Abigail Ross Hopper named as SEIA’s president and CEO

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Hopper joins SEIA after serving as director of BOEM where she was responsible for leasing oil, gas and offshore wind projects. Source: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Abigail Ross Hopper has been named the Solar Energy Industries Association’s (SEIA) new president and CEO. She will assume her position on the 17 January.

She replaces Rhone Resch, who stepped down in May after 12 years' leading the association.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Hopper joins SEIA from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), where she worked on federal energy policy. Prior to her role at BOEM, Hopper led the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), taking on a range of policy roles including serving as energy advisor to former governor Martin O'Malley.

“I am thrilled to lead the Solar Energy Industries Association,” Hopper said. “I have spent my career working with all sides of the political and ideological spectrum to arrive at pragmatic approaches to energy policy. I look forward to utilizing that experience to serve our SEIA members.”

SEIA board chairman Nat Kreamer said Hopper was chosen in part for her “bridge-building talents.” Hopper joins the SEIA at a crucial time; characterised by both unprecedented solar growth, and federal opposition, with the president-elect deeming the technology “too expensive”.

Tom Kimbis, who served as interim president since the end of May has been appointed executive vice president and general counsel. 

13 October 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
PV Tech has been running an annual PV CellTech Conference since 2016. PV CellTech USA, on 13-14 October 2026 is our fourth PV CellTech conference dedicated to solar manufacturing in the USA. From polysilicon, wafers, ingots, cells and modules, to critical component suppliers including glass and frames, the event connects every stage of the value chain under one roof. PV CellTech USA also brings together investors, innovators, manufacturers and industry stakeholders to collaborate and strengthen domestic solar manufacturing across the United States.

Read Next

August 27, 2026
US- and Canada-based PV module producer Heliene is among the companies trialling a new American-made solar glass currently being tested for sale in the US market.
August 27, 2026
This week's PV Chart of the Week looks at forecast solar PV supply chain from polysilicon to modules until 2027.
August 27, 2026
US President Donald Trump has banned the import of inverters, transformers and other power equipment that pose a potential risk to US grid security.
Premium
August 27, 2026
Domestically produced solar glass is a key gap in the US PV manufacturing ecosystem. Tom Kenning reports on efforts to kick-start local production of this vital material
August 27, 2026
Burns & McDonnell and Gritt partner to deploy AI-powered robotics for safer, more predictable utility-scale solar construction.
August 27, 2026
US eBOS manufacturer Shoals has been granted a successful verdict and US$96 million in damages by a court in North Carolina in its intellectual property dispute with fellow US manufacturer Voltage.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
February 2, 2027
London, UK