PARALLEL EVENTS & INDUSTRY SUMMIT PROGRAMME

- SolarPower Europe -

The European Union’s leadership in PV research and innovation risks being overtaken by other regions in the world. With 41.4 GW installed in the EU in 2022, this marks the best solar year in EU history so far, 47% higher than the 28.1 GW installed in 2021, when a decade old record was broken. The next 4 years until 2026 will see further strong growth, reaching close to 100 GW in 2026. In parallel, the currently under discussion Net-Zero Industry Act proposal, addresses innovation with the creation of regulatory sandboxes.

The EU PVSEC, as the largest international Conference for Photovoltaic research technologies and applications and at the same time a PV Industry Exhibition, is the relevant venue for such discussion.

- PHOTORAMA and EPRI -

Considering the massive deployment of solar energy in the coming decades, PV waste will become a major issue if there is no robust solution for recycling. The parallel session will be a deep dive into technological innovations along the entire high-value recycling process, including environmental assessment, and accompanying policy implications in developing a circular model in the PV value chain. We’ll hear from PV recycling experts in the PHOTORAMA project and EPRI.

- HI ERN - Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg für Erneuerbare Energien -

The event will cover presentations and a discussion on the topic of sustainability of the energy transition. The projected growth of PV installations into the tens of Terawatt level will come with new challenges. One of these challenges is linked to the management of materials and energy needed to establish the required PV capacity, which affect the sustainability of photovoltaics. In the event, we will address topics like consequences of the need of precious materials like silver, utilization of the remaining carbon budget for the energy transition, and the recycling of large amounts of solar panels.

- IEA PVPS Task 1 -

As PV develops at an unprecedented pace around the world, led by ambitious climate targets on one hand and real cost competitiveness on the other, increasingly the  cost of PV modules is no longer the limiting factor in deployment, but other factors such as inadequate grid infrastructure, uncertain and/or high grid connection costs, high recurring grid access fees and planned and unplanned curtailment are affecting the economic feasibility of PV systems around the world, both across residential and utility scale segments. In this session we will take a comparative look at how current and future grid constraints and the associated costs may impact the roll out of PV in markets around the world, impacting national and international development scenarios and consumer uptake.

- QEERI -

High irradiation throughout the year and results of tenders for supplying solar electricity demonstrate the competitiveness of PV plants in deserts with the lowest bids in arid regions such as MENA (Middle East and North Africa), Chile or New Mexico (USA). However, the extreme weather and environmental conditions that characterize these regions (e.g., high aerosol loads, high temperature, UV, dust, and in some cases humidity), challenge the long-term PV module reliability, O&M, energy production and its integration with the grid. This parallel session aims at supporting industry and policy makers to address and overcome these challenges including: 1) Assessment of meteorological and environmental factors in hot desert climate , and 2) strategies for PV production optimization in desert environments.

- SERENDI-PV, TRUST-PV AND ETIP-PV -

The aim of this parallel event is to present the developments / innovations that have been developed in the SERENDI-PV and TRUST-PV European projects (twin projects belonging to the LC-SC3-RES-33-2020 call) to answer the two main challenges that the PV has:

• Improve the lifetime, reliability, performance & profitability of PV plants
• Optimize the penetration of PV generation in the European grid with improved stability.

The innovations developed have specific focus on emerging PV technologies like bifacial, BIPV and floating PV systems.

- IEA PVPS Task 12 -

This workshop focuses on the advancement of environmentally positive photovoltaic (PV) systems, with a particular emphasis on novel applications such as Agrivoltaics, PV + pollinator habitats, and Floating PV. Bringing together experts, researchers, and policymakers, the workshop aims to explore land usage optimization, environmental monitoring, and impact as well as life cycle analysis for PV systems. Participants will engage in interactive discussions and knowledge exchange to accelerate the adoption of environmentally positive PV technologies. Key topics include dual land usage, life cycle analysis to assess environmental impacts throughout the system's lifespan, ecosystem impacts, PV+ system design/economics…

- Sandia National Labs, Fraunhofer CSP, Hochschule Anhalt, Hi-ERN -

Our panel will present an overview of the “PV Collaborative to Advance Multi-climate Performance and Energy Research” (better known as PV CAMPER), including its infrastructure and research projects. But the primary objective will be to engage the audience in a discussion of the cross-climate challenges facing the PV industry (e.g., including non-linear and varying degradation rates, the impact of extreme weather on system reliability, and the longterm durability of newer module components). The ensuing discussion will in turn inform the direction of our research (and that of others) and also result in a better understanding of how PV CAMPER’s network of field laboratories can best be leveraged to support the global PV community.

