Powering the Region’s Clean Energy Transformation
As the southeastern United States accelerates its transition to a clean energy economy, RE+ Southeast has established itself as the definitive gathering for professionals dedicated to solar, energy storage, and the broader renewable energy landscape. The 2026 edition, held March 31–April 1 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to chart the region’s energy future.
A Regional Hub for Clean Energy
RE+ Southeast is the largest forum in the region for professionals focused on integrating solar, energy storage, wind energy, and electric vehicle infrastructure. The event featured two days of exhibition, a robust educational schedule, and extensive networking opportunities, attracting over 85 regional and national companies and more than 1,000 clean energy professionals.
The event fosters critical conversations with industry buyers, suppliers, distributors, consultants, and more to explore solutions, exchange ideas, and discover new technologies. Attendees heard from visionary leaders on what’s next for the Southeast clean energy market, gaining insights to propel their businesses forward.
The Unique Non-Profit Model
What sets RE+ Southeast apart from other industry events is its unique ownership structure and mission. The event is co-produced by two of the nation’s leading clean energy organizations—the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA). All proceeds from RE+ Southeast support the expansion of the clean energy industry through SEIA and SEPA’s year-round research, education activities, and SEIA’s extensive advocacy efforts.
This means that by attending or exhibiting, participants directly fund the organizations working to advance clean energy policy and market development every day. Members of SEIA and SEPA also receive discounts to attend.
Key Discussions and Topics
Market Trends and Policy Updates
The Southeast region presents both significant opportunities and unique challenges for clean energy deployment. Educational sessions at RE+ Southeast covered a wide range of topics, including market trends in the Southeast, policy initiatives that impact businesses, and best practices for expanding the region’s solar and storage markets.
Key policy conversations included discussions around market structures and the role of utilities. For instance, a Southern Co. official debated the merits of the Southeast Energy Exchange Market with RTO proponents, highlighting ongoing tensions around grid modernization and market design in the region. Utilities across the Southeast are cleaning up their generation fleets, but large consumers continue to voice concerns that monopolies remain an obstacle to their decarbonization goals.
Energy Storage’s Growing Role
Despite ongoing supply chain challenges, energy storage is just beginning to capture its full potential, developers told the conference. As solar deployment accelerates across states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia, storage is emerging as a critical complement to ensure grid reliability and maximize the value of renewable generation.
Exclusive Member Sessions
Beyond the general education program, RE+ Southeast hosted exclusive meetings for SEIA members. These included:
- A research-driven roundtable on Solar & Storage Energy Affordability, bringing together state and local government officials, consumer advocates, and industry leaders to discuss affordability challenges and the relevant research needed to drive decision-making.
- A SolarPAC Meet & Greet, connecting solar and storage leaders to support political engagement efforts that advance the industry.
The State of Solar in the Southeast
The Southeast is home to some of the fastest-growing solar markets in the country. According to data shared by event organizers, several states in the region rank among the national leaders in solar deployment:
- Georgia ranks 7th nationally with over 7,280 MW installed, enough to power more than 859,000 homes, representing 6.44% of the state’s electricity. The state has attracted over $8 billion in solar investment.
- North Carolina ranks 4th nationally with nearly 9,730 MW installed, enough to power over 1.19 million homes. Solar provides nearly 10% of the state’s electricity.
- Virginia ranks 9th nationally with over 6,000 MW installed, enough to power more than 700,000 homes.
- South Carolina has climbed to 19th nationally, up from 31st in 2023, demonstrating rapid growth.
These figures underscore why the Southeast has become a focal point for clean energy development and why RE+ Southeast has grown into a must-attend event for the industry.
Looking Ahead: RE+ Southeast 2027
Building on the momentum of the 2026 event, organizers have already announced that RE+ Southeast will return to the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta on May 11–12, 2027. The event will continue to bring together the region’s clean energy industry to discuss strategies, market trends, and policy updates while providing unparalleled networking opportunities.
A Catalyst for Regional Growth
RE+ Southeast has become more than just a conference—it is a catalyst for the region’s clean energy transformation. By connecting buyers and suppliers, informing policy discussions, and funding the advocacy and research that drive the industry forward, the event plays an essential role in expanding the Southeast’s clean energy market.
As the Southeast continues to lead in solar deployment and begins to unlock the full potential of energy storage, RE+ Southeast will remain at the center of the conversations, deals, and innovations shaping the region’s energy future.