It was indeed amazing to be “back in the saddle”. After two years of not attending a single trade show, going to the Intersolar show on behalf of Sunlogics was great this week. As a solar blog, I want to report on the most relevant innovations that I saw:
1. Its all about the information
Clearly, those who “get it” are moving towards greater information flow to the customer/finance base. Very innovative modelling, including SREC calculation on a daily basis tied to the spot market values, are being seen. Additionally, those monitoring systems that used to just measure watts now tell you how many steamed lobsters your power savings are equivalent to (apparently you have to be from Maine to get that one).
2. Mounting
Its all about how quickly you put it on, and how easily you take it off. No, its not a contraceptive ad. The industry is maturing and understanding that costs are not only the hardware, but also the time to place it. Finally some people are designing great new innovative mounting mechanisms that are so “no brainer” that you knock yourself on the head for not thinking of it yourself.
3. Flex is gone
Where did all of the flexible cell solar companies go? Not ONE exhibiting at the show. Frankly, with the huge drop in prices of silicon solar cells, the amount of money they want to spend on promotion is diminished.
4. Its a race to the bottom
Prices are at their lowest in history. When will they go up? Not for a while, and NEVER back to their former high levels.
5. There are too many trade shows
Intersolar Munich just one month before Intersolar US just two months before Solar Power International. Too many shows, and two will go. Look at more mature industries and you’ll see trade shows happen either once a year or once every two. Whereas things do change quicker in the solar industry, they don’t change month by month!
That’s it for now. Same time next year!
Sass