Abigail Ross Hopper
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is launching a 501(c)3 nonprofit to speed up the transition to carbon-free electrical energy by clear energy analysis and evaluation.
The Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2) will function SEIA’s charitable and academic arm, utilizing analysis, public schooling initiatives, and policymaker engagement to take away obstacles to scrub energy deployment.
SI2 will suggest and incubate new options that encourage the expansion of the solar and storage trade. The group may even deal with a few of the largest challenges dealing with the solar and storage trade, like land use considerations, antiquated price designs, workforce improvement and environmental justice, and interconnection roadblocks, all in an effort to fight local weather change and create a extra equitable clear energy financial system.
“We largely have the technologies we need to address the climate crisis, but several barriers remain to widespread adoption of solar and storage,” says Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA’s president and CEO and the brand new chair of SI2’s board of administrators. “The window for climate action is narrowing quickly, and we must double down on the clean energy research and analysis needed to dismantle systemic challenges that are holding back the solar and storage industry.”
David Gahl, SEIA’s present senior director of state coverage, East, will lead SI2’s work and function the institute’s first government director.
“I’m thrilled to take on this challenge and work with a diverse range of stakeholders to solve the most pressing issues facing America’s clean energy sector,” states Gahl. “SI2 offers the solar and storage industry a special opportunity to harness its creativity and use innovative thinking to chart a new path to a carbon-free future and an equitable clean energy economy.”
While the group will deal with a wide range of points, one rising problem within the solar trade is land use. Siting clear energy initiatives requires neighborhood engagement and long-term planning that minimizes influence to the atmosphere and surrounding neighborhood. These initiatives should additionally account for entry to transmission strains, upgrades to grid infrastructure, and several other different components that may have an effect on the result of a large-scale solar challenge. SI2’s first analysis challenge will create greatest practices for solar corporations trying to create large-scale solar initiatives and different assets that can assist the trade navigate these challenges.
In addition to Gahl’s function as government director and Hopper’s function as board chair, SOLV Energy CEO George Hershman is serving as SI2’s board secretary, and Nautilus Solar co-CEO Laura Stern is board treasurer.
“We applaud SEIA’s efforts to launch SI2 in an effort to tackle barriers to clean energy deployment head-on,” feedback Stern. “It’s exciting to be at the forefront of an initiative that will make significant progress to combat climate change and create a clean, sustainable future by offering an equitable and affordable renewable energy choice.”
“Over the last decade the solar industry has been a beacon of innovation, persevering through numerous challenges to emerge as a leading provider of cost-effective energy in the United States,” mentions Hershman. “A brighter future powered by clean energy is possible, and the formation of SI2 will help establish a direct road map to more efficient solar and storage deployment for generations to come.”
Solar energy accounts for roughly 4% of U.S. electrical energy technology right now. If solar energy reaches 30% of U.S. electrical energy technology by 2030, electrical energy sector emissions can be minimize in half. If the trade reaches its Solar+ Decade targets, the solar and storage trade would create greater than $800 billion in financial exercise and add a couple of million well-paying jobs. Solar and storage companies stand prepared to attain this purpose, however important crimson tape and provide chain hurdles stand in the way in which.
SI2 will work intently with SEIA and lean on its workers and assets whereas the group establishes itself. As the group grows and secures extra funding sources, SI2 will construct its staff and announce extra priorities and initiatives.
