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| Federal Court Rejects Stay Of Clean Power Plan |
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Solar Industry Magazine – “The decision by the court to allow states to continue work on their carbon-reduction plans under the president’s Clean Power Plan is a victory for advocates of clean energy everywhere," said SEIA Vice President of Communications Dan Whitten. “Solar companies across the country support the Clean Power Plan and are already innovating and transitioning to a clean energy economy. Solar is the most affordable form of carbon-free energy that states can employ to meet Clean Power Plan requirements.”
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| Energy Storage Technology ‘SHINES’ Bright On Solar |
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It’s a fact that in just 90 minutes enough sunlight strikes the earth to provide the entire planet's energy needs for one year. Harnessing this amount of energy will require more research, design and innovation, but with the ability to store just a fraction of this power, we could revolutionize the energy industry. This is exactly the mission that the Department of Energy’s new Sustainable and Holistic Integration of Energy Storage and Solar PV (SHINES) is undertaking, writes SEIA Vice President of Communications Dan Whitten.
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| Solar Marketer's Take On #SolarIsNow |
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Tor "Solar Fred" Valenza, chief marketing officer of solar for San Francisco-based Impress Labs, explains why the solar industry should continue using SEIA's #SolarIsNow hashtag, instead of the classic #GoSolar or #GotSolar. Solar Fred provides us with some solid points about rallying behind this new hashtag that was created last year during the industry's successful push to extend the solar investment tax credit (ITC).
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Policy Updates |
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| State Policy |
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Getting The Details Right In California’s Net Metering Case Matters
With California set to make a final decision on net metering, SEIA Vice President of State Affairs Sean Gallagher advocates for a strong and balanced net metering policy in California and urges the commission to hold the line against a utility's attempt to circumvent the state’s nearly two-year-long regulatory process.
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A Tale Of Two States: Solar Markets In Georgia & Florida
Feb. 4 | 1 p.m. EST
SEIA's Quarterly State Policy Update webinar series provides members with an overview of need-to-know policy initiatives across the spectrum, from rooftop to utility-scale, that are progressing through state legislatures and state regulatory commissions. This month’s session will provide a deep dive into the Georgia and Florida solar markets, and the policies driving their growth. Join SEIA’s State Affairs Department and special guest speakers to gain an understanding of the structure of the programs and market channels available to facilitate solar projects in two up-and-coming southeast states. A Q-and-A period will be provided.
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Solar Industry Urges Massachusetts To Lift The Net Energy Metering Cap
AltEnergyMag.com – "Massachusetts has been one of the top solar energy markets in the U.S. for the last decade," said Sean Gallagher, vice president of state affairs for SEIA, following remarks by Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker in his 2016 State of the Commonwealth address. "That leadership has brought over 12,000 solar jobs and more than a billion dollars of private investment in clean energy to the Commonwealth. The state has a unique opportunity to build on that success, but recent policy inaction has led to an uncertain business environment, and solar projects have stalled in hundreds of towns. We urge policymakers to raise the caps on consumer sales of electricity back to the grid."
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SEIA Applauds the Governors’ Coalition’s Move to Include Solar Energy
“We commend the Coalition for recognizing solar power’s central role in the American energy landscape," said SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch on the unanimous decision by the Governors’ Wind Energy Coalition to add solar energy to their policy portfolio and change their name to the Governors’ Wind & Solar Energy Coalition. "The lion’s share of policy is made in states, and so it is critical that solar has a seat at the table when the governors consider their energy options. In particular, battles over net energy metering are playing out in more than 20 states and recognition among governors that consumer choice and clean air both rest on fair net metering policies is so important right now."
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| Executive Branch |
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16 Teams To Compete In Solar Decathlon 2017
The 16 collegiate teams selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2017 have been announced. The teams, from colleges and universities across the United States and around the world, will now begin the nearly two-year process of building solar-powered houses that are affordable, innovative and highly energy-efficient.
