From the Innovation Exchange and topical special exhibits to the Intersolar AWARD ceremony and exhibition workshops – Intersolar Europe 2013's extensive accompanying program has a lot to offer

Munich, 17 April 2013 – From June 19 - 21, 2013, the international solar industry will once again shine its spotlight on Messe München. Visitors from all over the world can expect the solar industry's latest trends and products at the world's largest exhibition for the solar industry, Intersolar Europe. Exhibitors present the most innovative technologies, products and solutions at the Innovation Exchange. The PV ENERGY WORLD presentation program focuses on the combination of photovoltaics and energy storage systems, from on-site consumption of solar power and grid integration to the introduction of new energy concepts. This year, for the first time, the majority of exhibitors covering this topic can be found in hall B5. The Rural Electrification special exhibit sheds light on international trends in off-grid regions, while the Joint Forces for Solar Intelligence and Networking Forum provides the perfect opportunity for players from industry and trade to share experiences. The Intersolar AWARD honors the most innovative companies across the solar industry. Meanwhile, the PV and E-Mobility special exhibit showcases combinations of PV carports, charging stations and electric vehicles. The varied accompanying program is rounded off with various exhibition tours and workshops, offering visitors a practical insight into the latest trends in solar thermal technology, photovoltaics and energy storage. In addition, the diverse Intersolar Europe Conference program deals with exhibition topics, consolidating the information at an international level.

Intersolar Europe, the world's largest exhibition for the solar industry, re-opens its doors at Messe München on June 19. Under the motto Connecting Solar Business, visitors can find out about recent trends and developments across the solar industry from manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, service providers and partners working in this sector. In 2013, around 1,500 exhibitors are showcasing their products and services in the fields of photovoltaics (PV), PV production technology, energy storage systems and solar thermal technology. Exhibiting companies can benefit from 121,000 square meters of exhibition space in 12 halls and a large outdoor area. Over 60,000 industry professionals from 160 countries are expected at the three-day Intersolar Europe event at Messe München to learn about the latest developments and trends across the solar industry.

Pioneering products at the Innovation Exchange

Those wanting to discover the international solar industry's latest trends and hottest technologies should be sure to visit the Innovation Exchange at Intersolar Europe 2013 in hall B2, booth B2.450, where exhibitors showcase their innovations during 15-minute presentations. What's more, experts from each company are on hand afterwards to give further information. In 2013, exhibitors present innovative technologies in the fields of PV and energy storage systems, substructures for commercial roofs as well as new inverter functions. The Intersolar AWARD ceremony is a particular highlight this year, taking place on June 19, 2013 from 4:30pm at the Innovation Exchange, which is also where the AWARD nominees will be revealed on June 20. The AWARD is presented to international companies that have demonstrated their innovative strength with outstanding services and products. An independent jury comprising experts from science, industry, research and the trade media select up to three winners in the fields of Photovoltaics and Solar Thermal Technologies, as well as Solar Projects in Europe, which is making its first appearance this year. The renowned solar prize is awarded by Intersolar Europe in cooperation with the Berlin-based German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar). SolarEdge Technologies Inc. from Hod Hasharon, Israel is sponsoring this year's Innovation Exchange.

Energy storage systems, on-site consumption and grid integration at Intersolar Europe 2013

The Energy Storage Systems product group alone has received 170 exhibitors registrations. Most of the exhibitors can be found in hall B5, right next to the exhibition area for inverter manufacturers. PV ENERGY WORLD, an international stage for the latest technologies and trends in photovoltaics and energy storage, is also located at the center of hall B5. The latest challenges facing the change to a new energy supply system form the main focus here. Expert presentations cover topics such as on-site consumption of solar power generated on the premises, grid integration and storage solutions for private households, industrial and commercial buildings, accompanied by discussions about municipal energy concepts and models of energy cooperatives. PV ENERGY WORLD is presented by Intersolar Europe in association with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Freiburg and the Association of European Automotive and Industrial Battery Manufacturers (EUROBAT) from Brussels, Belgium. Following its successful launch last year, the PV and E-Mobility special exhibit is once again displayed at Messe München's outdoor area at Intersolar Europe 2013. This special exhibit focuses on the latest PV carport solutions, charging stations and electric vehicles.

