Karaba (SAPI): The future of photovoltaics will be based on flexibility, accumulation and intelligent connection to the market

The “build and forget” model is definitely a thing of the past

Photovoltaics is no longer just about production volume, but more about timing, flexibility and active interaction with the market. In recent years, we have seen falling solar electricity prices, deteriorating capture rates and increasingly negative prices becoming a structural part of the electricity market.

"Pure photovoltaics, without active management, are therefore increasingly vulnerable and the "build and forget" model is definitely a thing of the past," warns Ján Karaba, director of SAPI.

Battery storage is becoming an intersection of electricity markets
An important topic of today's discussions is also battery storage, which is no longer just a technical addition to projects and is becoming an intersection of electricity markets, support services, network congestion, PPA contracts and financing.

"At the same time, they bring a higher level of complexity, as the value of projects is spread across multiple markets and the difference between a good and a bad business model today often lies not in technology, but in optimization and contractual structure," emphasizes J. Karaba.

Flexible risk-sharing models are gradually becoming the standard
The topic of financing also resonates strongly. Traditional fixed-price PPAs are becoming increasingly difficult to close, while hybrid PV + BESS projects, merchant exposure and flexible risk-sharing models are gradually becoming the standard. Not because they are easier, but because they reflect real market behavior much better.

“Today, therefore, it is no longer a question of whether accumulation makes sense. The key questions are where the value in projects actually comes from, who can capture it and how projects should be structured to remain bankable in an unstable and increasingly saturated market,” adds J. Karaba.