FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Becky Campbell-Howe, American Solar Energy Society
303-443-3130 x103, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Julie Robinson, NC Sustainable Energy Association
919-832-7601, x 108, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ASES Selects Raleigh for National Solar Conference in 2011

Economic impact of SOLAR 2011 in Raleigh, NC estimated at $3 - 6 million;
highlights rapidly growing sectors that generates 9 million jobs in U.S.

BOULDER, CO - 8/19/2009 - The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) has selected Raleigh, North Carolina as the location of its National Solar Conference in 2011. The ASES National Solar Conference is the longest running solar conference series in America and will be celebrating its 40th year when it comes to Raleigh.

More commonly known as SOLAR 2011, it's America's leading conference on the emerging trends, technology, and opportunities shaping the new energy economy and is widely recognized by solar energy professionals for its cutting-edge educational content. SOLAR 2011 will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center during May 16-21, 2011.

This is one of the largest solar conferences in America, expecting to attract more than 5,000 solar professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to downtown Raleigh, with participants traveling from across the U.S. and internationally. It is forecasted to pump $3-6 million into the region, benefiting local businesses, boosting the economy, and generating tax revenue.

SOLAR 2011 is produced by the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES). Established in 1954, ASES is the nation's leading association of solar professionals and grassroots supporters.

"There is a tremendous amount of interest in renewable energy across the nation," said Becky Campbell-Howe, Director of Professional Education at ASES who oversees the annual conference. "But we were particularly impressed by the excitement about renewable energy in the Triangle region and across North Carolina."

Reasons for selecting Raleigh include:

• Passionate support for renewable energy by local leaders
• Recent economic development within the region
• The opportunity to partner with policy-makers to expand the use of renewable energy

ASES will partner with several North Carolina organizations to make SOLAR 2011 a success, including the NC Sustainable Energy Association, NC Solar Center, NC Department of Commerce, and NC State Energy Office.

"North Carolina is leading the Southeast in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and clean energy jobs, and with the right legislative and regulatory policies, we can become a national leader," said Ivan Urlaub, Executive Director of the NC Sustainable Energy Association. "SOLAR 2011 will be a great opportunity for North Carolina's valuable sustainable energy consumers, businesses and employees to 'shine' before a national and international audience."

The huge solar exhibit hall will be open to the general public. Others interested in learning about solar energy will be able to choose from dozens of educational sessions and by hundreds of leading renewable energy experts and network with top industry leaders.

Before this conference reaches Raleigh, the solar energy industry will head to Phoenix for SOLAR 2010, coming up May 17-21, 2010. Conference details are at www.solar2010.org

A recent economic report by ASES determined that in 2007, the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors generated about 9 million jobs and a trillion dollars in annual revenue in the U.S.


About the American Solar Energy Society

Established in 1954, the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) 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