Oregon Solar + Storage Conference 2025: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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7:00am PDT

Breakfast hosted by EZ Solar Loans

Thursday May 15, 2025 7:00am - 9:00am PDT

Belmont Foyer

A variety of breakfast items, coffee, and tea to get your morning started!

Thursday May 15, 2025 7:00am - 9:00am PDT
Belmont Foyer

Activity

7:00am PDT

Networking in Expo Hall

Thursday May 15, 2025 7:00am - 9:00am PDT

Belmont AB

Visit exhibitors, get your passport stickers, and network with your peers.

Thursday May 15, 2025 7:00am - 9:00am PDT
Belmont AB

Networking

7:00am PDT

Registration

Thursday May 15, 2025 7:00am - 9:00am PDT

Belmont Foyer

Thursday May 15, 2025 7:00am - 9:00am PDT
Belmont Foyer

Registration

7:30am PDT

Goat Yoga hosted by Greentech Renewables

Thursday May 15, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am PDT

Fireside Plaza Atrium

Come enjoy this unique yoga experience with goats. Yoga mats will be provided. This fun event will take place in the Fireside Plaza adjacent to the Belmont Foyer. Please sign up HERE.

Sponsors

Greentech Renewables

Greentech Renewables strives to be the most trusted distributor in the renewable energy industry, providing customers with the tools, resources, and services to design, finance, sell, and install PV and energy storage solutions efficiently and cost-effectively. As Greentech Renewables... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am PDT
Fireside Plaza Atrium

Activity

9:00am PDT

Federal Policy Updates: Tariffs to Tax Credits.

Thursday May 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Belmont C

From the tariff changes to tax credits and incentives, the federal energy policy landscape is shifting drastically and quickly. Come hear national policy experts discuss the latest on federal clean energy policy and legislation.

Moderators

Ryan Sheehy

Founder & President, Fleet Development

Ryan Sheehy founded Fleet Development to build a bridge between the renewable energy and multifamily affordable housing industries. The idea for the company’s mission came after finishing a 20-year career with the Marines, moving back to Eastern Oregon, and joining the top-tier... Read More →

Speakers

Erin Duncan

Vice President of Congressional Affairs, SEIA

Erin Duncan is SEIA’s Vice President Of Congressional Affairs where she leads SEIA’s congressional affairs team in their work to influence energy, tax, trade, appropriations and other policies in support of the solar industry.Prior to joining SEIA, Erin spent eleven years as a... Read More →

M. John Way

Shareholder, Schwabe

John Way is passionate when it comes to all things taxes and offers a unique perspective on tax and estate planning law. Whether assisting businesses or individuals, he guides clients through the labyrinth of federal and state tax regulations, estate and succession planning, and business... Read More →

Philip Shen

Managing Director, Senior Research Analyst - Cleantech, Roth Capital

Philip Shen is a Managing Director, Senior Research Analyst at ROTH, specializing in equity research coverage of the cleantech sector, focusing on renewables. Since 2010, he has established a strong reputation and network within the industry, allowing him to stay at the forefront... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Belmont C

Policy Focus, Pending CLE

9:00am PDT

Public Speaking Tactics for High-Impact Presentations

Thursday May 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Windsor C

Presentations are more than just words on a slide—it’s your chance to move your audience to action. But too often, presentations fall flat because the delivery doesn’t match the message. This workshop will help you bridge that gap.

During this workshop, you’ll learn how to prepare like a pro, deliver with confidence, and keep your audience hooked from your first word to your final call to action. Whether you’re pitching, presenting, or leading, this session will give you tools to elevate your public speaking.

By the end of this workshop, participants will:
Understand the roots of public speaking anxiety and effective methods to manage it.
Learn insider tips and tricks for grabbing attention and keeping it.
Practice speaking in a safe space to build confidence and refine your style.
Feel empowered to deliver clear, compelling, and confident presentations.

Speakers

Spenser Meeks

Principal & Presentation Consultant, Apex Presentations

Presentation consultant, Spenser Meeks works with individuals and organizations to amplify their communication, connection, and confidence so they can make a lasting impact on the world. He mentors with passion, effectively strengthening and elevating messaging to new heights.

Thursday May 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Windsor C

Sales / Marketing

9:00am PDT

The Business Case for Residential Solar-Plus-Storage

Thursday May 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Windsor AB

A lot has been written and said about the benefits of residential solar-plus-storage, but are these benefits real? Does residential solar-plus-storage really make economic sense, or are the many claimed benefits just a lot of marketing hype? To find out, come to our talk and participate in our discussion of the business case for residential solar-plus-storage.

Speakers

Virgil Beaston

Chief Technology Officer, QPO Energy, Inc.

