WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association released the following statement today in response to President Obama's State of the Union Address to Congress:

"Tonight we heard President Obama's commitment to creating jobs and keeping America competitive in the global marketplace. The U.S. solar industry is playing a critical role in meeting both of these objectives.

"Tomorrow morning, nearly 100,000 Americans in all 50 states will go to work as they do every day – at solar manufacturing facilities; on the roofs of homes and business installing the latest solar technology; at offices offering support in finance, legal and marketing departments. More are finding work in solar every single day.

"At tonight's address were Gary and Robert Allen from Rochester Hills, Michigan. Their company, LUMA Resources, utilized funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to transform their roofing company into a manufacturing facility of state-of-the-art solar shingles, creating new manufacturing jobs for Michigan workers. They are one example of thousands of companies that are finding new opportunity in the solar industry. With the right policy support, the U.S. solar industry is scaling up and allowing America to innovate and compete in the global marketplace. Congress should take notice of success stories like LUMA Resources when considering how to create new jobs and keep America competitive in the 21st century."

About SEIA®:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA and its 1,000 member companies are building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy.