American Solar Energy Society acquires Solar Nation

ASES strengthens advocacy efforts and solidifies its national leadership
to accelerate towards a sustainable energy economy

BOULDER, CO – May 29, 2009 – The nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) based in Boulder has acquired Solar Nation, a rapidly growing online advocacy firm, aligning efforts to strengthen grassroots advocacy and enhance energy literacy across the U.S.

Established in 1954, ASES is the nation’s leading association of solar professionals and grassroots advocates. The steering committee which oversaw Solar Nation considered ASES as a natural fit considering its breadth, depth, history and appeal.

“By joining forces both organizations will be able to take advantage of natural synergies to expand outreach and grassroots advocacy efforts in collaboration with industry partners,” said Brad Collins, ASES’ Executive Director. Collins continued, “We welcome Solar Nation and its outstanding community of solar citizens.”

While the purchase agreement was effective May 1, 2009 it will take several weeks to fully integrate systems. ASES and Solar Nation efforts currently reach hundreds of thousands of solar professional and grassroots advocates each year.

Together with ASES, Solar Nation will focus on national, state and local efforts to promote solar energy development and deployment.

“One of the things I appreciate most about ASES is its close ties with the groundswell of interest in solar in America,” said Chris Stimpson, Executive Campaigner for Solar Nation. “This close liaison will allow us to offer an advocacy channel to even more people.”

Currently based in New Hampshire, Solar Nation will soon move its offices to Washington DC to advance policy efforts and strengthen coalitions.

The announcement was made during the 38th ASES National Solar Conference, the longest running solar conference in America, which attracted a crowd of close to 5,000 participants in New York earlier this month.


About the American Solar Energy Society
Established in 1954, the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society is the nation’s leading association of solar professionals and grassroots advocates. Supported by more than 13,000 members, ASES’ mission is to speed the transition to a sustainable energy economy. ASES advances education, research and policy, inspiring the nation to go solar. ASES publishes the award-winning SOLAR TODAY magazine, presents the National Solar Conference, and leads the National Solar Tour – the largest grassroots solar event in the world. www.ases.org