Premium

INSIGHT: Solving solar’s scale dilemma, proper digitalisation and learning lessons from wind

July 28, 2021
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Solar must rapidly scale up deployments this decade. Image: Verano.

Recent reports have highlighted the solar industry’s need to quickly shift gear, with global installs needing to treble this decade to contribute towards net zero initiatives.

But growing at that speed and scale poses its own issues, and with some in the industry doubting the long-term potential of continued cost declines in solar modules and other components, solar must address other costs, such as ‘soft’ costs of development and ongoing operational costs, to realise its potential.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

PV Tech Premium speaks to Vassilis Papaeconomou, managing director at renewables service provider Alectris, to learn how the solar industry can scale up efficiently, what asset owners and operators need to be aware of when buzzwords such as ‘digitalisation’ and ‘artificial intelligence’ are mentioned, and what the industry might learn from more mature technologies such as wind.

9 March 2027
Location To Be Confirmed
PV CellTech Global will gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. Join us in Q1 of 2027

Read Next

January 2, 2026
SJVN has commissioned a 1GW solar PV plant in Rajasthan, India, its largest solar project to comply with India’s DCR rules.
January 2, 2026
The Spanish Ministry of Ecological Transition (MITECO) has launched a new renewables manufacturing subsidy programme.
December 23, 2025
The PV Review, 2025: The culmination of years of oversupply of Chinese modules caused module prices to fall, slashing manufacturers’ profits.
December 18, 2025
Pivot Energy has completed three financing agreements, totalling US$225 million, while CleanCapital has raised US$185 million.
December 17, 2025
T1 Energy has started construction on the 2.1GW first phase of its TOPCon cell manufacturing facility in Texas.
December 16, 2025
Ecoprogetti has installed a new 400MW module production facility in Oman, to be operated by American Advanced Clean Energy (AACE).

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland