Coalition appoints former Congresswoman Claudine Schneider as president BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The leading U.S. solar electricity module manufacturers and systems integrators announced today that they had joined forces to form The Solar Alliance and appointed the Hon. Claudine Schneider, former five-term U.S. Congresswoman from Rhode Island, as the group's first president. The Solar Alliance will focus its efforts on supporting state lawmakers, regulators and utilities in their efforts to establish more effective solar policies and programs throughout the United States. Inaugural members of The Solar Alliance include: American Solar Electric, BP Solar, Conergy (CEYHF.PK), DT Solar, Energy Innovations, Evergreen Solar (NASDAQ ESLR), First Solar (FSLR), Kyocera Solar (NYSE KYO), Mitsubishi Electric, MMA Renewable Ventures, PPM Energy, Inc. REC Solar, Sanyo Energy (TYO-SANYY), Schott Solar, Sharp Solar, SolarWorld, SPG Solar, Sun Edison, SunPower (SPWR), Suntech (NYSE STP), United Solar and Xantrex (XTX.TL). "Solar energy has captured the imagination of a diverse group of businesses and homeowners around the country as a way to gain control over electricity prices and contribute positively to the environment at the same time," said Claudine Schneider, President of The Solar Alliance. "We want to offer our experience and assistance to the governors, state legislators and regulators as they devise policies and programs to respond to the growing demand for solar by their constituents. It is also our intention to form coalitions with corporations, grass roots organizations, academic institutions as well as local governments that advocate solar energy so that we may all speak with one, stronger voice." "We are extremely grateful to have been able to attract such an experienced policymaker as Claudine Schneider to be our president," said Mark Farber, vice president of strategic planning for Evergreen Solar and chairman of the board of The Solar Alliance. "In addition to her five terms in Congress, where she authored legislation that advanced energy efficiency and renewable energy in the U.S., she has been a strategic advisor to a variety of renewable energy groups, including National Grid, EPA Climate Leaders, the Center for Resource Solutions, the American Solar Energy Society and the Climate Institute. Her experience and contacts will be invaluable to us as we work to help the states adopt cost-effective solar policies." In addition to its efforts with the states, The Solar Alliance works closely with the Solar Energy Industries Association and supports that group's efforts to pursue solar policies on a national level. More information on The Solar Alliance can be found at http://www.solaralliance.org/. DATASOURCE: The Solar Alliance CONTACT: Claudine Schneider of The Solar Alliance, +1-303-413-0182, Web site: http://www.solaralliance.org/

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