This kind of presentation should give an insider view on market structure, key actors, information channels, key events, prices, peculiarities of distribution system, standards and certification issues on that potential markets.

This kind of presentation will examine specific aspects of public policies relevant for solar thermal, like: building regulations, solar obligations, financial incentives of different sort, comprehensive development plans for solar thermal and others.

Contributions tackling marketing issues specific to solar thermal. Typical authors will have either direct experience of solar thermal marketing, both from the point of view of private companies or public agencies running awareness raising campaigns, or will be competent in areas comparable to solar thermal.

This topic includes all issues related to quality assurance for hardware and for installation or design as well as issues related to the monitoring of solar thermal systems. The issue is relevant from the point of view of component producers, system providers, customers and public agencies involved in the development of the solar thermal market.

This topic covers two kinds of issues: first, financing the growth of companies in the context of a European solar thermal market that doubled its size within less than four years. What can do the solar thermal industry to increase the availability of capital to finance growth strategies? Second, the challenge of creating standard financing schemes for the end users of solar thermal. Many EU citizens find it normal to finance the purchase of a car or a TV with a mortgage, regardless of their “payback time”. Why is this not the case for solar thermal? What can be done to change this situation?

This topic covers any technical, logistical and managerial issue related to the manufacturing process of solar thermal systems and components.

This topic covers issues related to the development of technical standards and certification processes for solar thermal systems and components at national, European and international level.

Up-to-date contributions giving either an overview on the state of the art of technology in relative thematic area or an innovative contribution to overcome specific technological barriers. Typical authors will have a background in research or direct experience in manufacturing.

Papers tackling other issues of relevance for the program of the conference might also be considered. Please use the category MISC in this case.