Silicon solar cells remain the backbone of the PV market, continuing to deliver efficiency improvements. A major focus is on reducing the use of critical raw materials (CRM), like silver, while simplifying manufacturing processes to lower costs. Advances (and even the first shipments) in perovskite-silicon tandem cells and triple-junction devices have also shown great potential, pushing efficiency further and progressing in stability and reliability. Presentations also covered perovskite-CIGS tandems, all-perovskite tandems, Chalcogenides, and space applications of silicon cells due to growing interest from low earth orbit satellite constellations.

The design, manufacturing, and reliability of PV modules continue to be pivotal areas of focus. Innovations in module production, such as advanced encapsulants and interconnection methods, are driving improvements in performance. However, emerging technologies like perovskite materials introduce new challenges regarding characterization and standards.

The PV systems and applications topic is the largest at the conference, underlining that PV is absolutely mainstream. Operations and Maintenance contributions are growing year by year and increasingly incorporating non-intrusive techniques, such as daylight photoluminescence imaging. Machine learning is increasingly utilized for performance monitoring of PV systems, transforming how systems are managed and optimized.

Sustainability was at the forefront of discussions, with sustainable manufacturing practices and new module designs focusing on easier end-of-life recycling. Ongoing research into recycling techniques and eco-friendly materials is a key step toward a fully circular PV economy.

As PV capacity increases globally and we transit a multi-Terawatt PV era, grid integration, flexibility and storage are becoming essential. Discussions focused on new solutions for handling high PV penetration rates, particularly through smart grid management, hybrid plants, storage solutions, sector coupling, and innovative electricity market designs.

The conference showcased emerging applications like Agrivoltaics and Floating PV, both showing strong potential in diverse (even extreme) environments. In Building-Integrated PV (BIPV), research focuses on custom design elements, including colored modules, to enhance architectural integration. The use of machine learning to monitor PV system performance is transforming how systems are managed and optimized.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the prestigious Becquerel Prize to Dr Daniel Lincot for his outstanding contributions to photovoltaic research and industrialisation.

The EU PVSEC 2024 provided unmatched networking opportunities to all participants, fostering collaboration, sharing ideas, and building lasting connections.