RE+ 24 General Session: RE+ Today: Inclusive Innovation, from our Kitchen Tables to the Grid
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+.
What Can Installers Do to Support SolarAPP+
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
- Nick Gordon, Manager, Residential Processes, Tesla
- Matthew McAllister, CEO, SolarAPP+
- Lauren Nevitt, Senior Director, Public Policy, Sunrun
Integrated Insights Across US Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains
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:
- Justin Baca, Vice President of Markets & Research, SEIA (Moderator)
- Kelly Speakes-Backman, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, Invenergy
- Carlie Owen, Supply Chain Deployment Manager, U.S. Department of Energy
- Cora Dickson, Renewable Energy Lead, U.S. Department of Commerce
- Jessica Lawrence-Vaca, SVP, Policy & External Affairs, Array Technologies
SolSmart/SolarAPP+/Solar for All navigating the various programs that can impact low middle income families and help Solar Installers recognize new opportunities
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
- Jeff Cook, Renewable Energy Policy and Market Analyst, NREL
- Emily Dalecki, Renewable Energy Policy and Market Analyst -III, NREL
- Katie Nissen, Policy Analyst, NREL
Preparing for Solar Decommissioning: Strategies, Policies, and Best Practices for a Sustainable Future
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
Quicktalk: IRA 101: Understanding and Meeting Labor Provisions of the IRA
Tuesday September 11, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Room 208 AB
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 (Moderator)
- Brian Ewing, VP Contract Management, SOLV Energy
- Eric Grenz, Vice President & General Manager, Solar Energy, Mortenson
The Art and Science of Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Forecasting
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
The Art of Persuasion: Mastering Strategic Storytelling for Renewable Energy Advocacy
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:
- Carole Bernard, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, 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
Solar Market Insight Trends Update: Unpacking the Latest Industry Outlook
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)
- Michelle Davis, Head of Global Solar, Wood Mackenzie
- Sylvia Leyva Martinez, Principal Analyst, North American Utility-Scale Solar, Wood Mackenzie
- Elissa Pierce, Research Analyst, Solar Module Technology and Markets, Wood Mackenzie
Building a Sustainable Supply Chain for Solar + Storage Projects
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Room 213 CD
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
Navigating Nationwide Siting and Permitting Regulations
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Room 209 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
- Christina Boworowsky, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions
- Ben Hoen, Staff Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Quicktalk: Partnering with Labor Unions
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 (Moderator)
- John Bzdawka, International Representative, IBEW
- Eric Bryant, Director of Corporate Affairs, LiUNA
Thinking Outside of the Box: Envisioning Our Clean Energy Future
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
Identifying and Implementing Permitting, Inspection, and Interconnection Best Practices for Residential Solar & Storage
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 210 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
Grid Equity in the Clean Transition
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 (Moderator)
- 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