Popular Twitter Chat Presented Live for Solar Industry Professionals, With Fundraiser Benefitting the Heather Andrews Scholarship Fund

New York, NY, January 31, 2013 – PV America and EcoOutfitters.net today announce the #SolarChat LIVE TweetUp to be held on Wednesday evening, February 6, during the PV America East Conference in Philadelphia, PA. This forum will offer a unique opportunity for solar experts and enthusiasts to network and meet-and-greet industry mavens and colleagues at the Field House Sports and Beer Hall inside the PA Convention Center from 7-10 p.m. Editors from Renewable Energy World will be covering and live-streaming the event on the PV America website.

#SolarChat was founded by EcoOutfitters.net to connect solar industry experts and consumers who share an interest in solar power. Started in November 2010, the bi-monthly think-tank uses Twitter to engage participants in solar-related topics, such as growth of the industry, emerging trends, solar myths, expanding solar markets, solar PV, solar hot water, solar advocacy, and more. PV America is an ideal venue to host the #SolarChat LIVE TweetUp, as it allows colleagues in the solar community to discuss the crucial nature of expanding solar support and adoption in the United States in a casual setting.

"Solar can change the way our world lives, and we are excited to partner with PV America to help highlight the goals of the solar community and further the solar plans of businesses and individuals through a live, interactive event," says Raina Russo, president and co-founder of EcoOutfitters.net. "#SolarChat allows us to align with and facilitate connections among professionals who are hoping to make solar a reality in our everyday lives."

Nicole Cote, Digital Media Manager, PV America, agrees. "The goal of PV American is to strengthen and bolster the solar business community, which will ultimately benefit the public's belief in and reliance on solar solutions. In particular, the demand for photovoltaic technology is growing quickly, and PV America was designed to help businesses expand with this solar option and be more competitive in their field by offering education, PV-focused products, and networking opportunities."

A 50/50 fundraiser held during #SolarChat LIVE will benefit the Heather Andrews Scholarship Fund. Andrews, who passed away one year ago after complications from brain surgery at the age of 33, was a passionate, well-known solar advocate and role model. The scholarship supports female Solar Energy International (SEI) students who embody Heather's determination and spirit and who are pursuing hands-on training at the Paonia PV Lab Facility in the Rocky Mountains. Raffle tickets can be purchased online and on-site at #SolarChat LIVE, where the winner of the 50/50 will be announced by General Motors' global manager of renewable energyRob Threlkeld. The evening will also include "Solar on the Street" interviews by Renewable Energy World, and an online Twitter contest for all those attending and following the #SolarChat and #PVAE hashtags with a free pass to Solar Power International 2013 as a prize.

Registration for #SolarChat LIVE; sign up here.

About EcoOutfitters
EcoOutfitters.net is committed to simplifying and amplifying the message about costs, benefits, incentives and environmental impact of renewable energy solutions. EcoOutfitters is also the founder and host of #SolarChat, a popular bi-monthly chat facilitated via Twitter (@EcoOutfitters) on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST. EcoOutfitters also maintains active social communities on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. Visitors to Ecooutfitters.net can receive a free, customized solar PV, solar heating, and/or solar pool report that includes information on payback, return on investment, environmental returns of renewable energy solutions, as well as a list of nearby installers who match the consumer's needs.

About PV America East 2013
PV America East is presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)® and Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA)®, whose combined efforts have created a world-class, regionally focused and vertically integrated event for installers, designers and suppliers of photovoltaic (PV) technology and services. Unlike other PV conferences, all proceeds support the expansion of the U.S. solar energy market through SEIA's and SEPA's year-round research and education activities, as well as SEIA's® advocacy efforts.