Solar Trade Group Serving Mid-Atlantic Region Elects Standard Solar CEO Tony Clifford as President

Clifford, along with Executive Director Peter Lowenthal and the Board members, will shepherd the leading trade association for solar energy companies in the Mid-Atlantic region – also known as MDV-SEIA – into unchartered waters as Federal “stimulus” money from the American Recovery and Revitalization Act begins to reach roof-ready and shovel-ready solar projects in the coming months.

“MDV-SEIA is privileged to have Tony serving as our President,” Lowenthal said. “His leadership and his testimony, both in Annapolis and on Capitol Hill, have communicated our members’ views clearly and credibly during a very dynamic time for the industry and for renewable energy policy going forward.”

Clifford said: “I welcome the opportunity and the challenge of helping harness the energy and the creativity of our growing membership ranks.” In addition to improvements in solar energy incentives in Maryland and refinements in the District of Columbia, we look forward to helping the next Governor of Virginia develop an incentivized market for solar throughout the Commonwealth.

Since joining Standard Solar in early 2007, Clifford has led its development into a leading residential and commercial photovoltaic installation firm in the Mid-Atlantic region. He began his solar career at Solarex Corporation, the world’s first manufacturer of terrestrial solar panels. That company was acquired by British Petroleum, and is now known as BP Solar, one of the world’s leading photovoltaic manufacturers.

Clifford has served as chief executive officer or chief financial officer of three high growth technology companies that were acquired by major corporations. He is the author of a U.S. Department of Energy report entitled Tax-Advantaged Investments in Renewable Energy Projects; and he recently received a “Special Achievement Award for Technology Demonstration” from the U. S. Secretary of Energy. Clifford earned his MBA at the University of Virginia’s Darden School. His undergraduate degree is from Penn State University.

About MDV-SEIA

MDV-SEIA is the voice of the solar industry in the Mid-Atlantic region, speaking out on solar legislation, codes and standards issues in Richmond, Annapolis and the District of Columbia and seeking better financing and broader consumer awareness of the benefits of solar energy. MDV-SEIA was founded in 1984 as a 501 ( c ) ( 6 ) trade association and represents photovoltaic and solar hot-water heating system designers and installers, manufacturers and component suppliers.  For more information, please visit http://mdv-seia.org/.

About Standard Solar 
Standard Solar is a full-service designer and installer of solar electric systems for homes, businesses and government agencies with customers throughout Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.standardsolar.com.

Interviews with Tony Clifford can be arranged by contacting Jim Pierobon, 301-944-5133 direct; 301-479-1517 mobile; or via jim.pierobon@standardsolar.com.