley puts all the needles in one place.”

This year, 30 early stage semi-finalists and 12 finalists will be chosen for the inaugural presentation of Start-Up-Alley. All semi-finalists will receive a free booth and other supported need to exhibit and find those first customers, in addition to promotion through SPI marketing and on-site materials. Finalists will have the incredible opportunity to present their early-stage business to a distinguished panel of venture capitalists, corporate investors, and business leaders with the chance to be named the Start-up Alley winner for 2013.

Dershowitz’ own experience with ModSolar at PV America East in April 2011, another SETS production, provided the inspiration for this program. According to Dershowitz: “Our product was still in alpha in April of 2011 with 2 early adopters. We spent every last dime we made to get the very last booth at PV America East, figuring it was time to find out if the industry needed what we had, to decide if we should continue. After 2 ½ days at the show, we left with a handful of signed alpha customers and lots of prospects. That response convinced us we should continue. Quite simply, there would be no ModSolar without that experience.”

The application process is live on the Solar Power International website and open through August 23, 2013. The site also details the program criteria and eligibility requirements. For more information, visit https://www.re-plus.com/conference-program/start-up-alley/.

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About Solar Power International 2013 (SPI)
Presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), SPI ‘13 is designed to serve and advance the solar power industry and draws industry professionals representing more than 100 countries. SPI ‘13 takes place October 21 – 24 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Registration, sponsorship, exhibitor and program information can be found at: www.solarpowerinternational.com.

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 1,000 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. For more information, visit www.seia.org.

About SEPA
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is an educational non-profit dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios for the benefit of the utility, its customers and the public good. With more than 1,000 utility and solar industry members, SEPA provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to utility strategies, SEPA helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org.