The event coincides with SEIA's 40th anniversary as a national trade association and the "voice" of solar energy in America. It will also mark the launch of a new "America Supports Solar" campaign, which will highlight solar energy's explosive growth across the United States, as well as its record-shattering year in 2013.
It's estimated that the U.S. now has 13 GW of installed solar capacity enough to power more than 2 million American homes. What's more, when all of the numbers are in, solar is expected to account for more new electric capacity in the U.S. in 2013 than any other renewable energy source.
"Millions of people around the world are passionate about solar energy and the enormous opportunities it provides for the future," said Rhone Resch, SEIA president and CEO. "This event will help showcase that excitement. Our industry has created thousands of new American jobs, saved money for consumers, boosted the economy and helped reduce pollution. That's a success story worth shouting from every rooftop in America."
Today, there are nearly 120,000 Americans employed by the U.S. solar industry at more than 6,100 American companies. While 2013 was a record-breaking year, 2014 may be even better, with 30% growth being forecast. Part of this unprecedented growth is due to the fact that the average price of a solar system has dropped by more than 50% since 2010, benefitting consumers, businesses, schools and government entities.
