More than 1,200 exhibitors showcase innovative products and services at sold out show

Dallas, TX – Monday, October 17, 2011 – Solar Power International 2011 (SPI 2011), the premier business-to-business global solar conference and expo, begins today at the Dallas Convention Center and runs through October 20th. The Dallas Convention Center, equipped with 54 rooftop solar water heating collectors, is hosting nearly 1,200 international and U.S. exhibitors sprawled across 1.1 million gross square feet. SPI's exhibition space has grown significantly relative to previous years and in addition to the sold out indoor exhibitor floor, this year's show has been expanded to include outdoor booths.

Presented by Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), SPI is expected to draw more than 21,000 professionals representing more than 125 countries and will generate a total of $26 million in economic activity for Texas. The annual showcase is the epicenter for all that is new in solar and has consistently been the comprehensive event to promote, launch, sell and demonstrate products and services in North America for the global solar industry.

"SPI 2011 is the place to discover the latest trends and breaking developments in the solar industry," said Julia Hamm, President and CEO SEPA. "Now the largest U.S. solar conference, the show offers perspectives ranging from utility CEO's to notable experts in addition to a conference program that provides attendees with industry insights." Recent statistics indicate 2010 marked the most significant strides for the U.S. solar market with a total market value of $6 billion as of 2010 and the number of panel installations doubling from 2009.

"The U.S. solar energy is the fastest growing sector in the U.S. economy and this show reflects that dynamic growth. With more than 100,000 Americans working in the industry according to The Solar Foundation, we are one of the few hiring," said Rhone Resch, President and CEO of SEIA. "At SPI, attendees will meet and network with representatives from many of the 5,000 companies driving this growth across our nation in all 50 states, many being small businesses."

General Sessions & Press Conference Schedule:

Monday, October 17 – 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
• Leadership Perspective: Rhone Resch, President and CEO of SEIA, kicks off with the Opening General Session this evening by showing how solar is working for America today, creating tens of thousands of jobs and business growth opportunities despite a weak economy. His address covers key market trends, current public opinion and needed policy support.
• Conversation with NBA Hall of Fame legend David Robinson moderated by Steve Kerr. Robinson, who played for the San Antonio Spurs and is a three-time Olympian, is considered one of the great centers in professional basketball history. He will share his insights on championship and leadership.

Tuesday, October 18 – 10:00 am
• Press Conference: Rhone Resch, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)

Wednesday, October 19 – 8:30 am - 10:00 am
• Leadership Perspective: Julia Hamm, President and CEO of SEPA, takes the audience 20 years into the future during the General Session with a visionary presentation about the role of solar energy within an electric utility in the year 2031.
• Executive Utility Roundtable: executives from top utility companies conduct a lively discussion about the unique business opportunities and technical, regulatory, and business challenges that utilities face in their efforts to increase the percentage of solar energy in their portfolios. Additionally they will share their views on the future of the solar industry and use of this energy resource in the U.S. Moderated by Matt Daily, Reporter, Reuters.
o Doyle Beneby, President & Chief Executive Officer, CPS Energy
o Randy Mehrberg, President & Chief Operating Officer, PSEG Energy Holdings LLC and Executive Vice President Strategy & Development, PSEG Services Corporation
o Armando Olivera, President & Chief Executive Officer, Florida Power & Light Company
o Robert Powers, President, AEP Utilities
o James Rogers, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Duke Energy
o Larry Weis, General Manager, Austin Energy

Wednesday, October 19 – 10:15am - 11:00am
• Press Conference: Julia Hamm, President and CEO of the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and utility executives.

Thursday, October 20 – 9:00 am - 10:30 am
• Closing keynote by Marcus Buckingham, New York Times bestselling author and business speaker

SPI 2011 Sponsors include: Terawatt sponsor Sharp and Gigawatt sponsors Hanwha SolarOne & 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 '11 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 - 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