An ILOS solar farm (Photo credit: IOLS) La Caisse has joined EIG in a €450 million ($510 million) structured credit facility for Germany-based power producer ILOS Projects, taking a position in a Pan-European solar and battery storage developer shortly after disclosing climate investments of C$226 billion ($165 billion) for 2025. The Quebec-based pension system’s commitment expands a facility EIG initially extended at […]
Lake in the Hills officials have granted another extension for construction of a planned solar farm. The 8-acre solar farm is slated to go in at the Lake in the Hills Airport off Pyott Road, according to village documents. Public Works Director Ryan McDillon said Thursday that construction on the solar farm has not started yet. The village board first approved an extension for the project in October 2024, which lengthened the construction phase to June 8 of this year, McDillon said. Now the board has granted another six-month extension, so the construction phase can finish in December. But for every month past June the construction phase continues, the operation phase will be reduced by that amount of time. So, if the solar company takes the full six months past June to build the facility, it would have an operational period of 24.5 years rather than 25 years, McDillon said. The extension does not change the rent payments to the village, which will increase on June 9 to an annual rate of just under $17,000, according to village documents. The solar company, Cenergy Power, was not immediately available for comment. Getting a solar project up and running at the Lake in the Hills airport has been in the works for several years.
The research team developed a plasma interface engineering method to improve indium tin oxide layers, solving adhesion, contact resistance, and stability issues for copper electroplating. The optimized process enabled uniform copper metallization and boosted device efficiency to 25.2%, significantly outperforming untreated reference cells. Image: Nankai University Researchers from Nankai University in China have fabricated a copper (Cu)-metallized heterojunction (HJT) solar cell using a new interface engineering strategy aimed at addressing poor interfacial adhesion and high contact resistivity in the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) based on indium tin oxide (ITO). The ITO layer is crucial for the performance of HJT solar cells, as it forms an ohmic contact between the thin amorphous silicon layers (a-Si:H) and the metal electrodes, enabling efficient carrier extraction. It also protects the delicate passivation layers from damage during the deposition of the metal grid, ensuring the integrity of these sensitive interfaces. In addition, ITO contributes to optical enhancement by acting as an anti-reflection layer; by carefully tuning its thickness and refractive index, it reduces reflection losses and improves light coupling into the silicon absorber. “We developed and Argon-hydrogen (Ar/H2) plasma-induced interface engineering strategy for ITO, which effectively addresses the critical challenges in electroplated metallization of HJT solar cells, including poor adhesion, high contact resistance, and limited stability, thereby enabling ultrahigh-quality copper electroplating on ITO,” corresponding author Guofu Hou told pv magazine. “The synergy of physical sputtering and hydrogen reactive species introduces interstitial hydrogen into the ITO lattice and increases the oxygen-vacancy concentration, while concurrently hydroxylating the ITO surface to achieve superhydrophilicity.” “We combined systematic density functional theory (DFT) calculations, finite element method (FEM) simulations, and Python/OpenCV-based quantitative analysis of nucleation to elucidate the underlying mechanism,” said co-author Taiqiang Wang. “DFT results revealed that ITO hydroxylation markedly strengthens nickel ion (Ni²⁺) adsorption, with the adsorption energy decreasing from −0.753 eV to −2.18 eV. FEM simulations also indicated that plasma-induced improvements in the electrical properties of ITO lead to a more uniform surface current distribution during the electroplating process, effectively suppressing local over-plating. Consistent with these findings, image-based statistical analysis confirmed a higher nucleation density and the formation of a denser, finer-grained, and more uniform nickel (Ni) seed layer.” The scientists deposited the ITO films on pre-cleaned glass substrates by physical vapor deposition (PVD). Before plasma treatment, the samples were sequentially ultrasonically cleaned in acetone, ethanol, and deionized water for 20 minutes, followed by drying under nitrogen and in air. Plasma treatment was carried out in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system equipped with a 4-inch radio frequency (RF) electrode, using RF power between 0 W and 200 W or 0–2.5 W/cm². Chemical composition, surface chemistry, and electronic structure of ITO films were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron spin resonance (ESR), Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and UV–Vis spectroscopy. For cell fabrication, n-type crystalline silicon wafers were textured in potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution, followed by deposition of a-Si:H layers via PECVD and sputtered ITO. The group explained that optimized Ar/H₂ plasma treatment simultaneously tailors the chemical composition, electronic structure, and surface energy of ITO, enhancing electrical conductivity, reducing the work function, and improving interfacial properties, whereas excessive treatment leads to material reduction and performance degradation. In addition, it effectively removes surface carbon contamination and sharpens core-level peaks, improving surface cleanliness and electrolyte wettability, and enabling uniform electroplating. Based on the optimized plasma interface engineering, the process was integrated into the fabrication of a HJT solar cell featuring bifacial copper-electroplated metallization. HJT precursors were photolithographically patterned and metallized via sequential nickel/copper/tin (Ni/Cu/Sn) electroplating. The nickel layer serves as both a seed layer and a diffusion barrier to suppress copper-induced defects, followed by a thick copper layer for charge transport and a tin capping layer for oxidation protection and improved solderability. Tested under standard illumination conditions, the HJT cell achieved a power conversion efficiency of 25.2%, an open-circuit voltage of 742.1 mV, a short-circuit current density of 40.49 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 83.86%. A reference device built without the plasma treatment achieved an efficiency of just 21.10%, an open-circuit voltage of 724.1 mV, and a fill factor of 71.5%, with no value for the short-circuit density being released. “Our results indicate the feasibility of applying Ar/H2 plasma-induced interface engineering to electroplated copper metallization for high-performance SHJ SCs, which provide a promising pathway to reduce reliance on low-temperature silver pastes and to alleviate the cost and supply risks associated with global silver scarcity,” said Hou, noting that the observed performance enhancements are scalable to large-area devices, with the first samples achieving efficiencies above 24%. The new solar cell concept was introduced in “Plasma-induced interface engineering enables high-efficiency Ag-free silicon heterojunction solar cells with electroplated metallization,” which was recently published in the Journal of Energy Chemistry. 