Registration for Solar & Storage Live 2017, the annual flagship exhibition and conference organised by Solar Media, is now open.

The UK and international solar, storage and smart technology markets will once again return to Birmingham’s NEC this October for a three-day exhibition and conference where the future of the industry will be discussed.

Solar & Storage Live will take place between 3 – 5 October 2017 in Hall 3 of the NEC and build on both the success and transformation of the event in recent years.

Solar Media officially launched the latest iteration of its show at a drinks reception in February. Chief executive David Owen said the refocus had been pursued after the company had seen “very strong development” in these areas.

“We see solar and storage becoming a key element in the market along with other ancillary technologies and that's really exciting for the future,” he added.

Solar & Storage Live has been designed to reflect that very transition, with exhibitors, conference content and the show experience cultivated to portray an industry that has embraced new technologies and evolved new business models.

While storage is to feature prominently at this year’s show as the name suggests, other technologies on display will include electric vehicles and their associated charging infrastructure, smart grids, data monitoring and management, and other decentralised generation enablers.

Registration could not be easier and can be done within minutes using our online registration portal, found here.

For the first time at this year’s event a highly exclusive conference will run parallel to the exhibition.

While all the usual installer training content will remain on the show floor completely free of charge, three separate streams will host exclusive sessions on conducting business within the solar, storage and future energy technology sectors;

Energy Storage Theatre – 3 October

After the success of the Energy Storage Summit in March, we are running an October update to cover the recent developments from BEIS, including expected revelations from the smart power call from evidence and subsequent consultation, the latest from Ofgem on embedded benefits, and an update from National Grid on the standardisation of ancillary services products.

Solar Business Theatre – 4 October

The 2017 solar business theatre will show companies how to do UK solar business in the new, post-subsidy era (ground mount, C&I and social housing). Attendees will hear case studies from projects being delivered without subsidy, see how the UK's O&M turf wars will play out as warranties expire, receive updates on new C&I opportunities and new-build opportunities in Europe.

Future Power Theatre – 5 October

The future power theatre will help businesses uncover opportunities by bringing together new technologies about to disrupt the market. We will address virtual power plants, the evolving nature of energy trading, blockchain, data and artificial intelligence. We will also look at how National Grid's push towards flexibility will change the relationship between energy generators, buyers and the grid.

Speakers from Macquarie, Amber Infrastructure, Cenex, Anesco, Camborne Capital have already been confirmed, with many more to be added to the programme in the coming weeks. Speaker enquiries for the show should be sent to Jo Wilkinson.

Tickets are available to purchase now and are currently priced at between £299 and £399 if booked before 14 July 2017. The price includes entrance to the exclusive conference content, plus lunch and refreshments on the day covered by your ticket(s).

A raft of major solar and storage manufacturers are already confirmed to exhibit at this year’s show, including the likes of JA Solar, BYD, Sonnen, NEC Energy Solutions and Solaredge. A number of exhibitor packages remain available but are selling fast. Interested exhibitors can contact Meena Manthena to discuss their options.

The show will also coincide with the annual Solar Power Portal Awards, returning for its fifth successive year. A total of 13 awards will be handed out on the evening of Wednesday 4 October 2017, where the best and brightest of the clean energy sector will gather for a gala dinner ceremony.

The nominations window for this year’s awards will remain open until midnight on 31 May 2017, so there is still time to ensure that your success is recognised in front of your peers. For more on the online nominations process, click here.

Shortlisted nominees receive two free tickets to the awards ceremony. Tickets are now available to purchase online and can be done so either here or by emailing Sue Bradshaw. Priced at £170 for a single ticket or £1,900 for a table of 12, your ticket guarantees you entrance to the black tie event, drinks reception, three-course meal and evening entertainment.