The UK solar market turned a corner in 2011, installing approximately 800MW and increasing the country’s overall capacity to more than 1GW. In contrast to last year’s cuts and chaos, 2012 is full of prospect. Government has finally begun to realise the potential of solar energy, setting ambitions exceeding all expectations and working alongside industry in order to create policy that works. Now, with a goal of 22GW by 2020, UK solar industry players have more than enough to be getting on with.
In order to cater for this ever-growing market, Solar Power UK 2012 – the largest UK-dedicated solar event in the world – has this year expanded to be bigger and better than ever before. Relocating to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, the event is expected to attract more than 5 000 attendees.
With increased venue capacity, the Solar Power UK 2012 exhibition has this year increased two-fold due to the large amount of interest experienced in 2011. With close to 200 exhibitors, including the industry’s leading manufacturers, suppliers, energy providers, investors, training schools and consultancies, Solar Power UK 2012 will play host to the most important green energy individuals in the UK.
This year’s event will also see the introduction of the Solar Power UK seminars, running the three days consecutive to the exhibition. Incorporated into the main hall floor, each seminar room will have its own individual focus, including Solar PV, Whole House Solutions to the Green Deal and all thing Solar Business.
Looking at the past, present and future of the UK market, the PV Seminar Hall will look at just how industry can work towards the 22GW ambition utilising the new and improved feed-in tariff mechanism, as well as taking a look at new areas of interest, including the renewable heat incentive (RHI), the Renewables Obligation (RO) and other solar market developments. Solar specialists will present on the market outlook, policy updates and future expectations, as well as showcasing projects from the past, present and future.
The Green Deal Seminar Hall will include a focus on the new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements, in order to outline what needs to be done in order to bring a building up to the all-important level D. Key speakers will talk through the different whole house solutions available in the UK market, while explaining how these can work in partnership with solar energy. As government’s flagship energy policy, the Green Deal, presentations in this hall will focus on exactly what to expect from the Green Deal, how it will work, what it will involve and most importantly, how it will affect the UK solar market.
The final seminar hall – Solar Business – will be dedicated to all of the hot news topics in the industry, including the revival of large-scale, local authority projects, finance mechanisms and legal requirements for solar PV and thermal technology.
Solar Power UK 2012 will also feature interactive, hands-on learning experiences with two live feature areas on the exhibition floor. Showcasing Practical PV, exhibition visitors will have the opportunity to see how the experts do it, as well as being given the opportunity to ask any questions they have on featured topics. Live demonstrations will take place throughout each day, with the opportunity for all visitors to get involved. Practical Large Scale PV will also offer visitors the chance to discuss with specialised experts, the practical realities of how large-scale installations differ from domestic and roof mounted systems.
Solar Power UK 2012 is supported by the Renewable Energy Association (REA), British Photovoltaics Association (BPVA), Solar Trade Association (STA), the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), EuPD Research, The Micropower Council and Birmingham Council.
This year’s event will take place from 2-4 October at the NEC in Birmingham. Ticket sales will open nearer the time, but keep your eye on the event website at www.solarpowerukevents.org