Green energy in 2026 and what the solar industry can expect – comments from Smart Solar Technologies experts – part I

2026-05-053 min.

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After a turbulent 2025, in which the world added a record 600 GW of solar capacity, the photovoltaic sector enters its “great reconfiguration” phase in 2026. The time of chaotic growth has been replaced with disciplined strategies, and the focus changes from simply installing panels to constructing intelligent, integrated energy systems. And while Europe balanced between overflowing storage facilities and ambitious climate goals, the industry searches for a new balance in pricing and supply chains. In this context, technological advantages and regional independence turn in the new separation line between market leaders and market followers. In a dialogue between engineers from Smart Solar Technologies, part of the Smart Energy Group, we discussed the most important topics in the renewable energy industry for 2026.

What are your predictions for 2026 regarding the development of the worldwide photovoltaic sector?

Up to 2026, the global photovoltaic market will remain stable after the construction of over 600 GW during 2025, but the dynamic between pricing is entering a transitional phase. In the short term, stockpiles in Europe continue to put pressure on prices. However, the gradual withdrawal of export incentives by China, combined with capacity rationalization, is tightening global cost structures and is likely to reverse this trend during the year.

What are the leading cellular technologies currently? In which areas is Smart Solar investing?

The industry has decisively turned toward n-type technologies, lead by solar cells TOPCon, which highlights HJT technology to ensure the next level of energy efficiency. To this day, Smart Solar Technologies focuses on production on an industrial level of this type of cell. We plan to create an additional production capacity of 1,400 MW for TOPCon cells, which will be put into operation in the first half of 2026.