Intersolar India 2013 takes place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC) in Mumbai from November 12–14.

Mumbai/Pforzheim/Freiburg, May 16th, 2013 : The Indian solar market is on its way to becoming one of the most important markets worldwide. While the country's total installed capacity stood at only 17.8 megawatts (MW) at the start of 2010, it surpassed the gigawatt (GW) mark last year and is expected to continue increasing rapidly over the years to come. In this context, around 300 exhibitors from around the world present the solar industry's new products, solutions and services at Intersolar India, which takes place from November 12–14, 2013. Around 700 experts discuss the latest industry developments at the accompanying Intersolar India Conference running from November 11–14. The topic of energy storage represents a particular focus of this year's exhibition and conference, and a highlight of the exhibition is the honoring of exemplary solar projects during the presentation of the Intersolar AWARD in the category "Solar Projects in India".

Intersolar India is celebrating its fifth anniversary. India's largest exhibition for the solar industry showcases the latest trends and developments from the solar industry's entire value-added chain over an exhibition space of around 20,000 square meters from November 12–14. Roughly 300 exhibitors and more than 8,500 visitors are expected to attend this year's event, which is held in hall 1 of the Bombay Exhibition Center (BEC) in Mumbai. Together with the Intersolar India Conference, which takes place from November 11–14, the exhibition is the leading platform for national and international companies looking to tap the dynamic Indian solar market.

The Indian solar market is on the rise

In line with the second phase of the Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission (JNNSM), India plans to achieve a total installed capacity of 10 GW between 2013 and 2017. Additionally, the country is aiming to install around 1 GW of grid-independent solar power plants and small local power grids known as microgrids within the next five years. The expansion of capacity is developing equally as dynamically.

According to the Indian Ministry for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the total capacity installed by March 2013 already stood at 1.4 GW – a stark contrast to the mere 17.8 MW installed at the start of 2010.

India's individual state governments are the main driving forces behind this dynamic growth. To date, the state of Gujarat alone has installed around 60% (824 MW) of the total capacity found in India, while Rajasthan accounts for a further 30% (442 MW). Other states have also recognized the vast potential of solar energy and have drawn up ambitious plans. For example, the state of Tamil Nadu intends to install 3 GW by 2015 and Andhra Pradesh is set to add 1 GW of additional capacity. Meanwhile, the state of Punjab has announced plans to achieve a capacity of 1 GW by 2022 and has already put 300 MW of projects out to tender.

Solutions to safeguard India's future energy supply

The challenges posed by the Indian solar market require the solar industry to find innovative solutions. Above all, an insufficient power supply at peak times and grid instability are ongoing problems in India. According to data from the Indian Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the grids were lacking in as much as 12 GW of capacity at peak times in 2012. However, innovative energy
storage systems may support the grid and increase the security of supply. Intersolar India sheds light on this topic and this year for the first time runs a special exhibition area for Energy Storage, allowing companies to discover the field's products and solutions. The exhibition also presents the latest technologies, products and services in the areas of photovoltaics, PV production technologies, energy storage systems and solar thermal technologies.

Intersolar AWARD for Solar Projects in India

A highlight of Intersolar India's accompanying program again this year is the presentation of the Intersolar AWARD. Following its successful launch in 2012, the much-coveted innovation prize is once again being awarded in the category Solar Projects in India. The official ceremony takes place in hall 1, booth 1170 of the BEC on November 12, 2013 and honors inspiring projects from three different topics: The field Off-Grid Solutions is aimed at projects that implement innovative solutions for off-grid electrification, while the topic Industrial and Commercial Use seeks projects where solar energy is used for industrial production or to supply buildings that are used commercially. Finally, the topic Utility-Scale Projects encompasses systems such as commercial PV installations and large-scale power plants. Companies can register in advance throughout the year and must submit their documents between July 1, 2013 and September 13, 2013.

Experts meet at the Intersolar India Conference

From November 11–14, around 700 industry experts convene at the Intersolar India Conference to discuss and examine the exhibition topics in more depth. A particular focus again this year is the general development of the worldwide and, in particular, Indian solar markets. Furthermore, a variety of sessions tackle the current technological progress and practical issues surrounding project development. Here, special emphasis is once more given to the topic of energy storage, which is the subject of a double session on November 12, the second day of the conference.

The call for abstracts for the conference runs until July 1, 2013 and individuals interested in speaking at the event can apply for various topics at the Intersolar India website.

Intersolar India 2013 takes place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC) in Mumbai from November 12–14.

Further information is available at www.intersolar.in

About Intersolar

With over 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 India is India's largest exhibition and conference for the solar industry and, as a leading industry platform, focuses on photovoltaics, PV production technologies, energy storage systems and solar thermal technology. In 2012, a total of 200 companies from 17 countries attended the exhibition. Intersolar India supports the development of the Indian solar market and promotes cooperation between key players from industry, commerce, service providers and politics.

Intersolar's storied history of international exhibitions and conferences spans more than 20 years. Taking place in addition to Intersolar India in Mumbai are Intersolar North America in San Francisco, Intersolar China in Beijing, and Intersolar South America in São Paulo. The world's largest exhibition for the solar industry is Intersolar Europe in Munich.