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Fortescue will invest $952 million to develop an off-grid renewable energy system and large-scale battery storage system in the Pilbara to meet growing demand from industry, including data centres. Fortescue will rapidly develop the 200MW Pilbara Green Energy Project, delivering additional renewable energy generation beyond what is required for its Real Zero by 2030 strategy. Related article:Fortescue begins construction of first Pilbara wind farm The company will deliver a fully integrated, off-grid renewable energy system and large-scale battery storage and firming capability. The project is anticipated to be completed by 2028, with a pathway to multi-gigawatt expansion beyond 2030. Fortescue’s previously announced Green Grid is the backbone of its Real Zero Target and, by 2028, will comprise 1.2GW of solar, 600MW of wind, 4-5GWh battery storage and 620km of transmission lines. It is an independently operated, replicable system designed to deliver reliable, firmed power at scale. The same capital discipline and project execution capability from Fortescue’s decarbonisation efforts will be applied to the new Pilbara Green Energy Project. Fortescue executive chair Dr Andrew Forrest AO said, “Fortescue is already demonstrating in the Pilbara that heavy industry can operate on a fully integrated renewable grid—eliminating fossil fuels while improving cost, reliability and control. “We are now extending this model to new customers, particularly data centres, helping meet one of the fastest growing sources of demand in the world. “This is about replicating our Decarbonisation Green Grid, delivering new green electrons at a scale and speed to market not able to be replicated by fossil fuel. Related article:Fortescue inks new supply deals for wind, solar and batteries “It enables a pathway for new industries to operate fossil fuel free, cheaper and faster than traditional alternatives.” Click Here to Subscribe Sign up to receive the latest Energy News emailed directly to your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe A surge in grid-scale batteries is driving strong growth in the pipeline of new generation and storage projects seeking to connect to the National Electricity Market (NEM). #batterystorage #renewables #grid #energytransition
Distance has buffered Australia from the full impact of the fuel crisis, giving the government valuable time to prepare the nation for the looming fuel supply crunch. #fuelcrisis #diesel #energytransition #oilandgas
Push Power is to design and deliver the first ground-mount solar PV and BESS system for a UK marina at Suffolk Yacht Harbour (SYH) the leading independent marina on the East Coast. The Colchester-based company’s portfolio includes bespoke solar PV roof installations at Silverstone’s iconic building The Wing and, in partnership with Centrica Business Solutions, roof installations at multiple David Lloyd Leisure Clubs throughout the UK, together with ground mounts at Gressingham Foods. Push Power will design and install a bespoke array of 1152 PV ground-mounted panels for SYH, with a capacity of 479,108kW per year, the equivalent to powering approximately 133 homes. In addition, the project will deliver the first BESS storage system for a UK marina, with a capacity of 852.48kWh, the equivalent of powering 86 homes per day. Founded in 1967 and based in Levington on the River Orwell in Suffolk, Suffolk Yacht Harbour is a major hub for cruising, racing and boat maintenance, with 550 marina berths plus additional swinging moorings. In addition to multi-faceted workshops, two chandleries and eleven marine businesses onsite, SYH has the largest hoist capacity from Bridlington in Yorkshire to the Solent. Andy Khan, Managing Director of Push Power said, “This is a pioneering project for the UK’s marina sector. Push Power will design and deliver the country’s first ground-mounted solar PV and BESS system to energise a yacht harbour, resulting in optimal energy efficiency with significant cost-savings and greater operational resilience for SYH. We anticipate Push Power’s solar solution for SYH will covernearly 50% of the company’s annual electricity needs, greatly reducing their reliance on grid power.” Josh Major, Managing Director at Suffolk Yacht Harbour commented, “We’re very pleased to be working with Push Power on this project, which marks an important step forward for Suffolk Yacht Harbour. “As a working harbour, we’re always looking for ways to evolve responsibly – supporting the businesses and people based here while reducing our impact on the environment around us. “This installation reflects a long-term commitment to the future of the harbour, helping us move towards more sustainable operations while remaining true to the character and heritage of the site.”
As Missouri’s legislative session nears its conclusion, lawmakers continue to deliberate on a proposal that would suspend solar energy development across the state, a measure emerging amid rising electricity demand and the rapid expansion of renewable energy nationwide. The proposal has drawn scrutiny as solar power remains one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity in the United States, accounting for nearly half of all newly added generation capacity in recent years, according to federal data. Policy analysts examined the legislation during a recent webinar hosted by Renew Missouri, an organization advocating for renewable energy growth. Executive Director James Owens detailed concerns regarding the scope and potential consequences of the measure. Owens explained that the proposal would not only prevent future solar construction but also halt projects already underway, regardless of their stage of completion. He noted that developments involving major utility providers such as Ameren, Evergy, and Liberty Empire could be affected, raising the likelihood of increased costs for utility customers. The legislation includes an emergency clause, which would allow it to take effect immediately upon approval. Supporters argue that a temporary pause is necessary to provide time for addressing issues related to land use, safety considerations, and regulatory oversight. Advocates for clean energy emphasize the broader implications for rural Missouri communities, where solar projects have become an increasingly important source of economic support. Owens indicated that solar installations contribute not only to landowners through lease agreements but also to local institutions, including school districts, fire protection services, and ambulance districts, particularly in areas experiencing declining tax bases. The proposal would suspend both new and existing large-scale solar developments until at least 2027, equivalent to a two-year period from 2025, allowing state regulators additional time to establish comprehensive guidelines governing construction and operational standards. (Photo by Science in HD on Unsplash) Chrystal Blair is a veteran news broadcaster with more than 30 years of experience in radio and television as a reporter, producer, and writer. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, she earned her degree in Communication with a focus on Radio, Television, and Film from Eastern Michigan University.Before launching her journalism career, Chrystal worked as a flight attendant for a major airline, where she indulged her love of travel. After a year in the skies, she moved to Los Angeles, California, and began reporting for a community public access television station. Her work quickly stood out—earning her the title of “Reporter of the Year” at the community news awards.Chrystal’s career has since spanned multiple mainstream media affiliates in both radio and television. Her dedication and excellence in broadcasting have been recognized with numerous honors, including the prestigious “World Class Performer” award from CBS Radio.Outside the newsroom, Chrystal is passionate about the performing arts and has acted in several professional stage productions. A devoted animal lover, she actively supports animal welfare and enjoys spending her downtime with her rescued dog and cat.
