Navigating C&I solar and storage from concept to commissioning, this webinar serves as an exclusive preview and complement to our upcoming Intersolar & Energy Storage North America 2026 conference session. As developers and investors face a shifting landscape of utility rate increases and supply chain uncertainty, this session explores how to execute successful installations that remain financially and operationally viable without federal incentives.
Learn how actionable strategies in financing, procurement, and interconnection can empower developers and EPCs to maximize ROI.. Participants will gain best practices for navigating complex approval processes and leveraging innovative tools to streamline system design and development in a rapidly changing market.
Drawing from real-world case studies, experts from Sunrock Distributed Generation, Watthub, and Wells Energy Development will demonstrate with real-world examples of how to manage critical hurdles such as fire code permitting for battery storage energy storage systems implementation in various jurisdictions throughout California.
The webinar will examine how 2025 trends—including the push into BESS, FEOC challenges, and the rise of non-wires alternatives—are reshaping the 2026 outlook. We will review how smarter utility rate design and virtual power plants can relieve grid congestion while lowering costs for new, large-scale electricity loads.
pv magazine Webinar content:
- How to make projects work financially and operationally without federal incentives
- Understand the strategies for scaling demand response and distributed storage
- Practical guidance for finance companies, EPCs, and investors
- Q&A
Questions can be submitted beforehand in the comments window when registering or in the chat during the live webinar. Ryan Kennedy, editor at pv magazine USA, will be the moderator of this webinar.
Registration for this pv magazine Webinar is free of charge.
Speakers
In 2009, Claire joined the Department of Energy, where she oversaw the deployment of $11 billion in Recovery Act funds to scale renewable energy and energy efficiency programs throughout the United States. Prior to Sunrock, she served as COO of [fermataenergy.com]Fermata Energy,the vehicle-to-grid company, and the Managing Director of the University System of Maryland Momentum Fund (MMF), where she invested in 32 start-ups in less than 3 years. Claire is a Key Advisor for CityRock Ventures, and an Advisory Board member of Powerhouse Ventures and Kanin Energy. Claire earned a B.A. in environmental science and public policy from Harvard College, where she helped to create that major, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
John McDonnell is the Co-Founder and Managing Member of SunRenu Solar and WattHub Renewables, two leading clean energy companies based in Scottsdale, Arizona. With nearly two decades of experience in renewable energy development, John has led the design, financing, and execution of more than $1.5B in commercial solar projects. Through WattHub, he pioneered a digital platform streamlining utility analytics and project pricing for solar developers. Passionate about innovation and sustainability, John continues to drive growth in the clean energy sector and inspire collaboration across the industry.
Spencer Wells is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wells Energy Development, where he leads all day-to-day operations, strategic growth, project development, and client execution. He brings over a decade of experience across renewable energy development, EPC coordination, and independent power producer platforms, with a track record of delivering more than $100 million in contracted solar and energy storage projects.
Throughout his career, Spencer has worked across all stages of behind-the-meter energy development, including site due diligence, financial and technical modeling, utility coordination, contracting, and project execution. His expertise lies in translating complex technical and financial considerations into clear, actionable decisions for asset owners, enabling efficient “kill or proceed” development strategies and successful project commercialization.
Moderator
Ryan joined pv magazine in 2021, bringing experience from a top residential solar installer and a U.S.-based inverter manufacturer. He holds a Master of Energy and Environmental Management degree at the University of Connecticut and a degree in Management with a certification in Sustainable Business Practices from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.