37th Annual SOLAR Conference Offers Insights on Trends, Opportunities in Green-Collar Job Boom

America's Longest-Running National Solar Conference Coming to San Diego May 3-8, 2008; Attendance Expected to Double In Light of Unprecedented Oil Prices & Economic Uncertainty

BOULDER, Colo., March 17, /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by the American Solar Energy Society:

WHAT: More than 175 of the world's leading experts on solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable energy technologies will help thousands of industry professionals, educators and job seekers "Catch the Clean Energy Wave" at SOLAR 2008 May 3-8 in San Diego, CA.

Presented by nonprofit American Solar Energy Society, SOLAR 2008 offers workshops, presentations, technical papers, tours, and demonstrations to help individuals, businesses, and policymakers understand the trends and opportunities this trillion dollar industry provides. The renewable energy/energy efficiency sectors currently generate 8.5 million jobs in the U.S. and are forecasted to grow to as many as 40 million green-collar jobs by 2030.

WHO: Headliners include Senator Gary Hart (author, strategist & former Presidential candidate); Jigar Shah (Chief Strategy Officer, SunEdison); Van Jones (national expert on green-collar jobs); Chris Paine (Director, Who Killed the Electric Car); Julie Blunden (VP, SunPower); Molly Tirpak Sterkel (Manager, California Solar Initiative); Edward Mazria (international passive solar expert). Full list at: www.solar2008.org

SIGNIFICANCE: As Presidential candidates tout the importance of green-collar jobs to stimulate the economy, and amid soaring energy prices, solar energy is poised to power the next job boom in America. Now in its 37th year, this industry-leading conference series offers cutting insights on emerging trends, technological breakthroughs, industry perspective to help individuals power America's next trillion dollar industry.

WHEN: Public Expo: May 3-4, 2008; Solar Conference: May 4-8.

WHERE: San Diego, CA, at Town and Country Convention Center, 500 Hotel Circle North, www.towncountry.com

WEB SITE: www.solar2008.org

About ASES:

Founded in 1954, American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the use of solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies in the U.S. ASES organizes and presents SOLAR 2008, leads the ASES National Solar Tour, and publishes SOLAR TODAY magazine. www.ases.org