Solar Asset Management North America
13-14 March 2018 - San Francisco
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Solar Asset Management North America
13-14 March 2018 - San Francisco
The leading conference focused on the operational phase of solar plants and portfolios
On 13 and 14 March 2018, Solarplaza hosted the 5th annual edition of the leading conference dedicated to the operational phase of solar plants and portfolios. Covering technical and financial topics, which range from performance optimization to refinancing and secondary market. Learn from 90+ speakers and network with 500+ attendees representing the leading service providers, asset/portfolio managers, IPPs, utilities, investors, developers and advisors active in the North American solar market.
DIAMOND SPONSORS
Key characteristics
THE must-attend event fully dedicated to the operational phase of PV assets
500+ attendees, representing the value chain from service provider to asset manager and investor
90+ leading experts on stage sharing their vision, expertise and experience
40+ sponsors and exhibitors profiling themselves and their leading products/services
Overview of participants
Speakers
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Speakers
| PAUL ZAVESOFF /// DIRECTOR OF ASSET MANAGEMENT - NRG RENEWABLES |  |
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Paul is a director of asset management responsible for the P&L and commercial management of the NRG Renewables portfolio of over 1.6GW of utility wind and solar projects. He has 19 years of asset management, finance and business development in renewable energy and power. Prior to NRG, Paul was a vice president of finance at Ram Power, Corp., a geothermal energy startup, where he directed corporate and project finance activities. Prior to it, he served as a deputy director responsible for business development at Ormat Technologies, Inc., a geothermal power developer and operator. Prior to that, Paul held various other positions at Ormat, including an asset manager responsible for all Ormat’s projects in the United States. He holds a BA in Political Sciences from Tel Aviv University and a MBA from Ben Gurion University. | |
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PAUL ZAVESOFF DIRECTOR OF ASSET MANAGEMENT /// NRG RENEWABLES |
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| BRYAN BANKE /// ASSET MANAGEMENT - ENERPARC | |
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Bryan Banke is responsible for the performance, both operational and financial, of all Enerparc, Inc. U.S. assets. Enerparc is a privately held company based in Hamburg, Germany. It provides solar EPC services across 19 countries and owns 1GW as a solar IPP. Mr. Banke is an early creator of standardized operating policies and procedures in the management of solar asset portfolios, and his ideas and extensive knowledge of real world operations have been published and presented before numerous industry conferences and working groups. Prior to joining the Enerparc family, Bryan managed NRG Energy’s Distributed Generation portfolios before assuming control of the solar and wind operations for Renewable Energy Trust Capital. |
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BRYAN BANKE ASSET MANAGEMENT /// ENERPARC |
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| ARTHUR HAUBENSTOCK /// GENERAL COUNSEL & VP - 8MINUTENERGY | |
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A short bio will follow soon... | |
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ARTHUR HAUBENSTOCK GENERAL COUNSEL & VP /// 8MINUTENERGY |
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| CHUCK SMITH /// EVP O&M SALES & SOLUTIONS - SMA | |
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Chuck Smith is the executive vice president of Global Operations and Maintenance Sales and Solutions for SMA Solar Technology AG, headquartered in Germany. In this role, he is responsible for establishing SMA as the solar industry’s leading O&M service provider across all commercial and utility PV product and market segments. Smith’s duties include global O&M business strategy development and leadership, sales, solution and process innovation, and talent acquisition. He also drives customer loyalty and seamlessly aligns SMA O&M Sales and Solutions with all other company business functions (strategy, technology, operations, finance, legal and human resources) and business units (commercial, utility and off-grid/hybrid). Smith joined SMA in 2010 as the senior manager of SMA’s North American service operations and quickly moved up the ranks to his current position. Before that, he spent 25 years with Hewlett-Packard in Roseville, California, where he held numerous senior management positions leading various global service and research and development teams. Smith received a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering technology from the DeVry Institute of Technology in Columbus, Ohio. He then went on to earn master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins University in Columbia, Maryland, and the Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA program, a joint venture of Columbia University in New York and the University of California, Berkeley. |
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CHUCK SMITH EVP O&M SALES & SOLUTIONS /// SMA |
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| AMANDA BYBEE /// CEO - AMICUS O&M | |
