Note: The event in this press release has been postponed, new date has not been set yet. It will happen in December. 

PRESS RELEASE

 For Immediate Release: Thursday, August 29, 2024

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

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 September 17th 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.

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NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY SIGNS HISTORIC CLEAN ENERGY BILL

May 23, South Brunswick, NJ – Today New Jersey governor Phil Murphy signed a comprehensive clean energy bill that will require the state to achieve 50% renewable electricity by 2030 and provide for further growth of the solar energy economy, according to the Mid-Atlantic Solar Energy Industries Association (MSEIA). The bill also contains ambitious goals to develop offshore wind, incorporate battery storage into the electric grid, accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, and promote energy efficiency.

MSEIA is a trade organization that has represented solar energy companies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware since 1997. For over 20 years, the organization has spearheaded efforts in the Mid-Atlantic region to make solar energy a major contributor to the region’s energy future.

“This new law is nothing less than a fundamental overhaul of the way our state will generate, distribute, and use energy”, stated Jim Spano, MSEIA’s Vice President for New Jersey. “It will launch New Jersey, the birthplace of solar power technology, into the forefront of the drive to combat global warming and create a sustainable energy future”.

MSEIA notes that Governor Murphy, who took office on January 16th of this year, has quickly followed up on his campaign pledge to utilize solar power, offshore wind, and batteries to move the state toward a goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050. According to Lyle Rawlings, President and co-founder of MSEIA, “Considering the complexity and scope of this pivotal change in our economy, Governor Murphy has moved with remarkable speed to create a basis in law to advance these goals”.

MSEIA also recognized the key role of Senator Bob Smith, the prime sponsor of the bill in the state Senate, who has long been a champion of clean energy legislation. Senator Smith is a recipient of MSEIA’s Chapin, Fuller, Pearson Medal, which is awarded periodically to persons “who have made extraordinary contributions to the development of solar energy in the Mid-Atlantic region”. The medal is named after the three scientists who invented the modern solar cell at Bell Labs in Murray Hill, New Jersey in 1954.

Questions can be directed to:

Marianne Leone, Administrator, MSEIA: (973) 886-0526; info@mseia.net
Lyle Rawlings, President, MSEIA: 908-751-5818 lyle@advancedsolarproducts.com