
906: Solar Revolution: Abby Hopper's Transformative Decade at SEIA
About this episode
For nearly a decade, Abby Hopper served as President and CEO of SEIA, the Solar Energy Industries Association, representing the U.S. solar industry through one of its most transformative periods.
From trade wars and policy battles to the rise of domestic manufacturing and record industry growth, Abby had a front-row seat as solar moved from the margins of the energy system to the center of it.
In this conversation, Abby reflects on the challenges she inherited, the progress the industry made, and the work that still lies ahead — from building political influence in Washington to strengthening credibility across the market.
It’s a candid look at the decade that reshaped solar, and what comes next for the industry.
Expect to learn:
🔹 What reshaped solar’s domestic manufacturing strategy
🔹 Why the solar industry still lacks political influence compared to oil and gas
🔹 What Abby believes could slow the next phase of solar growth
🔹 The uncomfortable truth about why solar companies underinvest in political advocacy
Listen now to hear Abby Hopper’s unfiltered perspective on the past, present, and future of solar leadership.
Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?
Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.
If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.
We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast
Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/
You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from SunCast

964: Why the Best Energy Technology Doesn't Always Win | Sass Peress
SunCast

963: How Exact Solar Keeps Growing in a Shrinking Market | Aaron Nichols
SunCast

962: What If We Paid Households to Power the Grid? | Ari Matusiak
SunCast

961: Latinoamérica 2026: Dónde Poner Tiempo, Capital y Capacidad de Ejecución (E...
SunCast