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Climate & Equity

Solar is an energy solution that provides clean, reliable electricity, increases consumer choice, and helps homeowners and business owners save money on their utility bills. As a carbon-free electricity source, solar is also a critical component of our nation's effort to combat the climate crisis. SEIA works every day to promote an equitable transition to a clean energy future and ensure the benefits of solar energy are available to all communities.

198 Million metric tons of CO2 emissions are reduced annually by U.S. solar installations

Climate Change

As carbon and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have increased dramatically in the past few decades, the threat of climate change has also grown. Solar energy is a renewable, carbon-free resource available in every geographic region of the U.S., with enormous potential to reduce our nation’s GHG emissions. Any market or policy proposal to address climate change should include significant development of solar and other clean energy technologies to power a clean, affordable economic future.

Tackling the Climate Crisis with Solar Energy

Scientists agree that climate change is caused by an increase of GHG emissions in the atmosphere. GHG emissions in the United States come from a variety of different economic sectors, with the most prominent sectors being the electric power (28%) and transportation (28%) sectors, followed by industry (22%), commercial and residential consumption (11%) and agriculture (9%). There is no one technology that can reduce all U.S. GHG emissions to zero, and SEIA works alongside partners in other industries such as wind and energy storage to advocate for a broad transition to a clean energy economy.

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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice

SEIA values diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice within our organization and the promotion of these values across the solar industry. SEIA envisions an industry that is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity at all levels. We aim to achieve this by encouraging openness and transparency about diversity issues and progress. We are developing strategies, programs, and tools that seek to equalize opportunities within SEIA and allow for discussing and sharing best practices within the solar industry as a whole.

SEIA's DEIJ Initiatives

SEIA values diversity, inclusion and equity within our organization and the promotion of these values across the solar industry. We believe that a diverse workforce creates a more resilient organization that supports a strong, equitable solar industry.

Low-Income Solar Access

As the national solar trade association, SEIA encourages solutions to maximize access to solar energy to all families and communities, regardless of zip code, income level, or any other factor. Many low and moderate income (LMI) communities are missing out on the benefits of solar + storage technologies. These benefits can include cost savings, resilience against natural disasters, health improvements and more. Intentional and thoughtful action – on the part of policymakers and private industry – is necessary to expand solar & its benefits to all Americans.

Expanding Access to Solar Energy

There are a variety of ways to increase solar access to low and moderate income communities, including community solar programs, tax policies, and more. SEIA is working with partners in the equity and environmental justice community to increase these opportunities in communities around the country. 

Environmental Justice

As an industry that deploys clean, reliable, affordable electricity, SEIA recognizes the critical role for environmental justice in the energy transition, and the need for climate solutions to take into account the disproportionate impacts felt by frontline communities.

Solar & Environmental Justice

The clean energy economy must be centered around justice and equity for all Americans and support communities that have historically been left behind by environmental policies. But we can only achieve this just and equitable transition through intentional advocacy that prioritizes environmental justice and creates regenerative, sustainable economic wealth in local communities.

Related News

Friday, Jul 28, 2023

SEIA Gets Greenlight to Develop 11 New Standards Governing Solar Installation, Training, Recycling, Consumer Protection and Supply Chain Traceability

Today the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) was approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop 11 new solar and energy storage standards.

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Monday, Jun 12, 2023

SEIA Becomes an Accredited Standards Development Organization

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as an Accredited Standards Development Organization. SEIA can now convene industry stakeholders to develop national standards for materials, products, processes, and services in the U.S. solar and storage industry.

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Friday, Nov 11, 2022

Compromise Code Proposal Prevails in Victory for Clean Energy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a release of preliminary results on the 2024 ICC Building Code online governmental vote, the International Code Council’s (ICC) members have approved two compromise proposals from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) that designate solar and storage projects as Risk Category 2 infrastructure.

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