Discussion on European PV markets and Post FIT Era at Intersolar Europe 2012
Almost 300 participants attended the 4th PV Briefing & Networking Forum Europe, on June 14th at Intersolar Europe, in Munich.
Almost 300 participants attended the 4th PV Briefing & Networking Forum Europe, on June 14th at Intersolar Europe, in Munich. At the Innovation Exchange Area of the world’s largest solar exhibition, market experts gave insights on current research results regarding the European PV markets. Furthermore, seven market participants from industry, media and science discussed the developments in Europe and the future of the photovoltaic market.
Bonn/ Munich. The Innovation Exchange Area of Intersolar Europe in Munich on June 14th was packed to the rafters. The Joint Forces for Solar initiative was host to the 4th PV Briefing & Networking Forum Europe. Due to the huge turnout, plenty of visitors were forced to stand while following expert’s presentations and discussions. At 4pm, Markus A.W. Hoehner, CEO of EuPD Research, kicked things off with background information on the European markets. Amongst other things, he dealt with the shift in sales channels, occurring in numerous countries, from indirect to direct sales. In addition, Mr. Hoehner gave an informative presentation, “European PV Market Update & Outlook – Trends & Challenges for 2012” which was dedicated to the PV 2.0, the era of photovoltaic technology beyond feed-in-tariffs.
Discussion on an era beyond feed-in-tariffs
David Owen, CEO of Solar Media Ltd., moderated the subsequent panel discussion which started by looking at the developments shown in the previous presentation. The one hour panel discussion consisted of Andrea Bodenhagen, Marketing Director EMEA, CSUN, Armin Schöntag, Marketing Manager, Lightway Solar, Matthias Altieri, Managing Director, Head of Solar Energy, Thomas Lloyd Group, Zhongping Wu, Technical Marketing Manager Europe, Sungrow Power Supply, Gaëtan Masson, Head of Business Intelligence, EPIA and Gerhard Stryi-Hipp, Head of Energy Policy, Fraunhofer ISE.
Participants were unanimous in the fact that the photovoltaic technology has become competitive rather quickly, thanks to strong growth. With 22 GW in 2011 alone, it was the energy source with the strongest year of growth in Europe and the panelists are of the opinion that grid parity has been reached in numerous European countries. Thanks to previous developments, PV is now also seen as a serious source of energy - even by traditional energy utilities. Further developments expected in 2012 see greater development of the residential and commercial segments in Germany and large scale systems in southern Europe.
Together with one voice
However on the flip side, due to the growth in this sector, the industry has been faced with some negative publicity. Targets for the development of renewable energies have been set by national governments, but funding issues have not been adequately addressed. To counter the ever emerging discussions about promotion or too much promotion, the industry must speak with one voice. It is necessary to contravene the preconception that photovoltaic technology is expensive, particularly in media, with valid arguments. It was also highlighted that traditional energy sources are promoted indirectly through subsidies and that the process should be more transparent.
“In spite of many disconcerting insolvency news from within the branch, today’s event shows that market participants are looking forward to future challenges indeed with respect but also confidence”, commented Daniel Fuchs, Manager Global of Joint Forces for Solar initiative.
If you would like to take part in future events or would like more information about the initiative, please feel free to contact Mr. Daniel Fuchs (fuchs@jointforces4solar.com | +49 228 42966 45).
You can find more information about the Joint Forces for Solar Initiative on our website at:
http://eu.jointforces4solar.com/
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:
EuPD Research – Head Office
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Phone +49 (0)228 97143-74
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press@eupd-research.com
www.eupd-research.com
www.eupd-research.com/intsolar
Intersolar - The World’s Leading Exhibition Series for the Solar Industry:
Intersolar abides by the guiding principle Connecting Solar Business. Intersolar is the world's leading exhibition series for the solar industry. With 20 years of experience and over 3,400 exhibitors and 110,000 visitors in 2011 spanning three continents, Intersolar has the unique ability to bring together the solar industry from the most influential markets around the world. Intersolar's global events take place in Munich, San Francisco, Mumbai and Beijing.
The organizers of Intersolar Europe are Solar Promotion GmbH of Pforzheim and Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH & Co. KG. Intersolar North America, Intersolar India and Intersolar China are organized by the international subsidiaries Solar Promotion International GmbH of Pforzheim and Freiburg Management and Marketing International GmbH.
Joint Forces for Solar
Joint Forces for Solar is a global synergy of stakeholders along the solar value chain. It brings grass-roots knowledge and know-how to a global dimension. Focusing on a local goes global strategy, the scheme takes insider information gained by installers when dealing with customers on a daily basis and utilizes it to shape the future direction of the solar industry. In return, global goes local, installers benefit from access to information on the latest technological developments and changes in market trends giving them the competitive edge necessary for long-term success.
The initiative builds a bridge between the individual links of the value chain and offers a platform where opinions, ideas and expertise can be shared that ultimately strengthen the industry’s growth.
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EuPD Research® ist eine Marke der / is a brand of HOEHNER RESEARCH & CONSULTING GROUP GmbH. Geschäftsführer / CEO: Markus A.W. Hoehner | Handelsregister / commercial register AG Bonn HRB 9226.
