Solar Show a Bright Spot in Dazzling Vegas

BLOG_ Solar Power International (SPI) is an annual event presented by the Solar Energy Industries Associations (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), whose combined efforts produce a world-class event. This solar show focuses solely on creating an environment that fosters the exchange of ideas, knowledge and expertise for furthering solar energy development in the U.S. and abroad.

This year’s SPI was held in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. I cannot think of a better place to showcase cutting-edge, solar power-producing technology that offsets high energy costs of a city that never sleeps. Even the iconic Las Vegas welcome sign is now 100 percent solar powered. In fact, Nevada ranks sixth in the nation for cumulative solar capacity, with 480 megawatts (MW) provided by nearly 2 million solar modules.

SPI seemed a bit overpowering to my colleagues and I, considering we had only a few days to select from hundreds of programs and company exhibits. The event comprised four days of intense workshops and education sessions, thousands of square feet of floor space for manufacturers to showcase their wares, multiple networking events for 15,000 attendees, and very elaborate evening festivities – none more exciting than the annual SPI Block Party hosted this year on the deck at the Paris Hotel Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.

This year’s keynote speakers at the solar show included U.S. Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest Moniz and Sen. Harry Reid from the great state of Nevada. Both stressed that the U.S. solar industry continues to be a bright spot in the American economy. There is now nearly 16,000 MW of cumulative solar electric capacity operating in the U.S. – enough to power 3.2 million American homes. What’s more, in the first half of this year, solar accounted for more than half of all new electric generating capacity – up from just 10 percent in 2012! This record-shattering growth translates to more jobs for Americans across the supply chain in all 50 states. In fact, there were more than 143,000 solar industry workers in the U.S. in 2013 – a 20 percent increase over the year before!

My colleagues and I racked up hours of walking and talking to exhibitors throughout the expo hall over the four days. Here is my take on what’s trending for 2015:

1. Storage. The battery-based PV market is thriving. Lower prices mean renewable energy systems with energy storage are now a cost-effective, reliable power alternative for varied applications. As the industry continues to grow and modify, microgrid systems will become more prevalent so as to capture every bit of power produced during the day and offset the evening loads and grid inconsistency.
2. Trackers. It was made obvious to me by the countless displays showcasing the many designs for trackers, that innovations in technology continue to develop and trackers are starting to play a larger role in the industry.Trackers are movable mounts that allow solar panels to follow the sun and capture as much solar energy as possible. It sounds like an obvious solution, but applying solar trackers to a project is not clear cut. While trackers allow more energy to be harvested by the same amount of panel, the trade-offs are more expensive upfront costs and long-term maintenance. Instead of the panels just lying there and soaking up the sun, they now are moving, so those moving parts need service. In addition, developers not only have to consider cost and location, but the type of tracker that best suits the project.
3. Solar Structures. Carports and awnings maximize precious land space in the commercial sector. No longer a niche market, the U.S. solar carport market has grown to be a competitive $0.5 billion annual industry, and that was made more evident by the number of vendors displaying them at this year’s show.Solar structures serve a two-pronged approach to energy management: They offer a solution to those that don’t have a viable roof and/or proper orientation, and they provide much-needed shade for parking lots and entryways. Most commercial solar projects are installed atop buildings and rarely seen. Solar structures provide an option for showcasing your sustainability front and center, while keeping your car nice and cool in the summer.
4. Operation and Maintenance. O&M is one of the fastest-growing segments of the PV industry, and for good reasons: Preventive maintenance is much less expensive than reactive maintenance; it helps maximize system uptime and availability; it is essential to maintain equipment warranties; and it nips potential problems in the bud.As more investors enter the PV market, O&M is becoming a top priority in long-term financing contracts. Having an O&M plan in place helps ensure a predictable ROI, PV system longevity, and peak productivity – all determining factors necessary for financing approval.The key question on everyone’s mind this year was whether the solar industry will continue its current growth trajectory or if its extraordinary success will be limited by grid reliability and cost constraints. I guess time will tell, but the industry is ramping up and committed to making 2015 another successful year.

See you in Anaheim, Calif., at next year’s SPI!