2026 Fellowship Program

Description

Company Profile

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association for the solar and storage industry and represents more than 1,000 member companies and 255,000 Americans working across the United States. SEIA is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy and is creating the framework for solar to reach 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. We work with our member companies and strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. 

SEIA does this by supporting pro-solar policies at the state and federal level, developing cutting-edge market research, hosting educational events and webinars, and serving as the voice of the solar and storage industry.

SEIA employees are passionate, forward-thinking leaders that start every day knowing that their work makes a difference. SEIA values diversity and fosters an inclusive, lively company culture that celebrates team success. The association has earned numerous awards for its work and company culture and was named the Washington Post as a 2023 Top Workplace and a Best Nonprofit to Work For by the Nonprofit Times. 

The Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2) is the charitable and education arm of SEIA. The institute aims to use policy research, public education initiatives, and direct outreach to policymakers to explain the benefits of clean energy and develop pathways to widespread solar and storage use.

Fellowship Description: 

The SI2 Fellowship provides a professional development opportunity for students seeking hands-on experience working on solar and storage policy research, policy analysis, and public education efforts, through the Solar and Storage Industries Institute and its sister organization, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The SI2 Fellowship is a year-long engagement based in Washington DC with optional remote service. Each position is full-time during the summer months (maximum 40 hours/week), and part-time during the academic year (approximately 20 hours/week). Fellows will conduct research and policy analysis on key topics affecting renewable energy companies across the country while receiving extensive professional development and training. 

Please submit a cover letter and resume, along with a Statement of Interest (500 word max) and three academic or professional references. 

Fellow Responsibilities: 

In conjunction with SI2 staff, Fellows will be responsible for engaging in the following activities:

• Conducting a literature review of publications and peer-reviewed materials
• Analyzing survey results and reporting findings
• Developing case studies and reports based on literature review and survey responses
• Writing policy whitepapers and research reports
• Assist with preparing other deliverables for federally funded research projects
• Support multi-stakeholder working groups focused on siting and permitting issues
• Grant writing and development assistance, including administering fundraising events
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Qualifications: 

We are looking for graduate, doctoral and/or post-doctoral students who have a baseline of education and experience to build on in this fellowship. Ideal candidates will have a commitment to issues of social justice, experience in the non-profit sector, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and comfort working with individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Desired qualifications include:

• Pursuing an advanced degree in environmental policy, public policy/administration, economics, political science, or planning with an emphasis on clean energy and/or climate policy
• Academic and/or professional experience in renewable energy and environmental policy
• Data collection and analysis experience
• Ability to juggle different tasks and work as part of a team
• Ability to juggle different tasks and work as part of a team
• Ability to work remotely with optional in-person meetings and events

Compensation: 

$25-35 per hour, depending on experience. 

Important Dates: 

Applications are accepted through April 16, 2026. This fellowship is a year-long program starting tentatively June 22, 2026 or a mutually agreed upon date depending on the relevant academic calendar.

Working at SEIA/SI2

SEIA/SI2 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, homelessness, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. SEIA/SI2 complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we employ staff. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

SEIA/SI2 is an EVERIFY employer.