The Illinois solar industry is booming thanks to forward-thinking policies like the Future Energy Jobs Act and the more recent Climate & Equitable Jobs Act. Solar companies looking to tap into this growth market must engage locally to fully capitalize on opportunities. That's why joining the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) can pay dividends through supporting pro-solar advocacy, making Springfield connections, navigating policy complexities, and accessing the stakeholder network.
Today on the Clean Power Hour, ISEA Board President Kevin Borgia makes the case for solar companies of all sizes to get involved with the only organization providing that unique blend of Illinois intelligence, relationship building, and collective clout. With SunVest Solar having gone so far as relocating their headquarters to Chicago, Kevin speaks firsthand to the ascendency of Illinois as a solar leader.
Kevin Borgia, VP of External Affairs and Policy at SunVest Solar, joins host Tim Montague to discuss the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA). They talk about the exponential growth of the solar industry in Illinois over the past 5 years thanks to legislation like the Future Energy Jobs Act and the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act.
Kevin outlines key benefits of joining ISEA for solar companies looking to grow in Illinois, including supporting pro-solar policies through advocacy and lobbying days in Springfield, gaining crucial intelligence about navigating the complex Illinois energy market, networking with other local players at ISEA's monthly solar social events, and more. With utilities likely to push back against net metering and other solar friendly policies in the future, Kevin emphasizes the importance of industry solidarity through groups like ISEA.
We also touch on the increasing diversity of solar in Illinois, from small residential companies to massive utility-scale projects. Tim notes how all market segments, from rooftop solar to community solar to large commercial will be crucial in greening the power grid.
If you are a solar company interested in engaging with the policy process and networking in the thriving Illinois market, be sure to reach out to Tim and consider becoming a member.
Key Takeaways
1. What unique benefits does joining the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) offer solar companies looking to tap into Illinois' growth market?
2. Why is it important for solar companies to engage in collective advocacy and policy-making through groups like ISEA?
3. What are some of ISEA's member offerings like networking events and Springfield lobby days?
4. How essential are strong state-level solar associations in conjunction with national groups when it comes to influencing policy conversations?
5. How has the mix of policies like FEJA and CEJA succeeded in unlocking transformative solar growth over the past decade in Illinois?
http://www.illinoissolar.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kborgia/
http://www.sunvest.com/
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0:00 - Introduction
1:48 - Kevin's Background in Illinois Renewable Energy Policy
3:00 - Getting Involved with ISEA over time
4:49 - The Exponential Growth of the IL Solar Industry Since 2016
7:19 - Major Policies Catalyzing IL Solar Expansion
8:14 - Key Reasons to join ISEA as a Solar Company
10:23 - Solar Industry Advocacy and Networking in Illinois
12:16 - ISEA's Role as the Local Voice for IL Solar Interests
15:25 - How to engage with ISEA and its Importance
17:30 - Outro/Conclusion
