“Our energy system needs a revolution—

Our energy system needs a revolution—an urgent transformation to make it carbon-free and renewable. Photovoltaics (PV) is here to lead this revolution. As the cheapest source of electricity in most parts of the world, PV has surpassed the 2 TW milestone of installed capacity, currently providing around 6% of the world’s electricity demand. And this is just the beginning!

We can be proud that photovoltaics has done its homework. This success has been possible thanks to a collaborative effort by the entire PV community over the last fifty years, driven by scientific creativity, technological advancements, and innovative solutions, combined with political, social, and industrial support measures.

However, we cannot afford to be complacent now. We must continue improving the technology—making it even more efficient and cost-effective—and addressing challenges that have now become critical: grid integration that manages intermittency, electrification of sectors like heating and transport, sustainable use of materials, recycling, and more.

The next European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition is the ideal platform to tackle these issues. It hosts one of the most renowned scientific forums worldwide, bringing together leading experts to present and discuss the latest scientific findings, news, and trends in the sector. The event covers the entire value chain, from materials to systems, and spans all levels of technological readiness, from fundamental research to commercial developments. Alongside the scientific sessions, the conference offers formats that expand the focus to political, economic, and social aspects, targeting specific audiences such as industrial players and students.

It is true that the programme can be a bit overwhelming for participants, but the conference provides tools, like the recordings of all sessions, to help plan effectively and make the most of this valuable opportunity.

This year, the conference is being held in the north of Spain, in the vibrant city of Bilbao. While Spain is a country blessed with plenty of sun (even in rainy Bilbao, you can expect 4 kWh/m² daily in September!), it has also played a key role in the development of PV since its inception. One example close to my heart is the bifacial technology that dominates the market today. It has one of its origins in a 1976 patent by Professor Antonio Luque, founder of the Solar Energy Institute at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, where I work. This led to the first commercialisation of bifacial modules ever, led by the spin-off Isofoton in the 1980s.

This spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship continues today, with Spain boasting a dense network of PV companies and R&D centers—equipment suppliers, EPC companies, universities, etc.— which have made possible the installation of around 40 GW of PV power.

Please join us at the next European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition in Bilbao, Spain from 22-26 September 2025—you won’t regret it!

Prof. Carlos del Cañizo
Former Director Solar Energy Institute
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid