The latest figures point to significant growth in the Chinese solar market, underlining the ever more im-portant role it plays in the global solar industry. The international role of the Chinese companies that are now active in many markets across the globe has also grown. Inter-solar China, which is set to take place from December 7–9 in Beijing, offers tailored in-formation for Chinese and international exhibitors and visitors alike, shedding light on the development of markets and technologies in the industry.

According to the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011–2015) issued by the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) based in Beijing, China is aiming to install solar plants with a total capacity of 10 GW by 2015. This would see the country advance into the premier league of international solar markets. Intersolar’s Head of Conference Development, Frank Haugwitz, anticipates that China will have connected new photovoltaic installations with a cumulative out-put of around 1.5 to 2 GW to the grid in 2011 – this is three to four times the capacity connected in 2010 (560 MW). Chinese companies are also gaining in importance across the globe. According to the Photovoltaic Sustainable Growth Index published by Frankfurt-based PRTM Management Consultants GmbH, in 2010, Chinese solar companies increased their share of total industry sales from 36% to 45%. The primary factor that allows manufacturers in China to produce particularly cost-effective PV modules is favorable production conditions. This makes the products extremely appealing to customers. With this in mind, improved networking and international cooperation among solar companies offer a promising strategy for future success. Intersolar China is therefore offering tailored exhibition and conference platforms for exchange.

Industry experts analyze technologies and markets

At the Intersolar China Conference, experts from both Chinese and international companies are discussing future markets and technologies – and an important topic here is how regional solar markets develop differently. Analyst Ray Lian from Solarbuzz in Port Washington, USA, will there-fore explore the topic of "Growing PV markets – Race between China and the U.S.". The conference also shines a light on other Asian markets: Dr. Hiroshi Matsukawa from RTS Corporation in Tokyo, Japan, is discussing the current situation in the Japanese market. The Korean market is also being put under the spotlight with a presentation by Minkyu Lim from OCI Company Ltd. based in Seoul, South Korea. Head of International Affairs at the Berlin-based German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar), Thomas Chrometzka, is set to discuss the current situation in and the development of the German market together with the topic of quality assurance. Reinhold Buttgereit, Secretary General of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association EPIA in Brussels, Belgium is, in addition to offering a keynote speech, also giving a presentation entitled "Overview, Market Development and Perspectives" on the first day of the conference.

However, the primary focus of the conference is on the latest technological advances within the industry. Highlights include presentations on production innovations, including that by Dr. Arun Ramakrishnan from Centroterm Photovoltaics AG of Blaubeuren, Germany, who is giving a presentation entitled "Latest Technology Development in PV Solar Cell Manufacturing". Stefan Huttelmaier from Schiller Automation GmbH & Co. KG in Sonnenbühl, Germany, is holding a presentation on "Advanced Automation for PV Thin Film Production." 

Dr. Wei Zhao – Director of the PV Products Division at Sungrow Power Supply Co.Ltd. in Hefei, China – is reporting on the latest developments in the field of solar inverters, while the latest developments in monocrystalline solar cells are being presented by Yong Liu, CTO at Ja Solar Holdings Co. Ltd. in Shanghai, China. Cleaner production is also playing a greater role in the manufacturing of photovoltaic components. This topic will be the focus of several expert presentations being held throughout the day on December 7 in cooperation with the German Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. 

Tailored exhibition range and exchange platforms in the accompanying program

Joint Forces for Solar, the global network aimed at promoting the solar industry, is supporting expert-level exchange between Chinese and international exhibition visitors. One area of focus is taking a look at the requirements and opportunities for Chinese companies hoping to enter European and American markets. Trends, challenges and collaboration opportunities for the Chinese market are also being discussed. The Innovation Exchange is the place to visit for new products and innovations in the industry. Exhibitors hold 15-minute presentations here giving Intersolar China visitors an excellent and concise overview of the latest product developments and industry trends. Another highlight is the Hall of Fame for Intersolar AWARD winners: Each year, Intersolar presents the Intersolar AWARD to the most innovative solar companies and its trophies have now become the most prestigious prize in the industry. Exhibitors and visitors can find out more about previous winners in the Hall of Fame, which also provides information on entry conditions and the application process.