Tuesday, September 10 | 8:30-10:00 AM 

Join host Padma Lakshmi for the 2024 opening General Session: RE Today! This session will feature remarks from Sheri Givens, President and CEO of SEPA, and Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO of SEIA. Following welcome remarks, Padma will host a ‘morning show’ showcasing the inspirational and essential solutions our collaborative industry provides to ensure the communities we serve have access to the clean, safe, and resilient power we need.

Padma Lakshmi is the Emmy Award-Nominated Host and Executive Producer of Hulu’s Taste the Nation, where she explores topics like sustainability and climate change, highlighting their impact on the food industry. As a major advocate for these issues, she serves as an Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program, focusing on climate change and inequality. Her background and active support brings a unique perspective to the clean energy audience at RE .
 

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Location: Industry Trends Theater- Show Floor

SolarAPP is a helpful tool for Solar Installers big and small. However, an Installer can only use it in a jurisdiction that has adopted it. The best way to get more jurisdictions interested in SolarAPP is from Installers talking to them about it. In this session, we will talk about strategies and tips on spreading the word about SolarAPP . 

Speakers:

• Steve Pope, SolarAPP Outreach Manager, SEIA

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Room 210 CD

Clean energy domestic manufacturing has the potential to provide a number of tangible benefits to consumers, businesses, security, and climate. During this session, panelists will explore how manufacturing benefits are being realized and will highlight the various developments and partnerships that underscore the importance of the Inflation Reduction Act. Discussion will include how this enabling legislation has spurred companies to make long-term investment decisions and what lies ahead for the US manufacturing and energy supply chains. 

Speakers: 

• Moderator: Justin Baca, Vice President of Markets & Research, SEIA
• Kelly Speakes-Backman, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, Invenergy  
• Arthur Haubenstock, Chief Strategy Advisor, Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chain, US Department of Energy    
• Cora Dickson, Renewable Energy Lead, U.S. Department of Commerce
• Jessica Lawrence-Vaca, SVP, Policy & External Affairs, Array Technologies 

Tuesday, September 10th, 2024 | 11:10 AM - 11:25 AM

Location: Industry Trends Theater- Show Floor

Solar for All and the various programs that are focused on funding solar for a low-income customer and communities LIHEAP/WAP. NREL has developed numerous resources on this topic, including state level case studies.  

Speakers:

• Steve Pope, SolarAPP Outreach Manager, SEIA

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Room 210 AB

As more and more solar projects near the end of their lifespan, the importance of preparing for decommissioning is growing. The need for end-of-life policies and regulations are imperative to effectively handle the growing volume of retired panels and batteries. Join developers, recyclers, and financers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the status of preparation and development of decommissioning plans and funding. Additionally, hear about developer-specific considerations and how the recycling and refurbishment process is successfully managed today. 

Speakers:

• Mary Grikas, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Community Relations, LightsourceBP (Moderator)
• Bob Nicholson, Senior Manager of Sustainability, SEIA
• Brett Henderson, CEO, Solar Panel Recycling LLC
• Justin Lindemann, Policy Analyst, NC Clean Energy Technology Center
• Vidha Dixit, Sustainability & ESG Associate, EDP Renewables

Tuesday September 11, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Room 208AB

The Inflation Reduction Act includes prevailing wage and registered apprenticeship program requirements that need to be met in order to capitalize on the full value of the investment or production tax credit. This session will include an overview of these labor provisions as well as best practices that demonstrate how companies are navigating the guidance in order to comply. 

Speakers

• Ben Norris, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, SEIA
• Brian Ewing, VP Contract Management, SOLV Energy
• Eric Grenz, Vice President & General Manager, Solar Energy, Mortenson

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Room 209 AB

Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) represent a vital and expanding asset on the grid, but are often undervalued or disregarded in traditional Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) and Distribution System Planning (DSP) processes. This panel will highlight recent advancements in DER forecasting and showcase opportunities for companies to meet increasing demand due to electrification. Participants will delve into the essential data required by utilities, developers, and stakeholders to conduct precise DER forecasting, covering a spectrum of technologies including solar, storage, electric vehicles, and microgrids. 

