Solar Power International (SPI), the world’s premier solar energy tradeshow, starts today in Orlando, Florida. After being held the last two years in Dallas and Los Angeles, SPI 2012 is a prime opportunity for solar professionals in Florida to attend the event closer to home.

This is the time of year that the email autoresponders start working overtime. Solar manufacturer, supplier, dealer, and service provider facilities become ghost towns. Tons of email floods my inbox from exhibitors that want me to visit their booth. The solar industry essentially shuts down to focus for one week on what’s new. Exhibitors clamor for press coverage and recognition and attendees scurry around trying to gather the most information and knowledge possible while making new key contacts. And there is a little fun thrown in, as you might expect at a big conference.

I’ll be posting from SPI, updating you on the news I find interesting, and gathering key information about solar energy and how it relates to the industry and business in Southwest Florida. Stay tuned!