This year's theme, "Innovation for Universal Renewable Energy Access," set the stage for conversations on climate resilience, energy justice, and the technologies driving us toward a more sustainable future. Attendees arrived curious at the state of the industry given recent federal changes, and went away feeling that solar is here to stay. The industry is strong enough to persist without federal subsidies and still requires support at the local and state levels. Attendees engaged in dynamic sessions, expanded interactive poster sessions, hands-on workshops, ASES' first-ever career fair, and networking opportunities that fostered collaboration across sectors.
Throughout the conference, several recurring themes emerged, underscoring the breadth and urgency of today's renewable energy transformation. Presentations and discussions highlighted the growing importance of policies that ensure equitable access to energy, particularly for low-income families and communities. Innovations in agrivoltaics, including approaches that integrate solar with crops, livestock, and natural habitats, showed how solar can enhance rather than compete with agricultural and ecological systems. Building-integrated solar and grid advancements demonstrated how renewable energy is shaping both our infrastructure and our daily lives. Sessions also explored tipping points for solar, wind, and batteries, as well as the global forces driving the transition--policy and geopolitics, climate and sustainability risks, artificial intelligence, energy transition financing, critical minerals competition, and the rapid growth of cleantech industries.
The conference concluded with a call to action: governments, companies, and the general public must work together to embed transparency, inclusiveness, and good governance into every level of the renewable energy sector. This includes policy frameworks, procurement processes, investment practices, and community advocacy.
Thank You to Our Community
SOLAR 2025 was made possible by the dedication of our participants, speakers, and volunteers, as well as the generous support of our sponsors and partners: Nextracker, Solar Design Associates, Ampacity, Clevercoat Renewable Roofing, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Canvas Cloud, Boulder County Sustainability Climate Action & Resilience, Solar Wave Energy, Inc., ProjectLeapFrog.org, REpowering Schools, Vote Solar, Blacks in Performance Marketing, University of Colorado Boulder's Master of the Environment, New Energy Colorado, and the International Solar Energy Society. ASES extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who joined in Boulder and helped create an inspiring and sustainable event.
What's Next: The 30th Anniversary of the National Solar Tour, Showcase Weekend October 3-5, 2025 & SOLAR 2026 in Austin, TX
Building on the momentum of SOLAR 2025, ASES invites individuals, families, and communities nationwide to participate in the 30th Annual National Solar Tour showcase weekend, taking place October 3-5, 2025, and virtually throughout the year. With tours in all 50 states, the National Solar Tour is the largest grassroots renewable energy event in the nation, giving the public the chance to see solar installations and sustainable solutions firsthand. Find a tour near you at map.nationalsolartour.org.
Mark your calendars for SOLAR 2026, the 55th annual National Solar Conference, happening October 19–21, 2026, in Austin, Texas. Stay tuned for updates at ases.org/conference.
SOURCE American Solar Energy Society
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