SAN JOSE, CALIF., March 21, 2012 – The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) announced the three winners of the 2012 Photovoltaic Projects of Distinction Awards today at PV America West in San Jose, Calif. Recognizing major achievements in U.S. PV solar energy, the awards were presented to Arizona Western College Solar Installation, Yuma, Ariz.; Clean Energy Collective Community-Owned Solar Farm, Holy Cross Energy, Garfield County Airport, Rifle, Colo.; and the Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ-9) Complex at the U.S. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, Calif.

More than 84 submissions were evaluated by an independent panel of judges representing associations, consultants, distributors, government, integrators, manufacturers and utilities. To qualify for the awards, all projects had to be operational and demonstrate a collective benefit to the community and innovative use of policy and financing to enhance the project’s impact.

“There has never been a more exciting time to be a part of the solar industry. The recipients of these awards exemplify the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit that drives growth in the U.S. market,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of SEIA. “From community-based solar to schools and military facilities, these remarkable projects show that solar is working and Americans have more options than ever before to go solar. We are very pleased to present these awards and congratulate our three winners for their achievements and excellence in PV solar energy.”

“It is very important that we continue to acknowledge new innovation in PV and the successful completion of solar projects now and in the future,” said Julia Hamm, president and CEO of SEPA. “Our three winners demonstrate the viability and versatility of PV installations as well as the benefits they bring to their local communities. The Arizona Western College Solar Installation not only offsets 100 percent of the campus’ daytime electricity needs but brings together five different solar technologies. At the Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ-9) Complex, PV models were creatively mounted in usable areas, creating dual-purpose structures. Through the Clean Energy Collective and Holy Cross Energy partnership, the Clean Energy Collective Community-Owned Solar Farm makes PV solar energy accessible to everyone on the grid by giving citizens the opportunity to own individual panels.”

The winning projects are:

Arizona Western College Solar Installation, Yuma, Ariz.

Arizona Western College (AWC) campus is home to a 5MW solar installation that not only offsets 100 percent of AWC’s daytime electricity needs but brings together five different solar technologies (1 MW each) to a community college that now offers a solar technology curriculum, and draws R&D students and researchers from around the world. This solar installation, which is the third largest solar installation on a community college campus, includes concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems with dual-axis trackers from SolFocus and GreenVolts, thin film panels from Sharp Solar, monocrystalline panels from SolarWorld, polycrystalline panels from Suntech, and single-axis trackers from SunEdison. Unlike any other college campus, AWC has integrated a diverse set of solar technologies for students and faculty to monitor and this installation is poised to become a leader in renewable energy technology and education.

Financing for this installation was made possible through financial incentives from the Arizona Public Service (APS) Renewable Energy Incentive Program, allowing AWC to defray nearly half the cost of the system. Developed and operated by Main Street Power, a solar financier, with backing from MS Solar Solutions Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, this installation is poised to become a leader in renewable energy technology and education. Over the next 10 years, AWC will save an estimated $3.5 million in energy savings, $15.4 million over 20 years, and the project could be worth $62 million over 30 years.

“Watching our campus be transformed by the construction of these five distinct solar arrays was an amazing experience for our students and staff. Having completed the project, we are optimistic about the benefits it will have, not only for our faculty and students, but as an economic catalyst for the entire region. We believe this solar installation can be a model for other institutions across the country, combining energy savings with workforce development and technology testing. This award will help us tell that story to a broader audience,” stated Dr. Glenn Mayle, President of Arizona Western College.

Clean Energy Collective Community-Owned Solar Farm, Holy Cross Energy, Garfield County Airport, Rifle, Colo.

The Clean Energy Collective (CEC) partnered with Holy Cross Energy (HCE) to offer the nation’s first customer-owned community solar program which passes on the value of the Federal Investment Tax Credit to consumers to reduce the cost of the equipment up front. HCE customers actually own the individual panels in the local “solar farm” and are able to see the full economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy without having solar panels on their own properties.

