Hello everyone,
Welcome back to my solar blog where we continue to dig deep into the ever-evolving solar industry, shedding light on new advancements and guiding you on how to reap the numerous benefits offered by this key player in the renewable energy sector.
To simplify the decision of investing in solar, we often gravitate towards solar companies that have a proven track record, an impressive portfolio, and a clear vision for the future. However, we tend to overlook the fundamental part that solar associations play. Promoting interaction and collaboration among solar companies, these organizations are catalysts for innovative strategies and regulatory models that drive the solar industry forward.
In light of this, today, I’m sharing an enlightening conversation I recently stumbled upon featuring Sheri Givens, the president & CEO of the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), and Paul Lau, CEO and general manager of Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). This exchange, which commemorates the 20th anniversary of RE+, dives into SEPA’s evolution and SMUD’s ambitious goal of achieving zero carbon by 2030.
Originally named the Utility Photovoltaic Group in 1992, SEPA transitioned to the Solar Electric Power Association in 2004, ultimately becoming the Smart Electric Power Alliance in 2016. This shift spoke volumes about the organization’s expanding role, going beyond solar and embracing other decarbonization pathways. I believe that is a clear testament to the dynamic and evolving nature of the solar industry, showing that it’s not just about setting up solar panels for your home or having a solar array for home usage anymore.
SEPA’s role has extended to a vast scope that targets multiple strategic focus areas, such as resilience, energy storage, transportation, going beyond the confinements of an individual solar company. As Sheri Givens explains, “[Their] diverse membership of over 1,000 organizations, entities, and companies…supports this evolution and the key stakeholders advancing the clean energy transition.” Paul Lau further highlights SEPA’s influence as he outlines SMUD’s impressive trajectory towards a distributed energy future.
One key aspect emphasized throughout the discussion is delivering clean energy to all. Givens remarks on the importance of equitable energy distribution, developing strategies to bridge the gap between utilities, regulators, and the communities they serve. On the flip side, Lau underscores SMUD’s commitment to ensuring that their journey towards a zero carbon future is inclusive and beneficial for everyone.
This transformation extends beyond shifting to renewables and touches on other aspects of life like health, education, improving inequality, and sparking economic growth, a holistic transformation steered, in large part, by solar companies.
With all the significant progress the clean energy industry has achieved over the past two decades, the conversation shifts to future challenges. Ingenuously integrating renewable energy sources into the grid, enhancing grid resilience, and achieving deep decarbonization are among the top priorities. While it might seem a daunting task, the diversity in state policies and the open door to innovation make this an arduous but achievable goal. Utilizing the resources developed and shared by organizations like SEPA, solar companies are fully equipped to engage in this mission.
As we proceed through this journey, it’s clear that it’s not just about having solar panels for your home. It’s about partaking in a movement that seeks a sustainable future for all. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to install a solar array for home or a high-scale operation contemplating a shift towards solar, we’re all part of the solution. By supporting and choosing solar companies that demonstrate an affinity for our shared goals, we fuel this collective stride towards a brighter and cleaner future.
And that’s all for today. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if there’s any solar topic you’d like me to cover. Our journey towards the sun continues.
Till next time, keep shining!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/09/30/looking-back-looking-ahead/
