Recording of Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 16:03 .

Launch of the 17th Edition of the ITRPV and Insights into Photovoltaic Technology

The 17th edition of the ITRPV has been launched, featuring contributions from 38 experts and insights into over 70 parameters. Key findings highlight a PV learning curve resulting in 706 gigawatts of shipped modules in 2025, with an average sales price of $9.00 per watt peak. Cumulatively, over 3 terawatts have been shipped, and installations reached approximately 2.7 terawatts, narrowing the gap between shipments and installations largely due to repowering efforts. Current shipment costs have risen slightly, yet photovoltaic (PV) modules remain affordable thanks to advanced solar technology. The sector is increasingly favoring n-type technology over p-type, with significant reductions in polysilicon consumption per wafer and advancements in heterojunction technology allowing the use of thinner wafers. Silver consumption per cell is a crucial economic factor, currently around 2 cents per watt, with strategies aiming to reduce this to 7 cents per watt. The efficiency of solar cells is expected to rise, with single junction cells nearing their limits and tandem cells projected to reach up to 28.8% efficiency by 2028. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for PV energy is forecasted to decrease significantly, with projections suggesting that by 2050, PV could fulfill about 69% of prime energy needs. Community engagement in the ITRPV initiative is encouraged, with the report accessible on the VDMA homepage for enhanced participation and collaboration.

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Speaker

Dr. Markus Fischer
VP R&D Operation
Hanwha QCells GmbH
Germany

Talk of session: What's Hot in Solar Technology - Latest Product Trends in Rooftop and Utility-Scale PV Systems

Solar technology is advancing rapidly as manufacturers balance intense price pressure with rising performance and system demands. From higher-efficiency modules and smarter inverters to innovative mounting systems and trackers, new products aim to cut costs, simplify installation and enhance grid compatibility. This session highlights the latest trends shaping rooftop and utility-scale PV systems and their role in performance optimization and system integration.

Key topics:

• Latest module, inverter and mounting innovations
• Product trends in rooftop and utility-scale system design
• Perspectives on performance optimization, system integration and grid functionality
• Discussion on developments supporting long-term cost competitiveness for different solar applications

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome and Introduction

Speaker

Dr. Harry Wirth
Director, Division Power Solutions
Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme

To Talk

Solar Cell & Module Trends - Towards Higher Efficiencies and Better Performance

Speaker

Dr. Alex Li
Head of Product Management, LONGi Utility
LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
China

To Talk

From Rooftops to Gigawatts: Emerging Solar and Storage Technology Trends in Modern Solar PV System

Speaker

Ussama Rai
Chief Technology Officer
Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.
China

To Talk

Maximising Value for PV + BESS Co-Located Assets: Trackers vs. Fixed-Tilt

Speaker

Philipp Kunze
Vice President Business Development and Sales Europe
Nexpower LLC
Germany

To Talk

Automation and Innovations in Racking Systems for Solar Installations

Speaker

Ralf Steinheiser
Head of Innovation and Technologies
Goldbeck Solar

To Talk

Q&A

To Talk