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Event Description
Between the Inflation Reduction Act and New York's nation-leading clean energy programs, Western New York's solar industry is poised for growth, offering significant economic, workforce development, and environmental benefits to the region. Join leaders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors for an afternoon of networking, panel discussions, and presentations about the challenges and opportunities for scaling up solar power in the region.
Agenda
Tour of the Niagara Power Vista Facility with NYPA
11:00 AM
— Optional
Join us for a guided tour of the Niagara Power Vista with a NYPA Engineer. The tour will include fascinating interactive exhibits, a 13-minute movie about the plant and a 4D simulator ride (just 3 minutes) that simulates a drop of water going through the plant.
Lunch and Networking
12:00 PM
Lunch generously sponsored by Montante Solar
Welcome and New York Solar Industry Briefing
1:00 PM
Community Solar Challenges and Opportunities
1:30 PM
New York has the largest community solar market in the United States, and Western New York is the heart of the industry, with a growing number of ground-mount community solar projects in the region. Scaling up community solar in the region promises to provide local businesses and residents with utility bill savings while delivering economic development benefits to host communities and the local workforce. However, Western New York’s community solar industry faces significant challenges, including rising interconnection costs, municipal opposition due to concerns about land use changes, and a shortage of skilled workers. Join us for an in-depth discussion about these challenges and how we can overcome them with experts from the solar industry, labor, utility companies, and municipal leaders.
Networking Break
2:30 PM
NYPA Renewables - A New Paradigm
2:45 PM
In 2023 the New York legislature expanded NYPA's jurisdiction to develop and own new renewable energy projects to support progress toward New York's ambitious clean energy goals. Join Vennela Yadhati, NYPA's Vice President of Renewables, for a snapshot of NYPA's plans to leverage its expanded authority to enable more clean energy projects in partnership with industry.
Rooftop Solar for Western NY Homes and Businesses
3:15 PM
As New York homeowners, businesses and institutions face rising energy costs, rooftop solar can be a great way to lower electricity bills while protecting the environment. While community solar has taken off in Western New York, rooftop solar has lagged behind. Join this conversation with business leaders, New York agency personnel, and the solar industry to learn about the barriers to rooftop solar in the region, how local businesses are overcoming these barriers, and what policies and programs are needed to accelerate rooftop solar adoption.
Closing Remarks
4:15 PM
Happy Hour
5:00 PM
- Brickyard Brewing Company, Lewiston, NY
Happy Hour generously sponsored by New Energy Equity
Sponsorship
Looking to showcase your brand while supporting solar and storage in Western New York? Don't miss these sponsorship opportunities! The Western New York Solar Symposium offers a variety of sponsorship levels to suit your needs and budget. Reach out to events@nyseia.org with any questions, or register below!
Custom Marketing: NYSEIA welcomes creative ideas for featuring your company at our conference. If you have a unique idea for sponsorship or do not see exactly what you need here, please contact us to explore other options.
