Solar Energy Industries Association

What Solar Energy Industries Association does

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association for the U.S. solar and solar + storage industries, founded in 1974 and headquartered at 1425 K Street NW in Washington, D.C. The organization serves 1,200+ member companies across the supply chain—module and component manufacturers, project developers, installers, utilities, financiers, and corporate solar buyers—through five revenue streams: tiered membership dues (Kilowatt through Terawatt levels), co-produced industry events (RE+ flagship shows with the Smart Electric Power Alliance, Finance/Tax/Buyers Seminar, Sustainability Conference), proprietary research publications (Solar Market Insight with Wood Mackenzie; Energy Storage Market Outlook with Benchmark Mineral Intelligence), event and program sponsorships, and online education programs (Solar 101, DEIJ Certification, Pathways to Trust).

SEIA's core technology and product portfolio spans interactive research tools (Solar and Storage Supply Chain Dashboard with drive-time radius functionality, Energy Communities Map for IRA qualification, Major Solar Projects List database covering all ground-mounted projects ≥1 MW), voluntary industry standards (SEIA Solar Business Code required of all members, SEIA Consumer Protection Standards, Residential Installation Standards, ANSI/SEIA 101 supply chain traceability standard), and consumer-facing resources (Consumer Guide to Home Solar, Smart Solar Guide, Model Leases and PPAs). The organization holds ANSI Accredited Standards Development Organization status (granted 2024) and U.S. Department of Labor approval for national Registered Apprenticeship guidelines developed with IREC (announced January 2026). Sustainability programs include the National PV Recycling Program (founded 2016) and the Circular Economy Roadmap.

SEIA's go-to-market is sales-led and membership-driven, with direct enterprise engagement supported by content marketing (The Weekly Array newsletter, podcast, blog, research publications), multi-channel social presence, and event-based transactions. The organization is governed by a member-elected Board of Directors and operates a 501(c)(3) affiliate, the Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2), for charitable research and education. SEIA is currently navigating a leadership transition: Abigail Ross Hopper stepped down effective January 30, 2026 after nearly nine years as President and CEO, Darren Van't Hof serves as interim President and CEO, and former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is named incoming President and CEO effective June 15, 2026.

Name

Solar Energy Industries Association

Legal name

Solar Energy Industries Association

Website

https://seia.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

SEIA is the U.S. national trade association for the solar and storage industries, serving 1,200+ member companies through policy advocacy, proprietary market research, flagship RE+ events, ANSI-accredited standards development, and education programs. Founded 1974, headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: SEIA works with its 1,200+ member companies to fight for policies that create jobs and shape fair market rules. Membership provides access to research, advocacy, and industry resources.
2. Event Revenue: SEIA hosts premiere events including RE+ shows, Finance Tax and Buyers Seminar, Sustainability Conference, and various regional events. All proceeds from RE+ events support SEIA and SEPA's year-round research, education, and advocacy activities.
3. Research Publications: SEIA produces research reports and resources including Solar Market Insight reports, Energy Storage Market Outlook, and factsheets available for purchase or to members.
4. Sponsorships: Sponsorship opportunities at SEIA events and programs provide revenue while elevating brand visibility among industry leaders and professionals.
5. Education Programs: Online learning through Solar 101 platform, DEIJ Certification Program, and webinars provide education revenue while supporting workforce development.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SEIA is the national trade association for the U.S. solar and solar + storage industries, delivering membership-based advocacy, proprietary market research, industry standards development, workforce education, and major industry events. It operates as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit with over 1,200 member companies, generating revenue through membership dues, event ticket and sponsorship sales, and research publication licensing.

