With the global demand for energy growing steadily each year, it’s more important than ever to keep up to date with the latest trends and technologies which can help us to become more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. One such movement which can significantly change our relationship with energy is solar power. Not only is it growing in popularity each year, but it also provides us with a number of advantages which can’t be refused.
In recent years, businesses have taken a greater interest in sustainable and green technology, with many investing heavily in solar power to cut their carbon footprint and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. As a result, a number of solar-powered technology events have sprung up across the world, dedicated to showcasing the very best in solar-related products and services.
Here’s an overview of the top solar-powered technology events which you should consider visiting next year.
SOLARFAXPO Munich
Located in the heart of Bavaria, Germany, the SOLARFAXPO Munich is one of the world’s leading exhibitions and platforms for the solar industry. The event is committed to driving industry growth through a combination of in-house exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and concerts.
What’s more, the whole city comes alive with excitement ahead of the event each year. As well as embracing the principles of sustainability, the citizens of Munich have a strong historical connection with solar technology. The event was originally founded in 1967 and held in various cities around Europe until 2017, when it moved to its current location. The name comes from the merging of the word ‘solar’ with that of the famous international textile trade exhibition, ‘FAXPO’.
Munich is a hub for technology and science, with renowned universities and a highly-educated population. As well as boasting one of the largest concentrations of scientists in Germany, the city is also home to numerous start-ups and innovative businesses. It’s a perfect place to develop new products and bring them to market.
The solar sector in general, and the SOLARFAXPO exhibition in particular, is a very strong one in Germany. The trade body, VDMA, reported a 126% increase in solar installations between 2016 and 2017. And it’s not just limited to solar power either. Germany is a leader in the field of sustainable transport too, with the country running on a largely renewable energy basis.
EcoOptics BIBB
EcoOptics is one of the largest distributors of photovoltaic (PV) products in the world, with its headquarters based in Canada. The company began as a humble trading post in 1976, selling hand-me-down solar equipment from Australia. Today, EcoOptics is a global corporation which operates in more than 150 countries with over 18,000 employees. The company’s aim is to be more environmentally conscious, moving away from a reliance on fossil fuels and toward a greener future.
One of EcoOptics’ most significant contributions to the industry is its certification process. The company holds more than 20 certifications, allowing it to specify the energy performance of a product at the time of purchase. This means that EcoOptics sells energy-efficient products with a guaranteed minimum energy output which is guaranteed for the lifetime of the product.
EcoOptics also don’t just sell PV products. The company brings a focus to the wider solar market by certifying whole systems, gathering together all the necessary bits and pieces for a residential or commercial solar power installation.
First Solar World Congress
First Solar is a global company which manufactures solar PV modules and develops and sells solar-related products and services. The company was formerly known as SolarWorld, purchasing the rights to the name in 2017. The First Solar World Congress is an opportunity to learn more about the latest trends and technologies in the solar industry and to network with individuals from all over the world.
Every two years, the First Solar World Congress brings together the entire solar industry in a single location for three days. The locations vary but are all around the world. In 2018, the event will be held in Melbourne, Australia while in 2020, it will take place in Dubai.
The 2018 edition of the First Solar World Congress will be held in Melbourne, Australia, from 23-26 April. As well as presenting a unique opportunity to learn more about the technology, the event will also give attendees the chance to participate in workshops, network with peers, and enjoy a host of social activities.
Morphogen Solar Summit
Morphogen Solar is an organization which focuses on bringing Asian and international perspectives to the solar market. The group was founded in 2014 and convenes experts in technology, business, and policy to work on advancing the industry and creating new business opportunities in emerging markets.
The aim of the Morphogen Solar Summit is to connect businesses, scientists, and governments to form a network aimed at driving innovation in the solar sector. The annual event brings together government officials, business leaders, and scientists from around the world to discuss the most pressing challenges and opportunities in renewable energy and to work on practical solutions.
Attendees at the Summit will have the chance to learn about the latest trends and technologies in the solar industry, explore the potential of solar energy, and network with individuals from all over the world. And if that wasn’t enough, the event is also an excellent opportunity to make some money, with a host of exhibitors and sponsors offering lucrative opportunities for those who can turn up the heat.
International Solar Electric Power Exhibition
Every year, the International Solar Electric Power Exhibition catalyses the global solar industry. The event brings together industry stakeholders from around the world to discuss new business opportunities, emerging technologies, and the future direction of the industry.
The exhibition has taken place every year since 1988 and is organized by the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The event also has the endorsement of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The exhibition continues to grow in popularity each year, attracting more than 140,000 visitors in 2017 and 2018. It’s likely that the event will surpass 160,000 visitors in 2019. It’s also one of the few exhibitions which are open to the general public, providing an excellent opportunity to anyone interested in the industry.
Solstice Innovations Summit
The Solstice Innovations Summit is a one-stop-shop for those interested in all things solar. The event brings together industry leaders, experts, and academics to offer an insight into the latest trends and technologies in the solar sector. It also provides a platform for those who want to get involved in the industry to network and find new opportunities. The event is a must for anyone working in or interested in the solar industry.
The Solstice Innovations Summit offers workshops, case studies, and keynote addresses from leading figures in the industry which cover everything from the basics of solar technology to business models and market segmentations. In addition, Solstice organizes an exhibition which features the very best of cutting-edge technology, products, and services for the industry.
The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) works with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to organize one of the largest and most prominent solar events in the world, the International Solar Electric Power Exhibition. This year, the event will be based in Frankfurt, Germany and is set to attract 140,000 visitors.
Global Solar Summit
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) have partnered to organize a Global Solar Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2022. The aim of the summit is to examine how the global solar industry can work together to combat climate change. It will be the first major international event to take place in Africa and follows on from last year’s United Nations General Assembly which discussed how to ensure sustainable energy for all.
The summit will bring together hundreds of leaders from across the globe, including government officials, scientists, and industry figures to look at the future of solar energy and how to make it more accessible to everyone.
The summit will be split into three days. Day one will consist of world-class speakers offering fascinating insights into the future of solar energy and practical advice on how to get involved. Day two will be dedicated to participants networking and the exhibition, while day three will consist of further keynotes and workshop discussions.