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Sign up for email newsletters eEdition Trending: I remember when California was a solar leader. I have lived here my entire life. I am a community solar developer proudly headquartered in San Francisco. I love California, but state regulators have made it clear that they don’t love community solar and storage at a time when it’s needed most. Our state is facing an energy affordability crisis. Utility prices are skyrocketing alongside energy demand. The California Public Utilities Commission has acknowledged that the state will require 6 gigawatts of new non-fossil capacity by 2032 to maintain grid reliability. A recent independent analysis by Aurora Energy Research found that adding community solar and storage in California could save ratepayers $6.5 billion over 20 years, reduce reliance on out-of-state electricity imports and lower emissions, all while improving grid reliability. Over the last nine years, my company has raised hundreds of millions of dollars to build community solar and energy storage projects across the U.S. Yet, most of our projects and investments are now being funneled to New York, Illinois, Maryland and other states that have implemented functional community solar programs. I say “functional” because California does have community solar laws and programs, but the CPUC has consistently implemented these laws in a way that makes it not feasible for community solar developers to participate in the programs. For those who aren’t aware, community solar programs make it possible for anyone to benefit from solar energy, even if they can’t install panels on their home or business. Subscribers who want to participate sign up and get a credit on their electricity bill that’s related to the solar power generated by small-scale solar projects. Without any upfront cost to the consumer or the utility, community solar programs can reduce a consumer’s or business’ electricity bill by as much as 20%. In addition to lower electricity bills, successful programs in other states are creating good-paying jobs and tax revenue, as well as boosting grid resiliency at a time when data centers for artificial intelligence are straining demand. More community solar programs are also incorporating batteries – but not here in California. Adding batteries to community solar transforms daytime solar generators into flexible, high-value energy assets that allow stored solar to be dispatched to the grid during evening peak hours. The ability to dispatch solar power when it’s needed most — day or night — improves grid reliability, reduces dependence on natural gas and lowers utility transmission and system costs (which is one of the main causes of higher electricity prices). Consequently, having a viable community solar program that incorporates batteries is essential for lowering electricity inflation for everyone. To fix our state’s community solar laws, the California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 2316 four years ago. The law was meant to incentivize solar developers to participate and build more community solar and energy storage projects. Not for the first time, the CPUC interpreted AB 2316 in a way that made it impossible for developers to risk building projects, effectively gutting the program. It’s not just solar developers blaming the CPUC. At a recent outcome review hearing, members of the Assembly, as well as expert testimony, made it clear that the CPUC did not deliver the program in the way that the Legislature intended. Unfortunately, when policy stalls, capital moves elsewhere. After AB 2316 passed four years ago, my company was planning to build many more projects in California communities. But because of the CPUC’s misinterpretation, we’re building projects and creating jobs in other states. California doesn’t need to reinvent community solar. It needs to implement it faithfully, at scale and in line with what policymakers originally envisioned, utilizing roadmaps established in other states across the U.S. If we do, we can lower costs, strengthen the grid and expand access to clean energy for millions of Californians. If we don’t, we’ll continue to watch other states lead – and take the jobs and investment with them. Aaron Halimi, of Larkspur, is the founder and CEO of Renewable Properties, a community solar and energy storage developer and independent power producer. From the Marin Independent Journal. You can email letters to the editor toletters@pressdemocrat.com Copyright 2026 The Press Democrat. All rights reserved. The use of any content on this website for the purpose of training artificial intelligence systems, algorithms, machine learning models, text and data mining, or similar use is strictly prohibited without explicit written consent.
