Solarplaza Summit | Asset Management North America

Learn more about the latest prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements in the IRA and their operational impact on O&M costs. This session will offer actionnable perspectives on how these regulations affect day-to-day operations and will help you navigate compliance challenges. Learn how to prepare for future developments, mitigate risks, and ensure that your business remains efficient and cost-effective under these evolving standards. Join us for a concise yet practical overview of these crucial regulations and their direct effect on operational strategies.

This session aims to debunk the myths and hype around AI in solar O&M, providing a clear inventory of its practical, present-day applications. We’ll look at how advanced analytics, machine learning, and data mining are being used to future-proof solar assets and create smarter O&M strategies. With real-life examples, attendees will be able to see how AI is already enhancing operations by minimizing site anomalies, maximizing yields, and driving operational efficiency. Discover how automation and AI are revolutionizing asset management and transforming O&M practices today.

Join this panel discussion to get up to speed on the latest trends in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and refinancing opportunities in the solar sector. Topics will include selling down investment positions after PTC/ITC benefits, refinancing deals with lower-cost debt post-asset acquisition, and key learnings from refinancing projects. Gain insights into technical due diligence, market trends, legal considerations, and ESG factors that influence decision-making in today’s fast-evolving business environment. Industry experts will share valuable knowledge to help you navigate the complexities of asset sales and refinancing.

The demand for Power Purchase Agreements is rising sharply as the energy transition accelerates and subsidies and incentives are phased out. In this session, you'll learn more on how to manage contractual risks, explore effective offtaker strategies, navigate PPA price negotiations, address the impact of curtailment and get a glimpse into the future of fully merchant-based energy projects.

All good things come to an end. This panel discussion will explore the future of aging solar assets, focusing on repairs beyond warranty, recycling, revamping, and repowering business models, along with real-world lessons learned. Attendees will gain practical insights and strategies for managing assets approaching the critical end-of-life stage. As a significant portion of the U.S. solar fleet matures, addressing the challenges and opportunities of aging assets has become increasingly crucial.

We'll take a side step to the commercial & industrial (C&I) segment here, focusing on crucial topics like optimizing installation costs, implementing effective QA processes, and ensuring proper system construction and safety. The panel will also discuss the integration of EV charging, managing large-scale system failures, and navigating hybrid portfolios with varying ownership structures. Additionally, we’ll explore key decision-making factors when considering insourcing versus outsourcing O&M services.

Join us for a panel discussion on the critical challenges of developing projects across North America. Our expert panelists will address navigating complex regulatory and permitting hurdles, selecting the right tax credits for financial viability, and tackling interconnection issues that can delay projects. We’ll also explore supply chain challenges affecting component availability, discuss innovative financing strategies, and examine effective stakeholder management to foster community support. Additionally, we’ll compare projects located in different states, highlighting how local regulations and market conditions impact development. This session promises to provide valuable insights and actionable strategies to overcome obstacles and drive the future of renewable energy.

This session dives into the varied applications of agrivoltaics, from livestock to crops, showcasing the experiences of farmers who have implemented these systems. Through developer and farmer case studies, we'll explore how Agri-PV boosts land efficiency. Additionally, the session will touch on available insurance options and the regulatory landscape that shapes the success of these projects.

This panel discussion will explore the critical role of implementing a comprehensive Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) program during the pre-manufacturing and manufacturing phases of solar projects. Experts will discuss how rigorous QA/QC practices ensure that key components meet required quality standards, directly impacting the long-term performance and success of solar assets. Attendees will gain valuable insights into best practices, common challenges, and effective strategies for ensuring reliability and durability from the start.

Embracing diversity not only drives innovation and creativity but also ensures equal access to opportunities for all talent. Prioritizing a diverse workforce is a strategic decision that enhances productivity and supports sustainable growth. Moreover, it is vital for bridging the significant gap in the workforce across the industry. In this session, we will discuss the importance of cultivating female leadership and explore effective strategies for maintaining diversity from hiring practices to leadership roles. Together, we'll examine actionable steps to create a more inclusive environment that leverages the full spectrum of talent available.

"To stow or not to stow?"—that's one of AMNA's most frequently asked questions. In this session, we’ll explore optimal strategies that companies are implementing to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. Our discussion will focus on integrating extreme weather alerts into operational planning, ensuring the secure stowing of panels, and leveraging recommendations from OEMs and the insurance sector. Additionally, we’ll look at how drones can be used for post-event damage assessments, offering a comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness and recovery.

