Press Release Archive
SEIA issues press releases on topics ranging from state and federal policy to brand new research and data. Browse the archive of all press releases below. To explore our full news center, including blogs and other solar news, click here.
Solar Industry Statement on Passage of Maryland Solar Bill
Today, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed into law the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard for Solar Energy and Solar Water Heating Systems bill (Senate Bill 791 and House Bill 1187), which accelerates the target date for achieving the state's renewable portfolio standard two-percent solar carve-out by two years and ensures the industry maintains positive, year over year job growth.
SEIA Statement on Chinese Ruling Against US Renewable Energy Programs
Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), released the following statement today in response to reports that China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has preliminarily determined that six state-level U.S. renewable energy programs violate global trade rules.
SEIA Statement on Today's California Regulatory Decision on Net Metering
Today, the California Public Utilities Commission passed on a vote of 5-0 a new rule regarding net metering, primarily to clarify calculation of the state’s five-percent net metering cap. Net metering allows customers to earn credit for excess solar electricity they produce that is distributed to other customers on the grid. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) worked with members and stakeholders as part of the Coalition for Solar Rights asking for CPUC review of the calculation of the cap that is expected to be reached as soon as early next year by some utilities.
Senate Adopts Solar Tax Credits
"The entire solar energy industry would like to thank Senators Cantwell and Ensign for their leadership and support of renewable energy."By an overwhelming margin, Republicans and Democrats came together in the Senate to support renewable energy as a means for stimulating our ailing economy. More than 85 percent of the public supports greater investment by the federal government in renewable energy. And Americans know that this move to stabilize the investment climate for solar energy is the right type of economic stimulus at the right time.
Annual Solar Energy Report Demonstrates Record Growth of U.S. Market After Two Years with Investment Tax Credits
Today the Solar Energy Industries Association released its 2007 U.S. Solar Industry Year in Review produced in conjunction with the Prometheus Institute. The report noted that 254 megawatts of photovoltaic and concentrating solar power were installed in 2007.
SEIA's Rhone Resch on BLM's Moratorium Announcement
“The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) announcement that it has lifted its moratorium on solar energy applications on federal lands is the right decision. While we applaud today’s announcement, BLM has only resolved half the problem. They have yet to approve a single solar energy project. Expediting the permitting process is the next step in developing solar energy projects on federal lands.
Senate Reaches Bipartisan Agreement to Extend, Improve Solar Tax Credits
Solar Energy Industries Association president Rhone Resch released the following statement after the Senate voted on bipartisan legislation to extend federal solar tax credits by 8 years. The amendment to H.R. 6049, the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, to extend renewable energy tax credits passed by a vote of 93 to 2. SEIA expects the Senate will complete votes on other amendments and pass H.R. 6049 later today.
House Votes to Extend, Improve Solar Tax Credits
House-passed bill would extend federal solar tax credits for 8 years, eliminate $2,000 cap on residential projects, and remove exemptions for utilities and AMT filers
Solar Energy Industries Association Names Senator Gordon Smith as 2008 National Solar Energy Champion of the Year
(Washington, DC) – The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) today announced that U.S. Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) is the Republican winner of its 2008 National Solar Energy Champion Award, citing his strong support and leadership on solar energy-related issues in the U.S. Congress.
Federal Solar Tax Credits Extended for 8 Years, US Poised to Become Largest Solar Market in the World
Today, by a vote of 263 to 171, the U.S. House of Representatives passed historic legislation that extends the 30-percent federal investment tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations for 8 years.