Solar Now

Frank Oudheusden, founder of consulting firm Azimuth Advisory Services and engineering company Resilient SolarWorks, speaks to PV Tech Premium about his work on hurricanes and extreme winds, how robotics will change the face of module installation and the importance of building a specific risk profile for a solar PV project.
His company produces the StormPlate SP1 backing plate, which aims to improve module frame mechanical performance and reduce fatigue failure, and Oudheusden himself will speak at the PV ModuleTech USA conference in Napa, California, hosted by PV Tech publisher Solar Media on 16-17 June 2026.
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Oudheusden is the first of the event’s speakers to be interviewed by PV Tech Premium, and our conversation begins with the ‘Solar Under Storm’ four-part white paper series, which was published between 2017 and 2025. The reports examine PV systems’ performance during extreme weather, such as hurricanes, and Oudheusden tells PV Tech Premium that the very first report was well-received in regions, such as the Caribbean, where there is a less robust framework of standards for PV modules.
“That white paper has over five million cumulative downloads,” he says. “It is an extremely popular reference paper for specifically the Caribbean region because they don’t have codes and standards.”
Oudheusden adds that a project—a 100kW solar farm called Mayreau—has been built using all 12 recommendations from the white paper and was then hit by hurricane Beryl in 2024, which was a key source of information on the impact of a hurricane on a solar array.
“If you’re an academic, you never get any funding to do a test bed, because your test bed never gets hit twice, and ours did,” Oudheusden says, adding that a region such as the Caribbean needs to be looked at and analysed the lessons that can be learned from it, even for a small project such as Mayreau.
“Whether it’s at a 100KW scale or a gigawatt scale, we need to extrapolate out those failure modes. We need to study them deeply, and we need to innovate with those lessons learned.”
He adds that, unfortunately, the industry tends to learn lessons after extreme weather events occur and the damage is already done. “We’ve tried to be ahead of that curve.”
On the positive side, discussions about natural catastrophe (Nat cat) risk and how it works have “become very trendy” over the last 18 to 24 months.
“I’m happy to see that happening in the marketplace. But you know, to the extent that it’s rolled into actual innovation, I think that that’s lagging,” adds Oudheusden.
When asked in terms of easy solutions that the solar industry could implement in terms of resilience to extreme winds, Oudheusden picks from his table a triangular-shaped piece of metal that he explains is the StormPlate.
“We’re not implementing resiliency solutions that, I think, keep these large-format modules on racking systems. Our test standards are still a single module in a test rig, with even loads applied across the module’s face. That’s not the way Mother Nature does it,” says Oudheusden.
He explains that when stowing the modules at 60 degrees, the loads are highly nonlinear across the module’s face. One misconception that people would make is that if you have a four bolted connection that are evenly loaded, this does not make the loads evenly split.
“In reality, the top side of that module gets twice as much load as the bottom side of that module, and they’re in opposite directions, so two of those bolted connections are seeing 2x the load that you’re assuming, and two of those modules are in compression, so they’re seeing none of the load. So by definition, that test standard makes it so that every bolted connection is almost universally underdesigned. That’s a huge gap,” explains Oudheusden.
A similar misconception happens with trackers on larger modules. “When you go from a 1P tracker to a 2P tracker, everybody thinks the loads are going to double, because you have twice as much surface area. When your chord length doubles, the pressures don’t go up by two. They go up by four. It is nonlinear.”
As the industry is trending towards larger modules, Oudheusden opinion is that module companies should make “the cheapest, ubiquitous rectangle” that they possibly can.
“And then the racking community should be adding cost to its system, depending on the application, to appropriately mount that system,” he continues. “That means if you’re in an extremely high wind zone, you’re using longer rails and you’re doing multi-point mounting, and you’re adding the cost in that way. If you’re on a carport system that’s over people and property, that’s a different risk profile.”
For Oudheusden, developers and OEM partners should develop a risk profile based on where the project will be located, although that is not what is currently happening.
“The reality in the marketplace is they’re going to mount it to whatever is the cheapest available mounting that’s allowed by industry-applicable codes and standards. And that’s because racking manufacturers are in a race to the bottom on cost, in order to win the job. And even IEs (independent engineers) and the other people who govern the risk profile, they’re in a competition with each other to win the work.”
Because of that, Oudheusden says that in the short term, this means that certain module OEMs will retract from larger format lines, while things will settle at 575W for a while in terms of mass deployment.
“That’s because when you go up to 700-800″ wattsW, adding a thicker frame, adding thicker glass for hail, it just becomes too heavy for manual installation.”
A solution to the problem of heavier modules could come from robotics. Human limitations and regulations on how much a module can weigh would no longer exist once robots can carry these modules around a site, eliminating that type of physical work.
“We’re waiting on robotics for a big paradigm shift,” says Oudheusden.
A paradigm shift that could also imply that not only can modules get bigger and heavier, but that frames and glass can be thicker too. This would also be the “ultimate answer to hail”, he continues.
“That’s a real gap in the marketplace when it comes to hail. We all kind of pretend that hail stow is this silver bullet that’s going to be required to deal with hail. If you look at the most recent hail maps, it is 50% of the contingent United States. If you’re relying on hail stow to service that market, you’re abdicating every carport, commercial rooftop and residential rooftop in 50% of the continental United States. That’s a lot of jobs.”
Going back to the role robotics could play in the solar industry, Oudheusden explains that companies such as NextPower, Array Technologies or Game Change Solar will need to own the module frame as well as the robotics that do module manipulation.
“They’re going to have to own that module frame and that robotic process to enable that mechanical connection to happen in an automated way, whether or not that happens at a higher quality because it went to robotics or not, I believe it could certainly happen. We see that in manufacturing; robotics and manufacturing definitely increase repeatability and quality.”
He adds that the electrical connection will still be required to be performed by an electrician, but if that process can be done at the same time as the mechanical connection, which is handled by a robot, it could lead to higher repeatability and ultimate precision.
“I do think that robotics is the future of installing that way. But at the moment, I think it’s more supporting human labour. Now, all of a sudden, one person can install twice as many modules in a day because they literally have two robots just soft landing [and] running to get the other one while the next one soft lands.”
This is something that we covered earlier this year in a conversation with solar robotics company Maximo, which also said that robotic installation at utility-scale would accelerate the installation process.
Finally, when asked about a key focus point for a company to consider when developing a project, Oudheusden says that people need to establish a “deeper investment in establishing a true risk profile as early as possible in the project”.
“And if I were advising our clients, who do a lot of M&A of projects, it’s pre-M&A. I want them investing in developing that risk profile for that project prior to acquiring that asset, and then that allows them at the negotiating table to go get a better price.”
He explains that companies establish 90% of the risk profile the day they select an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, which he adds is done “extremely early in the process”. His reasoning is that the EPC will determine which tracker, module and inverter will be used for a given project, which are the most determining factors for the project’s risk profile.
“My best advice for anybody who cares about resiliency is to care about it as early as possible,” concludes Oudheusden.
Frank Oudheusden will be a speaker at the upcoming PV ModuleTech USA Conference in Napa, California, on 16-17 June 2026. More details about the event’s agenda and how to attend can be viewed on PV ModuleTech USA’s website.

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During the 22 May session of the Dispute Settlement Body, member nations examined a Chinese petition to form a panel investigating Indian policies on solar cells, solar modules, and information technology imports. The newly appointed DSB Chair, Ambassador Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota from Brazil, delivered remarks about progressing the WTO’s discussions on reforming dispute settlement.
Beijing submitted its initial bid for a dispute panel to assess whether India’s duties on specific imported technology products and its incentive programs for solar energy—which China alleges require using domestic rather than foreign goods—align with India’s WTO obligations. China indicated that consultations with India aimed at a mutually agreeable outcome took place but failed to settle the matter, leading to the panel request. China urged members to foster technological and industrial advancement through collaboration that respects WTO rules, instead of employing restrictive or discriminatory practices that undermine fair competition, interrupt supply chains, heighten uncertainty for firms and operators, and harm the sustainable growth of global renewable energy and technology industries.
India voiced disappointment over China’s panel request and stated it could not accept it. India highlighted its participation in extensive consultations seeking a mutually acceptable resolution and expressed surprise that China had not genuinely examined the contested measures, asserting that those measures fully comply with WTO regulations. India further noted the irony that a nation estimated to hold over 80% of the global solar module production value chain would act to hinder the legitimate expansion of this sector in other countries, given the need for reliable and varied supply sources. The DSB acknowledged the statements and agreed to revisit the issue if a requesting member so desires.
Colombia, representing 130 members, submitted for the 97th time a proposal to initiate selection procedures to fill Appellate Body vacancies. Colombia remarked that the broad backing for the proposal underscores shared interest in the Appellate Body’s operation and the wider WTO dispute settlement system. The United States declared its opposition to the proposed decision, restating its fundamental objections to WTO dispute settlement and arguing that the proposal fails to tackle those issues. The US questioned the utility of repeatedly raising this agenda point and suggested that a more constructive step would be to introduce a dispute settlement reform item that goes beyond merely reinstating an Appellate Body with its inherent flaws.
Twenty-six members, including the EU-27, then spoke, reaffirming their backing for the joint proposal and the pressing need to reestablish a fully operational dispute settlement system. Several members stressed the importance of continued work on dispute settlement reform in Geneva after the 14th Ministerial Conference held in Yaounde in late March. Approximately a dozen members urged others to explore joining the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement, which allows arbitration under Article 25 of the Dispute Settlement Understanding when an appeal arises between participating members. Colombia, on behalf of the 130 members, expressed regret that for the 97th time members could not launch the selection processes, stating that ongoing reform discussions should not hinder the Appellate Body’s full functioning and that members must fulfill their obligation to fill vacancies as they occur.
Ambassador Patriota, the new DSB Chair, delivered a statement on dispute settlement reform discussions. He noted that during a 6-7 May meeting, the General Council Chair urged members to work, when appropriate, toward a fully effective dispute settlement system—a goal established and reiterated at prior ministerial conferences. The Chair stated it was his responsibility to gather members’ perspectives on this critical issue and his intention to assess current positions on past work, how to restart reform talks promptly, and the foundation for future efforts. He observed that shifts in the global trade landscape since late 2024 might require renewed consideration of whether earlier explored topics still enjoy consensus among members. The prior discussions produced several options that need reconfirmation and, if feasible, refinement, he added. In this context, hearing members’ views on whether previous technical work could serve as a basis for future engagement might prove valuable. The Chair announced that an informal plenary session dedicated to dispute settlement reform would be organized soon, likely right after the next DSB meeting on 23 June.
The United States submitted status reports concerning disputes over anti-dumping measures on hot-rolled steel from Japan, Section 110(5) of the US Copyright Act, anti-dumping and countervailing duties on large residential washers from Korea, and certain methodologies in anti-dumping cases involving China. The European Union presented status reports on measures related to palm oil and oil palm crop-based biofuels, biotech product approval and marketing, and additional palm oil and oil palm crop-based biofuel measures. Indonesia filed status reports on the importation of horticultural products, animals, and animal products.
The subsequent regular DSB meeting is scheduled for 23 June 2026.
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Aura Power gets nod to build a 25-MW solar farm in England  Renewables Now
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COLUMBUS, Ohio — In its latest round of regulatory decisions, the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) greenlit a major electric transmission infrastructure upgrade in Athens County while concurrently locking down its rejection of a highly contested utility-scale solar farm in Morrow County.
The rulings, issued Wednesday, address two separate, high-profile energy issues winding their way through the state’s permitting process.
The OPSB formally approved an application from AEP Ohio Transmission Company to overhaul 8.3 miles of the existing Elliott-Lee Transmission Line. The project spans Alexander, Athens, and Lee townships.
The upgrade is designed to enhance grid reliability, improve line performance, and significantly reduce the need for routine maintenance. Key details of the transmission line overhaul include:
The line runs south from the Elliott Substation off U.S. Route 52 to the Lee Substation off U.S. Route 32. To mitigate environmental and community disruption, the OPSB is forcing AEP to adhere to 28 strict compliance conditions throughout the construction and operational phases.