Virgil Beaston is currently the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of QPO Energy and the former Senior Vice President & CTO of Powin Energy. He has more than 17 years of experience in the battery energy storage industry and is often asked to speak publicly as a subject matter expert... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Windsor AB

Sales / Marketing

10:00am PDT

Legislative Keynote: The Sun is Shining on Oregon's Energy Future

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am PDT

Belmont AB

An update on the Oregon Energy Strategy and other activities at the Oregon Department of Energy

Speakers

Janine Benner

Director, Oregon Department of Energy

Janine joined ODOE in February 2017 as our Assistant Director for Planning and Innovation, and was named agency Director by then-Governor Brown and confirmed by the Senate in February 2018. As director, she provides leadership and policy direction to the department’s 120+ employees... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am PDT
Belmont AB

Keynote

10:30am PDT

Networking in Expo Hall

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am PDT

Belmont AB

Visit exhibitors, get your passport stickers, and network with your peers.

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am PDT
Belmont AB

Networking

11:00am PDT

Consumer Protection Comes to Oregon

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Belmont C

OSSIA members worked with consumer protection advocates, state agencies and local utilities to craft consumer protection legislation for Oregon. We hope to see this legislation to come forward in 2026 - come learn what to expect!

Moderators

Aby Jaeger

Program Manager, Solar Oregon

Abygale Jaeger is a passionate program manager with a deep commitment to driving positive change through education, community engagement, and sustainability initiatives. Currently serving as Program Manager at Solar Oregon, Abygale leads the development and execution of educational... Read More →

Speakers

Anders Alexander

VP of Business Development, LoanTerra

Anders Alexander completed a degree in economics, ecology, and environmental policy from Western Washington University. He has worked for SolarCity (now Tesla), Sungevity, A&R Solar, Blossom Solar, Resound Energy, EagleView, and he currently works for the fintech LoanTerra as VP of... Read More →

Chris Coughlin

Policy Director, Oregon Consumer Justice

Chris Coughlin (she/her/hers) is the Policy Director for Oregon Consumer Justice (OCJ). Chris has extensive policy, advocacy, non-profit and coalition management, communications, and outreach experience, working with community-based organizations, businesses, and political campaigns... Read More →

Reeves Clippard

Chief Strategic Officer & Co-Founder, A&R Solar

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Belmont C

Policy Focus, Pending CLE

11:00am PDT

Timing is Everything: How to Make Dynamic Rates Work for Installers

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Windsor AB

Discussion of how the introduction of TOU and other more dynamic rates (particularly with residential/small commercial) can be leveraged to improve customer economics, particularly in cases with electrification, storage, load flexibility. Focus will be on the practical application of tools in the field, drawing from experience both in Oregon and elsewhere. The panel will include a diverse set of speakers and cover best practices both for installers and utilities on how to work together better for the good of customers.

A broad audience should find value in this presentation, including installers, program managers, and policy makers. Learning objectives will include: understanding what tools exist to better model dynamic rates, what technologies and/or installation practices best leverage those rates, how utilities/policy makers can improve the design and support of these rates.

Moderators

Josh Keeling

Chief Growth Officer, UtilityAPI

Josh Keeling is the Chief Growth Officer at UtilityAPI. Previously, he served as the Senior Vice President of Product and Market Development when he joined in 2023. Before joining UtilityAPI, he held leadership roles at Generac, LO3 Energy, and Portland General Electric, where he... Read More →

Speakers

Rachel Bryant

Sr. Director of Regulatory & Policy Business Development, GridX

Rachel Bryant is the Senior Director of Regulatory and Policy Business Development at GridX. She is responsible for overseeing regulatory and legislative work and leads GridX's efforts with policy makers, utilities, regulators and legislators. Prior to joining GridX, Rachel worked... Read More →

Erik Holvik

Director of Corporate Development & Strategy, EnergySage

Erik Holvik is the Director of Corporate Development & Strategy at EnergySage where he leads new business ventures and partnerships for EnergySage. Erik has been with EnergySage for over four years working with contractors, manufacturers, software companies, educational institutions... Read More →

Audrey Burkhardt

Manager of Energy Storage & Resilence Solutions, Portland General Electric

Audrey Burkhardt serves as Resilience and Energy Storage Portfolio Manager for Portland General Electric (PGE). Audrey’s team develops and manages customer programs that tackle the twin imperatives of electric sector decarbonization and increased resilience for Oregonians grappling... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Windsor AB

Policy Focus

11:00am PDT

Best Practices in Lithium Battery Installation

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Windsor C

This session will cover:
1) Battery Storage System Design, Safety and Maintenance.
2) Installers and other interested parties.
3) How to safely design and install a battery-based energy system in a home or commercial environment. Common components used. Safety precautions.

