Press Release Archive
SEIA issues press releases on topics ranging from state and federal policy to brand new research and data. Browse the archive of all press releases below. To explore our full news center, including blogs and other solar news, click here.
Solar Industry Statement on Transmission Partnership Between FERC and NARUC
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following is a statement from Sean Gallagher, vice president of state and regulatory affairs at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on the new transmission partnership between the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC):
Texas Governor Signs Series of Pro Solar Bills into Law
AUSTIN, TX and WASHINGTON, D.C. — Earlier this week Texas Governor Abbott signed a series of bills into law that will benefit the Texas solar industry, including SB 398, SB 63, and SB 760. These bills will help to clarify rules around decommissioning solar sites and strengthen consumer protection.
U.S. Solar Market Eclipses 100 Gigawatts
WASHINGTON, D.C. and HOUSTON, TX — The U.S. solar market surpassed 100 gigawatts (GWdc) of installed electric generating capacity, doubling the size of the industry over the last 3.5 years, according to the U.S. Solar Market Insight Q2 2021 report, released today by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie. Solar had a record-setting Q1 2021 and accounted for 58% of all new electric capacity additions in the United States. Renewable energy accounted for nearly 100% of all new electric capacity in Q1.
Gov. Murphy Has Opportunity to Bring Solar-Ready Warehouses to New Jersey
TRENTON, NJ and WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, the New Jersey legislature passed A3352 which will require new warehouses to be solar-ready buildings. If Governor Murphy signs this bill into law, new warehouses that are constructed on or after July 1, 2022 will need to include a building design that’s optimized for solar installations. The bill defines warehouses as any building that is 100,000 square feet or more and primarily used to store goods for resale.
Solar Industry Launches Diverse Suppliers Database
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is releasing the Diverse Suppliers Database, a free platform that will highlight and elevate minority, women, disabled, veteran, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses operating in the solar and storage industries. More than 120 diverse companies are listed in the database, and the platform will remain open for submissions.
SEIA Amps Up Storage Advocacy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is announcing a new venture to prioritize energy storage across policy advocacy, membership, research and events. The venture, called the Storage Advocacy Network, will be a formal branch of SEIA and serve as a national and state advocacy voice for energy storage.
Colorado Makes it Easier to Connect Solar + Storage Projects to the Grid
DENVER and WASHINGTON, D.C. — Decisions by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission earlier this week will make it faster and easier to connect solar + storage systems to the grid. The decisions primarily adopt recommendations by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA).
Net Metering Program Details Finalized in South Carolina
COLUMBIA, SC and WASHINGTON, D.C — Yesterday the South Carolina Public Service Commission issued final rules for net metering in South Carolina. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) worked collaboratively with Duke Energy to successfully create a net metering program in South Carolina that better aligns with customer behavior and electricity system needs.
Iowa Solar Industry Joins National Advocacy Network
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) announced today that it is adding the Iowa Solar Energy Trade Association (ISETA) as an official state affiliate. ISETA becomes the 20th SEIA affiliate, joining its neighbors Minnesota, Wisconsin and Missouri in the growing network of state solar advocacy groups. These formal partnerships help to connect regional organizations to additional resources and the national effort to promote solar in markets around the country.
Solar Leases in South Carolina Get Property Tax Exemption
COLUMBIA, SC and WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, South Carolina’s state legislature passed H. 3354, which exempts leased and third party owned residential solar systems from property taxes. This exemption is already in place for solar customers that own their systems. The new legislation puts all solar customers on equal footing when it comes to tax treatment. H. 3354 prevents solar customers from getting double taxed and will help to support South Carolina’s growing rooftop solar market.