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Huawei Unveils Top 10 Trends in Smart PV and Energy Storage for 2026

On January 13, 2026, Huawei Digital Power hosted an event showcasing the Top 10 Trends in Smart Photovoltaics (PV) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS), focusing on key advancements that are set to shape the renewable energy landscape in the coming years. The theme of the event was "Forming Networks for All Applications, Unleashing AI Potential, and Shaping Excellence in Advanced Renewable Energy Sources."

Eric Zhong, Vice President and Marketing Director of Huawei's smart PV and ESS product line, presented ten crucial trends supported by a comprehensive white paper. This document outlines insights and practical pathways aimed at expediting the development of solar energy, wind energy, and storage systems as primary sources of energy within renewable power grids, thereby fostering high-quality growth across the entire industry.

Key Trends Highlighted by Huawei

Trend 1: Synergy of PV, Wind Energy, and Energy Storage

The integration of PV and wind energy, combined with energy storage systems, will transform renewable energy sources into predictable, controllable, and stable power supply systems. Future large-scale solar and wind power plants connected with storage systems must exhibit five key characteristics: controllable energy production, cost-effectiveness, independence through 100% renewable energy, full intelligent integration, and a high level of safety and quality throughout their lifecycle.

Trend 2: Grid-Forming ESS for Stability

Grid-forming ESS are becoming essential supports for power grid stability and balance. These systems mitigate fluctuations in renewable energy production, enhance supply stability, and actively participate in energy markets while offering ancillary services like frequency regulation and peak load reduction.

Trend 3: Collaboration Across Energy Production, Network, and Storage

Advanced AI-based dispatch technologies facilitate profound collaboration and effective coordination among power generation, the grid, load management, and energy storage systems, ultimately enhancing regional autonomy and global energy supply coordination.

Trend 4: Transition to AI-Native Solutions in Residential Applications

In residential settings, products are evolving from AI-enabled to AI-native. This shift ensures that artificial intelligence is fully integrated throughout the design, user experience, and operation phases, transitioning from merely maximizing self-consumption to proactively delivering optimal energy solutions.

Trend 5: Increased Power Density in PV and ESS Devices

Over the next few years, it is anticipated that the power density of PV inverters and Power Conversion Systems (PCS) will increase by over 40%, significantly improving the quality and efficiency of PV and ESS systems.

Trend 6: High Voltage and Reliability in Reducing LCOE

Enhancements in voltage resistance of key components and insulating materials will accelerate the shift towards high-voltage architectures while evolving safety approaches from reactive to proactive measures.

Trend 7: Comprehensive Battery Management for Safety

Digital technologies are being employed for precise and reliable battery management at both the cell and system levels. This approach is crucial for achieving higher discharge capabilities, enhanced safety, longer lifespan, and simplified operation and maintenance of ESS, becoming a primary requirement for high-quality energy storage solutions.

Trend 8: Maturing Grid-Forming Technologies

Grid-forming ESS are evolving from passive roles to active network architects in the power system. These technologies aim to go beyond singular functions towards deeply integrated, system-wide applications.

Trend 9: Automation of Renewable Energy Plants Through AI Agents

AI agents will increasingly be integrated into renewable energy plants, allowing for seamless automation of operations through synergy across cloud, edge networks, and devices.

Trend 10: Quantifying Security to Enhance Safety Capabilities

The safety of ESS is shifting from sample-based assessments to comprehensive, lifecycle-level evaluations. By defining measurable safety metrics and continuously improving capabilities to meet industry standards, persistent safety challenges can be effectively addressed.

Conclusion

The insights presented by Huawei Digital Power not only reflect the current advancements in technology but also outline a roadmap for future developments in the renewable energy sector. As these trends unfold, they are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring a sustainable, efficient, and safe energy future.