Cost and Technology Developments of Mounting Systems

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Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 14:32 .

Nadine Wade Highlights Innovations and Challenges in PV Mounting Systems at K2 Systems GmbH Presentation

Nadine Wade, product manager at K2 Systems GmbH, discusses advancements and challenges in photovoltaic (PV) mounting systems. She highlights the significant reduction in PV costs compared to conventional power plants in Germany from 2013 to 2024 despite inflationary pressures on materials like aluminum. Technological innovations include using recyclable aluminum for its corrosion resistance and ease of manufacturing complex designs. The evolution of their products is marked by a shift from basic structures to advanced low-ballast solutions that enhance solar yield throughout the day. Challenges such as adapting mounting systems for larger modules with thinner frames are tackled by developing more fault-tolerant components based on modular principles aimed at reducing future revisions. Despite market fluctuations and regulatory uncertainties, K2 Systems emphasizes robust customer service, training programs, exploring new applications like facade solutions while maintaining adaptability towards evolving module designs. Additionally, there is discussion about lightweight PV modules attachable via adhesive; however, no suitable glue exists yet for secure attachment—posing a barrier to widespread adoption until resolved.

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Nadine Wade
Productmanager
K2 Systems GmbH
Germany

The pace of solar system technology advancements has been remarkable in recent years, with major improvements in efficiency, usability, and energy yield across all components - including modules, mounting systems, and inverters. However, with persistent overcapacities and intense price pressure, the race for cost reduction through innovation has never been more crucial. Solar companies must continually push the boundaries of technology to remain competitive. This session will provide: Overview of major technological advancements in solar system components Updates on the latest innovations in modules, inverters, balance-of-system equipment, racking, and tracker solutions Discussion on different technology roadmaps shaping the future of solar deployment.

Further Talks of this session:

Speaker

Jenny Chase
Lead Solar Analyst
BloombergNEF
United Kingdom

To Talk

Speaker

Dr. Gianluca Coletti
Adjunct Professor
UNSW Sydney
Australia

Recording of presentation not authorized for publication.

Speaker

Liam Coman
Solar Research Analyst
S&P Global

To Talk

Speaker

Manuel Jimenez Castro
Global Application Engineer, PV + BESS + H2
Siemens AG
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Alejandro Cardona Velez
Corporate Engineering Director
Soltec
Spain

To Talk

To Talk

Further Content
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The smarter E Podcast Episode 258 | Language: English

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Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2025–2029

SolarPower Europe’s annual Global Market Outlook for Solar Power is the most authoritative market analysis for the solar sector.

Intersolar Europe Conference 2023
Panel Discussion - Intersolar

Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 09:30 am - 11:00 am

The smarter E Europe Conference 2023 | Conference Program

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The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026
Panel Discussion of the Session: Solar Made in the EU

Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 02:30 pm

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Conference Program

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Despite strong research capabilities and the presence of leading production equipment suppliers, Europe has been struggling to rebuild competitive wafer-to-module manufacturing, while the USA and India have enabled a local renaissance in solar manufacturing. In Europe, even long-established inverter manufacturers have been losing considerable ground. With the EU's Net Zero Industry Act yet to deliver momentum, attention is turning to the upcoming Industry Accelerator Act. This session examines how policy, investment and value-chain strategies can strengthen domestic manufacturing and increase internal value creation.Key topics:Overview of EU and national policy frameworks to support local manufacturingStatus of Europe's solar manufacturing value chainInvestment gaps and competitiveness challenges Strategies for triggering a sustainable solar manufacturing revival 

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