- January 21, 2025
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has released a policy plan prioritizing solar and energy storage in the United States.
According to the President and CEO of SEIA, “Solar is critical to meeting America’s growing need for electricity and providing power for manufacturing, data centers, cryptocurrency, and AI.”
In the policy plan, SEIA outlines the top 10 priorities for the new administration to maintain a strong solar industry.
The Top 10 Priorities:
Support American Energy Dominance
According to SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association), the nation currently has the second-largest solar power deployment and the third-largest solar manufacturing capacity and that a comprehensive approach that encompasses robust solar and battery energy storage industries is vital for attaining this goal.
Eliminate Dependence on China
SEIA states that the U.S. is actively reshoring its solar manufacturing supply chain, signaling a significant shift in the industry. The U.S. can reduce its dependence on China by expanding solar, steel, and electronics manufacturing domestically.
Surge American Manufacturing
According to SEIA, the solar and energy storage industries have spearheaded the establishment of more than 100 state-of-the-art factories across 43 states, resulting in the impressive creation of 40,000 new job opportunities.
Meet Demand of Data Centers, AI, and Cryptocurrency
For decades, we have seen a flat electric demand. The U.S. power grid is now facing an increase in electricity demand due to artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency mining.
Cut Red Tape in Energy Sector
In some U.S. regions, connecting to the power grid can take seven or more years. SEIA calls for more common-sense policies to make it easier for new power to join the grid.
Regulatory Reform
“Regulatory overreach does not discriminate,” said SEIA. “We must eliminate wasteful and burdensome efforts to restrict infrastructure investments on federal lands, stifle competition, and impose undue EPA rules and regulations on used solar panels.”
Keep Taxes Low
SEIA has stated that bipartisan tax policies have played a significant role in fostering investment in solar energy for the past two decades.
“Solar is popular, employs over a quarter of a million Americans, and is critical to energy security and dominance. Keep taxes where they are in order for the solar and storage industry to continue to support local jobs, factories and economies,” said SEIA.
Support Energy Freedom
Rooftop solar and home batteries empower consumers with the freedom to choose their energy source, liberating them from the constraints of monopolized electricity markets.
“If consumers want to go solar, government shouldn’t stand in the way,” said SEIA.
Bring More Jobs to U.S. Heartland
Solar projects and manufacturing sites create jobs. Today, the biggest solar states include Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia.
“We owe it to these workers and communities to keep their economies strong,” said SEIA.
Private Property Rights
Restrictions imposed by lawmakers in various states across the U.S. have hindered private landowners from leasing their land to develop solar facilities.
These priorities will help ensure the U.S. maintains a strong solar industry under the new administration.
