08/06/2026
We recently attended SNEC 2026 in Shanghai, one of the world’s largest and most influential solar and energy exhibitions.
The event showcased an impressive range of innovations from leading brands that are well established within the Australian market, including Sungrow, Sigenergy, GoodWe, Aiko and Trina and many more. It was encouraging to see the continued investment these manufacturers are making in advancing renewable energy technologies and product performance.
One particularly interesting development was seeing Clenergy, a highly respected and recommended manufacturer of racking and mounting solutions, expanding its focus into the battery storage sector. This demonstrates the growing convergence of solar, storage and energy management technologies.
GoodWe also drew attention with its sleek all-black heat pump range, highlighting the increasing emphasis on both performance and product aesthetics.
What stood out most, however, was the rapid advancement of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), along with coloured solar panels and custom frame solutions. These technologies are opening new possibilities for architects, builders and homeowners who want renewable energy systems to integrate seamlessly into building design.
China continues to lead the world in solar innovation and manufacturing, and the technologies on display clearly demonstrated the pace at which the industry is evolving. It also highlighted how much opportunity remains for markets such as Australia to adopt and implement these emerging solutions.
Another standout innovation was the increasing use of large drones for commercial solar installations. Several exhibitors demonstrated heavy-lift drone technology capable of transporting and positioning solar panels onto rooftops, significantly improving safety and efficiency on large-scale commercial projects. As labour shortages and workplace safety requirements continue to shape the industry, these technologies could play an important role in streamlining rooftop solar installations in the future.
