SOLAR POWER INTERNATIONAL 2008 – ARNOLD COMES BACK

To the surprise and delight of thousands of solar professionals gathered for the reception kicking off Solar Power International 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger popped in to cheer solar power on.

It was a brief and unexpected visit and the Governor got the crowd pumped as only Arnold can.

“I love the action of solar power and a lot of action is going on. Its time has really come.”

The Governor recounted the many New Energy policy achievements of his administration since his last visit to the Solar Power conference in 2006, from SB 1, the “million solar roofs” initiative, to AB 32, the “global warming” initiative, to the just-passed SB 375, the “smarter growth” bill.

He pointed out that while the federal government was “asleep at the wheel,” his leadership had earned him an invitation to address the United Nations on the subjects of global climate change and New Energy.

“Now the important thing is that we don’t rest on our laurels,” he told the leaders of the solar energy industry.

The Governor soon moved to what’s inevitably on everybody’s mind these days. “What’s green for the environment also can be green for the economy…Of course we are facing some tough economic times but that’s exactly why it makes sense to focus on solar and on green technology. We must not give in to those who say the green cause should take a back seat until the economy improves…It is short sighted thinking…”

Schwarzenegger talked about a recent California Air Resources Board study that showed the California global warming law is expected to boost the state’s economy by $27 billion and add 100,000 green jobs in the state. He then cited a previous study concluding a U.S.-wide law like California’s would add 4.2 million new green jobs nationally. (See Economic Analysis Supplement Pursuant to AB 32, The California Global Warming Solution Act of 2006)

The Governor got a big response when he mentioned the recent extension for the solar industry’s federal investment tax credit, which Congress finally put through earlier this month after rejecting it for 18 months. “All I can say,” he told the jubilant group, “is that it’s about time…”

The Governator then returned to one of his favorite themes, telling the excited group he loved solar energy because there was so much action, more action than some action movies. Not HIS action movies, though, he quickly added. He envisioned, to great applause, a time when he could fly from one end of the state to the other and never see a warehouse without solar panels.

“It’s the future, it's now, it can’t be stopped…Next time I see you I will be driving a solar powered Hummer." To the audience's laughter, he said, "The way things are going you never know…" He concluded firmly. "Keep innovating, keep being bold and keep reaching for the stars…”

Governor Schwarzenegger left the stage to great applause with his favorite closing line but, because everybody in the audience knows he’s one of solar energy’s biggest boosters and because this was his second visit with them, this group had reason to believe him when he said “I’ll be back!”

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Solar Power International 2008

WHO
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor, California; Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA); Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA); Exhibitors (cell and module manufacturers, inverter and other component manufacturers, material and equipment manufacturers, installers, integrators, and investors); Attendees (solar industry insiders and outsiders; manufacturers, integrators and installers, large and small customers, architects and builders, and policymakers)

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WHAT
Solar Power International 2008 (called Solar Power Conference and Expo in previous years), THE solar industry business to business trade show. And, CCSE’s annual Solar Energy Week.

WHEN
- October 13, 2008: Opening reception hosted by Sharp Solar Electricity
- October 13 – 16, 2008
- October 12: CCSE’s Family Solar Day
- October 15: Show open to the public
- October 18: Tour of Solar Homes
- Created in 2004 as Solar Power Conference and Expo.
- 1,100 attendees at 2004 event, 12,500+ expected for the 2008 event

WHERE
- San Diego Convention Center (111 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101)
- Representatives of at least 70 countries expected.

WHY
- Governor Schwarzenegger started his talk on a somber note by talking about the seriousness of wildfires burning in southern California.
- Solar Power Internatinal 2008 is the biggest solar event in the Americas.
- Keynote speakers: diverse and distinguished, politicians, production homebuilders, global manufacturers, financial leaders.
- 60+ breakout sessions, 425 exhibitors, encompassing the complete range of solar energy technologies (photovoltaics, concentrating photovoltaics, concentrating solar power, solar hot water, space heating/cooling).
- Builders, taking a greater interest in solar energy systems than ever, will take a bigger part this year. The building sector is responsible for 70% of the U.S. use of electricity.

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QUOTES
- Julia Hamm, executive director, SEPA and chair, Solar Power International 2008: “Over the past five years we have continually reshaped our event to address the evolving needs of the industry and offer an indispensable link for solar professionals traversing the globe…This year we will welcome more international visitors than our event’s total attendance in 2004. We recognize the solar industry is defined by international exchange, and it remains our top priority to provide a comprehensive, business-to-business event that engages a worldwide audience, highlights global solar innovation and provides the unparalleled networking opportunities our attendees have come to expect.”
- Rhone Resch, president, SEIA: “Solar manufacturers, suppliers and other industry participants are global and operate in a global marketplace – even the smallest installer company is affected…As the U.S. solar energy industry has grown, this conference has become an essential event for global solar energy companies that want to do business in the thriving U.S. market. The strong influx of international attendees is an indication of America’s potential to attract investment, create more green-collar jobs and regain our leadership position.”