Renewable energy news, AI-summarized and updated every few hours
Maine has enacted a new law, LD 1730, allowing the installation of plug-in solar systems up to 1,200 watts, signed by Governor Janet Mills on April 6, 2026. Virginia and Colorado are expected to implement similar legislation.
Read full articleIndia has achieved the status of the third-largest country in terms of installed renewable energy capacity, with a total of 274.68 GW, including over 150 GW from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, as reported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Read full articleTokyu Corp. and its partners are set to provide Tokyu Railway with 98 MW of solar power through a corporate power purchase agreement, which will meet approximately 30% of the railway's traction electricity needs, highlighting a trend towards renewable energy procurement in Japan.
Read full articleArray Technologies will provide its OmniTrack solar trackers for a 260MW solar photovoltaic project being developed by the Turkish company Pekintas.
Read full articleTrading of Chinese solar modules has decreased significantly following the cancellation of export tax rebates, with FOB China TOPCon spot loading module prices declining and buyers hesitant due to market volatility. The slowdown in activity has been particularly noticeable since the Lunar New Year holidays.
Read full articleIn 2025, Sweden added 21,600 grid-connected solar plants, bringing the total to approximately 314,600, which accounts for around 5.5 GW of installed capacity, although the rate of new installations is slowing.
Read full articleSearch4Solar is an online marketplace that facilitated the sourcing of over 150,000 used photovoltaic modules in 2025, supporting installers and developers in repowering projects as a secondary market emerges in Europe for functional panels removed from older solar installations.
Read full articleOntario has approved 12 solar projects with a total capacity of 915.1 MW as part of its largest public power procurement exercise, which also includes two wind projects, bringing the total capacity to over 1.3 GW.
Read full articleA new paper emphasizes the importance of continuing fundamental research in photovoltaics (PV) due to its increasing global significance, despite the technology's established status.
Read full articleA review of 60 studies indicates that by 2050, solar PV and wind energy could provide up to 100% of electricity, with photovoltaic capital expenditures potentially decreasing to between €166 ($192)/kW and €720/kW. The analysis highlights that current conservative assumptions may underestimate the deployment potential of these renewable technologies.
Read full articleIn March, southern Europe experienced reduced solar energy production due to Saharan dust causing panel soiling, while central and eastern Europe saw above-average solar resources. However, later in the month, adverse weather conditions, including cold air and storms, affected solar generation across the continent.
Read full articleSolarport has introduced the PowerPark PRO PV carport series, which features a modular design that complies with UK and EU parking standards and can be configured for different site layouts. The carports are designed to accommodate various parking needs, including spaces for disabled individuals and parents with children.
Read full articleKosol Energie has airlifted approximately 100 metric tons of solar cells to India using a chartered cargo aircraft to maintain production and meet project deadlines amid supply constraints affecting the solar industry. The shipment landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Read full articleSwissgrid, in collaboration with energy experts, has released a white paper outlining plans to integrate up to 40 GW of solar power in Switzerland by 2050, building on the approximately 9.62 GW already installed as of the end of last year.
Read full articleThe California Public Utilities Commission's proposed decision regarding community solar has faced backlash from industry groups, with the Solar Energy Industries Association stating it could effectively prevent new community solar projects from being developed in the state. The proposal also dismisses the Net Energy Metering program supported by the solar industry.
Read full articleA research team from the Czech Republic has created an Internet of Things (IoT) system that autonomously cools photovoltaic (PV) panels using water, resulting in a 7.38% increase in daily energy yield and a positive net energy balance. The system is designed to enhance the commercial viability of solar module cooling technologies.
Read full articleU.S. scientists have developed TOPCon solar cells featuring copper rear contacts and silver front contacts, achieving an efficiency of 24.3% through laser-enhanced contact optimization, while maintaining excellent stability.
Read full articleResearchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have developed a new electrodeposition-based process that reduces silver consumption in TOPCon solar cells to 1.1 mg/Wp, significantly lower than the current 10-12 mg/Wp levels. This advancement addresses the high silver usage in TOPCon cells, which are more affected by price fluctuations compared to older technologies like PERC.