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Ms. Bybee has worked in the solar industry since 2003, first promoting renewable energy policy in Austin, TX while at Public Citizen, and then at Meridian Energy Systems, before finding her home at Namasté Solar. Ms. Bybee joined Namasté Solar in January 2006 as an early member of the team and held numerous roles over her 11 years, from technical sales & design to business development. While there, she worked to obtain a federal charter for a unique financial institution that funds clean energy products and services: Clean Energy Credit Union (www.cleanenergycu.org). This was only the 17th federal charter issued since 2010, and the first in the state of Colorado for over 30 years. She continues to serve as a volunteer on the Supervisory Committee of the credit union. Additionally, in 2016, she helped earn an award from the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative to found the Amicus O&M Cooperative (www.AmicusOM.com). The O&M Cooperative brings together a network of providers across the country to provide coordinated services for geographically distributed portfolios. She now serves as its CEO, and is committed to the mission “to ensure that solar PV fulfills its promise as a responsible and reliable energy source, for generations to come.” She obtained a BA in English and French from the University of Texas at Austin, and through solar, has found her “inner engineer.” | |
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AMANDA BYBEE CEO /// AMICUS O&M |
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| CEDRIC BREHAUT /// MANAGING DIRECTOR - SOLICHAMBA | |
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Cedric Brehaut is an expert in the monitoring and operations & maintenance of PV systems with extensive experience in the solar industry and over thirteen years in Silicon Valley. After seven years spent developing, managing and marketing security software products, Cedric joined the solar industry in 2007 as a director of product management for SunEdison and was a key contributor to the development and growth of the company’s services business unit. During Cedric’s tenure, SunEdison created and launched a new suite of turnkey services for PV plants, including managed monitoring, operations & maintenance, billing, and asset management services. Cedric also acted as the business development leader for these products. In 2011, he established SoliChamba Consulting and began offering consulting services to various firms in the solar industry. Cedric authors the solar industry's most comprehensive reports on PV monitoring and operations & maintenance (O&M) markets, published by GTM Research: 'Global PV Monitoring: Technologies, Markets and Leading Players’, 'Megawatt-Scale PV O&M and Asset Management: Services, Markets and Competitors’, and ‘U.S. Distributed PV O&M and Asset Management'. Cedric also speaks at conferences and events around the globe, from Milan to San Francisco. | |
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CEDRIC BREHAUT MANAGING DIRECTOR /// SOLICHAMBA |
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| STEPHEN GOODBODY /// EXECUTIVE VP OPERATIONS & ENGINEERING - SOLTAGE | |
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Stephen Goodbody is Executive Vice President of Operations and Engineering at Soltage, a full-service solar PV and storage developer, designer, owner and asset manager with nearly 200MW under operation and management. He has been with Soltage since 2007. Prior to Soltage, Steve worked for firms including Northrop Grumman, Johnson Controls, and the BOC Group. He has over 27 years of experience in managing complex and business-critical infrastructure projects in the semiconductor, pharmaceutical, energy generation, and industrial gases and chemicals industries. Steve received a B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering from Aston University in the UK and has served as a technical consultant for the US Department of Energy. | |
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STEPHEN GOODBODY EXECUTIVE VP OPERATIONS & ENGINEERING /// SOLTAGE |
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| KENT WILLIAMS /// VP ASSET MANAGEMENT - VIVINT SOLAR | |
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Kent Williams is the Vice President of Asset Management at Vivint Solar, a leading fullservice residential solar integrator. In this position, Kent is responsible for securing funding for the company from large financiers. Prior to Vivint, Kent was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of LeaseDimensions, an industry-leading renewable-energy finance, origination, and servicing business. He worked closely with most of the solar industry's residential solar finance providers and was instrumental in the development and operation of the company. Prior to LeaseDimensions, Kent was a founding partner and senior executive of Loan Servicing Enterprise (LSE), a joint venture established to provide third-party servicing for the ABS and lending communities. | |
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KENT WILLIAMS VP ASSET MANAGEMENT /// VIVINT SOLAR |
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| HUGH KUHN /// INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT | |
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Hugh Kuhn has more than 30 years of business and engineering experience. He is a seasoned solar executive who has worked on projects involving over 100 distinct solar arrays – ranging from 250kW rooftop systems to 250MW ground-mount projects. He has managed teams responsible for the ongoing operations of portfolios of hundreds of C&I projects, as well as worked closely with clients owning multiple utility-scale arrays. He has seen firsthand the good, the bad and the ugly of the PV world. In 2009-10 Hugh led a collaborative effort to establish the “Thresher Test”, a series of de facto PV module chamber tests to help investors gain comfort in the long-term reliability and durability of modules. This catalyzing effort has evolved within NREL (PV Quality Assurance Task Force, PVQAT) and related work within the IEC.
