It is always advantageous for industry professionals to join trade associations and the solar industry is no exception. With a vision toward a cleaner future, many consumers and businesses are now looking for innovative solutions to decrease their carbon footprint and play a role in trying to minimize negative impacts on the environment. Trade associations offer a variety of educational seminars, industry conferences, exposure to industry leaders and peers, and social action opportunities.
Below is a list of some associations to explore in order to expand your network and increase your exposure in this constantly growing marketplace.
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
Regions:
(USA)
Overview:
SEIA was founded in 1974 and is the national trade association for the solar industry with over 1,000 member companies. The current goal of this organization is to initiate the groundwork needed for the US to achieve 30% electricity generation through solar power by 2030. Through research, education, and advocacy, SEIA works to create solar jobs in every community through policy changes that create competition and low-cost solar power.
Benefits of Joining SEIA
Membership Details:
There are multiple levels of membership opportunities that correlate to all solar business types and sizes. Below is a list of the different membership levels. Specific details for each one can be found on their website https://www.seia.org/seia-membership-levels.
Basic Membership, Watt Membership, Kilowatt Membership, Kilowatt Plus Membership, Megawatt Membership, Gigawatt Membership, Terawatt Membership, Corporate Solar User
Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA)
Regions:
(USA)
Overview:
The aim of the Smart Electric Power Alliance is to work toward eventually achieving a carbon-free energy system in the US through a variety of methods which include education, research, and collaboration.
SEPA Discussion about the Tiers of Decarbonization
Membership Details:
Becoming a member of SEPA will provide you with a plethora of benefits that will increase your ability to make successful business decisions and add exposure for your company in the solar power industry. Examples include access to exclusive webinars and events, as well as member-only data, discounts, working groups, and research publications.
American Solar Energy Society (ASES)
Regions:
(USA, Worldwide)
Overview:
The American Solar Energy Society, established in 1954, fosters information sharing, event presentation and the disbursement of valuable resources, such as educational webinars, publications, and tax credits with the objective of shifting countries around the world to embrace 100% renewable energy and sustainable living. ASES is a part of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) with regional chapters in over 40 states, plus the District of Columbia.
Their National Solar Conference will be held this year in Boulder, Colorado from August 8-11.
Information about the ASES SOLAR 2023 Conference in Boulder
Membership Details:
Being a member of ASES offers a variety of benefits, some of which include copies of their quarterly magazine, Solar Today; access to the Clean Energy Credit Union; discounts to organizational events, such as their annual solar conference; use of ASES logos for websites and brochures; networking opportunities, and so much more.
Specific types and annual costs for their different membership levels can be found at https://ases.site-ym.com/page/join.
American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE)
Regions:
(USA)
Overview:
ACORE was founded in 2001 and has members which run the gamut of the solar power industry from developers and manufacturers to investors, electricity consumers, and utility companies. Their main purpose is to assemble these advocates from the renewable energy sector to try to incorporate solar energy into US mainstream consumption.
Membership Details:
There are several different levels of membership to the American Council on Renewable Energy with varying degrees of benefits, which is listed below:
Supporter, Accelerate, Leadership Council, Pref & Prime
Specific benefits for each level can be found on the organization’s website American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE).
