Events

The new-look discussions dove into all things shaping the solar industry and renewable energy as a whole in 2020, including the global pandemic, extreme weather and natural disasters, the election and more, all presented in the light of rapidly-changing technologies and materials.

Solar financing and mergers are booming in the C&I sector, while tax equity draws new players into the market, and a 50 GW utility-scale pipeline drives innovation across the industry.

Can the solar industry’s biggest conference make the transition from mulitday marathon to six weeks of virtual “microconferences”? Opening sessions started strong, pragmatic and urgent — with a focus on collaboration and the opportunities ahead.

The solar industry’s largest trade show goes hybrid, with a virtual and outdoor event at the Las Vegas Convention Center Oct. 21-22 — and organizers say, no swag, please.

The Covid-19 pandemic featured prominently at this week’s inaugural pv magazine Virtual Roundtables Europe, which took place last week. Not only did the pandemic lead to the virtualization of pv magazine’s established June Roundtables, but it was a big topic in the final session dealing with markets and specifically the further development of power purchase agreements (PPAs) in Europe.

Across the industry, organizers are scrambling to find new ways for virtual trade shows to replicate the live networking and business building these events provide — and keep attendees engaged. We speak with the organizers of the trade show once known as SPI, as well as the folks at lntersolar and the event people at SolarEdge.

Also in the brief: remembering the life of S. David Freeman, farmers in Rhode Island receiving solar grants, JA Solar’s upcoming webinar on the future of PV and more.

Also in the brief: First Solar will supply Geronimo Energy with 415 MW of Series 6 modules, a D.C. circuit court hears about a vital FERC energy storage order, the Midwest Solar Expo will not be postponed and more.

In light of the slew of trade shows and industry events canceled over the Covid-19 pandemic, solar companies and industry leaders have moved online, with virtual presentations, information sessions and product debuts to get you through quarantine.

Did you happen to miss yesterday’s webinar? Fret not, as you can tune into a recap of to learn the adjustments you’ll need to make to your typical sales process by following the link below.