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 addressing 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 inclusion 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 inclusiveness, from hiring practices to leadership roles. Together, we'll examine actionable steps to create a more equitable environment that leverages the full spectrum of talent available.

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.

Projects older than seven years can be repowered under the IRA. There is also an opportunity to add Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to existing projects. Join this session to explore the challenges companies face in seizing these opportunities, including navigating complex permitting processes, overcoming financial constraints, addressing technical limitations, and managing grid interconnection hurdles. Learn from industry leaders about strategies and solutions to overcome these obstacles and ensure the successful repowering of aging PV and BESS assets.

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.

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.

"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.

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 the pivotal role of community engagement in driving project success across its lifecycle. We’ll delve into how effective collaboration between project stakeholders—ranging from EPCs to Asset Managers—can enhance project operations and strengthen ties with the communities involved. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of engagement with indigenous communities and how these relationships can be nurtured for long-term project success. Through practical insights and strategies, discover how prioritizing community engagement alongside streamlined stakeholder communication can maximize project efficiency and long-term success. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the potential of meaningful engagement for thriving energy projects.

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 industries will play in reshaping the energy landscape. As the sector navigates shifting regulations, market dynamics, and post-election uncertainty, our thought leaders will explore what lies ahead for solar and storage—examining policy shifts, investment trends, and the evolving role of asset management in an unpredictable landscape.