The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Mid-Atlantic Solar Energy Industries Association (MSEIA) has announced a formalized partnership to coordinate the resources of both organizations and promote the growth of the region's solar energy market. Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey are all represented by MSEIA.

"MSEIA has worked hard to make the region a national leader in solar development. New Jersey in particular has become the second best PV market in the U.S., with 565 MW of PV capacity in operation at the end of 2011," said Dennis Wilson, President of MSEIA.

"Both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey markets face substantial challenges this year, but MSEIA looks forward to combining its strengths with SEIA's to accelerate the solar market in both states. Working closely with national SEIA, we intend to further state and national policies to move the region and the nation to a cleaner, greener environment for everyone."

"The mid-Atlantic region is one of the top markets for solar energy today, but has the potential for even more growth and a global leadership position," said Tom Kimbis, Vice President of Strategy and External Affairs for national SEIA.

"With SEIA's national expertise and MSEIA's on-the-ground efforts, this partnership will help to grow the solar market in the mid-Atlantic. We look forward to working closely with MSEIA to create new jobs and exciting opportunities in solar in both the mid-Atlantic region and across the country."

Today, solar energy is one of the fastest growing energy technologies in the United States. The U.S. solar industry now employs over 100,000 Americans who work at more than 5,600 companies located in every state. With the expansion of the U.S. solar industry, the costs of solar panels declined by 50 percent in 2011. There is now enough solar electric capacity nationwide to power more than 730,000 homes.

In the Mid-Atlantic region, the solar market employs over 7,500 people at more than 640 companies, mostly small businesses. The region is one of the most robust areas in the U.S. for solar energy. At the end of Q3 2011, there were 605 megawatts of solar installed in the region, enough to power more than 121,000 homes.