Abby Hopper, President & CEO of Solar Energy Industries Association, on Policy, People & the Leadership Required for a Resilient Solar Future | Season Nine, Episode Ten

Welcome to Season Nine of Conversations in Cleantech!

 

This season, we’re going behind the scenes of transition infrastructure - speaking with the investors shaping how, where and why climate capital flows. From decarbonisation and energy security to technology maturity and policy gaps, we’re unpacking what it really takes to fund the systems that underpin a net-zero future.

 

And we’re closing out the season - and the year - with a guest who has truly shaped the story of clean energy in the US.

 

In this episode, our host Jenny Gladman is joined by co-host Chloe England to speak with Abby Hopper, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) - a trailblazer at the forefront of American solar policy, advocacy and industry transformation.

 

Since stepping into the role in 2017, Abby has led SEIA through a period of unprecedented growth and volatility - from navigating shifting political winds and trade policy challenges to cementing solar as a mainstream, multi-gigawatt player in the US energy mix.

 

This conversation is more than a look at policy or project pipelines. It’s a deeply human exploration of what it takes to lead through change - from building trust across opposing interests to showing up with empathy, urgency and resilience in the face of climate and societal challenges.

 

Abby also reflects on the unique role of solar in the American energy transition, why long-term impact requires more than short-term wins, and how equity and inclusion must sit at the heart of the clean energy future.

 

Expect a powerful, honest and inspiring end to the season, and a reminder that leadership in cleantech is as much about people as it is about power.

 

01:06 - Introduction to Abby
02:54 - How did your early experiences in law and government shape your path to leading one of the country’s largest clean energy associations?
06:00 - What turning points and lessons have most shaped you as a leader?
07:43 - When you stepped into the CEO role, what surprised you most - about the organisation or the solar sector at the time?
10:10 - How did you find yourself interviewing for this role - was it through an introduction or a direct application?
12:58 - When you look back, which achievements stand out as the most meaningful and impactful to you?
14:55 - You’ve shaped SEIA’s internal culture and external voice — how has inclusion influenced that, and what kind of culture were you aiming to build? Do you feel you’ve reached it?
20:17 - What were the biggest headwinds you had to navigate, and how did SEIA adapt?
27:44 - How has the industry matured over your eight-year tenure?
29:35 - You’re stepping down from SEIA in January 2026 - what went into that decision, and why does now feel like the right moment?
34:15 - What do you hope for SEIA’s future - and what would you like your successor to continue prioritising?
35:26 - What mindsets and skills will be most essential for the next generation of clean energy leaders?
36:53 - If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self starting out in your career, what would it be?

 

Connect with your hosts, Jenny Gladman and Chloe England, on LinkedIn.

Find your guest, Abby Hopper, on LinkedIn.

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