Novel Welcomes Former MnSEIA Executive David Shaffer to the Team

08 Jul Novel Welcomes Former MnSEIA Executive David Shaffer to the Team

Novel Energy Solutions, a fast-growing solar energy firm serving the greater Midwest, has made a significant addition to its growing team by hiring David Shaffer as Director of Policy and Government Affairs.

Shaffer is a seasoned policy leader with over a decade of experience in policy development, education and advocacy. A graduate of Vermont Law School, Shaffer comes to Novel from Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA), where he served in various roles for eight years, including Executive Director. Shaffer’s work at the state legislative and agency levels led to expanded solar incentive programs and policy implementation, resulting in over 650MW of installed community solar throughout Xcel Energy’s Minnesota service territory. He is a 2019 recipient of the Midwest Energy News 40 Under 40 award for his leadership in the clean energy transition.

Now, Shaffer’s experience and knowledge culminates perfectly for his new role at Novel.

“During my tenure at MnSEIA, Cliff, Ralph, Mena and Will were not only great allies and partners, but they were also influential in helping MnSEIA achieve important policy wins,” remarked Shaffer. “Joining Novel is a wonderful step in my career, as it aligns with my legislative experience, and enables me to reach my professional goal to lead policy for a solar developer. I’m thrilled to join Novel, well-established as the largest Community Solar Garden developer in Minnesota.”

In his new role as Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Shaffer will lead market policy and regulatory research, leveraging that knowledge to strategically expand Novel’s footprint in key geographies. In addition to monitoring municipal, state and federal laws, Shaffer will be accountable for planning and leading Novel’s comprehensive and dynamic solar advocacy program. He will work directly with Founder Ralph Kaehler to conceptualize and execute upon Novel’s mission to advance new Community Solar markets across the country.   

“We met David in 2013, well before there was a Community Solar Program in Minnesota. As long-time MnSEIA members, we witnessed first-hand David’s excellent clean energy policy knowledge and advocacy skills. He has proven himself to be adamantly fact-based, fair, and diplomatic in his ability to work with multiple, sometimes competing, stakeholders,” remarked Cliff Kaehler, CEO of Novel Energy Solutions and MnSEIA Board Member. “Now, with David on board, we have the expertise to build our energy policy leadership. Additionally, because Minnesota is the country’s leader in Community Solar, and known as the gold standard of policy design, David’s experience and contributions will help Novel influence new Community Solar markets across the country.”