Read full articleA study by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst reveals that the majority of wind and solar projects in the U.S. receive state permits within approximately one year, with a 90% approval rate for these projects. The analysis included permitting data for 460 renewable energy projects.
Read full articleNovar, a Dutch solar developer, has acquired a 100MW solar photovoltaic plant located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, with the potential to co-locate a 160MWh battery energy storage system.
Read full articleAnker Solix has introduced the Solarbank Max AC, a 7 kWh modular home battery system designed for retrofitting existing rooftop solar setups, featuring a bidirectional 3.5 kW inverter and the ability to expand up to 42 kWh, starting at a price of €2,229.
Read full articleKingspan Insulation North America has completed its third rooftop solar project, an 881-kW array at its Mendota, Illinois factory, developed by REC Solar and Dynamic Energy. This initiative supports Kingspan's objective of achieving 60% direct renewable energy use by 2030.
Read full articleConstruction has commenced on the 102-MW Murch Solar project in Van Buren County, Michigan, led by Heelstone Renewable Energy and executed by Greensol, the U.S. subsidiary of Greening.
Read full articleMortenson has acquired Nor-Cal Controls, a company that specializes in control systems for solar energy, battery storage, and microgrid applications, enhancing Mortenson's capabilities in managing complex energy and infrastructure projects. Nor-Cal Controls utilizes an open-architecture system that interfaces directly with the electrical grid.
Read full articleTango Holdings, a joint venture involving Savion Equity and an Ares Infrastructure fund, has launched two solar projects in Indiana and Ohio, contributing a total of 200 MW of capacity to the U.S. grid.
Read full articleOrigis Energy has obtained $118 million in tax equity financing for its Chalan solar-plus-storage project located in Kern County, California.
Read full articleA research team from Germany and Turkey has created a solvent-free ultrasonic cavitation method to effectively delaminate end-of-life crystalline-silicon solar modules, achieving an 82.2% mass-based delamination efficiency and promoting sustainable recycling practices.
Read full articleEDF has been granted a development consent order by the UK government to construct an 800MW solar photovoltaic plant in England.
Read full articleItaly has been identified as the most appealing European market for solar development, as stated by the chief of staff of the German independent power producer Encavis.
Read full articleResearchers from the University of New South Wales have found that the laser-enhanced contact optimization (LECO) process can enhance the efficiency of industrial TOPCon solar cells beyond 26% by improving contact properties and minimizing recombination losses. This method combines optimized firing conditions with LECO to create a balance between recombination and resistance, making conventional TOPCon cells more competitive with higher-efficiency PV technologies.
Read full articleIn 2025, Singapore installed 504 MW of solar capacity, bringing its total cumulative solar capacity to 2,093 MW, prompting an increase in the country's 2030 solar target to 3 GW, according to the Energy Market Authority.
Read full articleJP Kock of IPP Encavis explains that the competitive dynamics of Europe's solar market are expected to change due to the industry's rapid growth and success.
Read full articleVoltalia has completed the commissioning of the 148MW Bolobedu solar farm located in Limpopo province, South Africa, in collaboration with a subsidiary of Rio Tinto.
Read full articleThe UK government has approved the construction of the 800 MW Springwell Solar Farm, developed by Luminous Energy and EDF Power Solutions, despite opposition from local councils and campaigners. The project will include battery storage and connect to a new National Grid substation designed for multiple local solar projects.
Read full articleA report by Aurora Energy Research indicates that energy storage is increasing the value of negatively priced solar electricity in California's wholesale market by up to $42/MWh, contributing to higher mid-day prices.
Read full articleThe UK plans to permit the installation of low-cost plug-in solar panels under 800 W without the need for a qualified electrician, aiming to enhance home solar accessibility and affordability. These systems are expected to be available for purchase by summer 2026, potentially increasing household solar adoption and supporting the country's renewable energy initiatives.
