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Solar Power 2007, Largest Solar Industry Event in U.S. History, Kicks Off in Long Beach, Calif.

Posted on: Tuesday, 25 September 2007, 03:00 CDT

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."

Public Night will provide local residents with the following insights and opportunities:

See and touch solar electric, hot water and pool heating technologies.

Learn how solar energy systems work.

Learn about financing options to help pay for solar energy systems.

Meet contractors that install and service solar energy systems.

Find out what questions one should ask to find a qualified contractor.

Learn how installing solar power systems can protect the environment.

Gain an understanding about why the solar industry is growing so quickly.

Explore opportunities to get a job in the solar industry.

More information about Public Night can be found at: http://www.solarpowerconference.com/generalpublic/expo/.

"The Solar Power Conference and Expo comes to Long Beach at a time when our citizens are more curious than ever about technologies that can enhance their lives and businesses," said Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster. "In the last few years solar power has moved beyond the realm of dreamers and hobbyists. This is real-world technology that can make a difference in our daily lives, strengthen our economy and help us protect the environment. I would encourage people from across Southern California to visit Long Beach this Tuesday night and experience the future of American energy."

Attending Solar Power 2007

Solar Power 2007 will take place Sept. 24 -- 27 at the Long Beach Convention Center in California, a solar-powered venue. The event is carbon-friendly, purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs) to off-set its electricity usage for the duration of the show. Solar Power 2007 also offers all attendees at registration the chance to off-set their travel to and from the event.

Expo registration is still available both on-site and online at: http://www.solarpowerconference.com/registration/information/.

Keynotes and interviews will be accessible online via the Solar Power 2007 web cast: http://www.tvworldwide.com/events/solar_power/070924/.

For media registration, e-mail James Cortese, A&R Edelman, at jcortese@ar-edelman.com.

About Solar Power 2007

The Solar Power Conference and Expo was created in 2004 when the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) joined together in partnership to fill an obvious void: the U.S. was missing a business-to-business solar conference and expo. With an industry growth rate of more than 40 percent per year, there was a need for a single event where industry could come together with potential customers, policymakers, investors, and other parties necessary for continued rapid growth. Solar Power 2007 is now recognized as the marquee solar event in the U.S.

About the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA)

Founded in 1992, the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) facilitates solutions for the use and integration of solar electric power by utilities and their customers. SEPA's membership includes over 250 electric utilities, solar industry companies, and other stakeholders.

About the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association for the solar industry. SEIA works to expand markets, strengthen research and development, remove market barriers, and improve education and outreach for solar.

Source: Business Wire

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