What’s on the new SEIA president’s to-do list?

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The new SEIA president and CEO aims to continue the growth of the industry, keep hold of tax credits, and maintain robust and open markets. Source: Flickr/Nikki Buitendijk

Newly-appointed CEO and president of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) Abigail “Abby” Ross Hopper could not have joined at a more crucial time.

Hopper – who took up her new role on Monday – will helm the US’ main solar political lobbying group as it prepares for an unprecedented time of attack under the Trump administration. Just recently, rooftop solar specialist Sungevity CEO Andrew Birch blamed a failed acquisition on investors doubting the value of solar due to sentiment expressed by Trump.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

At a time of unknown challenge to the solar industry, Hopper certainly has her work cut out. Speaking to a number of reporters in a conference call last week, the former Ocean Management regulator officially introduced herself and spelled out the objectives at the top of her to-do list:  

1. Drive solar’s rapid but sustainable growth trajectory

The most fundamental of charges, synopsised in a sound bite borrowed from SEIA chairman Nat Kreamer, who asserts that Hopper is qualified to do, well, exactly that.

Hopper is joining the SEIA at a time of record-breaking growth in the solar industry, with the nation on track to pass 50GW of installed capacity this year. Under former chief executive Rhone Resch, the SEIA successfully secured two ITC extensions. However, with the extension, industry commentators believe that the association will have a shift in focus from under Resch – focussing more on state policy rather than federal policy.

A self-professed “total policy wonk”, Hopper appears well-suited to take on state-wide battles such as the perennial debates on net metering and renewable portfolio standards, having procured “deep understanding of federal decision-making with emphasis on state governments” in her previous roles.

However, as the SEIA is marketed, in its own terms, as the “driving force” behind the US solar industry, reporters were keen to establish what solar-specific experience Hopper was bringing to the table. With her bureaucratic roots with the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), Hopper explained how she was instrumental in lobbying for the Clean Energy Jobs Act and two key utility mergers regarding Exelon and First Energy respectively. The first solar microgrid to operate in Maryland was also orchestrated while she was head of Energy Administration there, she told reporters.

Evidently, Hopper has the advocacy skills to tackle the task at hand, but was decidedly diplomatic on the undecided future of solar under Trump.

With “no comment” toward what would happen if tax grants were to be rescinded, Hopper deftly swerved getting entangled in thornier issues; choosing to repeatedly remain “cautiously optimistic” – even about working with the likes of Perry and Zinke.

“I think we are optimistic that the business case for solar is strong,” she said. “I think all politicians understand that, regardless of the letter that follows their name.”

2. Protecting policies that maintain the solar market

One of the key mantras of the SEIA mission statement is to champion solar by expanding market and removing barriers.

Likewise, it is a priority for the new SEIA chief, for whom “maintaining robust and open markets” was paramount, alongside protecting and policing net metering and rate design.

The segment is experiencing a slowdown from its peak growth quarters; growing just 2% year-over-year and falling 10% from the last quarter’s total, according to SEIA/GTM figures. Reasons for this include the policy fights in mature solar markets such as Nevada, Arizona and California, and the associated challenges posed by rate design reform – so the time to focus on such policies has never been more prominent.

Hopper’s background in state policy certainly leaves her well-equipped to take on such challenges. Whether she harnesses the gusto needed to “lead the fight” as one questioner put it, in the face of net metering rows and Trump at large, is another question.

“We’ll stick with it,” Hopper replied.

3. Make sure solar and renewables continue to enjoy subsidies

Ensuring the “continuation of federal tax credits” was a topper on Hopper’s list.

One of the things on Trump’s energy hit list is to reduce energy subsidies. He has repeatedly vowed to end all federal spending on clean energy research and development.

Industry executives like SunPower chief executive Tom Werner, First Solar CEO Mark Widmar and clean energy investor Bill Gates have acknowledged the uncertainty around federal support for renewables. Hopper will be charged with assuaging investors; maintaining that current policies are likely to remain due to the cost-competiveness and employment they bring to the economy. The SEIA has worked on this since before the election by providing Trump staffers with stats on the ITC and its impact on jobs.

4. Making sure solar is “inclusive"

The SEIA’s broad reach is made possible by its members. Hopper asserted from the outset that “building bridges is a priority going forward”.

“How to bridge the gap will be informed by what the members what. I want to hear from our members, keep our members and hear from the folks who haven’t quite chosen to be a member of the SEIA yet.”

Moving beyond the insular, in a refreshing point, Hopper stated a priority was to make sure solar is “inclusive”.

“We want to make sure that the workforce is inclusive for women, people of colour and that we are serving all American citizens.”

This point is more poignant than it has been in the past when the industry was much smaller. Whilst on the quest of becoming mainstream, solar is still very much a male-dominated industry. But Hopper’s appointment itself is significant in that having another woman in a senior and very prominent role will help broaden the appeal of solar and increase its talent pool.

However, the substance will need to be shown, to prove it is more than a progressive sound bite. Hopper joins other prominent industry women including Julia Hamm of SEPA, Bernadette del Chiaro and The Solar Foundation’s Andrea Luecke.

Whilst Hopper probably won't be summoning any battle cries for solar in a time of unprecedented scrutiny any time soon, her clear strategic diplomacy will be important. If she can win certain climate-sceptic authority figures round to solar, there won’t be any need to fight fire with fire.

13 November 2024
4pm GMT / 8am PST
This webinar by PVcase will provide an understanding of data risk for renewable energy projects and the challenges it poses, providing you with practical strategies and best practices to ensure data accuracy and reliability throughout your entire project. You'll explore innovative solutions offered by PVcase, including end-to-end automation, high-fidelity data analysis, and seamless data transfer, which can transform solar project development. By staying informed about the latest challenges and leveraging cutting-edge technology, you'll maximise project success, protect financial investments, and contribute to the broader goal of accelerating the clean energy transition. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance the success and reliability of your solar developments.
17 June 2025
Napa, USA
PV Tech has been running PV ModuleTech Conferences since 2017. PV ModuleTech USA, on 17-18 June 2025, will be our fourth PV ModulelTech conference dedicated to the U.S. utility scale solar sector. The event will gather the key stakeholders from solar developers, solar asset owners and investors, PV manufacturing, policy-making and and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out the PV module supply channels to the U.S. out to 2026 and beyond.

Read Next

November 7, 2024
Freyr Battery has agreed to acquire a 5GW module manufacturing facility in the US state of Texas from Trina Solar.
November 6, 2024
Specific policy details are still unclear, but Donald Trump's return to the White House will have undoubted consequences for US solar.
Sponsored
November 6, 2024
Learn more about data risk in solar energy development in PV Tech's webinar with PVcase, next Wednesday 13th November at 4 pm GMT.
November 6, 2024
The tax credits, which amount to nearly US$40 million, were generated by sales of PV inverters made in the US during the first half of 2024.
November 6, 2024
Tracker company FTC Solar has signed a 1GW PV tracker supply agreement with Dunlieh Energy with the first project located in Nebraska, US.
November 5, 2024
The “Carolinas Resource Plan” is Duke Energy’s proposal for its two-state energy system which connects the Carolinas.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 12, 2024
San Diego, USA
Solar Media Events, Upcoming Webinars
November 13, 2024
4pm GMT / 8am PST
Solar Media Events
November 19, 2024
Philadelphia, USA
Solar Media Events
November 20, 2024
Zhuhai, China
Solar Media Events
November 21, 2024
London, UK