The fastest-growing source of renewable energy in America

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Boosted by its exploding popularity on Facebook, the Solar Energy Industries Associations (SEIA) social media efforts have been recognized as some of the best in the nation, according to the 2015 Social Media Report published by Association TRENDS.

Association TRENDS annually examines the best social media practices and ranks the top 350 associations out of more than 20,000 diverse groups. SEIA snagged top 10 rankings in several categories this year, including an impressive accolade as one of the "Top Facebook Savvy Associations" nationwide. SEIA was also ranked No. 3 in the nation for social media efforts among trade associations with up to 100 employees and No. 2 in the nation among associations dealing with energy and utilities.

"This recognition means a lot to SEIA as we've spent considerable time and energy strategizing the best way to reach our tech-savvy members both quickly and effectively. As the fastest-growing source of renewable energy in America, the solar industry operates in an environment where our members - which include the entire solar industry chain from installers to financiers - routinely need the very latest information to continue growing their business," said SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch. "Through the use of our numerous social media channels, SEIA directly educates our members on the regulatory changes that impact their bottom line. We've also been able to create a community - as evidenced by our hugely successful 1 million voices for solar movement on Facebook - that allows us to unite in support around smart public policies, such as the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), that help make solar the No. 1 energy choice among a large majority of Americans."

Managed by its award-winning communications team, SEIAs social media efforts cover a wide range of platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and LinkedIn. In overall rankings, SEIA finished ahead of such notable organizations as the Screen Actors Guild, the Council of Better Business Bureaus, the American Lung Association, the National Association of Home Builders, the American Psychiatric Association, Communications Workers of America, the American Petroleum Institute, and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), among others.

Today, the U.S. solar energy industry pumps nearly $18 billion a year into the economy, while employing approximately 174,000 Americans nationwide - more than tech giants Apple, Google, Facebook and Twitter combined.