Welcome & Introduction of the session Stronger Together - Accelerating Global Solar Deployment Through Cooperation

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Recording of Tuesday, May 06, 2025 | The smarter E Europe | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 5:20 .

Industry Leaders Gather at Intersolar Munich to Address Solar Growth Challenges and Global Market Outlook

The panel discussion, titled "Stronger Together," focuses on accelerating solar energy deployment through collaboration. David Wedepohl from BSW - German Solar Association introduces the session by highlighting concerns about growth rates in the solar sector amidst global economic uncertainties. Despite being a leader in achieving climate goals due to its cost-effectiveness and potential, there is apprehension regarding market fluctuations akin to a "solar coaster." The unpredictability of alliances and rules worldwide mirrors challenges faced within the solar industry. However, this experience positions those in the sector well for adapting to current global shifts. The event takes place at Intersolar Munich with key industry figures present for discussions following Michael's presentation on market insights. Michael serves as an Executive Advisor at SolarPower Europe with over two decades of expertise across journalism, research, analysis, and association work—making him highly knowledgeable about global markets' dynamics and trends relevant to advancing solar technologies globally.

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David Wedepohl
Managing Director International Affairs
BSW - German Solar Association
Germany

Solar power - the world's most flexible energy generation technology - hit another record-breaking year of installations in 2024. But what does that success mean in an era of growing geopolitical tension and social division? As trade wars erupt and many political leaders roll back climate commitments, global demand for fossil fuels continues to rise. So how can the solar sector help address these challenges? This session brings together top industry leaders to explore how collaboration, shared learning and innovation can shape a strong, prosperous global solar market. This session will feature: Launch of Global Market Outlook (GMO) for Solar Power 2025-2029 Insights into solar's role in major global markets Views from leading solar associations on key opportunities and challenges in the world's largest solar markets.

Further Talks of this session:

Speaker

Michael Schmela
Executive Advisor
SolarPower Europe
Belgium

To Talk

Speaker

Abigail Ross Hopper
President & CEO
Solar Energy Industries Association
United States

Subrahmanyam Pulipaka
CEO
National Solar Energy Federation of India: NSEFI
India

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

Walburga Hemetsberger
CEO
SolarPower Europe
Belgium

Sonia Dunlop
CEO
Global Solar Council
United Kingdom

To Talk

Further Content
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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
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SolarPower Europe’s annual Global Market Outlook for Solar Power is the most authoritative market analysis for the solar sector.

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Panel Discussion of the Session: Off-Grid: PV-Based Hydrogen Microgrid Projects Around the World

Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 02:30 pm

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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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