The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has just launched the U.S. Solar Heating and Cooling Alliance (SHC Alliance), an industry body for the solar thermal sector.
The SHC Alliance will advocate for favorable federal, state and local policies to support the solar heating and cooling industry in the U.S.
“We’re thrilled that this partnership between SEIA and the U.S solar heating and cooling (SHC) industry has been established to focus on securing pathways to greater deployment of solar heating and cooling technologies,” said Mike Healy, the newly elected SHC Alliance Chairman.
“This collaboration will empower us to heighten awareness of this technology and the benefits it can provide to families and businesses.”
A solar thermal project by BrightSource Energy. Photo Credit: BrightSource Energy
Other leaders of the SHC Alliance include Matt Carlson of Sunnovations as Vice Chairman and Eileen Prado of Solar Rating and Certification Corporation as Treasurer. The SHC Alliance will be governed by both the SEIA and the U.S. Solar Heating and Cooling Council.
This new Alliance signifies the growing importance of solar heating and cooling. These technologies are based on solar thermal energy, rather than solar photovoltaics, and produce heating or cooling rather than electricity. But like photovoltaics, solar thermal technology also reduces the need for fossil fuels.
In 2010, the U.S. saw 35,464 solar water heating systems and 29,540 solar pool heating systems installed, heating a total of more than 65,000 homes, businesses and pools.
“SEIA encourages all companies and organizations interested in the expansion of the solar heating and cooling sector in the U.S. to join the SHC Alliance,” said SEIA president and CEO Rhone Resch.