India’s renewable power generation from solar, wind, hydro and bioenergy rose by a record 98 TWh (+24%) in 2025, driven by strong growth in solar and wind, according to Ember. The increase was twice the country’s electricity demand growth of 49 TWh, which was relatively low due to milder temperatures and slower industrial activity. As a result, India’s fossil power generation fell by 3.3%. A solar power plant in the Indian state of Maharashtra Image: Thomas Lloyd Group, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 From pv magazine India India’s renewable power generation from solar, wind, hydro and bioenergy rose by a record 98 TWh (+24%) in 2025, driven by strong growth in solar and wind, according to Ember. The increase was twice the country’s electricity demand growth of 49 TWh, which was relatively low due to milder temperatures and slower industrial activity. As a result, India’s fossil power generation fell by 3.3%. Solar and wind both set new records for year-on-year increases in 2025, rising by 53 TWh (+37%) and 22 TWh (+28%), respectively. Distributed solar, including rooftop PV installations, added an estimated 22 TWh in 2025. India’s share of wind and solar in electricity generation (14%) remains below the global average (17%). However, the share increased by 3 percentage points in 2025, highlighting the growing role of clean energy in the country’s power system. India at the forefront of solar growth India recorded the world’s third-largest increase in solar generation in 2025, adding 53 TWh. The rise was driven by a record 38 GWac increase in capacity, surpassing the United States (35 GWac) for the first time. Solar growth alone was sufficient to meet the increase in India’s electricity demand in 2025. Solar also overtook hydro to become India’s largest source of clean electricity, with its share reaching 9.4% in 2025. Solar output has doubled since 2022, rising from 96 TWh to 196 TWh in 2025, reinforcing India’s position as the world’s third-largest solar generator, with nearly double the generation of fourth-placed Japan (101 TWh). “Solar power is the dominant driver of change in India’s power system,” said Aditya Lolla, managing director at Ember. “Along with battery storage, solar is enabling the rapid scale-up of round-the-clock clean power, strengthening India’s energy security and reducing exposure to global shocks.” Ember’s seventh annual Global Electricity Review provides a comprehensive overview of the global power system in 2025, based on country-level data. It is published alongside an open dataset covering 91 countries, representing 93% of global electricity demand, as well as historical data for 215 countries. “India’s power system is entering a new phase of its transition, driven by record additions in solar and wind capacity in 2025,” said Duttatreya Das, energy analyst for Asia at Ember. “Going forward, investments in grid infrastructure and flexibility resources will be critical. India is on the right track, with auction designs already evolving to include greater energy storage components. As these projects scale, they will enable more efficient use of low-cost clean power across the system.” 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. More articles from Uma Gupta Please be mindful of our community standards. Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked *
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SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): More landed households are installing rooftop solar panels, with the ongoing energy crisis and escalating fuel prices providing the final push for them to tap the sun’s energy to power their homes and electric vehicles (EVs). Most of the eight solar panel companies here told The Straits Times that they have received more enquiries and orders since the Middle East conflict started on Feb 28. Rising energy prices have sent electricity tariffs higher since April 1, and a further increase is expected in July. Residents cite lower electricity bills, falling prices of solar panel installations, volatile energy prices, ownership of EVs and sustainability as factors for turning to solar, with some even earning revenue from feeding excess energy to the grid. Solar energy company Sunollo’s chief executive Nathalie Risteau said her firm has received about 110 per cent more residential enquiries since March 1, compared with January and February. Enquiries with FOMO Energy were also up by 60 per cent to 70 per cent since the start of March, from previous months, the solar energy firm’s business development manager Dionne Sim said. “With global fuel prices becoming more unpredictable, home owners are looking for ways to regain control over their energy costs and solar is increasingly seen as a practical hedge,” said Ms Sim. Uptake in solar panel installations across residentials Energy Market Authority (EMA) director of Solar & Grid solutions Violet Chen said that over the years, Singapore has seen “significant growth” of solar deployment at private residences. The latest available figures show that the number of homes with solar has increased from 1,749 in 2021 to 6,912 in 2025, she said. The total installed capacity stood at 115.3 megawatt-peak (MWp) in December 2025, up from 77.8MWp in December 2024. An installed capacity of 115.3MWp can power 25,415 four-room HDB flats for a year. “This is driven by strong economics for rooftop solar PV (photovoltaic) systems,” said Ms Chen. Home owners may now achieve payback in under five years, given the sharp fall in the cost of solar panels, she noted. Payback period refers to the time taken for energy savings from the system to recover the upfront costs of the installation. “Solar panels can last 20 years or more, so after five years, you basically get free electricity for another 15 years,” she said. Dr Thomas Reindl, deputy chief executive at the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore, said that Singapore’s limited land space means that there is a need to deploy solar on as many possible surfaces as possible. “Even if every single installation is small, collectively they still generate a large amount of electricity,” he said. Singapore has limited potential for other forms of renewable energy, such as tidal or wind power, making solar the main domestically viable option, although its potential remains small relative to the nation’s total energy needs. While the city-state is exploring other energy sources, such as hydrogen and geothermal energy, it relies on imported natural gas for over 95 per cent of its electricity. Ms Risteau from Sunollo said that higher electricity prices tend to spur greater home owners’ interest in solar as the savings become more immediate and easier to grasp. She added: “What was previously seen as a sustainability-led purchase increasingly becomes a practical household financial decision.” Mr Benedict Goh, chief executive of solar firm Utica, said that while home owners are unlikely to react hastily to spikes in electricity prices, the recent war has accelerated the decision-making process for some of them. “Under normal circumstances, owners may take more than three months to decide after receiving our proposal,” he said. But in March, his firm saw about a 30 per cent increase in confirmation of installation from enquiries made in the preceding two months, as compared with March 2025. Mr Ivan Lim, director of solar energy firm Solar Lab, said the Middle East conflict has indirectly increased awareness of energy security and price volatility among home owners. “This has nudged home owners who were previously on the fence to move forward with solar adoption,” he said, adding that he received three times more enquiries in March than in January and February. Installations have also doubled.
