The market for photovoltaic and solar thermal and products, equipment, materials and services, is exploding worldwide with recent estimates projecting the PV market to grow from US$13 billion today to over $40 billion in 2012. As many new players enter the market, there has been an increase in the number of technical conferences and exhibitions in the solar industry. With this collaboration, SEMI and Intersolar are able to bring together the latest innovations in solar energy technologies from the entire value chain under one roof, resulting in increased efficiency and market impact. Having dedicated area will allow visitors, looking for manufacturing technologies, to focus on their needs. On the other hand the presence of all players will allow for cross-fertilization and benchmarking.
"Solar technologies are not only becoming a pervasive part of the new energy framework, but are of crucial importance to the sustainability of our environment and the global economy," said Heinz Kundert, president of SEMI Europe. "SEMI members are at the forefront of new developments to increase the efficiency and lower the cost of these technologies, and the association has active PV initiatives in place across every major manufacturing region in the world to effectively support member needs and ensure ongoing industrial and technological advancements."
This agreement comes as a result of a rapid expansion of solar energy markets worldwide, and the need for a comprehensive exposition, which will address all aspects of the supply chain. In addition to the European agreement, Intersolar and SEMI have partnered to bring Intersolar North America to the US through a co-location agreement with SEMICON West 2008 in July.
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