In a separate but heavily watched decision, the board officially denied requests for a rehearing regarding the Crossroads Solar Grazing Center. The applications for a second look had been filed by the developer, Open Road Renewables, and supporting parties.
The decision deals a final blow to the proposed 94-megawatt, 700-acre project in Morrow County, which aimed to combine solar panels with live sheep grazing.
The OPSB initially rejected the $98 million project in March following a fierce local battle. While regulatory staff originally acknowledged the project would bring jobs, tax revenue, and clean energy to the grid, the board ultimately denied the certificate on the grounds that the project failed to serve the “public interest, convenience, and necessity.” The denial followed consistent and heavy opposition from local residents and township trustees, despite later controversies involving allegedly fabricated public opposition comments submitted to the state.
Wednesday’s denial of a rehearing permanently stalls the project under its current state application.
For further public documents regarding these cases, visitors can access the online docket at OPSB.ohio.gov using case numbers 24-0978-EL-BTX (Elliott-Lee) and 25-142-EL-BGN (Crossroads).
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Beijing says consultations with India failed to resolve matter; a panel will be constituted on second request | Photo Credit: Kardd
India has officially blocked China’s first request for the setting up of a dispute settlement panel at the WTO challenging its tariffs on specific high-tech goods and certain measures within its Solar Module Programme that incentivise local value addition .
“At the WTO’s dispute settlement body (DSB) meeting on Friday, Beijing noted that it was not able to reach a mutually satisfactory solution in the consultations with India that were held on the issue and it had to, therefore, request for the panel,” a Geneva-based official said.
While India was able to block China’s request for a dispute settlement panel this time, WTO rules specify that a country can’t do so for a second time if the request is repeated by the complainant at a subsequent meeting of the DSB.
Beijing alleges that New Delhi imposes customs duties on about a dozen imported IT products, including smartphones, that exceed the bound rates established in India’s WTO commitments. It says India is supposed to maintain zero tariffs on the identified IT goods. But  India maintains that these products do not fall under its zero tariff commitments under the IT Agreement of 1996 as these didn’t exist then.
China also claims that India’s Solar Module Programme violates WTO rules by offering cash grants to domestic producers contingent on local value addition requirements. Beijing argues these incentives discriminate against foreign imports and constitute illegal incentives tied to the use of domestic goods.
India expressed regret over China’s request for a WTO dispute panel and declined to accept it. It noted that it had engaged in extensive consultations in good faith to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution, expressing surprise that Beijing had failed to genuinely consider the context of the policies, the source said. India strongly maintained that all the measures in question are fully compliant with WTO law.
Once the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body establishes the panel, it will hear arguments from both nations before issuing its final ruling. However, if either country appeals the decision, the case will effectively enter a legal vacuum. Because the WTO Appellate Body currently lacks the required quorum of judges to function — due to a prolonged deadlock over appointments — any appeal will land in a permanent backlog, leaving the dispute unresolved indefinitely.
With a dysfunctional Appellate Body, an unfavourable decision by the dispute panel will not lead to any penalties on India if it decides to appeal it. However, it can build pressure on New Delhi to discontinue or tone down the identified measures in bilateral trade discussions.
Published on May 22, 2026
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The EU–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) opens a potential new export pathway for Indian , but challenges around quality, bankability and competition from China remain significant.  
Crucially, it also gives Indian manufacturers an opportunity to gradually pivot away from an increasingly restrictive US market and reposition the EU as an alternative long-term trade destination. 
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For years, the US has been the dominant overseas market for Indian solar module suppliers, absorbing an estimated US$792–US$800 million, with India primarily functioning as a major exporter of solar components to the US. 
However, as Washington tightens trade restrictions and accelerates domestic manufacturing under protectionist policies, Indian exporters are increasingly being pushed to diversify.  
In April 2026, the US Department of Commerce (DoC) issued preliminary affirmative determinations in anti-dumping (AD) investigations on crystalline silicon PV cells imported from India, assigning a dumping margin of 123.04% across all producers supplying cells, including those assembled into modules for the US market. 
When combined with earlier countervailing duty (CVD) findings, total preliminary AD/CVD rates for Indian solar products now reach approximately 234%. Together with an additional 18% reciprocal tariff imposed in February 2026, the measures have effectively rendered the US market commercially unviable for Indian solar manufacturers. 
At the same time, discussions around the EU–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), concluded in January 2026, are raising a key question: could Europe emerge as the next major export destination for Indian solar manufacturers? 
To explore this, PV Tech Premium spoke to Yana Hryshko, managing consultant, head of solar supply chain research at Wood Mackenzie and Charith Konda, energy specialist, India Mobility and New Energy at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). 
The conversation comes at a time when India is simultaneously ramping up domestic solar manufacturing under its Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and seeking new export markets to absorb rapidly expanding module capacity. 
While India has built significant manufacturing scale across modules and cells, exports to Europe remain relatively small compared with China’s dominant presence. 
The deal could mark an important step in deepening clean technology cooperation, particularly as India looks to move further up the solar value chain into wafers, ingots and cells under its domestic PLI and import-substitution programmes.   
According to Konda, the deal has the potential to “boost trade between the EU and India in several goods and services,” while also strengthening cooperation in critical technologies such as semiconductors and clean energy systems. In his view, this could ultimately support “India’s capabilities in wafers, ingots, and cells,” and help expand module exports into Europe. 
However, translating policy alignment into meaningful market share will depend on execution. Analysts warn that trade access alone will not guarantee market penetration. 
According to Hryshko, Europe’s solar procurement environment is structurally more complex than emerging markets, with high expectations around performance, certification and long-term reliability.  
“Europe is a very demanding, high-value market and buyers want the best products available,” she says. “It is difficult to imagine European buyers suddenly switching from 25% efficiency Chinese-made panels to 23% efficiency Indian-made panels.” 
She adds that utility-scale procurement decisions are heavily driven by bankability, not just price or trade policy alignment. 
“For utility-scale projects, bankability is extremely important. Buyers are not only evaluating a manufacturer’s financial performance, but also track record, after-sales service and long-term reliability. When you procure modules, it is effectively a 25-year relationship.” 
Solar inverters offer a slightly different opportunity, particularly as Europe introduces cybersecurity-related restrictions on Chinese power electronics. However, Hryshko cautions that this does not automatically translate into space for Indian suppliers. 
“Chinese manufacturers are already ahead because they have established manufacturing facilities in Europe,” she says, citing production bases in Poland and Hungary. 
“EU policies are designed to support European manufacturing rather than simply replace Chinese suppliers with alternatives from elsewhere. Therefore, India must build trust, not just capacity.” 
The analysts agree that India’s biggest challenge in Europe is not production scale, but market perception. 
Hryshko stresses that Indian manufacturers remain largely invisible in European solar supply chains. She argues that India must invest far more heavily in marketing, investor engagement and physical presence in Europe if it wants to compete. 
“They need to work much harder on marketing and positioning themselves as reliable partners. They need to engage not only with developers and engineering, procurement and construction (EPCs), but also with investors, banks and financial institutions.” 
Importantly, she highlights that Indian companies such as Adani, Vikram Solar, Avaada and Waaree are already financially strong — but have yet to translate that strength into European confidence. 
The strategic backdrop to India’s opportunity is Europe’s ongoing attempt to reduce dependence on Chinese clean energy supply chains. In 2024, China was reported to be the largest supplier of solar panels, accounting for 98% of all imports, according to Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU. 
However, Europe’s policy direction is increasingly centred on strengthening domestic manufacturing rather than simply substituting Chinese imports with alternative external suppliers. 
Last month, the European Commission banned funding for projects using inverters from ‘high-risk’ countries, including China, across major EU financing instruments, including the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund. 
“If public projects cannot procure Chinese-made inverters, Europe is more likely to source European-made equipment than Indian alternatives. However, if Indian companies establish manufacturing bases in Europe, it could open new opportunities for them,” Hryshko emphasises. 
Countries such as Italy and France are already tightening procurement rules, reinforcing the direction of localisation rather than diversification. 
Konda echoes the view that India aligns well with EU diversification goals but stressed that regulatory conditions will determine outcomes. 
“India neatly fits into the EU’s strategy to diversify clean energy supply chains. Aided by increased technological cooperation, India’s exports of solar modules to the EU may get a significant boost.” 
However, he adds that compliance requirements — including carbon accounting, certification and technical standards — could influence whether India gains meaningful market share. 
In comparison to China, Hryshko cautions that while India is rapidly scaling manufacturing capacity, it risks prioritising volume over technological depth.  
She points to a widening R&D gap versus Chinese manufacturers, noting that Chinese players typically invest around 4% of revenue into research and development, even during periods of financial strain. By contrast, Indian manufacturers — despite stronger profitability — are investing far less into innovation and product development. 
Despite the challenges, India’s manufacturing expansion is creating structural export potential. Konda points to the scale mismatch between domestic demand and manufacturing capacity. 
“India has a significant solar module manufacturing capacity of about 210GW and a solar cell manufacturing capacity of 27GW by the end of 2025. Module manufacturing capacity is multi-fold higher than the record domestic solar capacity installed in 2025. The overcapacity leaves significant room for increasing exports,” Konda highlights. 
He also notes that India’s manufacturing costs remain 10%–15% higher than China due to scale inefficiencies, energy costs and vertical integration gaps — but argues that convergence is possible over time. 
According to the analysts, export strategy remains uncertain. While Europe is emerging as an attractive alternative to the US, Indian manufacturers are still heavily domestically focused.  
Expanding into Europe, Hryshko notes, requires long-term investment in local teams, marketing, regulatory engagement and relationship-building — efforts that do not deliver immediate returns. 
As a result, Indian exporters may continue to balance ambitions between Europe and other emerging markets such as the Middle East, Africa and South America, where entry barriers are lower and price sensitivity is higher. 
The EU–India trade framework could support India’s long-term positioning in the global solar supply chain, but only if manufacturers shift focus from rapid capacity expansion towards technology, trust-building and sustained international engagement.

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JinkoSolar has won a key patent invalidation in China against First Solar’s TOPCon-related patent, with the China National Intellectual Property Administration ruling it fully invalid.
Image: JinkoSolar
Chinese PV manufacturer JinkoSolar has secured a favorable patent invalidation ruling in China against a TOPCon solar cell technology patent held by US module maker First Solar, in a case that could influence broader disputes over TOPCon solar cell technology.
China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has declared patent 201080027881.6, titled “High-efficiency solar cell structures and methods of manufacture,” fully invalid. The patent, held by TetraSun, a First Solar subsidiary, was invalidated on the grounds of lacking novelty and inventive step, with all 17 claims being struck down in the ruling.
The Chinese patent is considered the counterpart of U.S. Patent No. 9,130,074, a key asset in First Solar’s TOPCon-related enforcement efforts. Google Patents records show the U.S. patent was originally associated with TetraSun and later assigned to First Solar in 2025.
First Solar stated in July 2024 that it owns patents related to the manufacture of TOPCon silicon solar cells. The company said these patents were acquired through its 2013 purchase of TetraSun and include issued rights in markets such as the United States, China, Canada, Mexico, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan and Australia, with some valid through 2030.
The dispute has since expanded into multiple jurisdictions.
First Solar issued a warning to shareholders and its competitors in November 2024 that alleged that the Longi, Trina Solar, Jinko Solar, JA Solar and Canadian Solar were using First Solar TOPCon patents without a license. In February 2025, First Solar filed infringement claims against JinkoSolar in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging infringement of TOPCon-related patents.
In March 2026, the U.S. International Trade Commission instituted a Section 337 investigation into certain TOPCon solar cells, modules, panels and related components following a First Solar’s complaint in February.
In January, the United States Patent and Trademark Office denied three separate review applications seeking to invalidate patents related to TOPCon technology held by First Solar. JinkoSolar and Canadian Solar sought to invalidate U.S. Patent No. 9,130,074 while Mundra Solar challenged U.S. Patent No. 9,666,732.  
The Chinese ruling does not affect the validity of the U.S. patent or the ongoing U.S. litigation and ITC proceedings. However, it could support arguments from JinkoSolar and other manufacturers in overseas cases, particularly on prior art and patentability.

