Bifacial PV modules, string inverters and advanced trackers are becoming the technologies of choice when designing utility-scale solar projects, according to new data from RatedPower.
RatedPower data shows that bifacial modules are now part of more than 90% of utility-scale PV projects prepared on the cloud-based solar design platform, while string inverters account for more than 50% of project simulations.
RatedPower, part of US-based data analytics provider Enverus, says technology trends are reshaping the industry, with bifacial modules expected to reach a 95% market share by 2032.
“Market share is expected to increase from 90% today to 95% in the next decade, driven by performance improvements and material efficiency,” RatedPower said.
In his Global Renewable Energy Trend Report 2026RatedPower also noted that string inverters are increasingly preferred for large-scale solar development, reflecting a shift toward modular and grid-responsive system designs.
“String inverters now hold 54.2% of the utility-scale inverter market, driven by their modular design, ease of installation and cost-effectiveness,” said RatedPower, adding that the data also shows a clear shift towards advanced trackers in large-scale solar projects.
“Single- and dual-axis tracking systems are particularly attractive for ground-mounted PV installations in regions with high direct irradiation, such as the United States, Brazil, Australia and Chile,” the report said.
That was also stated in the report hybridization of solar energy and storage is quickly becoming the model of choice in the energy transition, with industry professionals consistently identifying energy storage, flexible distribution and improved grid coordination as key to protecting project economics.
“Platform data confirms the rapid growth of hybrid solar plus storage projects, from 12% of simulations in 2024 to 20% in Q4 2025, with AC-coupled BESS used in 83% of cases,” RatedPower said. “As hybrid systems mature, they promise to reduce throttling and stabilize networks, provided policies and market structures keep pace.”
Standalone battery storage is also attracting increasing commercial interest, with standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) now accounting for 3% of total simulations.
RatedPower’s 2026 Global Renewable Energy Trends Report is based on data from more than 64,000 solar and storage projects designed over the past five years using the company’s software platform, representing more than 5.1 TW of simulated capacity.
The company said the report provides a data-driven view of how renewable energy markets are evolving as deployment accelerates and system constraints increase.
RatedPower said the study results indicate that global renewable energy momentum remains robust, with renewables on track to supply an estimated 45% of global electricity by 2030, while solar and wind will add almost 1,000 TWh by 2026.
Australia is among the countries with the strongest growth potential and is identified as a high-potential region by 32% of survey respondents. Only China (37%) is displaced, while India (31%), Saudi Arabia (30.1%) and the United States (29.2%) complete the top five.
Despite this momentum, challenges remain, including delays, grid bottlenecks and skills shortages.
“While confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects remains high, grid saturation and instability and licensing and regulation remain the most frequently cited challenges,” RatedPower said. “Importantly, grid concerns remain at high levels for four years in a row, underscoring that congestion and curtailment are becoming structural rather than temporary challenges in high-penetration regions.”
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