The latest fig-ures point to significant growth in the Chinese solar market, underlining the ever more important role it plays in the global solar industry. The international role of the Chinese companies that are now active in many markets across the globe has also grown. Inter-solar China, which is set to take place from December 7-9 in Beijing, offers tailored in-formation for Chinese and international exhibitors and visitors alike, shedding light on the development of markets and technologies in the industry.
According to the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) issued by the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) based in Beijing, China is aiming to install solar plants with a total capacity of 10 GW by 2015. This would see the country advance into the premier league of international solar markets. Head of Conference Development at Intersolar China Frank Haugwitz anticipates that China will have connected new photovoltaic installations with a cumulative output of around 1.5 to 2 GW to the grid in 2011 – this is three to four times for the capacity connected in 2010 (560 MW). Chinese companies are also gaining in importance across the globe. According to the Photovoltaic Sustainable Growth Index published by Frankfurt-based PRTM Management Consultants GmbH, in 2010, Chinese solar companies increased their share of total industry sales from 36% to 45%. Cheap production costs for PV modules in China are the primary factor that allows manufacturers to produce particularly cost-effective modules, making the products extremely appealing to customers. With this in mind, improved networking and international cooperation among solar companies offer a promising strategy for future success. Intersolar China is therefore offering a tailored exhibition range and platforms for exchange to cater for this.
Industry experts analyze technologies and markets
At the Intersolar China Conference, experts from both Chinese and international companies discuss future markets and technologies – and an important topic here is how regional solar markets develop differently. Analyst Ray Lian from Solarbuzz in Port Washington, USA, will therefore explore the topic of “Growing PV markets – Race between China and the U.S.”. The conference also shines a light on other Asian markets: Dr. Hiroshi Matsukawa from RTS Corpora-tion in Tokyo, Japan, will discuss the current situation in the Japanese market. The Korean market, too, will be put under the spotlight with a presentation by Minkyu Lim from OCI Company Ltd. based in Seoul, South Korea. Head of International Affairs at the Berlin-based German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar) Thomas Chrometzka is set to discuss the current situation in, and the development of, the German market together with the topic of quality assurance. Reinhold Buttgereit – Secretary General of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association EPIA in Brussels, Belgium – is not only one of the keynote speakers, he is also giving a presentation entitled “Overview, market development and perspectives” on day one of the conference.
However, the thematic focus of the conference is on the latest technological advances within the industry. Highlights include presentations on production innovations, including that by Dr. Arun Ramakrishnan from Centroterm Photovoltaics AG in Blaubeuren, Germany, who is giving a presentation entitled “Latest technology development in PV solar cell manufacturing”. Stefan Huttelmaier from Schiller Automation GmbH & Co. KG in Sonnenbühl, Germany, is to hold a presentation on “Advanced automation for PV thin film production”. Dr. Wei Zhao – Director of the PV Products Division at Sungrow Power Supply Co.Ltd. in Hefei, China – will report on the latest developments in the field of solar inverters, while the latest developments in monocrystalline solar cells will be presented by Yong Liu, CTO at Ja Solar Holdings Co. Ltd. in Shanghai, China. Cleaner production is also playing a visibly greater role in the manufacture of photovoltaic components. This topic will be the focus of several expert presentations being held throughout the day on December 7 in cooperation with the German Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.