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AUSTIN, Texas – San Antonio-based CAM Solar is being sued by the state of Texas. The lawsuit alleges the company engaged in fraudulent and deceptive practices when selling solar-panel systems to consumers across the state.
The lawsuit follows an investigation into CAM Solar and several other solar-panel companies launched in April 2026. The Office of the Attorney General opened the inquiry after receiving more than 100 consumer complaints regarding misleading energy-bill savings, underperforming equipment, and undisclosed terms and policies.
According to state investigators, the company's customers faced nonexistent or significantly reduced energy savings, defective systems, and improper installations. In one instance, solar panels detached from a roof less than a year after installation, damaging both the consumer's property and a neighboring home.
The state also alleges CAM Solar left service requests unanswered, failed to disclose warranty and maintenance fees, misrepresented tax-credit eligibility, and left customers with ongoing financing obligations for systems that did not work as promised.
The lawsuit accuses CAM Solar of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by misleading consumers through deceptive marketing and failing to deliver promised products and services.
"This solar panel company lied to and deceived Texans with its fraudulent and deceptive sales tactics. My office will ensure justice is served," Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement. "Far too many Texans have been misled into purchasing expensive and complex solar systems under the guise of 'green energy.' That ends now. I will aggressively pursue any bad actor in the solar panel industry that attempts to cheat Texans."
The state is seeking to shut down CAM Solar’s business practices, secure financial restitution for affected Texas consumers, and obtain civil penalties under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
The Office of the Attorney General said it is continuing to investigate other solar-panel companies and will take action against businesses targeting state consumers with fraudulent practices.
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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) — Solar farms are becoming a familiar sight across New York as the state doubles down on renewable energy.
New York has more than 7.9 gigawatts of distributed solar energy installed, with more than 271,000 projects currently operating statewide, according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Officials said those projects are part of an effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, improve air quality, and create a more resilient electric grid.
But with each project proposed comes questions from the residents it could impact.
“Some of the things that we hear are that, you know, the visual impact… some people don’t find them as beautiful,” said Sarah Carson, director of Cornell’s Campus Sustainability Office.
Carson said there are both benefits and concerns when it comes to solar development.
Cornell looks at these projects through what she calls a “triple bottom line” approach, focusing on people, the planet, and economic impact.
“You’re not going to have the opportunity for lower power prices for your community. We’re not going to have the benefits of jobs. We’re not going to have the benefits of what people often talk about as distributed energy resources,” Carson said.
Carson said community solar projects can also help local infrastructure because developers often pay for upgrades to electric distribution systems.
She also pointed to agrivoltaics, where developers use the same land for both solar panels and farming.
“So this solar farm that we’re looking at here, all of the vegetation management is done by sheep,” Carson said.
Guilermo Metz, a solar and agriculture senior resource educator at Cornell, said much of the debate centers around land use and whether local government gets enough say in the decision-making process.
“There was a concern that the municipalities would lose local control over these projects and local review. And essentially, it got sort of blown out of proportion that basically that meant the state is coming after your land,” Metz said.
Metz said any project over 25 megawatts, enough to power up to 25,000 homes, goes through state review, but local governments still have input through zoning and community planning.
He said many farmers are also under financial pressure, making solar leases appealing.
“This is their retirement plan, essentially, is to be able to sell pieces of their farm or to lease it,” Metz said.
Alex Fasulo, president of the American Land Rescue Fund, said her concerns started after learning about a proposed solar project in the Albany area.
“It is a project that is cited for one of the last grasslands of its kind throughout the Northeast, and it’s a grassland that has so many different environmental designations and endangered species,” Fasulo said.
Fasulo said many communities feel they have little say in whether large-scale projects move forward.
“The current approval process, I wouldn’t really call it a process. It’s more of an authoritarian decision that is made at OREZ,” Fasulo said.
Many worry that land used for solar farms can never be used to grow food again.
However, Metz said large projects are required to have plans to restore the land in place before construction even begins.
“A bond is put in place that the town holds to pay for that entire decommissioning,” Metz said.
He said that the plan includes removing panels, roads, and infrastructure, with requirements to return the land to functional agricultural use.
But Fasulo questioned whether those projects will always be properly cleaned up in the future.
“There are different elements baked into the contracts that will allow the corporation to essentially dissolve or not be around for decommissioning, or they will file bankruptcy,” Fasulo said.
While some residents question whether solar should be built on open land at all, supporters said rooftops and parking lots alone won’t be enough to meet the state’s clean energy goals.
“People ask a lot, why can’t it just go on buildings and medial ways of highways, and like every single parking garage should have you know filled with solar if we did that, it still wouldn’t be enough,” Carson said.
NYSERDA said New York is ahead of schedule in its goal to reach 10 gigawatts of distributed solar in the next four years.
Copyright 2026 WBNG. All rights reserved.

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India has blocked China’s initial request for a World Trade Organization dispute panel. China alleges India’s tariffs and incentives unfairly target its information technology and solar energy imports. India maintains its measures align with global trade rules. China can renew its request at a future meeting. This dispute highlights trade tensions between the two nations.

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The Plug and Play Solar Act, which passed on a 35-1 vote, would allow portable solar generation devices with up to 1,200 W of output to connect to a building through a standard outlet. The bill now moves to the state Assembly, which has until August 31 to pass it during the current session.
Image: yuma solar/Unsplash
From pv magazine USA
The California Senate has passed SB 868, also known as “The Plug And Play Solar Act.” The bill establishes a definition of and rules for “portable solar generation device(s),” which generate power from solar panels connected to a home’s writing using a standard 120 V outlet, via a small inverter with up to 1,200 W of AC output.
Such devices, commonly referred to as “balcony solar panels” or “plug-in photovoltaics” (PIPV), would be exempted from rules that require the owner to pay a fee and obtain permission from the utility company to interconnect home solar panels.
SB 868, introduced by Senator Scott Wiener in early January, was modeled after the nation’s first successful plug-in solar bill — 2025’s HB 340 in Utah. Following the Utah bill’s passage, legislators in six other states have passed balcony solar laws, though two have not yet been signed by their state’s governors.
“The cost of electricity has risen to absurd levels, and plug-in solar is an easy way families can lower costs,” said Wiener in a statement celebrating his bill’s passage in the Senate. “These units are small and mobile enough that millions of Californians can use them to save on affordable clean energy where rooftop systems aren’t appropriate. I thank my colleagues for supporting this important measure to provide affordable clean energy to more people in our state.”
The California bill passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support on a 35-1 vote, and now heads to the state Assembly. California legislators have until August 31 to pass bills for final approval this session.
As goes California…
While bills in other states have been cause for celebration by plug-in solar advocates across the country, California is seen as the most important market for the technology. The state has long been a leader in installed solar capacity, although Texas has become the nation’s solar hub as California policy has slowed new distributed solar additions.
Advocates say that the push for plug-in solar will spread the technology quickly across the state, allowing companies that sell such products to access millions of new customers — something they say will make the economics of adding a couple of panels to an apartment balcony an obvious good choice.
“These systems are simple, practical and proven. They give people the ability to plug into clean energy savings immediately,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, senior vice president for California of the Environmental Working Group (and former executive director of the California Solar and Storage Association) in a statement. “We strongly encourage the Assembly to promptly take up and pass the balcony solar bill, ensuring that as we head into a hot summer, millions of Californians can look forward to having access to this technology and begin to see meaningful reductions in their energy bills.”
While it is uncertain whether the Assembly will pass the bill (and if so, whether outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom would sign it), at least one candidate vying to replace Newsom is a fan of plug-in photovoltaics.
“Solar keeps getting cheaper, faster, and better. Balcony solar is fantastic—unbox it and hang it up. Any politician who opposes this technology is either ignorant or is beholden to utility monopolies. As governor, I’ll unleash solar’s full potential,” wrote Tom Steyer on X.
Even without legislative action, some companies are already selling plug-in solar products in California, including APsystems, Craftstrom and the nonprofit Bright Saver. But these companies are still pushing legislators to pass SB 868.
Cora Stryker, the cofounder of Bright Saver, has been a vocal advocate for plug-in solar laws nationwide. In a statement made to pv magazine USA ahead of the Senate vote, she expressed her personal viewpoint on the momentum behind the plug-in solar movement.
“From big states like California and New York to smaller states like New Hampshire and Virginia, there’s no doubt that Americans want some agency to fight back against rising energy bills,” Stryker wrote. “Californians right, left and center are contacting their elected officials to say clearly that they need plug-in solar – not next year, but right now. The question now is whether elected officials will listen to the people. We are optimistic that they will.”
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
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GRS O&M secures contract extension for 204-MW Aussie solar farm  Renewables Now
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Easier solar panel rules eyed for non-net metering households by Q3  Philippine News Agency
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In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that April 2026 was one of Australia’s driest Aprils in recent years, with widespread rainfall deficits driven by persistent high pressure and ENSO returning to neutral, leading to mostly clear skies and above-normal solar irradiance across much of the continent. New South Wales and Victoria saw the strongest sunshine surpluses, while remnants of ex-Tropical Cyclone Maila brought cloud and rain to the north, creating regional contrasts in rainfall and solar conditions.
Image: Solcast
April 2026 was one of Australia’s driest Aprils in recent years, with a persistent high-pressure pattern and the return of ENSO to neutral conditions combining to suppress cloud cover and lift solar irradiance across much of the continent. According to analysis using the Solcast API, global horizontal irradiance (GHI) tracked above normal in most regions, with New South Wales and Victoria the clear beneficiaries, while cloud and rainfall linked to ex-Tropical Cyclone Maila limited gains in the north.

The dominant weather feature through April was a slow-moving high-pressure system that travelled from the west across southern Australia before stalling in the Tasman Sea. This pattern produced extended periods of clear skies, cool nights, and warm sunny days. Nationally, Bureau of Meteorology reports rainfall totals were 43% below the long-term April average, the lowest since 2018, with every state and territory recording below-average rainfall except the Northern Territory. These conditions coincided with ENSO returning to neutral after La Niña, a phase typically associated with enhanced tropical moisture and cloud across northern and central Australia. The reduction of that moisture influence coincides with a turnaround in fortune for the continent from the cloudier conditions in prior months.
Parts of New South Wales and Victoria stood out as the strongest performers. Mid-month, a cold front brought a brief period of cooler conditions to the southeast, including snow and rainfall. This was followed by a drier air mass and a return to sunnier conditions. Later in the month, a blocking high in the Tasman Sea led to very stable weather across southern Australia, with little day-to-day variation. Inland areas of the southeast experienced prolonged favourable solar conditions, with warm northerly winds and unusually clear weather contributing to a solar surplus of up to 15% above normal.

