Credit: SEIA
Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), announced she is stepping down from the organization after a nine-year tenure. Solar Power World interviewed Hopper in 2017 about her goals for the organization, which included creating strong state markets and protecting federal tax credits.
Hopper’s effective departure date is January 30, 2026, and SEIA’s board of directors is now beginning an executive search process.
“Abby has been a steadfast, visionary leader through many of the most challenging moments we have ever faced as an industry,” said Darren Van’t Hof, chair of SEIA’s board of directors. “Under Abby’s leadership, the U.S. solar industry has experienced over 600% growth and emerged as an economic juggernaut that is the leading source of new power in this country. I am confident that, because of Abby’s steady hand, SEIA and our industry have the foundation for continued success in the years to come.”
During Hopper’s tenure at SEIA, the solar industry grew from 36 GW of installed capacity to over 255 GW and expanded from $16 billion in annual investment to over $70 billion.
“Leading SEIA and serving this community has been one of the great honors of my professional life,” said Hopper in a letter to the industry. “When I came to SEIA in 2017, we were an emerging industry with incredible potential. Today, we are a cornerstone of America’s energy economy, an economic engine, a beacon of technology and innovation, and an industry with limitless potential for growth.”
Hopper oversaw new initiatives that advanced the industry’s maturity and inclusivity, including the Solar Sisters network, as well as launching key institutions like the Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2) and SEIA’s storage advocacy arm. She also led efforts to bolster the professionalism and integrity of the industry, including new initiatives on supply chain traceability, recycling, land use and consumer protection.
