Largest Solar Power Trade Show In North America Demonstrates Industrys Growth and Impact

ANAHEIM, CALIF. - Solar Power International 2015 (SPI) today welcomed Vice President Joe Biden, as he became the first sitting Vice President to deliver remarks at a solar power conference in North America. The Vice Presidents remarks were delivered during the General Session of the conferences third day. In his remarks, the Vice President discussed the importance of solar power for Americas energy present and future.

"Vice President Biden addressing Solar Power International shows just how far weve grown as an industry," said Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) President and CEO Rhone Resch. "Solar is now the fastest-growing source of renewable energy in America thanks to the hard work and innovation of its 174,000 workers and smart, successful policies like the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Net Energy Metering (NEM) and Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Solar energy is a true American success story and were happy to celebrate that achievement today with the Vice President."

SPI 2015 includes more than 15,000 attendees and more than 600 exhibitors along with 100+ educational sessions and 24 hours of networking opportunities over the four days of the conference. The exhibit floor at this years conference includes almost 230,000 square feet of exhibit space. SPI is the largest solar power trade show in North America.

"Solar has become a mainstream resource and an increasingly important part of our nation's energy portfolio," said Julia Hamm, President and CEO of the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA). "Vice President Biden's presence at SPI underscores that fact, and demonstrates that leaders at the highest level are committed to working with stakeholders on the inevitable evolution that is happening within the energy industry."

Continuing on its record-breaking trajectory, the United States solar industry surpassed 20 gigawatts (GW) of total operational solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity during the second quarter of this year. According to GTM Research and the SEIA Q2 2015 U.S. Solar Market Insight Report, the U.S. installed 1,393 megawatts of PV last quarter, signaling both annual and quarterly growth.

In addition to being the largest solar power conference and trade show in North America, SPI is also one of the 25 fastest growing trade shows in North America according to Trade Show Executive. SPI concludes on Thursday, September 17th. For more information on the show, including news on SPI 2016, visit the website at www.solarpowerinternational.com.