The Solar Energy Trade and Advocacy Organization for New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, and Delaware

MSSIA is dedicated to advancing solar energy and energy storage as the primary energy sources in the Mid-Atlantic region, to create a sustainable energy future for all segments of the population while generating economic growth and high-quality jobs.

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BREAKING NEWS

For Immediate Release: Thursday, August 29, 2024

Contact: Lyle Rawlings, President of MSSIA, lyle@advancedsolarproducts.com, 908-751-5818

Printable Press Release

Decades of Service: NJBPU President Joe Fiordaliso,

Reporter Tom Johnson Secure Prestigious Solar Awards

Trenton, NJ – The Mid-Atlantic Solar & Storage Industries Association (MSSIA)* is proud to announce two remarkable individuals — Tom Johnson of NJ Spotlight (and formally of the Star Ledger / nj.com) and the late NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso — have been awarded the prestigious Chapin, Fuller, Pearson Medal in recognition of their accomplishments as champions of solar and honest democratic dialogue.

“Whether it’s speaking truth to power or just the facts, these two champions of solar and informed debate have been awarded a rare distinction, their tireless dedication and exceptional contributions have helped shape New Jersey’s solar industry and set a standard for future progress,” said MSSIA President Lyle Rawlings.

The Chapin, Fuller, Pearson Medal Reception, celebrating extraordinary contributions to the advancement of solar energy, will take place on new date in December to be announced  and will honor the legacy of the three pioneering scientists—Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller, and Gerald Pearson—who, in 1954 at Bell Laboratories in Berkeley Heights, NJ, invented the modern photovoltaic cell, forever changing the landscape of energy.

The Chapin, Fuller, Pearson Medal, named in their honor, has been awarded sparingly over the past twelve years to those who have made transformative impacts on the solar industry in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Previous recipients of the Medal include Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (later NJBPU Commissioner), Senator Bob Smith, and NJBPU President Jeanne Fox.

“This event is not just about honoring past achievements; it’s about inspiring future innovations in solar energy,” added Rawlings. “Tom Johnson and President Fiordaliso have been instrumental in advancing solar initiatives, and we are thrilled to celebrate their legacy.”

The event will be held at Jasna Polana in Princeton, offering a unique opportunity for industry leaders, policymakers, and community members to come together and celebrate these champions of solar energy. Attendees will also have the chance to network with key figures in the renewable energy sector and explore opportunities for furthering solar innovation in the region.

MSSIA extends its deep gratitude to the event’s sponsors, including Advanced Solar Products, IBEW Local 400, Ecological Systems, ConnectDER, Greenskies Clean Focus, and NJPACE. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available for those who wish to be part of this momentous occasion. Sponsorship packages start at just $250. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an inspiring evening that honors the past and looks towards a brighter, solar-powered future. Register today at www.mssia.org

 *MSSIA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the growth of solar energy and energy storage in the Mid-Atlantic region through advocacy, education, and collaboration. Established in 1997, MSSIA is a historic and highly-effective membership organization advocating solar energy incentives, permanent solar energy jobs, a renewable energy infrastructure, and so much more. For additional information, press inquiries, or sponsorship details, please contact Marianne Leone at 609-315-6218 coordinator@mssia.org.

MSSIA accomplishes it’s mission by researching, designing and advocating for policies to grow solar energy to be a major part of our future energy supply; to educate the public and policy-makers on the facts of solar energy and to remove barriers that hinder solar development; to promote local solar R&D and solar manufacturing; to assist in designing policies and infrastructure that supports solar on the local, state, and regional level; to develop solar electric and thermal energy as a significant portion of the energy supply mix; to work in tandem with municipalities and local government to utilize and support rapid adoption of solar energy; and to provide real-time data and real world evidence that demonstrates the value of solar energy to the regional electric grid and its role in combating climate change.