Today at 9:00am, the doors to the world’s largest exhibition for the solar industry reopen at Messe München. A total of 1,909 exhibitors from 49 countries are presenting their products, solutions and services in the fields of photovoltaics (PV), solar thermal technologies and PV production technologies until June 15 at Intersolar Europe. Approximately 80,000 visitors are this year expected to journey to the exhibition, which covers 170,000 square meters of exhibition space in 15 halls and an outdoor exhibition area. The Intersolar Europe Conference takes place in parallel from June 11-14, 2012 and boasts approximately 400 speakers. The organizers are expecting about 2,500 attendees to take part in the conference and its Side Events. In addition to the latest technologies, the focus of this year’s conference and exhibition are chiefly the issues affecting the future of the industry, which are being highlighted and debated in events, discussions and special exhibits at international level. These include the topics of Electricity Storage, Grid Integration and Heating with Solar Power. Furthermore, the varied developments in international markets are also at the center of attention. This is another area where organizers are anticipating extensive dialog between political and industrial representatives from many countries, and are thus creating platforms for international exchange.
This year, 54% of exhibitors at Intersolar Europe are from abroad – from a total of 49 countries. Germany is home to 871 of the exhibitors, followed by China with 388, Italy with 78, Spain with 48, and Taiwan and Austria with 46 companies each.
Electricity storage and grid integration at Intersolar Europe
In 2011, more photovoltaic systems were installed worldwide than ever before. The growing proportion of solar power is changing power grids, as their infrastructure is still designed for centralized power production with few fluctuations. In future, power storage systems will help to stabilize the grids, as they are able to store electricity which can then be consumed at times when yields are lower. New, effective power storage systems and innovative solutions for integrating solar power into the power grids are therefore important cornerstones for the future of energy supply. They offer the solar industry enormous potential, and will play a significant role in implementing Germany’s new energy policy. Intersolar Europe is showcasing the latest developments and pioneering solutions at the PV ENERGY WORLD special exhibit in hall C4, booth C4.230. Specialist presentations at the special exhibit’s forum round out the program and provide an insight into the business models of the future.
The special exhibit PV and E-Mobility in the outdoor exhibition area of Messe München looks at mobile energy storage with electric vehicles. This special exhibit shines the spotlight on the latest carport solutions, charging stations and electric vehicles themselves. To complete the program, participants are able to experience the future of mobility by test driving an electric vehicle.
