The Solar Stars EU 2024 Conference & Awards, held on November 12, 2024, was a major event for the Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) industries. This year’s event provided a unique platform for industry leaders to come together, share insights, and recognize outstanding achievements shaping the future of sustainable energy.
One standout statistic that underscores the importance of such events: according to BloombergNEF, the global solar market is set to exceed 2 terawatts of installed capacity by 2030, largely driven by advances in energy storage and supportive policy frameworks. This rapid growth highlights the critical role of conferences like Solar Stars EU in driving innovation and collaboration in renewable energy.
Key Highlights & Industry Insights
The Solar Stars EU 2024 Conference brought together an impressive lineup of experts who provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Solar PV and BESS. Dainius Kreivys, Lithuania’s Minister of Energy, opened the event with an overview of the country’s renewable energy leadership. Virgilijus Poderys and Žygimantas Vaičiūnas highlighted regulatory trends and the importance of cohesive policies in fostering industry growth, while Karolis Mirinavičius and Ina Vaitiekutė emphasized the role of innovation in scaling renewable solutions. Insights from experienced engineer Nerijus Mikšys provided attendees with valuable knowledge on how neglecting key aspects such as proper component selection and system optimization can significantly impact long-term profitability.
We had panel discussions that stood out as key highlights of the event. Inga Beiliūnienė, Virginija Gečaitė, and Vidmantas Janulevičius explored investment strategies in solar energy projects, delving into financial instruments, risk management techniques, and emerging opportunities. Another engaging session featured Jan Mastny, Marius Pareščius, Uri Sadot, Linas Mockus, and Linas Pikšrys, focusing on critical topics such as cybersecurity, insurance solutions, and effective risk mitigation in solar and BESS systems.
Winners of the Solar Stars EU 2024 Awards: Recognizing Industry Excellence
The Solar Stars EU 2024 Awards celebrated the outstanding contributions of companies and individuals within the Solar PV and BESS sectors. We recognized winners across 7 categories with the help of Innovation Agency Lithuania, Lithuanian Energy Agency, Green Municipalities, and through audience voting.
Winners of the 2024 awards
1. Innovation of the Year Award: Inion Software
2. Most Sustainable Product or Solution of the Year Award: SoliTek
3. Project or Initiative of the Year Award: Detra Solar
4. Excellence in Solar Park Design Award: SoliTek
5. Turnkey Solar Solutions Excellence Award: Enefit Lietuva
6. Best Workplace in Solar Industry Award: UNOSOL
7. Special Solar Explain Award – Company Spirit Champions: Detra Solar
Networking and Knowledge Sharing: Connecting Industry Professionals
The Solar Stars EU 2024 Conference was not only an event to celebrate achievements but also an opportunity for professionals to network and share ideas. We were thrilled to welcome participants from Lithuania, Poland, Finland, the UK, Estonia, Latvia, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, and Israel! It’s official – Solar Stars EU is a truly international event!
Our expo area featured booths from sponsors such as SoliTek, SolarEdge Technologies, Lugh Microgrid, and Tenka Solar, offering attendees the chance to engage directly with some of the most prominent and innovative brands in the market. Additionally, participants could connect with Omnispower Europe, Sigenergy, Autonomeco, AIKO Solar, and Helios Strategia at their stands. These interactions proved to be a highlight of the event, providing invaluable opportunities to explore the latest products, services, and innovations driving the solar and energy storage industries forward.
The conference facilitated dynamic conversations on the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the industry. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with potential partners, clients, and collaborators, ensuring that the event was as much about building future relationships as it was about recognizing past achievements.
What’s Next for Solar PV and BESS?
The future of Solar PV and BESS is incredibly exciting, with both technologies playing a vital role in creating a more sustainable and reliable energy future. As demand for renewable energy continues to grow, the need for skilled professionals in BESS integration and solar project management will only increase. Our BESS for PV Project Managers online course is designed to provide the knowledge and expertise you need to succeed in this rapidly evolving field. This course covers the key aspects of energy storage, system design, and integration, equipping you with the tools to manage Solar PV and BESS projects effectively.
Learn more about the BESS for PV Project Managers course here.
