Illinois Solar Energy and Storage Association upcoming events

Agrivoltaics Certification Training for Solar Developers and Operators: Chicago RE+ Midwest (10 Sep 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

What to Expect When You’re Expecting Sheep

Join the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) for a dynamic, one-day agrivoltaics training designed specifically for solar developers, asset managers, and operations teams. The workshop provides a clear, practical overview of how to effectively integrate sheep grazing into solar site management, grounded in real-world experience and industry best practices.

The training will include a morning session at RE+ Midwest in Schaumburg, IL, followed by an optional on-site tour of a nearby solar grazed site. Participants will gain a firsthand look at how grazing works in practice and leave with actionable insights to support successful implementation. Upon completion, participants will receive a certification from ASGA.

Please let us know if you intend to participate in the afternoon solar grazing site tour. Transportation to the site tour will be provided.

Date: September 10th, 2026
Time:
- Workshop Session: 8:00am to 12:30pm
- Solar Site Tour: 2:00pm to 4:00pm (not including travel time)
Location: RE+ Midwest, Schaumburg, IL
Solar Grazing Site Tour: Plato Solar located in Elgin, IL

What you’ll learn at the training workshop:

Site design considerations for solar sheep
Benefits of using sheep
What a grazed site looks like
Sheep safety & well-being
How sheep are managed on solar sites
Livestock herding and guardian dogs
Operational site expectations and strategies
Principles for enduring farmer partnerships

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Sign-Up Now!

Illinois Appellate Court Rulings and Siting Determinations (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join ISEA for a timely industry webinar featuring Amy Antoniolli and Robert Middleton of ArentFox Schiff LLP.

Recent Illinois appellate court decisions have produced conflicting interpretations of the state’s solar siting law, creating new questions for projects moving through local permitting and approval processes.

This webinar will provide solar developers, policymakers, local-government professionals, and other industry stakeholders with practical guidance for successfully developing solar projects in Illinois communities. Drawing on legal, policy, and communications perspectives, Amy and Robert will discuss:

The evolving legal and permitting landscape in Illinois
Common and emerging siting and land-use challenges
Strategies for navigating local permitting requirements
Approaches to stakeholder engagement and addressing community concerns
Effectively communicating the local benefits of solar projects

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the current legal landscape and actionable strategies for supporting successful solar project development across Illinois.

Registration is required and open to ISEA members and other industry participants. Zoom access information will be included in the registration confirmation and reminder emails.

MnSEIA's Gateway to Solar Conference (29 Sep 2026)

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Gateway to Solar Conference, hosted by the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA), is one of the Midwest's biggest and best solar + storage conferences. Each year solar installers and developers, manufacturers, distributors, financiers, engineers, utilities, job trainers, trade unions, non-profits, government agencies, and more gather for quality networking and education.

Meet industry professionals from across the state and country, hear from state officials, regulators, and legislators, and gain in-depth insight into Minnesota's booming market and where it's headed during this exciting two-day conference.

Explore full event details and register on MnSEIA's website HERE.

Illinois Renewable Energy Conference (ILREC) (19 Oct 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 05:00:00 GMT

What is the Illinois Renewable Energy Conference?

Hosted by the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA), the Illinois Renewable Energy Conference is a premier, industry-focused event bringing together leaders shaping the future of clean energy in Illinois.

As investment and deployment accelerate across the state, the sector faces critical challenges and opportunities in grid modernization, interconnection, permitting, workforce development, and equitable growth. This conference convenes the professionals driving solutions in these areas.

Dates: October 19–20, 2026
Location: Bloomington-Normal Marriott and Conference Center | 201 Broadway Avenue Normal, IL 61761

Why Attend?

The Illinois Renewable Energy Conference is designed to advance Illinois’ renewable energy market by connecting leaders from across the ecosystem.

Attendees will:

Hear from senior executives, policymakers, and subject-matter experts leading the industry
Explore key policy developments, market trends, and business solutions
Engage in cross-sector collaboration through focused sessions and networking opportunities
Build strategic relationships with partners, customers, and suppliers accelerating renewable energy growth in Illinois

Whether you are focused on solar, storage, wind, emerging technologies, or broader clean energy initiatives, this conference offers meaningful conversations and practical insights to support your work.

What to Expect

Industry-driven programming and strategic discussions
Networking events and shared meals designed to foster connection
Actionable insights relevant to Illinois’ evolving energy landscape
Access to the state’s leading renewable energy professionals

Learn More

For the full agenda, speaker updates, and conference details, please visit:
illinoisrenewableenergyconference.org

2026 ILREC Clean Energy Job Fair (20 Oct 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Explore Your Future in Clean Energy

Join us at the 2026 ILREC Clean Energy Job Fair to explore employment opportunities and career pathways across Illinois’ growing solar and clean energy industry.

Connect directly with employers, workforce organizations, training providers, Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) programs and community-based organizations. Whether you are actively looking for work, considering a career change or simply interested in learning more about clean energy careers, you are encouraged to attend.

Who Should Attend?

Job seekers
Students and recent graduates
Career changers
Individuals interested in solar, renewable energy and other clean energy careers

Event Details

Tuesday, October 20, 2026
5:30–7:30 p.m.

Bloomington-Normal Marriott & Conference Center
201 Broadway Avenue
Normal, IL 61761

The job fair will take place at the conclusion of the 2026 Illinois Renewable Energy Conference.

Registration

Advance registration is encouraged and will help us plan for attendance, but it is not required. Walk-ins are welcome!

Please complete the short registration form below if you plan to attend.

Hosted by the Illinois Solar Energy Association as part of ILREC 2026.

Sponsored by Ameren Illinois Market Development Initiative.