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Army Signs Its Largest Renewable Energy Deal For Fort Hood
The Army’s energy needs are getting another boost thanks to a first-ever hybrid solar and wind energy contract with projected savings of at least $168 million in energy costs over the next few decades at Fort Hood. Working with the Army Office of Energy Initiatives and Fort Hood, Defense Logistics Agency Energy awarded the contract on Jan. 15. Once complete, the project will provide Fort Hood with 65 megawatts alternating current, with the on-site solar system providing 15 megawatts AC and the remaining energy coming from a 50 megawatt off-site wind facility.
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DOE, NREL Seeks Candidates To Manage PV Test Bed In Colorado
The Request For Information (RFI) seeks input on transitioning one of the Department of Energy's regional test center (RTC) sites in Colorado to external management. RTCs allow researchers to conduct validation testing and systems monitoring on a variety of different photovoltaic (PV) technologies. The Aurora, Colorado, RTC is currently managed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which recently expanded the available area for similar PV installations at its Golden campus. Because of this, DOE and NREL are searching for a partner to run the Aurora facility. This RFI intends to identify candidate partners and the scenarios under which to transition these facilities to external management. Responses to the RFI are due Jan. 29.
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Lighting The SPARC: New Funding Program Creates Solar-Friendly Communities
The Solar Powering America by Recognizing Communities (SPARC) funding program has established a national recognition and technical assistance program for local governments in order to drive greater solar deployment and make it possible for more American homes and businesses to go solar. Over the next three years, more than 300 communities across the country will receive technical assistance through The Solar Foundation (TSF) focusing on eliminating market barriers and reducing soft costs. Learn more about TSF’s approach to delivering technical assistance, and apply via email to participate.
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Get Involved |
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Solar Industry Fundraisers
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Thank you for your support and participation in the SEIA Solar Political Action Committee’s (SolarPAC’s) breakfast reception for Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) that was held in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 21. Our first fundraiser of the year raised $31,000, setting the bar for 2016. A special thank you goes to SolarCity PAC for co-hosting. For those who pledged money but couldn’t attend the breakfast, a very big thank you.
We look forward to seeing you at these events through the coming year! Contact Suzanne Farris for more information.
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The SEIA Solar Business Code And Complaint Resolution Process
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Feb. 9 | 1 p.m. EST
Consumer protection is a top priority for SEIA and the solar industry. Register now for a free webinar explaining the critical issues impacting solar companies, policymakers and the public alike.
More From SEIA's Consumer Protection Portal
• SEIA Solar Business Code
• SEIA Code Of Ethics
• Complaint Resolution Process
• Overview Of Telemarketing Rules
• SEIA Residential Consumer Guide To Solar Power
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Members-Only
Southern States Federal Lobby Day
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Feb. 11 | Washington, D.C.
SEIA invites you to roll up your sleeves and join us in Capitol Hill to lobby on behalf of your business and the industry at large. The power-packed federal lobby day is focused on putting you in the room with lawmakers representing you in Congress – Senators and Representatives from southern states, including: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida.
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Join SEIA For 2 Finance Events In NYC
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We have two back-to-back finance conferences next month in New York City. SEIA's inaugural Solar Goes Corporate Summit, which will bring together leaders from the corporate, solar, finance and legal sectors on Feb. 17, will take place the day before our annual Finance & Tax Seminar, Feb. 18-19.
Register for one or register for both. Use promo code TWOEVENTS16 to receive $100 off the Solar Goes Corporate Summit when you register to attend both events.
We hope to see you for this year’s conferences. For questions, please reach out to Sara Geist at [email protected] or call 202-566-2875. Space is limited, so sign up now. We’ll see you in New York!
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SEIA Tweet of the Week |
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Member Benefits |
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| Your SEIA Dollars At Work |
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We've done the math and the average SEIA membership equals a total savings of $11,200 for member companies. That's an average $7,700 return on investment! What are you waiting for?
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Get GTM Squared
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 GTM Squared is a new membership from Greentech Media delivering in-depth insights to energy professionals. Sign up today and use promo code SEIA20 to get $20 discount on an annual membership.
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20% Off Entry-Level Solar PV Training
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Everblue Training, LLC, has partnered with SEIA to bring members the most comprehensive and effective introduction to solar energy training on the market. Receive 20 percent off on online and on-demand training. Get started now and reach your goal of becoming a NABCEP-certified solar contractor!
