Agenda

Breakfast Host:

This session sets the stage for the conference by addressing the evolving landscape of PV module availability in the United States. It highlights key challenges and opportunities, including the impact of domestic manufacturing on supply chains, the balance between demand and availability, and the critical issue of bankability as tax credits phase out. Over the next two days, discussions will focus on ensuring project viability and long-term success in a rapidly changing market.

This session will examine how PV module procurement has evolved, focusing on the impact trade policies such as anti-dumping/countervailing duties (AD/CVD) and IEEPA tariffs and the increase in domestic manufacturing. The discussion will highlight the importance of due diligence, including evaluating the credibility and ownership structures of suppliers, alongside technical assessments to verify module quality and field performance. Attendees will gain valuable insights into navigating these challenges while ensuring project timelines are met and risks are mitigated.

This session will explore the availability and types of PV modules being imported into the U.S. market, highlighting the strategies non-U.S. manufacturers are using to meet demand while maintaining high-quality standards. Attendees will gain insights into the importance of module certifications and reliability to ensure performance in U.S. projects. The discussion will also address the fast-changing dynamics of trade policies, including AD/CVD, IEEPA tariffs, and other regulations impacting supply chains and procurement strategies. Legal experts and industry leaders will provide guidance on compliance, risk mitigation, and best practices for navigating these complexities and expanding into the U.S. solar market.

This session will look at recent findings from test labs and research institutes into common failures at a module level, highlighting the critical factors that impact performance and reliability. It will explore how advanced testing techniques, such as UVID (UV-induced degradation) analysis and glass durability assessments, are uncovering new insights into module degradation mechanisms.

This panel discussion will delve into the critical factors of cost, quality, and reliability in PV module selection, offering insights into how these elements can be balanced in a price sensitive market and evolving module availability. Industry experts, including testing professionals and procurement specialists, will share strategies for evaluating module performance, integrating testing results into procurement decisions, and designing sites that optimize reliability without compromising cost-effectiveness.

This session will delve into the critical aspects of factory quality assurance (QA) in PV module manufacturing, featuring insights from experienced suppliers who have successfully navigated challenges when establishing new factories. Attendees will hear firsthand accounts of overcoming obstacles such as scaling production, maintaining consistency, and meeting international standards. Additionally, third-party factory inspectors will share their expertise on ensuring compliance, identifying risks, and implementing robust QA processes.

Join other conference attendees for an evening of wine tasting in the evening following the first day of the conference. The wine tasting will once again be held at the Sunrise Ranch Winery, just a short drive from the conference venue. 

The evening offers a relaxed environment for delegates to network and unwind, enjoying scenic views and locally produced wines!