FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, September 16, 2015
CONTACT: Kristofer Eisenla, LUNA+EISENLA media
kristofer@lunaeisenlamedia.com | 202-670-5745

Solar Power International 2015 Welcomes Vice President Joe Biden

Largest Solar Power Trade Show In North America Demonstrates Industry’s Growth and Impact

ANAHEIM, CALIF. – Solar Power International 2015 (SPI) today welcomed Vice President Joe Biden, as he became the first sitting Vice President to deliver remarks at a solar power conference in North America. The Vice President’s remarks were delivered during the General Session of the conference’s third day. In his remarks, the Vice President discussed the importance of solar power for America’s energy present and future.

“Vice President Biden addressing Solar Power International shows just how far we’ve grown as an industry,” said Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA®) President and CEO Rhone Resch. “Solar is now the fastest-growing source of renewable energy in America thanks to the hard work and innovation of its 174,000 workers and smart, successful policies like the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Net Energy Metering (NEM) and Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Solar energy is a true American success story and we’re happy to celebrate that achievement today with the Vice President.”

SPI 2015 includes more than 15,000 attendees and more than 600 exhibitors along with 100+ educational sessions and 24 hours of networking opportunities over the four days of the conference. The exhibit floor at this year’s conference includes almost 230,000 square feet of exhibit space. SPI is the largest solar power trade show in North America.

“Solar has become a mainstream resource and an increasingly important part of our nation’s energy portfolio,” said Julia Hamm, President and CEO of the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA®). “Vice President Biden’s presence at SPI underscores that fact, and demonstrates that leaders at the highest level are committed to working with stakeholders on the inevitable evolution that is happening within the energy industry.”

Continuing on its record-breaking trajectory, the United States solar industry surpassed 20 gigawatts (GW) of total operational solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity during the second quarter of this year. According to GTM Research and the SEIA® Q2 2015 U.S. Solar Market Insight Report, the U.S. installed 1,393 megawatts of PV last quarter, signaling both annual and quarterly growth.

In addition to being the largest solar power conference and trade show in North America, SPI is also one of the 25 fastest growing trade shows in North America according to Trade Show Executive. SPI concludes on Thursday, September 17th. For more information on the show, including news on SPI 2016, visit the website at www.solarpowerinternational.com.

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Solar Power International is presented by SEIA® and 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 41st anniversary in 2015, SEIA® 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 www.seia.org.

About SEPA
SEPA® is an educational non-profit dedicated to helping utilities deploy and integrate solar, distributed energy resources (DER), and related technologies. With 1,000 utility and industry members, SEPA® provides unbiased market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to advancing new business strategies, SEPA® helps utilities make smart solar and DER decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org.