SAN DIEGO, CA and PORTLAND, ME—Intersolar & Energy Storage North America, the premier U.S. tradeshow and conference series for solar, energy storage, EV infrastructure, and manufacturing, held its Flagship event February 18-20 in San Diego, CA, uniting 314 exhibiting companies with professionals specializing in installation, EPC, manufacturing, consulting, and distribution.
“IESNA Flagship 2026 proved that even in challenging times, this industry shows up—ready to share hard-won knowledge, forge new partnerships, and push forward,” said Beckie Kier, Event Director, Intersolar & Energy Storage North America. “From the conference program to the exhibit hall, clean energy professionals had the opportunity to access information, explore solutions, and build relationships to navigate the year ahead with confidence.”
Daily Highlights
- Tuesday, February 17: Four interactive workshops helped participants sharpen their technical expertise and—in some cases—gain valuable Continuing Education Units. NABCEP, Solar Energy International, Bill Brooks, and Sean White led hands-on sessions spanning C&I interconnection, PV workforce training, and NEC code updates. A timely summit of industry veterans shared strategies for affordable project development amid a subsidy-constrained environment.
- Wednesday, February 18: The 28-session conference program kicked off with a keynote on advancing clean energy amid federal uncertainty. Later in the morning, legal and policy experts decoded the Treasury’s new FEOC guidance and imminent trade duties on Indonesia, India, and Laos. A panel featuring experts from Carbon Direct, 127 Energy, TerraFlow Energy, Orennia, and LDES Council tackled grid planning as the data center boom accelerates demand. Other key sessions included Bolstering the Domestic Clean Energy Supply Chain, From Materials to Manufacturing and Getting to Yes: Overcoming Opposition and Misinformation in Clean Energy.
In the exhibit hall, 314 companies showcased innovative products and solutions. Attendees examined leading solutions, met emerging startups, tested their skills with mini golf and virtual reality experiences, and gathered at the Hub Stage powered by SunCast Media, where host Nico Johnson interviewed thought leaders including Sammy Roth (Climate Colored Goggles), Amy Harder (Axios), Dean Solon and Joseph Fahrney (Create Energy), and more. - Thursday, February 19: The keynote presentation examined affordability as the industry’s defining message and how to mobilize for collective action beyond an emissions-centered narrative. A special luncheon with Stacy J. Ettinger (Solar Energy Industries Association) and Claire Broido Johnson (Sunrock Distributed Generation) explored trade policy, FEOC compliance, and supply chain strategy. Also included in Thursday’s program: Tracking America’s Data Center and Clean Energy Buildout; The Solar + Storage Business Case Today – Revenue Realities Across US ISOs; New Paths, New Pressures: Financing Solar and Storage in a Post-ITC Era; and Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Solar and ESS Codes & Standards.
- Friday, February 20: The championship round of the Solar Games installer competition, streamed live by Energize Us Inc, brought the week to an energetic close, with Power Northwest taking first place. Competition equipment was donated to Twende Solar to support renewable energy projects in under-resourced communities.
Stay Up to Date on the IESNA Event Series
The next edition of IESNA Flagship will take place at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA, from February 8-11, 2027. To get the latest details, sign up for updates here.
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About Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA)
Intersolar & Energy Storage North America is the premier U.S. tradeshow and conference series for solar, energy storage, EV infrastructure, and manufacturing. IESNA events provide targeted education, strategic networking, and a dynamic exhibit hall to connect clean energy professionals and advance industry growth.
IESNA’s Flagship event, next held February 8-11, 2027 in San Diego, CA, convenes professionals across the US and beyond, showcasing innovation and examining policy, technology, and market developments. IESNA’s regional events are tailored to key markets and include IESNA Midwest (June 15-17, 2026 in Rosemont, IL) and IESNA Texas (September 1-2, 2026 in Dallas, TX). Learn more: www.iesna.com.
About Diversified
Diversified is a global B2B events and media company that strengthens business communities by fostering a space, in person and online, for professionals and businesses to connect and grow. The company serves as a trusted partner across several industries including active lifestyle, business management, clean energy, commercial marine, healthcare, seafood, technology and more. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, the global company has divisions and offices around the world in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Diversified is a third-generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit: www.divcom.com.
Media Contact
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