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8/10/2012 10:10:16 AM

Nanotechnology Now: UAlbany NanoCollege Hosts Northeast Photovoltaic Roundtable

Nanotechnology Now

Presented in partnership with USPVMC & U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative, August 9 & 10 event highlights New York’s efforts to accelerate advanced solar technologies

Albany, NY - In accordance with Governor Andrew Cuomo's NY-SUN initiative and energy superhighway blueprint, the progress and promise of New York's emerging solar energy industry is taking center stage at the Northeast Photovoltaic Roundtable being held this week at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany, presented in partnership with the U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium (PVMC) and the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) SunShot Initiative.

Robert Hallman, Deputy Secretary for Energy and the Environment in the Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, said, "With Governor Cuomo's innovative NY-Sun initiative, New York State is pursuing several avenues for increasing the contribution of solar PV to our renewable energy portfolio. Reducing the cost and time needed to implement solar PV projects is a key focus of our efforts. We commend SUNY Albany and DOE for hosting this forum to seek solutions for expediting use of this important renewable technology."

Minh Le, Chief Engineer of the Solar Energy Technologies Program within DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, said, "Albany is creating an innovation ecosystem that has attracted research and manufacturing to the state. Leveraging on that experience, the Northeast Photovoltaic Roundtable will explore opportunities to reduce soft costs to create ecosystems around the deployment of solar energy."

"I am honored to be part of what promises to be an important conference focusing on advancing solar power in New York and the northeast," said Gil C. Quiniones, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Power Authority. "We have seen laudable gains in solar development and deployment throughout the State, and under Governor Cuomo's leadership and his recent 'NY Sun' Initiative, we will continue to propel New York towards a brighter energy future."

"Through Governor Cuomo's NY-Sun Initiative, the State is increasing the viability of solar power by making it a more attractive option for New Yorkers. Solar power is an important component in the State's diverse renewable energy portfolio and is a driver of economic development and job creation," said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO, NYSERDA. "NYSERDA is proud to be a partner with the Department of Energy's (DOE) SunShot Initiative, and the Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium (PVMC), in identifying best practices that will ensure solar power remains a long-term solution to New York's energy demands."

On Friday, August 10, the conference is focused exclusively on "Solar in New York: Progress and Promise." Capturing critical developments for New York's solar industry over the past year, including Governor Cuomo's NY-SUN initiative and New York energy superhighway blueprint, the day includes keynote remarks from Robert Hallman, Deputy Secretary for Energy and the Environment in the Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo; New York Power Authority President Gil Quiniones; and NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray Jr. Co-hosted by CNSE, Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, and the New York Solar Energy Society, the program provides further information on legal and policy issues that will impact the future of solar energy in New York.

The Northeast Photovoltaic Roundtable is designed to stimulate discussion and action on overcoming market barriers for photovoltaic development and deployment by identifying and implementing best practices. The event features experts and stakeholders in a variety of areas, including financing, public awareness, photovoltaic system standards, and permitting and interconnection, among others.

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