Homeowner Mathew Pereira said that he had been thinking of installing solar panels for his three-storey house since 2020, but held back given the higher upfront costs back then. — PHOTO: SOLAR LAB
Home owner Mathew Pereira said he had been thinking of installing solar panels for his three-storey house since 2020, but held back given the higher upfront costs back then, when he was quoted forJotham Chan about $30,000. Incentivised by the lower electricity bill over the long term as well as falling prices of solar panel installations over recent years, the 69-year-old retired journalist took the plunge, triggered by the current energy crisis. “For me, (the Middle East conflict) was just a confirmation that it was the right time to install the solar panels,” he said. He paid about $19,000 to install 35 solar panels in early April, and estimated to break even in about 3½ years – with the intention of getting an EV. He added that the savings from the system could also help to offset his water and refuse removal costs. Mr Nicholas Neo, who installed 28 solar panels with battery storage in March for $30,000, said: “I don’t know how far the energy prices will rise, so this solar energy helps me to lock in ‘free energy’.” The 47-year-old owner of a solar film company added: “While I had not planned to install solar panels because of the war, the current situation makes having them more significant.” For others, like Ms Gemma Tay, harnessing solar energy has cut her electricity bill by more than half for the past year, from $440 a month to $210. And this includes charging her electric car, which she now uses more than her petrol-run car. Before she switched to an EV in January 2025, the 49-year-old banking consultant spent about $400 a month on petrol. The 33 solar panels she installed for less than $20,000 in May 2025 is a long-term investment that would provide cost savings for her family, Ms Tay said. Mr Jotham Chan, head of residential at sustainable energy solutions provider Eigen Energy, said the rise of EV ownership has led more home owners to install EV chargers at home and realise that having solar panels could make financial sense. “Generating your own electricity to charge your car makes the economics even more compelling,” said Mr Chan. Excess solar-generated electricity can also be sold back to grid. Mr Neo, for example, estimated he would use only 30 per cent of the energy generated from his panels, and can export the remaining to the national grid. Besides landed properties, some condominiums are also looking into tapping solar. La Casa in Woodlands currently has a study under way to assess the feasibility of adopting solar panels, said its management council chairman Mike Shee. “We want to understand better whether the solar panels will benefit the condominium in terms of saving electricity in the common areas,” he said, noting that rising electricity prices, especially due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, are part of the condominium’s considerations beyond going green. A constraint other condominiums have faced is limited rooftop space, with much of it already occupied by water pumps and other equipment, he noted. According to a document by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), less than 2 per cent of management corporation strata titles (MCSTs) have installed solar panels. The document, which was uploaded on government feedback unit Reach’s website in March, is part of BCA’s review of the Building (Strata Management) Act to see how it can improve governance, maintenance and financial sustainability of strata developments. The document noted that a special resolution of 75 per cent approval – which may be difficult for MCSTs to meet – is needed for solar panels to be installed on common property. “BCA is exploring reducing the resolution requirement to facilitate MCSTs’ installation of solar panels through third-party arrangements,” the document stated, adding that this could help reduce electricity costs for MCSTs without upfront investment from sinking funds. Dr Reindl said that individuals can contribute to the national target of decarbonisation by adopting solar power and help Singapore to reach its net-zero goals by 2050. Achieving this would require the energy sector, which makes up about 40 per cent of the nation’s total emissions, to cut its emissions. “This is a very ambitious target for a high-tech nation and everybody needs to put his/her shoulder to the wheel… Every green electron counts,” he said. A scenario of how a payback period is calculated: Using Mr Pereira’s solar panel installation as an example, this is how his estimated payback period was calculated. The household of Mr Pereira – whose solar panels can generate about 1,700 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of power monthly – consumes about 1,200kWh of electricity a month. Before installing solar panels, his monthly bill would be about 1,200kWh x 30 cents (electricity tariff) = $360. After installing solar panels, if he evenly divides his consumption into half, between day and night usage, he will utilise 600kWh in the day for his monthly usage and export the surplus 1,100kWh to the grid. For his night-time energy needs, he will need to buy 600kWh of electricity. It is expected that he earns about 20 cents per kWh of solar energy he exports. In this case, How much he will save in a month from consuming his own solar energy: 600kWh x 30 cents = $180 How much he will receive in a month from exporting his excess solar energy: 1100kWh x 20 cents = $220 Total savings in a month: $180 + $220 = $400 Considering that his solar panel system costs about $19,000, his payback period would be about $19,000 ÷ $400 = 47.5 months (about 3.9 years). Assuming that he uses all of his solar energy, his monthly savings would be 1700kWh x 30 cents = $510. His payback period would be about $19,000 ÷ $510 = 37.3 months (about 3.1 years) There are several factors affecting payback period, including system size, electricity usage patterns and overall electricity consumption of the user. According to EMA’s website, the average payback period is about five to seven years for residential solar installations. Consumers with higher electricity consumption levels and larger solar panel systems may see shorter payback periods. GetSolar’s co-founder Bolong Chew said that besides helping home owners to hedge against rising electricity costs, solar panels at home also give them more predictability and control over their energy expenses, reducing reliance on the grid. Enquiries received by the solar start-up – particularly from landed households – doubled in March, compared with February, he added. — The Straits Times/ANN
Two Lincolnshire councils are preparing a legal challenge against Government approval of what would become the UK’s largest solar farm. On 8 April, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, approved the Springwell Solar Farm project. The proposed development would span around 1,280 hectares of land near Scopwick in North Kesteven. Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council had previously opposed the scheme during the planning process. Both councils argued that the application failed to fully assess the impact on nearby rural communities and landscapes. They also raised concerns about the cumulative effect of large-scale developments across Lincolnshire, particularly the ongoing use of high-quality agricultural land, which is limited nationwide. Following a review of the Examining Authority’s report and the Secretary of State’s decision letter, both councils say they believe proper procedures may not have been followed. Cllr Sean Matthews, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council leader, said: “Following legal advice and a careful consideration of the potential costs and impact, we believe we may have grounds to challenge this decision. “With Lincolnshire bearing the brunt of NSIP applications, it’s important we take a stand, and use the appropriate means to try and stop these developments where possible. If the courts agree that we have grounds to challenge, we’d be in a position to launch a judicial review into this decision.” Cllr Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, also raised concerns, saying that: “In any planning decision, weighing and balancing competing issues is fundamental to coming to a decision. In this case, it appears that because of process and procedural flaws, the wrong weight has been applied leading to a decision that is arguably unsound”. The councils are now seeking to challenge the approval through the courts.
