ASES Announces Full Conference Schedule for SOLAR 2026 National Conference Returning to Austin, TX, in Partnership with Texas Solar Energy Society's 50th Anniversary

Three-day national conference, themed "Solar for All, Y'all," to bring together solar professionals, researchers, and advocates October 19–21

BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) today announced the full conference program for SOLAR 2026, its national conference taking place October 19–21 at the Palmer Events Center in Austin, Texas. The conference is held in partnership with the Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES), which is celebrating its landmark 50th anniversary this year.

Under the theme "Solar for All, Y'all," SOLAR 2026 will spotlight innovations, strategies, and actions across three subthemes: Advancing Access for All, Expanding Education for All, and Addressing New Challenges Affecting All, including data centers, artificial intelligence, and accelerating weather extremes.

"Celebrating 50 years of the Texas Solar Energy Society during a national gathering like SOLAR 2026 is a tremendous milestone for our state and our community," said Patrice "Pete" Parsons, SOLAR 2026 Co-Conference Chair and Executive Director of TXSES. "Texas has long been a leader in solar innovation and adoption, and we are honored to welcome renewable energy professionals, students, and advocates from across the country to Austin."

Conference Highlights

The three-day program includes keynote and plenary sessions featuring Bill McKibben, author of Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization, who will explore lessons from Texas's rapid solar growth. Additional plenary panels will examine how data centers are reshaping energy demand and how Texas is integrating supply and demand at scale.

Attendees can also expect:

• Oral presentation sessions and poster sessions covering topics from grid modernization and agrivoltaics to solar education and building resilience
• NABCEP-accredited courses on PV, the National Electrical Code, and energy storage, led by instructor Sean White
• The ASES Awards Luncheon, Women in Solar Energy (WISE) Luncheon, and Fellows Reception honoring leaders across the solar industry
• A Career & Networking Fair connecting students and professionals with employers across the renewable energy sector (free & open to the public).
• The ASES Shine on Solar Gala, a fundraising dinner and live auction supporting ASES's solar education and equity programs
• A special TXSES 50th Anniversary celebration honoring five decades of solar advocacy in Texas with the TXSES 50th Anniversary Award Ceremony, and a very special country band!

The conference venue, the Palmer Events Center, holds LEED Gold certification, operates on 100% renewable energy through Austin Energy's Green Choice Program, and features a 185 kW on-site PV array.

Registration and Hotel Information
Register for SOLAR 2026 at ases.org/conference. Tickets are also available for purchase on the day of the event. Discounted conference hotel rates are available through September 28. Please contact [email protected] with any questions!

• Hampton Inn & Suites Austin Downtown
  [SOLD OUT]
• Renaissance Austin Hotel
  259/night
  Last Day to Book: Monday, September 28, 2026
• Hilton Austin
  $289/night
  Last Day to Book: Monday, September 28, 2026

About ASES
Founded in 1954, the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating equitable solar adoption and sustainable living through education, research, advocacy, and community-building. ASES connects professionals, students, policymakers, and renewable energy enthusiasts through its National Solar Conference, National Solar Tour, publications such as Solar Today magazine, and educational programs to advance a just transformation to a 100% renewable energy future.

About TXSES
The Texas Solar Energy Society is a state chapter of ASES, celebrating 50 years of solar advocacy, education, and community in Texas in 2026. Today, TXSES remains the state's leading independent, nonprofit solar education organization, providing trusted, fact-based resources that inspire innovation, share best practices, and inform decision-makers about the importance of strong, forward-looking solar policies. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, TXSES works to grow the solar industry, protect clean air, strengthen healthy and resilient communities, support local well-paying jobs, and help build the foundation for a 100% clean energy future for Texas — one community at a time.

SOURCE American Solar Energy Society