Message from the Technical Programme Chairman

Welcome to the 27th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany, designed to offer an overview on the latest developments of photovoltaics worldwide.

The relevance of solar energy as a cornerstone for a sustainable energy system is being globally recognised even if the speed of actual implementation is fiercely discussed. After the publication of the EU's 2050 Energy Roadmap in December 2011, the task of 2012 is to agree on mandatory renewable energy targets including solar photovoltaics for 2030.

Worldwide, the interest in photovoltaics as an energy technology as well as  an industrial opportunity has increased significantly within the last few years. This development is not only visible in increased deployment figures and production capacity build-up, but in increased R&D efforts as well.

Over the years, the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference has developed into one of the largest solar photovoltaic conferences in the world. The unique profile, gathering academia and industry researchers, is mirrored by the international Scientific Committee. Its more than 200 members represent the spearhead of institutional and industrial research and application from all continents. To guarantee the scientific quality of the Conference Programme, each abstract is scored by three independent reviewers before a team of at least two topic organisers per subtopic select the plenary, oral and visual presentations.

The Conference provides a platform to exchange knowledge about the latest scientific and industry results as well as the latest developments in policies and deployment of this truly global energy technology. For this purpose the programme will be structured in a way to satisfy the needs of both, the wider audience and the PV specialists. The programme offers overviews of the latest research findings, industrial progress and political landscape through key-note and plenary presentations, and it provides specialised thematic sessions as well, were details are presented in a more focused and technical manner.

I am confident that YOU, the research and industrial PV community, will contribute again with many high quality papers and give the Scientific Committee the opportunity to create and present a Conference programme which reflects the scientific excellence as well as the wide range of topics of the global PV community.

I am looking forward to meeting you at the 27th EU PVSEC in Frankfurt to present, follow  and discuss the latest trends and developments in photovoltaics.