The 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, which was held in Hamburg from 21 to 25 September, was a landmark event in the development of the global solar energy sector. With 4300 conference participants, 1300 oral presentations and posters, 950 companies presenting themselves on a huge exhibition area and 40.000 visitors, it was certainly one of the biggest events in this field ever.

The importance of solar energy for a future sustainable energy system can hardly be overestimated. The world is in a real hurry to make the transition to sustainability, and acceleration of developments in solar energy is therefore crucial.
ECN was well represented on this Conference. The unit Solar Energy hosted an exhibition stand and presented many papers. Also, the chairman of this conference was ECN’s own Wim Sinke: “PV solar energy is taking off. After having experienced impressive growth rates for many years, gigawatt-scale manufacturing and installation are now becoming a reality. The choice for Hamburg as a conference location is an excellent one, since Germany has played a crucial role in reaching this stage of development. The PV sector owes the host country a lot. Fortunately the number of countries actively and ambitiously supporting the development of PV solar energy is increasing, providing a solid basis for further growth of the global PV market.” 

Unique opportunity for the young and talented ones
This year’s Conference was about acceleration. It was even about ‘revolution by accelerated evolution’, to quote the EU PV Technology Platform. The Conference Program was not only impressive in size and scope, but also in quality and depth. Leading scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and many other professionals chose this platform to share their latest results and insights. On the other hand, many young people were given a unique opportunity to present their work and to be informed and stimulated by colleagues from all over the world.
ECN Solar Energy contributed to the conference with presentations on crystalline silicon cells and modules (including the recent world record), thin-film silicon, organic solar cells, and more.
The Exhibition provided a comprehensive overview of the PV sector in the broadest sense possible: from materials suppliers, cell, module and balance-of-system manufacturers and equipment builders to project developers and consultants. And about every other commercial or non-profit activity you can imagine. ECN Solar Energy's booth at the exhibition over the years has developed from a modest research-oriented display to a full-size professional and (inter)active meeting point for researchers and industry representatives. Of course ECN's products and services were shown and demonstrated in an attractive way as well.

Two main drivers for cost reduction
In the coming decade PV will have to position and establish itself as a key technology to fight climate change, to enhance security of supply and, last but not least, to bring electricity to people who do not have grid access. Reaching grid parity has become an important target and will provide the first major stepping stone on the road to full competitiveness. Technology development and economies of scale are two main drivers for cost reduction and this Conference has given exciting insights in both.
The conference program gave a comprehensive overview of developments aimed at short, medium and long term, while the Exhibition again allowed visitors to experience the vitality and width of the rapidly growing global PV industry sector. Moreover, the event gave unique opportunities to learn about virtually all other aspects of PV development. From education and training to financing, from government programs to entrepreneurship, and much more.

Contact
Astrid Zander
ECN Solar Energy
Tel.: 31 22 456 4937
Email: Astrid Zander   

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