Rural electrification, special workshops and exhibition tours

BSW-Solar is once again organizing the Rural Electrification special exhibit at Intersolar Europe, where 13 companies showcase their products and services in the field of off-grid power supply in hall B5, booth B5.170. BSW-Solar experts and exhibiting companies are available at the booth to answer any questions on rural electrification. As part of a three-day presentation program, exhibiting companies offer their experience of supplying electricity to off-grid regions in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This year, visitors can also gain practical insights during three special workshops focused on Photovoltaics on Industrial and Commercial Roofs - Practical Aspects, Financing and Building Regulations, Tips and Tricks for Installing Electricity Storage Systems and Solar Process Heat for Breweries. What's more, various exhibition tours help visitors to get to grips with the exhibition topics of PV on Industry and Commercial Buildings, Energy Storage Systems and Solar Thermal Technologies – Process Heat.

The Joint Forces for Solar networking event

The Joint Forces for Solar initiative unites key players along the entire value-added chain, from international corporations to local installers. This year, PV manufacturers from installation companies will meet again to debate current and future industry trends at the fifth PV Briefing & Networking Forum Europe, supported by the Bonn-based market research company, EuPD Research. Markus A.W. Hoehner, CEO of EuPD Research, reports on the latest developments, future opportunities and current trends across the European PV market in his talk at the Innovation Exchange (hall B2, booth B2.450) on June 20 from 4:00pm–6:00pm. The panel discussion Industry Leader's Debate on the Future of PV and Energy Storage Solutions will then shed light on electricity storage and the future of the European PV market.

Markets, trends and new technologies at the Intersolar Europe Conference 2013

The Intersolar Europe Conference is once again taking place alongside Intersolar Europe from June 17 - 20, 2013. In total, 2,000 attendees and around 400 speakers from all over the world are meeting at the International Congress Centre Munich (ICM) for the Intersolar Conference and Side Events. Here, discussion covers current conditions and developments in international markets, as well the latest technologies and trends, shining the spotlight across the industry spectrum from photovoltaics and PV production technologies to energy storage and solar thermal technology. The highlights of this year's conference include the latest electricity storage technologies, power grid stability, new markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA region), new business models for the PV industry, large-scale PV power plants and new cell and concentrator designs for PV production. Solar thermal technologies form the focus in topics including international market development, the latest trends and developments in heat storage, industrial process heat and large-scale solar thermal plants.

Intersolar Europe 2013 takes place at Messe München from June 19–21.

Further information on Intersolar Europe can be found on our website at www.intersolar.de.

Partners of Intersolar Europe

Intersolar Europe's leading partners in the solar industry include the German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar) as an exclusive partner, the German Solar Energy Society (DGS), the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF), the International Solar Energy Society (ISES), the SEMI PV Group and VDMA-PV, the platform for photovoltaic production equipment within the German Engineering Association. It is also supported by the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).

About Intersolar
With around 3,000 exhibitors and 100,000 visitors spanning four continents, Intersolar is the world's leading exhibition series for the solar industry and its partners. It unites people and companies from around the world with the aim of increasing the share of solar power in our energy supply.

Intersolar Europe takes place annually at Messe München. It is the world's largest exhibition for the solar industry and its partners. In 2012, 1,909 international exhibitors and 66,000 trade visitors attended Intersolar Europe. The exhibition focuses on the areas of photovoltaics, PV production technologies, energy storage and solar thermal technologies. Since its founding, it has become the most important industry platform for manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, service providers and partners of the solar industry. The accompanying Intersolar Europe Conference consolidates the topics of the exhibition. In 2012, more than 400 speakers and around 2,000 attendees discussed current industry topics and shed light on the background of technological, market and political developments.

Intersolar's storied history of international exhibitions and conferences spans more than 20 years. In 2008, Intersolar North America in San Francisco became the second exhibition after Intersolar Europe. This was followed by Intersolar India in Mumbai, Intersolar China in Beijing and Intersolar South America in São Paulo.

Intersolar Europe is organized by Solar Promotion GmbH, Pforzheim and Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH & Co. KG.