The Smarter E Europe (Intersolar) in Munich closes with great success – for whom? A critical look – no more innovations?

✨📈 'The smarter E Europe' (Intersolar) in Munich ended this year with impressive visitor numbers, but the question arises: for whom was this trade fair really a success? A critical analysis shows that despite the obvious success, certain problems and challenges remain.

🏢🔎 It is inevitable that companies need to announce success stories in order to be successful, or at least appear so. But all too often the truth is only corrected when the problems can no longer be denied and the facade begins to crumble.

🚀📊 This year 'The smarter E Europe' had record-breaking visitor numbers, and the number of exhibitors was also higher than ever before. The exhibition halls in Munich were overcrowded and the climatic conditions in the halls were suboptimal. It is estimated that well over 110,000 visitors attended. Right at the start of the trade fair, the organizers announced new records for the number of exhibitors and the space occupied.

🌍🔋 Nevertheless, the information that was discussed over the course of the three days of the trade fair and in the accompanying conference program was of a mixed nature. The European solar industry association SolarPower Europe published its annual report “Global Market Outlook for Solar Power” and reported 447 gigawatts of newly installed photovoltaic capacity worldwide for 2023. This corresponds to an impressive growth of 87 percent compared to the previous year, in which 239 gigawatts were installed. But that report also showed that just ten countries accounted for 80 percent of the increase, with China alone accounting for 57 percent. The poorer regions of the world in particular are being left behind by the photovoltaic boom, which represents a serious challenge for the global energy transition.

📉🕹️ Before the trade fair, the Federal Network Agency published its figures in May, which looked less optimistic. At around 6.16 gigawatts, the expansion recorded so far for 2024 is only 24 percent higher than the expansion in the same period last year of 4.97 gigawatts. The trend in the monthly results is particularly striking: While the numbers rose significantly in the previous year, this trend will be reversed in 2024.

📉🔍 Another challenge is the falling sales and profit expectations of some companies. SMA, a major player in the industry, reported lowered expectations. Equally worrying is the search for investors in the inverter manufacturer Solarnative, which started off with hope in 2019 and now resembles an emergency sale. Added to this is the closure of module production in Germany by companies such as Meyer Burger and Solarwatt, which also illustrates the difficult situation.

Update: Solarnative GmbH files for bankruptcy

As it became known at the weekend, the Hessian solar company Solarnative GmbH has filed for bankruptcy. The reason is a lack of capital to scale their innovations, including the world's smallest inverter and a new smart energy system. Despite high demand for solar technology, the company, founded in 2019, was unable to attract enough investors. In addition, dumping prices from China are putting a strain on the European market, which is putting many German solar companies under pressure. CEO Henk Oldenkamp is now looking for new investors.

Many German solar companies are currently under massive pressure due to cheap, state-subsidized competition from China. Solarnative GmbH is just one example of companies that are sounding the alarm.

🏭🇨🇳 The presence of Chinese exhibitors at the trade fair was particularly strong this year. For the first time, they represented the largest group, especially in the area of ​​solar modules. This dominance stands in stark contrast to the overcapacity that is currently causing an intense price war. It is unlikely that further record figures will be achieved in this sector next year.

⚙️💡 Another point of criticism is the lack of real innovations and the absence of visionary future topics such as Smart City, Smart Factory or Smart Grid. Many of the exhibition stands appeared to be reused from previous years, and digital exhibition components that could have contributed to improved customer interaction were almost completely missing or scaled back compared to previous years.

💼💻 There has always been a debate in the executive suites of companies about the sense and nonsense of trade fairs. Numerous PV webinars and online meetings for potential customer discussions are now in direct competition with traditional trade fairs. Many companies find that they reach more potential customers with online marketing measures and via social media platforms such as LinkedIn or articles in PV Magazine than in a crowded and noisy exhibition hall, where there is a risk that potential customers will be knocked out by neighboring ones Competitors are distracted. These developments are not without risk for 'The smarter E Europe', as advancing digitalization could put further pressure on trade fair operations in the coming years.

🌐💔 The constant change and further developments have already cost large and successful trade fairs such as CeBIT, Systems (an important IT trade fair in Munich) and IT & Business (Stuttgart). This means that 'The smarter E Europe' also faces the challenge of adapting to digital trends and changing customer requirements.

🏆❓ 'The smarter E Europe' is confronted with some critical points despite the high number of visitors and the numerous exhibitors. The trade fair was a showcase for current events in the solar industry, but also highlighted the challenges that this industry has to overcome. The lack of innovative spirit, the dominance of a few countries in the global photovoltaics boom and the economic uncertainties of some companies raise questions about how this industry will develop in the coming years. Digitalization and a changed customer dialogue could point the trade fair in new directions in the future and also open up new potential for success. It remains to be seen how 'The smarter E Europe' will address these challenges in order to remain relevant and successful.

📣 Similar topics

• 📣 Critical analysis of 'The smarter E Europe' 2024
• ✨ The real winners and losers of Intersolar
• 🌞 Record numbers, but at what cost?
• 🏢 Overcrowded exhibition halls and poor climatic conditions
• 📉 Falling profit expectations in the solar industry
• 🇨🇳 Dominance of Chinese exhibitors at 'The smarter E Europe'
• 🚫 Lack of innovations and visionary future topics
• 🌐 Challenge posed by digitalization for trade fairs
• ⚠️ Economic uncertainties of the solar industry
• ❓ The future of 'The smarter E Europe': risks and opportunities

#️⃣ Hashtags: #Solarenergy #Intersolar #Energytransition #Digitalization #Economy

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📣 The trade fair, originally known as Intersolar, has evolved over the years and is now known by a broader concept. Today, 'The smarter E Europe' forms the comprehensive umbrella for various specialized trade fairs, all related to sustainable energy. These specialized trade fairs within 'The smarter E Europe' are:

⚡ Intersolar Europe

One of the world's leading trade fairs for the solar industry and its partners.

🔋 ees Europe

Europe's largest trade fair for batteries and energy storage systems.

🚗 Power2Drive Europe

This trade fair focuses on electromobility and charging infrastructure.

🌍 EM Power Europe

The trade fair for intelligent energy use in industry and buildings.

🌐 'The smarter E Europe': The comprehensive platform for sustainable energy solutions

'The smarter E Europe' serves as an overarching brand and platform that brings these different trade fairs together, with each trade fair maintaining its specific focus. This allows participants to focus on different aspects of renewable energy, energy storage, electromobility and intelligent energy use.

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Intersolar Europe and its parallel events ees Europe, Power2Drive Europe and EM-Power Europe will take place at the Munich Trade Fair from June 19 to 21, 2024 as part of The smarter E Europe, the largest trade fair alliance for the energy industry in Europe. Here you can expect a comprehensive presentation of the latest developments in areas such as photovoltaics, energy storage, e-mobility and heat pumps. The focus is also on energy management, networked energy solutions, dynamic tariffs and the role of prosumers as well as making the power grid more flexible. The trade fair offers trade visitors a broad overview of current and future significant innovations and trends.

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