As part of the Genera trade fair, Spain’s solar industry association Unión Española Fotovoltaica (UNEF) organised a dialogue on hybridisation through its Fotoplat initiative. The discussion focused on the technical challenges and innovations involved in integrating and combining energy storage with solar generation. “Talking about storage and digitalisation doesn’t mean talking about the future. They are already essential tools for a secure, resilient and affordable energy transition,” said Nieves Vela, Head of the Renewable Energy Department at the CIEMAT research centre.
38 gigawatts of photovoltaics in Spain
Niels H. Petersen
Technological innovation, combined with artificial intelligence, plays a decisive role in developing efficient, cost‑effective and scalable hybrid solutions. Industry experts agreed that the energy transition can only succeed if it is designed to be digital, innovative and ecological, supported by a strong domestic industry in Spain and across Europe. Political backing is also needed to strengthen local manufacturing. Increasingly frequent negative electricity prices around midday make additional storage capacity urgently necessary, along with grid‑stabilising services to prevent future power outages.
Genera day 1 – industry optimism grows for storage and self‑use
Another key theme was the growing role of digitalisation in operations management. With nearly 38 GW of installed photovoltaic capacity, optimising plant performance, reducing operating costs (OPEX) and integrating storage technologies are essential tasks. Higher‑quality data enabled by AI and digital twins can boost the efficiency and reliability of solar assets, while thoughtful system design helps keep complexity manageable. Reliable operational data, enhanced by AI algorithms for automated fault detection and diagnostics, can significantly ease technical management.
Innovation Gallery: agri‑ and floating PV in focus
Niels H. Petersen
The Genera and Matelec fairs also featured selected projects in their Innovation Gallery. Among them was a new agri‑PV model from Metal Frame Renewables. The system enables land to be used simultaneously for agricultural production and energy generation, optimising conditions for key crops.
Another project came from Emica Solar, which presented a floating PV solution designed to utilise unused areas such as gravel pits for additional solar generation.
Atmoce unveils first C&I storage system
Manufacturer Atmoce showcased its latest products at the stand of wholesaler Plug&Play Energy. For the first time, the company presented its new commercial and industrial (C&I) battery system. Designed for efficiency, scalability and reliability, this energy storage solution marks Atmoce’s expansion beyond the residential sector. Its modular architecture allows expansion with virtually no limits on power or energy capacity. The C&I system is expected to be available from April.
Cegasa Energía to boost battery output with 600 MWh line
Niels H. Petersen
Chinese PV manufacturer Gokin Solar announced a new distribution partnership with Master Battery for the Spanish market at Genera 2025. Master Battery offers a nationwide network and strong technical expertise, ensuring stock availability, technical support and efficient service for installers, EPCs and system integrators. “Spain is a key market for Gokin Solar, and our partnership with Master Battery ensures we can serve customers with high‑performance products and local support,” said Dina Chen, General Manager Europe at Gokin Solar.
Gokin Solar presents new all‑black module
At the centre of Gokin Solar’s presentation was a new all‑black module featuring back‑contact cell technology. The module’s completely gridline‑free black front surface enables seamless architectural integration while maintaining high energy yields. Gokin is among many companies seizing opportunities in Spain’s solar market: around 40 percent of UNEF member companies plan to invest in the sun‑rich country in the coming years. (nhp, Madrid)
