Largest B2B Solar Event Expected to Draw 25,000 People from 90 Countries;

Registration opened today for Solar Power International 2009, the largest business-to-business solar conference and expo in North America. Presented by Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Solar Power International 2009 will take place October 27 - 29 at the Anaheim Convention Center. As of today, the show has already attracted more than 650 exhibitors, up from 425 exhibitors in 2008. Total exhibit hall floor space this year is 200,000 net sq. ft., with 167,000 net sq. ft. (more than 83 percent) already booked. This represents growth of more than double the size of last year's show. Judging by these early booking numbers, organizers are confident of another advance sell out of both exhibit space and registration. New this year, the show floor - which covers all solar technologies and all parts of the solar supply chain - will be segmented by product type, making the show easy to navigate for businesses looking to build and expand relationships.

"Solar Power International is the gateway to the U.S. solar market, providing a rare opportunity for the entire solar industry and its customers to come together for face-to-face meetings and exciting networking events that are so critical for expanding business."
--Julia Hamm, SPI Conference Chair and Executive Director of SEPA

The conference features highly anticipated keynote addresses from top industry leaders, 200 expert speakers, 65 break-out sessions, and dozens of training workshops. Solar Power International is expected to again break attendance records, attracting more than 25,000 people from 90 countries. With unparalleled opportunities to grow business and network with foremost members of the industry, Solar Power International 2009 is the essential U.S. event for the global solar energy market. Unlike other solar conferences and expos in the U.S. - typically presented by for-profit entities - the proceeds from Solar Power International are reinvested by non-profit organizers SEPA and SEIA back into policy, research, and education activities that support the continued and expedited growth of the U.S. solar market.

"The solar industry continues to adapt and grow, even in these uncertain economic times. Solar Power International is the gateway to the U.S. solar market, providing a rare opportunity for the entire solar industry and its customers to come together for face-to-face meetings and exciting networking events that are so critical for expanding business," said Julia Hamm, conference chair and executive director of SEPA. "With dynamic speakers, cutting-edge panel topics and an expansive exhibit floor, Solar Power International offers a comprehensive and relevant program for industry veterans and newcomers alike."

In his 2008 address to attendees, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "[The] Solar Power International conference and expo is by far the biggest and best in the United States. It's a showcase for this industry whose time has really come. And the prospects for solar energy have never been brighter." In fact, according to SEIA's "Year in Review," the U.S. industry grew 16 percent in 2008 despite a faltering economy, with photovoltaic growth leading at an unprecedented 81 percent and solar water heating growth at 50 percent.

"There's no question 2009 is shaping up to be a game-changing year for solar, and Solar Power International is the key venue for the solar industry to assess the latest developments in policy, finance, technology and markets," said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of SEIA. "We've come a long way since 2008, with implementation of the economic stimulus package underway and a historic energy and climate bill moving through Congress. But the monumental task of upgrading our energy infrastructure has only just begun. The solar industry is creating jobs and supporting economic recovery now. It can and must play a critical role in our clean energy future."

Although the focus of Solar Power International is business-to-business interaction, the conference will once again present the ever-popular "Public Night," a free opening of the expo floor to local residents on Wednesday evening, Oct. 28, 5:30 - 8:30 pm. Solar Power International's Public Night has become a tradition and will be a major draw for members of the public eager to learn about the latest solar technology for their homes and businesses.

Registration, sponsorship, exhibitor and program information can be found at www.solarpowerinternational.com.

The Solar Electric Power Association bridges electric utilities and the solar industry to push solar forward more tangibly, one real business at a time. From national conferences to one-on-one counseling and peer matching services, SEPA's unique joint partnership offers members critical access to the key business relationships and unbiased, actionable intelligence needed to make solar practical and profitable in today's shifting energy landscape.

www.solarelectricpower.org


Solar Energy Industries Association Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of solar energy industry. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org