RE+ 2025 Solar and Storage Trends Shaping the Industry
Las Vegas just saw the solar and storage industries gather under one roof—and in a year of federal policy whiplash, the mood was electric. From game-changing hardware to bold domestic manufacturing plays, here’s what’s fueling conversations (and maybe a few debates) on the show floor.
Racking Up Innovation
Remember when racking was just about holding panels in place? Those days are gone. New designs now tackle everything from hail resilience to rapid installation—some even integrate with robotic cleaners. IronRidge’s latest system, for instance, cuts labor time by 20%.
But What About Winter?
Snow loads used to mean over-engineering. Now, dynamic tension systems adjust mid-season. It’s like giving your array a set of snow tires.
Inverters Get Smarter
Fronius and SolarEdge rolled out hybrids that communicate directly with grid operators. Translation: your system might soon earn credits by stabilizing the local network during peak demand.
Battery Breakthroughs
Tesla isn’t the only player anymore. Three startups unveiled lithium alternatives with 50% longer cycles. One uses saltwater electrolytes—no fire risk, no rare metals.
The Domestic Manufacturing Puzzle
Federal incentives sparked a factory boom, but can U.S.-made panels compete cost-wise? First Solar’s new thin-film line suggests yes, with 22% efficiency at $0.18/W. Still, tariffs on Southeast Asian imports remain a sore point.
The Vibe Check
Yes, policy uncertainty has folks nervous. But walk the aisles and you’ll hear this refrain: ‘Storage is saving us.’ As one installer joked, ‘Batteries turned our backup plan into the main act.’
