The Hub

Presented by Jeff Spies, President of Planet Plan Sets

The Sustainable Energy Action Committee (SEAC) has developed essential resources to help installers and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) navigate the complexities of permitting and code compliance for solar, energy storage, and bi-directional EV charging systems. In this session, SEAC founding member Jeff Spies, President of Planet Plan Sets, will provide a practical overview of these new tools. Learn how to streamline the permitting process, enhance system design and installation safety, and improve the overall user experience for residential and commercial renewable energy projects.

Presented by Paul Walker, Microgrid Sales Manager at Caterpillar

Discover how the U.S. Coast Guard in Puerto Rico secured a reliable power solution to withstand outages caused by extreme weather events and grid instability. Learn how Caterpillar, in collaboration with local Cat® dealer RIMCO, engineered an innovative hybrid system. This solution integrates energy storage and renewable energy sources to provide 30 minutes of uninterrupted power for critical operations before seamlessly transitioning to diesel power generation. Join us to explore this resilient approach to energy reliability and its impact on mission-critical operations.

Presented by Mike Hall, CEO & Co-Founder at Anza

As the module market becomes more dynamic due to tariffs, product availability, and supply chain constraints, it’s more important than ever that developers and procurement teams have a full line of sight into real-time data that can help them minimize risk and make the right investments and purchasing decisions to increase project profits – particularly given the limited supply of U.S.-made content. In this session, Anza CEO and co-founder Mike Hall will discuss what developers need to know when creating a domestic content strategy and how to turn domestic content procurement into a competitive advantage.

Presented by Devon Yousif, P.E., Technology Manager at Renewable Energy Solutions

This presentation explores the challenges and opportunities in the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) energy storage sector, focusing on products, technical requirements, system design, and compliance with fire and utility guidelines. It highlights how energy storage optimizes operations, reduces costs, and ensures safety while meeting regulatory standards.

Presented by Ethan Ehlers, VP of Sales – North America at QBi

Learn how US IPPs and developers can leverage QBi’s software solutions to drive efficiency within their operation, model multiple budget scenarios, and ensure that they remain compliant with all contractual and regulatory requirements and deadlines. As the US market rapidly evolves under new leadership, QBi solutions provides the tools our customers need to quickly adapt along with the market.

Presented by Andrew Tanner, Chief Technology Officer at Yotta Energy and featuring Thomas Gutierrez, Marketing Manager at Yotta Energy

The energy storage industry is evolving fast, and Yotta Energy is leading the charge. In this session, Yotta Energy will discuss the launch of their latest innovation—Yotta Block, a next-generation energy storage solution designed for commercial solar applications. It will explore how Yotta Block builds on the success of the SolarLEAF, offering greater efficiency, enhanced safety, and seamless scalability for businesses looking to optimize their solar + storage systems. Guests will break down the key technological advancements, how this solution simplifies deployment, and why it’s a game-changer for industries facing rising energy costs and demand charges.

Join us as we uncover how Yotta Energy is redefining commercial energy storage and making solar power more accessible, reliable, and future-ready than ever before. Attendees will learn:

• What makes Yotta Block different from traditional energy storage solutions
• How it integrates seamlessly with commercial solar systems
• Why scalability and safety are at the core of Yotta Energy’s innovation
• What the future holds for energy storage and decentralized power solutions

Ready to rethink energy storage? Don’t miss this insightful conversation!

Presented by Ben Whillock, Director of Business Development at Signature Solar and Sean White

Presented by Jake Anderson, Head of Business at PVcase, UAB

The global expansion of the renewable energy industry has led to a significant shortage of qualified designers and engineers, driving developers to adopt software automation. In the U.S., EPC costs have reached record highs—nearly double the 2016-2020 average—with no signs of decreasing. Project development often involves over 30 companies, creating challenges such as outdated data formats and fragmented software. These issues lead to poor data quality, inefficiencies, financial losses, and diminished trust in solar assets. This session will explore solutions to these challenges through collaboration and innovative technologies, including centralized platforms.

Presented by Bryan Villano, Co-Founder and CEO at ContractPower

As AI technology continues to proliferate, grid demand is expected to surge, creating both opportunities and challenges for renewable energy operations. This session will explore projections for increased grid demand driven by AI growth, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of AI in energy management, and provide insights into connecting your data to AI systems. Attendees will learn how AI can optimize operations, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure future scalability while maintaining grid stability.

Presented by Vincent Ambrose, Chief Commercial Officer at FranklinWH

According to the Department of Energy, tripling the current capacity of virtual power plants (VPP) by 2030 would be a cheaper and faster way to meet rising demand than building new power plants. However, to achieve this goal, utilities, consumers and installers need to work together to understand the nuances of VPP programs. FranklinWH and a VPP partner will discuss how installers can work with participating utility companies on these programs. The session will evaluate the progress of major VPP programs in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and North Carolina, including how installers can overcome the challenge of customer acquisition with education and incentives.