Managing Growth
In order for solar and clean energy to become a major piece of the U.S. electricity system, our industry must manage our growth and remove potential barriers before they pose greater risk to long-term success. We face challenges on issues such as land use, recycling and workforce development, and these issues will only become more impactful as deployment levels increase. Developing strategies for these impacts now, rather than waiting until they become impossible to ignore, is a core focus for SEIA.
Workforce Development
The solar industry is growing rapidly, and we need a well-trained, expanded workforce to keep pace with this growth. SEIA is leading the industry in coming together to build a more diverse, inclusive, equitable, and resilient solar+ storage workforce.
Building a Diverse, Resilient 21st Century Workforce
In order to reach SEIA’s Solar+ Decade target of solar comprising 30% of all U.S. electricity generation by 2030, the solar and storage industries will need 800,000 new workers for a total workforce of more than 1 million workers.
SEIA is working to create and facilitate the development of programs, tools, resources, and networks that benefit our member companies, partner organizations, and solar industry workers. Building a robust workforce can only be achieved through the active involvement of solar companies that want to work with community-based organizations, training providers, educational institutions, and other workforce organizations.
Land Use & Solar Development
As the industry grows and states explore significant increases in solar penetration, the land necessary for solar projects will become more and more valuable. With thoughtful preparation, solar development can be a net positive for the environment and a boon for local communities.
Land Use & Solar Development
As the industry grows and states explore significant increases in solar penetration, the land necessary for solar projects will become more and more valuable. With thoughtful preparation, solar development can be a net positive for the environment and a boon for local communities.
Circular Economy
Clean energy industries like solar are set to grow exponentially in the coming decade, and the way we manage that growth is critically important. Our impact on the environment is not limited to the carbon emissions we can reduce by adding solar to the grid – we must foster a circular economy approach to clean energy that accounts for the life cycle of our products, and we must ensure our deployment has a net positive impact on the land we occupy.
The Clean Energy Circular Economy
Building a circular economy can benefit businesses, society, and the environment. Rethinking manufacturing and the lifecycle of products used in solar projects can broaden the positive environmental impact and the economic potential of our industry.
Consumer Protection
SEIA works to ensure that consumer protection is at the forefront of the solar industry. We are developing resources designed to safeguard customer rights, providing a forum for members of the press, governments and other stakeholders to access materials relevant to consumer protection, and establishing pro-competitive guidelines for the solar industry to enhance consumer protection.
About SEIA's Consumer Protection Work
SEIA works to ensure that consumer protection is at the forefront of the solar industry. We are developing resources designed to safeguard customer rights, providing a forum for members of the press, governments and other stakeholders to access materials relevant to consumer protection, and establishing pro-competitive guidelines for the solar industry to enhance consumer protection. To advance these goals, SEIA works closely with governors, attorneys general, state consumer advocates, public utility commissions, solar companies, financial institutions, lead generators, federal agencies and other organizations nationwide.
Health & Safety
Solar health and safety issues include fire safety, workforce development, and industry codes & standards. The solar industry is working proactively in these areas by developing best practices and pursuing industry solutions to ensure responsible business practices among U.S. solar companies.
Health & Safety
Solar health and safety issues include fire safety, workforce development, and industry codes & standards. The solar industry is working proactively in these areas by developing best practices and pursuing industry solutions to ensure responsible business practices among U.S. solar companies.
Related News
Earthjustice and SEIA Challenge Grid Operator Rules that Restrict Renewable Energy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Earthjustice filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on behalf of Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) challenging a rule that prohibits renewables from providing ancillary services.
Solar and Storage Industry Reacts to New Greenhouse Gas Guidance from White House Council on Environmental Quality
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Statement by SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper on the action today by the White House Council on Environmental Quality to issue guidance for agencies assessing greenhouse gas impacts in National Environmental Policy Act reviews.
Solar Industry Statement on Select Committee on the Climate Crisis Report
WASHINGTON D.C. —Today the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis issued a report outlining recent progress made toward addressing the climate crisis and opportunities for further policy action. Following is a statement from Erin Duncan, vice president of congressional affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on the report: