Solar energy has become a vital part of the renewable energy mix due to its versatility and falling costs. In 2023, solar accounted for about 4.5% of global energy generation. In 2024, global solar power capacity is projected to increase by about 310 GW, bringing the total installed capacity to approximately 1,370 GW (or 1.37 terawatts) by the end of the year. While solar energy currently has a lower overall installed capacity compared to wind, its scalability, lower installation costs and ability to generate power across different settings—from residential rooftops to large-scale farms—underscore its vital role in the transition to clean energy.

The use of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technology is expanding, though photovoltaic (PV) technology remains the dominant form of solar energy generation. PV systems convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials. When sunlight strikes these cells, it excites electrons, creating an electric current.

CSP systems, however, use mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a small area to heat a fluid, which produces steam that drives a turbine to generate electricity. CSP is typically employed in large-scale solar farms and is most effective in regions with strong, direct sunlight, such as deserts. A key advantage of CSP is its ability to store thermal energy, allowing it to generate electricity even after sunset.

The solar power industry is continuously advancing with the adoption of new technologies aimed at improving efficiency and addressing challenges in energy supply. Bifacial PV panels, which capture sunlight on both sides, are becoming increasingly popular due to their higher energy output compared to traditional monofacial panels. Under optimal conditions, bifacial modules can deliver up to 30% more energy, thanks to its improvements in tracking systems and the use of high-albedo surfaces like desert sand and snow, which enhance reflectivity.

To support future growth in the solar market, the cost of solar storage technologies will need to decrease significantly. At the same time, due to the variability of sunlight hours globally across different seasons, solar power will need to leverage higher-capacity solar batteries to store excess energy during the night and winter months, when generation is lower, ensuring a continuous energy supply to the grid.

The integration of energy storage systems is crucial for managing the intermittent nature of solar power. While lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used, newer technologies such as flow batteries and solid-state batteries offer enhanced longevity and efficiency.

Floating solar farms is another emerging trend, enabling solar panels to be installed in water, which reduces land usage and minimizes water evaporation. Solar power is increasingly being utilized in green hydrogen production, providing a clean energy carrier for decarbonizing sectors like heavy industry and transportation.

Advancements in CSP project designs are opening up new opportunities for specialist heavy lift service providers. With certain CSP towers exceeding 200 meters in height, expert partners for transportation, logistics and installation are in demand. Similarly, the growth scale of new solar PV farms is driving increased demand for logistics services to manage the substantial container volumes required. Medium- to large-scale PV farms often necessitate the shipment of thousands of containers, highlighting the crucial role of efficient logistics in the solar energy sector.

Weather conditions can also complicate logistics, as components are sensitive to extreme temperatures and humidity, potentially leading to damage during transit. The coordination of multi-model transportation—using ships, trucks and planes—adds another layer of complexity, requiring precise timing to avoid costly delays,

The key factors for success in any solar project include a flexible transport management system, safe lifting along with warehousing plans for handling the panels, and a detailed planning of the “final mile” delivery, often to the remote areas. While economy of scale in container freight movement is important for project budgets, the true driver of success is managing a safe, secure and efficient end-to-end supply chain.

deugro, with its extensive experience in managing complex logistics for solar energy projects, demonstrated its expertise during the Solaire Holman Solar Farm Project, which involved the transportation and storage of 5,256 pallets of solar panels for a 50 MW solar plant. Nearly 400 40-foot containers carrying solar panels, steel racking, and components were shipped from multiple international ports to Texas, USA.

A significant challenge occurred when 171 containers arrived withing two weeks instead of the planned five weeks, overwhelming the site’s capacity to handle only eight containers per day. The deugro team swiftly arranged interim storage in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, and Houston, and sourced trucks to avoid demurrage charges. Despite these challenges, deugro successfully delivered all materials damage-free and on schedule. The Solaire Holman Solar Farm plays a highly significant role in the USA’s green energy transition—supplying up to 10.5% of the City of Houston’s electricity.

As solar power capacity continues to rise, innovative logistics solutions are essential to overcoming challenges and ensuring the successful delivery of solar power components. This synergy between cutting-edge technologies and expert logistics is paving the way for a sustainable-energy future.