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Key Takeaways from RE+ and the Amicus Retreat: Trends Shaping the Future of Solar & Storage
GreenSpark leadership recently attended two major clean energy gatherings — the Amicus Solar Cooperative Leadership Retreat and the RE+ Conference — and gained insights into where the solar and storage markets are headed. Despite ongoing policy uncertainty and shifting market conditions, the tone at both events was surprisingly upbeat. Across the board, the message was clear: innovation is accelerating, demand is growing, and the clean energy industry is rising to the challenge.
Resilient and Optimistic Industry Outlook
Both the Amicus retreat and RE+ were more optimistic than expected, given today’s confusing policy and economic landscape. The conversations reflected an industry that is not only weathering adversity but proving its adaptability and resilience.
As Scott Abbett, GreenSpark Solar’s Executive Director of Supply Chain, commented, there were two quotes he felt really captured the mood:
- “Adversity doesn’t teach… it shows what you are.”
- “Once you have enough data to make a decision, it’s too late.”
These perspectives underscore the urgency — and grit —driving solar and storage forward in our evolving energy market.
Adversity doesn’t teach… it shows what you are.
Technology & Tools on the Rise
Innovation was front and center at both events:
- Rooftop Solar Advancements: IronRidge’s Halo Ultragrip (HUGS) stood out as a promising improvement for rooftop installations.
- Smarter Electrical Panels: SPAN Panels continue to gain attention as more customers seek innovative and integrated energy management.
- Streamlined Deployment: At RE+, integrated skids with prewired transformers, switchboards, and inverters generated excitement, most of all from EPC providers like GreenSpark, where efficiency is critical in deploying community and utility-scale solar sites on time and on budget. These solutions could significantly reduce installation time and are expected to be more widely available by 2026.
Battery Storage & Grid Flexibility
Battery energy storage was among the hottest topics discussed:
- BESS Growth: Companies across the industry are ramping up pipelines to meet the rising demand for battery storage.
- Virtual Power Plants (VPPs): The increase in battery deployments creates opportunities for VPPs — distributed networks that enhance reliability and grid flexibility.
- Flexible Interconnection: With U.S. power consumption projected to rise 40% by 20250, flexible interconnection solutions will be vital. The challenge is not just generating enough clean energy but also effectively distributing it across an increasingly complex and aging grid.
As battery storage and integrated clean energy systems rise, so does the diversification of services, with more and more solar companies transitioning to “energy companies.” For many years, GreenSpark has taken this integrated approach, supporting commercial entities, developers, and homeowners create streamlined, productive, and profitable clean energy systems that maximize their positive enivonrmental impact and resilience.
Building Partnerships & Momentum
Beyond technology, both events emphasized the power of collaboration. At RE+, the sheer size and energy of the conference were a testament to the industry’s continued growth.
The GreenSpark team spent valuable time strengthening relationships with existing partners, meeting new connections, and exploring innovative vendor solutions. These conversations are critical to transforming industry momentum into tangible results for our partners and communities.
Looking Ahead
The key takeaway from RE+ and the Amicus Retreat is that the solar and storage industry is strong, adaptable, and forward-looking. Challenges remain, but innovation and collaboration are fueling solutions at every level — from rooftop systems to national-scale energy strategies.
At GreenSpark, we’re energized by these insights and excited to continue leading alongside our partners, bringing scalable, resilient clean energy solutions to businesses, municipalities, and communities across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and beyond.
