SolarPower Europe has released two landmark reports outlining best practices to ensure the long-term technical excellence, safety and financial viability of large-scale hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects across Europe.
The publications include the first-ever Technical Due Diligence (TDD) Best Practice Guidelines for hybrid utility-scale solar PV and battery systems, alongside Version 3.0 of its updated Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Best Practice Guidelines. Together, the reports provide a comprehensive framework to support stakeholders in evaluating feasibility, bankability, risk exposure and performance across the full lifecycle of hybrid projects.
Focus on Quality, Risk Management and Bankability
The new TDD Guidelines introduce a structured methodology for conducting robust and transparent due diligence—or “health checks”—through independent engineers or technical advisors. The aim is to safeguard project integrity, sustainability and long-term reliability while strengthening investor confidence.
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, said quality hybrid solar and storage projects are central to Europe’s clean energy transition.
“These landmark reports will support the sector in building and maintaining high-calibre hybrid solar projects with flexibility and confidence, while driving Europe’s solar transformation forward,” she stated.
Expanded EPC Guidance for Hybrid Systems
The revised EPC Best Practice Guidelines place stronger emphasis on risk management, occupational health and safety, and construction readiness. The third edition includes expanded chapters covering electrical safety standards, workforce skills requirements, responsible procurement practices, ESG audits and traceability mechanisms.
It also provides additional guidance tailored specifically to hybrid PV + battery storage engineering, delivery and commissioning processes, ensuring projects are fully prepared for commercial operation.
Timo Franz, Head of Project Business Europe at Astronergy and Chair of SolarPower Europe’s Lifecycle Quality Workstream, said the updated guidelines establish clear standards for evaluating, designing and delivering robust hybrid systems.
“They strengthen quality, safety and long-term performance at a crucial moment for Europe’s energy transition,” he noted.
Biodiversity, Worker Safety and Cybersecurity
The reports also highlight emerging best practices in construction innovation and sustainability. For example, they reference robotic solar module installation systems to reduce heavy repetitive lifting and enhance worker safety.
On biodiversity, the guidelines recommend minimizing soil sealing, preserving existing vegetation, and incorporating ecological features such as hedges and wildlife passages to protect habitats.
Cybersecurity measures are also addressed, advising project developers to implement secure logins and segregated digital networks to safeguard control systems from interference.
Wojtek Swietochowski, General Manager at ABO Energy and Vice-Chair of the Lifecycle Quality Workstream, emphasized that common standards are essential as hybrid PV and storage systems reshape Europe’s energy landscape. He added that the guidelines help ensure reliable performance while protecting workers, biodiversity and investor expectations.
Kangqiao Huang, Senior Director of Policy Research and Public Affairs at CATL and Vice-Chair of the Workstream, said the sector-wide collaboration has resulted in systematic assessment frameworks covering both technical due diligence and EPC phases. She noted that standardized norms and storage integration models will streamline deployment processes and accelerate Europe’s transition toward a resilient and sustainable energy future.
Strengthening Europe’s Hybrid Solar Growth
With hybrid PV and battery systems playing an increasingly critical role in grid flexibility and energy security, SolarPower Europe’s updated guidance aims to enhance transparency, reduce risk exposure and improve project quality across the continent.
The organization said sustained adherence to high technical, environmental and safety standards will be essential as Europe scales up hybrid solar and storage installations to meet its climate and energy targets.
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