Solar Power International 2009 begins: largest U.S. solar event to date

After much anticipation, the Solar Power International 2009 event begins. SPI is the largest business-to-business solar energy conference and expo in North America, held this year at the Anaheim Convention Center for three days from October 27 – 29. The event is presented by the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

Solar Power International 2009 is expecting record attendance as the show includes 925 companies represented in the 200,000-square-foot Expo Hall. This is figure is double last year’s numbers, where the event saw 425 exhibitors.

The SPI event will highlight many different aspects of the PV industry; the exhibit floor segmented by product type, making the show easy to navigate for individuals and businesses looking to find and develop relationships. Some of the main features will include; the potential of the U.S. as Germany’s main competitor for growth, the impact of solar jobs on struggling economy, the role of policy, impact of falling equipment costs, and innovative new technologies and business models driving market adoption of solar in the U.S. market.

Keynote speakers will include, U.S. Labor Secretary Solis, New Mexico Governor Richardson, Robert Kennedy Jr., and Ed Begley Jr. The General Sessions will also include two CEO Panels at which leaders of the utility and solar industries will discuss aspects of the solar marketplace.

Julia Hamm, conference chair and executive director of SEPA said, “The U.S. solar industry is not just in the Golden State. It is now thriving from the Southwest to the Northeast, with utility-scale plants appearing across the country and solar arrays proliferating on homes and businesses in every state. Solar Power International is the place to experience this dynamic industry in action. We are the only event that unites the entire solar industry under one roof. We provide unparalleled learning and networking opportunities for attendees to grow business. And we are proud to invest the event proceeds directly toward the continued growth of the industry.”

Although the main focus of SPI is business-to-business interaction, the conference will again hold its “Public Night,” where the expo floor is opened and free workshops are available to the public. This will take place on Oct. 28, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.