November 8, 2007 – In an effort to deepen industry ties to perhaps the best high-growth application area for many equipment suppliers, SEMI is partnering with the organizers of global solar trade fair Intersolar to cohost “Intersolar North America,” the largest event serving the solar energy technology supply chain in the US, at next year’s SEMICON West (July 15-17, San Francisco’s Moscone Center).
Held annually for the past eight years in mid-June in Freiberg, Germany, Intersolar welcomed a record 32,000 visitors this year (30% growth from 2006) on solar technology topics including photovoltaic technologies, solar thermal technology, and solar architecture. Next summer the show moves to roomier facilities in Munich, where organizers expect 800 exhibitors and more than 35,000 visitors.
Intersolar North America will address the entire solar energy supply chain including solar thermal energy and photovoltaics. Exhibitors expected to participate are involved in PV cells, modules, and inverters; polysilicon, materials, and equipment supplies; components and subsystems; solar thermal applications (heating, process heat, cooling); and architectural/construction services. A day-and-a-half conference on PV technology and solar thermal energy will also be held. The event will occupy portion of Moscone’s West Hall, and attendees can go to both exhibitions with no additional fees or badges (the PV conference is an additional fee).
Combining the two shows makes sense due to the similar manufacturing technologies — nearly 20% of SEMI members are actively involved in PV manufacturing technology, noted Stanley Myers, president/CEO of SEMI, in a statement, adding that both areas are quickly becoming ubiquitous technologies in modern life.
Like SEMICON, [Intersolar has] a focus on photovoltaic technology. With an additional focus on solar-thermal, architectural, components, and other related products and technologies, Intersolar will contribute a wider audience. Together, SEMICON and Intersolar present a broader range of opportunities for exhibitors and buyers,” stated Markus Elsasser, CEO of Solar Promotion GmbH, one of the organizers of the Intersolar events.