Solar Power World is proud to present the inaugural SPW Rising Stars. These solar industry workers are improving the industry and inspiring others to join the green workforce. Read all of our Rising Star profiles here.
Sam Weaver is the senior director of interconnection & grid integration policy at the Coalition for Community Solar Access. She leads CCSA’s engagement in policy discussions and regulatory proceedings related to interconnection, grid planning, cost allocation and grid modernization. Weaver previously served on the Public Policy and Local Development teams at East Bay Community Energy, one of the largest community choice energy providers in northern California, where she led EBCE’s initiatives aimed at low-income customers and launched EBCE’s first community solar program.
What accomplishments are you most proud of so far in your career?
I am most proud of my experience advocating on behalf of people who want cleaner, more local energy choices, particularly through my most recent work at organizations the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) and East Bay Community Energy (EBCE). At CCSA, I spearhead initiatives to remove barriers to connecting community solar to the grid, supporting a goal to quadruple community solar capacity nationwide by 2030. I’ve also led regulatory wins across the country by eliminating technical obstacles and advocating for fair interconnection timelines. One recent highlight was removing Maryland’s most significant hurdle to community solar development. At EBCE, I launched the “Connected Communities” program to support low-income customers, which involved community-based outreach and focus groups to address service disconnection rates, barriers to financial assistance program enrollment and community solar opportunities — all pivotal parts of making clean energy more accessible for underserved communities.
What’s a lesson you learned the hard way in this industry?
I’ve learned that success in this field requires both personal clarity and proactive communication of goals. In both career development and policy advocacy, it’s not enough to rely on good work alone. You must clearly articulate your career goals, and in advocacy, having a strategic plan with defined objectives is crucial. In other words, it’s not enough to do a good job every day and expect to be recognized or expect people to read your mind and know that you’re ready for new opportunities. And in the policy advocacy context, doing your best — and having the most correct argument — doesn’t always mean you’ll win. You must be strategic and have very clear goals, strategies and tactics in mind.
Weaver speaking on a panel at the Midwest Solar Expo.
Who or what has had a major influence on your work in the renewable energy field?
I’ve been working in the renewable energy field my entire career. I was influenced by what I learned about climate change science in college and wanted to be part of the solution. After spending some time in the data analysis and research space, I quickly realized that public policy was the space to make the biggest impact.
What’s a Big Idea you have about the renewable energy transition?
The renewable energy transition will increasingly hinge on state and local policy actions and the integration of distributed energy resources, which requires substantial improvements in DER interconnection processes. It’s imperative to streamline the interconnection process to enable more community-based renewable projects and local energy resilience.
Why should young people consider careers in the solar space?
The solar industry has incredible interdisciplinary opportunities — whether in engineering, journalism, economics, law, urban planning or public policy, there’s really something for everyone. The field provides a unique chance to make a tangible impact on climate change while engaging in innovative and rewarding work. It’s a great time to join an industry that will be foundational to the future of energy.