Wind Energy

US Solar Power Industry: The Future of American Jobs, Domestic Energy, Clean Energy Investments

On the heels of a visit from President Obama, the City of Las Vegas will host the 2012 Solar Power Generation USA, the industry’s leading large-scale solar power conference, next week. Solar Power Generation USA (SPG), recently named the "Best American Conference", will feature more than 60 solar industry executives and thought leaders addressing the President’s commitment to increasing both domestic energy production and investments in cleaner energy sources, specifically solar power.

The conference will present and invite conversation about the industry’s four primary focus areas: Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), Photovoltaic (PV), Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV), and Operation and Maintenance (O&M). Hundreds more guests, with expertise in project development, finance, technologies, policy, utilities and grid connection will also attend in order to decide the future of solar in the US during the SPG event, which runs January 31 through February 2 in Las Vegas.

"We’re appreciative that President Obama recognizes the value in supporting the US’s domestic and clean energy economy," said Laura Dinnewell, Director of Solar Power Generation USA. "Next week’s conference will show the country that this is an industry capable of rapid growth, job creation, energy security and advances in American research and technology."

The final agenda is now confirmed and highlights include:

• Keynote speakers and leaders from 8minutenergy, Brightsource Energy, Duke Energy, Element Power, Iberdrola Renewables, La Plata Electric Association, NV Energy, Recurrent Energy, Sempra Generation, Siemens, SOLON, Southern California Edison, Torresol, and UniSource Energy.

• Topics such as the US’s role in the global solar market,the price and value of solar power, working with utilities to meet Renewable Portfolio Standard regulations, and the financial impact of changes to tax incentives.

• Award Nominations: The 2012 Solar Power Generation USA Awards will be presented at the show next week. Nominations have been extended through Friday, January 27, and can be submitted online. The awards recognize outstanding achievement in four categories: Solar Utility of the Year, PV Project of the Year, CSP Project of the Year, and CPV Breakthrough Achievement of the Year. Submit a nomination online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/SPGawards2012

The full SPG agenda and attendance logistics can be found at www.solarpowergenerationusa.com