Welcome and Introduction

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Recording of Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2024 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 10:08 .

New Advances in Tandem Perovskite Silicon and Colored PV Modules Highlight 'What's Hot in Photovoltaics' Session Led by Fraunhofer's Dr. Harry Wirth

The session "What's Hot in PV" features a panel of distinguished speakers led by Dr. Harry Wirth from Fraunhofer IEC. The focus is on recent advancements in photovoltaic (PV) technology, particularly tandem perovskite silicon modules which have achieved record industrial efficiencies of 25%. Measurement challenges for these modules are addressed through advanced solar simulators with precise calibration methods. Significant progress has also been noted in screen printing technologies, reducing finger thickness from 70 microns to as low as 14 microns since 2013. Companies like Highline and Lumet have developed even narrower fingers with widths below 20 microns and down to just 5 microns respectively. Innovations extend to cell interconnection techniques such as shingling, resulting in highly homogeneous matrices suitable for building integration. Additionally, the MorphoColor coating technology offers colored PV modules without substantial efficiency loss due to its high transmittance rates between 92-96%. Further integrations include PV applications in vehicles that can contribute significantly to annual driving range reductions on charging station visits. On power conversion front, raising voltage limits up to medium voltages (2-2.4 kV input) allows material savings and improved system performance; exemplified by Jinko Solar's new certified module and Fraunhofer’s medium voltage string inverter. Molly Morgan from Exawatt will continue the discussion focusing on manufacturer data analysis and trends within module efficiency improvements.

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Speaker

Dr. Harry Wirth
Director, Division Power Solutions
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Germany

Talk of session: What's Hot in Solar Technology: New Tech Trends To Lower Costs & Improve Solar Product Functionality

The advances in technology along the solar value chain in recent years have been breathtaking: Innovations have included considerably larger wafers, new cell technologies, much higher-efficiency solar modules, smarter inverters with management systems that can control fully electrified high-tech homes and less material-intensive fixed or tracking mounting systems that can be installed faster and boost system yields. This session will provide an overview of the latest technologies.

Further Talks of this session:

PV Cell & Module Technology Trends - Past, Present, Future

Speaker

Molly Morgan
Senior Research Analyst
Exawatt
United Kingdom

To Talk

Opportunities and Developments in Balance of Systems

Speaker

Joe Steveni
Research Analyst - Clean Energy Technology
S&P Global

Liam Coman
Solar Research Analyst
S&P Global

To Talk

Finding the Right Inverters for Any Purpose

Speaker

Arvid Bürkle
Head of Product Lifecycle Management
KACO new energy GmbH - A Siemens Company
Germany

To Talk

PV Manufacturing in Europe: Discussing Ways to Realize Competitive Local Production

Speaker

Dr. Peter Fath
CEO
RCT Solutions GmbH
Germany

To Talk

Fire Chat: What's Needed in Solar to Bring the Technology to the Next Level?

Speaker

Helena Li
Executive President
Trina Solar
Singapore

To Talk

Further Content
Webinar
Reiche's Energy Transition Reality Check: Current Challenges for Photovoltaic and Storage Companies

November 13, 2025

Webinar with BSW Solar on the current political situation for photovoltaic and storage companies

Intersolar South America Conference 2025
PV Plant Operation, Monitoring and Artificial Intelligence Applications

Thursday, August 28, 2025, 02:00 pm - 03:30 pm

Intersolar South America Conference 2025 | Conference Program

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This session will explore how emerging monitoring practices and technologies can enhance the effectiveness of solar power plant operations and maintenance, and how AI-driven solutions can take this efficiency to higher levels.

Intersolar South America Conference 2025
Repowering and Improving PV Power Plants

Thursday, August 28, 2025, 04:00 pm - 05:30 pm

Intersolar South America Conference 2025 | Conference Program

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Repowering and upgrading solar PV plants offer an effective pathway to enhance both efficiency and operational longevity. With ongoing technological advancements, operators can implement cutting-edge equipment and innovative strategies to optimise energy output while streamlining operational costs.

Publications
Understanding the Perspectives of Installers in the Polish Energy Landscape

Issue 12 | November 20, 2024

Poland’s solar market is evolving, with a shift to large-scale projects and a rising focus on storage solutions.

Publications
Understanding the Perspectives of Installers in the Scandinavian Energy Landscape

Issue 11 | November 6, 2024

Installers in Denmark and Sweden are driving solar expansion, integrating EV charging, smart homes, and heat pumps.

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