Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA) concluded its Midwest conference and tradeshow last week at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Over three days, more than 700 developers, EPCs, installers, distributors, utilities, investors, and policy professionals gathered to exchange market intelligence, evaluate new products, and forge peer‑to‑peer connections. The agenda was deliberately structured around three high‑impact themes—grid transformation, AI‑driven demand, and clean‑energy finance—each of which is shaping the near‑term outlook for utilities, grid operators, and large industrial energy buyers across the MISO and PJM footprints. An opening reception on June 15 set a collaborative tone, followed by a happy hour and a Pop‑A‑Shot competition that sparked informal dialogue ahead of the Illinois Solar Energy Association’s “Solar Drinks on the Roof” event. By weaving together technical workshops, policy deep‑dives, and networking moments, the conference underscored how regional stakeholders are aligning on the work ahead.
IESNA Midwest Conference Highlights the Work Ahead for MISO and PJM
Event Director Beckie Kier emphasized that “the MISO and PJM markets are among the most active and consequential solar and storage environments in the country right now,” and that participants recognized “the work ahead—shifting federal policy, grid planning, project finance, supply chain strategy.” The 2026 conference anchored its program with four keynote sessions that explored grid transformation, project execution, AI‑driven demand, and clean‑energy finance in a post‑OBBBA market. Thirteen breakout sessions delved into storage market dynamics specific to MISO and PJM, the impending expiration of the federal 25D investment credit, the 48E ITC milestone, FEOC compliance, Section 232 tariffs, data‑center demand, project‑finance structures, and supply‑chain onshoring strategies. Six hands‑on workshops—four of which offered NABCEP CEUs—provided practical training in PV O&M, cybersecurity for energy systems, post‑ITC project structuring, and workforce development. Attendees repeatedly highlighted the need for coordinated grid planning and the importance of aligning financing models with evolving policy landscapes, signaling a clear roadmap for the next wave of solar‑plus‑storage deployments in the region.
Infrastructure and Policy Focus Reflect Regional Priorities
The exhibit hall showcased 45 companies presenting solar modules, racking, inverters, storage systems, software platforms, and EPC services. Attendees used the floor to source supply‑chain partners and evaluate proven products. Representatives from utilities and policy bodies—including Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Form Energy, HASI, SOLV Energy, and Xcel Energy—joined more than 700 professionals spanning developers, manufacturers, financiers, and consultants. Sessions addressed Illinois‑specific policy issues such as the 25D credit expiration, the 48D ITC milestone, and Section 232 tariffs, underscoring the regulatory environment that utilities and developers must navigate in the Midwest.
Upcoming IESNA Events Signal Ongoing Market Momentum
IESNA announced that the Midwest conference will return to the same venue June 14‑16, 2027. Registration is now open for IESNA Texas, scheduled for September 1‑2, 2026 in Dallas, which will focus on ERCOT‑related topics. The flagship national event is slated for February 9‑11, 2027 in San Diego, with a Call for Abstracts open until July 20 for speakers on solar + storage, policy, interconnection, permitting reform, utility‑scale solar, and DERs. These dates indicate a continued cadence of regional gatherings aimed at facilitating peer‑to‑peer connections and market intelligence for the solar and storage sectors.
Key Takeaways
- Over 700 developers, EPCs, installers, utilities, and investors attended the IESNA Midwest conference at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.
- Four keynote sessions addressed grid transformation, project execution, AI‑driven demand, and clean‑energy finance, while 13 breakout sessions covered MISO/PJM storage dynamics, Illinois solar policy, and supply‑chain onshoring.
- IESNA announced future events: Midwest 2027 (June 14‑16, IL), Texas 2026 (September 1‑2, TX), and the Flagship national event 2027 (February 9‑11, CA).
EnergyInsyte's Take
The Midwest gathering underscores that utilities and developers in MISO and PJM are actively planning for policy shifts, financing structures, and supply‑chain adjustments. While the event signals sustained industry engagement, the actual impact on project pipelines will depend on how quickly participants translate the discussed strategies into executed projects. Executives should monitor the upcoming 2027 Midwest conference and the Texas event for concrete updates on regional financing trends and grid‑integration plans.
Source: Businesswire
