• The association will award prizes for the best photographs depicting the environmental integration and regional development of solar energy, as well as for the most innovative startups in the sector.
• Both contests are part of the XIII Foro Solar, which will take place on October 27 and 28, 2026, in Madrid.
Madrid, July 7, 2026. The Spanish Photovoltaic Union (UNEF) has announced the call for entries for the PHOTOvoltaica and Startup Solar contests, two initiatives that aim to highlight the value of photovoltaic solar energy from two complementary perspectives: its positive impact on the region and its people, and the business innovation that is driving the energy transition in Spain.
Both contests are being held in conjunction with the XIII Foro Solar, the leading annual gathering of the Spanish photovoltaic sector, which will take place on October 27 and 28, 2026, in Madrid.
PHOTOvoltaica 2026: A Look at the Positive Impact of Solar Energy
The PHOTOvoltaica Photography Contest invites anyone, whether an amateur or professional photographer, to capture images that reflect how solar farms integrate into the environment, contribute to biodiversity, and foster the economic and social development of the regions where they are located.
The contest is open to any individual, regardless of whether they are part of the photovoltaic sector.
Photographs must showcase one of the following aspects:
- The integration of solar farms into the landscape and the natural environment.
- Examples of efforts to promote biodiversity.
- Human stories that highlight the positive impact of solar energy on local communities.
The deadline for submitting photographs is September 30, 2026.
To participate, entrants must post the image on at least one social media platform using the hashtag #PHOTOvoltaica2026 and tagging UNEF, as well as emailing the original photograph to comunicacion@unef.es.
The jury will select three finalist photographs, and the winner will be announced during the XIII Foro Solar. The winning photograph will receive a prize of 600 euros.
Startup Solar 2026: Recognizing Entrepreneurship That Accelerates the Energy Transition
UNEF and FOTOPLAT are also launching the sixth edition of the Startup Solar Contests, an initiative designed to identify and promote startups developing technologies and business models that can accelerate the deployment of solar energy in Spain.
Eligible startups must be no more than five years old, demonstrate a high level of technological innovation, and have developed solutions with the potential to transform the solar industry.
All applicants will automatically be considered for two awards:
- Startup Solar Award for Best Business Model
- Startup Solar Technology Award
Applications must be submitted by September 30, 2026, along with a project overview, an elevator pitch, and all required supporting documentation.
Winning startups will receive:
- Public recognition during the XIII Solar Forum.
- One year of UNEF membership, including access to all member services.
- Complimentary admission to the Solar Forum and a unique opportunity to present their projects to companies, investors, and industry leaders.
Two Contests That Highlight the Full Potential of Solar Energy
With these two initiatives, UNEF aims to bring solar energy closer to society from two essential perspectives: people and communities, through photography, and innovation and entrepreneurship, by recognizing the startups developing the solutions that will shape the future of the solar industry.