The 11th Slovenian Photovoltaic Conference concluded yesterday at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana (UL FE). The event provided participants with insights into the latest technologies, achievements, and best practices in the field of photovoltaics. The conference was opened by Professor Dr Marko Topič, Dean of UL FE, after which a range of speakers introduced current developments and trends in photovoltaics, while also sharing concrete experiences, successful approaches, and exemplary practices in sustainable energy.
Prof. Dr. Topič noted that in 2023, solar power plants accounted for 8% of total electricity production in Slovenia. Preliminary data for 2024 suggests this figure will exceed 10%, placing Slovenia on par with Portugal. Higher shares are currently seen in Germany, Cyprus, Spain, and Greece, with Cyprus having achieved a fivefold increase since 2019, reaching 20%. This demonstrates that photovoltaics and solar power plants represent the fastest path to expanding generation capacity. He also emphasised Slovenia’s growing involvement in international research, marked by a notable increase in scientific publications over the past decade – mostly a result of international cooperation and project-based collaboration. Furthermore, Professor Topič highlighted that photovoltaics not only contributes to mitigating climate change and building competitiveness in sustainable energy but also ensures electricity supply and, in conjunction with other technologies, helps maintain regulatory grid stability.
Dr Uroš Merc from BISOL highlighted that Slovenia is the only EU country exporting more photovoltaic modules than it imports, and presented the innovative solutions BISOL is offering on the market. Mag. Bogomir Jelenc from ELESA pointed out that key changes in the power sector are related to new types of consumers, with the trend moving towards putting the active prosumer at the centre of the system.
On behalf of the Slovenian Photovoltaic Association, Peter Kumer provided an overview of the sector, critically analysed recent developments, and summarised the factors that have shaped the current situation. He warned that the sector experienced a comparable shock more than a decade ago, when the withdrawal of support mechanisms – under very different circumstances – stalled the industry for over six years. While the causes differ today, a common denominator is the absence of suitable policy responses. He also stressed that poor communication and widespread mistrust across the renewables sector play a major role in the current challenges. Given the state of the sector and Slovenia’s ambitious targets, another halt to development would be unacceptable and would likely result in large-scale contraction, alongside missing strategic energy goals.
The conference continued with a presentation by Simon Čižmek on the challenges faced by HSE in implementing the Družmirje floating solar power plant project. He addressed economic, administrative, social, environmental, and technical issues. Once all necessary approvals are obtained, the project is expected to become the largest floating solar power plant in Europe.
Iztok Gornjak outlined the role of Borzen in supporting and promoting the growth of photovoltaics in Slovenia. On a global scale, solar energy is a key driver of the energy transition. Slovenia, too, has witnessed a significant increase in installed photovoltaic capacity over the last decade. Much of this progress is due to government mechanisms managed by Borzen, including above-market purchase prices for electricity and, since last year, the provision of direct financial incentives for investments in renewable energy sources.
Amid recent reports of fires involving solar power systems, the conference addressed the question of whether photovoltaic (PV) modules pose a fire risk. Associate Professor Dr Marko Jankovec from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering clarified that they do not: “A hot spot within a module alone cannot cause a fire. If modules are installed near flammable materials (such as wood or paper), an electrical arc may ignite a fire – but the module itself will not burn.”
The final section of the conference focused on energy communities. Aleš Jurak from Resalta presented the successful implementation of over 50 solar power plants on public buildings through a public-private partnership with the City of Ljubljana. Miha Berlič from SPL showcased the community solar installation on a residential building at Smoletova 12 in Ljubljana. Mladen Oljača from Gen-I presented their energy community projects, including one in Ajdovščina involving over 200 participants. The final speaker, Dr Matevž Bokalič from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, introduced the virtual energy community and self-supply solar power plants installed on the faculty’s rooftop as part of the AURORA project. These installations are expected to generate 200 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, covering approximately 10% of the faculty’s annual electricity consumption. The event concluded with the ceremonial ribbon-cutting marking the official inauguration of the solar power plants and the closing of this year’s conference.
For more information, please visit: http://slo-pv.fe.uni-lj.si
This article is also available in English at the following link https://www.s3k.si/novice/slovenska-fotovoltaicna-konferenca-soncna-energija-kot-kljuc-trajnostnega-razvoja/