Product overview

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is a national trade association, not a product company. It offers a portfolio of research publications, educational programs, industry events, standards development, and consumer resources. Key research products include the Solar Market Insight Report (produced with Wood Mackenzie) and the Energy Storage Market Outlook (produced with Benchmark Mineral Intelligence). SEIA provides educational platforms including the Solar 101 Program and DEIJ Certification Program. The association organizes major industry events including RE+ shows, the SEIA Finance Tax & Buyers Seminar, and the SEIA Sustainability Conference. SEIA also develops voluntary industry standards including the SEIA Solar Business Code, consumer protection standards (SEIA 401), and residential installation standards. Consumer-facing resources include the Consumer Guide to Home Solar, Smart Solar Guide, and Model Leases and PPAs. Sustainability initiatives include the National PV Recycling Program and Circular Economy Roadmap.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Solar Market Insight Report Quarterly publication, produced with Wood Mackenzie, providing comprehensive data and analysis on U.S. solar installations, costs, manufacturing, and demand projections at national and state levels. Available to member companies and licensed to non-members.
• Energy Storage Market Outlook (ESMO) Quarterly publication produced in partnership with Benchmark Mineral Intelligence providing forecasts, supply chain data, and market analysis for U.S. energy storage deployment. First edition released February 23, 2026.
• Solar and Storage Supply Chain Dashboard Interactive dashboard allowing users to filter U.S. solar and storage supply chain facilities by product type and facility status, and to create drive-time radius maps from any point to assess proximity to customers or suppliers.
• Energy Communities Map Interactive mapping resource enabling member companies to identify U.S. areas likely to qualify as Energy Communities as defined in the Inflation Reduction Act, including methodology and justification documentation.
• Major Solar Projects List Comprehensive database of all U.S. ground-mounted solar projects at or above 1 MW that are operating, under construction, or under development.
• Solar Means Business Program that tracks and ranks U.S. companies based on their investment in solar and energy storage to power their own operations.
• Solar 101 Program Online learning platform at learn.seia.org providing solar professionals with expert-led courses on solar technology, market segmentation, transmission, project development, and permitting. Available to both members and non-members.
• DEIJ Certification Program Certification program encouraging energy companies to implement evidence-based Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice best practices, with certification levels awarded based on completed activities.
• Pathways to Trust Professional development program building competency in tribal partnerships, supporting effective collaboration between tribal nations and external solar/storage project developers.
• RE+ Events Flagship solar and storage industry event series co-produced with SEPA (Smart Electric Power Alliance), encompassing the national RE+ show and regional events such as RE+ Storage and RE+ Mid-Atlantic. Includes education sessions, exhibitions, and networking; all proceeds support SEIA and SEPA's research, education, and advocacy.
• SEIA Finance, Tax & Buyers Seminar Annual event connecting tax, finance, business, and legal leaders in the solar industry through curated content on corporate solar procurement, finance, and tax matters.
• SEIA Sustainability Conference Annual event bringing together industry, legislators, researchers, and academics to discuss circular economy, recycling, and sustainability for the solar and storage industry.
• SEIA Solar Business Code Voluntary industry code governing advertising, marketing, consumer interactions, and contracts. Required for all SEIA member companies; covers standards for ethical sales and business practices in the solar industry.
• SEIA Consumer Protection Standards (SEIA 401) Published standards from SEIA's standards development program addressing salesperson training, contract disclosures, and marketing claims for consumer protection in the solar industry.
• Residential Installation Standards SEIA standards covering residential solar system design, installation, quality management, and operations and maintenance practices, published through SEIA's standards development portal.
• National PV Recycling Program SEIA-administered network of recycling and refurbishment providers offering end-of-life management services for solar and storage equipment, founded in 2016.
• Consumer Guide to Home Solar Comprehensive guide helping consumers understand residential solar options, financing, and how to make informed decisions about a solar purchase.
• Smart Solar Guide Interactive online guide helping consumers understand their options for going solar, what to look for in an offer, questions to ask a solar company, and consumer rights.
• Model Leases and PPAs Standardized model contracts for solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs), developed under the Solar Access to Public Capital working group and endorsed by SEIA as part of consumer protection and cost reduction programs.
• SEIA Membership Program Core annual membership program of SEIA with tiered levels (Kilowatt, Kilowatt Plus, Megawatt, Gigawatt, Terawatt), providing member companies access to research, advocacy, networking, events, and the SEIA Sphere portal. Over 1,200 member companies.

