New technologies and products from the solar industry are helping to make the energy transition a reality.

Munich, December 10, 2014 – New technologies and products from the solar industry are helping to make the energy transition a reality. This year, Intersolar Europe will be presenting the Intersolar AWARD for the eighth time running in honor of especially innovative solutions in the solar industry. The innovation prize will be awarded in the categories of Photovoltaics and Solar Projects in Europe. Companies wishing to apply for the Intersolar AWARD are invited to submit their applications between February 2 and March 27, 2015.

Solar energy is continuing to expand on a global scale. By as early as 2050, solar energy could account for the largest share of power generation for the very first time. This was the conclusion drawn in the Technology Roadmap published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in September 2014. In this scenario, photovoltaics (PV) would cover up to 16% of the world's electricity demand, with solar thermal power plants (CSP) contributing a further 11% on top. Expansion may not be the only key to driving forward the international energy transition, however. The IEA believes that the power grids must be restructured accordingly for changes to take off. Concepts, past experience and technologies from the European markets will play an important role in this. Some countries are already consuming significant amounts of solar power – the renewable energy contributes almost 6% in Germany, where daily feed-in peaks can reach up to 24 gigawatts (GW). Innovative technologies for intelligent grids, storage systems and new business models are already undergoing testing and could be in use all over the world in a few years' time.

The solar energy supply of the future will be a "smart" one

Over the last few years, fierce international competition in the solar industry has lead to the emergence of new innovations and ever higher performance levels. Better quality wafers, more efficient production processes and new cell designs have increased the efficiency of silicon and thin-film solar cells to over 20%. PV modules are also achieving higher power ratings, with the latest double glass modules from a manufacturer in the USA already providing up to 500 watts. Added to this, inverters and power electronics are being increasingly integrated into modules. It will soon be possible to monitor and control "smart" modules in real time. In addition, solar technology is becoming easier to integrate into smart homes and smart grids. Modern energy management systems determine the most efficient way of generating, storing and consuming power using weather forecasts and consumer behavior analyses.

Intersolar AWARD pays tributes to innovation in the solar industry

Revolutionary ideas and new technological innovations are driving forward the energy transition. Supported by international industry associations, the Intersolar organizers present the Intersolar AWARD to outstanding products, applications and projects each year. In 2015, the solar industry innovation prize will be awarded in the categories of Photovoltaics and Solar Projects in Europe. The winners will be announced in an official ceremony on June 10, 2015 at Intersolar Europe in Munich.

Conditions of participation for the Intersolar AWARD 2015

Products, projects, services or solutions may be submitted by exhibitors from all international Intersolar and ees exhibitions in 2015. Projects covering the topics of PV Applications (Industrial and Commercial Use), Solar Thermal Applications and Photovoltaics and Energy Storage may be submitted to the Solar Projects in Europe section. For applications to be valid, projects must be fully completed and no older than two years at the time the application for the AWARD is submitted. Refinements of products and services previously presented at the exhibition are also accepted.

Companies wishing to apply for the Intersolar AWARD can find more information on the homepage at www.intersolarglobal.com/award. All applications must be submitted between February 2 and March 27, 2015.

Intersolar Europe 2015 takes place from June 10–12 at Messe München.

Further information on Intersolar Europe can be found at www.intersolar.de/en