The Solar Foundation and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) have signed an agreement to merge into a single, expanded nonprofit dedicated to the rapid adoption of clean energy.
The combined organization will support the accelerated growth of renewable energy and energy efficiency and a 100% clean energy future that is reliable, resilient, and equitable.
Over the coming months, the two organizations will work together to integrate their programs, with the merger anticipated to be completed in mid-2021. Once the merger is finalized, all of The Solar Foundation’s programs will be combined at IREC.
To facilitate the merger discussions, Andrea Luecke, longstanding president and executive director of The Solar Foundation, voluntarily made a commitment in January 2020 to step down from her role following a merger agreement. Her tenure will conclude on November 15, at which point she will become a consultant to The Solar Foundation and further facilitate the integration of the two organizations.
Larry Sherwood, president and chief operating officer of IREC, will remain in his position and lead the merged organization. Prior to the merger, he will work with The Solar Foundation’s board to lead the organization as its new administrator, effective on November 16.
“I couldn’t be happier to announce this timely and transformational strategic shift. I am extraordinarily proud of my achievements building The Solar Foundation from scratch, and creating, growing, and sustaining some of the solar industry’s most valuable and cutting-edge programs. For over ten years, I gave it my all, but as my Board and I steered our technology focus beyond solar, it became clear we needed to pursue a strategic partnership that would allow us to have even more impact in the decade to come. After much searching, I am pleased to have found the perfect partner in IREC!”
Andrea Luecke, president and executive director of The Solar Foundation.
“Since 1982, IREC has been paving the way for accelerated growth of clean energy and more inclusive access to clean energy benefits. We are thrilled to join forces with The Solar Foundation and welcome a new chapter in our organization’s history — one that enables dramatically increased impact at a time when progress on clean energy has never been more important.”
Larry Sherwood, IREC president and CEO.
The combined organization’s scope will include all renewable energy technologies (distributed and utility-scale) as well as energy efficiency. It will drive change via three strategic pathways: regulatory engagement, workforce development, and local initiatives (including permitting, code, and inspection issues). All programs of both organizations will continue operating, including The Solar Foundation’s Solar Jobs Census, U.S. Solar Industry Diversity Study, SolSmart, Solar Ready Vets, and the Puerto Rican Solar Business Accelerator, as well as IREC’s ongoing state regulatory engagement and its role as the sole accrediting body for clean energy training in the United States.
“With the climate crisis on our doorstep, now is the time to be practical and forge smart, strategic partnerships to reduce inefficiencies and multiply our impact. This merger will broaden the scope of both organizations, while reducing administrative burdens and opening up opportunities for new initiatives. Together, The Solar Foundation and IREC far exceed the sum of their parts, and I will be so excited to see what the combined organization can accomplish in the crucial decade ahead!”
Mary Powell, chair of the board at The Solar Foundation.
“Uniting with The Solar Foundation will allow IREC to significantly expand the reach and impact of its mission and programs. This strategic merger will amplify our longstanding efforts to increase clean energy and energy efficiency to benefit people, the economy, and our planet. I am looking forward to seeing the accelerated progress the combined team will achieve in the coming years.”
Larry Shirley, chair of the board at IREC.
“Over the past decade, The Solar Foundation has helped drive the solar industry’s exponential growth through its acclaimed jobs research, capacity building, and workforce development initiatives. IREC has also proven to be a leading champion of the growth we have seen in clean, renewable energy. I am thrilled to support the unified organization, which will be in a position to accomplish even more in this crucial decade ahead.”
Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association.
“IREC’s independent technical expertise has helped level the playing field for renewable energy and energy efficiency, enabling significant growth of clean energy markets. By joining forces with The Solar Foundation, the combined organization is poised for even greater impact. This strategic merger also comes at a fortuitous moment as we welcome a new President who has committed to bold action on climate change and clean energy that can further accelerate the success of the merged groups.”
Dan Reicher, IREC board member.
The merged organization will maintain offices in Washington, D.C. and Albany, New York, with many employees working on a remote basis.
