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 concluded this year with impressive visitor numbers, but the question remains: For whom was this trade fair truly a success? A critical analysis reveals that despite the apparent success, certain problems and challenges remain.

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

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

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

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

📉🔍 Another challenge is the declining revenue and profit expectations of some companies. SMA, a major player in the industry, reported lowered expectations. Equally worrying is the search for investors for inverter manufacturer Solarnative, which had a promising start in 2019 and now resembles a fire sale. Added to this is the closure of module production facilities in Germany by companies such as Meyer Burger and Solarwatt, which further underscores the difficult situation.

Update: Solarnative GmbH files for insolvency

As was announced over the weekend, the Hessian solar company Solarnative GmbH has filed for insolvency. The reason is a lack of capital to scale its 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. Additionally, dumping prices from China are putting pressure on the European market, putting many German solar companies under strain. CEO Henk Oldenkamp is now seeking new investors.

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

🏭🇨🇳 The presence of Chinese exhibitors at the trade fair was particularly strong this year. For the first time, they constituted the largest group, especially in the solar module sector. This dominance stands in stark contrast to the overcapacities currently driving intense price competition. It is unlikely that further record figures will be reached in this sector next year.

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

💼💻 In corporate boardrooms, there has always been a debate about the merits and drawbacks of trade fairs. Numerous PV webinars and online meetings for potential customer interactions now directly compete with traditional trade fairs. Many companies are finding that they reach more potential customers through online marketing measures and social media platforms like LinkedIn, or through articles in PV magazines, than in a crowded and noisy exhibition hall, where there is a risk of potential customers being distracted by neighboring competitors. These developments also pose a risk for 'The smarter E Europe', as advancing digitalization could put further pressure on the trade fair industry in the coming years.

🌐💔 Constant change and further developments have already led to the demise of large and successful trade fairs such as CeBIT, Systems (a major IT trade fair in Munich), and IT & Business (Stuttgart). Therefore, 'The smarter E Europe' also faces the challenge of adapting to digital trends and changing customer requirements.

🏆❓ Despite high visitor numbers and numerous exhibitors, 'The smarter E Europe' is facing some critical issues. The trade fair showcased current developments in the solar industry but also highlighted the challenges this sector faces. A lack of innovation, the dominance of a few countries in the global photovoltaic boom, and the economic uncertainties of some companies raise questions about the future development of this industry. Digitalization and a changing approach to customer dialogue could point the trade fair in new directions and open up new opportunities for success. It remains to be seen how 'The smarter E Europe' will address these challenges 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 price?
• 🏢 Overcrowded exhibition halls and poor weather conditions
• 📉 Declining profit expectations in the solar industry
• 🇨🇳 Dominance of Chinese exhibitors at 'The smarter E Europe'
• 🚫 Lack of innovation and visionary future topics
• 🌐 Challenges posed by digitalization for trade fairs
• ⚠️ Economic uncertainties in 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 under a broader concept. Today, 'The smarter E Europe' provides a 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 unites these various trade fairs, while each retains its specific focus. This allows participants to concentrate on different aspects of renewable energy, energy storage, electromobility, and smart energy use.

Photovoltaics Trade Fair 2024 – This year's trends are agri-PV, facade solar and solar roofs for asphalted surfaces in cities – Image: Xpert.Digital

Intersolar Europe and its parallel events ees Europe, Power2Drive Europe, and EM-Power Europe will take place from June 19 to 21, 2024, at Messe München as part of The smarter E Europe, Europe's largest trade fair alliance for the energy industry. Visitors can expect a comprehensive presentation of the latest developments in areas such as photovoltaics, energy storage, e-mobility, and heat pumps. Furthermore, the focus will be on energy management, networked energy solutions, dynamic tariffs, the role of prosumers, and grid flexibility. The trade fair offers industry professionals a broad overview of current and future key innovations and trends.

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