PV America 2011 to Showcase a Vibrant Solar Photovoltaic Industry in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Region

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Edward LaFaso

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Jennifer Samuels

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PV AMERICA 2011 TO SHOWCASE A VIBRANT SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC INDUSTRY IN THE NORTHEAST/MID-ATLANTIC REGION

 More than 150 Exhibitors to Demonstrate Technologies in Philadelphia, April 3-5

WASHINGTON, D.C, March 9, 2011—PV America 2011, the foremost trade show for the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region, takes place April 3-5 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.  Presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), this three-day event examines the policies and market structures that have allowed solar deployment to flourish as well as the barriers that are still to be overcome to optimize the use of solar technology in the region.

“The Mid-Atlantic and Northeast solar markets are booming, rivaling California as the prime U.S. region for solar energy,” says Rhone Resch, president and CEO of SEIA. “Strong state policies have established an attractive climate that is driving PV company growth, creating jobs, and offering the public a solid return on investment. PV America is an excellent opportunity to see firsthand the phenomenal growth and opportunities that lie ahead for this region of the country.”

“We’re excited to host this event in a region that demonstrates the critical importance of PV technologies to the growth of solar power in the utility marketplace,” says Julia Hamm, SEPA president and CEO. “From Long Island Power Authority’s purchase of solar electricity from a 37 megawatt project to PSE&G’s ownership of distributed PV panels on utility poles, projects in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast prove that utilities have a role to play in solar deployment.”

PV America 2011 features more than 150 exhibitors and also showcases the latest products and technologies that will drive the PV industry in the Northeast/MidAtlantic region for 2011 and beyond. Some 3,000 regional installers, contractors, builders, architects, distributors, municipal procurement personnel, engineers, utility representatives, investors and financiers and others are expected to attend the event.

Conference attendees can choose from two general sessions and 25 education sessions to learn more about financing; state, local and federal policies; development and training, and certification. Experts will also cover such topics as how the solar industry has been affected by stimulus bill funding. Policy experts will be on-hand to address current trends and opportunities on the state and federal levels.

Keynote speakers include:

Monday, April 4, 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Leader Perspectives

• Rhone Resch, president and CEO, Solar Energy Industries Association, presents analysis of  the latest industry growth figures for the region and the nation, along with inside tips for companies in this high-growth region who are in or looking to enter the solar business.
• Bob Gibson, vice president, Market Intelligence, Solar Electric Power Association, highlights how utilities in the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast play leading roles in expanding the deployment of PV.

 Beyond the Point of No Return

• Erik R. Peterson, director of A.T. Kearney’s Global Business Policy Council and senior adviser at CSIS, a Washington-based nonprofit think tank, discusses some of the most challenging global issues of our times.

 Tuesday, April 5, 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

 Financing Solar Projects

• Key players in the banking and financial services industry discuss and debate the state of financing in the solar industry, including such topics as tax equity, debt, loan guarantees and other structured financing options.

 Moderator:      

•   Laura Ellen Jones, partner, Hunton & Williams LLP

Panelists:         

• John Eber, managing director, Energy Investments, J.P. Morgan Capital Corporation
• Barry Neal, senior vice president, head of Environmental Finance, Wells Fargo
• Ed Sproull, vice president, De Lage Landen
• Darren Van't Hoff, director of Renewable Energy Investments, US Bancorp Community Development Corp.

Other show highlights include an Opening Reception networking event and Public Day on Tuesday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when consumers and commercial property owners are invited to walk through the exhibit hall to learn more about the latest advances in solar technology. Public Day admission is free.

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 About PV America 2011

PV America is presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)® and Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) ®, whose combined efforts have created a world-class, regionally focused and vertically integrated event that engages a wide spectrum of industry professionals. Unlike other PV conferences, all proceeds support the expansion of the U.S. solar energy market through SEIA’s and SEPA’s year-round research and education activities, as well as SEIA’s® advocacy efforts. 

About SEIA®

Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® works to build a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA® cooperates with its 1,000 member companies to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org.

 About SEPA®

The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA)® is an educational non-profit organization dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios. With more than 750 utility and solar industry members, SEPA® provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA® helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org.