General Registration and Submissions for the 2nd Annual Projects of Distinction Awards Now Open

Washington, D.C., – November 18, 2011 – General Registration is now open for PV America 2012 West, a regional Solar Power International event being held Monday, March 19 through Wednesday, March 21, 2012 in San Jose, CA. Presented by Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), PV America West is the premiere photovoltaic technology (PV) event for the western region of the United States.

Anticipated to draw more than 4,000 professionals in solar energy and related fields, PV America features more than 170 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and technologies that will drive the PV industry in 2012 and beyond. A timely and comprehensive cross-cutting conference program will include elements of: finance, policy, markets, technology and utility. Additionally, a pre-workshop program takes place on Sunday, March 19 that includes two all day and two half day intensive workshops.

"In 2012, the U.S. PV market faces many new challenges," said Rhone Resch, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association. "But new challenges present new opportunities for businesses that are the most prepared. PV America West presents the best opportunity to learn about the market and policy trends that will be critical for growing your business in 2012 and beyond."

"PV America West is an important event for any utility, solar installer, policymaker, and large energy user doing business in the Western U.S.," said Julia Hamm, president and CEO of Solar Electric Power Association. "It will provide you with a unique opportunity to keep up to speed with the rapidly changing industry and to make sure you are current on technology innovations, pricing, and market dynamics."

The 2012 PV Projects of Distinction Awards showcase major achievements in the U.S. solar energy marketplace and demonstrates the importance of alternative energy technologies and green building.

Nominations can be submitted through December 16 for the 2nd annual Photovoltaic Projects of Distinction Awards, which celebrate companies, individuals, and projects in the Western U.S. that have made innovative use of the unique advantages of PV to meet their respective community energy needs. The submissions are judged by industry experts and all projects must be operational and demonstrate a collective benefit to the community and innovative use of policy and financing to enhance the project's impact. Recipients of the 2012 PV Projects of Distinction Award will be recognized during the March 19 General Session at PV America West.

Silver Lake Solar Facility, Pittsfield, MA; Carlisle Area School District Ground Mount Solar Array, Carlisle, PA; and Family Residences and Essential Enterprises (FREE) Project, Long Island, NY were the 2011 Project of Distinction winners, selected from over 150 submissions.

Registration fees for PV America are as follows:

Full Conference Pre-Registration: Prior to January 18, 2012
Members of SEIA and SEPA: $395
Non-Members: $550

Full Conference Standard Pre-Registration: From January 19, 2012 – March 16, 2012
Members of SEIA and SEPA: $495
Non-Members: $650

Full Conference On-Site
Members of SEIA and SEPA: $595
Non-Members: $750

Expo Floor Only On-Site: $225

Pre-Conference Workshop rates visit: http://www.pvamericaexpo.com/west/sessions/

Press registration opens in January.

For more information, please visit PV America 2012 West.

About PV America West 2012
PV America West 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 that engages a wide spectrum of industry professionals. 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.

About SEIA®
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® works to build a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA® works with its 1,000 member companies 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. www.seia.org.

About SEPA®
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA)® is an educational non-profit organization dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios. With more than 750 utility and solar industry members, SEPA® provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA® helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org.