Intersolar North America, the solar industry exhibition and conference, will be held in San Francisco from July 9 to 12, 2012. About 950 exhibitors and visitors from over 80 countries are anticipated to attend the event.
This exhibition, which is co-located with SEMICON West, serves as a suitable platform for solar professionals to share ideas and develop business prospects in the U.S. solar market.
During 2011, the solar market in the U.S. increased two-fold in size with approximately 2.1 GW of solar installed nationally. This market growth is attributed to a slump in equipment price combined with attractive incentives at the state and federal levels. So far, California continues to remain the largest solar market in the U.S, while other states also witnessed tremendous solar growth. In 2011, California included 620 MW of new capacity, totaling the installed capacity to 1.67 GW. At present, the U.S. has about 4.4 GW of solar plants installed across the nation, and is anticipated to include 3.2 GW of solar in 2012, totaling the installed solar capacity to 7.6 GW by the year end.
According to the Executive Vice President of EuPD Research USA, Daniela Schreiber, the solar market in North America is gaining a foothold in view of declining prices, maturing technologies and increasing regional incentives. Additionally, California continues to lead the U.S. market. Schreiber added that the new installed capacity will have about 1,020 MW in 2012.
Every year, Intersolar North America is held in Moscone Center, San Francisco. The event focuses on solar thermal and photovoltaic technologies.