2024 Program Agenda*
*Working document, subject to change
Monday, April 29
Get a high level overview of OSHA requirements for the solar industry.
*This is not an OSHA training, this is a 30 minute overview of requirements.
Blake Kelly, Risk Advisor
CBIZ Insurance Services
Many changes took place in regards to solar and energy storage system requirements with the 2020 NEC revisions, and a few additional changes in 2023. Hear from a member of the NEC committee who will provide an analysis and the information you need to be in compliance and to be sure your systems get approved by inspectors.
Larry Wildermuth Jr.
Chief Inspector, Orange County Division of Building Safety
This session will introduce you to the basic and simple fundamentals that a savvy business CFO uses to value every investment, and how a PV System fits into their process. Once you understand how to calculate a few key financial metrics, what they mean, and how to communicate effectively with the financial decision maker, you will earn your client’s trust and be better positioned to sell more PV.
Mark Lopata, PE
Solar Island Energy
Get up to date on the requirements for contracting with homeowners in Florida including a full explanation of the 520 Florida Statutes required disclosures.
FlaSEIA's partnership with Ohm Analytics can help you grow your business. Learn how to use the Ohm platform reporting features and capabilities.
Rohan Humphrey
Ohm Analytics
Florida Women in Solar Program
Let’s build each other up!
We will spend time learning about the big picture, what is the status of climate and emphasizing the critical role solar plays.
Learn about IDEAS for US and participate in an eco-action project.
Featuring
Susan Glickman, CLEO Institute
Kellie Antonowicz, IDEAS for US
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sundown Social with Carmen the Construction Comedian
(exclusively for FlaSEIA contractor members; Event sponsors at Kilowatt level and above)
Tuesday, April 30
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Rise & Shine Breakfast Roundtables
Ben Millar, President, FlaSEIA Board of Directors
How solar, grid, and transportation technologies are creating a more resilient, flexible, and more affordable grid for all.
Sterling Clifford, Sunnova
Jim Fenton, FSEC
Moderator: Justin Vandenbroeck, esa
10:00 a.m. Exhibit Hall Opens / Networking Break
Rohan Humphrey, Ohm Analytics
Ohm Analytics’ solar market intelligence platform is a powerful tool for the industry that is used by leading installers, OEMs, distributors and financial firms. In FL, Ohm aggregates data from dozens of sources and, as a FlaSEIA member, you can access the platform and abridged research for free by signing up at https://analytics.ohmanalytics.com/signup
Learn how Transferability and Direct Pay has broadened our market by giving non profits and companies with low tax liability access to capital.
Heaven Campbell, Solar United Neighbors
Bill Johnson, Brilliant Harvest
Morgan Brawner, esa, Moderator
Insurance companies have been dropping Florida homeowners if they have solar or add solar to their roof. Panelists will discuss this trend, what the reasons may be, and how the solar industry is navigating the issue.
William Stander, Florida Property & Casualty Insurance Association
Josh McCarthy, Shepherd Insurance
Brian Riley, Olympus Insurance
Crystal Stickle, Magnolia Advocacy, Moderator
The FlaSEIA Solar & Storage Photo Awards program will
- Recognize and reward innovative design and planning
- Expand solar and storage industry awareness to Floridians.
- Provide FlaSEIA members a method for promoting their product by using this competition as a marketing opportunity.
- Stimulate the installation of attractive solar and storage in residential and commercial environments.
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch Power Hour
Learn how inverter and equipment technology has and is changing to make your life easier and keep up with code. Hybrid inverters, load management, whole home vs partial home… stay on top of the many improvements.
Nathan Charles, Enphase
Jeff Zissulis, Solis
Sumner Komro, SolarEdge
Kimandy Lawrence, Moderator
Secretary Griffin will share DBPR's ongoing activities which protect Florida's residents, uphold the standards of your contractor license, and thwart unlicensed activity.
Use the best communication tools and processes during and post sale. Decrease your cancellations, decrease your post sale expenses, and increase your referrals for a healthier business, with less headaches.
Spencer Oberan, Enerflo
Scott Nguyen, Bohdi
Pete Wilking, WattWarden
Moderator: Joe Roche, Axia
2:25 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Networking Break
As homeowners face more and more hurricanes, they are looking to solar and batteries for help but many solar contractors wonder how to truly feel ready to provide the service. Whether it’s training or just understanding the basics, there is a bridge to navigate to a fully confident solar & storage contractor.
Jim Brown, LG
Bernie Grant, Jinko Solar
Abhi Iyer, FranklinWH
Moderator: Bill Gallagher, Solar Fit
This award program recognizes solar and storage industry professionals under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions in the Florida solar and storage industry.
The Inflation Reduction Act specifically set aside $144 million for underutilized technologies. USDA is ensuring farmers and hardworking Americans everywhere have the opportunity to save money and earn income from smaller-scale, distributed renewable energy technologies.
Ellen Castle, A1A Solar
Alex Arnold, Lightshed Grantwriting
Al Burns, USDA Rural Development
Gain an understanding of the solar supply chain and how it is changing due to the IRA. The presenter will break down domestic content details, reveal the latest guidance, and explain how a contractor achieves the bonus 10%.
Jeff Juger, JinkoSolar
Joel Durrance, Greentech
This session will address best practices for roof- and ground-mounted arrays to help make sure they aren’t damaged by a hurricane.
Marc Lopata, Solar Island Energy
Kimandy Lawrence, Lord & Lawrence Engineering
Juan Jimenez, IronRidge
Moderator: Mark Gies, S-5!
5:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Happy Hour & Cornhole Tournament
Wednesday, May 1
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Registration & Networking Breakfast
Chris Castro, Chief of Staff, State and Community Energy Programs, U.S. DOE
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) partners with state, Tribal, local governments and community-serving institutions to provide funding and technical assistance that works to significantly accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies, catalyze local economic development and create jobs, reduce energy costs, and avoid pollution. In his presentation, Chris will address the current clean energy funding opportunities for businesses and consumers, and what tools and resources are available to help accelerate the transition across the Sunshine State.
Financing is a core component of solar sales. Panelists will discuss how current economic conditions like inflation and higher interest rates affect deals.
Dema Headley, Climate First Bank
Mitchell Shiew, Skylight Lending
Duanne Andrade, Solar Energy Loan Fund
Moderator: Tom Myers, Concord Servicing
The commercial financing industry is growing. Learn more about the products available and opportunities for your business to expand into the commercial market.
Lex Ford, Climate First Bank
Caleb Quaid, Regenerative Shift
Moderator: Rick Gilbert
Learn how to help your clients as their energy demands and charging needs are increasing due to the adoption of EVs. Learn about charger selection and the different options available on the market.
Peter Westlake, OUC
Oscar Rodriguez, NovaCharge
Trey Wilcox, Blink
Moderator: Dory Larsen, SACE