Mr. Kuhn currently works independently consulting with developers, investors and owners of solar assets. Hugh is currently working closely with Macquarie Infrastructure Company, providing owner’s oversight of project construction and long-term operations as well as technical due diligence assistance during project acquisition efforts. Hugh is on the Board of Directors of MaxGen Energy Services, a company consisting of an independent solar O&M services business (MaxGen O&M) and independent data platform software provider (PowerFactors Inc.) Mr. Kuhn was formerly Chief Operating Officer for Solar Power Partners, which was sold to NRG several years ago. Mr. Kuhn holds a BS in Environmental Earth Sciences from Stanford University and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University. He is married to a successful artist and has two college-age daughters. He lives in Mill Valley CA. |
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HUGH KUHN INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT |
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Program
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Program
Program Outline - Day 1
| Session 1 | • Opening keynote • The end of uncertainty: Tax reform and trade case aftermath |
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Session 2A • Effective transition management as key to protecting a fleet of PV systems |
Session 2B • Small to mid-size O&M Service Providers and Asset Owners synergies |
Session 2C • Successful identification, investigation, and remediation of under-performing sites |
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Session 3A • Cost-effective management of a large and distributed solar portfolio |
Session 3B • Risk mitigation and protection strategies from the owner’s perspective |
Session 3C • Use cases for successful solar plus storage deployments |
| Session 4 | • PPA Developments and Future Outlook |
Program Outline - Day 2
| Session 5 | • Market developments in the AM and O&M space in the USA • Strategies for growing portfolios |
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Session 6A • Soiling strategies and new developments |
Session 6B • Production Insurance and its Role in Stabilizing Project Revenues |
Session 6C • Developments on the grid and their effect on Solar |
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Session 7A • Repowering: The Impact of components in the long term plan |
Session 7B |
Session 7C • Turning the eyes towards an upcoming market: Mexico |
| Session 8 |
Webinars
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Webinars
PAST WEBINAR
#1: Advanced data analytics and aerial inspections for portfolio asset optimization
20 February 2018 - 09:00am PST - 12:00pm EST - 6:00pm CET
In this webinar Rob Andrews, CEO of Heliolytics and Hugo Lapie, Director of Sales of QOS will discuss different cases of investigation using real-time data, aerial inspections, and prediction tools to identify issues, improve diagnosis and shorten resolution times.
| ROB ANDREWS /// CEO - HELIOLYTICS | |
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Rob is the CEO of Heliolytics, a performance analytics company specializing in aerial Module Level Thermal Audits (MLTA) and aerial remote sensing for PV system performance analysis. Rob received a PhD from Queen's University specializing is PV system performance modelling and optimization and has worked with groups internationally to optimize PV performance and integrate new technologies. Rob has multiple publications in the PV sector, focusing on performance modelling and prediction. | |
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ROB ANDREWS CEO /// HELIOLYTICS |
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| HUGO LAPIE /// DIRECTOR OF SALES - QOS ENERGY |  |
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Hugo has been working in the Renewable Energy industry for 4 years. First in Europe where he experienced the fast growth of the market and then in the U.S. where he started this new market for QOS Energy. QOS Energy powers Qantum®, a unique hardware-agnostic performance management software solution that seamlessly gathers data from any plant monitoring system, such as databases, SCADA systems or data loggers and then transforms the data into comprehensive analytics (dashboard, KPIs, alertes, SLAs…) using the latest cloud computing and machine learning techniques. Qantum® is currently used in more than 5 000 facilities worldwide representing over 6 GW of renewable power. Prior to that Hugo received a BBA (Audencia) and attended an Architecture school where he developed his passion for urbanism and sustainability. He enjoys the operation side of the solar industry and is willing to make sure that data analytics helps optimize assets. |
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HUGO LAPIE DIRECTOR OF SALES /// QOS ENERGY |
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PAST WEBINAR
#2: How Sophisticated Data Solutions are transforming the O&M Landscape
27 February 2018 - 09:00am PST - 12:00pm EST - 6:00pm CET
Ben Hansen, Sr. Manager for Global O&M Service Solutions at SMA America and Peter Kobliska, Director Business Development of GreenPowerMonitor will discuss how effective data gathering, organization and presentation are enabling a more efficient O&M strategy.
