SEMI, JPEA to co-host new photovoltaic event and exhibition

TOKYO, JAPAN: SEMI recently announced PVJapan 2008, a comprehensive new photovoltaics event and exhibition, which will be co-organized with the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA). The event will be held July 30–August 1, 2008 at Tokyo Big Sight. Exhibitor registration opens this month.

PVJapan 2008 consists of a new exposition held in conjunction with the JPEA 25th Symposium on Photovoltaic Generating Systems, and is co-located with the Renewable Energy 2008 International (RE2008) Exhibition and Conference, which is moving to Tokyo Big Sight from Makuhari Messe, and is organized by Japan Council for Renewable Energy. The two events will fall under the name Renewable Energy World Fair.

PVJapan 2008 will feature exhibits from a wide range of companies, as well as a variety of technical, market-related and executive programs focusing on new products, challenges and opportunities in the PV industry.

"Roughly 20 percent of SEMI members are already manufacturing, or making inroads into the development of photovoltaic technologies, so to support these companies, we are pleased to be an organizer of Japan’s premier photovoltaic technology event," said Dennosuke Uchida, managing director of SEMI Japan. "I am confident that through the cooperation and support of our partner JPEA, PVJapan will provide the industry with an international venue for the delivery and exchange of information, and ultimately contribute to the overall growth and success of the photovoltaic industry."

As greater awareness builds for environmental issues, both industry and society as a whole are looking toward photovoltaic technology as a source of clean energy. In recent years, the photovoltaics industry has experienced a phenomenal growth rate of 30-40 percent annually, and is likely to reach US $40 billion by 2010 (source: SEMI). Because of this growth, attendance at PV-related events continues to grow, and there is an increasing demand for a comprehensive event which can provide attendees with the latest information as well as networking opportunities.

Companies specializing in solar cells and modules, equipment and materials used in manufacture of these components, and other PV-related systems, are invited to exhibit at the event. The cost per 9sqm booth will be 378,000 Yen for SEMI/JPEA members, and 409,500 Yen for non-members. The exhibitor application deadline is Tuesday, March 18, 2008.