Dow Chemical Company, First Solar and the US Department of Energy to Present at IntertechPira’s Photovoltaics Summit and Concentrating Solar Thermal Power Events

Co-located conferences to take place April 17–19, 2012, in San Diego, CA

PORTLAND, Maine--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IntertechPira is pleased to announce the agendas for the 7th Annual Photovoltaics Summit and 4th Annual Concentrating Solar Thermal Power, scheduled for April 17-19 at The Westin Hotel, in San Diego, Calif., US. These two forward-thinking solar events are co-locating in 2012 to delve more deeply into the utility-scale factors that impact both technologies. With the unprecedented participation of more than 70 industry CEOs, utility companies, researchers and large-scale solar project developers, these events will serve to anchor the solar discussion in early 2012.

“By co-locating these two solar events, we not only allow targeted discussion for industry-specific issues, but also enable these two industries to come together and dissect, debate and inform one another on the major touch points that impact both”

Leading minds from PV and CSP will provide market forecasts, technological developments and large-scale project updates to their core delegates separately, then join forces in plenary sessions on the April 18 session to tackle the issues affecting both industries, including regulatory policy, financing, transmission, land development, environmental impact and utility contracting. Presenting companies that will be featured over the course of the two conferences include HANWA SOLARONE, THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY, SOITEC, BOEING SPECTROLAB and TORRESOL ENERGY. Lending market analysis and up-to-date research will be experts from such organizations as the US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, GTM RESEARCH, NAVIGANT, EUPD RESEARCH, SANDIA NATIONAL LABORATORIES, NREL, ACORE and CEERT.

Conference attendees will hear updates about projects currently in construction, including challenges overcome and lessons learned, from major project developers such as FIRST SOLAR, BRIGHTSOURCE ENERGY, NRG SOLAR and AREVA. Rounding out the discussion will be guidance shared by major industry players including SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY, CALIFORNIA ISO and CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT.

“By co-locating these two solar events, we not only allow targeted discussion for industry-specific issues, but also enable these two industries to come together and dissect, debate and inform one another on the major touch points that impact both,” said Andrew Smaha, Conference Director, IntertechPira. “We think that this format will be well received by our delegates, as they will be able to receive the latest insights and information about the developments unique to their own industry, while learning about issues impacting the other corresponding solar sector. It will also allow the two groups a valuable opportunity to meet, network and learn from a broad base of solar experts.”

The Photovoltaic event begins on Tuesday, April 17, with a day focused solely on PV, and continues on Wednesday, April 18, with Utility-Scale joint sessions with the attendees from Concentrating Solar Thermal Power. PV registration includes entrance to the April 17 and 18 sessions, while CSP registration includes the April 18 Utility-Scale joint sessions, followed by CSP industry-specific sessions on Thursday, April 19. Any delegate may add the third day, at a discounted add-on rate, to gain a more diverse perspective on the full solar landscape.

Throughout the conference, there will be a number of hosted luncheons, breaks and receptions, which will be held in and around the exhibit area located outside the main conference room. Function and branding sponsorship and exhibition booths are available. Please contact Brian Santos at [phone] for further details, and to book your spot at the event. Discounted rates apply for companies wishing to exhibit at both events.

For more information on Photovoltaics Summit 2012, visit www.photovoltaicssummit.com.

For more information on Concentrating Solar Thermal Power 2012, visit www.cstpower-conference.com.

About IntertechPira

IntertechPira provides events, market research, publications, strategic and technical consulting to niche, emerging and high growth industries. Market coverage includes lighting and displays, alternative energy, home and personal care, industrial biotechnology, performance materials and chemicals. IntertechPira is a division of Pira International. For more information about IntertechPira, please visit www.intertechpira.com.