In 50 short years, solar energy transformed from a niche interest to a key driver of the global energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has been at the forefront of this transformation, advocating for policies, fostering innovation, and driving growth in the industry. Founded in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis, SEIA has worked tirelessly to give solar “a seat at the table” in Washington, and the fruits of their labor are plentiful.

In honor of SEIA’s 50th anniversary, key figures from SEIA's past and present discuss the evolution of the solar industry. Abby Hopper (sitting CEO & President) hosted this panel with Fred Morse, Scott Sklar, and Rhone Resch (all key SEIA past leaders) to share their stories of the trade association’s 50 year rise and successes. From watching solar energy evolve beyond it’s solar water heating roots to the sophisticated photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems of today, their stories highlight the milestones, legislative victories, and technological advancements that have propelled solar into the mainstream.

Abby’s Linked Post on the roundtable captured the moment well, from stories of the founding of SEIA, to how the Investment Tax Credit came into being. And we gained insight into where these legends believe both SEIA and the industry will be over the next fifty years.

But we captured the moment as it happened, and we hope you’ll actually give it a listen!

Expect to learn:

SEIA’s fascinating origin story
Early challenges and how the industry overcame (and is still overcoming) skepticism
Key legislative victories that helped solar along the way
The expanding applications of solar technology
What the future of solar and storage looks like

Queue it up; get inspired by some of the OG pioneers of solar energy!

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713: Then And Now, How SEIA Helped Transform Solar Energy - 4 SEIA Presidents share the stage

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