That's a wrap on RE+ 2024! What an incredible event for the renewable energy industry, packed with passion, energy, and an unmistakable drive to push the limits of what's possible. From the first day, it was clear that this gathering wasn’t just about flashy booths and product demos. It was about the people—the leaders, innovators, and professionals committed to accelerating the deployment of clean energy solutions.

The timing of the conference couldn’t have been more poignant. Anaheim had just emerged from a heatwave that pushed temperatures over 100 degrees, with massive plumes of smoke from wildfires hanging in the background. It was a stark reminder that the future of energy—and our responsibility to the planet—is more urgent than ever. The challenges we face in the energy transition are staring us in the face, but the opportunities for positive change have never been greater.

Here are my top takeaways from this year’s event:

1. Financial Pressures and Underperforming Projects

Across nearly every conversation, there was one consistent theme: financial strain. Whether it was asset owners or developers, everyone shared the same story—projects are underperforming financially compared to their original models. While there’s no single reason for this, it’s clear that the optimism of earlier projections hasn’t translated into real-world results. At the same time, companies are optimizing every aspect of their operations to meet the requirements for tax credits and other financial incentives. In an industry where margins are tight, the ability to adapt and reframe expectations is becoming a necessary skill.

2. Hardware Still Reigns, But Software Is Gaining Traction

If there was one thing that stood out on the exhibition floor, it was the dominance of hardware. From batteries to inverters to entire solar modules, the major players in the space were front and center. However, behind the scenes, we also saw a growing presence of software solutions aimed at improving the design and operational aspects of projects. While hardware still rules the day, software’s role is expanding, helping companies design more efficiently and manage assets more intelligently. It’s becoming clearer that the future of solar will depend on a seamless integration of both hardware and software to meet growing demand.

3. EPCs and O&M Providers Expanding Their Roles

A fascinating trend this year was the number of EPCs (engineering, procurement, and construction firms) and O&M (operations and maintenance) providers discussing their moves into asset ownership. This reinforced one of the themes we uncovered in an earlier blog post as organizations look to own more of the "margin stack".

The lines between these roles are blurring, with companies realizing they can capture more value across the entire project lifecycle. Many firms expressed that while building is important, long-term success requires ownership and maintenance of assets. As projects mature and the industry becomes more competitive, controlling more of the value chain is emerging as a key differentiator.

4. The Battery Boom is Here to Stay

Batteries were everywhere at RE+ 2024. From the utility scale to consumer applications, the conversation around energy storage is only getting louder. Batteries are no longer seen as just a “nice-to-have” but as a critical component of solar projects at all scales. It’s clear that the future of clean energy isn’t just about generating power; it’s about storing it efficiently and reliably. The innovations we saw around battery chemistry and storage solutions suggest that we’re just at the beginning of a major shift toward more robust, scalable storage options.

5. The Importance of Long-Term Relationships

Perhaps the most significant lesson from RE+ 2024 is the value of relationships. Success in this industry isn’t just about what you know or what technology you bring to the table—it’s about who you know and how you build trust over time. It was clear from the conversations we had that the companies who are succeeding are the ones that show up year after year, building partnerships that last. In an industry as interconnected as solar, the relationships you build today are the foundation for tomorrow’s success.

A Critical Moment for the Industry

This year’s event, set against the backdrop of wildfires and record-breaking heat, underscored the importance of the work we’re doing. It’s a reminder that we’re not just building businesses—we’re contributing to the future of energy. And as the skies above Anaheim filled with smoke, it was a powerful reminder that the urgency to deploy clean energy solutions has never been more real.

If you’re interested in learning more about how we’re helping organizations transition to cleaner energy by unlocking sustainable growth and maximizing profitability, reach out to us today.