Speakers

• Ahmed Hanafy, Partner, Dunsky Energy Climate Advisors (Moderator)
• Paul Lau, CEO & General Manager, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
• Mark Dyson, Managing Director, Carbon-Free Electricity, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI)
• Kevin Lucas, Vice President, Policy Analyst, SEIA
• Sam Weaver, Senior Director, Interconnection & Grid Integration Policy, Coalition for Community Solar Access

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Room 213 AB

This session will demonstrate the transformative potential of coordinated storytelling in shaping public perception by introducing strategies for effectively communicating and engaging hard-to-reach communities, from grassroots activists to commercial off-takers. During this session, attendees will gain insights into powerful messaging frameworks applicable to diverse communities, empowering attendees to craft compelling narratives that resonate and inspire action. Additionally, attendees will learn essential tactics for addressing misinformation and countering false narratives designed to undercut data based analysis and illicit fear based public sentiment, ensuring credibility and trust in your communication efforts.

Speakers: 

• Elizabeth Mathis, Manager, Advocacy, SEPA (Moderator)

• Julia Poska, Marketing & Communications Manager, Lightsource bp
• Bradley Pischea, National Director, Land & Liberty Coalition
• Stephanie Zawistowski, Director of Grassroots Engagement and Political Organizing, SEIA
• Julia Leopold, Associate Director of Communications, Renewable Energy Policy, The Nature Conservancy

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 2:00 PM - 2:25 PM

Location: Industry Trends Theater - Show Floor

Join analysts from SEIA and Wood Mackenzie for an overview of the latest data and trends from the Q3 2024 US Solar Market Insight report. This session will include discussion of distributed and utility-scale PV markets, the solar supply chain, and U.S. solar manufacturing. Analysts will cover developments in these markets so far in 2024, as well as how trade disputes, policy changes, and the 2024 elections could alter the industry's outlook across the next several years. 

Speakers:

• Tyler Thompson, Research Analyst, SEIA (Moderator)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Room 213 AB

As stakeholders work together to build a supply chain for the growing clean energy industry, sustainability must remain a priority. During this session, attendees will hear the most recent updates on sustainable products for solar storage (PVS) projects from solar and BESS manufacturers. Attendees will learn the latest on certifications, risks, and best practices to ensure the consumer is obtaining sustainable products as companies work towards their sustainable journey. 

Speakers:

• Jade Jones, Director of Supply Chain Analysis, SEIA (Moderator)
• Kelly Weger, Senior Director of Sustainability, North America, Qcells
• Renee Leong, Vice President - Strategic Sourcing & Supply Chain, Energy Storage, Stem, Inc
• Carlos Restrepo, Chief Technology Officer, SCION
• Mike Herod, Director, ESG & Sustainability, Fluence

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Room 210 AB

Siting and permitting is an important first step in the utility-scale solar and storage development process. With different localities in various stages with their own rules and regulations, this initial phase significantly impacts project progress. Join this session to learn about the ever-changing landscape of siting and permitting legislation across the country and successes. Panelists will explore case studies of legislative challenges and successes in various states. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the evolving legislation, political wills and actionable strategies for success.

Speakers: 

• Dave Gahl, Executive Director, Solar & Storage Industries Institute (Moderator)
• Ellen Howard Kutzer, General Counsel, COSSA
• Matt Wagner, Manager, Renewable Energy Development, DTE Energy
• Heather Reams, President, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions
• Ben Hoen, Staff Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Tuesday September 10, 2024 | 2:30 PM-3:00 PM | Room 208 AB

Strategic partnerships with labor unions are one way to accommodate workforce demand due to the clean energy industry's continued growth. As additional projects look to come online, labor unions can serve as a partner to companies seeking to meet IRA labor provision requirements and build their projects. Attendees will leave this session with a greater understanding of the role of labor unions in the clean energy workforces, where developers and unions have synergies that encourage collaboration, and how the clean energy industry can serve as a driver for generating well-paying, meaningful jobs.

