The President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Rhone Resch, releases a statement on President Barack Obama's tour of the solar installation at Nellis Air Force Base.

For Immediate Release

May 27, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC - Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) President and CEO Rhone Resch today released the following statement on President Barack Obama's tour of the solar installation at Nellis Air Force Base and announcement of the amount of economic stimulus funding for solar and geothermal projects:

"President Obama expressed great confidence in the solar energy industry as an emerging jobs engine when he signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act at a solar installation in Colorado 100 days ago.

"Today, President Obama is building on that momentum by announcing funding for clean energy projects at the nation's largest photovoltaic solar energy farm. The Nellis Air Force Base solar installation is saving U.S. taxpayers about $1 million per year in energy costs. With the right policies, every American can install solar on their home or business and take advantage of these savings with a technology that is ready now -- while doing their part to reduce pollution and increase our energy independence.

"We have seen this job creation momentum in action as the solar industry is currently playing an important role in our economy by helping revive U.S. manufacturing and growing local economies. In Oregon, SolarWorld opened a manufacturing facility that will eventually employ 1,000 workers. Meanwhile, in New Mexico, SCHOTT Solar opened a manufacturing facility earlier this month that has plans to eventually employ up to 1,500 workers. Dow Corning just today announced it has expanded its manufacturing operations in Michigan, and states such as Tennessee are increasing their investment in solar."