Solar Power conference sees big growth in 2009

The 2009 Solar Power International Conference, hosted by Washington D.C.’s Solar Electric Power Association and Solar Energy Industries Association, opened its doors Oct. 27 in Anaheim, Calif. The show more than doubled the number of exhibiting companies and the net square feet of exhibit space since 2008, according to the conference guide. About 900 companies exhibited in the show on 210,000 square feet of space, and about 25,000 attendees were expected to visit the show that ran through Oct. 29. Final attendance numbers have not yet been released.

Next year’s conference is scheduled for Oct. 12-14 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Conference news

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• Solar market suffers in the face of lost incentives and the recession
  After experiencing a boom during 2004 to 2008, the solar industry is suffering a downturn in 2009 and will remain soft for several years, said Paula Mints, principal analyst, Navigant Consulting, PV Services Program, Palo Alto, Calif. Mints delivered the Market Overview seminar Oct. 27 during the first day of the Solar Power International Conference.
• Glass industry companies expand solar businesses in 2009
  Many glass industry companies have taken time during the recession to invest in their solar businesses, building new facilities and adding lines, company representatives said during Solar Power International, Oct. 27-29 in Anaheim, Calif.

Photo galleries

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