Panel Discussion: How to Overcome Challenges to Tap Solar's Full Potential?

premium account

Recording of Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | The smarter E Europe | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 26:46 .

Brazil's Solar Surge: Overcoming Challenges and Setting Ambitious Renewable Energy Targets with Effective Policies and Global Insights

The discussion centers around overcoming challenges to fully harness solar energy's potential. For the first time, policy recommendations were included in a global market outlook report, highlighting an active approach at the global level. The primary recommendation is to promote solar PV development across all segments and set ambitious national targets. Current targets often fall short of actual market growth expectations, signifying underestimation by stakeholders. Various member states are adjusting their National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) with increased solar ambitions; however, there’s still significant room for improvement. Brazil serves as a case study demonstrating rapid growth due to effective policies like net metering inspired by the US model rather than direct subsidies common in Europe. Despite initial resistance from incumbent companies and utilities, Brazil enacted laws ensuring clarity and stability for distributed generation. Brazil's renewable electricity initiatives resulted in 92% of its electricity demand being met sustainably last year – making it one of Latin America's largest markets powered predominantly by renewables. Yet long-term goal setting remains a challenge compared to developed nations' structured plans aiming towards carbon neutrality sooner than later. The speaker also expresses concerns about other developing countries lagging behind while recognizing Europe's historical emissions responsibilities alongside rising powers like India aiming for carbon neutrality only by 2070.

Automated summarization by AI Conver

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

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

Michael Schmela
Executive Advisor
SolarPower Europe
Belgium

To Talk

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

Further Content
Intersolar Middle East Conference 2026
Hype vs. Financial Close: What Separates the 20% of Solar Projects That Reach Construction

Wednesday, September 02, 2026, 02:30 pm

Intersolar Middle East Conference 2026 | Conference Program

premium account

This session explores how effective policy frameworks, streamlined regulations, and innovative financing solutions can work together to accelerate the global expansion of solar energy. Bringing together perspectives from policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, it will examine how supportive regulatory environments reduce investment risk, attract private capital, and enable the successful development of solar and hybrid energy projects. Through best practices, emerging funding mechanisms, and real-world case studies, participants will gain practical insights into mobilizing capital, fostering investor confidence, and creating the conditions for sustainable growth across both established and emerging solar markets.

Intersolar Middle East Conference 2026
The Self Managing Solar Farm: From AI and Digital Twins to Autonomous Energy Infrastructure

Wednesday, September 02, 2026, 01:15 pm

Intersolar Middle East Conference 2026 | Conference Program

premium account

Discover how advanced digital technologies are transforming solar operations. This session explores AI-driven analytics, IoT-enabled monitoring, and blockchain-based transparency to optimize performance, streamline maintenance, and enhance profitability. Learn how smart grids and data intelligence are shaping the next generation of efficient, resilient solar energy systems.

Intersolar Middle East Conference 2026
Optimizing the Solar Asset Lifecycle: Resilience, Digitalization, and Circular Economy

Thursday, September 03, 2026, 12:45 pm

Intersolar Middle East Conference 2026 | Conference Program

premium account

Explore strategies for maximizing the resilience, performance, and sustainability of solar assets throughout their entire lifecycle. This session brings together best practices in resilient system design, advanced monitoring, predictive operations and maintenance (O&M), and asset lifetime optimization with circular economy approaches such as PV panel recycling, battery repurposing, and ESG-driven business strategies. Learn how innovation, digitalization, and evolving regulations are helping the industry improve reliability, extend asset value, recover critical materials, and reduce environmental impact while creating more sustainable and profitable solar ecosystems.

Intersolar Middle East Conference 2026
From Sunshine to Crypto Income - How Home Mining Speechs up Solar ROI

Wednesday, September 02, 2026, 01:15 pm

Intersolar Middle East Conference 2026 | Conference Program

premium account

Discover how advanced digital technologies are transforming solar operations. This session explores AI-driven analytics, IoT-enabled monitoring, and blockchain-based transparency to optimize performance, streamline maintenance, and enhance profitability. Learn how smart grids and data intelligence are shaping the next generation of efficient, resilient solar energy systems.

AgriVoltaics Industry Forum Europe
Apple-PV on Special Culture Cropland

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 11:15 am–13:10 pm

premium account

This session brings farmers’ perspectives into focus, highlighting their experiences and expectations around agrivoltaics.

You are using an outdated browser

The website cannot be viewed in this browser. Please open the website in an up-to-date browser such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.