Greentech Media

The sun sets over the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference in Milan, Italy.

Solar show attendees network as the day ends at the Fiero Milano Rho conference center.

Japan-based Sharp, the world's top solar manufacturer, displays a model of a concentrator photovoltaic technology it is developing.

Evergreen Solar demonstrates its Quad String Ribbon technology, which makes four ribbons of silicon at the same time. Instead of cutting wafers from silicon ingots, the Massachusetts-based company pulls two strings through a crucible filled with hot liquid silicon, using surface tension to create a ribbon between the strings and consuming less silicon in the process.

Across from the Reis Robotics booth, Germany-based Teamtechnik shows off its Stringer TT900, which uses laser technology to solder solar cells together into strings. The company claims its machine results in less breakage and shorter production times.

SunPower, based in California, displays its panels on a PowerLight tracker. SunPower bought PowerLight, a large solar integrator also based in California, in November.

The unfortunately named TamponColor TC-Druckmachinen, based in Germany, showcases its yellow printing equipment, which the company says can print on uneven surfaces.

Steffen Schwarzer of OderSun, based in Germany, shows off a string of thin-film cells. The copper-indium-disulfide film will go into bags and other products.

Michele Vallerin, a technical manager (translated from the Italian title "gestione tecnica") for Germany-based Conergy, packs up a box after the exhibit hall closes.

At the end of the show, Belgium-based Vesuvius disassembles its display of fused-silica solar crucibles.