The 43rd EU PVSEC opens with a programme reflecting the growing role of photovoltaics in the energy transition, with this year's opening session addressing both recent technological progress and the challenges of integrating rising volumes of PV into modern energy systems. The session brings together scientists, industry representatives, policymakers and energy stakeholders for a week of discussions on innovation and collaboration. The plenary session, "PV in the Energy System", will examine developments shaping the next phase of photovoltaics, including large-scale grid integration, flexibility enablers, digitalisation, the growing interplay between artificial intelligence and PV, and the development of smart, resilient energy systems.
Solar Investors Guide – New trends in PV projects
The programme continues with the presentation of the Alexander Edmond Becquerel Prize to Dr Delfina Muñoz, recognising her contribution to the advancement of photovoltaics and Europe's solar sector. An impulse keynote by Prof Dr Peter Palensky will then introduce a high-level panel discussion, "Grid Congestion Management: Enabling the Next Phase of Solar PV Growth – The Dutch Perspective." Bringing together representatives from research, government, transmission and distribution system operators, and the Dutch solar industry, the panel will explore practical strategies for one of the most pressing challenges facing large-scale PV deployment, and discuss how flexibility, digital technologies and cross-sector collaboration can support the next phase of solar growth.
Detailed conference programme published
EU PVSEC 2026 is picking up pace, with the complete programme now published online. With almost 1,000 presentations in the scientific section alone, this year's conference continues to emphasise research and innovation across the entire PV value chain, structured around five core topics.
A boom decade ahead for PV investment
Silicon Materials and Cells will remain central, highlighting advances in high-efficiency silicon devices, novel cell architectures, manufacturing processes and cost reduction pathways. Thin Films and New Concepts will present the latest developments in perovskites, tandem solar cells and other emerging technologies pushing the boundaries of photovoltaic performance. Photovoltaic Modules will focus on reliability, durability, advanced manufacturing and quality assurance. Within Systems Design and Operation, the programme will explore applications such as Agri-PV, Building-Integrated PV (BIPV), Vehicle-Integrated PV (VIPV) and Floating PV, alongside advances in system optimisation, digitalisation, AI, hybrid PV solutions and O&M. Finally, Photovoltaics in the Energy Transition will address PV's growing integration into smart and resilient energy systems, covering grid integration, flexibility enablers, energy storage, sector coupling, sustainability, circularity, policy, markets and the wider societal and economic dimensions of the transition to a carbon-neutral future.
Bringing science, industry and innovation together
Complementing the scientific programme, 21 parallel events organised with partner organisations will provide in-depth perspectives on specialised topics spanning research, innovation and policy. The Industry Forum will bring together experts to discuss European PV manufacturing, international market developments, grid integration and emerging technologies. Running alongside these sessions, from 14 to 16 September, the international exhibition will connect research and industry by showcasing the latest products and solutions from leading companies, offering a dynamic environment for networking and new business partnerships. Organisations wishing to participate are invited to enquire about the remaining exhibition opportunities. (hcn)
Register for EU PVSEC 2026 here
