Focus on international photovoltaics markets and grid parity at 5th PV Industry Forum
Around 400 photovoltaics experts - two thirds of whom from abroad - discuss current developments in the industry
The 5th PV Industry Forum came to an end the day before yesterday with a high-caliber panel discussion. From May 25 to 26, manufacturers, service providers and suppliers from the international photovoltaics industry met in Munich at the world's largest solar technology trade show, Intersolar. The main focus of the two-day conference was on current and future developments in the international markets. There was particularly lively debate on the topic of grid parity, which experts and decision makers see as a milestone for the future development of the market. To complete the comprehensive conference program, there were presentations on further key subjects such as large-scale photovoltaic plants, inverters and thin-film modules.
The world’s photovoltaic industry meets ahead of Intersolar
The two-day conference program was of a very high quality, with expert speakers presenting market analyses and industry trends to around 400 decision makers from the photovoltaic industry. The conference participants, two thirds of whom were from abroad, included project managers, sales representatives and marketing specialists. Alongside application and market-oriented presentations, 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 – an opportunity that the participants were eager to take advantage of. The first day of the PV Industry Forum focused on the world's most important photovoltaics markets, such as the USA, Europe and Japan.
The second key subject area on the day was the issue of grid parity, which is the point at which electricity generated by a photovoltaic installation can be supplied for the same price as conventional electricity. The speakers at the PV Industry Forum were unanimous in their expectation that this will be achieved in the space of a few years – especially in regions with especially high solar irradiation and high electricity prices. Once grid parity has been achieved, electricity from photovoltaic installations will be able to compete with conventionally generated electricity in all aspects. This is an important milestone for the solar industry; reaching it will, on the one hand, open up new markets, and on the other, herald changes in distribution channels and sales strategies. The manifold effects of achieving grid parity were the subject of vigorous debate among the 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,” concludes Dr. Murray Cameron, Vice President of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).
The second day of the PV Industry Forum featured six specialist sessions. This year’s focus was on large-scale solar plants and thin-film technology.
The international industry conference was rounded off by a high-caliber panel discussion with the CEOs of Applied Materials, LDK, Phoenix Solar and REC Solar. The discussion revolved around the future of the global photovoltaics market and their assessment of technological developments. The industry leaders held firm in their belief in the industry's potential for growth, even in the current difficult economic situation, and expect to see positive developments in the future. “Solar power has the potential to come out of the economic crisis as a winner,” says Dr. Murray Cameron.
“One of the best reasons to visit PV Industry Forum is that the presentations and sessions are excellent, and the conference is efficiently run with plenty of time for questions. The conference is also the kick-off for Intersolar Munich, one of the world’s largest trade shows. The trade show offers an excellent venue for doing business and for finding out what is happening in the industry. Back to the PV Industry Forum, I’ve watched it grow up from a half-day, to a full day to two days, and it is wonderful being part of it,” says Paula Mints, Associate Director of Navigant Consulting.