The solar industry is constantly evolving. With new technologies, regulations, and business models emerging every year, it can be challenging for solar companies to keep up. That's where joining your state's solar energy association can make all the difference. In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague talks with Lewis Butler, head of sales and business development at Nelnet Renewable Energy and board member of the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA)
Lewis Butler has been in the renewable energy industry for 6 years, getting his start at a small solar EPC in Iowa before joining GRNE Solar, which became Nelnet Renewable Energy. In this episode, he discusses his journey in the industry, including how he first got involved with ISEA.
Want to learn more about working in the Illinois solar market or joining the Illinois Solar Energy Association? Tim Montague has been designing, developing and installing C&I and community solar projects in Illinois since 2016. He can help your company find the resources, the installers, the policy experts and service providers you need to be successful in Illinois.
Lewis highlights the relationships, network, visibility, policy advocacy, and knowledge sharing that ISEA facilitates for its members. For solar companies operating in Illinois, Lewis points to a bevy of benefits of ISEA membership including:
1. Access to a network of industry professionals and experts that can provide advice, support, and connections. Lewis emphasized the "Rolodex of trusted advisors" that membership provides access to.
2. Having a voice and input into policy and legislation that impacts the solar industry in Illinois. ISEA helps channel member feedback to influence legislation like the Future Energy Jobs Act and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.
3. Events and networking opportunities to build relationships with other solar companies and professionals in person. This includes monthly events hosted by ISEA as well as their lobby day at the state capitol.
4. Getting listed in the ISEA member directory which helps companies be visible and found by others in the industry.
5. Staying up to date on the evolving solar policy landscape in Illinois which is not static. ISEA helps members navigate changes.
6. Having an organization that can represent the industry and advocate on behalf of member interests with policymakers.
7. Learning about new technologies and industry trends from other experienced members.
If you are in the Illinois solar industry, Lewis encourages you to get involved with ISEA. Attend events, join the policy committee, share ideas and feedback to help ISEA better serve the needs of the industry. This is your chance to have influence and make connections.
To learn more about ISEA and working in Illinois, reach out to Tim [email Tim at cleanpowerhour.com] or book a meeting, https://calendly.com/tim-montague/isea-membership-discussion.
Social Media Handles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewisrbutler/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nelnetenergy/
https://nelnetinc.com/
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0:00 - Introduction
2:13 - Lewis Butler's Background
5:19 - The Illinois Solar Market
7:10 - Lewis Involvement with ISEA
9:06 - The Value of ISEA Membership
10:22 - Why you need to be involved with ISEA
13:31 - Shaping Legislation and Regulations
15:40 - Benefits of ISEA Membership
17:14 - Opportunities for Out-of-State Companies
19:28 - What's on the Horizon in 2024
22:10 - How to Get More Involved with ISEA
23:00 - Conclusion
#cleanpowerhour #energy #solar #illinois #isea
