Team Nevada Attends Nation’s Largest Solar Trade Event

October 21, 2009

Team Nevada, a strategic partnership formed by the Nevada Commission on Economic Development (NCED) and NV Energy, is traveling to Southern California next week to share Nevada’s renewable energy story with the leading executives in the solar industry.

Presented by the Solar Electric Power Association, the Oct. 26 - 30 event at the Anaheim Convention Center is billed as the largest business-to-business solar trade event in North America.  More than 900 companies are expected have exhibits at the trade show, and more than 25,000 industry representatives are anticipated to attend.  Renewable energy advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be the keynote speaker.

“Our goal is to meet face-to-face with key decision makers in the fast-growing solar industry, and to continue our advocacy as to why Nevada offers the perfect business environment for companies that manufacture photovoltaic panels and other materials and products required to produce solar energy,” explained Nevada Lieutenant Governor  Brian Krolicki, Chairman of NCED.  “Of course, Nevada’s abundant sunshine is already attracting companies interested in building solar power plants, but we also want to market Nevada as a hub for renewable energy manufacturing, research and development.”

The Team Nevada group will have a booth in the exhibit hall at the trade show, and it will host a reception for attendees on Oct. 26.  Also participating in the event is Nevada State  Senator Randolph Townsend, a longtime advocate for renewable energy who has crafted legislation in Nevada to encourage solar energy development.

Nevada was one of the first states to require utilities to invest in renewable energy.  By 2025, state law requires that 25 percent of the electricity provided to Nevadans must be from renewable energy sources.

“NV Energy is committed to working with our state partners in promoting the renewable energy assets of Nevada,” said Brad Woodring, NV Energy’s economic development manager. “Our meeting with decision makers of major renewable energy companies is to share the message that Nevada is ready do what’s needed to attract new business.”