The 4th PV Industry Forum, an international meeting of the solar energy industry held in Munich on June 10 and 11, attracted more than 650 photovoltaics experts from 54 nations. "This PV Forum was the biggest and best I have ever been to. This also reflects the growth of the industry", said Dr. Charles Gay, General Manager of the Applied Materials Solar Business Group.

The reason why so many high-ranking representatives of the photovoltaics industry attended the event held two days before the international Intersolar Trade Show 2008 was supplied by Q-Cells CEO, Anton Milner: "The PV Industry Forum addresses innovative subjects relating to the future of the solar industry."

On the first day, the speakers gave an overview of the most important photovoltaic markets in the world. On the second day, participants were briefed on important trends in thin-film technology, concentrating solar systems and large photovoltaic power plants, and also on the use of solar energy for rural electrification.
At the high profile podium discussion at the 4th PV Industry Forum 2008 were taking part: Dr. Charles Gay, Corporate Vice President, Applied Materials Inc., Dr. Zhengrong Shi, CEO, Suntech Power Company Ltd., Mr. Anton Milner, CEO, Q-Cells AG, Dr. Claus Beneking, CEO, Ersol Solar Energy AG, Dr. Ad van Wijk, CEO, Econcern.

The proportion of international participants rose continuously in the last years: In 2005 they accounted for 26% of participants, in 2006 50%, in 2007 64% and in 2008 66%.