After the establishment of the networking series Joint Forces for Solar
at important industry exhibitions in the US, the successful premier on European soil
took place at Intersolar Europe last week. More than 250 participants showed great
interest in presentations on the developments in the European photovoltaic market
and the subsequent panel discussion. The event aimed to bring together globally
active companies and local installers, and provide an exclusive networking opportunity for market players along the whole photovoltaics value chain. The initiative is powered by EuPD Research, together with their business partner Intersolar. The event was also made possible by industry leaders Bosch Solar Energy AG and Schott Solar, as well as Danfoss, Jinko Solar, REC, Sanyo, Suntech Power Europe and Scheuten Solar.
Targeted expansion of the initiative to Europe
In the opening speech, Markus A.W. Hoehner, CEO EuPD Research, highlighted the
importance of the European photovoltaic markets in a global comparison. Current
market data was presented in the subsequent keynote speech of Daniela Schreiber,
the director of EuPD Research, and it soon became clear why the events organizers,
EuPD Research and Intersolar, decided to launch the Joint Forces for Solar initiative in Europe. With nearly 77 percent, Europe has the highest share of installed capacity in the world. Alongside Germany, the leading market for solar energy, Italy and France are also increasing the importance of photovoltaics in their energy mixes. Whilst at the same time, these markets will be facing significant future challenges as a result of changing legal frameworks.
High level panel discussion about the European PV markets
Europes significance for the market players was one of the main topics of the events panel discussion. High ranking representatives from the solar industry, the media and research took part in the hour long panel discussion The European Solar Landscape From an Installer Perspective.
In addition to discussion among panel participants and with audience members, all panel participants agreed on one point: solidarity in the solar sector must be intensified in order to achieve common aims and to fasten this technology and its advantages in the minds of the general public. Especially against the backdrop of discussions such as nuclear phase out and climate change all market players should put forth maximum effort to establish photovoltaics as an environmental friendly alternative. Furthermore, markets should be penetrated sustainably and distribution channels should be optimized.
Not only a panel of keynote speakers and numerous supporters show that the event
has become a valuable part of the solar industry, but also the response from visitors across the entire solar value chain. The events organizers were especially pleased by the extent of communication between visitors and panel participants. Particularly installers used the opportunity of an open discussion with the panel.
Special attention was paid to two topics. On the one hand, it is necessary from the installers perspective that emerging markets such as Turkey are developed sustainably by solving existing structural problems together with the public sector. On the other hand, many installers expressed the wish to be more perceived by manufacturers, for example, by extending partnerships with them.
Next event at the Intersolar North America
On July 12th, 2011 from 3.30 pm to 6 pm, market participants will have the chance to take part in Joint Forces for Solar US event, which will be held in San Francisco during
Intersolar North America. Further information is available here. In light of the
increasing importance of the Asian markets, an expansion of the event is being
planned for Intersolar China. More information will soon be available on the website.
