Solarplaza Summit | Asset Management Europe

Tuesday 7 October 2025


08:30

Registration & Welcome Coffee

09:15

Opening & Welcome by Solarplaza

15 min.


Session 1

Conference Opening

09:30

System Perspective: Navigating the Challenges of Electrification

presentation

20 min.

As electrification accelerates across sectors, grid operators, utilities, and technology providers face mounting challenges in system integration, flexibility, and reliability. This session explores the systemic impacts of large-scale electrification, from infrastructure bottlenecks to policy alignment, and discusses innovative approaches to ensure a stable and sustainable energy transition.
 

Gerrit Jan Schaeffer

IEA PVPS


09:50

Analysts Insight

presentation

20 min.

Get the latest data-driven insights into the current state of the solar and storage market, with a focus on key trends impacting O&M strategies and performance.
 

Sam Wilkinson

S&P Global Commodity Insights


10:10

Navigating Asset Value Volatility in a Shifting Market

panel

40 min.

The European renewable energy market is experiencing a significant shift—from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market—as asset values decline amid increased price cannibalization and power market volatility. This session explores how developers and IPPs are adapting their strategies in response.

With many developers now choosing to hold onto projects and evolve into independent power producers (IPPs), the industry is recalibrating how it approaches long-term value creation. Experts will discuss the drivers behind falling asset values, the impact of merchant exposure, and how volatility is reshaping revenue models. We'll explore emerging solutions such as co-location with BESS, green hydrogen integration, and other innovative approaches to safeguard asset value and stabilize returns.

Torsten Heidemann

Berenberg

moderator

Marta Valien

Foresight Group


10:50

Morning Networking Break

Session 2A

Financial Asset Management

11:30

M&A and Refinancing Opportunities in the European Solar Market

panel

20 min.

Join this panel discussion to explore the latest trends in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and refinancing opportunities across the European solar sector. Topics will include strategies for selling down investment positions post-commissioning, refinancing projects with lower-cost debt after acquisition, and key learnings from recent European transactions. Gain insights into technical due diligence, regulatory developments, legal considerations, and ESG factors that influence investment and refinancing decisions. Industry experts will share their experience navigating the evolving European energy landscape and capital markets.


11:50

Unlocking Financing Opportunities for Solar PV: Strategies for Growth and Investment

20 min.

Join us in this session to explore the evolving landscape of solar PV financing. Learn how to tap into emerging opportunities through innovative financial structures, re-financing, and re-structuring. Gain insights into navigating regulatory changes, optimizing cost forecasting, and leveraging Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to enhance project bankability and long-term financial performance.

Andreas Ditlev Duckert

Obton


12:10

Futureproofing Revenue Strategies for PV and BESS

panel

40 min.

As the European energy market matures and subsidy schemes are phased out, the demand for stable, long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) continues to grow. This session will delve into managing contractual risks, evaluating offtaker creditworthiness, negotiating competitive PPA prices, and mitigating the impact of grid curtailment. Speakers will also explore emerging strategies for hybrid assets (PV+BESS) and the growing relevance of merchant exposure. Get a forward-looking perspective on how to secure and diversify revenue streams in a rapidly changing market environment.
 

Isabelle Bélanger

Coup de Vent

Javier Rubio Abellán

Aukera Energy


Session 2B

Workshop

11:30

Bridging Perspectives: Collaborative Solutions to Cross-Sector Challenges

80 min.

This interactive, roundtable-style session invites attendees from across the value chain—EPCs & Developers, O&M Providers & Asset Owners, and Investors—to engage in a collaborative exchange of perspectives. Participants will be divided into their respective stakeholder groups to discuss how their segment approaches common industry challenges such as underperformance, project delays, or evolving compliance standards.

Each group will be prompted to answer key questions like: “Given Challenge X, how would your group respond or adapt? What are your priorities and constraints?”

The session will culminate in a cross-group sharing exercise where insights are exchanged across tables, helping to uncover disconnects, align priorities, and inspire new approaches to collaboration. Expect candid insights, diverse viewpoints, and opportunities to build mutual understanding in pursuit of more aligned, resilient projects


12:50

Networking Lunch Break

Session 3A

BESS

14:20

Financing Your BESS Projects in a Complex European Market

presentation

20 min.

