So clearly there was a lot of money spent on the SPI conference in Los Angeles. They closed down the street in front of Staples Center and decked it out with a red carpet, tons of food, scantily clad dancers, booze, and even some fake papparazzi snapping pictures in front just to make us solar nerds feel like celebrities.
I know it was an events stunt, and my little camera was a bit foggy, but I have to admit I felt awkward walking down this red carpet as people were being paid to act all excited and take pictures of everyone.
Regardless, the conference is turning out to be interesting. Lots of presence from overseas, replete with slick sales presentations and very expensive booths. More photos to come in a bit.
I’ve also got some good notes on legislative policy and incentives I’ll be posting shortly.
Solar jobs by state »« Solar on the White House and What it Means for You
Hi Dan,
Thanks for the update on SPI 2010. I had hoped to get to the conference this year, but I’m not sure it’s going to happen. The whole LA celebrity / fake papparazzi thing is pretty hilarious! I heard last year’s Disneyland party was awesome. Maybe SPI needs to go back to Anaheim next year…
Have you been going to the exhibit hall during the day? What is the mood like? Is it particularly crowded, or is there room to roam? There were big differences from 2007 to 2008 and 2009 (not surprising, given that the economy took a dive). Are Chinese companies clearly dominating this year’s event?
Hey Gina,
The Convention Center is so damn huge, it never feels particularly crowded – even though there are more exhibitors than last year (a pretty cramped experience). There is a strong Chinese presence in auxiliary components, though the typical big guns are flexing their muscles – SunEdison, Sharp, Sanyo, Sunpower, Westinghouse.
Next year, the show is in Dallas.
Here is a video that should peak your interest in what I have to say about solar Energy.
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The Mystery of the Stone Quarries
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47CrvOResAI
And the link to the commentary blog post.
http://thelockedgates.blogspot.com/2011/06/mystery-of-stone-quarries.html
Howard West
