Women of Impact Environmental Series

Abby Hopper: A Trailblazer in Clean Energy Leadership

Abigail Ross Hopper, known widely as Abby Hopper, stands as one of the most influential figures in the American clean energy sector. With a career defined by public service, policy innovation, and fierce advocacy for renewable energy, Hopper has been a driving force in shaping the future of solar and clean energy both nationally and globally.

Abby Hopper

Championing Solar Power: President and CEO of SEIA

Since 2017, Hopper has served as the President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the national trade organization for the U.S. solar industry. Under her leadership, SEIA has transformed into a more inclusive, impactful, and forward-thinking organization. She has guided the industry through periods of rapid growth and significant policy challenges, including trade tariffs, regulatory uncertainty, and shifting federal priorities.

Hopper’s tenure at SEIA has been marked by her unwavering commitment to advocacy, market expansion, and diversity. She has led efforts to advance solar tax policy, push for strong state-level standards, and foster an industry-wide commitment to equity and workforce development.

Federal and State Leadership

Before joining SEIA, Hopper was the Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) under the Obama Administration, where she oversaw responsible development of offshore energy and marine mineral resources on the Outer Continental Shelf. Her leadership at BOEM was pivotal in accelerating the development of offshore wind energy projects and establishing strong environmental stewardship standards.

Earlier in her career, Hopper served as the Director of the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). There, she helped implement Maryland’s ambitious Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), expanded energy efficiency programs, and worked to ensure energy affordability and reliability for all Marylanders.

A Voice for Equity and Sustainability

Hopper has been a transformative leader in embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) into the fabric of the solar industry. Recognizing the systemic barriers faced by underrepresented groups, she has spearheaded several key initiatives to foster a more inclusive clean energy sector.

1. SEIA’s DEIJ Certification Program

Under Hopper's leadership, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) launched the DEIJ Certification Program, an evidence-based framework designed to help companies assess and improve their diversity practices. The program offers tiered certifications—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—based on accumulated points from completed activities. Modules cover areas such as mentorship, LGBTQ+ inclusion, support for military veterans, and strategies for attracting diverse talent. As of 2023, over 50 organizations have enrolled, reflecting a growing commitment to DEIJ principles across the industry. 

2. Renewables Forward Initiative

In 2020, Hopper played a pivotal role in launching the Renewables Forward initiative, a collaborative effort among leading solar and renewable energy companies aimed at increasing workforce diversity and inclusion. The initiative focuses on assessing industry diversity, sharing best practices, creating inclusive talent pipelines, and investing in under-resourced communities. It has also raised over $100,000 to support organizations like the NAACP and the Urban League. 

3. Women's Empowerment and Diversity Studies

Hopper established SEIA’s Women’s Empowerment Committee, which aims to benchmark gender diversity and leadership within the solar industry. Through partnerships with organizations like the Solar Foundation, the committee has conducted diversity studies to identify areas for improvement and develop specific targets and timelines for change. 

Through these initiatives, Hopper has not only advocated for equity within the solar industry but has also provided tangible tools and frameworks to drive systemic change. Her leadership continues to inspire a more inclusive and sustainable future for clean energy.

Thought Leader and Coalition Builder

In addition to her executive roles, Hopper is a sought-after speaker and thought leader. She regularly engages with policymakers, business leaders, and community groups to build consensus around clean energy goals. Her ability to bridge divides—between federal and state agencies, or between business interests and community needs—has made her a unique and unifying voice in the energy space.

Looking Ahead

Abby Hopper’s career is a testament to the impact that smart, passionate leadership can have in transforming an industry. As the solar sector continues to expand, her efforts will undoubtedly shape not just the market’s future, but the nation’s path toward energy independence, sustainability, and climate resilience.

In an era where the clean energy transition is more urgent than ever, Abby Hopper’s work reminds us that bold leadership and inclusive policymaking can power lasting change.

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