Article by Aniqah Majid CLEAN POWER met all new global electricity demand in 2025, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, according to a report from Ember. The think tank’s annual review said growth in renewables outpaced the increase in electricity demand, with wind and solar together covering 99% of the increase in demand – the “gap” between rising consumption and the additional power needed to meet it. Solar alone accounted for around three-quarters of that growth. As a result, fossil fuel generation fell for the first time since the Covid pandemic in 2020, dropping 0.2% to 38 TWh. The surge in solar was led by China and India – historically two of the largest greenhouse gas emitters – increasing their investment in low-carbon technologies. Given the conflict in the Middle East, Ember hailed the increased focus on renewables as a “permanent route toward energy security”. Last year, solar generation increased by a record 636 TWh, double the annual electricity demand of the UK. China contributed more than half (336 TWh), some way clear of the US (85 TWh) and EU countries (60 TWh). Wind also experienced a surge, with 205 TWh generated. China again led the way (138 TWh), ahead of India (22 TWh). With the boost in clean power aligning with increased electricity demand, the Ember report projects that fossil fuel will plateau before entering a “more consistent decline” in the early 2030s. This has been measured across demand data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), which projects that electricity demand will increase by 3.2% annually, with clean power generation making up for that with an average increase of 7% annually. Energy security may be facilitated even further by clean power due to the energy disruption brought by the US and Iran war. According to the IEA, the conflict has caused “the worst energy crisis ever faced by the world.” Many countries have begun planning for new clean power infrastructure since the war began, including the UK, which is pushing the adoption of ‘plug-in’ solar panels for homes to curb energy price hikes. Jason Bordoff, founding director of the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, said: “One of the best things that you can do to insulate your economy to volatile oil and gas prices that are exposed to geopolitical risk is to reduce how much you use in the first place. “And one way to do that is to electrify more of your economy and then try to produce more of that electricity with domestic sources — renewables, could be nuclear power, and for some parts of the world, it’s coal.”
LONGi has announced the official opening of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in the Spanish capital, Madrid, marking a significant step in strengthening its local service capabilities for solar-plus-storage solutions across Southern Europe and reinforcing its commitment to supporting customers throughout the full life-cycle of renewable energy projects. The Madrid CoE serves as a comprehensive service hub, providing localized support across project development, operation, technical training and partner development. With capabilities spanning project consulting, design, installation, commissioning, O&M, asset optimization, technical training and spare parts management, the centre enables a more efficient, responsive and accessible service experience for customers and partners in the region. Built on the LONGi ONE strategy principle of “one responsibility”, the CoE will deliver end-to-end service under a unified framework, ensuring consistency and accountability across every stage of a project. By combining local expertise with world-leading BC (Back Contact) technology and patented 5S energy storage technologies, LONGi aims to enhance system performance, reduce operational complexity and improve long-term asset value. By 2028, the company plans to expand its CoE footprint across key international markets, forming a connected service ecosystem that supports the growing demand for solar and energy storage integration worldwide.
Many of us will have seen the portable solar panels offered on our favourite online purveyors of electronics, but some who have bought them remain unimpressed with their performance. [t.oster92] had just such an issue, and concluded that since it had great dull-day performance, it wasn’t the panels themselves that were at fault. There followed a teardown and an investigation of the circuitry inside. The panels fed a small PCB containing a buck converter, with an 8-pin SOIC carrying an untraceable part number. Some detective work revealed it was likely to be a rebadged version of a more common part, which exposed the problem as a converter without the rating to deliver the power it should. The solution, at least in part, was to replace it with a more powerful chip on a module and reap the benefits. This would be the end of the story, but this is an ongoing project. Next up will be adding MPPT capability to extract the last bit of juice from those panels. That makes this one a story to keep an eye on, because we could all use a decent set of panels. This hack is part of our 2026 Green Powered Challenge. Now this qualifies as a hack … depending on whether a Dremel was used or an actual saw, possibly a literal hack =)) No Youtube trash, real improvement in the product, and possible future enhancements. I dig it. (Can it run D00m?) yes, who would have thought – an actual hack on HaD… Please be kind and respectful to help make the comments section excellent. (Comment Policy) This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Global energy demand expanded at a slower pace in 2025 amid a complex economic and geopolitical environment, according to the latest Global Energy Reviewreleased by the International Energy Agency. Despite the moderation in overall demand, electricity consumption continued to grow strongly, underpinned by accelerating electrification across multiple sectors. The report shows global energy demand increased by 1.3% in 2025, slightly below the previous decade average of 1.4% and significantly lower than the growth recorded in 2024. This deceleration was driven by weaker economic expansion, milder weather conditions in key regions and the rapid deployment of energy efficient technologies. In contrast, global electricity demand rose by around 3%, more than double the rate of overall energy demand growth. Although lower than the surge seen in 2024, electricity consumption remained above the long term average. Growth was supported by rising demand in buildings and industry, alongside continued expansion in electric vehicles and data centres. Solar photovoltaic emerged as the leading contributor to global energy supply growth in 2025, accounting for more than 25% of the increase. This marks the first time a modern renewable energy source has taken the top position. Natural gas followed with a 17% share, reflecting its continued importance in power generation. Overall, renewables and nuclear energy together met nearly 60% of the increase in global energy demand, with their combined electricity generation exceeding total demand growth. Oil demand rose by 0.7%, in line with projections, as the rapid uptake of electric vehicles continued to limit growth in road fuel consumption. Electric car sales increased by more than 20% to exceed 20 million units, representing around 25% of all new vehicle sales globally. Meanwhile, coal demand growth slowed overall, with declines in China’s power sector offset by increased coal use in the United States due to higher natural gas prices. Executive Director Fatih Birol highlighted the growing importance of electrification, noting that electricity demand is expanding significantly faster than total energy use. He emphasised that countries prioritising energy system resilience and diversification will be better positioned to manage volatility and ensure secure and affordable supply. Regional trends revealed notable divergence. Energy demand growth in the United States reached one of its highest levels this century, supported by strong electricity demand from data centres, industrial activity and colder winter conditions. China remained the largest contributor to global demand