Solar Power International kicks off Tuesday in Anaheim

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One of the largest alternative energy conventions opens Tuesday in Orange County.

Solar Power International, co-presented by Solar Electric Power Assn. and Solar Energy Industries Assn., is expected to draw about 25,000 attendees from 90 countries to the Anaheim Convention Center.

From Oct. 27-29, more than 900 exhibitors will converge on the convention floor as more than 200 speakers in about 60 sessions discuss the latest industry developments in policy, finance, markets and technology.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer, will deliver the keynote at 8 a.m. on Oct. 28. That night, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., doors open to members of the general public who want to learn more about solar power options.

Back in 2004, the convention was launched with only a few hundred attendees. Since then, the size has grown rapidly, doubling in the last year. This year’s exhibitors will take up 203,900 net square feet of floor space, compared to the 422 companies who reserved just 88,000 net square feet in 2008.

The conference has been held in Southern California for five of the past six years.

-- Tiffany Hsu