Pre-Conference Sessions
This year, we’re excited to introduce three new pre-conference sessions designed to provide deeper dives, practical insights, and hands-on learning opportunities ahead of the main program.
Attendees can choose to register for these sessions a la carte or bundle them with a full conference pass for a more comprehensive experience.
Below are the pre-conference offerings:
CHESSA and CvilleREA presents: Solar + Storage 101 (Pre-Conference Session 1)
Perfect for newcomers and early-career professionals, CHESSA and CvilleREA are teaming up to bring you this 2.5-hour pre-conference session which offers a deeper, more interactive introduction to how solar and energy storage work together to support the clean energy transition.
Designed for junior-level professionals looking to build both knowledge and confidence, the session will cover the fundamentals of solar and storage system design, common project types, market applications, and key industry terminology.
With additional time for real-world examples, discussion, and Q&A, this expanded format provides space to go beyond the basics—helping attendees connect concepts across development, policy, sales, and operations.
Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to strengthen your foundation, this session will equip you with the essential building blocks to navigate and grow within the solar + energy storage sector.
Storage 101 (Pre-Conference Session 2)
This pre-conference session provides a foundational overview of standalone energy storage, with a focus on how storage development differs from solar-plus-storage and why those differences matter for markets, policy, and project deployment.
The session will walk through the energy storage development lifecycle, including siting and permitting considerations, upfront and ongoing costs, and operational requirements. Speakers will also explore the grid benefits of storage and how projects create value at different points on the system.
Participants will gain clarity on the distinctions between:
Transmission- and utility-scale storage
Distribution-connected storage
Front-of-the-meter (community storage)
Behind-the-meter (BTM) systems
Designed for anyone looking to build a stronger understanding of energy storage, this session offers a practical, plain-language introduction to the technologies, use cases, and frameworks shaping today’s storage markets.
CHESSA and Charlottesville WRISE presents Women in Solar & Storage (Pre-Conference Session 3)
Before the CHESSA Energize Summit begins, we’re creating space to come together.
CHESSA is partnering with the Charlottesville chapter of WRISE (Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy) to kick off the CHESSA Energize Summit with a morning of community, connection, and inspiration. This pre-conference event is an intimate gathering celebrating the women shaping the future of solar and clean energy in our region and it’s all about starting the conference off with good energy and excellent company.
Expect fun icebreakers, a delicious breakfast, and an inspiring speaker to set the tone. Whether you’re a longtime industry veteran or just getting started, you belong at this table.
Come ready to connect. Leave feeling energized.
More details coming soon — we can’t wait to celebrate with you!