growth, although its growth rate slowed to 1.7% as renewables displaced less efficient coal and energy efficiency improved. Growth in global energy related CO2 emissions moderated to around 0.4% in 2025. China recorded a decline in emissions due to rapid expansion of renewables and low emission technologies, while India’s emissions remained flat for the first time since the 1970s excluding the pandemic period, partly due to an unusually strong monsoon season. In advanced economies, however, colder weather drove higher fossil fuel use, resulting in emissions growth of 0.5%, outpacing the 0.3% increase in emerging and developing economies. In the power sector, solar PV generation increased by an additional 600 terawatt hours in 2025, marking the largest annual expansion ever recorded for any electricity generation technology. This contributed to a decline in global coal fired generation. Battery storage emerged as the fastest growing technology in the sector, with approximately 110 gigawatts of new capacity added, surpassing record annual additions for natural gas. At the same time, more than 12 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity began construction, signalling renewed interest in nuclear energy. The cumulative deployment of low emission technologies since 2019 is now avoiding fossil fuel consumption equivalent to the entire energy demand of Latin America annually. Technologies such as solar PV, wind and heat pumps are collectively displacing natural gas demand equivalent to roughly 50% of global annual LNG exports, underscoring the accelerating shift in the global energy mix. Link to the full report HERE Author: Bryan Groenendaal
Premier Energies Ltd has launched the NeoBlack Series, an all-black G12R bifacial (glass-glass) TOPCon solar module for residential and premium commercial applications. The DCR-compliant module is available in power output ranging from 600 Wp to 630 Wp and efficiencies of 22.21% to 23.32%, respectively. Premier Energies Premier Energies Ltd has launched the NeoBlack Series, an all-black G12R bifacial (glass-glass) TOPCon solar module for residential and premium commercial applications. The module combines tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) cell technology with a uniform black design aimed at improving aesthetics while minimizing glare in rooftop installations. The DCR-compliant module is available in power output ranging from 600 Wp to 630 Wp and efficiencies of 22.21% to 23.32%, respectively. It has a temperature coefficient (Pmax) of -0.29%/C. The module is built with 132 half-cut n-type cells based on the G12R rectangular wafer format (210 mm × 182.3 mm) and offers bifaciality of up to 85%. The module measures 2,382 mm × 1,134 mm × 35 mm and weighs 33.5 kg (±3%). Premier Energies said the product is designed with advanced in-house cell architecture and optimized module design, ensuring high light absorption efficiency, excellent anti-PID performance, and enhanced durability for reliable operation even under low and diffused light conditions. The module comes with a 12-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty. Srini Adapa, Chief Growth Officer, Premier Energies, said: “The future of residential solar lies not just in performance, but in how seamlessly it integrates with modern homes. With India’s first all-black DCR module, we are addressing a critical consumer need—bringing together design and efficiency through innovation, without compromise.” Chandra Mauli Kumar, Chief Production Officer, Premier Energies, added: “Delivering a product that meets both aesthetic and performance expectations requires precision manufacturing and advanced process capabilities. Our integrated cell and module manufacturing setup ensures consistency, durability, and high efficiency, making the NeoBlack Series a strong addition to our portfolio. 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. More articles from Uma Gupta Please be mindful of our community standards. Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked *
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The state asset fund is eyeing a US$30 billion renewable energy project that will export power to Singapore as well as supply the national grid, but licensing and funding issues related to a prior solar farm deal continues to cast a cloud of uncertainty among investors.
The Jakarta Post View all posts by Deni Ghifari → Workers check solar panels on Nov. 7, 2019, at Tirtonadi Terminal in Surakarta, Central Java, in connection with a 500,000-watt Transportation Ministry project to power the bus terminal. PHOTO: THE JAKARTA POST April 27, 2026 JAKARTA – State asset fund Danantara is gunning for investment in a US$30 billion renewable energy export project to Singapore, according to an executive at the state asset fund who cited investors’ huge appetite for green energy procurement projects. Chief investment officer Pandu Sjahrir said the proposed project would include solar power infrastructure development and a cross-border power transmission network. “We will carry out and review energy exports to Singapore,” Pandu said on Thursday, highlighting that the planned solar farms “will probably be the biggest” in Southeast Asia, as quoted by to state news agency Antara. He said the project also involved developing the national power grid and a transmission network connecting to Singapore at a cost nearing “at least” $30 billion. Some private companies had secured previous agreements with Singaporean, Pandu said, adding that he could not divulge technical details or how the cooperation would materialize at this time. He said the project was a continuation of a solar panel development commitment discussed at the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum in October 2025. According to Pandu, the project will generate electricity for exports to Singapore as well as the national grid. Export constraints Most solar farms in Indonesia are connected to the grid managed by state electricity company PLN, which serves as a backup when the renewable energy source cannot be tapped, such as during cloudy weather. The problem with this setup is that an unrestrained rollout of solar power can strain PLN’s ability to balance supply and demand, especially during a sudden drop in electricity generation. This could lead to a network disruption and in turn, electrical instability and a wide-scale blackout. To mitigate such a scenario, the government has set quotas to align new on-grid solar capacity with PLN’s handling capacity. It also enacted Government Regulation No. 40/2025 on the National Energy Policy (KEN), signed by President Prabowo Subianto on Sept. 15, which designates PLN as the sole electricity aggregator for both imports and exports. The regulation permits cross-border exports of electricity to enhance the “efficiency, reliability and security of energy supply”. It also stipulates that electricity imports must be handled by state-owned enterprises (SOEs) or companies specifically appointed to represent the state. Funding gridlock In 2023, Jakarta and Singapore signed several memorandums of understanding on building solar farms targeting an operational date in early 2028, but none has yet to break ground. Analysts said the construction on the solar power installations should have started by now to meet the delivery deadline but faced financing challenges, The Straits Times reported in March. Unnamed senior executives from Indonesian companies said one important detail had rendered the projects “unbankable” or too risky for a bank loan. Specifically, they were referring to an Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry regulation issued in 2021 requiring clean energy exporters to obtain a permit that must be renewed every five years. This regulation created uncertainty, as the state could revoke exporters’ permits or reduce quotas if it determined that the power exports were disrupting domestic supply and risked causing blackouts, according to the Times article. Double-click to read