| BEN HANSEN /// SENIOR MANAGER, GLOBAL O&M SERVICE SOLUTIONS - SMA | |
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Ben Hansen is the Senior Manager for Global O&M Service Solutions at SMA America, the U.S. subsidiary of SMA Solar Technology AG. In this role, Hansen leads project management efforts to design the O&M solutions that SMA offers around the globe. Prior to joining SMA, Hansen worked extensively in the construction and technology industries with companies such as AT&T and Cisco Systems. He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Regis University and a Project Management Certificate from The George Washington University. | |
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BEN HANSEN SR. MGR, GLOBAL O&M SERVICE SOL. /// SMA |
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| PETER KOBLISKA /// DIRECTOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - GREENPOWERMONITOR | |
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Peter has been working in the solar industry since 2010. For the past three and a half years he has been leading GreenPowerMonitor to become a national powerhouse in the renewable monitoring and SCADA space. GreenPowerMonitor focuses on utility and commercial projects in both solar and wind, which expands over 16GW of active renewable projects under management. He started consulting for a solar firm in San Jose, CA called Twelfth Street Power & Light. Before his current position, Mr. Kobliska worked as the Regional Sales Manager for Draker and expanded their portfolio by 2x along the western US. Peter brings technical expertise in SCADA hardware, software, operations, and commissioning. He leverages this knowledge to help his customers maximize their site performance and optimize the operations of their portfolios. | |
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PETER KOBLISKA DIRECTOR BUS DEV /// GREENPOWERMONITOR |
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PAST WEBINAR
#3: Asset Intelligence: The Right Digital Tools for the Right Job
6 March 2018 - 10:00am PST - 13:00pm EST - 19:00pm CET
Etienne Lecompte, CEO of Powerhub, and James Pagonis, Director at Powerhub, will explain what to look for when navigating your digital toolbox and highlight how to create a platform for growth through information and not just data.
| ETIENNE LECOMPTE /// CEO - POWERHUB | |
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Etienne Lecompte is a recognized leader and entrepreneur in renewable energy, software development, and regulatory compliance. After founding and building Local Content Assurance Bureau (LCAB) into one of the most respected renewable energy compliance consultancy firms in Ontario, Canada, he started PowerHub. PowerHub is redefining asset management for the renewable energy industry. His vision is that managing portfolios of assets should be easy. Etienne has worked on over 8 GW of wind and solar projects in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and is continuing to actively participate in the growth of the renewable energy sector. | |
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ETIENNE LECOMPTE CEO /// POWERHUB |
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| JAMES PAGONIS /// DIRECTOR - POWERHUB | |
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A recognized leader and experience solar energy expert, James has worked on hundreds of renewable energy projects across the globe. After being instrumental in developing, constructing and operating some of the first solar projects in Ontario, James is now actively engaged in simplifying asset management for the industry. James is one of the early drivers behind the development and launch of PowerHub: a simple, cloud-based Asset Management solution designed to help renewable energy asset owners manage their projects. He continues to be responsible for product development at PowerHub. James holds a B.Sc. from Royal Roads University. |
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JAMES PAGONIS DIRECTOR /// POWERHUB |
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Resources
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Resources
News and articles
Whitepaper ///Current & Future Artificial Intelligence Applications
The latest advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have ushered a new era driven by automation. If the mantra of solar is that “The fuel is free; let’s reduce other costs”, artificial intelligence powered solutions can be the holy grail solar has been seeking. Learn more about the current implications and uses of AI in the solar industry.
Download the white paper
Whitepaper /// Soiling: origins, measurements, analysis & solutions
Many elements determine the optimum output in a PV module, one of which is the concept of soiling. Soiling occurs as a result of dirt, dust and other particles covering the surface of the PV panels. Although soiling cannot be prevented, its negative effects can be mitigated by dint of deploying dust-repellent agents and instruments. This complimentary white paper provides an overview of the current knowledge and practices around soiling.
