Colorado has been a staple in the solar-power industry for years, due to its 250+ days of sunshine a year, making it an obvious choice for solar development. The state is continuing that commitment to clean energy with their annual Industry Growth Forum, which took place recently in Denver bringing together investors and entrepreneurs in the hopes of growing the renewable energy industry through economic development.

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) hosted its twenty-third Industry Growth Forum in Denver, Colo., from Oct. 19-21. The forum was intended to bring clean-energy companies, including photovoltaic solar energy companies, together with investors to network and discuss the future of the clean-energy industry.

“A wide variety of topics were discussed in the forum. Through keynote speakers, company presentations and forum discussions,” said David Glickson, spokesperson for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. “Those topics included, but were not limited to, clean-technology financing, the history and future of “green” energy, the changing competitive business environment and how to compete in a world economy, along with presentations on new technology in photovoltaics, thermal collectors for air conditioning and heating systems, heat recovery, and integrated work-flow solutions for companies.

Close to 500 investors, entrepreneurs, scientists and policymakers came to the three day event, which focused on the technology and business challenges of the clean energy industry in Colorado and across the United States.

The NREL did not fund the event, nor did the DOE.

“The event is not sponsored directly by the Department of Energy,” said Glickson. “It is funded by third party sponsors and registration fees.”

The NREL, a research and development lab, puts on the event through their technology transfer office.

“It is an annual event that takes place in Denver currently, said Glickson.”