State of Solar in the USA: Insights from InterSolar North America 2023

The solar industry is constantly evolving, and keeping up with the latest trends and industry advancements is an essential way to remain competitive. Recently, Kealy Day, Head of Solutions at Smart Commercial Energy, attended the InterSolar North American Conference in Long Beach, California with our Head of Sales, Jon Vlatko.

Hear it directly from Kealy!

Watch this interview with Kealy Day as he dives into the key takeaways and insights from the conference. Or if you prefer, scroll down and read the blog instead!

 

First Impression: From Down Under to Long Beach

The lobby of Long Beach Convention Center was buzzing. There was lots of excitement, but to our surprise, attendance was considerably lower than at similar Australian events.

It’s hard to say for sure, but it seems like the tightening of regulations and supply chain constraints had an impact on manufacturer presence. Or maybe it's just this particular conference? Nonetheless, there was lots of energy and enthusiasm in the room and the conference was a success.

Australia Winning the Cost Game

The United States and Australia are both powerhouses in the solar market, ranking second and eighth respectively in global solar energy production. But, when it comes to the cost of installation,  Australia is giving the US a run for its money, operating at a lower Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE).

It comes back to the different market landscapes. The US has tariffs in place that incentivise onshore manufacturing, subsequently driving up labour and equipment procurement costs, whereas the Australian market can access cheaper products and operate with less red tape.

Breaking Barriers: New Solutions in the US Solar Market

With the contrasting market landscape, the conference featured quite a few solutions that haven't been adopted in Australia, yet. Among these were battery manufacturers and assemblers showcasing solutions that were specifically designed to solve problems in the American market, which was exciting to see.

Ground mounts in particular were a focus of innovation, with some new ballast systems and ground anchors used in a unique way that I had never seen before. 

The most notable aspect, however, was their advancements in software solutions, particularly analysis software. They have API access to interval data through their distribution networks, which is something we don't have in Australia yet. It's an exciting prospect that could revolutionize our industry's efficiency in the future.

Inspiration to Action

Browsing through these exciting technologies provided a valuable reminder that the solar industry is shining brighter than ever before. Innovation is occurring all around the world, from the unique challenges that exist in different marketplaces, and there are always different angles to approach problems. A fresh perspective, curiosity, and critical thinking; it really pays to be aware of what’s happening in other markets.

By broadening our horizons and exploring new ideas, we can continue to push the boundaries of what's possible and drive progress forward in the Australian solar industry.