Conference Highlights

Key Educational Themes

Click on the carat icons below to browse the descriptions of key themes at IESNA Flagship 2026’s conference program. Please check back soon for session titles and speakers.

AI and Digitalization in Renewable Energy

How artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analytics are revolutionizing solar and storage operations—from predictive maintenance and energy forecasting to real-time grid optimization and autonomous energy management. Sessions will also explore digital twins, cybersecurity considerations, and the growing role of AI in accelerating the energy transition.

Distributed Energy Resources

The expanding role of distributed energy resources (DERs) in transforming energy systems, including solar PV, local storage, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies, microgrids, and virtual power plants (VPPs). Topics include integration strategies, advanced management tools, and technological innovations to support stable energy distribution amid rising demand and extreme weather challenges.

Energy Policy

Recent and upcoming legislative developments at the federal, state, and local level; the impact of current policies on project development; navigating the Inflation Reduction Act; compliance requirements; and emerging regulatory trends that are influencing growth and innovation in renewable energy.

Energy Storage

The evolving world of energy storage, including breakthroughs in battery technology, large-scale storage solutions, and hybrid systems designed to enhance grid reliability while supporting the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources.

EV Infrastructure

The latest developments in EV charging infrastructure, including strategies for network expansion, grid integration, and the deployment of fast-charging technologies. Sessions will explore challenges and opportunities in scaling infrastructure, emerging technology trends, and the role of policy, standards, and investment in shaping the future of electric mobility.

Financing the Energy Transition

Financing models, tax credit structures, fundraising strategies, and investment approaches for scaling solar, storage, and clean energy businesses in a fast-changing economic and policy landscape. Sessions will address capital market trends, risk mitigation, and innovative deal structures that are shaping the future of clean energy finance.

Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Manufacturing processes and supply chain dynamics critical to renewable energy systems production. Discussions will explore onshoring solar and storage manufacturing, strategies for overcoming material shortages and disruptions, and the impact of rapidly changing geopolitical factors and trade policies.

Regulation - Interconnection & Permitting Reform

Navigating the regulatory landscape to accelerate solar and storage deployment, with a focus on streamlining interconnection processes, reducing permitting delays, and expanding grid capacity. Topics include strategies to support the growth of community solar, overcome community opposition, and advance energy equity through policies that promote wider access to clean energy—especially in underserved and low-income communities.

Solar – Residential, Commercial & Utility-Scale

The latest advancements across all levels of solar energy deployment, highlighting emerging technologies, performance enhancements, and integration strategies for residential systems, commercial installations, and large-scale utility projects.

Solar + Storage

The synergy between solar energy and storage technologies, highlighting integrated systems that optimize power generation, storage capacity, and dispatch. Topics include innovation in system design, emerging technologies, energy management, and the role of solar-plus-storage in enhancing resilience, reducing peak demand, and increasing grid flexibility.