22 July 2009:
Solar Trade Group Serving Mid-Atlantic Region Elects Standard Solar CEO Tony Clifford as President
GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 23 -- The Board of Directors of the Maryland – District of Columbia – Virginia Chapter of the Solar Energy Industries Association has elected Standard Solar Chief Executive Officer Tony Clifford as its President for the next 12 months. (Tony Clifford, Standard Solar CEO - photo courtesy Chris Rossi/The Gazette)
Clifford, along with Executive Director Peter Lowenthal and the Board members, will shepherd the leading trade association for solar energy companies in the Mid-Atlantic region – also known as MDV-SEIA – into unchartered waters as Federal “stimulus” money from the American Recovery and Revitalization Act begins to reach roof-ready and shovel-ready solar projects in the coming months.
“MDV-SEIA is privileged to have Tony serving as our President,” Lowenthal said. “His leadership and his testimony, both in Annapolis and on Capitol Hill, have communicated our members’ views clearly and credibly during a very dynamic time for the industry and for renewable energy policy going forward.”
Clifford said: “I welcome the opportunity and the challenge of helping harness the energy and the creativity of our growing membership ranks.” In addition to improvements in solar energy incentives in Maryland and refinements in the District of Columbia, we look forward to helping the next Governor of Virginia develop an incentivized market for solar throughout the Commonwealth.
Since joining Standard Solar in early 2007, Clifford has led its development into a leading residential and commercial photovoltaic installation firm in the Mid-Atlantic region. He began his solar career at Solarex Corporation, the world’s first manufacturer of terrestrial solar panels. That company was acquired by British Petroleum, and is now known as BP Solar, one of the world’s leading photovoltaic manufacturers.
Clifford has served as chief executive officer or chief financial officer of three high growth technology companies that were acquired by major corporations. He is the author of a U.S. Department of Energy report entitled Tax-Advantaged Investments in Renewable Energy Projects; and he recently received a “Special Achievement Award for Technology Demonstration” from the U. S. Secretary of Energy. Clifford earned his MBA at the University of Virginia’s Darden School. His undergraduate degree is from Penn State University.
Interviews with Tony Clifford can be arranged by contacting Jim Pierobon, 301-944-5133 direct; 301-479-1517 mobile; or via jim.pierobon@standardsolar.com.
About MDV-SEIA
MDV-SEIA is the voice of the solar industry in the Mid-Atlantic region, speaking out on solar legislation, codes and standards issues in Richmond, Annapolis and the District of Columbia and seeking better financing and broader consumer awareness of the benefits of solar energy. MDV-SEIA was founded in 1984 as a 501 ( c ) ( 6 ) trade association and represents photovoltaic and solar hot-water heating system designers and installers, manufacturers and component suppliers. For more information, please visit http://mdv-seia.org.
About Standard Solar
Standard Solar, Inc. is a leading installer of solar electric systems. The company designs, sells and installs high quality custom solar electric systems, providing solar solutions to residential, commercial and government customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic. In addition, it offers professional audit & weatherization services. Customer satisfaction drives every aspect of the company's operation to deliver superb service and high value from their system. For more information, please visit www.standardsolar.com