For UK Solar Week, running before Solar & Storage Live UK, we interviewed Luigi Bariani – the Business Development Manager at Power Electronics in the UK and Ireland.
With over 15 years of international experience in the energy sector, Luigi has successfully managed various roles across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. His extensive background enables him to foster strategic partnerships and accelerate the adoption of innovative renewable energy solutions.
Luigi is a key driver of growth for Power Electronics, a role for which his deep understanding of global energy markets and his ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams are essential.
Can you talk to us about Power Electronics’ role in the storage industry, and how it interacts with the company’s role as a leading solar inverter manufacturer?
Our role in the storage industry is deeply intertwined with our legacy as a leader in solar inverters. For us, these two technologies are inseparable.
The massive growth in solar projects has created an urgent need for grid stabilisation and flexibility, and that’s where energy storage becomes critical. Power Electronics is uniquely positioned to address this because we’ve been at the forefront of power electronics technology for decades.
Our expertise in managing the flow of solar energy allows us to build superior energy storage solutions that work seamlessly with solar systems. Ultimately, we don’t just see ourselves as a solar inverter manufacturer and a separate storage company; we see ourselves as a provider of comprehensive, cohesive solutions that are essential for building a robust and resilient energy grid.
What achievements have your solar projects delivered that you’re particularly proud of?
We’re proud of many things, but what stands out most is the collective impact of our work. Over 37 years, we’ve carried out more than 3,000 solar and energy storage projects globally, contributing over 120GW of commissioned AC power.
This is a massive number that translates into a tangible, positive environmental impact – preventing the release of more than 119 million tons of CO2. We are particularly proud of our regional leadership across America, Oceania, and Europe, which speaks to the trust and reliability our partners place in us.
While any single project is a testament to our engineering and execution, the sheer scale of our collective contribution to the global energy transition is our greatest achievement.
What trends or changes are you seeing in the industry, and how is Power Electronics adapting to them?
The most significant trend we’re witnessing is the shift toward a more decentralised and flexible grid. The move away from large, centralised power plants is driving a need for intelligent, responsive technologies. Power Electronics is adapting by focusing on three key areas: Grid Forming integrated solutions, scalability, and local manufacturing.
Our PCSM GEN3 PLUS, which we showcased at the exhibition, is a perfect example of this. It’s an advanced 100% European system that integrates both the transformer and power conversion cells into a single unit, which is our answer to the market’s need for greater efficiency and a compact footprint.
Furthermore, our commitment to providing state-of-the-art electric mobility solutions demonstrates our understanding that the future of energy extends beyond the grid and into transportation.
As an energy storage company and a manufacturer based in Valencia, what insights can you provide into Spain’s blackout in late April?
Such events serve as a powerful reminder of the paramount importance of grid stability and resilience. They highlight the urgent need for flexible and distributed resources that can respond instantaneously to disruptions. This is precisely the role of battery energy storage systems.
They act as a stabilising force, providing quick-response power to balance the grid and prevent widespread outages. The incident underscores that as we integrate more renewables, investing in a robust energy storage infrastructure is not just an option – it’s an absolute necessity for Spain’s energy security.
How did you find your experience at Solar & Storage Live España, what are your main takeaways and what do you expect from the 2026 edition?
Serving as Title Sponsors at the inaugural Solar & Storage Live España, right here in our home city of Valencia, was an incredibly rewarding experience. Our main takeaway is that there is an immense appetite for collaborative innovation in Spain’s energy sector.
We leveraged this platform to lead the conversation, showcase our cutting-edge solutions, and connect directly with key stakeholders. The quality of the conversations and the clear commitment to the energy transition from everyone in attendance were truly inspiring. Looking ahead to the 2026 edition, we expect to build on this momentum.
We hope to see an even larger event that continues to foster these vital relationships and provides a stage for the next generation of technologies that will drive Spain’s energy future.
UK Solar Week marks the leadup to Solar & Storage Live UK, taking place 23 – 25 September. Haven’t registered yet? Don’t miss out on your free ticket by securing your place here.
