Fabulous Las Vegas—the city of lights, casinos, live entertainment, and solar deals. This year, I had the opportunity to attend what was said to be the largest Solar Power International (SPI) trade show to date. More than 700 exhibitors and approximately 20,000 took over the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, proving once again that SPI remains one of the best events to find out who’s who and what’s what in the solar and energy storage industries.
The Inovateus team spent three full days interacting with suppliers, project developers, finance companies, and investors. The chance for all parties to come to one place for some true face-time interaction is invaluable. So often it seems that we get lost in e-mails and forget we are actually working with people just like us. Now we know what they look like!
This year’s buzz revolved around the Section 201 “Suniva/SolarWorld” trade case, which could potentially double the cost of imported solar modules in the U.S. Most of the people we spoke with were quite concerned about the implications of the case. Panel suppliers are experiencing limited module availability through the end of 2017, so developers and installers are racing to purchase increasingly scarce modules before the potential tariff takes effect.
Since we were in Vegas, we’ll just say the outcome of this case remains a true gamble, but we’ll have a better idea of where things stand when the ITC commissioners make their “determination of injury” announcement on Friday, September 22. (For more on the trade case at SPI, check out these two informative reports from Greentech Media and PV magazine.)
One thing that became abundantly clear to me at SPI is the need for more women in the solar industry. As I walked the show floor and attended the social events, it was obvious that the men-to-women ratio at the show was extremely lopsided.
In line with this observation, the Solar Foundation issued its 2017 U.S. Solar Industry Diversity Study at the beginning of SPI week. The findings show that although the percentage of women and people of color among solar workers has increased since the 2015 study, much more needs to be done to make our community more inclusive and diverse. The report “underscores the importance of diversity for employee well-being, the strength of the workforce, and a company’s bottom line.”
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Vegas experience if we didn’t talk about the food and fabulous parties. From fancy rooftop dining with a view to an Italian speakeasy, Vegas restaurants left us nothing but impressed. The parties didn’t disappoint either. I had the honor of receiving our award on behalf of Inovateus Solar at Solar Power World’s 2017 Top 500 Contractors Gala. The annual Shoals party at the Jewel night club in the Aria featured a world-renowned balloon artist, a photo booth, and a solid dance party. However, the Solar Block Party featured the best dancing competition of the week. Who won? Well, that stays in Vegas.
We’re coming for you next year, Anaheim, get ready!
By Lindsey Foley, CFO, Inovateus Solar
