A new trade association consisting of American solar electricity module manufacturers and systems integrators has been created. The Solar Alliance will focus its efforts on supporting state lawmakers, regulators and utilities in their efforts to establish more effective solar policies and programs throughout the U.S.
Claudine Schneider, former five-term congresswoman from Rhode Island, was named the group's first president. ‘Solar energy has captured the imagination of a diverse group of businesses and homeowners around the country as a way to gain control over electricity prices and contribute positively to the environment at the same time,’ says Schneider. ‘We want to offer our experience and assistance to the governors, state legislators and regulators as they devise policies and programs to respond to the growing demand for solar by their constituents. It is also our intention to form coalitions with corporations, grassroots organizations, academic institutions as well as local governments that advocate solar energy so that we may all speak with one, stronger voice.’
The Solar Alliance's inaugural members include American Solar Electric, BP Solar, Conergy, DT Solar, Energy Innovations, Evergreen Solar, First Solar, Kyocera Solar, Mitsubishi Electric, MMA Renewable Ventures, PPM Energy Inc., REC Solar, Sanyo Energy, Schott Solar, Sharp Solar, SolarWorld, SPG Solar, Sun Edison, SunPower, Suntech, United Solar and Xantrex.