Download the white paper
Whitepaper /// Peril of Smart Solar and Cybersecurity Measures
This complimentary 10-page white paper provides a brief, yet comprehensive overview of the phenomenon of cyberattacks & cybersecurity in the energy sector, the implications and considerations for asset managers and the current practices and research regarding cybersecurity measures.
Download the white paper
Venue
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Venue
Sponsors & Partners
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Sponsors & Partners
OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXHIBITING AND SPONSORSHIP
'Solar Asset Management North America' is a unique, yearly (now going into its 5th year) conference and exhibition that offers a wealth of opportunities to build and promote your brand towards a focused target group.
Options include:
- Visibility at the leading event of its kind in North America
- On- and offline brand promotion through the event campaign
- Facilitated 1-on-1 meetings
- Limited number of compact exhibition booth spaces
- Two days of unparalleled networking opportunities with all relevant service providers, operators, IPP's, utilities, asset managers and financial stakeholders
Sponsor and exhibiting spaces are limited, so make sure you reach out in time.
For more information, please contact Hugo Uijlenbroek through hugo@solarplaza.com.
FLOORPLAN
CONTACT
For more information, please contact us directly:
Sr. Account Manager
Hugo Uijlenbroek
Tel: +31 10 302 7910
Mail: hugo@solarplaza.com
Account Manager
Jens van der Laan
Tel: +31 10 302 7910
Mail: jens@solarplaza.com
SPONSORS
DIAMOND SPONSORS
BADGE SPONSOR
BREAKOUT ROOM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
WIFI SPONSOR
SLI.DO SPONSOR
NETWORKING SPONSORS
EXHIBITION SPONSORS
BRANDING SPONSORS
PARTNERS
LOCAL PARTNER
CONTENT PARTNER
MEDIA PARTNERS
Previous Editions
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Previous Editions
Solarplaza has been organizing events since 2004, hosting over 100 events in over more than 30 countries. Within that line-up, the Solar Asset Management conference series is a global range of events fully dedicated to Operations & Maintenance, Asset Management and all other technical and financial topics in the operational phase of solar plants and portfolios.
With highly successful editions in North America (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Europe (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Asia(2015, 2016, 2017) and Latin America (2016, 2017), the series is establishing an important position around the world, following the maturation of international solar markets.
2017 Edition
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2017 Edition
The fourth edition of Solar Asset Management North America drew in more than 460 attendees; included the expertise of over 90 speakers and panelists; and showcased the professionalism of over 40 industry leading sponsors and exhibitors. The growth of the industry was reflected in the growth of our event, which again exceeded expectations and turned out highly successful.
See all pictures at: Solarplaza Flickr
“Great people & solid conference content, all in a fun location -- SAMNA is certainly North America's premiere event for Solar Asset Management!”
- Sales/Marketing /// North America - SEA
“SAMNA provides an excellent mix of engaging content and diverse attendees, year after year.”
- Director of Operations /// Strata Solar Services
"SAMNA is the Premier Asset Management and O&M focused conference, period. The quality of the sessions and the diverse attendees and more than ample networking opportunities easily provide the ROI we seek to get out of these type of events. Very worthwhile."
- Director of O&M and Consulting Sales /// Namaste Solar
"'The' Solar Asset Management show you need to attend each year."
- CEO /// Greenpowermonitor
About Solarplaza
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About Solarplaza
About Solarplaza
"EMPOWERING PROFESSIONALS IN SOLAR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BY BUILDING THE MOST VALUABLE SOLAR PV NETWORK"
ESTABLISHED IN 2004
90+ EVENTS
30+ COUNTRIES
FROM CHILE TO CHINA
50.000 +
PV PROFESSIONALS IN OUR NETWORK
Contact us
LEAD PROJECT MANAGER
For program matters regarding the event and its content, get in touch with:
Kostis Tzanakakis
Tel: +31 103027903
+1 415 530 1968
Mail: kostis@solarplaza.com
SR ACCOUNT MANAGER
For questions regarding exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, contact:
Hugo Uijlenbroek
Tel: +31 10 3027910
Mail: hugo@solarplaza.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
For questions regarding exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, contact:
Jens van der Laan
Tel: +31 10 3027910
Mail: jens@solarplaza.com
PARTNERSHIPS MARKETEER
For inquiries on media partnerships and marketing opportunities, reach out to:
Irene Rodríguez Martín
+31 10 302 7912
Mail: irene@solarplaza.com