As the global photovoltaic industry navigates technological transformation and changing market cycles, momentum is building around the next generation of high-efficiency solar technology.
The 2026 Global BC Summit has now officially been announced, with AIKO once again joining forces with ISC Konstanz, one of Europe’s leading non-profit photovoltaic research institutions, to co-host the event from 8–10 December at the AXICA Conference Centre in Berlin.
This marks the third consecutive year that AIKO has played a central role as co-host of the summit, reflecting its continued commitment to advancing back-contact (BC) technology and supporting the development of a collaborative global BC ecosystem.
The Global BC Summit has established itself as an important international platform for academic authority and industry credibility in back-contact photovoltaic technology and the 2026 edition marks a significant step forward in its development.
This year’s summit brings together two established technical conference series developed by ISC Konstanz – the bifi PV Workshop, with a 15-year history, and the European BC Workshop, which has been held for 10 years.
By combining these two established platforms, the Berlin summit will create a comprehensive forum connecting fundamental research, technological innovation and industrial applications across the global BC value chain.
The event will bring together representatives from European policy and research organizations, internationally recognised research institutions, leading universities and independent testing and certification companies representing key segments of the photovoltaic industry.
Discussions will cover the latest developments in BC research, next-generation tandem technologies, breakthroughs in industrial manufacturing processes and applications across global markets.
Together with its research and industry partners, AIKO aims to encourage knowledge exchange, strengthen collaboration across the value chain and contribute to an open, internationally connected BC innovation ecosystem.
Advances in energy technology continue to expand the possibilities for a more sustainable future. As photovoltaics evolve towards higher efficiency, greater accessibility and wider adoption, AIKO has remained focused on original technological innovation.
Its development journey has included efforts to approach the physical efficiency limits of crystalline silicon, innovations in All Back Contact (ABC) technology and manufacturing processes, progress in the large-scale production of BC solar cells and modules, and the development of high-efficiency products designed to create value across diverse applications.
Through this combination of research, manufacturing expertise and practical deployment, AIKO seeks to demonstrate the long-term value of BC technology.
Its ongoing collaboration with ISC Konstanz and other international research partners reflects a shared interest in accelerating innovation, facilitating knowledge exchange and supporting the role of high-efficiency photovoltaics in the transition towards a Carbon-free energy system.
