The countdown for the 27th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (27th EU PVSEC) has begun: The 27th EU PVSEC will host the global PV community at the Messe Frankfurt (Germany) fairgrounds, from 24 to 28 September 2012. The five-day Conference runs from 24 to 28 September 2012, and the four-day Exhibition shall be held from 25 to 28 September 2012.

Dr. Stefan Nowak, Chairman IEA PVPS, International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme, is Conference General Chairman of this largest PV conference, worldwide. Dr. Nowak’s nomination honours his sustainable international commitment to PV solar technology and deployment for a sustainable energy supply. Besides his role in the IEA PVPS programme, Stefan Nowak is Vice-chair of the Steering Committee of the European Photovoltaic Technology Platform and he manages the Swiss PV research programme for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. Stefan Nowak also manages the REPIC Platform – Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Promotion in International Co-operation – Secretariat.

EU PVSEC’s International Scientific Committee, made up of more than 190 senior representatives from the global PV community, will support Dr. Nowak in setting up a conference programme of the highest scientific caliber.

Dr. Nowak states, “The unique feature of this conference is the fact that it represents a ‘melting pot’ where all the ‘hot’ subjects around photovoltaic technology are being addressed. Times are indeed hot these days with major challenges ahead of us; calling for flexibility, new solutions and often completely new mind-sets. As evidenced by the IEA’s recent World Energy Outlook, we have not yet managed to steer our ship in the right direction.”

“As we all know, photovoltaics can and will be part of the solution, if we manage to deliver on the technical and economic promises on the one hand and if we can answer the critical questions and overcome the scepticisms that the sector is facing on the other hand,” Dr. Stefan Nowak continues. “I would therefore encourage and invite all of you to think out of the box, go beyond the short term, advance your ideas and take part in the discussions which will take place at the 27th EU PVSEC in Frankfurt.”

The Call for Papers is now open. All PV professionals wishing to contribute to the 27th EU PVSEC programme and to present their latest scientific and technological results to PV specialists and decision makers from around the world are invited to submit their abstract by 15 February 2012.

The 27th EU PVSEC PV Industry Exhibition, running parallel to the Conference, will attract photovoltaic companies and solar organizations from along the entire value chain over four days. The Exhibition is an excellent showcase for the PV solar sector’s technology and service providers. The 27th EU PVSEC will highlight progress in research, technological development and production processes, bringing together all key specialists of the industry to make it the most inspiring platform for the global PV solar sector.

Background EU PVSEC
For many years, the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition has combined a renowned international scientific conference with a leading PV industry exhibition and trade fair. Every year, during 5 conference days and 4 trade fair days, new products and technical innovations from all areas of photovoltaics and from all over the world are on show.

The EU PVSEC is supported by European and international organisations such as the European Commission, UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, Natural Sciences Sector, WCRE – World Council for Renewable Energy, IPVEA – the International Photovoltaic Equipment Association and EPIA – the European Photovoltaic Industry Association. The Technical Programme is coordinated by the European Commission, DG Joint Research Centre. www.photovoltaic-conference.com