Solar Energy Events in Germany

Wind Bearing Forum Hamburg

Wind Bearing Forum Hamburg: Connecting Science and Operations in Wind Turbine Bearings

The Wind Bearing Forum Hamburg marks a milestone in the wind energy sector, offering a specialized and much-needed platform dedicated to bearings used in wind turbines. As the wind industry evolves and turbines grow more powerful, the reliability and efficiency of bearing systems become increasingly critical. This innovative conference aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and the realities of field operation, connecting professionals from across the entire value chain—from bearing manufacturers to wind farm operators and service providers.

Set in the dynamic city of Hamburg, a hub for renewable energy innovation, the forum will provide a space for deep technical discussions, expert insights, and unique networking opportunities.

A Forum for Technological Insight and Practical Dialogue

The two-day event will feature a robust program of expert talks, interactive sessions, and open forums where participants can explore the most pressing issues and recent developments in wind turbine bearing technology. From premature wear and material fatigue to lubrication and predictive maintenance, the agenda reflects the multifaceted challenges facing designers and operators alike.

Key themes of the forum include:

Advances in bearing design and material science

Case studies on field failures and operational insights

Predictive maintenance techniques and digital monitoring

Interface dynamics between gearboxes and main shaft bearings

Bearing testing protocols and validation strategies

All sessions are designed to be non-commercial, ensuring that knowledge sharing remains at the core of the forum.

Presentation Formats: Talks and Pitches

The Wind Bearing Forum welcomes contributions from both academia and industry. Presenters can choose between two distinct formats:

1. Technical Talks

20-minute presentations + 10 minutes Q&A

Focused on technical findings, case studies, or applied research

Strictly non-promotional; minimal organizational branding allowed

Abstracts must not exceed three full pages, including references and figures

Submissions will be reviewed by a professional Editorial Board

2. Technical Pitches

A concise, 3-minute presentation without slides

Designed to stimulate discussion or present new ideas

Great for highlighting niche problems, early-stage concepts, or solution frameworks

Scheduled during morning sessions to encourage follow-up during networking breaks

This flexible format structure ensures that contributors with diverse experiences—whether in R&D labs, maintenance teams, or engineering consultancies—can participate meaningfully.

Networking, Knowledge Sharing, and a Tour of the Large Bearing Laboratory

Beyond the formal sessions, the forum also offers excellent opportunities to network and engage with other experts. One of the highlights of the program is a guided tour of the Large Bearing Laboratory, a facility renowned for over a decade of pioneering research in wind turbine bearing systems. This is a rare chance to see first-hand how advanced testing and development is carried out in one of Europe’s most important bearing research centers.

In the evening, attendees are invited to Bergedorf Castle for a relaxed networking event in a historical setting. This informal gathering fosters continued exchange and deeper professional relationships in a unique and welcoming environment.

Practical Information for Attendees

Event Highlights:

Location: Hamburg, Germany

Organized by: The Large Bearing Laboratory

Focus: Bearings in wind turbine systems—design, research, failure, and operation

Target Audience: R&D professionals, engineers, maintenance experts, OEMs, suppliers, service companies

This is not just another renewable energy conference. It is a targeted forum addressing one of the most mission-critical components in wind turbine operation: the bearing.

Why You Should Attend

The Wind Bearing Forum Hamburg offers a focused and collaborative space for professionals looking to stay ahead of developments in one of the most technically demanding areas of wind energy. Whether you're designing the next generation of high-capacity turbines or working to extend the life of existing assets, this forum will provide the insight, connections, and technical depth to support your goals.

Attendees will:

Learn about real-world operational issues and technical breakthroughs

Share knowledge with both academic researchers and industry practitioners

Connect with peers and collaborators in a non-commercial environment

Visit a leading laboratory that is shaping the future of wind energy bearings

Join the Global Wind Bearing Community in Hamburg

As the wind energy sector continues to grow, so too does the need for smarter, stronger, and more reliable turbine components. The Wind Bearing Forum Hamburg is your opportunity to shape that conversation and contribute to the next generation of solutions.

Register now and become part of the international community working to keep the blades turning smoothly—for decades to come.

PV Symposium

40th PV Symposium: Celebrating Four Decades of Photovoltaic Innovation in Germany

The PV Symposium, held annually at the historic Banz Monastery in Bad Staffelstein, Germany, has marked an extraordinary milestone—its 40th anniversary. Renowned across Europe, the symposium is a cornerstone event in the solar energy calendar, bringing together experts from industry, science, and policy to engage in high-level dialogue on photovoltaic (PV) research, development, and application.

For four decades, the PV Symposium has served as a vital platform for the exchange of specialist knowledge in applied photovoltaics. Its unique combination of historic setting and cutting-edge content creates a distinct atmosphere where deep technical expertise meets visionary thinking.

A Historic Setting for Future-Focused Energy Dialogues

Held at the Baroque-era Banz Monastery, the event blends the legacy of innovation with the urgency of the energy transition. The monastery’s serene yet stately halls have become synonymous with rigorous technical exchange, policy discussion, and collaborative thinking that has driven Germany’s leadership in solar technology.

