Glasstec to focus on photovoltaics, solar thermal energy

By Sahely Mukerji
September 17, 2008
COMMERCIAL : MEETINGS AND EVENTS

As of Sept. 16, 1,262 exhibitors from 48 countries have registered to participate in glasstec 2008 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany, Oct. 21–25. Exhibitors have reserved 68,493 square meters  of net exhibit space in nine halls, according to a Messe Düsseldorf North America release.

To date, 857 exhibitors are from countries other than Germany. The largest foreign exhibitor contingents are from Italy with 203 companies, China with  153 companies, and  the United States with 62 companies.

 The U.S. companies will display their products within the North American Pavilion, organized by Messe Düsseldorf North America and co-sponsored by the National Glass Association, McLean, Va.
 
At glasstec 2006, more than 30 percent of the visitors were interested in solar energy themes. Consequently, solar energy will be a key topic at this year with the special show “Glass Technology Live.” In addition to the classic areas such as laser technology, functional coatings, technical glass, bent glass and special glass, glasstec will be devoted to the themes of photovoltaics and solar thermal energy (Click here to read about the photovoltaic industry in the U.S.).
 
The theme of solar energy will be covered in detail at the specialist symposium within “Glass Technology Live.” For the first time, two of the five conference days will exclusively deal with photovoltaics and solar thermal energy. The themes discussed will include solar glass, solar modules and methods of building integration. The focus will be on thin-film modules for photovoltaic systems that offer a promising alternative to conventional silicon solar cells as they consist of a layer of just a few thousandths of a millimeter. This saves material and allows fast and cost-effective production processes.
 
Mechanical engineering company Lenhardt Maschinenbau GmbH will showcase its laminate-free thin-layer module manufacturing process at glasstec.
 
About 130 companies from the solar segment will show new techniques and manufacturing processes either at their trade fair stands or at “Glass and Energy” at “Glass Technology Live.” Applied Materials, one of the three largest suppliers in the world of turnkey factories for the production of solar modules, Reis Robotics, a provider of solar cell manufacturing techniques, and Grenzebach that handles the production process of thin layer modules, also will be at the show. Other renowned manufacturers such as Scheuten Solar, Schott, Schüco, Sulfurcell, Sunways, Jenoptik, Solarwatt and Von Ardenne will showcase topical solar modules including thin layer modules for integration into buildings.
 
For more information, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America, 150 North Michigan Ave., Suite 2920, Chicago, IL 60601, 312/781-5180, info@mdna.com.