Intersolar Europe, a look back at the event in 2024.

The European Union has set a target for energy production from renewable sources to make up 42% of the group’s consumption by 2030. This made Intersolar Europe, which was held in Munich in May, a key event in the calendar year for the solar industry. Our team members Joris Robillard , Marius MULLER - 马 爽 , Tom Sklaschus and Chico Rebelo made their way to the conference to understand how Europe is tackling the targets. Here are their key takeaways.?

The European market is competitive and growing.?

The markets across Europe continue to be competitive with more activity in Germany, because of recent changes in legislation, and growing activity in the French, Italian, Polish and Nordic markets. However, there is price pressure across the continent due to market oversupply and module prices are continuing to fall.??

Markets in the UK and Ireland are not seeing the same competition, some solar EPC’s are not keen on entering, or for some re-entering, the UK market, as it’s not seen as lucrative and doesn’t have the surge being seen across the rest of Europe. However, energy storage in the UK is growing, with the market expected to increase in 2025.??

Technology is leaping forward to manage the growing solar demand.?

As demand increases and more players enter the market, there are new developments in the digitalisation of the industry. New organisations are bringing new software solutions and current players are increasingly expanding their solutions and adding key functionality. ??

PV modelling software, tools for early development such as layout generation, constraint mapping and LCOE, are seeing huge developments with new players and new features expected over the next 12 months.?

There are also several project management software solutions that have entered the market. Utilising drone imaging, they are able to track project development in near real time. Performance management software solutions are also coming to market targeting asset operators.??

Software products are now covering the whole market, from planning and development stages, through to asset operation and management. ?

The market is continuing its growth into 2025.??

As we pass the halfway point of 2024, we can see that although there is stalling in some countries across Europe, the solar market is growing, highly dynamic and competitive. The continued competition will bring new products and services to market and help with innovation in a growing sector across the continent.??

Energy storage is also still a hot topic and will continue to thrive in 2025, particularly in the UK, as the country looks at continuing its renewable energy growth plans and co-location on this asset type with solar to bolster its network.?