Long Beach, Calif. — Southern California played to the 2007 Solar Power Conference and Expo, where more than 10,000 people gathered to discuss the future of clean, renewable energy.

This year’s conference program was designed to address the cross-over appeal of solar energy – not only for solar enterprises working together but to facilitate opportunities for the business community at large. Solar Power 2007 featured keynote speeches by renowned leaders, including Ted Turner, venture capitalist Ray Lane, actor and environmentalist Larry Hagman, and Wal-Mart Vice President Charles Zimmerman. A CEO Panel featured captains of the solar industry discussing key issues facing the market. And the conference added additional breakout sessions for the investor and green building segments.

“Solar power has evolved into a widely accessible technology with infinite real-world applications for both individuals and businesses,” said Julia Judd Hamm, executive director of the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and chair of the Solar Power Conference and Expo. “Solar Power 2007 is fertile ground for the next wave of novel industry partnerships. The event is a magnet for anyone showcasing the latest solar technology, looking for investments, sourcing suppliers, exploring business relationships and connecting with customers.”

“The unprecedented size and scope of Solar Power 2007 is one more indicator that the thriving U.S. solar power industry is ripe for investment,” said Rhone Resch, president of the Solar Energy Industries Assocation (SEIA) and co-presenter of Solar Power 2007. “In such a landmark year, the industry needs a cohesive federal energy policy to put our solar energy resources to work for America. Congressional support for solar has never been stronger, and we believe the proposed energy bill will dramatically enhance America’s energy and national security while growing jobs and protecting the environment.”