In contrast, conditions in northern Australia were shaped by the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Maila. The system formed in the Solomon Sea on 2 April and intensified to a Category 5 cyclone by 8 April, affecting more than 119,000 people across Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. By 11 April it had been classified as an ex-tropical cyclone but continued across far north Queensland and the Northern Territory, bringing cloud, heavy rain, and thunderstorms westward. This rainfall contributed to the Northern Territory recording near-average rainfall for the month, in contrast to the widespread dryness elsewhere. The coastal fringe of southern Western Australia and parts South Australia also bucked the trend of the rest of the country, recording below-average irradiance, at around 5% less than normal.
Solcast produces these figures by tracking clouds and aerosols at 1-2km resolution globally, using satellite data and proprietary AI/ML algorithms. This data is used to drive irradiance models, enabling Solcast to calculate irradiance at high resolution, with typical bias of less than 2%, and also cloud-tracking forecasts. This data is used by more than 350 companies managing over 300 GW of solar assets globally.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own, and do not necessarily reflect those held by pv magazine.
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The Social Security System (SSS) on Friday announced plans to roll out an Energy Sustainability Loan Program that will allow qualified members to avail of financing to install residential solar panel systems that they can pay for up to seven years.
According to SSS, it targets to support at least 100,000 homes by 2028 through the program amid the rising electricity costs and the government’s push for long-term energy sustainability.
The agency has yet to release specific details for the program, but said the program will be made available for members with a Mandatory Provident Fund account.
The Mandatory Provide Fund Program is a compulsary retirement savings scheme that automatically enrolls members that contribute to the regular SSS program with a monthly salary credit over P20,000.
SSS reported a P142.97-billion net income in 2025, while its reserve fund surpassed the P1-trillion mark for the first time on record.
“Our strong financial position allows us to invest directly in better services, new technologies, infrastructure upgrades, and programs that will improve the experience of our members,” SSS president and chief executive officer Robert Joseph de Claro said in an emailed statement.
The Philippines, a net importer of fuel, has been impacted by the conflict in the Middle East, prompting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to declare a state of national energy emergency in March.
Meralco this month cut down its rates by 1.51 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh), bringing the overall household rate to P14.335 per kWh from P14.3496 per kWh in April. This translates to a P3.02 decrease in the monthly bill of a typical household consuming 200 kWh. — BAP, GMA News

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The Vedette
Southwest Regional Publishing
A batch of glossy mystery mailings landing in Crete-Monee area mailboxes has created a bit of a stir among residents.
The cards advertise and promote the solar farms springing up without naming the company involved – Earthrise Energy – or its projects. 
There are several different versions, with slightly varied content. There are no names on any of them to identify who sent them, but all urge residents to contact District 3 Will County Board Member Sherry Newquist, D-Steger, and push for a “yes” vote on the solar fields.
Newquist said last week she had nothing to do with the flyers.
“Earthrise printed those without my knowledge,” she said. “I had no idea until someone I know received one. There are several different versions which were sent out. I was very surprised, especially since the district has two county board reps, and only one of us was listed on the flyer.” (The second representative is Daniel J. Butler, R-Frankfort. District 3 includes Crete, Monee, Steger, Peotone, and Green Garden Township.)
“Regarding the meeting, the Crete solar farm was voted on at the April 16 county board meeting, and it passed. The second project, the Prairie View development, has been sent back to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a second Public Hearing. It has not been officially scheduled yet. 
“I have not had any direct communications with Earthwise outside of our official meetings, since I sit on Land Use,” she added.
“Legally, this can’t influence my vote. With respect to… the Crete solar farm, I was not at the meeting for the final vote, as I was away on a long-planned vacation. I did vote ‘yes’ in committee, however.  
“Most of the comments I received for the Crete project were in favor, and the Village of Crete and the school board supported the project, due to the significant tax revenue it will contribute to the school district.” 
The mailings contend that at least one of the solar projects would “deliver $1.2 million per year to the Crete-Monee School District” and “lightens the tax burden on homeowners, not adds to it.”
Dr. Kara Coglianese, superintendent for C-M schools, seemed less convinced, however. 
“The district has not had any direct communication with Earthrise Energy regarding the claims mentioned in their advertisements,” she said. 
“Generally, property developed outside of a TIF District increases an area’s equalized assessed value (EAV), which can lead to a lower tax rate for residents.
“However, we have no specific agreements or details regarding funding from this organization.”
In addition to spurring school revenues, the flyers promise the solar farms will create 1,000-plus union construction jobs with “family sustaining wages and benefits.”
At the same time, they claim the project would provide “clean solar power for tens-of-thousands of homes (with) lower bills for Will County families.”
Moreover, they pledge “Sustainability: Real clean energy investment. Illinois is a leader in renewables, this keeps us there.
“The county board just has to vote ‘yes’.”
Crete Mayor Mark Wiater had no complaints about the Arlington, Virginia, power producer. 
“All of my dealings with Earthrise have been very professional,” he said.
“They have performed as they have said they would with all aspects of the project as it relates to Crete.”
But Green Garden Township Supervisor Dean Christofilos had a different view. Township residents have been battling an immense solar field/data center project encompassing thousands of acres of farm field there.
“I have not heard of any flyers from Earthrise being mailed to Green Garden residents,” Christofilos said. 
“It appears Earthrise is aware of the massive opposition to its project from our township. In fact, the closer the industrial-scale solar project gets to becoming a reality, the stronger my disdain for this type of solar development grows. 
“Earthrise has shown no respect for our community and seems unconcerned about the excessive damage it will cause to our area, our landscape, and our residents’ quality of life. The Bible is accurate when it says, ‘The love of money is the root of all evil,’ and this situation is a clear example of a company placing profit above people, property, and the long-term well-being of our township.
“Our township is not opposed to all solar development. We simply ask that any solar projects be consistent with the township’s designated areas for such use, rather than being indiscriminately spread across our community without regard for our comprehensive land use plan.”
A spokesman for Earthrise sought to assuage concerns over the mailings.
“Earthrise is aware of the mailings, but we did not send them,” he said. “There are many parties within the community involved in and supportive of this project, and it is likely they were sent by one of those parties. As such, Earthrise never communicated with Sherry Newquist about them.
“We are confident the energy generated by the Pride of the Prairie and Plum Valley projects will benefit the communities served by the PJM grid, which include Crete residents. 
“However, we cannot guarantee where or when that electricity will be delivered, as distribution is determined by PJM.
“Under Illinois law,” he said. “Commercial solar projects are assessed and taxed under a standardized framework based on megawatt capacity. As a result, Earthrise’s proposed projects will generate new revenue for local taxing bodies in the areas where they are located, which includes schools and other local organizations. We estimate that Pride of the Prairie will contribute at least $3.5 million in the first year of operations, whereas Plum Valley will contribute $2.3 million in the first year of operations.
“We have seen the mailing, which states the project would result in ‘no new taxes.’ That is different from a claim that the project would lower tax rates.”
Meanwhile, the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission scheduled a Public Hearing on the Pride of the Prairie project for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, at the Renaissance Center, 214 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet.
It will advance to the Will County Board’s Executive Committee meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, at the Will County Office Building, 302 N. Chicago Street in Joliet.
The full Will County Board is scheduled to take a final vote on the project at its meeting scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 21, at the Will County Office Building.

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Solar Power World
By Billy Ludt | May 21, 2026
Polar Racking is starting up its Solar Asset Management Division, a dedicated operations and maintenance (O&M) practice for utility-scale and commercial projects. The division provides field-based and remote support across North America and the Caribbean, including projects in the United States, Canada and island markets.
Credit: Polar Racking
As solar portfolios scale, asset owners across the industry face performance degradation, such as tracker misalignment, field-aging hardware and communication faults.
Polar Racking’s Solar Asset Management Division will offer field inspections and mechanical assessments, including alignment verification and structural integrity reviews to catch issues before they impact energy yield. It will also have remote monitoring and control diagnostics to identify faults in tracking logic, network performance and system response. The division offer ongoing support and direct access to Polar’s field team to maintain performance between scheduled service visits. Polar will also have training programs for asset management teams and send monthly performance reports for projects.
“We have spent years in the field deploying racking and tracking systems across hundreds of sites in some of the most demanding environments in North America. We know what happens to these assets over time — and we know what asset owners need to protect their returns,” said Sam Alradhi, VP of operations at Polar Racking. “This division was built in direct response to what our customers were asking for: a single, trusted partner who can support them from day one through the life of the project.”
News item from Polar Racking
Billy Ludt is managing editor of Solar Power World and currently covers topics on mounting, inverters, installation and operations.

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Fact Check: FAKE Video Shows Tesla Cybertruck Carrying Solar Panels — Original Poster Admits It Is AI-Generated  Yahoo
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A judge intends to hear the appeal of NextEra Energy in its bid to win a permit for construction of a 5,000-acre solar farm near Porter in Wagoner County.
NextEra’s subsidiary, Persica Solar, LLC went to court last year after Wagoner County Commissioners, in a 2-1 vote, denied the company’s request for a conditional permit for the proposed solar farm.
Wagoner County District Judge Douglas Kirkley recently set an agenda for briefs to be filed before he hears the appeal on August 31 at 9 a.m.
The judge wants the Plaintiffs Brief in Chief to be filed by June 15 and the Defendant’s Response by July 10. The Plaintiff’s Reply in Brief will have to be filed with the court by July 24.
THIS ORDER is entered this 16 day of May, 2026, counsel for Plaintiff and
Defendant having stipulated to the record in this appeal from a decision of the Board of County
Commissioners and considering the complexity of the case and availability of the parties in
arriving at this Scheduling Order with the Court:
IT IS ORDERED that the following must be completed within the time fixed:
1. Plaintiff’s Brief in Chief on or before: June 15, 2026
2. Defendant’s Response to Brief in Chief on or before: July 10. 2026
3. Plaintiff’s Reply in support of Brief in Chief
on or before: July 24, 2026
4. This Appeal shall be set for hearing on the 31 day of August, 9:00am before the Honorable Douglas Kirkley.
Wagoner County Commissioners denied Persica Solar’s request nearly a year ago following strong opposition from landowners and residents of Porter.
Afterward, NextEra’s Sara Cassidy, Director of Development Communications issued a statement.
“While NextEra Energy Resources is disappointed with the decision by the Board of County Commissioners, we remain deeply committed to working with local leaders to develop the Persica Solar project in Wagoner County and bring the benefits of the project to the community, including approximately $31 million dollars in tax payments over the lifetime of the project.”
NextEra had claimed the solar farm would have aided the county and the town economically. Opponents complained that very little if any of the electrical power to have been produced by the solar array would be for the local area, but would have instead been transmitted out of state.
After Persica Solar filed its appeal, Wagoner County Commissioners responded through their attorneys with the Tulsa law firm of GableGotwals, and stated Persica Solar “lacks standing to bring this lawsuit,” “fails to state a claim against the County upon which relief may be granted,” ” Plaintiff is not entitled to a conditional use permit” and “the decision of the County is valid and the proceeding was free from any prejudicial error, therefore, the decision must be affirmed.”
The commissioners also contended the county properly exercised its police power granted to protect the public and that the county’s denial was “not arbitrary or capricious.”  They also claimed their decision was “administrative, legislative or political in nature, not judicial or quasi-judicial.” And the commissioners contended a conditional use is not a use permitted by right under the Zoning Code.
Persica contended in its appeal that “The BOCC’s denial of Persica’s Application for Conditional Use Permit was
unfounded under the facts and circumstances and the Conditional Use Permit should be properly issued to Persica.”

OK Energy Today is a news media publication committed to timely, accurate reporting on Oklahoma energy.
Have a story idea? Send it to us at editor@okenergytoday.com

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Local news and What’s On from Crewe. Your town in your pocket.
By Ryan Parker 22nd May 2026
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is saving money on its energy bills in Crewe, with a new solar panel development at Leighton Hospital funded by Great British Energy.
The NHS is the single biggest public sector energy user, with an estimated annual energy bill of around £1.3 billion, that has almost doubled since 2019.
Over the past 12 months, the Great British Energy and NHS collaboration has helped more than 260 NHS sites in England save money on bills through the solar roll-out scheme, savings that can be reinvested into frontline services.
Last year, the Trust was awarded £32,612 to install solar panels at Leighton Hospital, helping to generate clean power and deliver reductions in energy costs.
92 roof-top solar panels were installed in April and are now live.

The £32k Leighton Hospital solar development will generate an estimated 34,000kWh of electricity a year for the site (Photo: Jonathan White).

