Like most industries, solar has an annual conference to bring together some of the most innovative and creative minds in the field. If bouncing new ideas off of industry leaders, getting sneak peaks into what’s coming out in the near future or just staying involved with the industry is your thing, than the National Solar Conference is right up your alley.

If there was any place for the solar enthusiast to be in 2011, it’s got to be Raleigh, NC. From May 16-21, the Raleigh Convention Center will be the home of “SOLAR 2011” and is expecting to attract more than 5,000 solar professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to downtown Raleigh, with participants traveling from across the U.S. and internationally. “There is a tremendous amount of interest in renewable energy across the nation," said Becky Campbell-Howe, Director of Professional Education at the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) who oversees the annual conference. "But we were particularly impressed by the excitement about renewable energy in the Triangle region and across North Carolina."

Raleigh was selected to host “SOLAR 2011” for myriad reasons, including passionate support for renewable energy by local leaders, recent economic development within the region, and the opportunity to partner with policy makers to expand the use of renewable energy. The event is forecasted to pump $3-6 million into the region, benefiting local businesses, boosting the economy, and generating tax revenue.

ASES will partner with several North Carolina “green” organizations to ensure the success of SOLAR 2011, including the NC Sustainable Energy Association, NC Solar Center, NC Department of Commerce, and NC State Energy Office.

"North Carolina is leading the Southeast in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and clean energy jobs, and with the right legislative and regulatory policies, we can become a national leader," said Ivan Urlaub, Executive Director of the NC Sustainable Energy Association in a statement released on ASES’ website, www.ases.org. "SOLAR 2011 will be a great opportunity for North Carolina's valuable sustainable energy consumers, businesses and employees to 'shine' before a national and international audience."