The conference begins March 13, 2017 and takes place at the Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield, Co

DENVER, March 7, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Solar Power Colorado 2017 will explore the theme: Innovation: Making Solar Mainstream through a program filled with more than 70 expert speakers from across the country. The conference begins March 13, 2017 and takes place at the Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield, Co

Sponsored by the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA), the conference will help professionals navigate through the tricky times ahead. While solar energy just posted its most successful year ever, with an astounding 95% growth over 2015, the policy signals from Washington are causing concern.

Kicking off the conference Monday evening March 13th are Patty Limerick of the Center of the American West, and Kevin Gertig, Executive Director of Fort Collins Utilities. Both are expected to outline the tremendous potential of solar energy in Colorado.

After a Tuesday morning keynote by Dr. Martin Keller, director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, solar industry leaders will explore the question "Where do we go from here?" in a panel moderated by Abby Hopper, new president of the national Solar Energy Industries Association.

While the new administration is signaling a pullback from clean energy, state and local governments and utilities are leading the way towards greater adoption. Panels exploring state and local policies Tuesday afternoon will examine the trends - from the recent 100% renewable energy pledge by the City of Pueblo to United Power's ambitious solar builds.

Additionally, a panel of experts will explore the growing trend of adding battery storage to solar projects and building microgrids, while another panel explores innovative financing methods.

Wednesday morning, following a keynote by former Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, a panel of utility executives and analysts ranging from Xcel Energy to the mayor of Boulder will engage in a lively discussion on how to build innovative utilities of the future.

In addition to panel discussions on a wide range of topics Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, Solar Power Colorado will also feature training sessions eligible for continuing education credits in the solar industry.

And in a first, Solar Power Colorado will feature a Career Fair Wednesday afternoon where leading company representatives can visit with prospective job-seekers under the auspices of Solar Energy International's Solar Ready Colorado program.

Additionally, a large expo hall will showcase the latest solar technologies and services from a range of leading companies.

About COSEIA
Established in 1989, Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA) is the award-winning nonprofit association leading Colorado's solar industry. Our mission is to expand solar markets and to generate jobs and prosperity for the people of Colorado. We work to advance solar policy, remove market barriers, highlight emerging trends, and promote solar outreach and education. COSEIA represents a wide range of solar-related businesses including solar installers, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, integrators, financiers, developers, utilities, entrepreneurs and educators. There are approximately 5,000 people working in the Colorado solar industries. Colorado has more than 800 MW of installed solar, ranking the state ninth nationally in installed solar capacity.