Arizona Plays Host to Major International Solar Conference

PHOENIX, AZ (November 29, 2011) — The Arizona Commerce Authority welcomes Solarpraxis’ PV Power Plants USA 2011 to downtown Phoenix.  The two day conference, which expects more than 200 participants, brings together experts from around the world to discuss the current market and future of the solar industry.  The conference provides an important link between European and North American solar markets.  Representatives from the Arizona Commerce Authority will be on hand to discuss Arizona’s impressive benefits for this important industry.

Solarpraxis has been providing engineering, conference organization and publishing for the PV industry for more than twelve years. Its conference attendees trust the expertise of Solarpraxis and use the information they provide to explore new markets. As a result, Solarpraxis attracts a large share of international attendees and speakers from mature markets to attend and speak at their events.

“Arizona is taking a global approach to its role in the renewable energy industry,” said Don Cardon, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Having Solarpraxis choose Arizona over a number of other states as the home for this conference shows the international appeal and highlights Arizona’s leadership role in this growing industry.”

“Solarpraxis chose Arizona because the state has extremely supportive business development agencies which have been very helpful, which is equally important for PV manufacturers and PV project developers,” said Solarpraxis Conference Manager David Gaden. “The support Solarpraxis received from the state, coupled with Arizona’s dedication to developing the solar energy market, is priceless.”

Arizona is quickly becoming a global leader in renewable energy technologies, and the ACA is committed to achieving Governor Jan Brewer’s goal to solidify Arizona’s position as the Solar Capital of the World.  The state is home to the world’s two largest solar companies — First Solar and Suntech – the U.S. military’s largest solar plant and the world’s premier photovoltaic testing laboratory. With more than 100 significant solar energy businesses already located in the state, Arizona has established itself as one of the world’s preeminent locations for solar industry expansion.

With recent expansion announcements from companies such as Sempra Energy, Power One, Saint Gobain, Gestamp Solar Steel, Rio Glass and Faist Green Tek, Arizona has experienced significant growth in the renewable energy marketplace. Solar and high-tech companies from around the globe are taking advantage of our state’s competitive tax structure, pro-business climate and specialized workforce.

PV Power Plants USA 2011 will take place November 30 – December 1 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel. For more information on the conference, please visit www.solarpraxis.de. For more information on solar opportunities and incentives in Arizona, visit www.azsolarstate.com.

Media Contact

Nicole McTheny, Arizona Commerce Authority, (602) 845-1231, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create – attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.