In June of 2011, CEC opened the Garfield County Airport Solar Array, an 858 kW facility in Rifle, Colo., the largest community-owned solar array in the nation-producing over 1,500 MWh of clean, renewable energy each year. The CEC’s proprietary RemoteMeter™ system automatically calculates monthly credits and integrates with existing utility billing systems, enabling all residential and commercial utility customers to easily have clean, renewable power credited on their monthly utility bills, without modifying their home or office.

“The Clean Energy Collective is proud to be recognized by SEIA and SEPA for our community-owned solar garden model. Our mission has always been to move the needle on renewable energy adoption, and we’re very excited by the remarkable success this model is delivering.” Paul Spencer, CEC founder and CEO.

Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ-9) Complex at the U.S. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) Twentynine Palms, Calif.,

Baker Electric Solar, a full-service solar integrator, partnered with Blue Oak Energy, a renewable energy engineering design engineering firm to install a 1.5 megawatt (MW) solar energy system at the new Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ- 9) complex at the U. S. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC). The overall BEQ-9 construction project includes three 4-story BEQs (576 two-person rooms), a landmark projection tower, 500-seat outdoor amphitheater and 706-space 4-story parking garage. The challenge was to install the photovoltaic system without placing arrays on the BEQ rooftops. The team mounted modules in usable areas, creating dual-purpose structures while tying into each specific building to qualify for LEED status.

The BEQ-9 solar project features 4,680 SunPower® E19/318 Solar Panels. The four photovoltaic installations generate on-site solar electric power reducing energy costs for the military base while providing premium shading for the two parking areas, amphitheater and recreational park. Advanced 3D-modeling ensured that every module installed is usable, produces power and preserves the architectural aesthetics. The PV system is successfully integrated to the building management system. The weather station, inverters, and system performance meters are all synchronized with the military base central control panel.

“We are privileged to be a recipient of the prestigious Photovoltaic Project of Distinction Award. The BEQ-9 Project is a testament to the importance of advancing the use of solar energy on our military bases. In partnering with Blue Oak Energy the project is an example of combining renewable solar energy with innovative engineering technologies to create dual-purpose structures. The SEIA / SEPA awards program showcases the benefits of developing alternative energy sources for the future, and it is indeed an honor for our teams to be recognized for this achievement,” said Baker Electric Solar President Ted Baker.

“We are tremendously honored to have been a team member on the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base solar project. This award is a meaningful distinction given the excellent projects and volume of installations the solar electric industry is now implementing nationwide. I applaud Ted Baker and his dedicated team at Baker Electric and express my sincere gratitude for engaging Blue Oak Energy on this landmark project.” said Tobin Booth, CEO, Blue Oak Energy.

Presented by SEIA and SEPA, PV America West is a regional Solar Power International event showcasing exhibits from more than 160 companies, and is expected to draw more than 4,000 industry attendees. The show takes place March 19-21, 2012 at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, Calif.

For more information, please visit PV America West 2012.

Upcoming PV America Shows

PV America 2013 East – January 29-31 in Philadelphia

PV America 2013 West – May 14-16 in San Diego

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About PV America

PV America is presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)® and Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA)®, whose combined efforts have created a world-class, regionally focused and vertically integrated event that engages a wide spectrum of industry professionals. Unlike other PV conferences, 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. PV America 2012 West takes place March 19 – 21 in San Jose, Calif.

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 1,100 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. 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 one-on-one counseling, SEPA helps

Washington, Mar. 7, 2012 – General Wesley K. Clark (U.S.A., Retired), former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe and Presidential candidate, will deliver the keynote address at the General Session on Monday, March 19, at PV America 2012 West in San Jose, California. A progressive leader in pursuing energy solutions, General Clark’s presentation, “Sustainable Solar in a Global Environment”, will address what the future holds for solar energy in terms of the global economy, energy scarcity and environmental challenges along with his perspective on the significance of solar power both nationally and globally.

