Today, U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry announced a major funding opportunity of up to $105.5 million to advance solar technologies and improve and expand the solar workforce. Following is a statement from Abigail Ross Hopper, the President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), on this program:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry announced a major funding opportunity of up to $105.5 million to advance solar technologies and improve and expand the solar workforce. Following is a statement from Abigail Ross Hopper, the President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), on this program:

"It is critically important that the United States maintain its global leadership in the development of advanced, high-performing solar technologies for both the photovoltaic and concentrating solar power industries. Prioritizing research and workforce development for the hundreds of thousands of Americans that solar employs is vital.
"Secretary Perry's announcement today is yet another positive step in strengthening this important public-private relationship between the federal government and the American solar industry. We look forward to fulfilling this opportunity with innovative solar projects that drive America's energy economy to a cleaner, more affordable and reliable future."

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About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 44th anniversary in 2018, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs more than 250,000 Americans. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.