As battery energy storage systems (BESS) become a core part of the energy transition, securing financing for these projects is increasingly nuanced. This session explores the evolving financial landscape for BESS in Europe—covering various business models, bankability criteria, and risk mitigation strategies. Experts will share insights into structuring viable storage projects, managing market volatility, and building investor confidence without relying on subsidies. Learn how to make your BESS project stand out in a competitive and fast-changing market.
 

moderator

Jon Ferris

LCP Delta


14:40

Maintaining Your BESS Assets: Best Practices for Reliability and Longevity

panel

40 min.

Maximizing the performance and lifespan of battery energy storage assets requires a robust operations and maintenance (O&M) strategy. In this session, technical specialists will present best practices for preventive maintenance, system monitoring, and lifecycle asset management. Attendees will gain practical guidance on minimizing downtime, managing degradation, and ensuring safety and compliance with European regulations. Whether you’re managing standalone or hybrid systems, this session will provide tools to optimise performance and reduce OPEX over time.
 

moderator

Jon Ferris

LCP Delta


Session 3B

Cybersecurity

14:20

Cybersecurity Unplugged: Practical actions to meet new European cybersecurity regulations

presentation

20 min.

This session offers actionable guidance on complying with new EU cybersecurity rules and protecting solar and storage assets. Learn how to identify risks and implement effective safeguards within asset management operations.
 


15:20

Afternoon Networking Break

Session 4

Industry Resilience & Durability

16:00

Mitigating Curtailment & Maximizing Value: Key Drivers of BESS and Hybrid PV Trading Performance

presentation

20 min.

With curtailment becoming a growing concern in several European markets, hybrid PV+BESS systems are increasingly seen as a tool for flexibility and value optimization. This session delves into the operational, technical, and strategic levers that influence trading performance—beyond just market conditions. Topics include EMS optimisation, system availability, data integrity, and dispatch strategy. Speakers will highlight how well-managed hybrid assets can help mitigate curtailment risks and unlock revenue in dynamic and often volatile power markets.
 

 


16:20

From Factory to Field: How QA/QC Drives Solar Project Durability

panel

30 min.

This panel discussion will explore the vital role of implementing a comprehensive Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) program during the pre-manufacturing and manufacturing phases of solar projects. Industry experts will examine how rigorous QA/QC practices help ensure that essential components meet strict quality standards, directly influencing the long-term performance and success of solar assets. Attendees will gain practical insights into proven best practices, common challenges, and effective strategies to ensure reliability and durability from the outset.
 


16:50

Closing Remarks

10 min.


17:00

Networking Drinks

Wednesday 8 October 2025


08:30

Registration & Welcome Coffee

09:15

Opening & Welcome by Solarplaza

15 min.


Session 5

Operations and Maintenance

09:30

Best Practices for Large-Scale Portfolio Strategies

presentation

20 min.

This presentation covers the most effective strategies for managing large-scale solar and storage portfolios. Explore best practices in asset optimization, risk management, and financial performance to ensure long-term success and growth in the competitive renewable energy market.
 


09:50

Over & Underperforming Assets – Optimized Maintenance Strategies

panel

45 min.

This panel will delve into the technical root causes behind solar asset underperformance, from inverter failures and tracker misalignment to cabling issues and persistent soiling. Industry experts will share hands-on insights into diagnosing and resolving these challenges through robust maintenance strategies. Explore how effective vegetation control, thermal inspections, and component-level interventions can enhance system uptime and energy output, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.


10:35

Morning Networking Break

Session 6A

NATCAT

11:30

Improving accuracy of PV Performance measurement: monitoring of weather conditions and PV cell temperature according to the latest IEC 61724 standards

presentation

20 min.

In asset management of PV power plants, there is a central role for Performance Ratio and Performance index measurements. The measurement of weather conditions - in particular solar irradiance - and PV cell temperature are both large contributors to the uncertainty of the measured performance. The presentation comments on best practices and how to implement best-accuracy “Class A” monitoring according to the latest IEC 61724 standards.


11:50

Protecting Solar Assets: Extreme Weather Readiness & Insurance Strategies

panel

45 min.

