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Solar Power Industry Voices Support for Governor Rendell's Energy Independence Strategy

Posted on: Thursday, 21 June 2007, 15:00 CDT

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell said today that a growing number of solar energy companies have expressed an interest in investing in Pennsylvania if the state commits to putting the technology to greater use, creating the potential for many new economic opportunities.

The Governor's remarks came as the Pennsylvania House of Representatives moves to consider legislation that would strengthen the state's use of clean and renewable energy sources under the Energy Independence Strategy.

"Pennsylvania is at a crossroads," said Governor Rendell. "If we continue on the present course, residents and businesses will face soaring electricity costs that will drive companies out of Pennsylvania and harm the quality of life for our residents. Instead of risking the future of our state's economy, let's invest in new technologies and high-growth potential industries that offer solutions to our energy challenges.

"Solar power is a clean means by which we can meet our rising energy demands, and I want to do more so Pennsylvania can establish itself as a leader in this industry," said the Governor. "The Energy Independence Strategy I announced in February offers new investments that will help us attract new economic development projects in clean technology fields like solar, wind, biofuel production and hydroelectricity.

"All told, this package could attract up to $3.5 billion in new investment and create 13,000 jobs for hardworking Pennsylvanians. That's a fantastic opportunity that we simply cannot ignore. I urge the General Assembly to support this plan."

The Governor's proposal includes the PA Sunshine program, which would provide up to $200 million in incentives to jumpstart the solar industry in Pennsylvania. PA Sunshine would provide rebates for up to half the cost of solar systems installed on homes and businesses, and offer production incentives to attract solar manufacturers to the state.

Earlier this week, members of the Mid-Atlantic Solar Energy Industries Association gathered in the Capitol Rotunda to express optimism about the future of solar power in Pennsylvania -- and the need for legislators to pass Governor Rendell's Energy Independence Strategy.

"Pennsylvanians want to invest in solar both to keep their energy costs down and provide a secure future for their children," said Charles Reichner and Catherine Neil, owners of the Bucks County-based Heat Shed, in a letter to the Governor. "This is why we were in Harrisburg to urge our legislators to support your Energy Independence Strategy. The Pennsylvania Sunshine Bill will provide jobs for the state and spur some much needed economic growth in this area."

Currently there is less than 1 megawatt of solar power capacity installed in Pennsylvania, but PA Sunshine is expected to drive up to 200 megawatts of new installation.

"The PA Sunshine Solar Initiative potentially offers a huge boost to cultivate the solar industry here in Pennsylvania, which would join the rapid growth of the solar industry worldwide," wrote Ron Celentano, a Mid-Atlantic Solar Energy Industries Association member who has been installing solar systems in Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Mark W. Loeser, regional sales manager of REC Solar, said the General Assembly should recognize the importance this strategy has to Pennsylvania. His company employs 175 people across the country and wants to begin operations in the commonwealth.

"All the exhibitors were determined to impress on the legislators the importance of creating a solar industry in Pennsylvania as a major element of the Energy Independence Strategy (EIS)," Loeser wrote of his observations while at the Capitol association meeting. "Let's make sure the PA Sunshine Solar Initiative is a cornerstone of the EIS."

Along with its commitment to renewable energy technologies, Pennsylvania's competitive business environment has helped to attract substantial investments in the solar industry over the last four-and-a-half years.

In November 2006, Germany-based Conergy AG -- the world's largest solar power integration company-chose Pennsylvania as the North American headquarters of its financial subsidiary, voltwerk, and the East Coast operations home of its solar engineering and installation subsidiary, SunTechnics. Conergy's decision will create up to 50 engineering, financing and management jobs and bring up to $100 million in clean energy deals to Pennsylvania over the next three years.

Together, these two subsidiaries develop more renewable energy systems than any other company in the world.

This year, SunTechnics merged with Pennsylvania-based Mesa Environmental Sciences Inc., while start-up solar material manufacturer AE Polysilicon and Axion Power International Inc -- a leader in the development of advanced batteries and energy storage devices -- announced plans to locate in the state. Combined, these projects account for more than $100 million in new investment in the Keystone State and the potential for hundreds of new jobs. Pennsylvania has also invested in cutting-edge research at two rapidly growing companies here in the state -- Plextronics and Solar Power Industries. These critical investments through the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority and Energy Harvest Grant program have provided the capital these young firms need to further mature the solar industry. Equally important, these programs have provided funding opportunities to expand the demand side of the solar market.

The House of Representatives is expected to take up House Bill 1203 today, which amends the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards, or AEPS, Act passed in 2004. AEPS requires that 18 percent of the energy provided in Pennsylvania come from clean and renewable sources by 2020.

Under the existing AEPS Act, solar power must provide 0.5 percent of Pennsylvania's electricity by 2020, which will result in the construction of about 850 megawatts of solar capacity.

For more information on the Energy Independence Strategy, including letters of support, visit http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/.

CONTACT: Barry Ciccocioppo 717-783-1116 Charlie Young (DEP) 717-787-1323

Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Barry Ciccocioppo of the Pennsylvania Office of the Governor,+1-717-783-1116, or Charlie Young of DEP, +1-717-787-1323

Web site: http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/

Source: PRNewswire-USNewswire

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