Easier navigation and understandable explanations of some of the complex issues that surround IREC's work

May 7, 2013 - The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) launches a new website today, with many new features and opportunities to keep up to date on the latest information and resources in support of more accessible, safer, affordable clean energy across the U.S. - from regulatory reform to workforce education and credentialing.

The new website presents a fresh look, easier navigation and understandable explanations of some of the complex issues that surround IREC's work, which continues to transform the energy landscape as it has for more than 30 years.

"We're more excited than ever to bring you news of how IREC's transformational work is making a clean energy future possible. We're moving forward at the speed and intensity required to keep up with a rapidly changing industry," says IREC President and CEO Jane Weissman.

Through its extensive content, the site reports on the results of IREC's work, which is visible in nearly every state, with rules that enable millions more consumers to participate in the clean energy marketplace - and practices that make it easier, safer and more affordable to connect to the utility grid.

Featured is news of IREC's national programs, which benefit consumers, policymakers, utilities and the clean energy industry. Thought-leading publications and reports make the website a highly respected resource. IREC's internationally recognized experts generate information and objective analysis grounded in best practices and standards. These often drive community, state and federal actions, and promote stakeholder consensus on complex issues.

Also featured is IREC's Credentialing Program, which is driving a national initiative for accreditation of training programs and certification of instructors in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

"A workforce trained to competency-based standards that are market valued leads to safer, more cost-effective clean energy use, which boosts consumer confidence and supports the expansion of solar and and other renewable enenergy installations across the country," says Weissman.

The website is also host to the Solar Instructor Training Network (SITN), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. As national administrator, IREC works with nationally recognized solar and training experts, nine Regional Training Providers (RTPs), and industry to create consistency in quality education and solar training- ensuring that education and training match changing job opportunities.

Other website features include:

*IREC's new tagline: "Shaping our future with clean energy."

*A results oriented approach, told through photos, quotes and success stories.

*Up Front: The IREC Blog.

*News of initiatives and events by IREC and its many partners.

*Opportunity to subscribe to IREC's respected newsletters, including The IREC Report, Connecting to the Grid, Credentialing Chronicle, Small Wind Energy and The SITN Quarterly.

*Campaign to Support IREC.

About IREC

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is a non-profit organization that believes clean energy is critical to achieving a sustainable and economically strong future. To pave this clean energy path, IREC works to expand consumer access to clean energy; generates information and objective analysis grounded in best practices and standards; and leads programs to build a quality clean energy workforce, including a unique credentialing program for renewable energy and energy efficiency training programs and instructors. Since 1982, IREC's programs and policies have benefitted energy consumers, policymakers, utilities and the clean energy industry. Visit www.irecusa.org