OB Alliance Inc. Formed to Accelerate Next-Generation Infrastructure for DER Integration

BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--OB Alliance Inc., a newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been launched by industry leaders to drive the development of next-generation digital tools and infrastructure for clean energy projects with the tagline, “Empowering Clean Energy Through Data Standardization.” OB Alliance sets forth on a mission to simplify, streamline, and enhance the deployment of clean energy technologies across the nation. By establishing unified standards for data and processes. OB Alliance is taking concrete steps toward a more accessible, affordable, and effective clean energy future. Key founding board members include Jan Rippingale of Blu Banyan, Tom Tansey of SunSpec Alliance, Vish Ganti of Qcells, Tom Meyers of Concord Servicing, and K. Dixon Wright of SRC Digital Insurance Services.

The foundation for OB Alliance was laid by the Department of Energy’s Orange Button initiative, a groundbreaking public-private collaboration with SunSpec Alliance that united over 350 companies to create standardized data solutions for the solar industry. "The Orange Button initiative resulted in several key platforms like SolarApp, the AHJ Registry, and the Orange Button Product Registry," said Rippingale. "Each of these tools addresses critical challenges individually, but when combined, they generate powerful synergies that eliminate friction points and significantly lower the overall cost of clean energy projects."

Our Mission

OB Alliance is here to solve a critical challenge in the clean energy industry: the lack of standardized, interoperable data and processes across diverse technologies and regulatory bodies. From solar installations and energy storage to EV charging infrastructure, we’re dedicated to reducing the friction and soft costs that have historically slowed the clean energy transition. Through standardization, we aim to simplify financing, streamline installation, and improve lifecycle management across clean energy sectors, making it easier for businesses, municipalities, and communities to embrace renewable energy solutions.

Our Vision

At OB Alliance, we envision a future where clean energy is seamlessly integrated into the fabric of our society, where every community has access to affordable, efficient renewable solutions. Our goal is to lay the groundwork for a nationwide shift toward renewable energy by removing barriers, enhancing interoperability, and driving down the costs associated with clean energy deployment.

Through data standardization, we believe we can accelerate the clean energy transition, support sustainability goals, and create a lasting positive impact on our environment.

Why OB Alliance Matters?

The journey toward clean energy involves more than just technology; it requires a strong foundation of consistent, accessible data to support and guide decisions at every level.

Current challenges—such as complex permitting processes, fragmented data, and inconsistent standards—result in delays, increased costs, and barriers that prevent communities from accessing affordable renewable energy solutions. OB Alliance Inc. addresses these challenges head-on by working with industry stakeholders to establish open-source data standards and user-friendly tools that enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and increase transparency.

Our initiatives include:

• Data Standardization for Clean Energy Technologies: OB Alliance brings together industry experts to develop and implement standardized frameworks for clean energy data, making it easier for stakeholders to communicate, integrate, and scale their technologies effectively.

• Permitting Optimization: Through collaborations with platforms like SolarAPP+ and our AHJ (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) Registry, we’re on a mission to reduce permit approval times significantly, allowing solar and other renewable projects to proceed in record time.

• Open Source and Accessible Solutions: By promoting open-source tools and frameworks, OB Alliance ensures that everyone—from large corporations to local municipalities—can benefit from cutting-edge clean energy data solutions.

Incorporating AI into Clean Energy Technologies

OB Alliance’s work is a critical piece in the AI and energy equation. By establishing standardized, high-quality datasets for clean energy projects, we provide the foundation necessary for AI-driven analysis, predictive maintenance, and grid optimization. Our interoperable data standards unlock the potential for artificial intelligence to streamline project management, optimize energy flow, and ultimately make renewable energy systems more intelligent and cost-effective.

Join Us in Empowering Clean Energy

OB Alliance is a community-driven nonprofit, and we invite you to be a part of this journey. Whether you’re a clean energy professional, policymaker, business, or an individual passionate about sustainability, there are many ways to get involved. Together, we can make clean energy accessible for all, breaking down the barriers to adoption and creating a future powered by renewable resources.