On 24th June 2026, Pluginfo took part in the 2nd edition of the Plug-In Solar Conference 2026 in Munich, held alongside Intersolar Europe. This conference dedicated to plug-in energy technologies was once again organised by Bundesverband Steckersolar e.V. (BVSS), the German association for plug-in photovoltaics. The event brought together industry representatives, regulators, public authorities, associations and civil society organisations to discuss the development of this emerging technology across Europe.
A call for European harmonisation of plug-in technologies
Arnaud Etienne of Pluginfo participated in the panel discussion “A Call for EU Harmonization”, alongside other European experts as well as Mariana Mesquita from the European Commission's DG ENER and Michael Bloss, Member of the European Parliament.
The discussion provided an opportunity for BVSS to highlight the key arguments behind their call for a harmonized European framework for plug-in photovoltaics and storage (PIPVS). It also explored the gradual integration of plug-in technologies into the broader European energy transition agenda.
During the panel, Pluginfo reiterated the important role that PIPVS solutions can play in achieving Europe's energy transition objectives, particularly those related to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). By making renewable energy more accessible to a larger population and easier to deploy, plug-in technologies can help accelerate citizen participation in the energy transition.
Bringing the sector together around a common voice
One of the highlights emerging from the conference was the need for the PIPVS sector to align around common messages and priorities when engaging with European and national regulators.
The reason is straightforward: the rapid expansion of plug-in equipment is drawing growing attention from policymakers, regulators and market participants alike. While many see it as a valuable tool to accelerate renewable energy deployment and help households better manage their energy bills, its increasing uptake also raises questions about regulatory frameworks, safety standards and market rules.
Pluginfo believes that stakeholders across the ecosystem should work together around shared objectives. This includes manufacturers, distributors, public authorities, citizen energy cooperatives, consumer organizations, property managers and end users themselves. To unlock the full potential of this emerging technology, a sector-wide cooperation is needed to highlight its societal benefits, promote best-practice projects, harmonize rules, standards and usage guidelines, disseminate reliable information and facilitate the exchange of practical experience across Europe.
Pluginfo as a European Facilitator
This collaborative approach is already gaining momentum in several European countries. Pluginfo intends to contribute to it through a pragmatic, constructive and dialogue-oriented approach.
Pluginfo is uniquely positioned to connect PIPVS end users, market players, associations active in other European countries and public decision-makers. This position is rooted both in its Belgian base at the heart of the European institutions, and in the long-standing experience of its founders in working with policymakers and regulatory bodies.
If you would like to join the movement towards a common European voice for plug-in technologies, contact us at contact@pluginfo.be.
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