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Europe 2025: Intersolar and the Future of Renewable Energy

Published in: Solar, Digital Blog

As the global demand for clean energy continues to rise, the momentum behind solar power is stronger than ever. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nearly 940 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy will be added annually starting in 2030, with solar accounting for the majority. By 2025, 80% of new renewable capacity is expected to come from photovoltaic (PV) installations.

The following highlights outline what to expect from Intersolar Europe 2025, and why the event will serve as a cornerstone for innovation, integration, and growth in the solar industry.

Solar Costs Continue to Drop

Solar energy is now significantly more cost-effective than fossil fuels.
In 2023, solar power was 56% cheaper than the cheapest fossil power source (IRENA).
In Germany, utility-scale PV + storage has reached a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of 6–11 €/MWh, compared to 15–33 €/MWh for coal or gas (Fraunhofer ISE).

What’s Ahead in Technology and Infrastructure

Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Solar Cells

Set to surpass current n-type cell efficiency benchmarks.
Laboratory records already reaching 33.9% efficiency.
Expected to reach up to 45% efficiency in commercial products.
Mass production forecasted to begin in 2027 (VDMA).

Energy Storage Systems

Key for integrating intermittent renewables into the grid.
Address challenges like:
Storage acts as a “virtual transmission line” using two systems across different grid points.
Batteries offer synthetic inertia to replace traditional spinning reserves.
AI is optimizing battery dispatch and market participation.

Hybrid Power Plants

Combine solar, wind, hydropower and battery storage.
Enable shared grid connections, reducing infrastructure costs.
Improve generation-consumption alignment.
Enhance grid resilience and economic performance.

Transformational Trends in Energy Use

Bidirectional EV Charging

Turns electric vehicles into mobile energy storage units.
EVs can discharge energy back to the grid during peak demand.
A single EV could power 11 homes overnight (E.on study).
Potential EU-wide savings: €22 billion per year (Fraunhofer ISI).
Reduces stationary storage needs by up to 92% and boosts PV deployment by ~40%.

Parking Lot PV Systems

Dual-purpose solar applications in car parks and commercial spaces.
Support:
France and six German states have made PV-covered parking mandatory for new constructions.

PV Module Recycling

Industry gearing up to manage solar module lifecycle.
Plants under construction to recover up to 99% of raw materials.
Key for advancing circular economy goals in the PV sector.

Intersolar Europe 2025: Key Event Highlights

Date & Location: May 6–9, 2025 | Messe München, Germany
Part of The smarter E Europe – Europe’s largest energy industry event
Over 3,000 exhibitors across 19 halls and Outdoor Area
110,000+ visitors expected
Focus areas:

Knowledge Exchange and Innovation

Seven exhibition forums with presentations on:
Start-up Area showcasing next-generation, sector-coupling innovations
Four concurrent conferences at the International Congress Center Munich (ICM), starting May 6
Networking event: “Bavarian Night” – May 6 evening

Celebrating Progress: The smarter E AWARD

Recognizing innovation in:
Open to all exhibitors from The smarter E global exhibition series
Award ceremony: May 6, ICM, Room 1

Final Thoughts

Intersolar Europe 2025 is not just an exhibition—it is a platform that encapsulates the evolution of the energy transition. From breakthrough technologies like tandem solar cells and AI-optimized storage to pragmatic innovations like PV parking structures and bidirectional EV charging, the event reflects the rapid convergence of mobility, storage, and solar.

By showcasing scalable, integrated, and economically viable energy solutions, Intersolar continues to lead the conversation on how to build a sustainable, grid-resilient future.

For more information:

🔗 www.intersolar.de

🔗 www.thesmartere.de