Translating the energy transition into practice: Solar Solutions provides answers

As an architect or specifier, you are reminded almost daily that the energy transition is moving forward at breakneck speed. So it is important to keep up as much as possible. A unique opportunity to gather a wealth of information in one and the same place will be available on 2 and 3 October in Kortrijk Xpo. That is when the second Belgian edition of Solar Solutions takes place, a trade fair that puts the spotlight on precisely this energy transition. Solar Solutions will focus on four pillars: energy storage, EV charging infrastructure, sustainable heating and solar energy.

Solar Solutions Kortrijk is part of the Solar Solutions Europe initiative, a joint venture between Good! Events & Media from the Netherlands and Xpo Group from Belgium. It is part of a success formula with editions in Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Bremen, Leipzig and soon Turin. As with the other editions, Solar Solutions Kortrijk is aimed at a diverse, professional audience, including installers, developers and various sustainable professionals, such as architects.

For professionals only

‘Our initiative is unique because it offers professionals the chance to prepare themselves properly for the future by detecting innovations and market trends and maintaining contacts with (new) suppliers,’ we are told by Kortrijk exhibition manager Annick Pycarelle, ’For Solar Solutions, we are joining forces with various partners. For the Belgian edition, this includes close cooperation with ODE, the Flemish organisation for renewable energy, which will be present with sector federations PV Flanders, the Heat Pump Platform and the Warmtenetwerk Vlaanderen and EDORA, the Walloon federation for renewable energy.’

The bare figures illustrate the rapid pace of the energy transition. They illustrate how solar energy plays a crucial role in it, especially in the residential sector. For instance, we note how the EU had already installed 260 GW of solar panels in 2023, with targets of 320 GW in 2025 and 600 GW in 2030. Translated specifically to the Belgian market, we notice dynamic growth, with a 72% increase in new installed capacity by 2023, putting Belgium in eighth place globally.

Annick Pycarelle: ‘You should also not forget the growth in the market for renewable heating systems. We recorded a growth of no less than 68% last year, while sales of central heating boilers dropped significantly. The number of fully electric cars doubled within a year in Belgium, with companies owning 80% of these vehicles. In addition, interest in storage and energy management systems continues to grow. This not only reflects the development of the market, but also illustrates the growing awareness and investment in integrated sustainable energy solutions.’

‘To make the visit as manageable as possible, we let Solar Solutions rely on four pillars. This does not mean that four separate zones have been delineated, the offerings of each pillar are interwoven throughout the exhibition plan, which at the same time illustrates how everything is increasingly interconnected. The SOLAR pillar covers everything about the latest solar panels, smart inverters and user-friendly mounting systems. GREEN HVAC refers mainly to different types of (hybrid) heat pumps, while the Smart Storage pillar refers to energy storage solutions for both business and residential users. Finally, EV Charging covers everything needed to install charging facilities for electric transport.’

30 seminar sessions

On the exhibition floor, more than 110 exhibitors will be showing their best. It will all be framed by no fewer than 30 seminar sessions, where independent experts will share their knowledge and vision on the future of Solar, Storage, EV and HVAC applications.

Annick Pycarelle: ‘It almost goes without saying that the expected growth of the renewable energy sector will result in higher demand and commercialisation of innovations. PV panels are improving, new types of panels are entering the market, the battery storage sector is growing... Solar Solutions Kortrijk offers you the opportunity to learn about the latest innovations and trends and prepare yourself for the changing market.’

‘As a visitor, you choose from the extensive programme what is most relevant to you. To name just a few seminar topics: dealing with surplus solar energy, increasing self-consumption, the role of the heat pump in the Belgian energy system, examining whether roofs should be (more) full or whether steering and storage should be used instead, an analysis of the predicted market developments for the solar, storage & EV market in Belgium and Europe, and so on. All this should contribute to a more general search for holistic solutions for a more sustainable future. We are aiming for at least 6,000 visitors with Solar Solutions, which promises to make this second edition the largest trade fair for renewable energy in Belgium.’

Plan your visit

Just like the previous edition, Solar Solutions Kortrijk will host the (second) Belgian edition of the European Solar Games. At the Games, craftsmanship, safety and speed during the installation of solar panels on a model home will be assessed. A tip for a possible starting point of your visit: start at the Innovation Boulevard. Here you will see the most innovative technologies, divided into several categories, with the best product from the total offering being awarded a Best Innovation Award.

Free registration

Access to Solar Solutions is exclusively for a specialist audience from the renewable energy sector. Would you like to attend for free? Then use the invitation code ARCHI24 during your registration at www.solarsolutionskortrijk.be.