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25% Off Career Services
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Whether you need to post a new position or search for new positions within the solar industry, JobTarget has your company covered. Members receive a 25 percent discount when using SEIA’s Solar Jobs Board.
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20% Off Policy Tracking Services
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Stay on top of proposed state legislation, state regulatory proceedings and general rate case tracking with PolicyVista, EQ’s suite of policy tracking services. SEIA members receive 20 percent off!
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Members in the News |
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SunPower, GRID Alternatives Help Bring Solar To Low-Income Families In Austin
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About 80 Austin-based employee volunteers from global solar innovator, SunPower, brought solar energy to four low-income families in Austin’s Blackland Neighborhood. Working with national solar nonprofit Grid Alternatives over two days, the volunteers installed four rooftop solar systems totaling 13 kilowatts of generating capacity. The systems are expected to save each family electricity costs, and collectively reduce approximately 233 tons of greenhouse gas emissions over their expected 25-year life. The four homes are among 48 affordable homes built by the Blackland Community Development Corporation (CDC) to serve low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities.
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SolarCity 'Gigafactory' In Buffalo Almost Ready
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Soon after SolarCity acquired solar panel maker Silevo in the summer of 2014, it announced the construction of a 1.2-million-square-foot 'Solar Gigafactory' in Buffalo, New York. The Buffalo solar gigafactory aims to start producing solar cells in 2016, with a ramping up to 1 GW of annual capacity by 2017. If all goes well, the facility could eventually be expanded to 5 GW/year at some point. The solar cells produced there have a target price of around $0.50/watt, which would make them very competitive with other power sources.
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Borrego Solar Systems Doubled O&M Assets In 2015
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Borrego Solar Systems Inc., a California-based solar power project designer, developer, installer, and operations and maintenance (O&M) provider, says that since expanding its O&M services to all owners of commercial- and utility-scale PV plants in early 2015, the company now has 265 MW of assets under contract. The current portfolio is more than double what Borrego Solar managed in 2014 and quadruple that of 2013. Prior to 2015, the company only offered its O&M services to PV system owners of the projects it designed and built. In 2015, the offering was extended to projects developed and constructed by other engineering, procurement and construction firms.
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EnSync Energy Systems' Solar-Storage System Helps Hawaii Aquaculture Facility Operate Off Grid
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An aquaponic nursery in Hawaii is using solar PV, battery storage and an energy management system to operate independently of the utility grid. EnSync Energy Systems says its energy management system has been operating continuously for four months, enabling Mari’s Garden to store power from its solar system and discharge it at a later time. Mari's Garden faces high energy consumption due to aquaponics on site that combine growing plants hydroponically with growing fish through aquaculture. Because Mari's Garden is located in Hawaii, they are faced with expensive electricity and vulnerability to power outages. The company sought out renewable energy generation that could seamlessly connect with energy storage, and supported their goal of being off-grid with sustainable, reliable power for their facility.
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Industry Research |
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| New Report On Benefits Of State RPS Policies |
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A new report, A Retrospective Analysis of the Benefits and Impacts of U.S. Renewable Portfolio Standards, from the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) finds that state renewable portfolio standard (RPS) policies reduced greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, while also reducing water use, creating renewable energy jobs and suppressing wholesale electricity and natural gas prices.
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| New Report Reveals Some Key Market And System Drivers For Low-Priced PV Systems |
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A new report, Characteristics of Low-Priced Solar Photovoltaic Systems in the United States, from the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) pinpoints the characteristics of recently-installed PV systems at the lower end of the observed solar price range. By studying the attributes of low-priced PV systems, LBNL's report helps identify what can be done to facilitate those conditions and drive down PV system prices more broadly.
