27th EU PVSEC Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition is now open

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  The 27th EU PVSEC in Germany’s financial capital, Frankfurt, opened its doors today with a press conference. Journalists echoed the concerns of the solar PV industry, whilst experts from across the supply chain attempted to infuse the room with some optimism

The 27th EU PVSEC in Germany’s financial capital, Frankfurt, opened its doors today with a press conference. Journalists echoed the concerns of the solar PV industry, whilst experts from across the supply chain attempted to infuse the room with some optimism. The word “normal” was stressed many a time, comparing the PV industry’s struggle with those of the automotive trade.

Winfried Hoffmann from the EPIA said the industry is currently in a state of “consolidation” – a phase experienced by most industries. He continued stating that we need to patiently wait out the next 10 to 15 years and we will then see a more prosperous future.

“There has never been a more difficult time for PV”, said Stefan Nowak, chairman of the International Energy Agency. “This difficulty is at the forefront of our minds.”

However, Giovanni De Santi, director for the Institute of Energy and Transport at the European Commission, said that no matter the difficulties we are facing, this is a “time of opportunity”. The industry is in dire need of a more “organized international collaboration”.

“Political problems which have occurred will not come in the way of the European Commission,” insisted De Santi, when quizzed on the progress of the Desertec project. However, he refused to make any comments on the EC’s decision to bring anti-dumping charges against Chinese manufacturers.

Hoffmann stated that the PV industry is not in a position where it can afford to get involved in these situations. A divided industry will not be able to fabricate a strong and prosperous industry. “We shouldn’t speculate too much on this issue,” he said. 

This annual PV solar gathering will see many keynote, plenary, oral and visual presentations from some of the world’s leading science-to-science, business-to-business and science-to-industry speakers.

Speakers include global investors and decision-makers from industry, research, finance and politics: electricity business leaders, innovators, analysts, senior national, European and international policy-makers, regulators, stakeholders from A-Z scientific organisations and renewable energy groups, and talking-heads from internationally renowned research facilities.

PV-Tech will be reporting this week from select events and conference programmes. Come visit us in Hall 3.0, on Booth F2c.