The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has announced the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) as a formal SEIA state affiliate.

Minnesota is a burgeoning solar market, says SEIA, and the two groups will work together to establish the industry as a stronger part of the state’s economy.

“We see so much potential for solar in Minnesota, which is already leading the way in the community solar sector,” says Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of SEIA. “This partnership with MnSEIA will strengthen our voice in the state as we work to make Minnesota a leading market in the Solar+ Decade.”

Today, Minnesota is home to 1.2 GW of installed solar electric generating capacity, enough to power 168,000 homes. The state ranks 13th nationally.

“We expect to see exponential solar market growth coming to Minnesota, and we look forward to breaking our employment records, currently estimated at 5,000 strong and growing rapidly,” says David Shaffer, executive director of MnSEIA.

A map of SEIA’s affiliates can be found here.