High-Tech - ETA International

Feel the Energy; It’sSolar Power 09by Brianna Pinson, CSSETA attended the Solar Power International conference inlate October, where records were smashed!The 2009 event brought together over 24,000 solar industryprofessionals, over 6,000 more attendees than the previousyear. There was a worldwide presence as attendees came from99 countries. The exhibit hall was always packed from wall-towallwith people and featured over 900 exhibitors.In addition, the conference included three general sessionsfeaturing keynote presenters: U.S. Secretary of Labor HildaSolis; New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson; Robert F. KennedyJr; and Ed Begley Jr. Attendees also heard over 200 speakersand 65 educational sessions on various industry topics fromfinance, policy, markets to technology.It was predicted that this event would grow due to the manyindustry leaders demanding green technologies, the falling costof solar power generation, as well as the need to reduce the USdependency on foreign oil. There was also an increase in theinvolvement from the electric utility sector and convergenceof new innovations and energy policies. Many also want to getin on the available grant monies available now. “Solar PowerInternational was recently named one of Trade Show Week’s‘Fastest 50′ growing conferences, but it is also one of themost inclusive. Year after year, our sold-out event attractsthousands of new participants from an increasing range ofcountries and economic sectors,” said Julia Hamm, executivedirector of SEPA. “The 2009 event was our most diverse yet,with 27 percent attending from outside the U.S. As the U.S.solar market matures, it is our top priority to remain vital andaccessible to industry veterans and newcomers alike.” (asnoted in the SPI event release)The size of the Solar Power Show reflected the need andpotential within alternative energies. ETA was able to promoteits new Photovoltaic Installer-Level 1 certification to anindustry that is directly affected. During the conference, ETAhosted a networking event nearby at the Anabella Hotel. Theevent brought several attendees interested in certification.Individuals were able to ask questions one-on-one and findout more how ETA can benefit them by certifying installersand hiring certified technicians.Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and The SolarElectric Power Association (SEPA) co-hosted the conference.ETA is a member of SEPA.About Solar Electric Power Association - SEPA is comprised ofover 700 utilities and solar industry members. From nationalevents to one-on-one counseling, SEPA is the go-to resourcefor unbiased and actionable solar intelligence. Breakingdown information overload into business reality, SEPA takesthe time and risk out of implementing solar business plansand helps turn new technologies into new opportunities.www.solarelectricpower.org About Solar Energy IndustriesAssociation - Established in 1974, the Solar Energy IndustriesAssociation is the national trade association of the solarenergy industry. As the voice of the industry, SEIA workswith its 1,000 members to make solar a mainstream andsignificant energy source by expanding markets, removingmarket barriers, strengthening the industry and educating thepublic on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org HTN12 | The High-Tech News | JAN/FEB2010