This year’s 40th edition gathered scientists, engineers, policymakers, and PV system planners to review the current landscape of solar energy and chart the path ahead. It is one of the few events in Europe where applied research, political strategy, and on-the-ground system implementation converge in such a concentrated and collaborative environment.

Key Themes from the 40th PV Symposium

The program of the 2024 edition was designed to reflect both the legacy and evolution of the photovoltaic sector. The sessions and presentations were built around some of the most pressing and progressive themes in solar energy today.

Major topics included:

   Current technical developments in module efficiency, system integration, and digitalization

   Regulatory and political frameworks impacting solar energy deployment across Germany and the EU

   Advances in planning and installation practices for rooftop, ground-mounted, and integrated PV systems

   Case studies highlighting real-world application of PV in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors

   Cross-sector innovations combining PV with storage, mobility, and heat solutions

These discussions provided participants with the tools and insight to remain agile in a rapidly shifting energy landscape, where policy and innovation are deeply interwoven.

A Platform for Knowledge Exchange and Professional Networking

A defining feature of the PV Symposium is its collaborative and community-driven approach. Unlike large trade fairs, the symposium offers an intimate, focused environment ideal for serious dialogue and meaningful connection.

Attendees benefited from:

   Deep-dive workshops with technical specialists

   Presentations of the latest research projects and field data

   Policy panels featuring government and industry representatives

   Opportunities for dialogue with colleagues across academia, utilities, and technology providers

The event fosters cross-disciplinary partnerships and supports the transfer of knowledge between sectors, ensuring that PV innovation continues to be guided by both science and practical experience.

Bridging Research and Application in Solar Energy

One of the greatest strengths of the PV Symposium is its ability to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world application. Presenters addressed everything from simulation tools and monitoring systems to lifecycle assessments and grid integration challenges.

The symposium also looked at the evolving role of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), agrivoltaics, and hybrid systems that combine solar with energy storage and hydrogen. These forward-looking discussions emphasized how PV technologies must evolve to meet climate goals and grid reliability standards.

A Celebration of 40 Years of Progress—and a Look Toward the Future

This 40th anniversary was more than a commemoration; it was a moment to reflect on how far the PV industry has come, and how much further it still needs to go. From the early days of small-scale pilot projects to today’s gigawatt-scale deployments and policy integration, the PV Symposium has been a witness and a driver of change.

The message was clear: photovoltaics will remain a central pillar of the global energy transition, and Germany’s role in shaping that future—through research, regulation, and real-world deployment—remains as relevant as ever.

Join the Next Chapter of Solar Innovation at PV Symposium

As the PV Symposium continues to evolve, it remains a must-attend event for professionals engaged in solar energy research, planning, and policy. Whether you are an installer, a university researcher, or a government advisor, this event offers a rare chance to explore technical depth, strategic insight, and collaborative opportunity in one of Europe’s most respected renewable energy forums.

INTERSOLAR EUROPE

Intersolar Europe stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the solar industry, annually held at the Messe München exhibition center in Munich, Germany. For twenty-seven years, it has served as the premier platform for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, service providers, and partners in the solar sector.

The exhibition and conference focus on various aspects of solar technology, including photovoltaics, solar thermal technologies, solar installations, and network infrastructure for integrating renewable energy sources. Since its inception in 1991 by Solar Promotion GmbH, Intersolar Europe has evolved into a vital meeting point for professionals seeking to stay at the forefront of the industry.

The conference component of Intersolar Europe is dedicated to sharing insights into markets, technologies, and the financing of photovoltaic projects. It places a special emphasis on Europe's market development, with each edition spotlighting specific markets within the region.

Key topics at the event encompass PV power plants and large installations, with particular attention given to emerging trends like Agri-PV and Floating PV. This comprehensive coverage reflects the dynamic progress across the entire solar value chain, from manufacturing to installation and utilization.

Intersolar Europe's extensive supporting program includes conferences, seminars, workshops, and lectures, providing attendees with practical knowledge and insights into the latest industry trends. Professionals from various sectors, including industry, trade, crafts, suppliers, and institutions, converge at the event to exchange valuable information and explore new opportunities.

The significance of Intersolar Europe extends beyond its role as a gathering of industry professionals. It serves as an international hub for solar technology, raising awareness of the potentials and challenges within the sector. By showcasing the latest developments and innovations, Intersolar Europe empowers professionals to drive the solar revolution forward.

In addition to the flagship event in Munich, Solar Promotion GmbH organizes Intersolar exhibitions in North America, South America, the Middle East, India, and China. These regional events cater to local markets, addressing specific challenges and opportunities unique to each region while fostering a global network of solar industry professionals.

Located at the International Congress Center Munich, Intersolar Europe benefits from excellent infrastructure and a central location in the vibrant city of Munich, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees and exhibitors alike.