The 45 CEOs represent a cross-section of the US solar industry employing thousands of US workers in 19 states. Companies signing the letter manufacture polysilicon, the key component in solar cell manufacturing; build machinery and equipment used to produce solar cells; develop residential, commercial and utility solar projects and install solar panels.
In their letter, the 45 CEOs expressed hope that President Obama and Vice President Xi will discuss the mutual interests that America and China have in regard to expanding the use of solar technology. This is especially important in light of the potential for a mutually destructive trade war as both nations consider tariffs and duties on each others imports of solar technology.
The CEOs also stated, We believe that you and Vice President Xi have a unique opportunity to avoid such a trade war and find agreement that benefits the solar industries in both countries.
Companies signing the letter are based in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
Among the CEOs signing the letter are those leadign some of the nations largest solar manufacturers and installers: AES Solar, MEMC/SunEdison, GT Advanced Technologies, REC Silicon, Rosendin Electric, Sungevity, SunRun Inc., and Swinerton, Inc.
The letter:
February 13, 2012
The Honorable Barack Obama
President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
In anticipation of your upcoming meeting with Chinas Vice President Xi Jinping, we are writing to urge you and the Vice President to discuss the mutual benefits of renewable energy development, especially solar photovoltaic technology. We are at a crucial time in the development and growth of the solar industry with broad benefits for both countries and the rest of the world.
Our companies represent all segments of Americas solar industry. Together we employ thousands of workers. Our companies manufacture polysilicon, the raw material for most of the solar cells sold all over the world. Our companies manufacture machinery and equipment used to produce solar cells and to utilize the electricity they generate. Our companies develop solar projects, large and small. We install solar panels on residential and commercial structures and build utility-scale power plants. In all of these activities, our companies employ thousands of skilled workers, all of whom are proud to be a part of such an important industry, especially as we face constraints in existing energy resources.
The US solar industry is an American success story. While US jobs increased by less than 1 percent last year, jobs in the solar industry increased by nearly 7 percent and are expected to grow by 24 percent this year. Further, in 2010 (the latest year for which we have data) the US had a positive balance of trade with China of $400 million. The trade case brought by SolarWorld, while in SolarWorlds interest, threatens the success of the U.S. solar industry and tens of thousands of jobs.
We are hopeful that you and Vice President Xi will discuss the mutual interests that America and China have in regard to expanding the use of solar technology. This is especially important in light of the potential for a mutually destructive trade war as both nations consider tariffs and duties on each others imports of solar technology.
We believe that you and Vice President Xi have a unique opportunity to avoid such a trade war and find agreement that benefits the solar industries in both countries.
Mr. President, we very much appreciate all of your hard work and policies in support of renewable energy and hope that together America and China mobilize to expand the use of solar power.
