The energy landscape in the United States is changing rapidly. With the rise of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the growth of data center demand, and an aging electric grid, the pressure on U.S. power systems continues to intensify. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has unveiled a bold new policy agenda to address these challenges by expanding the role of solar and energy storage technologies in modernizing the electric grid (SEIA, 2025a).
This policy agenda is more than a roadmap: it is a call to action for leaders at every level of government to strengthen the nation’s grid. But what does this mean for the future of solar and storage in the U.S.?
The Core of SEIA’s Policy Agenda
1. Boosting Domestic Supply Chains
SEIA calls for stronger domestic supply chains for solar and energy storage products. The goal is to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and ensure the U.S. has the resources and manufacturing capabilities to meet growing energy needs. SEIA also emphasizes the importance of traceability standards to guarantee the quality and sustainability of materials (Reuters, 2025).
2. Meeting the Demands of AI and Data Centers
AI and data centers are creating enormous strain on the grid. SEIA’s agenda proposes faster regulatory pathways for solar and storage projects in high-growth areas. This approach would allow the U.S. to meet energy demands more effectively while reducing reliance on fossil fuels (SEIA, 2025a).
3. Streamlining Interconnection Processes
One major hurdle for new renewable projects is the interconnection process, which often involves bureaucratic delays. SEIA is calling for reforms to shorten approval timelines and make it easier for renewable systems to connect to the grid. Faster interconnection would mean fewer delays and more clean energy delivered to homes and businesses (SolarQuarter, 2024).
4. Upgrading Transmission Infrastructure
The U.S. transmission system is not equipped to handle the increasing share of renewable energy. SEIA advocates for major investments to expand transmission capacity. These upgrades would allow solar-generated electricity to travel efficiently from large-scale facilities to areas of highest demand (pv magazine, 2025).
5. Investing in Long-Duration Storage
Solar energy is not always available when needed most. SEIA’s agenda highlights the importance of investing in long-duration storage technologies. These systems can store energy for extended periods, making solar power more reliable during peak demand or low-generation times (SEIA, 2025b).
6. Reforming Wholesale Market Design
Current wholesale market structures do not fully account for the value solar and storage bring to the grid. SEIA proposes reforms to ensure fair compensation for these technologies, which would encourage greater investment and more effective integration (SolarQuarter, 2024).
7. Reworking State Utility Resource Planning
SEIA urges states to recognize solar and storage as essential resources for grid reliability. Including these technologies in resource planning would allow states to better manage future energy needs and keep the grid stable as demand rises (Reuters, 2025).
8. Empowering Distributed Energy Resources
Finally, SEIA emphasizes empowering distributed energy resources (DERs), such as rooftop solar and home battery systems. By incentivizing programs that enable these systems to function together as virtual power plants (VPPs), SEIA believes the U.S. can enhance grid stability while empowering households and businesses (SEIA, 2025a).
Why These SEIA Reforms Matter
Meeting surging energy demand. As AI and digital technologies expand, energy demand is climbing. Solar and storage technologies are essential to ensuring the grid can handle this growth (pv magazine, 2025). Driving economic growth. Investments in solar and storage create thousands of jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance, while boosting local economies (Reuters, 2025). Promoting energy independence. Building domestic supply chains reduces reliance on foreign energy sources, enhances security, and strengthens U.S. leadership in the global clean energy market (SEIA, 2025a). Fighting climate change. Accelerating solar and storage deployment helps reduce carbon emissions and advances global climate goals (SEIA, 2025b).
The U.S. energy system is at a turning point, and SEIA’s new policy agenda provides a clear path forward. By prioritizing solar and storage, investing in transmission, and reforming regulatory processes, SEIA is working to create a cleaner, more resilient grid. If implemented, this agenda could help the U.S. manage rising energy demand, keep costs affordable, and provide reliable power for generations to come.
References
pv magazine. (2025, September 4). SEIA unveils policy agenda to expand US solar, storage and grid reforms. https://www.pv-magazine-usa.com
Reuters. (2025, January 29). US solar group seeks major energy storage expansion. https://www.reuters.com
SEIA. (2025a, January). SEIA’s vision for American energy storage. Solar Energy Industries Association. https://www.seia.org
SolarQuarter. (2024, December 13). SEIA unveils policy agenda to strengthen U.S. solar leadership and energy independence. https://solarquarter.com
SEIA. (2025b). SEIA’s policy agenda: Expanding U.S. solar and storage for grid modernization. Solar Energy Industries Association. https://www.seia.org