This morning, representatives of several solar companies with a Texas presence - including SolarCity, Trina Solar, Solar US, SES 21, SolarTek, Schletter, and Bosch Solar Energy - joined Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) officials in celebrating the donation of residential solar arrays being installed on 15 new Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity homes.

"We are so thankful to the Solar Energy Industries Association and its members for the generous donation of PV arrays and installation services that provide,clean, reliable, low-cost power for our homes," said Bill Hall, CEO, Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity.

"This standard of building reduces utility costs for our homeowners and strengthens the long-term stability of the home, while improving the overall impact on the environment."

"The solar industry is dedicated to helping neighborhoods in need. The industry is making solar more affordable for consumers, while bringing new jobs to communities across America," said Rhone Resch, President and CEO of SEIA.

Twenty-five thousand solar professionals are convening at the Dallas Convention Center this week for Solar Power International 2011 - an annual conference being held in Texas for the first time since its inception in 2004. The U.S. solar industry is growing 69% annually and currently employs over 100,000 people throughout the United States - double the number of solar industry jobs from two years ago.

"We're honored to work with Habitat for Humanity to donate solar installations that help reduce energy costs for those in need," said Eric Wittenberg, SolarCity's regional director in Texas. "Texas solar projects create jobs for Texans, produce renewable electricity, and reduce pollution. The state of Texas has virtually unlimited potential as a solar power producer." SolarCity serves the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth area from a 12,000 square foot operations center in Northwest Dallas.

"Trina Solar is pleased to work with Habitat for Humanity to help local families power their homes with solar electricity while cutting their energy bills," said Robert Muhn, Trina Solar's vice president, sales and marketing.

"Our company is committed to investing in local communities and to providing high-performing solar modules that are built and assembled in an environmentally responsible manner. Partnerships like these help Trina Solar to make these commitments a reality." Trina Solar is a leading global solar manufacturer operating across the U.S.

SolarCity and Trina Solar donated and installed 2.9kW rooftop solar arrays for two of the Habitat homes. Solar US is donating solar water heating equipment to these two homes as well. Texas-based companies SES 21, Bosch, SolarTek, and Schletter will begin installing solar arrays on the remaining 13 Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity homes next month.