Solar Power International 2014 kicks off today in Las Vegas and we will be there. Here’s our preview…
SPI is always a great show, indeed, it is often an overwhelming experience. Add in the extra spice of Las Vegas and this week is likely to go by in a blur! As always we will be on the lookout for what’s new and improved, particularly when it comes to racking solutions, energy storage (will this finally be the year?), and cool new tools to make the job easier and safer.
We are particularly eager to see what is happening in “Start-up Alley” where a number of new companies will be pitching their concepts in the hope of securing investment dollars - to say nothing of some SPI buzz! One SPI regular and strong policy voice for solar - Adam Gerza - will be there with his new venture, Energy Toolbase. He recently wrote to us to tell us about Energy Toolbase and described it this way:
Having spent the last six years building my own Excel models, and using the other software products that are out there – I believe Energy Toolbase is better than any tool that’s ever been built.
Pretty strong boast there, Adam, and as someone who has been building models since getting into the business back in 2006, I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ve got!
But SPI is about way more than the geek fest that it surely is. It is about making connections and there will be lots of opportunities to do just that. Starting with the opening reception this evening, and then the lucky few who made the cut get to attend the Top Solar Contractors Gala, courtesy of the fine folks at Solar Power World.
Tuesday night is the annual Block Party and I’m guessing a block party in Vegas will be nothing short of epic!
Wednesday features the Solar Tweetup at lunchtime hosted by Tor (Solar Fred) Valenza (with some help from his friends at Enphase, Generaytor, REC Solar and Solar-Log, and wraps up with the #SolarChat event featuring Raina Russo, Glenna Wiseman and our own Kendra Hubbard. Whew!
Look for tweets and Facebook posts during the week and more detailed blog posts after the event.
Have a great week everybody, and if you see me on the floor be sure to come up and say hi!