Let’s go! It’s time for SPI in Salt Lake City

This will be my first trip to Solar Power International and Energy Storage International. In the months leading up to the big show, I’ve heard plenty of tips from my coworkers and people in the industry to prepare for it: Pack lots of fresh socks, put gel in-soles in your shoes and bring a stash of portable snacks, because we’re going to spend these few days on our feet — on the show floor, in and out of meetings and sessions and networking events — with limited time in between for something as simple, albeit necessary, as sitting down for a meal.

It’s a small sacrifice for an important gathering like this. I’m sure many of us will want to explore the city and parks in the Wasatch Mountains, and we ought to make time for that. Regardless, at SPI we’re given opportunities to make important connections with our industry peers, exchange wisdom on all manner of solar topics and help this industry grow faster than it already is.

For me, I’m looking forward to having a first-hand look at a wealth of solar technology, especially mounts and trackers. I have my eyes on some sessions, including “Solar on New Construction,” since we’re such a retrofit industry in building applications. Kelly, Kelsey and I have made a lot of phone calls for stories, so I hope to meet many of the people I’ve spoken to during my time at SPW to put faces to names, and I want to meet plenty of new folks as well.

As for this issue of SPW, in addition to our regular technology, installation and business coverage, you’ll find an SPI overview, our recommendations for must-attend sessions and products you’ll see on the show floor.

Happy SPI!

Assistant Editor Billy Ludt
bludt@wtwhmedia.com
@SolarBillyL
@SolarPowerWorld