The Solar Power International trade show in Orlando, Florida, United States is concluding, following a keynote speech from former U.S. President Bill Clinton on September 12th, 2012.

The conference had a distinctly political edge, with Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) President and CEO Rhone Resch warning that the industry is "under direct attack" from right-wing SuperPACs and the oil tycoon Koch brothers during the opening panel discussion.

Such statements are a departure from a more cautious style emphasizing bipartisanship that has characterized SEIA to date. Resch promised to launch a media counter-offensive in key states in the U.S. election, where anti-renewable energy commercials are set to air.

Bill Clinton's speech was closed to reporters, however initial reports on twitter report that the former President includes statements urging the solar industry to follow the policy stands of candidates and to do a better job of telling its story.

Presence of Clinton a high point for trade show

The presence of former U.S. President Clinton at Solar Power International is a testament to solar becoming mainstream in the nation. However, it is also notable due to the strong divisions between the nation's two parties on solar and renewable energy policy.

President Clinton has emerged as a vocal supporter of renewable energy in recent years, and has spent the past few weeks campaigning for President Obama, both of whom represent the Democratic Party.

Strong division between parties over renewable energy policy

In contrast, the opposition Republican Party at the federal level has been highly critical of President Obama's clean energy policies, making war upon EPA regulation of greenhouse gases, climate science and environmental law in general during the last two years.

U.S. Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney (R) has continued in this vein, promising to ax renewable energy incentives, mocking the wind and solar industries as "cute" and making dismissive statements about climate change.

Furthermore, as noted by SEIA, the Romney campaign is airing ads attacking renewable energy industries and funding as a means to discredit U.S. President Obama.

2012-09-13 | Courtesy: Solar Server; image source: public domain | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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