In 2011, the EcoGen Conference and Exhibition provided a bigger and better forum for Australia’s clean energy industry to come together and connect.

The exponential growth of the solar sector in Australia was reflected in the number of solar companies, exhibitors, experts, academics and professionals present at the event.

Solar Australia was an official media partner for EcoGen 2011, capturing the news and views coming out of the Conference and providing a voice for solar energy at Australia’s premier independent clean energy event.

Soaking up the solar at EcoGen 2011

Sunny Queensland played host to a series of solar sessions and workshops in the EcoGen 2011 conference program. Speakers such as Dr Muriel Watt, Chair of the Australian Photovoltaic (PV) Association, presented on PV market developments in Australia and discussed the way forward for solar now that Australia has reached the 'holy grail' – grid parity.

Political heavyweights such as Australian Greens Deputy Leader Senator Christine Milne called on the clean energy industry to provide a clear mandate for government funding of projects, following the implementation of Australia’s carbon pricing mechanism.

Federal Shadow Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Greg Hunt and Queensland Energy and Water Utilities Minister Stephen Robertson used EcoGen 2011 to consult with solar energy stakeholders, and to receive feedback on the actions needed to improve regulatory mechanisms for the sector, such as feed-in tariffs.

Delegates and visitors alike soaked up solar in the sold-out exhibition hall at EcoGen 2011, which was packed with the latest solar products and technologies from Australia and the world. Companies featured at the Exhibition included BP Solar, Trina Solar, Fronius Australia, Power One, LIGHTWAY Australia, SunPower Corporation, CNPV, Solar World, BOSCH Solar, Ingenero, Q-Cells and GoshLab.

The event was supported by Australia’s key clean energy industry associations, including the Australian Solar Energy Society.

The industry’s night of nights

One of the major highlights of EcoGen 2011 was the Gala Dinner and Awards Evening, held at the Gabba, where conference and exhibition attendees had the chance to mix, mingle and celebrate the outstanding achievements of those involved in clean energy.

Dinner speaker Wil Anderson entertained guests, and the EcoGen Clean Energy Awards presentation recognised a range of companies and individuals working to improve technologies and projects for solar and other renewables.

Monica Oliphant was honoured for Most Outstanding Contribution to the Industry in 2011 for her long-term commitment to furthering the progress of clean energy, as Immediate Past President of the International Solar Energy Society and as Adjunct Professor of Research at the Sustainable Energy Centre in the University of South Australia and at Charles Darwin University.

Queensland’s Metricon Stadium solar ‘halo’ roof won the Most Outstanding Large-Scale Clean Energy Project category for the unique design and construction of Australia’s largest generating building-integrated PV system.

The EcoGen 2012 Conference and Exhibition will be located at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in New South Wales, from 17–19 September, with a strong international focus and an array of premier global solar experts participating.