"The Global PV Production Landscape: Technology Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities"
Dr. Radovan Kopecek
International Solar Energy Research Center Konstanz e.V.
Dr Radovan Kopecek received his diploma in physics from the University of Stuttgart in 1998 and he obtained a Master of Science degree in 1995 at the Portland State University (Oregon). In 2002, he completed his doctoral thesis in Konstanz in the field of crystalline thin-film photovoltaics.
Until the end of 2006, he was group leader for n-type cell technology at the University of Konstanz. As one of the founders of ISC Konstanz, Dr Kopecek has been a full-time manager and researcher at the institute since 2007. He was the Managing Director, CTO and Head of the Advanced Solar Cells department until June 2023 and head of the Strategy and Education department since July 2023. Dr Kopecek is the author of several books and more than 200 articles and holds several patents for the production of n-type PV technologies. He is the organizer of several workshops that he started in Konstanz, such as nPV, bifiPV, tandemPV and BCworkshop.
The keynote presentation will take place on Monday, June 9, 2025, during the IEEE PVSC 53 Welcome Session.
The global photovoltaic (PV) production landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as various countries strive to enhance their local manufacturing capabilities in response to China's dominant position in the market. Nations such as India, the United States, Türkiye, and members of the European Union are actively pursuing initiatives to establish their own production facilities, motivated by the need for energy security and economic independence. Since 2020, bifacial PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) technology has emerged as the leading solution in the energy market, fostering a more diversified and competitive global PV manufacturing sector. As of 2024, n-type technology, particularly TOPCon, is becoming the next mainstream driver in the Chinese production landscape. Furthermore, new bifacial cell technologies are being swiftly introduced to the market, enhancing the previously dominant TOPCon technology. These rapid shifts in technology contribute to a complex and dynamic production landscape. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of current technology trends, the challenges faced by emerging producers, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Additionally, it will explore the implications of intellectual property concerns, geopolitical factors, and economic conditions on the future of PV production, resulting in a vibrant and multifaceted manufacturing environment worldwide.