906: Solar Revolution: Abby Hopper's Transformative Decade at SEIA
SunCast
Trade tariffs upend priorities
Abby recounts how the 2017 Section 201 tariffs became an existential focus early in her tenure.
For nearly a decade, Abby Hopper served as President and CEO of SEIA, the Solar Energy Industries Association, representing the U.S. solar industry through one of its most transformative periods.
From trade wars and policy battles to the rise of domestic manufacturing and record industry growth, Abby had a front-row seat as solar moved from the margins of the energy system to the center of it.
In this conversation, Abby reflects on the challenges she inherited, the progress the industry made, and the work that still lies ahead — from building political influence in Washington to strengthening credibility across the market.
It’s a candid look at the decade that reshaped solar, and what comes next for the industry.
Expect to learn:
🔹 What reshaped solar’s domestic manufacturing strategy
🔹 Why the solar industry still lacks political influence compared to oil and gas
🔹 What Abby believes could slow the next phase of solar growth
🔹 The uncomfortable truth about why solar companies underinvest in political advocacy
Listen now to hear Abby Hopper’s unfiltered perspective on the past, present, and future of solar leadership.
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