Global Photovoltaic Industry Update – 2025 Q1

What is the largest photovoltaic plant in Spain?

A PV plant built by Soto Solar. From pv magazine Spain Spanish independent power producer Soto Solar España is developing the largest photovoltaic park in Spain, with 1,000 MW of installed power. The company plans to link the huge facility, known as Erasmo, to energy storage and green hydrogen production.

What is Spain's battery storage market?

Spain's battery storage market is dominated by customer-sited systems. Utility-scale storage remains nascent. Currently, Spain's storage market is mainly composed of small-scale batteries co-located with solar PV. Spain's household electricity prices now stand at over EUR 0.30/kWh on average.

Is Spain a leader in photovoltaic energy?

As such, Spain is increasingly cementing itself as one of the world leaders in photovoltaic energy. The industry is led by outstanding professionals, so we have created (in no particular order) a list of influencers in the industry that we personally like.

Is combining solar and storage a good idea in Spain?

This variability, combined with Spain's excellent solar resources, make the economics of combining solar with storage increasingly favorable. The market for utility-scale batteries has been almost non-existent until recently as the market has lacked a clear policy and regulatory framework.

Does Spain have a storage market?

Currently, Spain's storage market is mainly composed of small-scale batteries co-located with solar PV. Spain's household electricity prices now stand at over EUR 0.30/kWh on average. In addition, Spain's reliance on fossil gas has increased price volatility in recent years.16,17,18,19

How much does electricity cost in Spain?

Spain's household electricity prices now stand at over EUR 0.30/kWh on average. In addition, Spain's reliance on fossil gas has increased price volatility in recent years.16,17,18,19 This variability, combined with Spain's excellent solar resources, make the economics of combining solar with storage increasingly favorable.

What are the IEC standards for solar PV systems?

IEC has developed a series of standards specifically for solar PV systems, addressing various aspects such as design, installation, operation, and maintenance. Let's take a closer look at some of the key IEC standards relevant to solar PV systems:

Why do PV systems need IEC standards?

1. Safety: IEC standards ensure that PV systems are designed, installed, and operated safely, minimizing the risk of electrical hazards, fires, and other safety concerns. 2. Reliability: By following IEC standards, PV system manufacturers and installers can ensure the reliability and performance of their products.

Why should solar energy systems be standardized?

Standardization also provides a common language and framework fostering interoperability, efficiency, safety and overall reliability. IEC TC 82: Solar photovoltaic energy systems, produces international standards enabling systems to convert solar power into electrical energy.

Why do you need a certification for solar panels?

When buying solar panels, certification standards are your best protection against poor-quality products. For buyers, project managers, and investors, understanding IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 certification standards helps you make smart choices that save money in the long run.

What are the requirements for a PV panel certification?

This means changes in manufacturing or materials could affect quality while the certification remains valid. One of the most important requirements is the power degradation limit: After all testing, PV panels must keep at least 95% of their initial power rating.

Are solar panels IEC 61215 2021 compliant?

The standard has two complementary parts: There are also special sections for different types of panels (like crystalline silicon or thin-film). Australia now requires IEC 61215:2021 compliance for all new solar installations. As of April 1, 2025, only panels that meet the 2021 standard will qualify for government incentives.

What is C&I Energy+Storage Summit Zambia?

Zambia is at a turning point in its energy journey, between growing demand, policy reform and a clear appetite for private generation The C&I Energy+Storage Summit Zambia, a landmark event for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, is set to launch on 27-28 August 2025 in Lusaka.

What's happening in Zambia in 2025?

Day 1 (27 August 2025): The day kicks off with a keynote, moderated by Dr Johnstone Chikwanda, featuring a project briefing on energy strategies, followed by case studies where early adopters such as Dangote Cement Zambia and Shoprite Zambia share embedded generation successes.

Is Zambia at a turning point in its energy journey?

As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group, a leading organiser of transformative industry events across Africa, this summit will drive the SADC region's energy future. “ Zambia is at a turning point in its energy journey,” says Chanelle Hingston, Portfolio Director of VUKA Group's Power and Energy Portfolio.

What is energy storage in a microgrid?

In a microgrid, energy storage performs multiple functions, such as ensuring power quality, performing frequency and voltage regulation, smoothing the output of renewable energy sources, providing backup power for the system, and playing a crucial role in cost optimization.

Are microgrids the future of energy?

Last year, the share of new global energy added by distributed generation exceeded the amount added by new centralized power plants for the first time ever. According to Navigant Research, by 2026, microgrids are expected to supply three times more new power to the grid than centralized generation resources.

What is a complex microgrid?

Adoption of complex microgrids can involve multiple energy carriers in integrated energy systems, e.g. involving passive design, electricity, heat, light, and other energy service requirements.

Why is energy storage important in a microgrid exploitation?

The energy storage system has an important role in a microgrid exploitation because it allows the flexibility needed to assure the balance between the production and consumption, in the presence of variations of either loads or intermittent sources.

What is a microgrid?

One emerging entity of great current interest is microgrids, i.e. locally controlled energy systems that can operate grid-connected or as electrical islands, although technologies and examples of systems that may not strictly be microgrids, such as remote power systems, community energy, etc., are also highly relevant.