With solutions ranging from solar and energy storage technologies to electric mobility and smart integration, the winners of The smarter E AWARD 2025 brought 15 new innovative solutions that aim to transform the way the world deals with renewable energy.
The smarter E AWARD distributed awards in five categories: Photovoltaic, Energy Storage, E-Mobility, Integrated Smart Energy and Outstanding Projects. In each of these categories, three winners were selected. Check it out
Photovoltaics: innovations in efficiency and planning
In the Photovoltaic category, the winners include 7Secondsolar with AUTOPV, a software that, using a cloud platform, automates the planning process for large PV plant installations, cutting costs and work time by half. The software allows real-time adjustments and quick comparisons of different configurations, speeding up the installation process.
Another major winner was Longi Solar Technology with the Hi-MO X10 solar module, which combines a rear- solar cell architecture with innovative technology, resulting in a module with 670 watts of output and 24,8% efficiency. The design innovation reduces shading losses and reduces the risk of fires, while also optimizing the system’s energy yield.
Finally, the Weidmüller Interface took home the award with PV Inline, a compact and efficient surge protection, ideal for photovoltaic systems that are difficult to access, such as those installed on rooftops.
Energy storage: sustainable and long-term solutions
In the Energy Storage category, CMBlu Energy stood out with the SolidFlow Organic battery, which combines high performance with reduced environmental impact. This long-term storage system uses recyclable organic materials and is designed to be safe, non-flammable and highly efficient, with up to 20.000 charge cycles.
Hydrostor, a Canadian company, was also awarded for its compressed air energy storage (A-CAES) technology, which offers an emission-free energy storage alternative with a lifespan of up to 50 years and a significantly high energy density. Hydrostor’s innovation was to use hard rock caverns to store the compressed air, resulting in less land and water use.
Another significant winner was Samsung SDI, which won with its U8A1 battery, designed to provide five minutes of backup in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. The innovation enables ultra-fast response time with high thermal stability, ideal for critical environments such as hospitals and data centers.
E-mobility: driving electric mobility with innovation
The E-Mobility category recognized Friedrich GmbH for the URBANROOF, a solar carport that maximizes the photovoltaic area for charging electric vehicles, combining modular design with sustainability. The URBANROOF can generate up to 60% more energy than traditional carports and offers environmentally friendly solutions such as screw foundations instead of concrete.
Samsung SDI also received the award for its No Thermal Propagation technology, which reduces the risk of thermal failure in electric vehicle battery modules. This innovation has the potential to significantly increase the safety and reliability of traction batteries, making electric mobility even safer.
In the same category, the Kehua Tech Kehua Tech has distinguished itself with its 40kW high-efficiency charging module for electric vehicle fast charging stations, which utilizes silicon carbide (SiC) technology. Kehua Tech has been able to optimize charging efficiency and reduce standby power consumption, providing a cost-effective and durable solution for the growing EV charging infrastructure.
Integrated Smart Energy: Smart Solutions for a Sustainable Grid
In the Integrated Smart Energy category, the Fenecon Energy Management System (FEMS) was awarded for its modular and intelligent approach to energy management. The system enables autonomous visualization and control of battery storage systems, solar inverters, heat pumps and EV charging stations, optimizing operation and reducing costs.
Toscano, a Spanish company, was also recognized for its COMBI-PRO-MAX, a compact backup system for solar and battery systems. The device ensures continuous operation during power outages, offering a practical and cost-effective solution for consumers seeking a more robust power source.
Utiligize was awarded for its Forecast & Investment platform, which uses AI-based forecasting models to optimize grid planning and reduce investment costs, helping grid operators efficiently manage distributed energy sources.
Featured projects: social and environmental impact
The Outstanding Projects award was presented to several notable initiatives, including Phaesun’s BeCool project, which provides solar cooling solutions to local markets in the Lake Victoria region of Kenya. Using solar power, the project enables small-scale traders to store fresh produce sustainably, without the need for upfront investment.
Longi Hydrogen received the award for its green hydrogen project for the steel industry in the Chinese city of Qinhuangdao, which replaces fossil fuels with zero-carbon energy for blast furnace smelting.
Finally, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) was awarded for its BiFlow project, which combines electricity and heat storage with innovative battery technologies in a student dormitory, significantly reducing energy costs and CO2 emissions.
Intersolar Europe: flexible solutions and the future of the European energy system
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