Speakers

• Stephanie Zawistowski, Director of Grassroots and Political Organizing, SEIA
• John Bzdawka, International Representative, IBEW

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Room 213 AB

The maturation of clean energy policy, technology, and finance has paved the way for a sustainable future. Now, in the face of escalating weather events that are placing our energy infrastructure at risk, we all have an important role to play in advancing decarbonization efforts. By leveraging investments and policy frameworks, there's an opportunity to significantly reduce greenhouse gass emissions and foster the growth of clean energy sources. The interactive session will highlight case studies demonstrating both feasibility and economic viability in transitioning to renewables, even in the most unconventional of cases. 

Speakers: 

• Jon Powers, President and Co-founder, Clean Capital (Moderator)
• Jaime Carlson, Head of Commercialization and Market Risk, SB Energy
• Sean Gallagher, Senior Vice President, Policy, SEIA
• Marta Stoepker, Director of Public Relations, Qcells
• Peter Muhoro, Chief Strategy, Technology and Innovation Officer, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | 201 CD

With the recent rapid development of the residential storage market, many jurisdictions and utilities are still refining their permitting, inspection, and interconnectino processes for storge systems. Without established best practices, storage installers and their customers may increasingly see delays and higher costs during this transition period. This panel discussion will bring together perspectives from all sides of these processes, including jurisdictions, installers, and SolarAPP . Panelists will discuss adoption timelines and the potential for SolarAPP to impact permitting efficiency nationwide. Attendees will also learn alternative pathways to address non-permitting challenges, emerging best practices specific to storage, and the interplay between jurisdictions, utilities, and installers. 

Speakers:

• Emily Dalecki, Renewable Energy Policy and Market Analyst -III, NREL (Moderator)
• Steve Pope, SolarAPP Outreach Manager, SEIA
• Courtney Welch, Director of Policy, Goodleap
• Nicole Ebert, Project Manager, Permits & Inspections, Tesla
• Gary Lemay, Director of Facilities/Renewable Energy Engineer, New Hampshire Electrical Cooperative

Tuesday September 10th, 2024 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Room 210 AB

As utilities, regulators, developers and advocates seek pathways to advance the energy transition, it's critical that dimensions of equity inform planning and deployment decisions. During a session, panelists will discuss the importance that grid equity plans in this transition. A "grid equity" lens can help to understand disparities in distribution grid reliability, involuntary disconnection from service, and hosting capacity for distributed energy resources, among other factors. To ensure a just transition, grid equity metrics need to inform how distribution and transmission grids are planned, how resources are deployed, and how utilities and developers are incentivized to deploy capital. 

Speakers

• Will Kenworthy, Senior Regulatory Director, Midwest, Vote Solar
• Jackie Omotalade, Climate Investments National Director, Dream.org
• Dr. Destenie Nock, Assistant Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Engineering & Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University
• Alejandro Moreno, Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, US Department of Energy
• Jose Bodipo-Memba, Chief Diversity Officer, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
• Joan White, Director of Storage and Interconnection Policy, SEIA

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 | 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM | Room 213 AB

This session will explore how Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firms are adapting to meet the increasing workforce demands of clean energy infrastructure projects. Panelists will discuss strategies for scaling operations effectively, addressing challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving clean energy sector, and best practices for recruiting skilled trades workers from local communities. Furthermore, panelists will examine how companies are implementing continuous professional development programs to empower workers and foster advancement opportunities within the industry by creating quality jobs and pathways to sustainable careers. 

Speakers:

• Erika Symmonds, VP Equity & Workforce Development, SEIA (Moderator)
• Alfredo Espinosa, Vice President, Solar Preconstruction, Moss
• Steffanie Dohn, Vice President, Government Affairs, McCarthy Building Companies
• Daniel Shapiro, Vice President, Construction, Lightsource bp
• Abby DeRocker, Director, Large-Scale Renewables, NYSERDA
• Tom Bowen, President, Qmerit

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 11:25 AM

Location: Industry Trends Theater - Show Floor

As an American National Standards Institute- accredited standards developer, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has been covering diverse stakeholders to develop a suite of standards that proactively and responsibly manage the industry's growth. This session will highlight the SEIA 101: Solar and Energy Storage Supply Chain Traceability Standard's parameters and requirements for products and components entering US markets. This session will also include information on how interested in or affected stakeholders can participate in SEIA's ANSI standards and development process. 

