Industry-Favorite Event Returns to San Diego During IESNA Flagship
By Krista Simicich, IESNA Digital Editor
It’s official: the Solar Battle of the Bands, hosted by the California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA) and co-hosted by Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA), will return to downtown San Diego on Thursday, February 19, 2026, bringing live music, industry camaraderie, and a packed crowd of clean energy professionals together for one unforgettable night.
The event will take place at Moonshine Flats, just a short walk from the San Diego Convention Center, where the IESNA flagship trade show and conference will run from February 18–20, 2026. The proximity makes Solar Battle of the Bands a natural after-hours destination for IESNA attendees looking to continue conversations off the show floor, in a fun, upbeat setting.
Ready to Take the Stage? Apply by January 7
Solar Battle of the Bands isn’t just another networking event—it’s a high-energy celebration of the people behind the energy transition. CALSSA is now accepting applications and those interested in performing should submit their application by Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
Those selected will perform approximately 20-minute sets onstage in front of 500–1,000 solar and storage industry peers. Both covers and original songs are welcome, with final set times confirmed closer to the event.
Bands must be onsite, checked in, and ready to load in at least one hour prior to their set time, with full schedules shared in advance.
Preference is given to bands comprised entirely of solar industry professionals, but groups with one or two members outside the industry are still encouraged to apply. Applying does not guarantee selection, and bands will be notified if they are chosen. Confirmed bands must submit the $1,000 band fee within 30 days of confirmation.
For more information, visit CALSSA’s website or click here to apply.
Tickets Are Free – and Limited
Tickets for Solar Battle of the Bands 2026 are free, but they will not be sold or distributed through the IESNA website. Instead, tickets will be handed out exclusively by event hosts and sponsors, at their discretion.
With demand historically high and capacity limited, early connections with sponsors are key for attendees hoping to secure entry.
The Band Package
Each confirmed band receives:
- Performance on a professional-quality stage
- Access to a private green room immediately before their set
- Pre- and post-event publicity
- Band name featured on the Solar Battle of the Bands website and official event T-shirt
- Large company logo and/or band name digitally displayed on the main wall during the performance
- 20 event tickets to distribute at their discretion
- A free SBOB 2026 T-shirt for each band member
- Note: Band members do not need physical tickets to attend
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Solar Battle of the Bands is made possible thanks to the support of industry leaders, including Greentech Renewables, REC, Aurora Solar, and SnapNrack Solar Mounting Solutions.
IESNA is proud to serve as a co-sponsor, continuing its role in supporting community-building and creative collaboration across the solar and storage industries.