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The Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) issued a request for proposal (RFP) on Jan. 13 for renewable energy resources totaling up to 50 megawatts of generation. This RFP is for Renewable Energy Certificates ("RECs") and accompanying Renewable Electric Energy or for RECs without accompanying energy ("RECs-only"). PNM is looking for renewable energy resources that will be cost-effective additions to PNM's integrated system portfolio, which includes traditional generation, demand-side management and renewable sources. Persons or entities interested in submitting a bid on the RFP must have submitted a Notification of Intent to Respond on or before Monday, Jan. 25, at 4 p.m. MST. RFP proposals are due Thursday, Feb. 25, by 4 p.m. MST.
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RFP For Renewable Heating And Cooling In New York
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The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) seeks proposals from firms qualified to provide technical information, economic and technical modeling and policy and economic analysis in the area of renewable heating and cooling. Through this solicitation, NYSERDA anticipates selecting one or more contractors to provide as-needed consulting services. Proposals must be received by NYSERDA on or before Thursday, Feb. 11.
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Graphic Of The Week |
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Solar Storage Revolution
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DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
Batteries or other forms of energy storage account for less than 1 percent of all solar projects, SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch, said during a conference call. But to enable solar to shift grid support to later in the day, or ride through moments of intermittency without disrupting local grid conditions, “storage is the missing piece of the puzzle,” he said. “By combining solar with storage, we create the most transformational development, really, since the creation of the grid.”
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SEIA Events |
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Solar Goes Corporate
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Feb. 17 | New York, N.Y.
SEIA's inaugural summit will bring leaders together to share valuable insight into successfully procuring, developing, deploying and investing in solar projects. Come learn from the experts about meeting your company's triple bottom line and reduced carbon-footprint goals at a lower cost and with less risk of incurring pitfalls during project procurement and operation. Use promo code TWOEVENTS16 to receive $100 off the summit when you also register to attend SEIA's Finance & Tax Seminar (info below).
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Finance & Tax Seminar
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Feb. 18-19 | New York, N.Y.
This is the preeminent solar industry conference dedicated exclusively to finance and tax issues facing the solar industry today. Attendees will learn from and network with attorneys, developers and financiers currently working in this space. Thought leaders will put the latest industry trends in context and provide unique perspectives to help you stay ahead of the curve.
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PV Conference & Expo - Boston
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Feb. 24-25 | Boston, Mass.
Solar Power PV Conference & Expo (formerly PV America) is all about PV solar solutions. With a regional focus, it brings together manufacturers and service providers with professionals interested in the technologies, innovations, research and policy that is driving the PV industry today and into the future.
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Solar Power International
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Sept. 12-15 | Las Vegas, Nev.
The flagship solar power event and the largest solar trade show in North America is only nine months away, but the North Hall show floor is sold out. To accommodate demand, we've opened up more space at the Westgate Innovation Pavilion. The pavilion focuses on smart home technology and energy storage. Exhibit at SPI 2016.
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Industry Events |
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Powering Africa: Summit
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Jan. 27-29 | Washington, D.C.
EnergyNet Limited's Powering Africa: Summit (PAS) is a platform to showcase power, trade and infrastructure investment opportunities across the African continent, engaging decision makers from the American and African public and private sectors to explore how project bankability can be increased. SEIA members receive a 20 percent discount by emailing [email protected].
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State of Solar: Challenges And Opportunities In 2016
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Jan. 28 | Boston, Mass.
Join SEBANE for an engaging discussion and networking opportunity. The event will feature an appearance by State Sen. Benjamin Downing, a panel discussion on solar policy and market perspectives from industry leaders, as well as a regional and national overview of the current state of solar development. |
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2016 National Interagency Community Reinvestment Conference
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Feb. 8-10 | Los Angeles, Calif.
The federal bank regulatory agencies, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund will host the biennial conference, which offers participants from around the country the opportunity to learn about the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and to discuss best practices and emerging challenges in community development. The program will feature discussions regarding innovations in community development policies and practice, CRA examination training and community development tours of Los Angeles. |
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Virginia Clean Energy Lobby Day 2016
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Feb. 9 | Richmond, Va.
Join MDV-SEIA for a free lobby day that will coincide with the only Energy Subcommittee meeting of the Virginia legislature's 2016 session, making it THE DAY to be in Richmond. |
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2016 NASEO Energy Policy Outlook Conference
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Feb. 9-12 | Washington, D.C.
