This year’s event, held 8-10 June, showcased technological solutions for a solar-powered future, with over 2,000 economic and scientific experts gathering at Munich, Germany’s International Congress Centre to discuss the latest developments in international photovoltaic and solar thermal markets as well as cutting-edge technology trends.
The exhibition was held at the new Munich Trade Fair Centre, boasting an exhibition space of 168,000 square metres, 15 exhibition halls and an outdoor exhibition area.
“Thanks to the sharp rise in awareness surrounding the topic of energy supply, Intersolar Europe has grown once again – as an organizer, this is good news of course,” said Markus Elsässer, CEO of Solar Promotion GmbH, Pforzheim .
“However, it is the quality of the event that is more important to us,” Elsässer continued. “I believe we have succeeded in directly addressing many questions about future energy supply and, in doing so, have showcased the latest state-of-the-art technology, shining the light on solar solutions along the way.
“Many exhibitors and visitors agree on our success. We want to build on this thematic approach in the future and thus further highlight possible solar technology solutions,” he added.
For Klaus W. Seilnacht, CEO of FWTM, one of the most pleasing aspects of the even was the participation of many international visitors and the wealth of innovations on display.
The international character of the exhibitors reflected the industry's global importance. Companies from more than 47 countries came to event which featured special exhibitions clearly demonstrating participants’ vision for the future energy mix of Germany.
Four distinct thematic areas, named “Smart Grid”, “Smart Building and E-Mobility”, “Smart Cities” and “Smart PV Technology and Economy” illustrated how the share of solar energy in total energy consumption could be increased in the future.
“We see that companies are openly tackling the challenges facing solar markets, and are therefore optimistic about the future after this year,” Seilnacht said.
This year, an entire exhibition area was dedicated to PV production technology, an area which had to be increased yet again to meet demand.
Here, key players in PV production technology from across the globe presented their innovations, products and services in fields including automation, cell and module production, thin-film technology, software, gases and chemicals, and solar glass.
“We have received very positive feedback from exhibitors in the area of PV production technology and there was an excellent mood here,” said Heinz Kundert, President of SEMI Europe, the global industry association of equipment and material manufacturers specializing in photovoltaics.
This year, in cooperation with the German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar), the organizers of Intersolar Europe honoured the most innovative companies in the solar industry with the Intersolar AWARD for the fourth time running.
In the “Photovoltaics” category, the winners were Autarcon GmbH, Kassel; BELECTRIC Drive GmbH, Kolitzheim; and Aluminium Féron GmbH & Co. KG, Düren.
In the "Solar Thermal Technology” category, the jury were won over by Absolicon Solar Concentrator AB, Härnösand, Sweden; Dr. Vetter Gesellschaft für Medizinische Datentechnik, Bio- und Umwelttechnik mbH, Baden-Baden; and Savo-Solar Oy, Mikkeli, Finland in collaboration with Hydro Aluminium Precision Tubing, Tønder, Denmark.
In the “PV Production Technology” category, the coveted award was presented to Decker Anlagenbau GmbH, Berching; Manz Automation AG, Reutlingen; and NanoFocus AG, Oberhausen.
For many the awards highlighted the dynamism of the industry and what solar technology can do for energy supply in the future.
“The message from Intersolar Europe 2011 is: If a solid framework is laid down for the solar industry, by 2020 Germany will easily be able to meet 10 percent of its power consumption and an increasing share of its heating needs with solar energy,” said Carsten Körnig, Managing Director of the German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar).
Partners supporting the event included the German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar), as an exclusive partner of Intersolar Europe, the German Solar Energy Society (DGS), the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF), the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) and the SEMI PV Group, with the support of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).
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