In 38 years of service in the United States Army, General Clark rose to the rank of four-star general as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. Since retiring from the military in 2000, he has taken on the roles of investment banker, alternative energy leader, author, cable network television military analyst and businessman. He was a Democratic candidate for President of the United States in 2004.

At this General Session, which runs from 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Julia Hamm, President and CEO, Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and Rhone Resch, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) also share their insights on the state of the industry. Hamm discusses utility solar trends nationwide as well as some of the unique challenges utilities face as they navigate the dynamic landscape and changing nature of the nation’s energy future. In his remarks, Resch examines the state of the industry, opportunities and challenges, how far we’ve come in recent years, where we’re heading, and how SEIA is leading the effort to grow the U.S. market.

On Wednesday, March 20, Elizabeth B. Echols, Regional Administrator – Region IX of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) addresses the role of small business and entrepreneurs in the solar industry in innovation, sustainability, economic development, and job creation. In this General Session presentation, she introduces practical tools available from the SBA for small business owners and entrepreneurs to secure financing, technical assistance, training, and federal contracts.

Following Ms. Echols’ remarks, the Photovoltaic Project of Distinction Awards are to be presented by SEIA and SEPA, commemorating major achievements in the U.S. solar energy marketplace.

“We are honored to have General Clark and Ms. Echols keynote and share their insights at our conference,” said Hamm. “PV America brings together solar energy professionals to share ideas and discover innovative PV technology. Thought leaders and presenters of this caliber provide our attendees with new concepts and context designed to assist them in growing their businesses.”

“Bringing experience from the military and small business, two of the most trusted institutions in America, General Clark and Ms. Echols make for great additions for an already excellent general session lineup at PV America,” said Resch. “Solar professionals will hear valuable insights and perspective from these speakers on how the solar energy industry intersects with both small business and the military. Today, the vast majority of the more than 5,600 solar energy companies in the U.S. are small business and the U.S. military is increasingly finding that solar energy makes for an excellent resource in their effort to keep our country safe. These sessions make for great opportunities for PV America attendees.”

In addition to the General Sessions, a comprehensive conference program is being offered at PV America West with more than 30 concurrent sessions. A highlight is the International Trade Update, being held on Tuesday, March 20 from 10:30am-12:00pm. John Smirnow, Vice President, Trade & Competitiveness, SEIA, will moderate a discussion explaining the preliminary countervailing duty (CVD) determination on the U.S.-China Solar Trade Petition that the U.S. Department of Commerce is scheduled to announce on March 19.

Presented by SEIA and SEPA, PV America West is a regional Solar Power International event showcasing exhibits from more than 160 companies, and is expected to draw more than 4,000 industry attendees. The show takes place March 19-21, 2012 at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, Calif.

For more information, please visit PV America West 2012.

Upcoming PV America Shows PV America 2013 East – January 29-31 in Philadelphia PV America 2013 West – May 14-16 in San Diego

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About PV America 2011
PV America is presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)® and Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA)®, whose combined efforts have created a world-class, regionally focused and vertically integrated event that engages a wide spectrum of industry professionals. Unlike other PV conferences, 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. PV America 2012 West takes place March 19 – 21 in San Jose, Calif.

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® works to build a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA® works with its 1,100 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 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 one-on-one counseling, SEPA helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org.

WASHINGTON, February 22, 2012 – The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) today announced they are bringing the highly successful PV America conference and exposition to both coasts in 2013, with events in Philadelphia and San Diego. PV America East takes place January 29-31 at the Philadelphia Convention Center and PV America West takes place May 14-16 at the San Diego Convention Center.

The PV America shows are the premiere photovoltaic (PV) technology events for the United States that showcase growing solar energy regional markets.

“The expansion of PV America to two regional events affirms that the photovoltaic industry is surging on both coasts of the United States. We are excited to be returning to Philadelphia to promote the continued growth in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of SEIA. “Demand for solar energy continues to soar and we expect more than three gigawatts of new PV across the U.S. in 2013, enough solar to power more than half a million homes. PV America East brings the industry together to do business, share knowledge and generate new ideas.”

