Solar is the fastest-growing source of renewable energy in the United States

WASHINGTON, DC – Applauding their efforts to "expand energy choices for Americans," the Obama Administration today presented its Champions of Change Award to 10 solar organizations. Following the announcement, Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), released this statement:

"We applaud President Obama for recognizing these outstanding leaders in the solar industry with the coveted Champions of Change Award. SEIA would like to give a special shout out to three of our members who were honored today, GRID Alternatives, Hannah Solar and Boston Community Capital.

"Without question, the Obama administration has been the most solar-friendly ever, and we applaud the President for holding today's White House Solar Summit. Today, solar is the fastest-growing source of renewable energy in the United States, accounting for nearly 30 percent of all new electric generation capacity installed in 2013 – second only to natural gas. In fact, more solar has been brought online in the past 18 months than in the 30 prior years combined. All totaled, solar is generating enough electricity to effectively power nearly 2.5 million homes. We're no longer an ‘afterthought' when it comes to conversations about energy. We're now a $14-billion-a-year industry, employing 143,000 Americans, and 2014 promises to be another record-breaking year."