When I first attended this show last year, I found the exhibitors busy and pleased with the number and quality of the attendees. In my conversations with dozens of these exhibitors this week, I found that to still be the case. Although there were some feelings expressed that it was not quite as good as last year. This some said was due to the poor national economic situation and slow pace and thus far uncertain results of the government efforts to remedy the situation. Still, all things considered, most of the exhibitors I spoke with said were happy with the three days.

Another thing to consider: my contact was totally on those companies that sold photovoltaic products that integrators/contractors could specify and install and distributors could sell, so my sample was biased. These were mostly manufacturers and marketers of photovoltaic modules, inverters and mounting systems, but also included solar distributors. This made the generally positive comments more important in my opinion because attendees at this event are not just integrators/contractors and distributors for photovoltaic systems and products. A good chunk of the attendees were there to learn about the latest in machinery and equipment, chemicals and other materials and services (testing institutes, consultants, etc.) used in the manufacturing of photovoltaic products and systems. There were also some who were there to look at the solar thermal systems and products which also made up a portion of the exhibits.

My conclusion is that even in the current economy and at a show with a wide focus on things solar, this was a show where business was being done and the market for photovoltaic systems was being served well.