The array will generate an estimated 34,000kWh of electricity a year for the site, which is the equivalent of powering more than 12 average UK homes for a year.
Board Senior Responsible Officer for Healthier Futures & Estates Redevelopment, Russ Favager, said: “I’m very proud of everyone at the Trust who delivered this project, from initial application development and submission, right through to installation and commissioning.
“Reducing our energy costs will help to support our long-term financial plans as we continue to provide the best possible standards of healthcare.”
The development is expected to save Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust around £9,500 annually, while also supporting the Trust’s Green Plan.
Chief Sustainability Officer at NHS England, Chris Gormley, said: “As Great British Energy marks its first year, it’s fantastic that 162 NHS sites, including Leighton Hospital, have completed their solar installations.
“This represents important progress in expanding solar generation across the NHS because every pound saved on energy bills is a pound that can go back into patient care. These solar panels are helping trusts across the country do exactly that.
“Together with Great British Energy, we’re building an NHS that is greener, more sustainable and better placed to serve patients for years to come.”
This work supports the trust’s Environmental and Social Responsibility Plan, combining NHS net zero carbon ambitions with broader social priorities to reduce health inequalities, enhance wellbeing and provide support across the community.
Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband said: “We set up Great British Energy because it is only fair we have clean homegrown power that is owned by and for the British people.
“In their first year they are already delivering – cutting bills for hundreds of schools and hospitals, setting out plans to back 1,000 community energy projects, investing millions to develop our clean energy supply chains, and backing new projects that will create thousands of jobs.”
READ MORE: Six new homes proposed for field in Crewe village.
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Fujiyama Power Systems announced plans to establish a 1.2 GW TopCon solar cell manufacturing facility in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, as part of its strategy to strengthen domestic solar manufacturing capabilities and expand its presence in India’s fast-growing rooftop solar market. The proposed facility will significantly enhance the company’s integrated solar manufacturing operations while supporting the government’s push for indigenously produced renewable energy solutions.
Ratlam Facility to Strengthen Solar Manufacturing Capacity
At present, Fujiyama operates a 1 GW Mono PERC solar cell manufacturing facility at Dadri in Uttar Pradesh. With the addition of the new 1.2 GW TopCon capacity at Ratlam, the company aims to strengthen its backward integration across the solar value chain. The expansion will help Fujiyama improve supply-chain reliability, enhance cost efficiency and ensure a steady supply of domestically manufactured DCR-compliant solar cells for the Indian market.
Commercial Operations Expected by FY2028
According to the company, commercial production at the Ratlam facility is expected to begin in the first quarter of FY2028. The project will involve an estimated investment of Rs 350 crore, which Fujiyama plans to finance through a combination of internal accruals and debt. The company believes the investment will further improve its manufacturing competitiveness and support long-term growth in India’s renewable energy sector.
Focus on DCR Solar Panels and Rooftop Solar Market
Chairman and Joint Managing Director, Pawan Kumar Garg said the project will strengthen the company’s backward integration while improving cost control and ensuring consistent availability of DCR-compliant solar cells. He also highlighted that Fujiyama’s recent inclusion in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s ALMM-II list for solar cells positions the company to cater to rising domestic demand for DCR solar panels. In addition, the company plans to expand its footprint in the on-grid rooftop solar segment, particularly under the government’s Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna initiative aimed at accelerating residential solar adoption across India.
Supporting India’s Solarisation Goals
Garg further stated that the Ratlam facility will strengthen Fujiyama’s competitive position in the renewable energy market while supporting its vision of “solarising Indian households” through reliable, high-quality and locally manufactured solar solutions. The company expects growing demand for rooftop solar systems, driven by government incentives, rising electricity costs and increasing awareness about clean energy adoption. As reported by business-standard.com, with the upcoming Ratlam project, Fujiyama is expected to further strengthen its role in India’s expanding renewable energy manufacturing ecosystem.

1,true,6,Contact Email,21,false,1,First Name,21,false,1,Last Name,2


518, Crystal Paradise, Dattaji Salvi Marg, Off. Veera Desai, Opp. Skoda Showroom, Mumbai-53 Maharashtra, India
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At its 2026 SAJ elekeeper Ecosystem Partner Conference, SAJ showcased new products for the residential and C&I market segments. The manufacturer is marking its shift away from traditional passive solar energy toward an era of proactive AI.
Image: SAJ
SAJ has launched three new products for the energy storage ecosystem – elekeeper 5.0, EK90 Series HS5, and CHS3. The elekeeper 5.0 app is a digital toolkit that includes five core AI capabilities: AI Designer offers smart layout and ROI modeling for proposal generation; AI Care ensures 24/7 system health; AI Saving enables peak shaving, generator coordination, and auto-optimization; AI Edge ensures efficient policy implementation and real-time command response; and AI Keeper simplifies voice-driven energy control. Supported by five AI-enabled functions, elekeeper delivers higher returns, smarter services, and simpler operation.
The EK90 HS5 is a comprehensive home energy solution designed for safety, simplicity, and intelligent performance. It offers total peace of mind with a nine-layer battery and system protection, while easy and fast installation is achieved through plug-and-play design, app-assisted setup, and the wireless professional meter. The system features a long-lasting LFP battery with DC-DC optimizer that is scalable for future expansion, delivers whole-home backup power with a 63A bypass, and includes an EVDC charging module that supports vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home (V2H) connections. All of this is powered by an AI-driven home energy management system for smarter, more efficient energy optimization.
CHS3 is a C&I energy storage solution that can scale up to 2.5 MW/20.8 MWh for high-performance demands. The solution pairs SAJ’s CH3 Series 125 kW hybrid inverter with the company’s CB3 battery system. The hybrid inverter is built on a 1500 V DC voltage platform, which allows 50% more PV panels per string compared to traditional 1000 V systems – cutting string connections by 30%. Supporting parallel operation from a single unit to ten units without external transfer switches, it enables seamless on-grid to off-grid switching in less than 20 ms and offers 200% PV overloading capability.
The products were announced at the 2026 SAJ elekeeper Ecosystem Partner Conference that was held in Frankfurt in May, which brought together energy storage industry leaders, key partners, and business representatives from across Europe to explore opportunities in Europe’s energy transition. During the conference, which centered around the core theme “SAJ, Your Smart elekeeper,” the company officially announced its strategic transformation roadmap, as well as its receipt of the Top Brand PV 2026 award from EUPD Sweden, in addition to formalizing its commitment with partners like Tibber.
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by Eric Morris,FOX11News
Solar panels (WSBT photo)
CLINTONVILLE (WLUK) — Some Waupaca County residents are speaking out about a solar project that could be built right in their backyard.
Many voiced concerns Thursday about the project's potential impact on the environment and their property values.

NextEra Energy, a Florida-based renewable energy company, is behind the project.
"It's important to have these informational sessions because we can get facts and truth out there to questions that they may not have the answer to," said Danilo Cabrera, NextEra Energy project director.
Cabrera said the Pigeon River Energy Center would feature 175 megawatts of solar generation, plus a 175-megawatt battery energy storage system. On the low end, just one megawatt can power up to 200 homes. Multiply that by 175 and you get roughly 35,000 homes.
The project would cost roughly $581 million, which would be entirely paid for by NextEra Energy. The company has signed for 2,200 acres of land, but said the project would only use 658 acres. NextEra Energy said it has yet to finish maps of exactly where the panels would go, but whatever land isn't used will be returned to the original landowner.
The panels could end up right next to Jenni Yaeger's property.
"I live in the country to get away, to see nature, to see things like that," said Yaeger.
NextEra Energy said it has developed hundreds of projects and no data suggests property value drops.
Yaegar said, "If I want to sell my property, no one's going to want to look out their window and see that. That's all they're going to see. People just don't like eyesores, right?"
Per its presentation, NextEra Energy said the community would receive more than $1 million annually in tax revenue.
"I think it's very important to understand all the benefits the local community is going to receive. This project alone is going to provide over a million dollars a year to the local community, where they can allocate to whatever important initiatives they have," said Cabrera.
The company must apply for a permit from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. NextEra said its application will be submitted this summer. The permit process could take six months to up to a year. Cabrera said if approved, NextEra Energy doesn't expect to start construction until 2028.
2026 Sinclair, Inc.

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Rooftop solar vs grid power, what actually saves you more? Compare lifetime costs, paybacks, and more to know which is a smarter financial choice for sustained savings
May 22, 2026
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Rooftop solar vs grid power in India is no longer about the availability of electricity. It is about cost control, predictability, and long-term margins. While grid electricity ensures a consistent supply, rooftop solar offers greater pricing stability and lower lifetime costs after payback, leading many businesses to adopt hybrid energy models.
 
This shift in priorities becomes clearer when you look at India’s power landscape today. Electricity is no longer a question of shortage. As highlighted in the Economic Survey of India, the country has reduced its power demand–supply gap from 4.2 percent to nearly zero, signaling near-constant availability across regions.
 
For businesses, that may seem like a solved problem. But here’s the catch. Reliable power does not always mean predictable or affordable power, and that gap is where the rooftop solar vs grid power debate becomes relevant. Look closer, and the comparison moves beyond a simple choice between two sources of power. It becomes a question of finding the right balance between grid reliability and solar-led cost control.
When you evaluate rooftop solar vs grid power, the difference is not just technical; it is economic. Based on industry estimates and government-aligned benchmarks, the comparison below breaks down how rooftop solar and grid power perform across cost, control, and long-term value.
Rooftop solar offers long-term cost stability and control, while grid power remains flexible but exposes businesses to rising tariffs and external pricing uncertainties.
Rooftop solar vs grid power: Rethinking how electricity is sourced
For most businesses, the shift from grid dependency to solar adoption does not begin with installation. It begins with clarity.
This is where solutions like Tata Power Solaroof come into the picture. As one of India’s most established rooftop solar providers with over 30 years of experience and more than 1,900 MW of rooftop installations, Tata Power operates across the entire solar value chain, from manufacturing modules to designing and executing customized rooftop systems.
What makes this relevant in the context of rooftop solar vs grid power is not just capability, but how the transition is structured –
The scale of execution reinforces this further, with large projects such as the RSSB-EES rooftop solar installation demonstrating how industrial-scale adoption is already underway.
This shift is also being actively driven at a national level. Under initiatives like the Ghar Ghar Solar, the focus is to make rooftop solar more accessible and financially viable across segments. As Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD of Tata Power, noted while speaking on the initiative – “The initiative will turn solar adoption from an aspiration into an economically viable option.”
The real shift is not just in energy adoption, but in how solar is enabling businesses to take control of costs, risks, and long-term energy decisions, a shift that becomes clearer when you look at it closely.
Choose correct statement
Electricity in India has come a long way, with supply gaps shrinking to just 0.1 percent, making power more reliable than ever. What has not evolved at the same pace is how businesses manage the cost of that power. The real lens for rooftop solar vs grid power is not cost alone, but control over how that cost behaves. One keeps you plugged into a system you cannot influence. The other lets you shape a part of it. As businesses grow more intentional about long-term planning, the opportunity is not just to consume power better, but to understand it differently.
The frequently asked questions section is a reliable source for unlocking answers to some of the most crucial inquiries. Please refer to this section for any queries you may have.
 
Grid power is the electricity supplied through a central network managed by DISCOMs. Power is generated at large plants, transmitted over high-voltage lines, and then distributed to consumers. Once connected, you draw electricity on demand without worrying about generation or storage. This system is designed for reliability and scale, which is why it remains the backbone of India’s power supply.
 
Yes, rooftop solar is generally cheaper than grid electricity in India over the long term. Government programmes by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy provide subsidies of up to 40% for residential systems, significantly lowering upfront costs. With typical payback periods of about 4–6 years and system lifespans of ~25 years, most electricity generated after recovery is effectively free, making it more economical than rising grid tariffs in many states.
 
No, most businesses in India cannot rely only on solar power as a standalone source. Government frameworks under MNRE are designed around grid-connected systems, not fully off-grid setups, because solar generation is intermittent and limited to daytime. Official assessments also highlight grid stress and the need for storage as solar capacity rises, reinforcing that backup from the grid or batteries is essential. In practice, businesses use hybrid models combining solar, grid, and storage for reliability.
 
