Appointment highlights importance of solar manufacturing for creating jobs, increasing U.S. competitiveness

Washington, D.C. - Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) President and CEO Rhone Resch today released the following statement on yesterday's appointment of Bruce Sohn, President of First Solar, as chairman of the U.S. Commerce Secretary's Manufacturing Council:

"By appointing a leader in solar manufacturing to chair Commerce Secretary Gary Locke's Manufacturing Council, the Obama Administration has told the world that the solar industry is becoming a backbone for our economy and offers a bright future for U.S. manufacturing.

"This new Council, along with the recently announced additional funding for the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit, is an effective step to help America create good-paying jobs and regain its global leadership in solar manufacturing. Step number one for the council should be to work with the Administration and Congress to enact long-term manufacturing policy measures that support clean energy.

"Ten years ago, the U.S. produced 40 percent of all solar photovoltaic panels. Today, the U.S. manufactures less than 10 percent of the global supply of PV solar panels. This trend is reversible as the U.S. leads the world in technology innovation and skilled manufacturing workforce."

First Solar, headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., is a member of SEIA and maintains a seat on SEIA's Board of Directors.

About SEIA:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the solar energy industry. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 members to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Learn more at http://www.seia.org.