More Than a Conference: EU PVSEC 2026 Opens in Rotterdam
The 43rd edition of the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC) opens on 14 September at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Over the course of five days, researchers, industry leaders and policymakers from around the world come together to present the latest scientific advances, exchange insights, and discuss the future direction of solar energy. Far beyond a traditional conference, the EU PVSEC serves as a unique meeting point for the global PV community, combining a world-leading scientific programme with an international Exhibition, industry and policy perspectives, and extensive networking opportunities. Together, these elements cover the full spectrum of photovoltaics, from fundamental research through to industrial implementation.
A High-Level Opening Programme
The event opens on Monday morning with the Scientific Opening Plenary Session "PV in the Energy System", addressing grid integration, the growing interplay between artificial intelligence and PV, and the development of smart, resilient energy systems. The programme continues with the presentation of the Alexander Edmond Becquerel Prize, recognising Dr. Delfina Muñoz (CEA/INES) for her outstanding contribution to the advancement of photovoltaics. Following a welcome message by EU PVSEC 2026 General Chair Prof. Dr. Wilfried van Sark (Utrecht University) and Conference Director Jon de Gregorio (WIP Renewable Energies), opening addresses will be given by Maaike van Asten (City of Rotterdam) and Walburga Hemetsberger (SolarPower Europe). The morning concludes with a keynote by Prof. Dr. Peter Palensky (Delft University of Technology) on grid congestion, followed by a moderated panel discussion, "Grid Congestion Management: Enabling the Next Phase of Solar PV Growth – The Dutch Perspective", bringing together representatives from research, government, grid operators and the Dutch solar industry. With the Netherlands having one of the highest levels of installed PV capacity per capita worldwide, the Dutch experience offers valuable lessons for the global PV and grid communities as other markets move towards similarly high levels of solar penetration.
A Week of Formats, One Shared Platform
Ahead of the main conference, the PV Academy kicks off on Sunday, 13 September, offering expert-led sessions on topics ranging from space photovoltaics to AI in PV manufacturing and energy system modelling. Throughout the conference week, the Scientific Conference brings high-level international presentations across the entire PV value chain, while Plenary Sessions and Panel Discussions bring together key voices from science, industry and policy. Complementing the scientific programme, 21 Parallel Events organised jointly with partner organisations provide in-depth perspectives on specialised topics, alongside the Industry Summit, which explores five thematic areas: Storage & Grid Integration, PV Applications, Policy & Markets, System Design & Performance, and Manufacturing in Europe. From a content perspective, this year’s programme once again reflects the cutting-edge developments shaping photovoltaics today. Contributions span advances in silicon, perovskites, tandem technologies and PV modules, alongside growing attention to reliability, manufacturing, sustainability, artificial intelligence, storage and flexibility, and the integration of increasingly high shares of PV into the energy system. Running alongside these sessions from 14 to 16 September, the international Exhibition connects research and industry by showcasing the latest products and solutions from leading companies, offering a dynamic environment for networking and the establishment of new business partnerships. Those unable to travel to Rotterdam can access sessions live and on demand via the EU PVSEC online platform. Looking Ahead to 2027
Following Rotterdam, the EU PVSEC will return to Germany: the 45th edition will take place in Freiburg. Located in one of Germany’s sunniest regions, Freiburg has a long tradition in solar energy and the energy transition. Notably, Freiburg and the wider Baden-Württemberg region are home to one of Europe’s strongest ecosystems for PV research and innovation.
Background EU PVSEC
The EU PVSEC is the world’s leading forum for PV research and development and the biggest conference on PV solar energy. With a history of over 40 years, the EU PVSEC is the longest running, renowned PV conference in the world. The scientific programme is coordinated by the European Commission Joint Research Centre.