Read full articlePolysilicon prices have recently decreased significantly, hovering just above CNY 50 ($7.31)/kg due to ongoing oversupply and declining demand, remaining close to historical lows and below production costs. Analysts indicate that despite potential regulatory changes, the market conditions are weak, with expectations of further demand declines.
Read full articleIn March 2026, Australia's rooftop solar market achieved a record with the registration of 341 MW of small-scale PV capacity, reflecting a 19% increase in installations as consumers increasingly adopted battery energy storage systems.
Read full articleNew Zealand's Electricity Authority has established a 10 kW default export limit for residential solar and battery systems to enhance grid access and facilitate increased integration of distributed energy resources. This update aims to simplify the connection rules for both residential and grid-scale solar energy systems.
Read full articleThe California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) released a proposed decision in the Community Solar Proceeding that is expected to hinder the development of community solar projects, despite rising energy prices in the state. This decision has been criticized for negatively impacting Californians with lower incomes.
Read full articleResearchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) have created the first comprehensive map of ultraviolet (UV) radiation affecting solar modules, indicating that next-generation solar technology may degrade more quickly than previously anticipated.
Read full articleThe UK has approved the construction of its largest solar farm, signaling a significant shift in its energy strategy towards renewable sources.
Read full articleCook County, Illinois, has completed a 1.3-megawatt solar project at its Skokie courthouse, marked by a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by county officials and solar installer Ameresco. County Board President Toni Preckwinkle highlighted the project as part of their efforts to combat climate change.
Read full articleSigenergy, a Chinese photovoltaic company, is launching an initial public offering (IPO) on the Hong Kong stock exchange, offering over 13.5 million shares priced at HKD 324.20 ($41.40) each, with the retail subscription period running until April 13. The IPO is supported by major international asset managers.
Read full articleIn the first two months of 2026, Brazil added 2.3 GW of solar capacity, primarily from utility-scale installations, while distributed generation saw a decline, contributing 1,145 MW. The growth reflects a significant increase in centralized solar generation, which more than doubled during this period.
Read full articleCalifornia's rooftop solar industry is currently facing significant challenges, while the future of virtual power plants (VPPs) and balcony solar solutions is being explored.
Read full articleGermany's updated VDE standard allows for the self-installation and registration of larger plug-in photovoltaic systems without the need for an electrician, eliminating previous capacity restrictions. This change aims to streamline the connection process for small generation systems.
Read full articleSociete Generale and the European Investment Bank have secured a financing agreement worth $178.9 million for a 137MW solar photovoltaic project in Italy.
Read full articleAs of the end of last year, the cumulative capacity of large-scale solar worldwide exceeded 1 TWac, reaching 1,008 GWac across 23,285 projects in the 33 largest utility-scale solar markets, according to Wiki-Solar's analysis.
Read full articleBrazil's National Electric Energy Agency has approved the country's first co-located battery energy storage system, a 5 MWh installation linked to the Sol de Brotas 7 solar plant in Uibaí, Bahia, establishing a regulatory precedent for integrated energy storage solutions.
Read full articleIn 2025, global utility-scale solar PV capacity increased by over 200GW, as reported by Wiki-Solar.
Read full articlePV manufacturing capital expenditure is projected to recover in 2026 after experiencing a decline over the past two years due to a global oversupply of modules.
Read full articleBlackstone is partnering with solar and storage developer Sunotec through a €250 million structured equity investment to support Sunotec's projects in Europe and its expansion into grid infrastructure.
Read full articleGlobal capital expenditure for photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing is expected to recover in 2026, primarily due to increased investments in the United States and India, following a significant decline in 2023.
Read full articleMaxeon, a solar manufacturer, has sought 'judicial management' in Singapore amid financial difficulties, as creditors pursue over $70 million from the company.
Read full articleHeelstone Renewable Energy has commenced construction on two solar photovoltaic projects in the US, totaling a capacity of 206 megawatts.
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