Solar Energy and Storage: SMA and Global Solar Council Release White Paper Redefining the Future of Global Power Grids

At Climate Week in New York, the SMA and the Global Solar Council presented the document “Connecting the Sun,” which proposes a transformation of the electricity grid to integrate solar energy and storage in a smart and sustainable way.

Connecting the Sun: The New Global Vision for Solar and Storage

During Climate Week in New York, SMA Solar Technology and the Global Solar Council (GSC) took a decisive step toward the future of clean energy. The global organization launched the Position Paper on Grids and Storage – Connecting the Sun, with the participation of Eric Quiring, Director Global Public Affairs at SMA Solar Technology, who serves as the study's author.

The report presents a clear and practical vision of how governments, regulators, and system operators can prepare electricity grids for a new paradigm: the integration of solar and storage. This combination, according to the GSC, will be the foundation of a clean, reliable, and affordable energy mix for communities worldwide.

Modern Power Grids: The Essential Link for the Energy Transition

Currently, outdated power grids are the main bottleneck in the global energy transition. Even with the rapid expansion of solar generation and battery systems, projects face delays, congestion, and power outages, compromising climate and energy security goals.

The GSC document, supported by the SMA, proposes a bold action plan to modernize electricity infrastructure and unlock the full potential of solar energy. Key recommendations include:

1. Investment in supergrids and regional interconnections to balance energy supply across different regions;

   
   

2. Scaling of grid-forming technologies, which stabilize the electricity system and enable greater integration of renewable sources;

   
   

3. Energy market reforms, ensuring that storage and distributed generation solutions are fully valued;

   
   

4. Active participation of local communities, ensuring a just and inclusive transition.

Solar Energy, Storage, and Intelligence: The Integrated Energy Future

SMA, one of the world's leading solar technology companies, has played a strategic role in creating solutions that connect generation, storage, and intelligent energy management. For the company, the solar + storage concept is no longer a trend; it's the new standard for ensuring a stable, 24-hour supply at low cost and zero emissions.

"From complementary technology to integrated solutions, solar and storage together are reshaping the future of energy," highlighted Eric Quiring of the SMA during the report's launch.

The GSC Grid & Storage Task Force, with technical and institutional support from the SMA and partners in the global solar supply chain, developed the document to help policymakers and investors advance in a coordinated manner toward a modern and flexible electricity system.

Investment and Planning: The Foundation for an Efficient Transition

According to estimates from the International Energy Agency (IEA), investment in electricity grids needs to nearly double by 2030, exceeding US$600 billion annually. This effort is essential to synchronize the expansion of solar capacity with the strengthening of transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Well-planned projects will help avoid losses, reduce generation outages, and create predictability for investors, driving the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Conclusion: The energy of the future is already being connected

With the launch of Connecting the Sun, the Global Solar Council, in partnership with SMA, ushers in a new phase in the global energy transition. The integration of solar energy and storage is no longer just a technological promise, but a concrete strategy for transforming global electricity grids.

📄 To learn more and access the full GSC document: 👉 Download the Grid & Storage Position Paper – Connecting the Sun

Director Global Public Affairs at SMA Solar Technology, SMA Solar Technology AG