Join codes & standards professionals the 4th annual SEIA Codes & Standards Symposium! Our experts will provide insight into the transition to new and improved building and energy codes that impact solar installation, identifying key considerations for designers, engineers, marketers, and policy professionals.
Attendees will be briefed on key elements the latest Electrical Code, the Building, Fire and related codes, and the California Building Standards and Energy Codes. You’ll also learn what’s on the horizon for the next generation of solar codes and standards, shaping the future of solar regulations.
This event now qualifies for NABCEP continuing education credits! Learn more about how you can apply the Codes & Standards Symposium educational content to NABCEP credits.
Agenda
Wednesday, September 23rd
2:00pm - 2:15pm | Opening & Welcome
Speakers: Abby Hopper & Evelyn Butler, SEIA
The changing landscape of solar in the U.S.
2:15pm - 3:00pm | Panel Discussion
Collaborative Industry Efforts
Speakers: Evelyn Butler, SEIA | Larry Sherwood, IREC | Jeff Cook, NREL
SEIA works with many partners to advance solar-friendly codes, standards and related regulatory requirements as well as improvements in permitting, inspection and installation of solar throughout the U.S. We've invited a few of those collaborators to share the progress regarding SolarAPP (a permitting software platform) and the national effort towards building AHJ and industry collaboration.
3:00pm - 3:15pm | Networking Break
3:15pm - 4:00pm | Panel Discussion
Solar Structural Engineering Topics
Speakers: Joe Cain, SEIA | Dustin Haddock, S-5! | Jennifer Carey, Kleinfelder, Inc. | Matthew Browne, RWDI
Building upon SEIA’s previous webinar on structural engineering topics, our panel will review the example problems in the SEAOC Wind Design Manual, illustrating applied use of provisions in ASCE 7-16. The panel will then provide an update of development of future ASCE 7-22, and how standards requirements and testing of PV Modules with Mounting Systems relate to Reliability and Resilience. We will discuss how the new IEC 62938 standard relates to Snow Loads Design, and several cases in which PV modules are subjected to incidental loads. Finally, the panel will provide an update on the new ground-mount wind design method under development for future ASCE 7-22.
4:00pm - 4:45pm | Panel Discussion
Where Are They Now? Innovation and Trends in PV Systems and Components
Speakers: Jason Fisher, Solar Tech Consulting | Mark Gies, S-5! | Vikash Venkataramana, Jinko Solar | Greg Ball, Tesla
The solar industry always leads the pack when it comes to innovation and this year is no exception. Though these changes create excitement and opportunities, they can also present regulatory challenges. This session will focus on the latest trends in PV and energy storage applications and what new products are expected to come to market. A panel of representatives from major manufacturers will present on their latest products and participate in a group discussion about how their innovations are helping to evolve, or could be impeded by, codes and standards. Representatives from solar module/BIPV, power electronics (microinverters, optimizers), mounting systems, and balance of systems manufacturers will be invited.
4:45pm - 5:00pm | Wrap-up
Thursday, September 24th
3:00pm - 3:45pm | WEBINAR: Scaling SolarAPP+ Nationwide: Demo and Outreach Strategy
Speakers: Jeff Cook, NREL | Valerie Anderson, Tesla | Karyn Boenker, Sunrun | Justin Baca, SEIA
SolarAPP (Solar Automated Permit Processing) is an online solar permitting tool that will make the process of going solar easier and cheaper for customers, and allow local governments to quickly and safely approve applications.
Join this free webinar to see a live demo of the program, hear an update on its development, and learn how you can get involved.
3:00pm - 3:45pm | Panel Discussion
Grid Graduation: Increasing Intelligence for DERs Through IoT, Autonomy, AI and Advanced Technology
Speakers: Ken Boyce, UL | Danish Saleem, NREL | Scott Picco, UL
Distributed energy resources (DERs), from solar panels to tracker systems to balance-of-systems equipment are rapidly integrating increased intelligence. This transition is being accomplished through advanced electronics and sensors, increasingly complex software controls, and enhanced communications. Increasingly DERs are developing the ability to ingest weather forecasts, respond to real-time conditions with enhanced sophistication, provide increased protective features and provide new modes of operation and control. As the energy infrastructure increasingly integrates intelligent assets with the Internet of Things (IoT), there are new possibilities and values opened for performance, integrations, and operation. These technologies also might generate new vulnerabilities in terms of functional safety, systems integration, software updates and cybersecurity. As we look to a future with more machine learning & other artificial intelligence, edge solutions, autonomy and cloud-based algorithms, maximizing the benefits and mitigating the vulnerabilities will be critical for sustainably advancing solar deployment. This session will review the key technological trends and measures being developed to proactively address safety, security and reliability.
3:45pm - 4:00pm | Networking Break
4:00pm - 4:45pm | Panel Discussion
Interconnection: What's New and Upcoming
Speakers: Tim Zgonena, UL | Mark Siira, IEEE
With the recent standard published and the test protocol, IEEE 1547.1 underway, many organizations are currently pursuing testing and learning more about how to effectively implement the requirements. Our experts will discuss and review the regulatory aspects of implementation for grid support and integration, taking into account current and forthcoming technology.
4:45pm - 5:30pm | Panel Discussion
Microgrids: Hey Team! Are We There Yet?
Speakers: Ward Bower, WB Innovations | Jason Fisher, SolarTech Consulting | Jason Hopkins, UL
Microgrid Status Update - What is happening and what is not? The session will include a) information on what is necessary for microgrid applications; b) the technologies included in microgrid systems and potential impacts on interconnected EPS reliability/resilience; c) what is in installation standards (e.g. NEC): d) content of product standards (UL, IEC); and e) interconnect rules and mandates (CE). Further, impacts, evolution, safety of related energy storage, and a new distributed energy resource standard (UL 3001 development) will be discussed. Other topics to be briefly addressed include distributed energy resource management systems (DERMs), microgrids as part of developing energy ecosystems, and microgrid controller standards impacts on smaller residential and commercial microgrids?
