Intersolar & Energy Storage North America Midwest Concludes, Tackling Grid Transformation, AI Demand, and Clean Energy Finance

Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA), the U.S. solar and storage trade event series, concluded its Midwest conference and tradeshow last week at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. The three-day event brought together over 700 developers, EPCs, installers, distributors, utilities, and investors for market intelligence, product evaluation, and peer-to-peer connection.

"The MISO and PJM markets are among the most active and consequential solar and storage environments in the country right now, and the conversations at IESNA Midwest reflected that,” said Beckie Kier, Event Director, Intersolar & Energy Storage North America. “We saw an industry that knows the work ahead—shifting federal policy, grid planning, project finance, supply chain strategy—and is showing up to do it. We're already looking forward to 2027.”

Conference Highlights

Four keynote sessions anchored the 2026 conference program, addressing grid transformation, project execution, AI-driven demand, and clean energy finance in a post-OBBBA market. Thirteen conference sessions covered storage market dynamics in MISO and PJM, U.S. and Illinois solar policy (the 25D credit expiration, 48E ITC milestone, FEOC compliance, and Section 232 tariffs), data center demand, project finance, and supply chain onshoring. Six hands-on workshops—four offering NABCEP CEUs—provided practical training in PV system O&M, cybersecurity for energy systems, post-ITC project structuring, and workforce strategy.

Exhibit Hall

45 companies showcased solar modules, racking and mounting systems, inverters, energy storage systems and components, software platforms, and EPC services across the exhibit floor. Attendees sourced supply chain partners, evaluated proven products and services, and built relationships with leading trade associations.

Community & Networking

IESNA Midwest drew professionals spanning the clean energy economy, including developers, EPCs, installers, utilities, manufacturers, distributors, financiers, and policy professionals, as well as industry associations, clean energy advocates, and consultants. Represented companies included Arch Electric, ENGIE North America, Exelon, Illinois Power Agency, Kraemer North America, Michigan EIBC, Orsted, Qcells North America, and WEC Energy Group, among others.

An opening reception kicked off the event on June 15, followed by Renewables UnWind Chicago. On June 16, a happy hour and Pop-A-Shot competition sparked conversations ahead of Illinois Solar Energy Association’s Solar Drinks on the Roof.

Experience the IESNA Event Series

• IESNA Midwest will return to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on June 14-16, 2027. To get updates, click here.
• Attendee registration is open for IESNA Texas, taking place September 1-2, 2026 at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel in Dallas, TX. The regional event brings together EPCs, installers, and developers for ERCOT-focused conference programming, an exhibit hall, and networking built for the Texas market.
• The IESNA Flagship national event returns February 9-11, 2027 in San Diego, CA, with registration opening this September. The Call for Abstracts is open for speakers with field experience, market intelligence, or technical expertise in solar + storage, energy policy, interconnection and permitting reform, utility-scale solar, and DERs. Interested speakers should apply before July 20.

Intersolar & Energy Storage North America | www.iesna.com

Diversified | www.divcom.com