Partnering with SEIA will give our state association greater reach and resources to educate and advocate for a stronger solar industry in New York and across America, said NYSEIA Executive Director Gail Markels. New York ranks among the top five states in the nation for solar jobs and we look forward to growing that number through expanded efforts with SEIA.
With a growing population and high electricity prices, New York has a golden opportunity to be one of the leading solar markets in the U.S., said Rhone Resch, President and CEO of SEIA. The combination of SEIAs national resources and NYSEIAs on-the-ground efforts will give New York a big boost in meeting its solar market potential. I look forward to working closely with NYSEIA to help create new jobs and opportunities for people in New York and across the country.
Among key upcoming legislation NYSEIA will work with national association to get passed is the Solar Jobs bill.
This needed bill will enable New York State to become a leader in the use of solar electric and solar thermal applications in the country, said Markels. By creating strong demand, a fast-growing solar industry will serve as the engine for much-needed job growth in New York. Most importantly, all New Yorkers will benefit from a cleaner environment and more robust economy.
According to the Solar Foundations 2011 Solar Jobs Census, New York ranks fifth in the country with more than 4,200 New Yorkers employed in the solar industry. There are 263 companies operating in New Yorks solar value chain, according to SEIA. Through the first half of 2011, solar electric capacity in the state stood at 64 megawatts, enough power for almost 13,000 homes.