As the energy storage sector continues to grow, securing financing for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects is becoming more complex yet critical to success. This session will dive into the evolving financial landscape for BESS, exploring various financing models, risk management strategies, and key factors that influence investor confidence. Industry leaders and financial experts will provide actionable insights on how to structure deals, navigate incentives, and create bankable BESS projects to ensure long-term profitability.

This panel discussion will explore the complexities of managing supply chains in a fragmented market. Industry leaders will share strategies for navigating challenges such as sourcing components from diverse providers and handling varying warranty terms. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to streamline procurement and ensure seamless project execution despite supply chain fragmentation.

Effective maintenance is crucial to maximizing the lifespan and performance of BESS installations. In this session, technical experts will share best practices for managing and maintaining BESS assets, including preventative maintenance techniques, monitoring technologies, and lifecycle management strategies. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on minimizing downtime, reducing operational costs and risks, and ensuring the safety and reliability of their storage assets over time.

Solar assets often underperform due to a range of technical, environmental, and operational issues. In this session, experts will present key data and insights on the primary causes of underperformance, including issues related to soiling, shading, module degradation, and grid integration challenges. Attendees will learn how to pinpoint the root causes of inefficiencies and explore practical solutions to optimize solar asset performance over the long term.

Poor DC health can significantly reduce the efficiency and output of solar systems. This panel will explore common causes of DC performance degradation, including component mismatch, hotspot formation,  Arc faults, cable degradation etc.. Experts will discuss how to monitor and diagnose DC health issues, as well as implement strategies to mitigate them, ensuring your solar assets operate at peak efficiency throughout their lifecycle.

Inverters, cabling, and wiring play a crucial role in the overall performance of solar assets. Faulty inverters, improper wiring, and poor cabling practices can cause significant energy losses and operational downtime. This panel discussion will address common failure points and inefficiencies in electrical components, offering strategies to improve their reliability and performance. Industry specialists will share lessons learned and preventive measures to enhance the long-term stability of solar installations.

This session will explore the critical role of charge and discharge strategies in maximizing revenue from BESS. Participants will learn how effective management of energy storage can optimize market participation, enabling operators to capitalize on fluctuations in energy prices and mitigate curtailment or exposure to negative energy prices. We will discuss various trading strategies, including real-time market operations and long-term contracts, and how they influence economic outcomes. Attendees will gain insights into the best practices for monitoring, forecasting, and executing charge and discharge cycles to achieve optimal financial results while ensuring the reliability and efficiency of their energy storage systems.

The experts on stage will examine whether BESS projects can achieve financial success alongside sustainability goals. We will analyze initial overbuild vs future augmentation, focusing on how each can impact project performance. By highlighting innovative strategies and real-world examples, this session will challenge conventional thinking and provide fresh insights into integrating economic viability with environmental responsibility in energy storage projects, casting some light on supply chain tranparency and batteries recycling.

Explore the opportunities and challenges of hybrid energy systems in asset management. By addressing intermittency and optimizing energy storage, we can unlock potential for improved reliability and efficient energy solutions. Additionally, we will draw on lessons learned from other industries to enhance our approach and strategies.

Effective vegetation management is crucial for maximizing energy production while promoting environmental sustainability around your solar plant. By preventing shading, strategic practices help maintain peak efficiency, while also supporting biodiversity by preserving native vegetation and fostering wildlife-friendly habitats. This holistic approach not only enhances energy generation but also demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship, creating a more sustainable future for your solar facility.

This session will explore the key differences between O&M for small solar sites versus large-scale installations. We’ll discuss how scale impacts everything from staffing and resource allocation to monitoring technologies, spare parts management, and cost efficiencies. Attendees will gain insights into the unique challenges and best practices for optimizing performance in both small and large solar projects, helping them tailor their O&M strategies to the specific needs of their sites.

Join this session to explore how improved communication among project stakeholders, from EPCs to Asset Managers, can enhance project operations. Discover the vital role of Asset Managers in the EPC and development phases, driving better project management, risk mitigation, and ensuring proper allocation of funds for O&M. We will also emphasize the importance of effective community engagement throughout the lifecycle of a project, highlighting how it contributes to project success. Gain practical insights into fostering collaboration and maximizing project efficiency through streamlined communication strategies. Don’t miss out on unlocking the potential of better stakeholder communication for project success.

Tap your final dose of inspiration from the closing session, where visionary ideas will come to life as our esteemed speakers dive into the future of solar and BESS in North America. This session will challenge conventional thinking, offering a bold look at the transformative role these technologies will play in reshaping the energy landscape. From breakthrough innovations in battery storage to the integration of AI in energy management, our thought leaders will explore how the solar and storage sectors will evolve in the face of changing regulations, market dynamics, and technological advancements.