Solar Power 2008, the largest business-to-business and business-to-consumer solar event in North America, takes place October 13-16 at the San Diego Convention Center.

Early sales were brisk, with companies from across the spectrum snapping up 75 percent of 174,000 square feet of exhibit floor space and more than 50 percent of sponsorships in the first six days of sales.

Established in 2004, the Solar Power Conference includes an extensive trade show expected to attract 400 exhibitors next fall and more than 12,000 professional attendees. Show organizers anticipate more than 3,000 people at the popular Public Night on October 15, where the industry welcomes the public to exhibits and workshops to learn more about solar energy technology and systems for homes, businesses and utility-scale projects.

Solar Power 2007, which was held September 24 - 27 in Long Beach, Calif., sold out with more than 200 exhibitors, 71 sponsoring companies, more than 9,500 industry representatives and 3,000 members of the public.

"As the world's largest manufacturer of solar photovoltaics, we are thrilled to have the lead Terawatt sponsorship for North America's premier solar industry show," said Ron Kenedi, CEO of Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group (SESG), a subsidiary of Sharp Electronics Corporation and the U.S. solar arm of Sharp Corporation.

"Each year, the Solar Power show concentrates the key players in an expanding industry. The result is an unparalleled opportunity to do business and increase visibility."

In addition to Sharp Solar, 31 other early sponsors of Solar Power 2008 include Kyocera Solar and Yingli Solar (both at the Gigawatt level), as well as BP Solar, Conergy, ET Solar Group, REC Solar: a division of REC Group, Solar Power, Inc., SPG Solar, and Trina Solar (all at the Megawatt level).

"This tremendous early interest reflects the continued growth of the solar industry and established respect for this event from industry professionals," said Julia Hamm, executive director of the Solar Electric Power Association in Washington, D.C.

"In 2007, Solar Power visitors reported that they plan to spend US$3.9 billion with the companies that exhibited on the show floor. Whether you are a manufacturer, integrator, utility, installer, policy-maker, or finance, sales or marketing pro in solar, Solar Power 2008 is the must-attend event of the year."

"Solar Power 2008 is not only a focal point for solar energy B2B exchange, but also a rallying event to drive policy positions to support market expansion and increase solar's share of the energy mix," said Rhone Resch, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association in Washington, D.C.

"With businesses and consumers facing higher energy costs, including nearly $100-a-barrel oil, and concerns about the environment, the time is ripe for solar energy to come to the forefront. All net proceeds from the Solar Power show go to support these efforts - expanding competitive markets and shaping supportive policy."

In addition to extensive exhibits and industry networking opportunities, the conference features headline keynote speakers in three plenary sessions and industry experts in 32 concurrent sessions covering the latest market, policy, finance and technology issues.

Solar Power 2008 will encompass the full range of solar energy technologies, including photovoltaics (PV), concentrating photovoltaics, concentrating solar thermal, utility-scale applications, and solar water and space heating.

The conference also features a career networking center to support the recruiting of qualified professionals - a top concern of an industry on track for record 60 percent growth in 2007.

Solar Electric Power Association is a nonprofit organization, formed in 1992 as the Utility Photovoltaic Group, with 250 utility, electric service provider, manufacturer, installer, government, and research members. SEPA's mission is to facilitate solutions for the use and integration of solar electric power by utilities, electric service providers, and their customers.

Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of solar energy manufacturers, dealers, distributors, contractors, installers, architects, consultants and marketers.

Established in 1975, SEIA works to expand the use of solar technologies in the global marketplace, strengthen research and development, remove market barriers, and improve education and outreach for solar.

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