Fifth PV Industry Forum in Munich draws to a close

From May 25 to 26, around 400 PV experts comprising manufacturers, project managers, sales representatives and marketing specialists met during the conference at the world's largest solar technology trade show, Intersolar in Munich, to discuss current and future developments in the industry. There was a particularly lively debate on grid parity, which many experts and decision makers see as critical to the future development of the market.

The two-day conference held prior to Intersolar opening its doors included presentations on further key subjects such as large-scale PV plants, thin-film modules and inverters. Expert speakers presented market analyses and industry trends to decision makers from the industry, while the conference program also provided plenty of scope for direct discussions with the speakers either in the form of group debates or one-to-one conversations.

Grid parity: the holy grail

The first day of the PV Industry Forum focused on the world's most important PV markets such as the USA, Europe and Japan, and on the issue of grid parity (i.e. the point at which electricity generated by a PV installation can be supplied at the same price as conventional electricity). Speakers at the PV Industry Forum agreed unanimously that grid parity will be reached within the next few years, especially in regions with particularly high solar irradiation and electricity prices. This will be an important milestone for the solar industry and will open up new markets and lead to changes in distribution channels and sales strategies. The manifold effects of achieving grid parity were subject of considerable debate among participants. “Grid parity will bring a significant boost to the industry, although we have to be careful and not forget that grid parity is not enough on its own,” concluded Dr. Murray Cameron, Vice President of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).

The second day of the PV Industry Forum featured six specialist sessions, focusing particularly on large-scale solar plants and thin-film technology, while the conference was rounded off by a high-calibre panel discussion with the CEOs of Applied Materials, LDK, Phoenix Solar and REC Solar. The discussion revolved around the future of the global PV market and their assessment of technological developments, with participants declaring they were confident that the industry was well positioned to grow, even in the current difficult economic situation. “Solar power has the potential to come out of the economic crisis as a winner,” says Dr. Murray Cameron.

Intersolar

Running from 27-29 May, Intersolar is the largest solar technology tradeshow in the world and focuses on the fields of PV, solar thermal technology and solar architecture. It has taken place annually since 2000 and this year is being held for the second time in Munich, Germany. It is organised by Solar Promotion GmbH, Pforzheim, in cooperation with Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH & Co. KG.

For additional information:

http://www.pvindustry.de

http://www.intersolar.de