Solar Power International 2011 (SPI 2011) is taking place this week in Dallas and six of the country’s leading solar executives and innovators held a press call this morning from the conference to talk about issues of interest to the industry.
Lyndon Rive, CEO of SolarCity, says there is tremendous momentum in the solar industry despite backlash from the Solyndra affair. “If you look at the companies here, everyone is doing extremely well, they’re hiring,” he said. “The notion of no job growth in the solar industry is totally fake.”
Recurrent Energy CEO Arno Harris discussed impending trade action against China’s solar industry. “Notices are going out this morning that Solar World is joining a petition to the Trade Commission and the Department of Commerce alleging that China is unfairly subsidizing its solar manufacturers and dumping solar modules on the global market,” said Harris.
Julie Blunden with SunPower says it is a very dynamic time for the solar industry. “One of the things we are pleased to see is the continued interest in evolving technology for lower costs and better performance,” she said, noting that her company was unveiling two product advancements in that area at the show this week.
SunRun president Lynn Jurich focused on the residential solar sector, which is about 30% of the industry. “About four years ago, my company pioneered solar leasing for consumers,” she said, explaining that this business model allows home owners to have a solar system installed and they just pay for electricity from it at a fixed cost. “This model has become the dominant way consumers are adopting solar.”
Danny Kennedy, founder of Sungevity, talked about the importance of the industry in creating jobs. “The solar industry grew 7% in employment over 12 months from August 2010 to August 2011,” he said. “That compares to .7% job growth in the general economy.”
Solaria CEO Dan Shugar concluded opening comments by noting the expanding opportunities for solar in utilities. “Solar is competing head to head with conventional, polluting power generation resources. Today, solar is less expensive than power from a new nuclear power plant, and obviously much lower risk,” he said.
Listen to comments and questions from the media here: Solar Power Executives
Xatori Inc., the electric vehicle software company behind the 
PlugShare also recently announced the expansion of its network to the web and mobile platforms, allowing anyone with an Internet connection to access the largest and most complete database of EV charging sites in the world. This new service helps Getaround users charge their EV rental at a community member’s house or public charging station, thereby advancing the growth of the EV community.
Cellulosic ethanol developer 
“ZeaChem is building a portfolio of advanced biofuels and bio-based chemicals derived from cellulosic biomass,” said Jim Imbler, CEO of ZeaChem. “As our 250,000 gallon demonstration plant nears completion in Boardman, Ore. and we develop our first commercial scale biorefinery, we are honored to be named in the 2011 Global Cleantech 100.” 
Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) 
“We are honored to be the Wall Street Journal’s choice for the most innovative energy company, and to be recognized even beyond our industry as one of the world’s top innovators overall,” said Bill Sims, President and CEO of Joule.
The 
Ethanol interests were quick to oppose an amendment offered by Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) today that would prohibit the U.S. Department of Agriculture from funding Flex Fuel pump installations. 
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Al Franken (D-MN) will address the 2011 
Senator Franken will help kickoff the conference on October 25, while Senator Klobuchar will address the conference via a video lunchtime keynote on October 26, focusing on home grown energy and job creation.