Rooftop solar is not just a power source; it is a small, decentralized energy system built on your own roof. Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity using photovoltaic cells. That electricity is first used on your premises. If there is a surplus, it flows back into the grid, and when your system is not generating enough, the grid fills the gap.
 
Not entirely in most cases. A grid-connected rooftop solar system is designed to work alongside the grid, not fully replace it. Solar generates electricity during the day, and any shortfall is automatically supplied by the grid. This hybrid setup ensures reliability while reducing overall consumption from the grid. According to MNRE frameworks, solar is meant to complement existing supply rather than act as a standalone replacement.
 
Electricity tariffs in India are revised periodically by state regulators based on factors like fuel cost, infrastructure upgrades, and policy decisions. These revisions are not uniform and can vary significantly across states. Since these costs are externally controlled, businesses typically have limited influence over how tariffs evolve, which is why long-term cost predictability becomes an important consideration in energy planning.
 
As a general benchmark, a 1 kW rooftop solar system requires about 10 to 12 square meters of shadow-free space. This estimate comes from MNRE-aligned guidelines and can vary slightly depending on panel efficiency and installation design. For businesses with larger rooftops, this makes scaling solar capacity relatively straightforward, provided structural and regulatory conditions are met.
 
Yes, most businesses do not need to disconnect from the grid. Instead, they reduce dependence by supplementing grid power with alternatives like rooftop solar or open access procurement. This allows them to use the grid as a backup while optimizing part of their energy consumption. It is a more practical approach since the grid still ensures reliability during non-generation hours.
 
DISCOMs are central to how rooftop solar functions in India. They approve grid connectivity, enable net metering, and manage billing adjustments. Without DISCOM participation, a rooftop system cannot interact with the grid. State policies and regulatory approvals determine how smoothly this process works, which is why the experience can vary slightly depending on the location.
 
Yes, but only under specific frameworks like net metering or net billing, depending on the state. Businesses can export surplus electricity to the grid and receive credits or compensation as per DISCOM regulations. However, the rates and mechanisms differ across states, and in some cases, compensation is lower than retail tariffs, making system sizing an important consideration.
 
Net metering is what makes rooftop solar practical for most users. When your system generates more electricity than you need, the extra power is sent back to the grid. A bidirectional meter tracks both what you use and what you export. At the end of the billing cycle, you only pay for the “net” units consumed. This mechanism is widely supported under DISCOM policies and helps reduce overall electricity bills.
 
The payback period depends on a mix of factors rather than a fixed timeline. Your electricity tariff, system size, daily consumption, and whether you receive any subsidy, all play a role. In India, most well-sized systems recover their cost in about 3 to 5 years. After that, the electricity generated is almost free, apart from minor maintenance costs, which is why solar is often seen as a long-term cost hedge.
 
Under schemes like PM Surya Ghar Yojana, subsidies are primarily aimed at residential consumers with a valid electricity connection and sufficient rooftop space. The system must be installed through a vendor approved by the local DISCOM to qualify. The subsidy amount depends on system size and is credited directly after installation and inspection. Commercial users generally do not receive this subsidy, but can still benefit from long-term savings.
1. Electricity Rate per Unit in India: List of State-Wise Domestic and Commercial Electricity Rates in 2026
2. Economic survey 2025-26
3. Net metering application 101: Understanding your solar system’s energy credits
4. Net Metering in Delhi – Consumer Guide
5. Frequently Asked Questions for Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Systems
6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SOLAR ROOFTOP SYSTEM (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy)
7. FAQ: Grid Connected Solar Rooftop System
8. Your guide to understanding On-Grid and Off-Grid solar systems
9. WHICH IS BETTER FOR YOUR HOME OFF-GRID OR ON-GRID SOLAR
10. Rooftop Solar vs. Diesel & Grid
Keep reading…
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May 20, 2026
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April 22, 2026
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Enbridge expects to invest $1.2 billion into the project’s construction and anticipates that it will enter service by the end of 2027.
Enbridge and Meta are expanding their clean energy partnership with a solar and storage project in Wyoming, which will supply Meta data centers with 365 MW of solar and a 200 MW/1,600 MWh battery energy storage system, Enbridge said in a Tuesday release.
Including this project, the two companies have partnered to develop 1.6 GW of solar, wind and storage capacity, Enbridge said. The Wyoming project will be located near Cheyenne and is the first phase of the companies’ joint Cowboy Project. Tesla will provide the batteries.
The project will deliver power to Meta “through Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power under a large-load tariff designed to serve data centers without affecting retail electricity rates,” Enbridge said. The company expects to invest $1.2 billion into the project’s construction and anticipates that it will enter service by the end of 2027.
The tariff in question is Wyoming’s Large Power Contract Service tariff, Enbridge said. It was developed by Microsoft and Black Hills Energy, which along with Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power is a subsidiary of Black Hills Corp.
The tariff is open to retail customers with a load of over 13 MW and requires “customer-owned, behind-the-meter dispatchable generation onsite for reliability and backup,” according to Black Hills Energy. Under the tariff, the utility can tap this backup generation capacity during periods of high electricity demand.
The tariff “[allows] the utility to provide market and renewable energy options to data centers without impact on retail rates,” Enbridge said. “The BESS capacity is contracted under a long-term, battery tolling agreement with [Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power] under the same LPCS tariff.”
Enbridge and Meta previously partnered to develop three projects in Texas: the 600-MW Clear Fork Solar, the 152-MW Easter Wind and the 300-MW Cone Wind.
“The project will be one of the larger utility-scale battery installations supporting U.S. data center operations and growth,” said Allen Capps, Enbridge’s senior vice president of strategy and president of power, in a LinkedIn post.
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The company has 28 large load projects representing 11 GW under contract, and Georgia Power’s first-quarter capital expenditures increased year over year from $1.6 billion to $2 billion.
In the first part of a two-phase plan, the grid operator would help match buyers, including data centers and other large loads, with sellers of new generation. States and utilities may seek to lower the procurement target over affordability concerns.
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NextEra Energy Resources signed contracts for 1.3 GW of battery storage in the first quarter and expects to build 43 GW of battery storage by the end of 2032.
In the first part of a two-phase plan, the grid operator would help match buyers, including data centers and other large loads, with sellers of new generation. States and utilities may seek to lower the procurement target over affordability concerns.
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The two-day 3rd edition of the REconnect Annual Flagship Summit & Expo 2026 in New Delhi brought together renewable energy leaders, policymakers and industry experts to discuss energy security, solar innovation, storage solutions and sustainable growth.
May 22, 2026. By EI News Network
The two-day (May 21-22) 3rd edition of the REconnect Annual Flagship Summit & Expo 2026 was inaugurated in New Delhi.
Organised by 'Energetica India' magazine  under the theme ‘Redefining Energy Security: Building a New Energy World Through Renewables,’ the summit has brought together policymakers, industry leaders, clean energy developers, manufacturers and investors to discuss the future of India’s renewable energy sector.
The event has served as a major platform for collaboration across the solar, energy storage and sustainability ecosystem, featuring panel discussions, keynote addresses, networking sessions and technology showcases.
The summit opened with welcome remarks from Hemant Arora, Director of Energetica India. He highlighted India’s rapidly evolving clean energy landscape and the growing importance of energy security. Addressing policymakers, industry leaders, innovators and stakeholders, he said the summit theme, ‘Redefining Energy Security: Building a New Energy World through Renewables,’ reflects the urgent global need for sustainable and self-reliant energy systems. He further highlighted India’s progress in ethanol blending, green hydrogen, rooftop solar, domestic solar manufacturing under ALMM, energy storage and industrial decarbonisation as key pillars driving the country’s renewable energy transition.
While, Chief Guest Shripad Yesso Naik, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, highlighted the growing global focus on sustainability and energy security. He stressed that reliable, affordable and clean energy is now a global priority, making renewable energy crucial for economic growth and energy independence. Naik emphasised the importance of strengthening solar manufacturing in India to reduce import dependence, drive innovation and create jobs. He also underlined the critical role of energy storage solutions in ensuring reliable power supply as renewable adoption increases. He praised Energetica India for fostering collaboration and expressed confidence in India’s renewable energy leadership.
Further, Sivakumar V Vepakomma, Director (Power System) at Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), also addressed industry stakeholders on the evolving role of renewable energy in strengthening India’s power infrastructure and long-term energy security. He highlighted the need to balance efficiency, longevity and affordability in solar modules while addressing delegates at the REconnect Summit 2026 in New Delhi. He said India’s renewable energy transition is being driven not only by the 500 GW target but also through a ‘silent revolution’ in distributed renewable energy under schemes such as PM Suryaghar and PM Kusum, with Maharashtra emerging as a leading contributor in rooftop and standalone solar deployment.
A major highlight of Day 1 was the panel discussion on ‘Energy Security in a Disrupted World: The New Energy Mix,’ moderated by Praveen Golash of Boston Consulting Group. The session featured Piyush Choudhary of ONGC Green Ltd., Sanjeev Sharma of GH2 Solar, Jyoti Mukul from Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Samit Mitra of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet and Abhishek Ranjan of BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd., who discussed diversification of India’s energy mix and grid resilience.
Another session on ‘Innovation in Solar Cells & Emerging Technologies’ was moderated by Dr. Rahul Pandey from National Institute of Technology (NIT) Delhi and featured Dr. Balachander Krishnan of Indosol Solar, Samir Mehta of Zuvay Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Sankar Ray of GREW Solar and Dibakar Roy of Aster e Technologies discussing advancements in solar cell efficiency, module longevity and manufacturing innovation.
The summit also hosted a discussion on ‘Residential Solar: From Rooftops to Smart Energy Ecosystems,’ moderated by Harpreet Singh from the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). Panellists included Gaurav Upadhyay of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), Akshat Jain of KLK Ventures Pvt. Ltd., Jay Karotia of Karotia Associates, Arshi Chadha of Bridgeway Power and Rajesh Kumar Jain of HFM Solar, who explored rooftop solar adoption, financing and decentralised energy systems.
A separate panel on ‘C&I Sector: Powering India’s Industrial Decarbonisation & Data Centres,’ moderated by Sachin Singh from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), featured Anurag Chivilkar of Roofsol Energy, Dr. Satish Mishra of Trident Group, Anil Bhat of Hexa Climate, Karan Chadha of Purvah Green Power and Ateesh Samant of Oyster Renewable Energy discussing industrial sustainability and clean power procurement.
The concluding panel on ‘Energy Storage: Enabling Round-the-Clock Renewable Power’ was moderated by Chetan Pathak of the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) and brought together Vatsal Kundalia of Advait Greenergy Pvt. Ltd., Anil Kumar Bohara of BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd., Rajrajeshwari Mishra of SBI Capital Markets Ltd., Neelashi Shukla of Stride AMC, Suhas Sutar of REPLUS Engitech, Kaushal Kishor of EnerGrid and Kumar Abhishek of POM Systems and Services Pvt. Ltd. to discuss battery storage, grid reliability and round-the-clock renewable energy solutions.
At the end of the day, the REconnect Annual Awards 2026 were presented to leading companies, innovators and industry professionals for their contributions to India’s renewable energy and sustainability sectors. The awards recognised achievements across solar manufacturing, clean energy deployment, technological innovation and sustainable business practices, highlighting the sector’s growing role in advancing India’s energy transition ambitions.