“PV America West is an important event for anyone doing business in this region: utilities, installers, and policy makers,” said Julia Hamm, president and CEO of SEPA. “The Western region leads the nation in solar technology innovation with the continued increase of grid-connected PV installations, and California has a substantial 44 percent share. The Southern California region continues to thrive and by bringing PV America West to San Diego acknowledges how important the solar industry is to this area of the country.”

The two events offer a thorough look into the PV industry on regional and local levels, encompassing residential and commercial PV products and technology, financing, and policy. In addition to exhibits, a timely and comprehensive conference program provides attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the PV industry.

Exhibit floor space for the 2013 shows will be sold during PV America 2012 taking place March 19-21 in San Jose, Calif, as well as online after the event.

For more information on exhibiting, contact Shane Poblete at (703) 738-9467 or spoblete@solarenergytradeshows.com.

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Philadelphia – April 12, 2011 — The second PV America conference and expo which concluded here on April 5 attracted more than 3,700 industry attendees (up 23% from 2009) affirming that the mid-Atlantic region is a national powerhouse in solar energy. More than 200 exhibitors (25% increase from 2009) who occupied about 70,000 gross square feet of space showcased the latest products and technologies driving the growth of the photovoltaic industry. Further evidence of the growth in the region: more than 700 consumers walked the exhibit floor during Public Day.

In remarks delivered during the opening day general session, Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) announced that “the region is now the largest market for PV in the United States and in 2010, the area from Washington DC to Boston installed more solar than all of California.” He added that “the solar industry experienced a robust 139 percent growth in New Jersey and Pennsylvania had installed enough capacity last year to power 9,000 homes. Finally, he noted “that a recent report by SEIA and GTM Research projects demand for more than 3 gigawatts of new PV in the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast region by 2015, enough solar to power more than half a million homes.”

“Utilities are no longer separate from the renewable energy industry,” said Bob Gibson, vice president, market intelligence, Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) in his remarks. “In real and growing ways, electric utilities are a part of the renewable energy industry and in particular are in the business of building and providing solar power. Today, utilities are active partners in everything from testing new technologies, managing customer and community programs and designing innovative solar business models. Utilities finance, buy, build and own solar resources of all sizes.” According to Gibson, the northeast and Mid-Atlantic are excellent examples of the evolution of solar and the prominent role of the utilities in that evolution. “This year, seven of the top 10 utilities in our Top Ten report are not from California.”

Other conference highlights included a panel discussion on financing solar featuring John Eber, managing director, Energy Investments, J.P. Morgan Capital Corporation; Barry Neal, senior vice president, head of Environmental Finance, Wells Fargo; and Ed Sproull, vice president, De Lage Landen. The panel, moderated by Laura Ellen Jones, partner, Hunton & Williams LLP, discussed how new financial structures are helping the growth of the residential market, the availability of tax equity and longer term growth in utility scale and wholesale power generation partially driven by cost. An archive of the session webcast can be viewed: http://hosted.mediasite.com/mediasite/Viewer/?peid=8e3f2ef1f4bb47f69a5581535eee1df81d password: pvamerica.

To celebrate major achievements of companies, individuals, and projects in the U.S. solar energy market, the first Photovoltaic Projects of Distinction Awards were presented during PV America by SEIA and SEPA. The 2011 recipients were: Silver Lake Solar Facility, Pittsfield, Mass.; Carlisle Area School District Ground Mount Solar Array, Carlisle, Penn.; and Family Residences and Essential Enterprises (FREE) Project, Long Island, N.Y.

The next PV America show will take place in San Jose, Calif., March 19 – 21, 2012.

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About PV America 2011
PV America is presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)® and Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA)®, whose combined efforts have created a world-class, regionally focused and vertically integrated event that engages a wide spectrum of industry professionals. Unlike other PV conferences, 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®
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® 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. www.seia.org

About SEPA®
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA)® is an educational non-profit organization dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios. With more than 850 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 one-on-one counseling, SEPA® helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org