The Solar Foundation at SPI
If you’re attending Solar Power International, don’t forget to join us for several informative panels and events! Meet our staff at booth L52, just outside main entrance, to find out how we support the growth of solar jobs like yours, and what you can do to help. In the same location, visit our SolSmart booth and learn how we’re helping nearly 300 communities across the nation open the doors to solar business. And if you’re in the market for a new job, don’t forget to visit our solar job fair on September 25!
Register today and get 15% off full conference registration using the code P1519TSF.
Here’s a run down of our events at SPI (all times MDT):
Workforce Development Workshop
Monday, Sept. 23
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
251B
The Solar Foundation will host a free pre-conference educational session designed to provide solar employers with a deeper understanding of opportunities and strategies for workforce development, in partnership with the Salal Foundation. Solar companies will gain actionable information in order to engage Workforce Development Boards and access funding for customized on-the-job training. This event is near capacity, so be sure to register now.
Spotlight Poster: Electrification
11:00 a.m.
Booth 4680
Join the Regulatory Assistance Project for a spotlight poster presentation from our SolSmart program on beneficial electrification strategies. Learn how local governments can see a wide range of benefits when they combine electrification programs with solar and storage.
SEIA SolarAPP/DG Permitting Workgroup
Tuesday, Sept. 24
2:30 p.m – 4:30 p.m.
Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, Salon D
Join us for the first meeting of the new SEIA DG Permitting Working Group and learn how you can get involved with the Solar Automated Permit Processing (SolarAPP) campaign. We launched SolarAPP in partnership with the Solar Energy Industries Association last year at Solar Power International 2018. A lot has been accomplished since then, but much more lies ahead as we work to fundamentally change solar permitting in the US.
This meeting will start with a brief update on the campaign. We will then hear from different stakeholders involved in the effort, including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory who will be seeking input into the software they are developing that underpins the effort. Breakout sessions will be held on various aspects of the project. This meeting is open to solar industry professionals, local government employees, and code officials. Registration is free: Click on the link below to let us know you’ll be coming and add the event to your calendar.
Local Connections in Solar Construction
Wednesday, Sept. 25
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Industry Trends Theater, Booth 7341
Join McCarthy Building Companies along with our Senior Director Ed Gilliland for a panel on innovations and local connections in solar construction. Solar RFPs often contain requirements for a contractor to make local hires or to train local workers. Utilizing new solar-industry-specific training services, like Training Within Industry (TWI), EPCs are able to locally source the majority of the necessary labor for the construction and installation of new solar systems. Additionally, innovative EPCs are also reducing their footprint by employing sustainable construction and installation practices. Hear from EPCs who are innovating to streamline the installation process, reducing travel-related costs, and using sustainable design and construction practices while empowering the local communities in which they operate.
SolarAPP Panel: Cutting Red Tape
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Installer Training Theater, Booth 137
As the solar investment tax credit phases down, reducing soft costs for solar installations will become even more important. This presentation on the exhibit floor is another opportunity to learn about the SolarAPP initiative. Our Program Director Richard Lawrence will discuss how SolarAPP can reduce permitting and interconnection costs, along with leaders from the Solar Energy Industries Association, Sunrun, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Spotlight Poster: Solar Industry Diversity
11:30 a.m.
Booth 4680
This Spotlight Poster presentation will provide an overview of The Solar Foundation’s recent study on diversity, inclusion, and equity in the solar workforce, released in partnership with the Solar Energy Industries Association.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Panel
Wednesday, Sept. 25
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Installer Training Theater, Booth 137
In this session, industry leaders will share successful case studies about equitable, inclusive, and diverse practices and approaches they have applied in order to make clean energy jobs and the renewable energy industry accessible to underrepresented groups. Our President and Executive Director Andrea Luecke will host a panel with representatives from GRID Alternatives, the American Association of Blacks in Energy, and Sigora Solar.
Solar Career Fair
Wednesday, Sept. 25
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Hilton Salt Lake City Center
We’re excited to announce that we’re teaming up with Solar Power International to host a solar career fair! This will be a space for solar and storage companies to connect with diverse and talented job seekers from across the country. The event is FREE for solar job seekers and comes with a special offer: Visit 5 or more solar employers and you get complimentary access to the SPI exhibit hall!
Employers can table at the job fair for a $100 fee, or $85 for SPI conference exhibitors. This is a unique opportunity to connect with diverse, talented, and passionate individuals pursuing or advancing their solar careers.
Exhibiting Employers include Q CELLS (Silver Sponsor), Canadian Solar (Bronze Sponsor), Ampt LLC, BayWa.re, California Resources Corporation, Creative Energies Solar, Empire Solar, New Energy Equity, Quickscrew Solar, Recycle PV Solar, RER Energy Group, Signal Energy, and Solar Energy International.
We invite solar employers and job seekers to register for the career fair now.
Thanks to the sponsors who made the career fair possible!
Exhibiting Employers
We’ll see you at SPI. We also invite you to attend the LGBTQ+ Reception and Blacks in Energy Reception on Tuesday, September 24!