This is the national forum to connect with and learn from state energy officials working on innovative energy policies and programs, and to engage with federal officials on priority energy issues. The program will feature experts and strategists from government, business and advocacy groups focused on sharing new ideas and partnership models that promote energy affordability, infrastructure resilience, clean energy technologies and economic opportunity. |
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Maryland Clean Energy Lobby Day 2016
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Feb. 11 | Annapolis, Md.
Join MDV-SEIA for Solar Lobby Day 2016! This year,, we encourage you to setup meetings with your legislator. |
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NREL PV Module Reliability Workshop
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Feb. 23-25 | Denver, Colo.
NREL hosts this workshop so solar technology experts can share information that leads to the improvement of PV module reliability. |
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APRA-E Energy Innovation Summit
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Feb. 29-March 2 | Washington, D.C.
This conference brings together businesses, academia and government to advance cutting-edge technologies that could fundamentally change the way we generate, use and store energy. |
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2016 Solar Power Colorado
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March 7-9 | Broomfield, Colo.
Plan now to join Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association for the Rocky Mountain region's largest solar conference and expo. Prominent leaders in solar business, policy and technology will be speaking and hundreds will attend from around the nation. The early bird special offer expires this week! |
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Energy Storage — 2015 Year-In-Review
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March 9 | 1 p.m. EST
Ravi Manghani of Greentech Media will provide data and analysis of the state of the energy storage industry in the U.S. |
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2016 ACORE National Renewable Energy Policy Forum
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March 16-17 | Washington, D.C.
This year’s forum will provide in-depth analyses of national and global renewable energy policies and address the critical challenges that lie ahead, including the implementation of the Clean Power Plan, the achievement of the nation’s COP21 commitments and the policy signals and business models needed to drive continued market evolution and expansion. |
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California's Distributed Energy Future 2016
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March 16-17 | San Francisco, Calif.
Join GTM for its first state-specific conference on the future of the grid edge. As distributed energy gains steam in California, state regulators, policymakers, utilities and DER providers are shaping the rules, regulations and markets that will ensure the transition is speedy and smooth. It’s a complex, exciting landscape, and today’s actions in California will undoubtedly influence tomorrow’s DER market across the country. |
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Solar — 2015 Year-In-Review
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April 6 | 2 p.m. EST
2015 was a big year for solar. Corey Honeyman of Greentech Media will share the latest statistics for 2015, and analyze what these trends portend for the future. |
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2016 State Energy Conference
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April 20-21 | Raleigh, N.C.
This conference is organized to examine the impacts of energy technologies, policy and finance on customers at all levels of the energy marketplace. Gain actionable insight into the business of energy, connecting technical innovation, diverse resources and industry opportunity to help drive North Carolina's regional energy economy forward with national impact. |
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Oregon Solar Energy Conference
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May 4-5 | Portland, Ore.
2016 conference attendance will grow as the solar industry in the Pacific Northwest booms. We have a new location at the Portland Crowne Plaza and we will be featuring new courses as well as some popular ones we have served up in the past. This two-day event will have courses offering Continuing Education for Electricians, LRTs, Apprentices, Architects, Engineers and NABCEP Professionals. Learn about exciting new solar products at the Professional Trade Show.
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Solar Summit 2016
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May 11-12 | Scottsdale, Ariz.
Now in its ninth year, GTM’s flagship annual solar conference attracts leaders from across the solar value chain. Join us in Arizona for over two days of unrivaled networking opportunities and innovative, engaging panel sessions that will provide a unique mix of market intelligence and coordination among industry players.
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Grid Edge World Forum 2016
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June 21-23 | San Jose, Calif.
Introducing a conference and exhibition building on the growth and success of GTM’s Grid Edge Live event. Join us for three days of high-quality content, unparalleled business networking opportunities and dedicated exhibition time to experience the latest innovations at the grid edge. Hear from the industry experts shaping the next generation electricity system with exclusive keynotes, fireside chats and 120 percent more deep-dive knowledge sessions. Compare different perspectives from utilities and regulators from around the globe in dedicated regional spotlights.
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