Solar & Storage DigiCon: Digital Conferences and Communication as New State of the Art

How will the business world remember 2020? The most obvious would likely be that this was the year of the COVID-19, social distancing and home office. However, these restrictions of business as we know it gave way to rapid digitalization of daily work but also networking and knowledge sharing. Instead of flying to Munich, Shanghai or Anaheim, the renewable energy industry had to find new ways to market their products, connect and exchange. The two renowned business platforms Joint Forces for Solar (JF4S) and International Battery and Energy Storage Alliance (IBESA) have launched the digital marketplace Solar & Storage DigiCon (SSDC), the first of its kind virtual environment. Launched July 15, the SSDC has so far held four successful Live Days and set new landmarks in terms of digital knowledge transfer and the assurance of digital business communication. ­­­­ ­­­­ ­Digital event invitations and ever more interesting and innovative methods to make virtual experiences as close to the physical trade fair experience as possible are leading the marketing activities of 2020. For industries based on the vision of a clean and green future, digitalization is another step toward achieving the sustainable development goals.  Such is the case for the renewable energy industry with climate change and thoughtful resource investment at the heart of every business model. Next to making energy more accessible, cleaner and even cheaper digitizing trade fairs is a logical step to take.

The two business platforms JF4S and IBESA launched the Solar & Storage DigiCon, the first of its kind, to offer a space for the solar and storage industry to connect in a virtual trade fair environment. Next to visual highlights, a multi-lingual chat function and easy access, the DigiCon also offers a conference program throughout the rest of 2020 that covers the entire spectrum of the solar and storage industry, from regional programs to exclusive workshops, segment specific days and launch events to high-level round tables and market briefings – free of charge and accessible 24/7 until the end of this year from the comforts of home.

“With this format of a digital trade fair in a completely virtual environment together with Live Days on exciting topics we have implemented a new standard in terms of digital business communication,” comments Daniel Fuchs, Vice President of JF4S and IBESA. “Of course we cannot replace the renowned trade fairs that were postponed or cancelled, but that was not our claim anyways: we wanted to create something new and great.”

Accelerating solar and storage as the future of energy requires a global multi-stakeholder approach with experts exchanging their experiences. A roof with solar panels and intelligent mounting and tracking systems is only then a reliable source for electricity when it is combined with energy storage, which also requires an inverter and smart management systems. Political incentives add to efforts by governments to reduce emissions. Combined with e-mobility and electric heating solutions, solar and storage applications are a package deal for home owners, companies and cities alike. Services such as insurances, finance schemes but also project developers and recycling companies close the circle to this renewable energy package. As the industry is so interdependent on each of the stakeholders along the value chain, the SSDC aims at offering visitors the most comprehensive and content-driven event program to sustainably and economically friendly accelerate business and energy transition.

After setting the scene for solar and storage in a new digital world on July 15, the SSDC featured 17 European experts at “The Renaissance of Europe – Part 1”.  Renowned energy experts such as Hans-Josef Fell, President of Energy Watch Group or Dr. Emanuele Taibi of the International Renewable Energy Agency shared the virtual stage to present their insights on how to successfully do solar and storage business in Europe. Representatives of the industry shared best practices and concepts on how to leverage maximum business potential and performance as well as in-field experiences in securing project success. Solar and storage in Europe are key contributors to not only achieving sustainable development goals, but lead the renewable energy sources in pricing and adaptability. 

The ”SSDC Intelligence Series” is a platform for downstream players. In previous sessions on project development in the Turkish market and the MENA region experts like Smart Energy Board Member Borga Karagülle or Mustakbal’s COO Shukri Halaby shared highly insightful presentations on challenges of the markets and their expectations on the development.

Parag Bhamre, Director of the Solar & Storage DigiCon, adds: “We are very proud of this great project and its many advantages, like the possibility to download all the session videos as well as the presentations of our high ranking international experts and speakers until the end of the year. At which on site-event would that be possible? The DigiCon is not about showing off, but about sharing knowledge, reaching out to each other and further developing a field of high importance.”

In the next months, visitors will be taken on a knowledge journey around the world with another Europe session coming up on September 3, North America Live Days on September 24, through South America in October, MEA in November and closing with APAC in December. Furthermore, Live Days featuring downstream players, research innovations and product launches or focus on end customers, utilities and many other stakeholder groups.

Will digital formats replace physical events? Likely not. But it is safe to say, that things will be different. After all, moving ahead on the quest of securing the future of our planet, renewable energy applications are of equal importance as digitalization – for electricity supply and a new standard in communication and sustainable business. With the Solar & Storage DigiCon, the renewable energy industry has taken one step toward a new era of networking and set new standards for knowledge transfer.

About Solar & Storage DigiCon

The Solar & Storage DigiCon serves as an integrated platform allowing companies to present their products, services, innovations, generate new leads and pro-actively maintain customer engagements by serving as  information repository and  communications channel to connect with target audiences. It is a first of its kind virtual environment dedicated to the global solar and energy storage industries aiming to connect stakeholders around the globe on a 24/7 basis and foster accelerated knowledge exchange.
 
www.solarstorage-digicon.com

­­About Joint Forces for Solar

Joint Forces for Solar (JF4S) is a global synergy of solar stakeholders ranging from multinational corporations to industry associations and local installation companies who partner with the mission to expand the use of solar technologies at the global, regional and local level and establish a vibrant renewable and clean energy industry. Founded in 2009, the JF4S have grown to be the leading global business and knowledge platform and enabler.

www.jointforces4solar.com