South African solar-tech company, 7SecondSolar has been announced as a winner of the 2025 Smarter E Award in the “Photovoltaics” category, for its pioneering computational design software, AUTOPV™, during a ceremony held last night at the ICM – International Congress Center Messe München.
Presented as part of The smarter E Europe, the award honors companies making significant contributions to advancing solar power through technical innovation and scalability. Among a global field of leaders in solar hardware and systems, 7SecondSolar stood out as the only African company recognized within the group of selected finalists, and uniquely, as a software-driven solution provider.
“This award recognises the need to shift how utility-scale solar projects are being developed,” says Paul Nel, CEO of 7SecondSolar. “Design speed, accuracy, and optimisation are no longer nice-to-haves. They are critical levers in reducing costs, leaving no performance on the table, increasing buy-in from investors, and deploying utility-scale projects faster. That’s exactly where AUTOPV™ delivers value.”
AUTOPV™ is a computational design solution that automates detailed designs of large, complex photovoltaic installations. In contrast to traditional design workflows that can take weeks or months, AUTOPV™ allows engineers to generate multiple construction-ready configurations, including layout drawings, design reports, and accurate bills of quantity, in a matter of just a few minutes.
“Our jury praised AUTOPV™’s high level of innovation, attractive pricing models, and ability to quickly compare and optimize system designs. With this software, solar developers gain an intelligent and affordable solution that addresses a rapidly growing need in the market,” mentioned a representative of the awards jury.
“The recognition from The Smarter E Europe and this award validates the increasing role of digital tools in scaling solar energy. As global targets demand faster rollouts of renewables, developers and engineers are under pressure to move from feasibility to financial close to construction with greater speed and confidence,” adds Nel. “Globally over the next five years, 5,500 GW of added renewable energy is forecasted for 2030, with 80% being solar. This presents a lot of opportunities where energy engineers can use automation software, like AUTOPV™, to focus on optimisation and value engineering right from the start.”
7SecondSolar is exhibiting at Intersolar in Europe this week, where delegates can see AUTOPV™ in action, engage with the engineering team, and learn how automation is reshaping the project development landscape.
If you are attending Intersolar, stop by their booth (C5.370D), or contact Paul Nel direct on the details below:
Paul Nel: paul@7secondsolar.com | M +27 82 4110811
For more information on 7 Second Solar and AUTOPV™, please visit their website: https://www.7secondsolar.com/
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