Power of good
The 2024 edition of Solar & Storage Live has closed on a high having hits its target of welcoming 25,000 visitors through the doors across the three-day event. The exhibition – which had expanded its floorspace from 25,000 sq m to 45,000 sq m in anticipation of increased demand – confirmed that visitors numbers were up by 47 per cent in comparison to the 2023 edition.
Solar & Storage Live is the UK’s largest solar energy exhibition, showcasing innovative, market-leading solutions and complementary technologies for residential, commercial and large-scale utility projects. In addition to the expansion of its flagship show at Birmingham’s NEC, event organiser Terrapinn launched a sister show at London’s ExCeL this April, strengthening the global portfolio of Solar & Storage exhibitions to 14.
“We felt that the market was ready for a second show,” says event director Tom Moon. “Everything is coming into play for the renewables sector at the moment; government targets, funding schemes and a general sense of combustion engine bad, green good. Attendance at the NEC is seeing phenomenal growth year-on-year, so we felt the demand was there for a second edition in spring in a different geographical location. The debut edition of the London show at the ExCeL saw over 8000 visitors attend, which is fantastic for a launch event.
“With regards to the visitor demographic, there is a marked difference; the NEC edition attracts a lot of plumbers, electricians and installers who want to see and touch product on the stand, whereas the London edition saw a lot of financiers and developers coming along to see the latest innovations and developments. Some exhibitors reported multi-million pound deals at both events, so the reception to the introduction of a second show was very, very positive amongst exhibitors.”
Visitors to last week’s edition of Solar & Storage noticed immediately that the event had expanded into five halls, compared to just one in 2023. Another marked difference was the removal of all carpeting throughout the event – a pioneering decision adopted by organisers as a strong statement that a greener future is everybody’s responsibility.
“Aesthetically, it’s not as nice, but it saves on two to three football fields’ worth of carpet that cannot be re-used and goes straight into landfill,” says Tom. “This year we also used repurposed pallets to create our seminar theatres because we are all about sustainability, and we have to follow the rules ourselves.
“We have also seen an increase in the amount of eco-friendly exhibition stands that are being stored and re-used, but there needs to be even more awareness of the implications of building a new stand year after year. In general, exhibitors are investing more time and thought into their exhibition stands; these are stands that not only look good, but achieve more efficient management of foot traffic onto and around the stand – essential when a show is as well-attended as Solar & Storage Live.”
As the industry’s specialist in pioneering exhibition stand design and re-usable components, Smart Display is the installer of choice for the renewable energy sector. Last week saw the installer reconfigure Certi-Fi’s stand from the Installer Show in June, re-using its counters, lighting features and unique buzz wire game for Solar & Storage.
“Reconfiguring the stand from one event to the next allows us to learn from past shows and maximise our space,” says Janine Tinsley, general manager of Certi-Fi. “This time for example we have brought our bespoke buzz wire game further to the front to generate more interest and attract visitors onto the stand.”
Smart Display also designed and installed for CCL Components, building upon its stand design created for the 2023 edition of Solar & Storage Live. This year’s stand incorporated a 3 x 3m video wall, creating a real impact across the entire hall throughout the three-day event.
“It gets the message across so much better than just having the product on the wall and, because it’s a moving image, it’s attracting plenty of attention,” said Hazel Sturgess, head of European marketing for the group. “The stand was designed and installed with no issues and it’s been the right environment for us within which to network and do business.”
CCL Components made its debut with Smart Display last year and the stand was such a success that the brand immediately committed to partnering with the installer again for an even better stand design at this latest edition of Solar & Storage.
The renewable sector is now turning its attention to the 2025 editions of Solar & Storage, taking place on 2-3 April at the London ExCeL and 23-25 September at the NEC.
If you want to discover how Smart Display can create a sustainable stand that’s full of impact and elevates your brand above the competition, get in touch today and ask to see our past designs #wemakeevents.