PHOTOVOLTAICS has been in the public arena for many years now but it remains an industry on the ascent as public policy drives uptake while technological advances encourage demand.

Scientists, technicians, entrepreneurs and end users alike are contributing to the development of this method of power generation and events that bring these individuals together under one roof are an opportunity to learn, participate in and benefit from a key strand of the renewables energy sector.

An important event in the photovoltaics calendar is Solar Flair – a national PV conference, now in its third year. Solar Flair 11 will be held at the Durham Raddison Blu Hotel in Durham City on November 24. The growing popularity of the event has attracted a high quality panel of speakers to outline the latest advances and opportunities in the photovoltaic industry.

Key speakers include Dr Stephen Taylor from the European Space Agency who will give an insight into the cutting edge solar power being used in the space industry.

Delegates will also hear from Franz Ziering, vice president of Bosch Solar Energy AG, which has developed the most efficient photovoltaic cell on the market.

Bosch is creating the largest solar farm in the UK – a 5 MW park over 18 hectares in Trefullock, Cornwall – as well as a 530 million Euro photovoltaics centre in Arnstadt, Germany, and a 520 million Euro solar module manufacturing plant in Malaysia.

Solar Flair 11 has been organised by the County Durham Development Company (CDDC), the business arm of Durham County Council.