SEPA Issues Challenge for Massive Solar Deployment Despite Global Economic Woes

[Kristy]

Today, in conjunction with the kick-off of Solar Power International 2008, the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) issued a challenge to the U.S. electric utility and solar industries to work in collaboration to meet aggressive solar electric capacity growth forecasts despite a struggling global and domestic economy. Prior to the recent economic downturn, analysts were predicting that the country could see an increase in solar capacity of more than thirty fold between 2009 and 2016. This is approximately three times the estimated amount of generation predicted to come on line as a result of existing renewable portfolio standards and policies in states with solar carve outs. If realized, this level of increased solar deployment would represent more than 60 billion kilowatt-hours of solar generation, 440,000 permanent jobs, and over $230 billion in investments and associated economic development benefits.

More... (http://www.RenewableEnergyWorld.com/rea/news/story?id=53858&src=rss)