Solar Energy Takes on More Impetus at glasstec 2008

At a time of climatic change and dwindling energy resources, the solar energy applications market is booming, and allied to this, glass is taking on a leading role. So solar energy will take on a correspondingly high significance at the forthcoming glasstec, (21st-25th October, 2008).

At the previous event two years ago, it was very evident that over 30% of visitors had a specific interest in solar energy, therefore the themes of photo-voltaic and solar thermal energy will take a high precedence. This will be in addition to other specific areas that include laser technology, functional coatings, technical glass, bent glass and special glass. Although some months before the opening of glasstec 2008, exhibitors from these sectors have already doubled. Participants include Centrosolar, Solarwatt and Schott Solar while exhibitors from the mechanical engineering sector include Grenzebach, Reis Robotics, Lenhardt and Bystronic.

The solar energy theme will also be covered live in very great detail within the framework of the ‘glass technology live’ show. For the first time, two of the five conference days are exclusively devoted to discussions on photo-voltaic and solar thermal energy. Themes covered include solar glass, solar modules and methods of building integration. At the last glasstec in 2006, the conference attracted more than 4,500 participants.

Attention will be mainly focused on thin-film modules for photo voltaic systems - these thin-film solar cells are said to be a very promising alternative to conventional silicon solar cells as they consist of a layer of just a few 1,000ths of a millimetre. This enables not only large materials saving but also fast and cost-effective production processes.

The solar energy industry is also an extremely interesting market for the glass machine manufacturers, because glass is used for the permanent protection of functional surfaces in both solar energy as well as photo-voltaic systems. As an example, ultra-white special glass ensures increased efficiency of the solar modules.

For cell, module and primary product manufacturers in the solar energy sector the application of powerful, efficient and reliable production technology is of great significance, because the number of providers is growing worldwide. Trend-setting, future-orientated concepts from the machinery and plant manufacturers help to counter the cost pressure, increase efficiency and reduce product rejection quotas in the long term. Technology thus becomes a key for securing competitiveness on the solar energy market.

Further information on glasstec 2008 and also on the specialist conference programme can be found on the website http://www.glasstec.de