Introduction & Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2024-2028

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Recording of Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | The smarter E Europe | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 17:43 .

Intersolar Conference 2024 Kicks Off with In-Depth Session on Global and European Decarbonization Strategies

The Intersolar Conference 2024, part of the Smarter E initiative that includes four conferences, features a session focused on global and European decarbonization strategies. Michael Schmela, Executive Advisor and Director of Market Intelligence at Solar Power Europe, introduces the agenda which aims to offer a comprehensive view of solar energy's role in achieving these goals. The session begins with Schmela presenting Solar Power Europe's Global Solar Market Outlook for the next five years. Following this, Bruce Douglas from the Global Renewables Alliance will discuss quantifying renewable energy needs post-COP targets. Dr. Juan Rivier from Iberdrola will address challenges in Spain such as heavy curtailments and decreasing solar capture rates. Vegard Vollset from Rystad Energy will explore solar’s impact on reducing Europe’s carbon footprint. A panel discussion featuring CEOs Dr. Rodrigo Lopes Sauaia (ABSOLAR - Associação Brasileira de Energia Solar Fotovoltaica), Walburga Hemetsberger (SolarPower Europe), and Sonia Dunlop (Global Solar Council) will follow to reflect on insights gained during presentations. The report highlights significant growth in global solar installations in 2023—driven by post-pandemic recovery—with China leading both supply and demand sectors dramatically. China's market share grew impressively while other countries lagged behind significantly.

Automated summarization by AI Conver

Michael Schmela
Executive Advisor
SolarPower Europe
Belgium

As solar energy continues its strong global growth trajectory, exceeding all expectations, more and more obstacles are appearing on the long way towards completing the energy transition. The question is: what is needed to unleash solar's full potential in Europe and globally, and what can realistically be achieved? This session will discuss:

  • Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2024–2028 (report launch)
  • Solar power's role in European and global decarbonization strategies
  • Solutions for unlocking the vast potential of solar

Further Talks of this session:

Speaker

Bruce Douglas
CEO
Global Renewables Alliance
Belgium

To Talk

Speaker

Dr. Juan Rivier
Head of Global Regulation
Iberdrola
Spain

To Talk

Speaker

Vegard Vollset
VP- Head of EMEA Renewable
Rystad Energy
Norway

To Talk

Speaker

Sonia Dunlop
CEO
Global Solar Council
United Kingdom

Dr. Rodrigo Lopes Sauaia
CEO
ABSOLAR - Associação Brasileira de Energia Solar Fotovoltaica
Brazil

Walburga Hemetsberger
CEO
SolarPower Europe
Belgium

To Talk

Further Content
Publication
The German PV and Battery Storage Market

The first of its kind, this study offers an overview of the photovoltaics and battery storage market in Germany.

Rutger Schlatmann and Angelika Harter
Perovskites: The Race for the Future of PV?

The smarter E Podcast Episode 258 | Language: English

June 25, 2026

HZB researchers explore perovskite tandem solar cells, efficiency gains, and the challenges of bringing the technology to market.

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 

Publications
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.

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026
Panel Discussion of the Session: Off-Grid: PV-Based Hydrogen Microgrid Projects Around the World

Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 02:30 pm

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Conference Program

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Discover how green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are transforming decentralized energy systems worldwide. This session will be presenting hands-on experience from pioneering projects in Thailand, Ghana, Namibia and South Africa. Find out how solar-powered hydrogen microgrids can replace diesel generators, strengthen energy resilience and enable short- to long-term storage, while supporting environmental and climate goals. Project partners including German SMEs and research institutes, share insights on lessons learned, local benefits and the replication potential of these systems. Selected projects were implemented with the support from the Export Initiative Environmental Protection, a funding programme of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. 

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