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From Innovation to Execution, BESS is Now Central to Power Planning: Savek Dubey, Sungrow

Mufin Green Finance's Gunjan Jain Bets on Premium Financing as India’s Next Credit Opportunity

Grid Modernisation, Storage, and Hydrogen to Shape India’s Energy Future: Advait's Rutvi Sheth

Energy Security Has Evolved into a Strategic Imperative for India: Hartek Singh

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Instances of cracks in PV module glass started appearing about five years ago. Spontaneous glass breakage is now one of the solar industry’s top issues, but manufacturing pressures and a lack of standards are hindering solutions.
Elizabeth Palmiotti uses a scattered light polariscope to measure the stress in PV glass
Image: NLR

From the magazine
Solar glass is not supposed to break on its own – but increasingly, it does. Since about 2021, scientists, operators, and testing labs have been seeing glass breakage on solar modules with no apparent cause, such as impacts or extreme weather. This novel failure mode has been researched to some extent, but as its scientific name suggests, “spontaneous glass breakages” still occur without warning.
Spontaneous glass breakage in glass-glass modules is the most significant reliability issue affecting modules today, according to Kiwa PVEL. “We are aware of it occurring in multiple countries, with multiple module model types, mounted to multiple tracker/racking solutions,” the lab wrote in its 2025 PV scorecard.
Tristan Erion-Lorico, vice president of sales and marketing at Kiwa PVEL, said the phenomenon is directly related to the industry’s cost-saving efforts.
“Generally speaking, we have thinned the glass, frames, and encapsulant and gone to more aggressive mounting,” ­Erion-Lorico told pv magazine. “That probably all works on paper, where the ‘perfect module’ should be reliable over the expected lifetime. However, we have eroded the safety margins, and now microscopic defects along the glass edges or surface, improperly placed silicone or frame adhesive, edge pinch, pressure from the busbars, etc., can result in module breakage.”
In the second quarter of 2025, Kiwa PVEL’s mechanical stress sequence testing recorded a historic high, with about one-third of the modules’ glass breaking. In the last quarter of the year, the results got a bit better, with about one-quarter of the samples failing. But those are still unprecedented results in decades of commercial module manufacturing.
“While our test doesn’t provide the same breakage pattern as modules suffering spontaneous breakage in the field, it is a good indication of modules’ mechanical durability,” Erion-Lorico said. “A module that breaks after static mechanical load (SML) or dynamic mechanical load (DML) tests is likely not going to last 30 years in the field.”
New PV modules in power plants are now larger than ever. With glass on both sides representing more than half of a module’s weight, it is not surprising that manufacturers found room to cut costs by reducing its thickness. While previous PV module generations had 3.2 mm glass, current modules usually have around 2.0 mm.
“The shift to thinner glass is driven entirely by the customer. Glass manufacturers have had to invest significantly in new equipment to cater to this changed demand,” said Pradeep Kheruka, chairman of Borosil and Borosil Renewables, an Indian multinational solar glass manufacturer. “Glass manufacturers can safely handle large, thin glass, but as modules are now larger and heavier than in the past, they require specialized installation equipment.”
Kheruka added that responsibility for glass breakage is shared among different actors. “High pressure on the front and back glass from thick soldered joints is one factor that module manufacturers must address, while issues such as improper sealant filling leading to contact between the aluminum frame and the glass, or poorly finished holes in the backsheet, can also contribute,” he explained.
The US National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), formerly known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), surveyed potential causes of spontaneous glass breakage in late 2024. A range of contributing factors was identified, including reduced thermal strengthening in thinner modules, microscopic flaws at edges and surfaces, lamination-induced stresses such as edge pinch, increasing module size without corresponding changes to mounting and frames, and contact between the glass and the frame or trapped debris.
For a recent 2026 paper, NLR focused on the first cause and developed a non-destructive method to measure the glass surface directly on finished solar panels. Using this novel method, researchers collected data from numerous mass-produced panels from commercial fields, where glass has spontaneously broken. “We confirm that most 2.0 mm glass in PV modules is fully tempered, however, it remains weaker than traditional 3.2 mm glass. Our results show a clear correlation between lower surface stress and increased susceptibility to spontaneous breakage. This is an important consideration for modules that are supposed to survive in various environments for more than 30 years,” explained NLR module reliability researcher Elizabeth Palmiotti.
Palmiotti added that recent research found that although 2.0 mm glass can meet the threshold for fully tempered glass under certain glass standards, its surface compressive stress is generally lower, and the compressive layer itself is thinner.
“The thickness of this protective layer scales with general thickness. So, 2.0 mm glass inherently has a thinner layer of protection than 3.2 mm glass, meaning the same defect may break a thinner glass but not the thicker one,” she added, explaining it becomes more susceptible to defects caused by edge defects, impacts, and contact with the frame.
Henry Hieslmair, principal engineer for solar at DNV, an independent assurance and risk management provider, said investors are concerned about spontaneous glass breakage. “The general observation is that as safety margins are reduced, smaller and more nuanced factors begin to play a much larger role,” he said. Farid Samara, senior engineer for solar mounting at DNV, added that when projects with thinner glass and large module formats come to his desk, he usually requires a much deeper review of the module. “Module manufacturers often argue that structural testing should be the responsibility of tracker suppliers, while tracker manufacturers make the opposite claim,” he said.
This blame game ultimately points to a deeper issue: a lack of a clear, PV-specific standard for glass.
“There currently is no PV glass specific standard, meaning glass manufacturers and module manufacturers are not reporting their glass properties in any meaningful way,” NLR’s Palmiotti noted. “Having the community align on definitions for glass surface stress would be a huge step.”
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Masdar has selected Sungrow as a battery storage system and solar inverter supplier for the world’s first gigawatt-scale 24/7 dispatchable renewable energy project in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Chinese solar inverter manufacturer and battery energy storage system (BESS) integrator Sungrow announced yesterday (21 May) that it has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi state-owned clean energy developer Masdar.
The project, in co-development by Masdar and the utility Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), will comprise 5.2GWdc of solar PV generation and 19GWh of BESS capacity, enabling the round-the-clock (RTC) delivery of 1GW of clean energy. Details of its location have not been disclosed, other than that it is in Abu Dhabi.
Sungrow has agreed to provide 7.5GWh of its PowerTitan 3.0 BESS solution and 2.6GW of PV inverters to the project, which is expected to go into commercial operation in 2027.
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Sungrow said that each of its 1,000 PowerTitan 3.0 units, featuring an AC block design and rack-level management, will operate on an optimised cycle of 8-hour charging and 16-hour discharging.
Based on a liquid-cooled silicon carbide power conversion system (PCS), PowerTitan 3.0 can achieve a maximum 99.3% efficiency and 90% round-trip efficiency (RTE), while it is durable in high temperatures, able to operate at up to 55°C, making it suitable for the UAE’s climate conditions, Sungrow claimed.
The 1GW RTC project was unveiled in January 2025 at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) by Masdar chairman and UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Dr Sultan Al Jaber.
While it is by no means the first large-scale RTC renewable energy project in the world, it is expected to be the first to break the gigawatt barrier, so to speak.
However, when Masdar announced selected preferred suppliers and contractors for the project a few days later that month, the company said Jinko Solar and JA Solar had been selected as PV module suppliers, and CATL as energy storage system provider.
At the time, Masdar said CATL was expected to supply the full 19GWh BESS capacity for the project, based on the 6.25MWh Tener BESS solution Chinese lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery manufacturer CATL launched in mid-2024.
It is not clear whether the Sungrow deal now means the BESS supply will be split between the two Chinese technology companies, or whether other providers will be announced later.
Masdar began construction on the project last October with a groundbreaking ceremony. At the time, the project’s cost was reportedly AED232 billion (US$5.9 billion). Masdar then revealed that the project will feature a virtual power plant (VPP), grid-forming (GFM) inverters, black-start capabilities, and AI-enhanced forecasting and intelligent dispatch.
The developer and partner EWEC said the system will provide power to the AI sector, although offtakers or data centre campuses have not been named.
Sungrow recently put its grid-forming PCS through what the company called an “extreme test,” simulating 14 scenarios, including black start capability, at a 30MW test platform in Hefei, China. The company, which has seen its BESS division’s revenues outperform its legacy PV inverter business in the past few quarters, recently refiled its application to float an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX).
Masdar just signed a 2GW module purchase agreement with Jinko Solar for the RTC project, with Jinko set to supply its Tiger Neo series modules, sister site PV Tech reported earlier this month.
A couple of weeks prior to that, PV Tech reported that Masdar and EWEC had signed a framework agreement to accelerate the deployment of 30GW of solar PV and 8GW of battery storage in the UAE. The two companies have partnered on other projects besides the RTC project, including three utility-scale solar plants.

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Will County Board members closed the book today on months of debate and approved Earthrise Energy’s plans for a 6,100-acre solar farm that will stretch across 45 miles in Green Garden, Wilton and Manhattan townships.
The 12-8 vote approving the massive solar farm was split largely along party lines, with board member Mark Revis being the only Republican to vote for the project. Republican board member Raquel Mitchell was absent and board member David Oxley, also a Republican, excused himself from the vote, citing a conflict of interest.
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Just five days before a jury trial was set to begin, federal prosecutors have dismissed all remaining counts in the “Broadview Six” case. Read more here.
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NLC India Limited Floats Tender For 1,500 Acres Land Leasing In Gujarat For Solar PV Projects  SolarQuarter
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India’s open access solar installs surge in Q1 – Mercom  Renewables Now
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There are plans to build a massive solar farm in the southwest suburbs in a site that would be bigger than Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Charlie Wojciechowski reports.
The Will County Board Thursday has cleared the way for a massive but controversial solar farm project to be built in the farm fields surrounding Manhattan, Illinois.
The board voted 12-to-8 to grant a special use permit to Virginia-based Earthrise Energy to build a 600 Megawatt solar farm on 6,100 acres of farmland across Green Garden, Wilton and Manhattan townships.
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“I moved out here five years ago for the open land,” said Linda Owens. “I don’t want to see solar panels.”
But others argued for the economic development and jobs a project like this could bring. James Connolly of the Laborers District Council of Chicago applauded the decision.
“We expected that the application would be deemed complete and this project is one step toward providing close to a thousand jobs for trades people,” he said.
Earthrise CEO Jeff Hunter issued a statement thanking the board and calling the approval a “significant milestone in delivering sustainable, renewable energy in Illinois.” He said the state is among the fastest-growing electricity markets in the Midwest, and projects like “Pride of the Prairie” are critical to meeting demand reliably and quickly.
Laura Heidrich held up a poster-sized satellite photo of her 10-acre property surrounded properties purchased by Earthrise stretching a mile in each direction.

The Heidrich family says their property was not purchased by Earthrise and will now be surrounded by those with solar panels.
“If we do decide to try to move, we are concerned about who is going to want to even look at some place that is surrounded by solar panels,” Ken Heidrich said.
Opponents of the project are vowing to continue their legal fight, perhaps by challenging the state’s laws surrounding the location of solar and battery storage facilities.
Earthrise said it is excited to get started on the project, with construction anticipated to start later this year.

