The rise and fall of the sun may be the oldest rhythm in the world, but here at Intersolar Munich, the world’s foremost solar power conference, the rhythm is something else entirely. It’s the rhythm of progress, the rhythm of innovation, and the relentless march of technology. Every year since 2008 (bar the pandemic period), I’ve had the privilege of attending this gathering in the heart of Bavaria. I’ve seen the shifting trends, witnessed the staggering progress, and have had the opportunity to be part of the dialogue steering solar power’s future. Intersolar Munich, the globe’s oldest solar conference, stands as a testament to the industry’s endurance and evolution. From a nascent industry in 2008 to the global force it is today, the pace of change is breathtaking. As a UK-based manufacturing company, we’ve had a front-row seat to these developments and been part of the story.

The memories of 2008 are still vivid, a time when solar technology was at the beginning of its extraordinary journey. The cost was prohibitive for most, making it an ambitious alternative to conventional energy sources. However, we’ve come a long way since then. The rise in prices back in 2008 is a stark contrast to the affordability of solar today. In recent years, there has been a decisive shift. I’ve watched the price of solar drop dramatically, year after year, as technology improves and economies of scale kick in. Today, the landscape has transformed. Solar power isn’t just a clean, renewable source of energy; it’s also now the most affordable.

This seismic shift is underpinned by a metric known as the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE). LCOE calculation, which assesses the average total cost to build and operate a power-generating asset per unit of total electricity generated over the hypothetical lifetime, shows that solar is the cheapest source of electricity in many parts of the world. But the story of solar power isn’t just about economics; it’s also a story about resilience, about a world united by the necessity of clean energy, and a concerted push towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Undeniably, a remarkable development in the solar industry that has caught our attention over the years is the advent and evolution of robotic cleaning and maintenance services. These services streamline solar power plant operations and enhance efficiency, ensuring solar arrays deliver the maximum potential power output. Robots equipped with advanced sensors and AI technology optimise cleaning routines, carefully remove dust and debris, and help maintain the health of the solar panels. They also conduct detailed inspections, pinpointing any operational issues or damage with incredible accuracy. These advancements have not only boosted efficiency and productivity but also enhanced safety and environmental responsibility. As I return from Munich this year, the sense of energy and enthusiasm is palpable. There’s a sense that we’re part of something big, something transformational. We’re not just observers in the unfolding story of solar power – we are active participants, shaping the future of energy. Solar power has come of age. It’s matured from a promising alternative to the mainstream energy source we see today, recognised for its affordability and crucial role in our battle against climate change. Here’s to the future of solar power, and here’s to many more years of progress, innovation, and success at Intersolar Munich. We can’t wait to see where the journey takes us next.