Solar Energy Industries Association News

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Groups push for solar, energy storage tax credits

6/22/2021

Sen. Ossoff isn't the only one trying to boost US clean energy production via tax credits. The Coalition for Clean Energy Jobs and Innovation on Monday urged congressional lawmakers to embrace a 10-year extension of the Investment Tax Credit, plus a direct pay option for projects claiming the credit. "The solar and storage industry stands ready to put Americans back to work, but Congress must act now to unleash the clean energy economy," said Solar Energy Industries Association President and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper.

Abbott signs bills to bolster Texas solar industry

6/17/2021

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a series of bills that will help create a more competitive market for solar energy through stronger consumer protections, guidance on decommissioning and other provisions. "These protections are hugely important for the rooftop solar market and will help to bring even more jobs and solar to Texas," said Nakhia Crossley of the Solar Energy Industries Association.

Record Q1 growth pushes US solar past 100 GW milestone

6/15/2021

The US added a record 5 gigawatts of new installed solar capacity in the first quarter and now has a total capacity of more than 100 GW, reports the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie. "While we're poised for more growth, we must accelerate solar and storage deployment to address the climate crisis and reach President Biden's ambitious clean energy goals," said SEIA President and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper.

Granholm: "Solar energy provides jobs"

6/14/2021

This was the message conveyed by Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm during a Friday visit to a solar array in Nevada, which ranks sixth in the nation for installed solar capacity, per the Solar Energy Industries Association. "If we can continue to expand our solar footprint in this country, we're going to have to hire 900,000 more workers like these who are installing solar panels if we're going to reach the president's goal," said Granholm.

Outlook bright for solar on multiple fronts

6/2/2021

Last year was a record year for solar deployment in the US, per the Solar Energy Industries Association, and many other factors are pointing to a strong outlook for the industry. The two-year Investment Tax Credit extension, perovskite innovation, digital technologies and opportunities to pair solar with battery storage are a few of the bright spots shaping the future of the solar.

SEIA rolls out Diverse Suppliers Database for solar

6/2/2021

The Solar Energy Industries Association is introducing a free platform known as the Diverse Suppliers Database that will feature more than 120 companies in various parts of the solar supply chain that are owned by women, veterans, people of color and other individuals from diverse backgrounds. "The $30 billion solar and storage industry is filled with tremendous opportunities, but our future success depends on our ability to expand our reach and welcome more diverse businesses to the industry," said President and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper.

WeSolar wants to "bring solar to the hood"

5/27/2021

WeSolar is tackling systemic racism in the clean energy industry by helping underrepresented and low-income communities access community solar, which can result in utility savings and is more attainable financially than rooftop systems. The Solar Energy Industries Association and Renewables Forward are also spearheading efforts to get more people from diverse backgrounds into renewable energy jobs.

RESB Murmurs: Check out this episode of the Renewable Energy SmartPod for more insights on diversity, equity and inclusion in the renewables industry. At the 22:46 mark of the podcast, the conversation highlights some of the disconnect between the Black community and renewables. - Sean

SEIA makes energy storage an advocacy pillar

5/26/2021

Solar and storage go hand in hand and the Solar Energy Industries Association plans to ramp up its advocacy on behalf of energy storage through a new venture known as the Storage Advocacy Network. "Over the next decade, we need to dramatically ramp up solar + storage installations to achieve emissions goals, and we'll need world-class federal and state advocacy to help us get there," said President and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper.

Colo. PUC paving way for more solar-plus-storage

5/24/2021

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has decided to streamline several aspects of the residential and commercial solar-plus-storage interconnection process, at the request of the Solar Energy Industries Association and the Colorado Solar and Storage Association. "These decisions will clear up years of uncertainty and reduce the amount of time it takes for solar + storage customers to connect to the grid," said Sean Gallagher of SEIA.

S.C.'s new net metering rules geared toward customers

5/21/2021

The South Carolina Public Service Commission has finalized a new net metering program developed by the Solar Energy Industries Association and Duke Energy that features time-of-use rates, smart thermostat rebates and provisions that will encourage residential solar growth. "This is ultimately a win for current and future solar customers in South Carolina and will ensure the local rooftop solar market continues to grow," said Will Giese of SEIA.

RESB Murmurs: For more background information on how net energy metering policies can shape markets, don't miss the Renewable Energy SmartPod episode featuring Joseph Triepke from Lium Research. - Sean