Quantifiable outcome

• U.S. solar capacity grew from 36 GW to over 287 GW during Abigail Ross Hopper's tenure (2017-2026)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Benchmark Mineral IntelligencecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 February 2026SEIA partnered with Benchmark Mineral Intelligence to jointly launch the Energy Storage Market Outlook (ESMO), a new quarterly publication providing analysis for industry leaders, investors, manufacturers, utilities, and policymakers. The first edition was released February 23, 2026.
• Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 January 2026IREC and SEIA developed national guidelines for Registered Apprenticeship Programs for the solar industry, approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. SEIA also partnered with IREC and Midwest Renewable Energy Association on National Guidelines for career pathways in clean energy.
• Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEIA and SEPA co-produce RE+ events, the premier solar and storage industry events in the U.S. All proceeds from RE+ events support the expansion of the energy industry through SEIA and SEPA's year-round research, education, advocacy, and advisory efforts. The partnership also encompasses events focusing on trends and policies in specific states and regions.
• Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSI2 is the charitable and education arm of SEIA, established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The institute accelerates the transition to carbon-free electricity through clean energy research, public education initiatives, and direct outreach to policymakers.
• State AffiliatescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSEIA has formalized partnerships with state affiliates through 501(c)(6) organizations that coordinate resources and promote the growth of solar markets at the state level. These partnerships provide SEIA's national reach with state-level expertise and advocacy.
• Wood MackenziecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEIA partners with Wood Mackenzie to produce the U.S. Solar Market Insight Report, the comprehensive quarterly publication tracking solar industry trends, installations, costs, manufacturing, and demand projections.
• Solar and Farming Association (SAFA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDistributed Energy Infrastructure joined SAFA as a founding board member to support farmer-centered dual-use solar projects. The partnership advances rural energy resilience and agricultural stability through agrivoltaics.
• U.S. Department of LaborcoreOthersSEIA and IREC received approval from the U.S. Department of Labor for national guidelines for Registered Apprenticeship Programs for the solar industry, enabling formalized workforce training pathways.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• American Clean Power Association (ACP): ACP is the leading U.S. trade association for wind, solar, storage, and transmission companies. It is the most directly comparable peer to SEIA, representing overlapping but broader clean energy constituencies with similar advocacy, research, and events models.
• Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA): SEPA is a non-profit organization focused on the integration of clean, distributed energy resources. SEPA co-produces RE+ events with SEIA, making it both a strategic partner and the closest peer in scope and audience.
• Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC): IREC is a non-profit focused on regulatory frameworks, training, and credentialing for clean energy workforce. IREC is a direct peer in workforce development and partners with SEIA on DOL-approved apprenticeship guidelines.
• National Hydropower Association (NHA): NHA is the U.S. trade association for the hydropower industry. NHA is a directly comparable trade association peer with a similar advocacy, research, and events structure focused on a renewable energy vertical.
• Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI): NEI is the trade association for the U.S. nuclear energy industry. NEI is a directly comparable peer in organizational model (policy advocacy, research, member services) for a different but adjacent clean energy vertical.

Broad incumbents

• Edison Electric Institute (EEI): EEI is the trade association for U.S. investor-owned electric utilities. While focused on incumbent utilities rather than solar specifically, EEI is a relevant peer because its members are major solar+storage off-takers and it operates a similar advocacy/research/events model at scale.
• American Public Power Association (APPA): APPA represents community-owned, not-for-profit electric utilities. APPA is a comparable peer in structure and advocacy model, with significant overlap on solar policy at federal and state levels.
• American Petroleum Institute (API): API is the largest U.S. trade association for the oil and natural gas industry. While operating in an opposing energy vertical, API is a structural peer for SEIA's advocacy and research capabilities, and frequently engages SEIA in policy battles.

Others

• Consumer Technology Association (CTA): CTA is the trade association representing the consumer technology industry and produces CES. CTA is a relevant peer in the events business model (CES is the analog of RE+) and the standards development franchise, even though the underlying industry differs.
• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): NAM is the largest U.S. industrial trade association. NAM is a thematically relevant peer for SEIA's manufacturing advocacy work (domestic solar manufacturing investment) and policy advocacy capabilities in Washington, D.C.

Market position

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SEIA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/SeiaOrg
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheSolarIndustry
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/318378
• Instagraminstagram.com/solarindustry
• TikToktiktok.com/@solarindustry?lang=en

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Solar Energy Industries Association