More information about PV CAMPER can be found at: https://energy.sandia.gov/pv-camper/

- IEA PVPS Task 13 -

Module-based power electronics comprise a global annual market of over $1 billion. Currently, the existing software planning tools do not correctly reflect the real annual yields with errors of up to 10%.

In this workshop, we will provide answers from real measurements to solutions with special shading tolerant modules and realistic yearly analyses from different research institutions and different shading situations. We will conclude with design recommendations for PV planners and a final discussion with the audience.

- ETIP PV -

The interactive side event will discuss the European Strategic research and innovation agenda (SRIA) for PV. It will focus on the challenges and opportunities related to the digitalization of the PV sector for manufacturing products and contributing to a reliable power grid. After an introduction to the SRIA, participants will have the opportunity to provide feedbacks and suggestions in a 30-min rotating round discussion.

Sessions taking place within the Conference Area -  a valid Conference ticket is required:

Monday 18th September

The Global Race for Securing PV Manufacturing

13:30 – 15:00

Join us for an insightful session as we explore the dynamic landscape of photovoltaic manufacturing and its pivotal role in the global race for sustainable energy solutions. As countries worldwide strive to transition towards renewable energy sources, securing PV manufacturing has emerged as a critical aspect of achieving energy independence and environmental sustainability.

Moderators:

• Radovan Kopecek (ISC Konstanz)
• Ralf Preu (Fraunhofer ISE)

What are the Success Factors to Re-establish PV Industry in the EU?  What can be learned from the industry leaders?

15:15 – 16:45

In this thought-provoking session, we delve into the critical aspects necessary to revitalize the Photovoltaic industry within the European Union (EU). Through a dynamic exchange of ideas, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the EU's PV industry.

Moderators:

• Peter Fath (RCT Solutions)
• Pierre Verlinden (Amrock/Yangtze Institute for Solar Technology (YIST))

Development of Sustainability Regulations for the PV Industry

17:00 – 18:30

This session aims to discuss the formulation of effective and comprehensive regulations that ensure the PV industry's sustainable growth. Our esteemed panel of speakers will explore key themes such as environmental impact assessment, responsible supply chain management, circular economy principles, and the integration of social and economic sustainability factors.

Moderators:

• Michael Schmela (SolarPower Europe
• Delfina Munoz (CEA)

Those sessions are organised by the Industry Summit Advisory Board.

For updated information regarding presentations under each session, please visit the online programme planner!

Sessions taking place at the Exhibition Forum (stage at the Exhibition area) – a valid Exhibition Visitor ticket is required. Participants having a Conference ticket have also access to this area.

Round table Discussions

In these sessions, key players from the PV sector will engage in lively discussions regarding PV Testing, Characterization Technologies, and Cutting-edge solutions for PV production.

Tuesday 19th September 10:30 – 12:15

Advanced PV Testing and Characterization Technologies: Tools to Accelerate Innovation and Optimize PV Performance

Moderator: Peter Fath

Wednesday 20th September 10:30 – 12:15

PV Production: The Cutting-edge Technologies propelling the Sector and accelerating PV Efficiency Gains

Moderator: Radovan Kopecek

Company Presentation Sessions

In these sessions, relevant companies from the PV sector will present their business, products, and solutions. Join us and get insights into the latest developments happening within the presenting companies!

Tuesday 08:30 -10:00

• Moderator: Joris Libal (ISC Konstanz)

Tuesday 15:15 -16:45

• Moderator: tbd

Wednesday 08:30 -10:00

• Moderator: Johannes Stierstorfer (WIP Renewable Energies)

For updated information regarding presentations under each session, please visit the online programme planner!