Overhead flat-lay photograph of a close-up solar panel array at sunset, blue sky with a warm glowing sun on the horizon, soft teal and gold gradient tones.

PVSEC-31

31st International Photovoltaic Science and Engineering Conference — December 2021, Sydney, Australia.

Welcome to PVSEC-31

PVSEC-31 is the 31st International Photovoltaic Science and Engineering Conference, convened in Sydney, Australia in December 2021. The conference brought together researchers, engineers, and industry professionals working across the photovoltaic field.

Free Session Access Passes were available for the Welcome session on Monday 13 December at 11:00am AEDT and the dedicated 100% Renewable Energy Session on Tuesday 14 December at 12:00pm AEDT, alongside the Opening Plenary.

Registration was managed through Arinex Eventsair. For enquiries, contact pvsec31@pvsec-31.com.

Explore the program, meet the speakers, or review the organising committee.

Overhead flat-lay photograph of solar panel cells showing reflective blue grid lines and a calm, technological texture.

Conference Program Highlights

Featured sessions and resources available to PVSEC-31 attendees.

Plan Your Participation

Registration for PVSEC-31 was administered by Arinex Eventsair. View the registration portal for session access passes and full program registration details. Common questions are addressed on the FAQ page.

Sponsorship and exhibition packages were offered to organisations wishing to engage with the photovoltaic community. See sponsorship & exhibition opportunities or review the awards program recognising contributions to the field.

The International Photovoltaic Science and Engineering Conference has long served as a vital meeting point for the global solar energy community. Researchers, engineers, and industry leaders gather to share breakthroughs in photovoltaic technology, discuss emerging trends, and explore pathways toward a more sustainable energy future. Each edition of the conference builds on decades of collaborative progress, reflecting the growing importance of solar power in the worldwide transition to renewable sources.

Photovoltaic science sits at the intersection of materials research, electrical engineering, and environmental stewardship. Advances in cell efficiency, novel materials, and manufacturing processes continue to reshape what is possible in solar energy generation. Conferences such as this one provide an essential forum for presenting peer-reviewed findings, exchanging technical insights, and fostering the kind of cross-disciplinary dialogue that accelerates real-world adoption of photovoltaic systems.

A well-designed conference program balances plenary presentations with focused technical sessions, ensuring that attendees can engage with both broad visionary talks and deeply specialised discussions. The inclusion of dedicated sessions on topics such as fully renewable energy systems reflects the evolving priorities of the photovoltaic sector, where integration, storage, and grid-level considerations are now as important as cell-level innovations.

The shift toward hybrid and virtual conference formats has transformed how the international photovoltaic community connects. While in-person gatherings offer irreplaceable opportunities for spontaneous conversation and networking, online access has broadened participation, allowing researchers from remote and island nations to contribute their perspectives without the barrier of long-distance travel. This blend of formats helps democratise knowledge sharing.

Island nations and territories face unique energy challenges that make photovoltaic technology particularly relevant. Many rely heavily on imported fuels, making the transition to locally generated solar power both an economic and an environmental imperative. Conference discussions that include perspectives from these regions enrich the global conversation and highlight the diverse contexts in which solar solutions are being deployed.

The role of an organising committee extends well beyond logistics. Curating a meaningful program involves identifying emerging research themes, inviting speakers whose work pushes boundaries, and structuring sessions to promote healthy, varied discussion. A thoughtfully assembled committee brings together expertise from across the photovoltaic landscape, ensuring that the conference reflects the full breadth of the field.

Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities form an important part of the photovoltaic conference ecosystem. Industry supporters and technology exhibitors connect directly with the research community, showcasing the latest equipment, materials, and commercial applications. These interactions help bridge the gap between laboratory-scale discoveries and market-ready solar products, strengthening the entire innovation pipeline.

Abstract submission and peer review are foundational to the scientific value of any research conference. Authors present their latest findings to an audience of informed peers, receiving feedback that sharpens future work. The collection of accepted papers and presentations forms a snapshot of the field at a given moment, documenting the questions, methods, and results that are shaping photovoltaic science and engineering.

Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region represent a dynamic context for photovoltaic conferences. High solar irradiance, growing energy demand, and strong research institutions make the area a natural hub for solar energy development. Hosting an international gathering in this region draws attention to both local achievements and the global collaborations that underpin progress in renewable energy technology.

Looking beyond the conference itself, the connections formed during these events often seed long-term research partnerships and international projects. Informal conversations over session breaks can spark new ideas, while structured networking opportunities help early-career researchers find mentors and collaborators. The ripple effects of a well-convened photovoltaic conference extend far into the future of solar energy science.