Speakers:

• Jennifer Martin, Director of Standards Development, SEIA

Wednesday September 11, 2024 | 11:30 AM - 11:55 AM

Location: Industry Trends Theater- Show Floor

Customs authorities are intensifying enforcement of forced labor compliance laws. Learn about the US and EU forced labor laws, enforcement regimes, and supply chain traceability standards, as well as strategies for building an internal compliance framework. 

Speakers

• Stacy Ettinger, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Trade, SEIA (Moderator)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Room 209 AB

Load growth is a big opportunity for a modernized, stable and resilient grid. But, with this opportunity, comes a big challenge to address increased electrification, manufacturing sites, EV charging systems, indoor agriculture, data centers and crypto mines. During this session, panelists will review strategies to address future grid needs and resilience, how to analyze load growth trends, and will delve into the current trends and future projections of load growth trends, and will delve into the current trends and future projections of load growth in the electric power industry. Discussion will focus on comprehensive data like PJM load projections and utility integrated resource plans (IRPs). 

Speakers: 

• Ben Norris, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, SEIA (Moderator)
• Andrew Klinkman, Business Development, Tesla
• Chris Roe, Director, Director- Worldwide Environment, Amazon
• Nisha Thirumurthy, Founder & CEO, Vybe Energy
• Stephen Martz, VP Integrated Planning, XCEL
• Hank Adams, SVP, Customer Solutions and Corp Development, Southern Company

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 213 AB

Clean energy production needs to grow rapidly to meet our country's climate goals of 100% renewable energy by 2035. With greenfields serving as a continued area of interest for developers creating projects, the co-location of solar, grazing and agriculture emerges as an important piece of the puzzle. Throughout the session, participants will gain valuable insights into critical logistical considerations such as site selection, design, pollinator seed-mix deployment, solar grazing techniques, and carbon sequestration. Panelists will discuss real-world examples showcasing successful co-located solar and agricultural ventures offering tangible strategies for sustainable land use practices. 

Speakers:

• Carolyn Dougherty, Senior Analyst, Research and Industry Strategy, SEPA (Moderator)
• Sarah Moser, Senior Development Manager, Savion
• Shawn Rumery, Senior Program Director, Solar & Storage Industries Institute
• Greg Barron-Gafford, Associate Professor, University of Arizona
• Brendan Mooney, Manager, Sustainability and Impact, AES
• Austin R. Kinzer, Agrivoltaics Senior Technical Specialist, American Farmland Trust

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Room 210 CD

The solar industry, policy makers, consumer advocates, and other stakeholders have pushed for solar policies to ensure a high quality customer experience, especially in light of recent bankruptcies in the industry and increased attention to the solar customer experience. Initiatives include improving industry coordination, engaging in state policy development, and creating new accreditation standards by SEIA. Join this panel of solar industry and solar consumer advocates to learn about current initiatives to improve the experiences of residential solar customers. 

Speakers:

• Gizelle Wray, Vice President & General Counsel, SEIA (Moderator)
• Liz Veazey, Policy & Rural Energy Director, Solar United Neighbors
• Kim Shields, Technology Manager, Solar Energy Technologies Office
• Meghan Nutting, Executive Vice President, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Sunnova
• Elaina Ball, Chief Strategy Officer, CPS Energy

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Room 213 AB

The pathway to viable market and continued consumer adoption of distributed energy resources includes the development of virtual power plant (VPP) programs. VPPs can leverage new and existing assets to provide valuable grid services by aggregating fleets of interconnected DERs, such as behind-the-meter solar plus storage, smart thermostats and appliances, and managed EV charging. This panel will discuss best practices, VPP policies, and lessons learned from existing pilot projects.

