SOLAR POWER INTERNATIONAL 2011 FEATURES HIGH LEVEL OF SPEAKERS IN CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Washington, DC – Tuesday, October 4, 2011 – Solar Power International 2011 (SPI 2011), the premier global solar conference and expo, features a robust conference program with a lineup of recognized leaders and experts. From the perspectives of renowned CEOs, inspirational and motivational speakers in General Sessions, to expert-led Concurrent Sessions and discussions in Solar Idea Swaps, SPI 2011's conference program provides comprehensive insights into the solar marketplace. Presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), SPI 2011 takes place October 17-20, at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

"SPI 2011's conference program offers a compelling roster of speakers sharing their expertise to inspire industry professionals and continue the growth of the global solar industry," said Rhone Resch, President & CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). "Our goal is to provide an in-depth understanding of the technologies, policies and services that are shaping solar energy today."

"We are pleased to have six of the most respected utility executives as part of a roundtable discussion at SPI 2011 to share their perspectives on the future of solar energy in the U.S.," said Julia Hamm, President & CEO of the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA). "They will also address the opportunities and challenges they face integrating solar into their business and the grid. We expect this lively panel discussion to provide fresh insight into the sustainability of U.S. solar markets."

The conference features three general sessions including the utility executive panel discussion, 36 sessions featuring tracks in policy, finance, markets, Texas markets, system design, and integration, as well as 14 workshops that offer deep focus on specific solar topics. In addition to the various networking events, SPI will once again feature Solar Idea Swaps, back by popular demand. During these interactive sessions participants engage in small-scale networking and lively discussions about the solar industry.

General Sessions

SPI 2011 offers three general sessions:
• Monday, October 17 – 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
NBA legend and entrepreneur Earvin "Magic" Johnson and NBA champion and broadcaster Steve Kerr will discuss Mr. Johnson's triumphs on the court and in business. Through motivation and determination, Mr. Johnson has created the #1 brand in urban America as Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises. This company serves as a catalyst for driving unparalleled business results for its partners while fostering community/economic empowerment by making available high-quality entertainment, products and services that answer the demands of ethnically diverse urban communities. Mr. Johnson will share his insights on building a brand, the importance of perseverance and hard work for achieving goals.
• Wednesday, October 19 – 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Utility executives share their insights during a panel discussion on the rapid increase of the amount of solar energy integrated into the grid and the future of the U.S. market. They will address unique business opportunities as well as the technical and regulatory challenges they face towards increasing the amount of solar energy in their portfolios. The panel will be moderated by Matt Daily, Journalist at Reuters.

Panelists include: Doyle Beneby, President & Chief Executive Officer, CPS Energy ; Randy Mehrberg, President & Chief Operating Officer, PSEG Energy Holdings LLC and Executive Vice President Strategy &,Development, PSEG Services Corporation; Armando Olivera, President & Chief Executive Officer, Florida Power & Light Company; Robert Powers, President, American Electric Power; James Rogers, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Duke Energy; Larry Weis, General Manager, Austin Energy

Additionally, Julia Hamm, President & CEO, SEPA and Rhone Resch, President & CEO, SEIA will present on their perspective from atop their organizations.
• Thursday, October 20 – 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Concluding the General Sessions, Marcus Buckingham, a New York Times bestselling author and motivational speaker, will highlight how individuals can become more productive by focusing on their strengths rather than weaknesses. Buckingham will also offer self-motivating suggestions that are supported by data, personal anecdotes and observations from interviews he's conducted with high achieving workplace performers.

Concurrent Sessions

Solar Power International 2011's Conference Program features the latest information for professionals throughout the world. Sessions are organized within six tracks: Finance, Integration, Markets, Texas Markets, Policy, System Design and Technology.

Session highlights include:
• Tax Equity Options after 1603: Learn about tax equity financing alternatives, including partnership flips, sale-leaseback transactions, leases with credit pass-through arrangements, prepayment structures and "twinning" with new markets tax credits.
• Economics of Designing and Integrating Solar Projects into the Grid: Explore studies that estimate the operating costs of integrating large amounts of solar into the grid and hear first-hand about the cost impact that some of European utilities have experienced.
• Market Prospects for Solar in North America – New Data & Emerging Trends: Assess various market segments and cost trends for PV inverters, PV modules, installed capacity and solar deployment.
• Expanding Residential Solar Markets: Examine the potential and challenges of small-scale residential and commercial PV markets in different regions.
• Distributed Solar Generation – Challenges & Opportunities for Texas' Growing Market: Being the second most populous state with the most overall available sun, Texas has a significant and growing distributed solar generation market. Attendees will gain an understanding of the nature and extent of the industry and market today, the unique rules in a complex mix of deregulated and regulated utilities, how policy efforts are incrementally moving the market, and what the shape and pace of future development may be.
• Recapturing Value from Brownfields with Solar: Insights into Assessment, Design and Installation: Explore where PV applications are appropriate, assessment criterion for prequalifying sites, major permitting hurdles, and when it's wiser to walk away.
Workshops

Fourteen workshops provide an excellent opportunity for both industry newcomers and veterans alike to dig deep into the subject matter of interest. Workshop participants can earn industry credits with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
Workshop highlights include:
• DOE Energy and Renewable Energy: SEGIS and HiPen Program Results and New Goals: Panelists from utilities, solar energy organizations and the U.S. Dept. of Energy will discuss the progress of the DOE programs aimed at making large-scale solar energy systems cost competitive without subsidies by 2020.
• U.S. Photovoltaics Industry Review: The workshop enables participants to understand SPI panel presentations and enhances their Expo and networking time by establishing baseline knowledge about the size, scope, policy drivers, regulatory barriers, economics, and the central U.S. PV industry organizations.
• Tech Talk for the Non-Technical PV Professional - Part One and Part Two: These workshops provide a broad yet thorough introduction to technical PV system siting, design, installation, expectations, and production analysis.
• Understanding Solar Business and Finance - Part One and Two: Attendees will gain unique marketing perspectives on solar selling & marketing tools and techniques and get a better understanding of the elements of competing in the rapidly growing commercial solar sector.
Solar Idea Swap

Facilitated by an industry subject expert participants have the opportunity for engaging in group conversations on industry trends and challenges.
Topics include:
• Emerging Hidden Markets: In this session experts and participants will review the status of the off-grid PV market and identify opportunities for growth.
• Corporate Social Responsibilities: This session will discuss the importance of both the direct and indirect impacts of manufactured products on the environment throughout the entire life cycle, from raw material sourcing through product collection and recycling.


Registration, sponsorship, exhibitor and program information can be found at: www.solarpowerinternational.com.

For press registration visit: http://registration2.experient-inc.com/showSEP111/DefaultPress.aspx

SPI 2011 Sponsors include: Terawatt sponsor Sharp and Gigawatt sponsors Hanwha SolarOne and LDK.
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Solar Power International 2011 (SPI), presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), is designed to serve and advance the solar power industry and draws more than 24,000 professionals representing over 128 countries. SPI 2011 takes place October 17 - 20 at the Dallas Convention Center. Registration, sponsorship, exhibitor and program information can be found at: www.solarpowerinternational.com.
 
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is an educational non-profit dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios for the benefit of the utility, its customers and the public good. With more than 1000 utility and solar industry members, SEPA provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org.

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA is working to build a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org