Speakers

Michael Wight

Sales Application Engineer, Discover Energy Systems

Michael Wight serves as a Sales Application Engineer at Discover Energy Systems, bringing over two decades of hands-on experience in the residential and commercial solar industry. Previously a highly respected installer with Gardner Energy, Mike honed his expertise in grid-tied and... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Windsor C

Technical, PENDING NABCEP

12:00pm PDT

Lunch hosted by Schneider Electric

Thursday May 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

Belmont Foyer

Lunch is served in both the Belmont and Windsor foyers.

Thursday May 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Belmont Foyer

Activity

12:00pm PDT

Networking in Expo Hall

Thursday May 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

Belmont AB

Visit exhibitors, get your passport stickers, and network with your peers.

Thursday May 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Belmont AB

Networking

1:00pm PDT

Bringing Solar to New Construction Commercial Projects with Energy Trust of Oregon

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Windsor AB

Learn how Energy Trust of Oregon supports the addition of solar to commercial new construction projects early in the design process. We will provide an overview of how Energy Trust interacts with architects, engineers and building owners to incorporate energy efficient design and solar into their projects - and how Energy Trust Solar Trade Allies can get involved.

Speakers

Beth Offensend

Outreach Manager, New Buldings Program, Energy Trust of Oregon

Beth works with K-12 and higher education customers to help them hit their building performance goals. She has worked in sustainability and commercial energy efficiency for over 15 years and previously worked as a writer and editor for architecture and construction related trade publications... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Windsor AB

Energy Trust Programming

1:00pm PDT

Making Virtual Power Plants a Reality in Oregon

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Belmont C

Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) have the potential to unlock clean energy and energy efficiency for the benefit of both customers and the grid. Come hear what PGE and Pacificorp have planned, what other states are doing, and what we hope to achieve in Oregon.

Moderators

Kyle Armitage

Manager, Greentech Renewables

Kyle Armitage is a manager at Greentech Renewables in Portland. He has been with Greentech Renewables for 6 years and worked for a solar installation company prior to that. Kyle is passionate about solar energy and being a part of the latest industry trends and developments.

Speakers

Shannon Anderson

Distributed Power Plant Policy Director, Solar United Neighbors

As a Distributed Power Plant Policy Director, Shannon supports SUN’s efforts to advance adoption of distributed power plants (DPPs for short, also known as Virtual Power Plants) around the country in a way that ensures consumer protections, equitable participation, and fair compensation... Read More →

Franco Albi

Director Regional Intergration, Portland General Electric

Franco Albi is the Director Regional Integration at Portland General Electric. His portfolio includes Strategy Integration and Virtual Power Plant deployment. His team is responsible for accelerating PGE’s customer programs to market and integrating operational capabilities to increase... Read More →

William Comeau

Vice President of Customer Experience & Innovations, PacificCorp

William Comeau is the Vice President of Customer Experience and Innovations for Rocky Mountain Power. His portfolio includes customer service, large customer management, and customer programs such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, electric vehicles and demand response. Bringing... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Belmont C

Policy Focus

1:00pm PDT

Trust is Power: Charging-Up Buyer Confidence in the Solar Industry

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Windsor C

"In this 'electric' session, you’ll learn how trust can fuel growth and how a lack of trust can short out confidence. What businesses truly earn and maintain trust with their communities? How do they stand out in a crowded market and avoid common industry pitfalls? And how can you identify and report bad actors who misrepresent the solar industry in a negative light?

You'll walk away from this interactive talk with practical insights, examples, and tools you can use to build stronger relationships, boost your reputation, and connect with consumers who are actively looking for trustworthy solar businesses like yours."

Speakers

Carmeron Nakashima

Media Engagement & Digital Campaigns Manager, Better Business Bureau

Cameron Nakashima leads the consumer-centric media engagement and digital strategy for Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific (BBB GWP). As a frequent on-camera spokesperson, Cameron has appeared on local news stations across BBB GWP's eight-state region, helping businesses and... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Windsor C

Sales / Marketing

about Cameron Nakashima leads the consumer-centric media engagement and digital strategy for Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific. As a frequent on-camera spokesperson, Cameron has appeared on local news stations across BBB GWP's eight-state region, helping businesses and consumers navigate issues of trust in today’s marketplace.<br><br>With a background in corporate communication and marketing, Cameron specializes in turning complex topics into clear, engaging messages. He speaks with business owners and communities about building trust, earning customer confidence, and the value of partnering with trusted businesses -- especially when involving large investments, such as PV systems.

