The solar PV industry is gearing up for a significant surge in the US, with forecasts indicating that solar PV will account for over half of all new power generation capacity in 2026. This rapid growth raises important questions about the supply chain, particularly regarding the availability and reliability of PV modules. The upcoming PVModuleTechUSA Conference in Napa, California, on June 16-17, 2026, aims to address these concerns by gathering industry experts, manufacturers, developers, and policy experts. The event will delve into various aspects of the solar PV ecosystem, including domestic manufacturing capabilities, quality and reliability, recycling, and co-location with battery storage systems (BESS).
One of the key highlights of the conference is the focus on domestic manufacturing. Speakers such as Martin Pochtaruk from Heliene, Imperial Star Solar, and T1 Energy will discuss the growth of the domestic manufacturing sector and the strategic partnerships being formed to establish a fully integrated solar module manufacturing ecosystem. The recent announcement by SEG Solar of its third module assembly plant in Texas further underscores the industry's commitment to domestic production. However, the conference will also explore the challenges and policies surrounding the use of domestically manufactured modules, including anti-dumping/countervailing duties (AD/CVD), tariffs, and FEOC regulations.
Quality and reliability are critical considerations for PV module buyers and investors, especially as the industry moves towards higher-power modules that generate more energy throughout the day. The conference will feature discussions on balancing cost, quality, and reliability, with insights from Kiwa PVEL, National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), and industry experts. The Module Reliability Scorecard, which highlights the positive outcomes of higher-power modules, will be a key topic of discussion.
Sustainability and recycling are also prominent themes at the conference. The industry is increasingly focusing on recycling PV modules at the installation phase rather than during decommissioning. Sonia Dunlop, CEO of the Global Solar Council, emphasizes the importance of financial considerations in solar panel decommissioning to protect consumers from inflated costs. Additionally, the conference will explore the optimization of PV systems, including the role of Nextpower in providing complete solutions and the need for collaboration between stakeholders to establish a true risk profile in early project development.
The integration of solar PV with BESS is another critical aspect of the conference. Co-locating solar with BESS has become imperative in many parts of the world, including the US. The event will bring together experts to share insights into battery storage and co-location, including the construction and warranty aspects of the technology. The QA/QC and due diligence process for PV module procurement will also be discussed, with a focus on lessons learned from BESS projects and future considerations as the sector matures.
As the US solar industry prepares for a record year of projects in 2026 and 2027, the PVModuleTechUSA Conference provides a timely platform for industry professionals to explore module procurement and quality. The forecasted power demand growth, driven by data centers and broader electrification trends, positions solar PV and energy storage as essential technology choices for meeting capacity needs. The conference offers a valuable opportunity for PV Tech readers to gain insights and connect with industry leaders, with a special discount code PVT20 available for attendees.