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European photovoltaic (PV) systems have helped the European Union avoid additional gas imports worth an estimated €10 billion ($11.6 billion) since the escalation of the Middle East conflict in early March, according to SolarPower Europe.
The association said solar electricity generation across Europe significantly reduced the bloc’s dependence on expensive imported gas during a period marked by heightened geopolitical tensions, disruptions to fossil fuel infrastructure, and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
In March alone, the estimated savings from solar generation averaged around €110 million per day, highlighting the growing role of renewable energy in protecting Europe from volatile fuel markets.
European gas markets witnessed sharp price increases following the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. European gas futures climbed to more than €60/MWh in March, roughly double the average levels recorded in previous months.
Although prices later eased to around €38/MWh by mid-April, they subsequently rebounded to approximately €52/MWh as supply concerns persisted.
The surge in gas prices once again exposed Europe’s vulnerability to external fossil fuel supply shocks, particularly as the region remains reliant on imported natural gas for power generation and industrial consumption.
Walburga Hemetsberger, Chief Executive Officer of SolarPower Europe, said the latest crisis demonstrated the strategic importance of accelerating renewable energy deployment across the continent.
“While the full costs of the energy crisis have yet to be determined, one thing is already clear: this is a price Europe should not have to pay,” she said.
Hemetsberger added that the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has already cost the European Union approximately €1.7 trillion.
According to SolarPower Europe’s estimates, the €10 billion theoretically saved through reduced gas imports would be enough to finance nearly 8 GW of additional solar PV capacity across the European Union.
The association noted that this volume would represent around 12% of the total new solar capacity installed across Europe in 2025, underlining the scale of economic benefits associated with expanding photovoltaic deployment.
The findings come as European policymakers continue pushing for greater energy independence, domestic renewable manufacturing, and faster deployment of clean energy technologies.
Europe added around 65 GW of photovoltaic capacity during 2025, leading to increase in share of solar PV in Europe’s electricity demand in 2025 to 12.5%, up from 10.3% a year earlier.
Renewable energy sources collectively accounted for 46.4% of Europe’s electricity demand in 2025, remaining broadly stable compared to the previous year.
While wind energy’s contribution declined slightly from 18.4% to 18%, the combined output from wind and solar power exceeded electricity generation from coal- and gas-fired power plants for the first time in Europe’s history.
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The California Senate has passed a bill known as SB 868, referred to as ‘The Plug And Play Solar Act,’ according to pv magazine USA. The legislation would permit portable solar generation devices with an output of up to 1,200 W to connect to a building through a standard outlet. Such devices, often called ‘balcony solar panels‘ or ‘plug-in photovoltaics’ (PIPV), would be exempt from rules requiring owners to pay a fee and obtain utility permission for interconnection.
The bill, introduced by Senator Scott Wiener in early January, passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support on a 35-1 vote. It now moves to the state Assembly, which has until August 31 to pass it during the current session. The legislation was modeled after Utah’s HB 340, passed in 2025, which was the nation’s first successful plug-in solar bill. Following Utah’s law, legislators in six other states have passed balcony solar laws, though two have not yet been signed by their governors.
California is viewed by advocates as the most important market for the technology, as the state has long led in installed solar capacity, though Texas has become the national solar hub as California policy has slowed new distributed solar additions. Proponents argue that plug-in solar will spread quickly across the state, enabling companies to reach millions of new customers. While it is uncertain whether the Assembly will pass the bill or whether outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom would sign it, at least one candidate running to replace Newsom has expressed support for plug-in photovoltaics.
Some companies are already selling plug-in solar products in California, including APsystems, Craftstrom, and the nonprofit Bright Saver, but they continue to push for SB 868’s passage. The cofounder of Bright Saver has been a vocal advocate for plug-in solar laws nationwide, stating that residents from large states like California and New York to smaller states like New Hampshire and Virginia are contacting elected officials to request plug-in solar access.
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Solar farm bigger than Chicago’s O’Hare Airport could come to southwest suburbs  NBC 5 Chicago
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Veda Solar Begins Commercial Production of 550wp to 630wp Solar Modules, Expands Manufacturing Strength  ANI News
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Image credit: SINTEF.
The Stavanger-based company Flex2Future has developed a modular concept, where each module consists of integrated wave energy converters, a wind turbine and solar panels. At full scale, a module measures 136 × 136 metres and, according to the manufacturer, has an average output of around 8 MW. This is estimated to cover the annual electricity consumption of approximately 4500 average Norwegian households*.
“Our system delivers power at a relatively low cost per kWh because it utilises three energy sources within a relatively small area,” explains Flex2Future CEO Erik Svanes.
The system can be connected to existing offshore infrastructure and relocated when needed.
Even though the design has been assessed through numerical analyses, there is always an element of uncertainty for structures that are intended to operate at sea. This is where the test basins at Tyholt in Trondheim come into play.
In this case, a scaled-down model of the structure is placed in the ocean basin. Compared with the design drawings, the model may appear incomplete: a platform, a wind turbine tower without rotor blades, and no solar panels.
Nevertheless, SINTEF can test not only the ability to withstand large waves and rough seas, but also how wind and the movements of a wind turbine influence the its behaviour at sea – without as much as a breath of wind rippling the surface of the basin.
“At the same time as the wave makers operate according to predefined patterns to generate realistic sea conditions, we use wires attached to the structure at one end and sensors and motors at the other,” explains Project manager and SINTEF researcher George Katsikogiannis.
“We connect numerical models based on both weather data and decades of hydrodynamic expertise to the motors that pull and push the structure. This allows us to recreate realistic offshore conditions in the ocean basin.”
At the same time, a number of cameras and sensors record movements in the structures. How do they respond to different wind and wave directions? Can they withstand a winter storm in the North Sea? The data is collected and analysed.
“The results from the model tests can be used by customers such as Flex2Future to validate their numerical models, uncover unexpected motions and identify effects that cannot be predicted through simulations. This provides confirmation of the design and insight into how the system behaves,” explains Katsikogiannis.
“Put simply, the tests provide feedback on whether their numerical design and technical solutions are up to scratch.”
Many of the same principles used to simulate wind conditions – without researchers and clients being blown over in the ocean basin – can be applied in the Towing tank to calculate energy production from the wave energy converters.
Here too, wave makers recreate realistic sea conditions. Wires, motors and numerical models are then used to test the potential power output from the integrated wave energy converters in the platform.
“This is the first time we have estimated power output in this way, using 10 motors controlled in real-time based on a range of signals from the measurement systems. In that sense, this is an example of how we develop and adapt our testing methods to the customer’s needs and requirements,” says Fredrik Brun, Senior engineer at SINTEF.
“I am very pleased and impressed by the multidisciplinary expertise,” adds Svanes from Flex2Future.
“And by how friendly and approachable everyone has been. How innovative and solution-oriented. And last, but not least, what you have managed to achieve with the power take-off (PTO) and energy extraction from the cube tested in the Towing tank – absolutely outstanding.
“It has saved us a great deal of time and gives us a very strong starting point for further development of the control system and testing of a full-scale PTO, which I hope we can carry out in collaboration with SINTEF. In short, a test programme that has delivered on every level.”
Source: Sintef

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The Nefer Benban project will integrate battery storage, supplying electricity to 311,000 homes and reducing CO₂ emissions by 349,000tpa.
Clean energy technology company AIKO has signed an agreement to supply solar modules to Infinity Power for the 259MW Nefer Benban photovoltaic (PV) project in Egypt.
The project, located in the Benban solar complex in the Aswan Governorate, will combine 259MW of PV capacity with 120MW-hours of battery storage.
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Infinity Power aims to have the installation connected to the electricity grid by the fourth quarter of 2026.
The Nefer Benban solar project is designed to deliver electricity to around 311,000 homes and reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 349,000 tonnes per annum (tpa).
The modules, based on AIKO’s All-Back-Contact technology, are scheduled for delivery within one month of the agreement’s signing. They are intended to operate reliably in the region’s conditions, which include an average temperature of 34°C and annual solar irradiation of 1,620kW-hours/m².
Infinity Power has stated that the Nefer Benban project aligns with its strategy to reach 10GW of renewable energy capacity across Africa by 2032.
The technical specifications provided by AIKO include a module efficiency of 24.2% and a power output of between 650W-peak (Wp) and 655Wp.
The modules, measuring 2,382×1,134×30mm, are expected to lower the balance-of-system costs per watt and improve energy yield without additional land or mounting needs.
AIKO reports that its technology features a first-year degradation rate of 1% or less and an annual rate of 0.35% from the second to the 30the year.
The product is covered by a 15-year warranty and a 30-year power warranty, and is projected to generate 471.6GW-hours of electricity annually, producing a total revenue of $566m over its life cycle.
Infinity Power senior procurement manager Omar Magdy said: “We chose AIKO modules for their high-efficiency, long-term reliable quality, fast delivery, and robust, strong and durable design with latest technology.
“The high-efficiency performance of AIKO’s advanced modules, combined with a high-density mounting strategy, maximises energy yield per square metre of land, delivering superior value for the project.”
The Nefer Benban solar project forms part of Egypt’s National Energy Strategy and is expected to contribute towards the country’s clean electricity targets and energy security.
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This acquisition is expected to strengthen Intertek CEA’s solar assurance capabilities
February 18, 2026
Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights
Intertek Group, a global total quality assurance provider to industries, has announced the acquisition of Aerial PV Inspection (AePVI), a provider of TEK-powered inspection and diagnostic solutions for solar PV systems.
Founded in 2017, AePVI provides services to several solar developers using drone-based technologies and proprietary digital software for quick, accurate inspections of large-scale solar PV installations. According to the company, this allows for efficient diagnostics and performance assessment of extensive solar assets.
In 2022, Intertek acquired Clean Energy Associates (CEA) and rebranded it as Intertek CEA, integrating it into its clean energy services portfolio, with headquarters in the U.S. and an operational base in China.
This latest acquisition is expected to strengthen Intertek CEA’s end-to-end quality assurance offering for the solar industry, expanding its scope of services offered in factory-to-field assurance through enhanced high-speed drone-based data collection, analysis, and comparison across the asset life cycle.
André Lacroix, Chief Executive Officer of Intertek, said: “Solar is a vital pillar of the global energy transition, and demand for fast-paced Risk‑based Quality Assurance is intensifying. We welcome the AePVI team and look forward to seizing the exciting growth opportunities that come from combining Intertek’s industry-leading portfolio of ATIC solutions and global network with AePVI’s advanced technologies.”
Intertek CEA expects to gain a speed advantage in inspecting large solar farms, leading to better customer service, higher productivity, and greater capacity.
According to Mercom’s Annual and Q4 2025 Solar Funding and M&A report, M&A activity was 17% higher YoY in 2025, with 96 corporate M&A transactions compared to 82 in 2024.
In March 2025, Omnidian, a performance assurance provider for renewable energy assets, announced its acquisition of Solar Service Guys, which provides system lifecycle service and support for residential and commercial solar investors. As per the terms of the agreement, SSG will be a fully integrated subsidiary of Omnidian, operating within Omnidian’s Australian arm.
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Bluebird Solar Appoints Rohit Tikku as Chief Executive Officer to Lead “Bluebird Solar 2.0” Growth Vision  SolarQuarter
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AIKO Partners With Infinity Power For 259 MW Nefer Benban Solar And Storage Project In Egypt  SolarQuarter
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Ocean Sun, ACEN-Silverwolf partner to scale up floating solar in Asia  Renewables Now
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On the market: Oak Run cottage has solar panels and lake access  Yahoo
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by Tony Lundy
WEXFORD COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) — A packed crowd on Monday night forced the Wexford County Joint Planning Commission to turn what was expected to be a public meeting on a proposed solar farm zoning change into an informational session instead.
Officials said so many people attended the meeting that commissioners were unable to maintain a quorum under Michigan’s Open Meetings Act, preventing any official business or decisions from taking place.
The discussion centered around a request to potentially amend zoning rules to allow solar farms in an area currently zoned for agricultural and forest production.
Planning officials emphasized that the proposal remains in the very early stages and no formal solar farm application has been submitted yet.
The commission is now preparing for its next meeting on June 22 and is searching for a larger venue to accommodate the expected turnout.
2026 Sinclair, Inc.

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by Mallory Allen, FOX 11 News
TOWN OF MORGAN (WLUK) — Plans are moving forward to build a solar farm in Oconto County.
Wisconsin's Public Service Commission voted Thursday to grant a certificate for the construction of a solar farm in the town of Morgan, about 15 miles southwest of Oconto Falls.

Fox Solar said it would be able to generate 100 megawatts. Along with over 208,000 panels, the solar farm would consist of a collector substation, generation tie line and battery energy storage system. The proposed area of land covers more than 500 acres.
Fox Solar anticipates construction on the project will begin in 2027, with an estimated completion date of late 2028.
Back in March, the PSC held public listening sessions, during which community members expressed opposition to the solar farm, citing environmental and agricultural concerns.
The PSC found some requests from the town would give it too much authority over the project, and in the end, the commission found the final application from Fox Solar reasonable.
"The commission's action in approving, denying or modifying an application ultimately depends on the facts found by the commission. In arriving at our determination, we do consider the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, as well as the full record of evidence in the docket," said Wisconsin PSC Commissioner Marcus Hawkins during Thursday's meeting.
The town of Morgan updated its comprehensive plan trying to prevent projects like this. However, the town's plan does not supersede the PSC's state authority.
2026 Sinclair, Inc.

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