Solar energy has expanded rapidly in recent years, helping reduce reliance on imported fuel and diversify the country’s electricity mix. However, generating more renewable power is only part of the challenge. As solar and wind capacity continues to increase, storing that energy and delivering it when demand rises has become the next priority.
That shift formed the focus of the Solar + Storage Forum 2026, organised by GoodWe, a global photovoltaic (PV) inverter manufacturer and smart energy solutions provider, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA). The event, held at Marino Beach in Colombo, brought together more than 400 participants from across the renewable energy sector, including policymakers, regulators, technology providers and industry professionals.
Among those attending were Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka, Ministry of Energy Secretary G.M.R.D. Aponsu, SLSEA Chairman Prof. Wijendra J. Bandara, senior government officials and representatives from the renewable energy industry.
Energy storage is becoming a key part of renewable energy
The country’s electricity sector has traditionally depended on hydropower, thermal generation and imported fuel. While solar and wind energy are becoming a larger part of the energy mix, these sources do not produce electricity consistently throughout the day. Battery energy storage systems help address that challenge by storing excess electricity when production is high and supplying it when demand increases, or renewable generation falls.
This has made energy storage an important part of the long-term renewable energy strategy.
The country aims to generate 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and achieve a carbon-neutral power sector by 2050. Reaching those targets will require not only additional renewable generation but also investments in storage technologies and grid modernisation.
Speaking at the forum, Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka said collaboration between the government, industry and technology providers would play an important role in achieving those goals.
“Sri Lanka’s clean energy future depends on strong collaboration between government, industry, and technology leaders. Forums such as this play a vital role in fostering innovation, attracting investment, and accelerating the deployment of renewable energy solutions.”
Ministry of Energy Secretary G.M.R.D. Aponsu said battery storage and improvements to the national grid would become increasingly important as renewable energy accounts for a larger share of electricity generation.
“As Sri Lanka continues to increase the share of renewable energy in its generation mix, energy storage technologies and grid modernization will become critical enablers.”
Industry leaders discuss market trends and technology
The forum also explored some of the commercial and technical issues shaping the renewable energy sector.
One session examined how China’s export tax policies and changes in raw material prices could influence the cost of photovoltaic panels and battery storage systems. The presentation was delivered by Shanghai Materials Market (SMM).
Participants also joined discussions on the future of energy storage, including battery solutions for commercial and industrial users, utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) and the role of storage in supporting a more reliable electricity network.
The discussions reflected growing interest in combining solar generation with battery storage as businesses seek greater energy security and more efficient use of renewable electricity.
GoodWe expands its energy storage portfolio
During the forum, GoodWe introduced its latest residential and commercial energy storage solutions.
The company showcased products including the Lynx U G3 with ES Uniq, the ET LV Series and the Lynx A G4, which uses the company’s CoreLock concept to integrate the battery and inverter into a single energy storage system.
For commercial, industrial and utility-scale projects, GoodWe also presented DC-coupled, AC-coupled and integrated AC/DC battery storage solutions designed for new solar projects, existing photovoltaic upgrades and large-scale energy applications.
The company also displayed the ESA-Athena, a compact solar and battery storage system designed for balconies and smaller spaces.
GoodWe said it has strengthened its presence by building a nationwide local service network with dedicated technical teams, dealer support and spare parts inventory to provide faster after-sales service.
James Hou, Sales Head (APAC) at GoodWe, said the company plans to continue supporting the country’s renewable energy transition.
“As the No. 1 rooftop solar storage supplier in the residential and C&I markets, GoodWe is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s clean energy transition and the role of solar and storage in achieving the country’s renewable energy goals.”
Renewable energy is entering its next phase
The second edition of the Solar + Storage Forum highlighted how conversations around renewable energy are evolving. Expanding solar generation remains important, but equal attention is now shifting towards storing electricity, improving grid stability and making renewable energy more reliable throughout the day.
As governments, technology companies and energy providers continue to invest in these areas, battery storage is likely to become an increasingly important part of the renewable energy market alongside solar and wind generation.
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Last modified: July 29, 2026
