Economic impact of SOLAR 2010 in Phoenix estimated at $3 - 6 million; highlights rapidly growing industry that generates 8.5 million jobs in U.S.

BOULDER, CO - The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) has selected Phoenix as the location of its National Solar Energy Conference in 2010.

Commonly known as SOLAR 2010, it's the premier conference on renewable energy and energy efficiency in the nation - and one of the largest. SOLAR 2010 is expected to attract more than 6,000 people to downtown Phoenix, with participants traveling from across the U.S. and internationally. SOLAR 2010 is forecasted to pump $3-6 million to the region, benefiting local businesses, boosting the economy, and generating tax revenue. A recent economic report by ASES determined that, in 2006, the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors generated 8.5 million jobs and nearly a trillion dollars in revenue in the U.S.

"There is a tremendous amount of interest in renewable energy across the nation," said Becky Campbell-Howe, Director of Professional Education at ASES who oversees the annual conference. "But we were particularly impressed by the excitement about renewable energy in the Phoenix region."

Reasons for selecting Phoenix include:
• Passionate support for renewable energy by local leaders
• Recent economic development within the region
• The opportunity to partner with policy-makers to expand the use of renewable energy

SOLAR 2010 will take place at the Phoenix Convention Center during May 17-22, 2010. It will mark the 39th year of this annual conference. The exhibit hall will be open to the general public. Others interested in learning about renewable energy can choose from dozens of sessions by leading renewable energy experts.