Markell Shines a Light on Delaware’s Solar Future

In an address at the Solar Energy Industries Association national conference in Philadelphia, Gov. Jack Markell announced the need and desire to make Delaware a leader in clean energy technologies.

Markell expressed the necessity of making the United States the chief world producer and consumer of renewable energy technologies, so our nation “does not trade its addiction to Saudi oil for dependence on Chinese solar panels.”

With a skilled labor force and solar energy research being conducted at the University of Delaware, Markell plans on developing Delaware into a top market per capita for a systems-wide approach to solar technology.

The governor hopes to expand economic opportunities for solar manufacturers and integrators to encourage the growth of this clean energy in Delaware.

“First,” said Markell, “we have one of the most skilled workforces in the nation with a population of engineering talent that rivals Silicon Valley. Secondly, we have one of the most advanced high-efficiency solar research programs in the nation at the University of Delaware. Third, we have established companies throughout our State, all moving rapidly into the renewable energy market. And finally, Delaware has a rapidly growing consumer demand within the state, with tens of millions of potential customers living or working within a relatively short distance.”

His goal is to improve the efficiency and value of solar energy production at every step of the process, from research to work force development. Government policies that adopt aggressive energy codes and progressive net metering laws will encourage solar energy usage with citizens.

“In Delaware, we believe that talking about the green economy is easy. But putting the pieces together in a way that helps grow new and existing businesses, create well-paying jobs, improve our environment and end our dependence on foreign oil will require unprecedented partnerships between government and the clean technology industry. My administration and I are committed to making this happen,” said Markell.