Two US Solar Industry Associations Unite to Drive Increased Solar Deployment

This week marks an important milestone in the development of a robust solar industry in the US. The Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) and the Solar Alliance have merged to form one voice advocating for policies that advance solar deployment in the US.

SEIA traditionally focused on federal legislative and regulatory policy which drives solar deployment like clean energy standards, the Investment Tax Credit for renewable energy generation and the loan guarantee programs for renewable energy projects. Meanwhile, the Solar Alliance was a state based organization, working to advance renewable energy standards and incentive programs at the state level as well as ensuring that appropriate net metering policies and renewable energy credit mechanisms are in place to allow solar markets to flourish.

With the merger, the two entities will now speak with one strong and consistent voice about the jobs created by growing domestic solar energy, the advances the industry has made in cost reduction, and the value of including solar in the US’s energy generation mix. Under the SEIA umbrella, the united entity will continue both federal and state advocacy as well as education, research, and public outreach.

As a board member of both organizations, Applied Materials believes the merger will help the solar industry increase its effectiveness in advocacy for solar, which is creating thousands of new jobs each year in the US. Members of Applied’s government affairs team will continue to play leadership roles in the SEIA trade subcommittee, the federal Policy and Government Affairs subcommittee, and the California and Texas SEIA chapter.