New Solar Alliance Aims to Accelerate U.S. Solar Policies

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 United States.

Inaugural members of The Solar Alliance include: American Solar Electric, BP Solar, Conergy, DT Solar, Energy Innovations, Evergreen, 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.

Claudine Schneider, President of The Solar Alliance said, "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, grass roots organizations, academic institutions as well as local governments that advocate solar energy so that we may all speak with one, stronger voice."

In addition to its efforts with the states, The Solar Alliance works closely with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

"We are extremely grateful to have been able to attract such an experienced policymaker as Claudine Schneider to be our president. Her experience and contacts will be invaluable to us as we work to help the states adopt cost-effective solar policies," said Mark Farber, Vice President of Strategic Planning for Evergreen Solar and Chairman of the Board of The Solar Alliance.