SEIA Adds Three Companies to Board After Rolling Out Policy Agenda for New Administration and the 117th Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the national trade association for the U.S. solar industry, announced today the addition of three leading companies to its board of directors.

Global solar project developer Lightsource bp, asset management firm Capital Dynamics, and renewable energy engineering, procurement and construction firm Wanzek Construction are all joining SEIA’s board of directors, effective immediately. These additions to SEIA leadership come after the organization revealed a bold policy agenda for the Biden-Harris administration and 117th Congress.

“As we navigate new dynamics in Washington, these are the leaders we need alongside us to advance our policy vision and usher in the Solar+ Decade,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association. “Having voices from across the solar value chain will be critical to our success, and we are thrilled to have Lightsource bp, Capital Dynamics and Wanzek on board for the work ahead.”

Wanzek is a leading construction company based in Fargo, North Dakota with a specialization in the design, procurement, and construction of solar and wind projects. Over the past 50 years, Wanzek Construction, Inc. has become one of the nation’s largest sources for infrastructure, general construction and other services in the wind, solar and industrial construction industries.

“We are thrilled and honored to be joining the SEIA board of directors at such an exciting time in our industry’s history,” said Troy Ochoa, Wanzek’s Vice President of Solar Construction. “Solar energy is on a path to becoming the leading source of new renewable power generation in the years to come and we are committed to helping shape that for the clients and communities we serve.”

Capital Dynamics is an independent global asset management firm with over 17 billion in assets under management and advisement. Through its Clean Energy Infrastructure platform, the firm is one of the largest solar investors in the United States, with a total portfolio of solar assets under construction and operation having reached 6.7 gigawatts at the end of 2020.

“Throughout the years, SEIA has demonstrated an incredible effectiveness at both the federal and state level, as well as provided a balanced approach for all stakeholders, and I am delighted to join a distinguished group of executives who are all passionate and supportive of the solar industry,” said Benoit Allehaut, Capital Dynamic’s Managing Director, Clean Energy Infrastructure. “I believe it is now more important than ever that companies join SEIA to help drive our industry forward.”

Lightsource bp is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects, and a 50:50 joint venture with bp.

“Solar is poised for a pivotal year in 2021, underscoring the importance for SEIA, its members and board of directors to advocate for forward-thinking policies that drive continued and equitable job growth for American workers, and help our country thrive as we transition to an electric grid that’s powered with clean, reliable and affordable renewable energy,” said Kevin Smith, Lightsource bp CEO of the Americas. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance our collective vision for the solar industry.”

In November, SEIA released a 100-day agenda that lays out the policies and actions a new Congress and administration should prioritize to reach 100% clean energy. Called, The Solar Vision, the agenda centers on actions that will help us: enact bold clean energy legislation and carbon pricing; prioritize infrastructure and workforce development; and double down on competition and open market principles for solar and other clean energy technologies. Read more about The Solar Vision at www.seia.org/100days.

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About SEIA®: 

The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 20% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is a national trade association building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact: 

Morgan Lyons, SEIA’s Senior Communications Manager, mlyons@seia.org (202) 556-2872