METALCON To Debut New Solar Center At This Year's Show

Newton, MA — METALCON, the only global event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction, will debut its new Solar Center at this year's show in Tampa. Sponsored by S-5!, the Solar Center is for business owners, designers, contractors, EPCs, solar developers and installers interested in learning more about the benefits of solar and metal roofing. 

Solar is a rapidly growing energy sector in the U.S. and globally, with strong growth forecast. The increased focus on energy efficiency and sustainability has brought attention not only to solar itself, but also on the pairing of solar with metal roofing. Through a variety of educational sessions, live demos and fun events such as the Solar Trivia Games, the  METALCON Solar Center will help attendees see how solar and metal go hand-in-hand.

Heading a distinguished group of solar presenters will be John Smirnow, general counsel & vice president of market strategy with the Solar Energy Industry Association. The SEIA is considered the voice of solar energy in the United States. Smirnow will discuss the outlook for solar in the United States, industry efforts to grow domestic solar manufacturing and current international trade issues as part of a program titled: Federal Update: Solar Trade & Manufacturing.

In addition, a panel of industry experts moderated by LeeAnn Slattery, Sales Support Manager of ATAS International and Market Development Chair for the Metal Construction Association (MCA) will present Metal Takes on Solar – A Metal Roofers Perspective on Solar Installations based on a new MCA report on Metal Roofing & Solar PV Systems. Panelists include Bob Zabcik, President of Z-tech Consulting, LLC; Andy Williams, Principal of Panel Cladding Solutions LLC and Director of Codes and Standards, MCA; Mark Gies, Director of Solar Business at S-5! and Dustin Haddock, Vice President of Research & Development at S-5!

Educational sessions planned for the solar center so far include:

Wednesday, Oct. 6

Metal Roofing, the Perfect Platform for Solar PV

Best Practices to Install Solar on Metal Roofing, NABCEP certified

Solar Trivia Games

Thursday, Oct. 7

Solar PV Rooftop Applications & Solar-Ready Design Considerations, AIA certified

Roundtable Presentation, Metal Roofing & Solar PV Systems

Federal Update: Solar Trade & Manufacturing

Solar in High Wind & Snow Country: Design Considerations

Solar Trivia Games

Friday, Oct. 8

Rail-Less Solar on Metal Roofs: Wire Management & Best Practices, NABCEP certified

Final two-team face-off Solar Trivia Games

Throughout the show live solar demos will take place along with the METALCON Solar Trivia Games. Teams of three to five individuals can pre-register or join a team on the first morning of the games. Each first-place winning team on Days #1 and #2 wins prizes before facing off on the final day for the grand prize.

“We are very excited to feature solar at the show this year,” says Judy Geller, METALCON’s Vice President of Tradeshows. “It’s a natural choice because metal roofing provides an ideal platform for mounting solar PV since the service life of a metal roof exceeds the service life of a solar PV system. It is also the most sustainable roofing type and yields lower solar installation costs. Attendees will take away practical ideas to implement right away and help grow their businesses.”

About METALCON

Established in 1991, METALCON is the only annual tradeshow and conference devoted exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, METALCON’s success is based on a dynamic exhibit hall, extensive educational programs and interactive learning opportunities. The 2025 event will be held in the Las Vegas Convention Center, October 21 - 23. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com.