The next Solar Energy Trading Show is just around the corner! On August 9 – 11, 2012, the Sunlight Supply booth at the Solar Power International in Orlando, Florida will be showcasing its range of quality organic solvents and cleaning products ideal for use in the renewable energy industry.
Organic solvents are critical to manufacturing and maintaining solar equipment. They are also vital for effectively dissolving paint or organic compounds from surfaces so that they can be removed using cleaning products. The use of organic solvents in the manufacture of thin film solar equipment is expected to grow steadily over the next few years, driven by the need to reduce energy usage and impact on the environment.
So, what makes the Sunlight Supply booth at the Solar Power International unique?
Well, for starters, it’s the range of products on display that you shouldn’t be able to find anywhere else. Sunlight Supply’s booth will feature many different products for use in the solar industry, including:
- Solvents: Organic and otherwise
- Thin film adhesive
- Corrosion inhibitor
- Antistatic compounds
- De-icer for solar field vehicles
- Paint stripper
- Water-repellent coating for solar panels
- Surfaces cleaners
- Paint spray
- Paint brush
- De-icer for solar hot-tubs
- Soap water treatment
As well as being able to source many of these products from a single supplier, the benefits for visitors to the Sunlight Supply booth at the Solar Power International are two-fold.
Firstly, they can get a full demonstration of how these products are used in the solar industry. Secondly, they can meet the manufacturers of these products and find out more about their products. While this may not sound like a full weekend to some, it is a valuable resource to those who work in the solar industry, especially since many of these products cannot be found in one place otherwise.
Which Products Will Be Of Most Interest To You?
Now, we know what products Sunlight Supply will be showcasing at the Solar Power International, but what solar products will be of most interest to you?
Well, that entirely depends on your needs and the kind of work you do. If you work in the solar industry and have visited the Sunlight Supply booth before, then this year’s show will probably seem pretty familiar. What is new is that Sunlight Supply has added a couple of new products to its range this year including solar field software that can be downloaded directly to your computer.
Other than that, the range of products available will mostly be the same as last year. However, you should still make a note of the following items, just in case:
- Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)
- Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)
- 2,2,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene (TFMP)
- Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
- Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
- Diethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP)
- 2-Methoxy-2-methyl Propanol (Mopanol)
Why Should You Attend This Year’s Solar Energy Trade Show?
So, you want to know what makes this year’s show different from the others?
Well, for starters, it’s the keynote speech by Al Gore. The former U.S. Vice President and current ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ author will be talking about the renewable energy craze and the impact it’s having on our environment. In addition, the organizers have included a ‘green’ expo area where you can find a range of eco-products and services. Many big names are on the guest list this year, including Michael Steinbrecher, CEO of the Solarmetro Corporation. Steinbrecher is an industry vet with over 30 years experience in the field, and he will be speaking to attendees about the future of solar power.
Other notables include representatives from large companies such as Dell, HP, and IBM, along with smaller start-ups and suppliers such as Sunlight Supply. One of the things that makes this year’s show different is that it doesn’t have any pre-planned panel discussions. Instead, the organizers have lined up a range of expert speakers to give short talks on a variety of topics. You won’t need to prepare a lot of slides, as all of the speakers will be using laptops for presentation purposes. This should make for an interesting and exciting change from the usual trade show format.
Key Points To Remember
Now, we know what makes this year’s show special, but it’s not all good news. Here are some crucial points to remember:
Firstly, the show will be open to the public, so you don’t need an invitation in order to attend. Simply search for ‘solar energy’ in the online directory and you’ll see a list of places to go. Many of them are actually quite far away from Orlando, so you may have to make a day of it. Fortunately, there are a range of hotels near the Florida city that can help you out.
Secondly, parking at the Orlando International Airport is extremely costly. Even if you manage to grab a spot right next to the exit, it will still set you back $30. Luckily, there is a municipally-operated public transportation system nearby, called the Orlando Regional Transit Authority (Orlando RT). It links the airport with Downtown Orlando and the Convention Center. A single ride costs $2.50, and it will set you back $11 for a day pass. This is why many people are recommending flying into one of the larger cities closer to the conference and taking the bus or the train the rest of the way. You’ll find all of the details you need in the directory. Simply search for ‘solar energy’ and ‘travel’ and you’ll see a list of travel-related articles and websites that can help you out.
Thirdly, be sure to visit the expo area during the first two days of the show. Many exhibitors will be there, showcasing their products and services. You should head there early in the day, as the last thing you want to do is rush to your booth and settle for less than desirable customer service. That will ruin your entire weekend. In the meantime, it’s important to find out what products you are missing. Many of the companies that produce these products will have a presence in the expo area, where they can answer all of your questions and put your mind at ease.
Last but not least, be sure to visit the ‘Solar Power International’ website often. The organizers will keep you up-to-date on all the show’s developments and have posted a detailed schedule of events, along with helpful articles and videos.