12 things we loved at Intersolar North America

We loved the Powerhouse Pavilion, where emerging companies showed off innovative ideas. Situated among established players like SolarEdge, Shoals and Eaton, Powerhouse intern Marie Washer was excited about the pavilion’s location and constant foot traffic. “We got a premium location, with much thanks to Intersolar,” Washer said.

We loved the drones that buzzed around at the DJI booth, relaying thermal video of mesmerized audiences on the screen above the operator. In practice, thermal video would be used to identify problem areas at solar arrays. This drone can hover in 40 mph winds. “The biggest thing we wanted to do at this show is put DJI on the map and let people know how aerial photography can help with solar panel inspection and installation,” said Elka Goldstein, events manager at DJI.

We loved the smartflower POP, a plug-and-play solar system from Austria. Each morning, the system unfolds and tracks the sun with a two-axis controller. It closes at night. POP went through the cycle again and again on the tradeshow floor. The concept echoes that of Spotlight Solar’s structures. Spotlight recently contributed a piece about how to increase the value of solar by making it engaging.

We loved Kris Moe, a certified business broker from Sunbelt Mergers and Acquisitions, and all of the other well-informed people who picked up a Solar Power World magazine during Intersolar. Thanks for reading!

We loved beamreach, a “one-part system” for installing solar panels. With the whole industry trying to limit parts, this creative system fits the order. Attracting big crowds for its demonstrations, Steven from beamreach talked about the integrated system—module and mounting together as one piece—as Johnny demonstrated, quickly, how the system comes together.

We loved Jim Teixeira’s custom-made solar-integrated jacket. Teixeira, a process engineer at thin-film solar manufacturer MiaSolé, had the company’s product sowed into a motorcycle jacket. A small inverter and battery are hidden under the leather, powering lights located on all sides of the jacket. A cell-phone charger is in the pocket.

We loved Marco and Polo, resident water-proofing experts at the Solar Roof Hook booth, who verified that no leaks have occurred in their careers at Intersolar as a result of Quickbolt, a flashing-free code-compliant mounting system for asphalt composition shingle roofs. Marco and Polo will be adopted after the show.

We loved the street jazz provided by East Bay Brass Band outside of Moscone West, the home of Intersolar North America. Musicians provided tunes Tuesday and Wednesday and are expected to perform again Thursday. Even a busy solar professional can spare a few moments to tap his or her foot to the beat.

We loved the Ciel et Terra floating PV system, which was on display with one of the company’s first panel partners, REC. Already popular in Japan and Europe, floating PV systems open up a whole new opportunity in the U.S. on unused space—the water.

We loved Fronius USA’s Snappy, who was kind enough to greet editor Kathie Zipp at the Solar Power World booth. It’s great to see companies engaging in marketing that goes beyond the booth, especially when it’s using a face as friendly as Snappy’s.

We loved the Tesla Model S on display at the E-Mobility exhibit because, well, it’s a Tesla Model S. Baja Construction, a builder of solar carports and other structures, is exhibiting right next to the electric car, showing off a full-size carport. We love Tesla and solar carports together even more!

Finally, we loved the DeLorean DMC-12 that was situated on the second from of Moscone West on Tuesday. The car and Doc Brown, famous icons of the Back to the Future trilogy, appeared to promote the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CALSEIA) annual Solar Summerfest, which had an 80s theme this year. Great Scott, this was a good show!