We interviewed our top engineers to hear their insights into recent innovations in the fast-changing world of solar.
By Megan Haley
At SolarBank, innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mindset. As solar technology evolves at a record pace, our team of engineers remains at the forefront of designing, testing, and implementing smarter, more efficient solar solutions. We sat down with a few of our lead engineers to discuss the breakthroughs shaping the future of solar energy—and how SolarBank is applying them to real-world projects.
Smarter Panels, Better Performance
According to Amina Chowdhury, Senior Systems Engineer at SolarBank, one of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the advancement of high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) cells.
"We're now integrating panels that use bifacial technology, which means they can generate power from both the front and back sides by capturing reflected sunlight from the ground," explains Chowdhury. "This can boost output by up to 15% depending on site conditions—without needing additional land."
This innovation is especially useful in snowy environments like parts of Nova Scotia and Ontario, where natural ground reflectivity enhances the effect.
Perovskite: The Next Frontier in Solar Efficiency
Perhaps one of the most exciting frontiers in solar innovation is the emergence of perovskite solar cells—a new material that could redefine what solar panels are capable of.
Jordan Tanaka, R&D Engineer at SolarBank, explains: "Perovskite materials have shown tremendous potential in lab tests, reaching efficiency levels comparable to, and in many cases exceeding, traditional silicon cells. What’s exciting is their ability to improve efficiency while costing much less to produce."
While still in early stages for commercial deployment, SolarBank is actively exploring perovskite integration in future projects. "The goal is to drive down costs and increase efficiency without compromising durability," says Tanaka. "If we can get it right, this could unlock a new era of lightweight, flexible, and ultra-efficient solar panels."
New Software, Better Grids
Hardware isn’t the only area seeing rapid change. Ethan Leclerc, Grid Integration Specialist, is particularly excited about advancements in AI and energy forecasting.
"We've developed machine learning models that predict fluctuations in solar generation based on weather patterns, seasonal trends, and historical grid performance," says Leclerc. "This helps us fine-tune how and when solar energy is distributed, especially for our community solar projects in New York."
This intelligent forecasting allows SolarBank to support utilities in maintaining grid stability—even as more renewable energy sources come online.
Battery Storage is Breaking Barriers
Another major frontier in solar innovation is battery energy storage systems (BESS). These systems make it possible to store solar power for use after the sun sets—something that was previously a major limitation of solar energy.
Lena García, Project Engineer for Energy Storage at SolarBank, shares: "We’re now deploying lithium-iron phosphate batteries that offer higher safety and longer lifespans, especially for utility-scale projects. Coupled with advanced control software, we can optimize when and how stored energy is released to the grid."
SolarBank recently broke ground on Canada’s first integrated BESS + community solar garden—a project that García describes as “a turning point for decentralized energy.”
Innovation with an Impact
While these innovations may sound highly technical, their impact is felt by everyday homeowners, businesses, and communities looking for cleaner, more reliable energy.
"One of our goals at SolarBank is to make solar smarter, more accessible, and more adaptable to different environments," says Darren Nguyen, VP of Engineering. "We’re not just building solar projects—we’re helping redesign how energy works in North America."
*Disclaimer: This article is entirely fictional and created for illustrative purposes only. It is not written, endorsed, or affiliated with SolarBank Corporation. Any quotes, statements, or attributions within this article are purely fictional and should not be associated with any real individuals or organizations.