The first time in nine years of existence, Intersolar India had to experience India’s unbelievable climate change. Surprising rainfalls accompanied the event during a draught season. Despite these consequences of the climate change Intersolar India opened the doors to a total attendance of more than 13,000 solar and energy storage experts, even 10% more than the expected visitor numbers. 241 exhibitors showcased their latest products and solutions in Hall 1 of the Bombay Exhibition Center. On the opening day government dignitaries expressed their honor to participate in India’s largest solar exhibition and conference for the solar industry. The positive development of the Indian solar market was increasingly noticeable at the exhibition. Businesses and investors made the most of the opportunity to network, and numerous agreements and collaborations were initiated. The organizers also reported positively on the conference, where around 800 conference delegates received insights from around 109 conference speakers.
Exhibitors showcasing their latest products and solutions at the Bombay Exhibition Center.
Compared to solar’s share of 31.9 percent in the first half of 2017, solar accounted for 39 percent of new installed capacity additions at the end of the third quarter. As long as solar remains cheaper than coal, it will continue to overtake it as the fastest growing energy generation source, bringing with it tremendous environmental benefits. Q4 2017 is a crucial quarter for the solar sector in many ways considering the anti-dumping recommendations due to be released, the uncertain trajectory of module prices, and low power demand. If government regulators focus on the long-term picture and handle the current challenges diligently, there is no reason why solar shouldn’t continue to be the most attractive market within the power industry for years to come. Mercom India, a subsidiary of Mercom Capital Group and Intersolar India’s official Knowledge Partner, exclusively released a white paper on the drivers and challenges of India’s PV market during Intersolar India. The white paper is available on the events website and highlights solar to be the leading new power generation source in India.
The positive market situation created a very optimistic atmosphere on the show floor. More than 13,000 attendees and 241 exhibitors engaged in meaningful conversations about the best approaches for sustained market success. Exhibitors described Intersolar India 2017 as ideal for generating leads, closing business deals and building lasting relationships. With the special exhibitions EES (electrical energy storage) and Power2Drive, Intersolar India has set the next steps for the energy transition in India. Around 50 companies showcased electrical energy storage solutions on the show floor – highlighting the ever increasing importance of stabilizing the grid in India. In addition battery industry professionals were sharing their views on how to steer developments in India more actively at the Presentation Stage. The intense free of charge program on the exhibition floor provided industry professionals with more than 30 presentations on mini-/micro grid, e-mobility, PV manufacturing, skill council for green jobs forum as well as numerous exhibitor presentations. Various product launches, award ceremonies and the sold out networking event “Solar Power Developers Night” have highlighted the event as an important meeting and business gathering point for the complete solar and energy storage industry in India.
One of the exhibitors giving information about the company’s products and solutions
Furthermore the exhibition again was accompanied by the high-level Intersolar India Conference attended by more than 800 attendees and 109 speakers. During the opening ceremony and the welcome notes, key dignitaries expressed their honor to speak at the largest exhibition and conference for the solar industry. Intersolar India’s honored guests Upendra Tripathy, Interim Director General of International Solar Alliance and Kuljit Singh Popli, Chairman & Managing Director of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), Dr R Harikumar, Director of the Agency for Non-conventional Energy & Rural Technology (ANERT), Govt of Kerala and Dr Thomas Reindl, Deputy-CEO of the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) welcomed all visitors at the lighting the lamp ceremony and during the welcome notes at the opening day. The conference program was packed with 19 exciting and diversified sessions on the Indian PV market, rooftop systems, project financing, innovative technologies, PV quality assurance, agro-PV, floating PV and many more.
Trainings and workshops have enriched the overall event program. A two day Intensive PV Technical Training course conducted by Sean White from White House Solar, covered basics of electricity and PV technologies, different types of PV systems, EPC contracting and safe installation practices with hands-on PV system demonstration. Furthermore the off-grid workshop organized by the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) focused on current markets and policies, business opportunities, and showcased financial and technical instruments supporting rural electrification projects in India.