The 42nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference & Exhibition (EUPVSEC) kicked off in Bilbao, Spain (22–26 September). SPHINX partners Fraunhofer and Voltec were on-site to showcase the project’s latest innovations. Here are the highlights:
Title: Unlocking the potential of Integrated Photovoltaic System – European R&D Approach
Solar Power Europe (partner from sister project Increase) hosted a session on “Unlocking the Potential of Integrated PV Systems and the EU R&D Approach”. SPHINX coordinator Mehdi Sahli presented how BIPV technologies are moving from lab to real-world applications.
Title: Matrix Shingle Solar Modules: Pilot Production for Building Integrated PV Applications
Fraunhofer’s Daniel Kutzleben revealed how matrix shingle modules can transform building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). These modules overcome shading and design limits of conventional panels, enabling more flexible, high-performance facades and roofs.
In SPHINX’s pilot production campaign, over 4,500 modules were built and tested. By optimizing adhesives and production methods, the team cut defects dramatically (from 18% down to 1%), boosting throughput and achieving roof-tile modules with higher power output. These results mark a major step towards scalable, high-yield BIPV production, bringing solar closer to every building surface.
