WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, announced today that Southern Current, a leading national solar project developer, is now a member of SEIA’s Board of Directors.

Additionally, Ryan Creamer, founder and CEO of independent solar developer sPower, has been elected as the new Vice Chairman of SEIA’s Board of Directors. Incumbent Board Chairman Tom Starrs also has been elected to a second term as Chair.

“The solar story is at a critical juncture, and the leadership that Southern Current and sPower’s Ryan Creamer bring to SEIA’s Board of Directors will be absolutely invaluable to our success as an industry in years to come,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA’s president and CEO. “We are also looking forward to continued steadfast leadership from our Board Chairman Tom Starrs, who is beginning a new term as Chair after a successful first year.”

Based in Charleston, S.C., Southern Current (www.southerncurrentllc.com) is a leading developer in the residential, commercial and utility-scale solar markets with hundreds of systems currently providing power to customers across the United Sates. Their integrated platform includes project development, engineering, construction, maintenance, finance and asset management. Southern Current’s mission is to help create a more reliable, economical and sustainable energy future for the United States.

"SEIA has played a significant role in addressing both the challenges and opportunities of the solar industry and I am excited to bring Southern Current’s perspective, knowledge and skillset to the Board of Directors,” said Jon Downey, CEO of Southern Current.

sPower CEO Ryan Creamer, an at-large member of SEIA’s Board of Directors since 2015, is now the Vice Chairman of the Board. Creamer has more than 20 years of experience successfully pioneering in the energy sector.

“Our industry is in a stage of transition as we scale to serve as a significant player in the U.S. energy market,” said Ryan Creamer, CEO of sPower. “I am looking forward to continuing to lead on SEIA’s board and help shape the strategy that will allow solar to continue to thrive nationwide.”

“Solar is one of the fastest-growing energy sources in the U.S. with consumers, businesses, government and utilities seeing the economic and environmental benefits,” said Tom Starrs, vice president of market strategy and policy for SunPower Corp., and SEIA board chair. “I look forward to continuing work with SEIA’s 1,000 member companies, to speak with a united voice on issues that will continue to grow the sector and capture an increased share of the energy mix.”

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About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 44th anniversary in 2018, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs more than 250,000 Americans. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America.  SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact:

Morgan Lyons, SEIA's Communications Manager, [email protected] (202) 556-2872