Philadelphia and San Diego events promote thriving solar energy industry

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2012 – The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) today announced they are bringing the highly successful PV America conference and exposition to both coasts in 2013, with events in Philadelphia and San Diego. PV America East takes place January 29-31 at the Philadelphia Convention Center and PV America West takes place May 14-16 at the San Diego Convention Center.

The PV America shows are the premiere photovoltaic (PV) technology events for the United States that showcase growing solar energy regional markets.

"The expansion of PV America to two regional events affirms that the photovoltaic industry is surging on both coasts of the United States. We are excited to be returning to Philadelphia to promote the continued growth in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions," said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of SEIA. "Demand for solar energy continues to soar and we expect more than three gigawatts of new PV across the U.S. in 2013, enough solar to power more than half a million homes. PV America East brings the industry together to do business, share knowledge and generate new ideas."

"PV America West is an important event for anyone doing business in this region: utilities, installers, and policy makers," said Julia Hamm, president and CEO of SEPA. "The Western region leads the nation in solar technology innovation with the continued increase of grid-connected PV installations, and California has a substantial 44 percent share. The Southern California region continues to thrive and by bringing PV America West to San Diego acknowledges how important the solar industry is to this area of the country."

The two events offer a thorough look into the PV industry on regional and local levels, encompassing residential and commercial PV products and technology, financing, and policy. In addition to exhibits, a timely and comprehensive conference program provides attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the PV industry.

Exhibit floor space for the 2013 shows will be sold during PV America 2012 taking place March 19-21 in San Jose, Calif, as well as online after the event.

For more information on exhibiting, contact Shane Poblete at (703) 738-9467 or spoblete@solarenergytradeshows.com.

About PV America
PV America is presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)® and the 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. PV America 2013 East takes place January 29-31 in Philadelphia and PV America West takes place May 14-16 in San Diego.

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® works with its 1,100 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 dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios for the benefit of the utility, its customers and the public good. With more than 1,000 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.