SEPA President Urges Stronger Ties Between Solar Industry and Utilities for Smarter Grid Integration
In April 2011, Julia Hamm, President and CEO of the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), issued a clear call to action. She urged the solar energy industry and electric utilities to work more closely. The goal? Smarter, faster integration of solar power into the nation’s evolving electric grid.
At the time, Hamm spoke at the National Town Meeting on Demand Response and Smart Grid in Washington, D.C. She explained that solar energy had reached a turning point. With rapid growth and lower costs, solar was no longer niche. Instead, it had become essential to the future of electricity in the U.S.
However, as she pointed out, solar’s success depended on better collaboration with utilities. “We must move beyond traditional boundaries,” Hamm said. “This transformation needs cooperation, not competition.”
Closing the Gap Between Innovation and Infrastructure
Smart grid technology was gaining momentum. It promised to modernize how energy is produced, stored, and delivered. But even then, experts knew the solar sector couldn’t fully scale without strong partnerships.
Hamm emphasized that electric utilities and solar providers shared a common interest. Both wanted a more reliable, flexible, and clean energy grid. Yet, despite this alignment, they often worked in silos.
To change that, Hamm called for joint pilot programs, shared data platforms, and more frequent communication between stakeholders. “It’s not just about hardware or software,” she said. “It’s about changing the way we think.”
Solar’s Role in the Evolving Grid
Hamm also highlighted how the role of solar was shifting. Once viewed as intermittent and unreliable, solar was proving its stability and value. With smart grid tools—like advanced inverters, battery storage, and demand response—solar could now support grid stability rather than strain it.
“Solar must become a strategic part of smart grid planning,” Hamm insisted. “Not an afterthought.”
Her remarks reflected a growing industry belief: the future grid would be decentralized, intelligent, and powered by renewables.
SEPA’s Push for Collaborative Growth
SEPA positioned itself as a bridge between the two industries. As a nonprofit, it worked with over 600 electric utilities and hundreds of solar companies. Its mission focused on helping both sides understand each other—and align for long-term success.
At the conference, Hamm said SEPA would expand its programs, reports, and workshops in the months ahead. These would focus on case studies, lessons learned, and strategies for integration.
She also urged utilities to rethink their business models. “This isn’t just a technical change—it’s a cultural one,” she said.
A Moment of Opportunity
By spring 2011, the solar industry was at a critical moment. Installations were rising fast. Costs were dropping. Meanwhile, smart grid investments were ramping up nationwide.
Hamm’s message was simple but urgent: don’t miss the chance to integrate solar smartly and sustainably. Instead of building the grid of the past, she encouraged all stakeholders to co-design the grid of the future.
Sources:
A selection of videos from GridWeek is available following the conference at http://www.gridweek.com/2010.
For more information, visit http://www.solarelectricpower.org/events/webinars.aspx
