Southern California plays host this week to the 2007 Solar Power Conference and Expo, North America's largest solar energy event, where more than 10,000 people will gather to discuss the future of clean, renewable energy. Now in its fourth year, the Solar Power Conference and Expo has become the premiere North American forum for solar industry professionals, investors, utility managers, builders, policymakers and everyday citizens from across the world.
The event has grown by more than a factor of 10 since its inception in 2004, paralleling the rapid expansion and diversification of the solar power industry itself.
This year's conference program is designed to address the cross-over appeal of solar energy – not only for solar enterprises working together but to facilitate opportunities for the business community at large. Solar Power 2007 will feature keynote speeches by renowned leaders from every corner of the corporate world, including Ted Turner, venture capitalist Ray Lane, actor and environmentalist Larry Hagman, and Wal-Mart Vice President Charles Zimmerman.
A CEO Panel will feature captains of the solar industry discussing key issues facing the market. And the conference has added additional breakout sessions for the investor and green building segments.
"Solar power has evolved into a widely accessible technology with infinite real-world applications for both individuals and businesses," said Julia Judd Hamm, executive director of the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and chair of the Solar Power Conference and Expo.
"Solar Power 2007 is fertile ground for the next wave of novel industry partnerships. The event is a magnet for anyone showcasing the latest solar technology, looking for investments, sourcing suppliers, exploring business relationships and connecting with customers."
"The unprecedented size and scope of Solar Power 2007 is one more indicator that the thriving U.S. solar power industry is ripe for investment," said Rhone Resch, president of the Solar Energy Industries Assocation (SEIA) and co-presenter of Solar Power 2007.
"In such a landmark year, the industry needs a cohesive federal energy policy to put our solar energy resources to work for America. Congressional support for solar has never been stronger, and we believe the proposed energy bill will dramatically enhance America's energy and national security while growing jobs and protecting the environment."
Solar Industry Opens Doors with Free Public Night
Fulfilling an annual custom, the conference invites Southern California's citizens to attend a free Public Night on Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Local businesses and homeowners will receive a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at a wide range of useful applications for solar power.
"Our annual free Public Night is a great opportunity for the general public to learn how to make solar power a practical part of their lives, or how to build a career in the solar industry," said Ms. Hamm. "Visitors can attend free solar energy seminars and tour the expo floor featuring 210 companies from every aspect of the business."
