The Big 5 Solar is returning this year as part of The Big 5 to showcase solar energy solutions for Dubai’s $279.4-billion urban construction sector.

Organised by dmg events, this will be the show’s second edition after a successful launch in 2017, and is being held under the patronage of the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Industry at the Dubai World Trade Centre from November 26 to 29.

Commenting on the show, Josine Heijmans, portfolio director at dmg events, says: “We are excited to kick-off the second edition of The Big 5 Solar this year with a focus on bringing solar innovations closer to the Middle East construction industry.”

Buildings, she says, account for 40 per cent of the energy consumed in cities and with over 5,000 active projects worth $279.4 billion ongoing in Dubai’s urban construction sector alone, there is no better time than now to showcase solar solutions to construction professionals.

The Big 5 Solar 2018 will display the latest solar innovations across four prominent product sectors including photovoltaics (PV), solar thermal technologies, energy storage, and solar technology and related services from top brands.

“Construction is a very big market for us because of the logistical difficulties faced on project sites,” says Thair Al Fararjeh, general manager for Enviro Cooling Systems, a key exhibitor at The Big 5 Solar. “We are currently working on a joint project to develop a smart caravan offering workers a complete off-grid solution for all electronics; we will cover the air-condition solution in this case.”

Aside from off-grid air-conditioning solutions, the company will showcase mixed-grid units at The Big 5 Solar that will generate zero cost during daylight, only using power in the evening.

Another exhibitor NeOn Energy, meanwhile, will offer solar solutions for the urban sector with its compact modules.

“Space-saving properties are unique to our photovoltaic and thermal combined (PVT) module, making them ideal for residential and commercial applications,” says Sanjayan Marat, executive director Mena region for NeOn Energy.

In addition to the exhibition, there will be free-to-attend and CPD (continuing professional development)-certified education sessions, as well as the high-profile Global Solar Leaders’ Summit on November 27.

The Solar Talks will cover popular topics  such as commercial and industrial solar growth, building integrated photovoltaics (BiPV), the latest solar hybrid systems in the UAE and the latest in technological innovations in solar panel manufacturing.

Inviting architects, engineers, sustainability specialists, and developers to his session, head of the Architecture Department at Mimar Emirates Consultant Imad Kayyali says: “The integration of solar energy systems in architecture and urban planning presents exciting trends right now including more flexible, variable and easy uses of solar panels for places such as parking shades and building facades.”

Belén Gallego, CEO and co-founder at ATA Insights adds: “It has never been more important for the solar and construction industries to come together as distributed solar markets are rising through the ranks to be an important part of the climate change solution. This event is a great opportunity for these two industries to meet, discuss and do business.”

Gallego will be among more than 25-high profile speakers at the Global Solar Leaders Summit. Under the topical theme ‘Solar Solutions for Construction’, the summit will feature regional and international speakers, including Dr Matar Al Neyadi, undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Energy; Dr Nasser Saidi, chairman for Clean Energy Business Council (Mena); Turki Al Shehri, head of Renewable Energy Project Development Office at the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources (Saudi Arabia); Rabia Ferroukhi, head of Policy Unit and deputy director of Knowledge, Policy And Finance at International Renewable Energy Agency; Paddy Padmanathan, CEO for Acwa Power (Saudi Arabia), and more.

This is the summit’s fourth edition, which will address, assess and analyse the way forward for key players in the solar and construction industries.

The Big 5 Solar has support from leading associations including the Middle East Solar Industry Association (Mesia), Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC), and industry heavyweights such as GCC Association for Renewable Energy and Sustainability – Green Gulf; Architectural Solar Association (Asa); British Photovoltaic Association (BPVA); Solar GCC Alliance; Jinko Solar; Campion; S5; We Link Group; Sumec; Noor Solar; Sunew; Verditek; Heliatek; Enviro-Smart; NeOn Energy; and Enerray.