As extreme weather events become more frequent across Europe, solar asset owners must adopt smarter strategies for risk mitigation and recovery. This session explores best practices for integrating weather alerts into operational planning, securing panel stowage, and incorporating guidance from OEMs and insurers. We'll also examine the use of drones for post-event damage assessments and discuss how to navigate rising insurance costs in a tightening market. Gain practical insights into strengthening your disaster preparedness, safeguarding assets, and ensuring project bankability amid growing climate-related risks.
 

moderator

Felix Hübner


Session 6B

AI in Renewables

11:30

Breaking Down The Black Box of Artificial Intelligence for O&M

presentation

20 min.

Word of the year in 2023 - “AI'' was chosen because it “has accelerated at such a fast pace and become the dominant conversation of 2023”. This presentation provides an introduction to the general concept of AI from industry buzzwords to clear terms and examples.


11:50

Where to optimize and maximize? Fitting AI into your business case

45 min.

Join us for a dynamic workshop focusing on the integration of AI technology for optimizing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and Asset Management in the solar industry. Gain practical insights from solution providors and experienced implementers into where AI can fit into your business case.


12:35

Networking Lunch Break

Session 7A

Repowering and C&I

14:10

Repowering: Unlocking the Potential for Solar Asset Optimization

presentation

20 min.

Repowering offers a strategic pathway for optimizing aging solar assets, boosting performance, and extending operational lifespans. This session explores the latest technologies and best practices in repowering, from module upgrades to inverters and balance of system improvements. Learn how asset owners and operators can leverage repowering to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize returns on their investments.
 


14:30

Tackling O&M Complexities in C&I Solar Projects

panel

40 min.

This session will explore the unique operational and maintenance challenges of commercial and industrial solar systems. From balancing cost-effective installations with long-term quality assurance to managing varied ownership models and stakeholder expectations, panelists will offer real-world strategies for keeping systems running efficiently. We’ll also examine the integration of complementary technologies—such as EV charging—into smart energy ecosystems, and the pros and cons of in-house versus third-party O&M approaches.


Session 7B

AI in O&M and AgriPV

14:10

Augmented perception: the role of AI as decision support in the grid

presentation

20 min.

In this presentation, we explore a case study into how AI can support with one of the challenges facing the renewable industry and gain an inside perspective on how AI driven decision making will impact the future of the power system.


14:30

Unlocking Dual Land Use: Agrivoltaics in Action

panel

40 min.

This session explores the practical potential of agrivoltaics across diverse agricultural settings—from crop cultivation to livestock grazing. Through real-world case studies from both developers and farmers, we’ll examine how Agri-PV systems can enhance land productivity and create new value streams. The discussion will also address key considerations such as insurance solutions and the regulatory frameworks that influence project viability and long-term success.


15:10

Afternoon Networking Break

Session 8

Closing Session

15:50

Closing the Loop: Advancing PV and BESS Recycling for a Circular Energy Future

presentation

20 min.

With solar panels and battery systems approaching the end of their lifecycles at scale, the need for robust, cost-effective recycling solutions is more pressing than ever. This session will explore the full spectrum of challenges and opportunities in PV and BESS recycling—from material traceability and supply chain transparency to the role of policy, lead markets, and emerging technologies.

We'll also bring in the investor lens, examining how ESG goals and sustainable finance are driving demand for circular practices. Learn how aligning environmental responsibility with economic feasibility can unlock new value streams and reduce risk across the asset lifecycle.


16:10

Grid Optimization for a Climate-Neutral Europe

10 min.

Achieving climate neutrality requires a smarter, more flexible grid. This session explores key upgrades, digital tools, and regulatory shifts needed to optimize Europe’s grid and support a renewable-powered future.
 


16:20

Closing Remarks

10 min.


16:30

Networking Drinks

Need any help?

Send us an email; we’d be more than happy to help.

Tor Jörgensen
Business Developer

For practical questions regarding our activities:

[email protected]

Sabine Dhevaraj
Event Procurement & Support Team Lead

For practical questions regarding our activities:

[email protected]

Duygu Özer de Kruijf
Project Manager

For practical questions regarding our activities:

[email protected]