Solar industry leaders from across the state met in Columbia last Thursday  to form an industry trade association, MOSEIA (Missouri Solar Energy Industry Association).  MOSEIA aims to accelerate the solar industry in the state of Missouri.

The group’s formation is in large part a response to the passage of Proposition C, the Clean Energy Initiative, which Missourians passed during last November’s election with an overwhelming 66% of the vote.  Proposition C mandates 15% of the electricity produced by Missouri investor owned utilities (IOUs) comes from renewable sources by 2021, 2% of which must come from solar photovoltaics. 

Industry professionals predict as much as 150 megawatts of new solar development in Missouri, enough energy to power 15,000 homes, as a result of the measure.  In addition, Proposition C includes a solar rebate requirement that will refund $2.00 per installed watt (roughly 20% of an installed system’s price) for Missourians who install on their homes or businesses in investor owned utility territory.

Coupled with new federal tax incentives, electricity generating solar photovoltaics are more affordable than ever in Missouri, and the industry is expected to grow quickly in 2010.  The solar industry is well positioned to meet that demand, producing Missouri jobs, supporting small businesses, and growing our local economies. 

One of the first priorities for MOSEIA will be to ensure that the Public Service Commission develops appropriate rules for Proposition C, ensuring that solar rebates and benefits stay in Missouri, helping to bolster our energy independence and creating jobs within Missouri’s borders.

MOSEIA, which provided this press release, plans to become the Missouri state chapter of the national Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).  More information can be found at www.SEIA.org.