Recording of Monday, June 22, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 5:15 .

Challenges and Innovations in the PV Module Industry

The discussion centers on photovoltaic (PV) modules, essential yet often overlooked components in the clean energy sector. Despite extensive knowledge, there is persistent unease regarding their performance and reliability, with a notable incidence of failures due to variable quality. Factors such as cost-cutting, driven by competition and overcapacity, particularly in China, contribute to performance flaws. The industry's emphasis on rapid innovation raises significant safety concerns, as new products are frequently introduced without the thorough testing customary in more developed sectors. A panel of experts highlights the urgent need for established testing and validation protocols to uphold safety and quality standards. Upcoming conferences, like Smarter E Europe 2026, aim to address these challenges, promoting best practices in testing and quality assurance. Attendees are encouraged to participate in discussions to explore these critical industry issues further.

_{Automated summarization by AI Conver}

Speaker

George Touloupas
Head of Procurement Quality and Localization
Scatec

Talk of session: Solar Power Plants and Storage II: Ensuring Performance - Quality, Reliability and Bankability of Modules and BOS Components in a Competitive Environment

As technology advances rapidly and price pressure increases, ensuring performance throughout the asset's lifecycle is paramount, especially as storage gains importance in new solar plants. From factory audits to field inspections - tailored quality strategies are essential for reducing risk and making operation profitable. This session examines inspection frameworks, technology testing and advanced fault detection in order to enhance reliability and strengthen the bankability and profitability of PV-plus storage projects.

Key topics:

• Quality assurance and certification for modules, balance of systems and batteries
• Failure modes and degradation risks
• Impacts on yield and lifecycle costs
• Best practices to secure long-term reliability and bankability

Further Talks of this session:

A Decision Framework for Solar Asset Inspection from Factory to Field

Speaker

Jörg Althaus
Director QA and Engineering Services
Intertek CEA
Germany

To Talk

Exploring the Rise of PV Module Failures and Their Potential Causes

Speaker

Sishir Garemella
Head of International Business Development
Kiwa PVEL
USA

To Talk

Advanced PV Fault Detection: Faster, Smarter, Cost-Efficient

Speaker

Magnus Herz
Senior Expert PV
TÜV Rheinland Energy GmbH
Germany

To Talk

Behind Warranty Claims: An Insurance Perspective on Product & Performance Warranties

Speaker

Julia Moser
Product Lead Photovoltaics
Munich RE
Germany

To Talk

The Solar Quality Standard

Speaker

Nikoletta Fodor
Project Officer
SolarPower Europe
Belgium

To Talk

Q&A

To Talk