2:00pm PDT

Twende Solar Update

Thursday May 15, 2025 2:00pm - 2:15pm PDT

Belmont AB

Hear what is new with Twende Solar and how they bridge the gap between renewable energy experts and economically marginalized communities with a need for a reliable, affordable source of clean energy to power their work

Speakers

Robin Swanhuyser

Executive Director, Twende Solar

Robin joins Twende Solar with ten years of experience in nonprofit operations and logistics, event production, community engagement, and international development. Prior to joining Twende Solar, Robin was the Program Director at the Biennial of the Americas, where she managed events... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 2:00pm - 2:15pm PDT
Belmont AB

Spotlight Talk

2:15pm PDT

Networking in Expo Hall

Thursday May 15, 2025 2:15pm - 2:30pm PDT

Belmont AB

Visit exhibitors, get your passport stickers, and network with your peers.

Thursday May 15, 2025 2:15pm - 2:30pm PDT
Belmont AB

Networking

2:30pm PDT

Update on Solar for All Funding

Thursday May 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Windsor AB

The Oregon Department of Energy, together with partners Energy Trust of Oregon and Bonneville Environmental Foundation, were awarded an $86.6 Million Solar for All Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support renewable energy adoption for low-income Oregonians. The session provides an update on the development of the program.

Speakers

James Cogle

Incentive Programs Operations Policy Analyst, Oregon Department of Energy

Zach Sippel

Sr. Program Manager, Energy Trust of Oregon

Zach Sippel is a Senior Program Manager at Energy Trust of Oregon where he leads the Solar for All program. His expertise spans construction management and installation across Minnesota, Colorado, and Oregon with projects ranging from custom residential solar pergolas to utility-scale... Read More →

Patrick DePriest

Community Solar Senior Program Manager, Bonneville Environmental Foundation

Patrick joined BEF in Fall 2024 as the Community Solar Senior Program Manager to facilitate community solar project development throughout Oregon's consumer-owned utility territories as part of the federal Solar For All program. Prior to joining BEF, Patrick worked with the State... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Windsor AB

Policy Focus

2:30pm PDT

What's Happening at the Oregon and Washington Legislatures?

Thursday May 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Belmont C

Washington's legislative session has just ended and there is just over a month left in Oregon's Legislative session. What are our hopes and expectations for Oregon? What can we look forward to in Washington? Hear directly from Oregon Legislators on what this session has in store for solar.

Moderators

Angela Crowley-Koch

Executive Director, OSSIA

Angela Crowley-Koch has spent the last two decades in public policy and advocacy as has been the Executive Director at OSSIA since 2018. Previously the Legislative Director at Oregon Environmental Council, her work was instrumental in passing the Toxic-Free Kids Act, renewing the... Read More →

Speakers

Phaedra Beckert

Executive Director, WASEIA

Phaedra Beckert serves as the Executive Director of the Washington Solar Energy Industries Association (WASEIA), where she leads the organization's efforts to advocate for and advance solar energy across Washington State. With a strong background in policy and stakeholder engagement... Read More →

Rep. Ken Helm

Representative House District 27, Oregon State Legislature

Ken Helm is the State Representative for Oregon House District 27, including the City of Beaverton and nearby communities. Among his legislative duties, he serves as Co-Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water, as well as a member of the... Read More →

Rep. Darcey Edwards

Representative House District 31, Oregon State Legislature

State Representative Darcey Edwards is a lifelong resident of Northwest Oregon, a small business owner, and a dedicated community advocate. Raised in House District 31, she brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to serving the people of Columbia, Multnomah, and Washington... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Belmont C

Policy Focus, Pending CLE

2:30pm PDT

What is the LRT Program and How to Get an Apprentice?

Thursday May 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Windsor C

Session details coming soon!

Speakers

Erin Zygaitis

Program Manager / LRT Apprenticeship Administrator, OSSIA / OSEEF

Erin is not only a seasoned project manager but also an expert cat herder, boasting a wealth of experience across government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors. Whether she's spearheading complex projects, refining processes, or rallying teams toward a shared objective, Erin is the... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Windsor C

Solar Career Expo

4:00pm PDT

Happy Watt-Hour! Benefiting Twende Solar

Thursday May 15, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

10 Barrel Brewing

Join us from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at 10 Barrel Brewing for Twende Solar's annual Happy Watt-Hour following the Oregon Solar + Storage Conference. Please stop by for a beer, network and mingle with members of our solar community, learn about Twende Solar's upcoming projects, and check out silent auction items up for bidding! All proceeds from the event will go towards powering Twende Solar's work to expand renewable energy access worldwide. Hope to see you there!

10 Barrel Brewing is located at 1411 NW Flanders Street, Portland, OR 97209, approximately 1.5 miles from the conference hotel.

Thursday May 15, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
10 Barrel Brewing 1411 NW Flanders Street, Portland, OR 97209

Networking