Emerging Leaders Program

Educational Day

Emerging Leaders Program

22 April 2025 | San Diego

A day specifically designed for new professionals, students, and trainees entering the field of solar PV and BESS asset management. This engaging and interactive program will provide participants with hands-on learning opportunities, practical insights, and direct access to industry experts.
Through dynamic sessions, case studies, and collaborative discussions, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of key asset management areas, including technical portfolio management, non-financial risk management, and service provider and stakeholder management. More than just a learning experience, this day fosters valuable peer-to-peer connections, allowing participants to exchange ideas, share challenges, and build their professional networks.
Throughout the event, participants will interact with experts who bring years of experience in solar and energy storage asset management. These industry leaders will offer guidance, answer questions, and share real-world strategies to help new professionals navigate the complexities of the field. By the end of the day, attendees will leave not only with essential knowledge but also with a strong network of peers and mentors to support their career growth in the renewable energy industry

Tuesday 22 April 2025

Program

Introduction

Energy Market Mechanics

08:45

Solarplaza introduction

presentation

10 min.

Lorena Nieuwenhoven

Solarplaza

Elise Hoffmann

Session Topics:
08:55

Zooming out on the larger picture

presentation

25 min.



Gain a broad understanding of how the global energy market operates. This session offers insights into the key forces shaping energy prices, market dynamics, and how renewable energy integrates into the broader energy mix.

Michael Eyman

Clean Energy Services

Session Topics:
09:20

Quick refreshment break

Session Topics:
Masterclass 1

Technical Asset Management / O&M

09:40

Get PV O&M Onboarded - What you need to know about large-scale PV sites to get started in your O&M journey

presentation

200 min.


 

Solar Energy International, in partnership with AES CE, recently developed and launched a 6-week best-in-class PV O&M Onboarding course. Join us for this 3-hour overview of technical, critical takeaways and learn what PV O&M field professionals need to know to work safely and efficiently. Karo Fernandez, Technical Training Manager for AES and SEI Curriculum Developer, walks you through a technical deep-dive of large-scale PV sites. Learn what industry leaders consider most important when onboarding technical personnel into this rapidly-emerging branch of PV.

Karo Fernandez

Solar Energy International

Session Topics:
13:00

Lunch break

Session Topics:
Masterclass 2

Commercial and Financial Asset Management

14:00

Basics of PV Analytics: practical data analytics in the age of AI

presentation

30 min.


 

This interactive session will provide a crash course on the fundamentals of PV analytics, provide an overview of the existing analytics trends and software, and explore how AI and automation are transforming operations and maintenance (O&M). Learn practical steps for turning data into insights and insights into action. Come prepared with your questions for an engaging Q&A!

Rob Andrews

Session Topics:
14:30

Optimizing Solar Investment and Asset Management: Financial Strategies, Investor Relations, and Portfolio Performance

presentation

75 min.


 

This session provides a comprehensive approach to managing solar investments and portfolios. Explore effective financial management techniques, including billing, performance benchmarking, and refinancing strategies to maximize returns. Learn how to navigate investor relations, estimate asset valuations, and optimize secondary market opportunities. Additionally, gain insights into asset onboarding, due diligence, reporting, and balancing in-house versus outsourced services for streamlined portfolio management.

Clemencia Vera

Luminace

Session Topics:
15:45

Coffee Break

Session Topics:
Masterclass 3

Intro on Energy Storage

16:00

Fundamentals of BESS

presentation

45 min.



Gain insight into the key considerations for asset managers operating BESS projects. This session provides a comprehensive overview of technical due diligence, the fundamentals of how BESS projects work, the challenges they present, and the critical knowledge required for effective management.

Pooja Shah

DNV

Session Topics:
16:45

Emerging leader networking drinks and Give & Get: Interactive Mentorship and Key Takeaways

Session Topics:

Need any help?

Send us an email; we’d be more than happy to help.

Mar Clemente Diego
Manager Event As A Service (EASY)

For practical questions regarding our activities:

mar@solarplaza.com

José Miguel Polanco
Business Developer

For practical questions regarding our activities:

jose@solarplaza.com

Sabine Dhevaraj
Event Procurement & Support Team Lead

For practical questions regarding our activities:

sabine@solarplaza.com