Speakers:

• Lakin Garth, Director, Emerging Technologies, SEPA (Moderator)
• Chris Rauscher, Head of Grid Services & VPPs, Sunrun
• Erika Diamond, Senior Vice President, Head of Customer Solutions, EnergyHub
• Sara Birmingham, Vice President, State Affairs, SEIA
• Lon Huber, Senior Vice President, Pricing & Customer Solutions, Duke Energy
• Beren Argetsinger, Parnter, Keyes and Fox

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 1:25 PM

Location: Industry Trends Theater- Show Floor

Much has happened in the two years since the Inflation Reduction Act passed. There is an incresing number of companies of various sizes and solar industry segments participating in the registered apprenticeship system, including companeis that do not fall under the Inflation Reduction Act's mandate. Attend this session to learn from your peers at a residential solar company and a utility-scale solar company about relevant apprenticeship occupations, related instruction curriculum, funding community partnership, and worker recruiting and retention. 

Speakers:

• Beck Long, Director of Workforce Services and Apprenticeships, SEIA

Wednesday, September 11, 2024| 1:30 PM - 1:55 PM

Location: Industry Trends Theater- Show Floor

Local approvals continue to be a major hurdle in project permitting, and the number of rejections and bans on clean energy projects in climbing nationwide. With more and more obstacles, where's the opportunity? This session explores how non profit partners can support developers in community engagement strategies that mitigate opposition and mobilize supporters during the pivotal permitting process. 

Speakers:

• Stephanie Zawistowski, Director of Grassroots Engagement and Political Organizing, SEIA

Wednesday September 11, 2024 | 2:00 PM - 2:25 PM

Location: Industry Trends Theater- Show Floor

Agrivoltaics, or the co-location of large-scale solar and agriculture, has moved into the forefront in solar siting discussions as farmers seek opportunities for additional sable income streams while preserving their traditional business and developers work to design and permit projects that provide value for a large array of stakeholders. Join the team at the Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2) as they share results from their recent survey of farmers, developers and utilities with interests in the agrivoltaics space. The presentation will detail challenges faced by various stakeholders in the agrivoltaics space, show where those parties interests' overlap or diverge, and preview strategies for mitigating concerns and finding common ground. 

Speakers: 

• Shawn Rumery, Senior Program Director, Solar and Storage Industries Institute
• Jessica Norris, Fellow, Solar and Storage Industries Institute

Wednesday, September 11, 2024| 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

This session will explore the intersection of trade, climate, and industrial policy and their impact on deployment costs, industry growth, and regulatory landscapes. Panelists will discuss the synergies and tensions that exist between these policies and how they can be utilized to reach our solar and storage goals.

Speakers:

• Stacy Ettinger, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Trade, SEIA (Moderator)
• Mark Walter, VP, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, Savion
• Eric Choy, Executive Director, Trade Remedy Law Enforcement, US Customs and Border Protection
• Kathy Weiss, Vice President, Government Affairs, Nextracker
• Máté Heisz, Director of Global Affairs, Solar Power Europe 

Wednesday September 11th, 2024 | 2:30-3:30 PM 

In an increasingly interconnected and digital world, it's imperative that the clean energy industry is able to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks in clean energy technologies in order to ensure a reliable grid to protect valuable assets. In this session, experts will address topics including cybersecurity policy efforts, relevant FERC regulations, industry challenges, and education initiatives across the clean energy sector. 

Speakers

• Bheshaj Krishnappa, Director of Cybersecurity Policy & Reliability, SEIA (Moderator)
• Matthew John, Cybersecurity Product Manager, Siemens
• Guohui Yuan, Program Manager, U.S. Department of Energy
• Emma Stewart, Chief Power Grid Scientist and Research Strategist, Idaho National Laboratory

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 | 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

As community solar markets grow, how can providers ensure that the general public has a positive association with community solar offerings? Existing markets face challenges that can make for frusturating customer experiences - lack of awareness about community solar and its benefits, aggressive marketing practices, long delays in projects coming online and generating credits, and billing and crediting problems from utilities. What are some best practices that providers and policymakers can keep in mind for ensuring that community solar is providing benefits and positive experiences along each step of the process?

Speakers:

• Stephanie Doyle, California State Affairs Director, SEIA (Moderator)
• Kate Daniel, Northeast Regional Director, Coalition for Community Solar Access
• Daniela Pangallo, Senior Director of Partnership Development, Nautilus Solar