A rooftop solar pilot will test electricity generation in schools to assess efficiency and reduce consumption. Cairo Scene A pilot initiative to generate electricity from solar panels installed on school rooftops has been launched across selected schools in Cairo, positioning education facilities as test sites for renewable energy use. The programme, titled “Your electricity from your school,” is being implemented by the Cairo Education Directorate, with an initial phase focused on testing solar-powered systems within school environments. Under the pilot, a number of schools will be equipped with solar-powered lighting units to evaluate system performance, efficiency and feasibility. Data collected during this phase will determine whether the model can be expanded more broadly across schools. Officials said the approach is designed to prioritise practical testing and measured outcomes before any wider rollout, with decisions based on performance results from the initial installations. The initiative aims to reduce electricity consumption in schools while introducing students to applied models of clean energy use. It is also intended to support environmental awareness by linking classroom learning with operational systems in school facilities. Authorities indicated that, if successful, the programme could enable partial reliance on renewable energy within schools and help reduce pressure on the wider electricity network. Remember her performance at the Grand Egyptian Museum? We do too. This is Cairo Valeo’s new Cairo centre will integrate AI into software production and support
Long before the war in Iran, British businesses were paying some of the highest energy bills in the world. Now, amid dire warnings of oil and gas shortages and further price increases next winter, more small and medium-sized companies are switching, or considering switching, to making their own solar power as a way to cut and stabilise energy bills. HDM Energies, based in Hull, which fits rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems for small businesses, had its best week ever in late March, said Dan Rogers, its chief executive and founder. The company signed up to supply £4 million of solar power systems, ten times as much business as in a normal week, he said. It makes sense. Ed Miliband said last week that Britain was facing its second “fossil fuel shock in less than five years”. The energy secretary said: “The era of fossil fuel security is over and the era of clean energy security must come of age.” Rogers’s company fits solar panels and battery storage at no upfront cost to its customers, which include farms, football clubs, care homes and offices. Instead, the customer signs up to a power-purchase agreement with HDM, which means they pay their electricity bills to the company over the life of the deal. It supplies them with energy generated by the panels and stored by the batteries, topped up with off-peak energy from the grid when needed. The average price customers pay using this model is 18p per kilowatt-hour (kWh), said Rogers, compared with an average electricity price of 24.3p per kWh for business users, according to the latest Office for National Statistics figures, which are for 2025 and will have risen. The difference in price cuts bills by more than 25 per cent and is high enough to cover the cost of the materials and installation and generate a return for HDM. The company finances its capital expenditure with £100 million of funding from Paragon Bank, agreed last year. Power-purchase agreements typically run for between 10 and 25 years, after which time the customer owns the solar-power system outright, can use the energy, then sell any extra into the grid. London-based Two Blues Solar sells solar systems to larger businesses using power-purchase agreements and has also seen a “bump” in inquiries since the Iran war started, said Daniel Levene, the co-founder. The saving on electricity costs is even higher for companies with more roof space and nearby car parks or waste ground for more panels, such as distribution warehouses, said Levene. “We’ve seen prices that are 50 per cent of the company’s current energy cost,” he said. “In some cases, it’s been as low as 8p per kWh, and the highest is 19p.” The long-term nature of the power-purchase agreement is the most common reason that potential customers don’t sign up, said Levene. However, the current level of energy-price volatility, following relatively soon after the price spike caused by the war in Ukraine, means more companies are taking the view that signing up to a contract lasting decades is worth it. “Having predictable energy costs has an increasing appeal, even if there is an outside chance that electricity suddenly became much cheaper again,” Levene said. In cases where tenants of commercial properties decide to move after installing solar and signing up to the power-purchase agreement, they can either pay off the remainder of the initial capital cost of the system and become the owner, renting it out to the next tenant, or negotiate to pass the contract on to the next tenant, he said. Two Blues funds its installations with investment from True Green Capital, a renewable energy infrastructure investment fund. Rogers is not under any illusions about why the small businesses he works with are making the change to solar now: “Solar is cheap energy and that’s what is pushing the change forward,” he said. “The green stuff is great, but anything we do has to be born from sound commercial sense, because that’s what people care about — their businesses, their livelihoods and their homes.” Ofgem, the energy industry regulator, said last month that the majority of British companies were on longer-term energy supply contracts lasting three to five years, so won’t be immediately exposed to higher energy costs. However, the regulator estimated that about 10 per cent of companies needed to sign up to new contracts in March and April this year, and a further 10 per cent between May and July. The government has also widened access to a scheme designed to lower electricity costs for energy-intensive manufacturers. The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme was announced in the government’s industrial strategy in June and was limited to 3,000 businesses. It has now been expanded to more than 10,000 companies that operate in the government’s eight industrial strategy areas and are intensive users of electricity. However, it will not take effect until April next year and intensive gas users are excluded. Business lobby groups, including the Institute of Directors and the British Chambers of Commerce, pointed out that high energy costs affect all companies and have called for more wide-ranging support. HDM, which was set up in 2022 during the last energy price shock, has already grown rapidly. It said it reached revenues of £33.5 million last year and was expecting sales of between £55 million and £60 million this financial year. By 2030, Rogers is targeting sales of £2 billion and a profit of £450 million. The company employs about 100 people and has warehouses in Basildon, Bournemouth, Port Talbot, Sheffield and Livingston near Edinburgh, as well as its Hull headquarters. Rogers chose to focus on small businesses because he believes they have the fewest options in the electricity market as it is set up: “The likes of Octopus are doing amazing things for the residential market and large industrial consumers can interact directly with the grid and create bespoke agreements that suit their business,” he said. “But there’s a massive chunk, millions of customers, in the middle who are completely underserved.” In addition to the solar system supply business, Rogers co-owns a wholesale solar panel company selling parts and equipment to solar-panel fitters, which HDM employs to do its installations and repairs. While the solar panels come from China, or South Korea for projects that specify they don’t want to use Chinese products, the metal hardware comes from Germany and HDM is working on a British-made inverter, which converts the direct current electricity generated by the solar panels into alternating current electricity that is used by the grid and in homes. Rogers hopes it will go into production next year. You’ve successfully signed up to the Business newsletter Explore our newsletters An error occurred. Please use the link below. Business newsletter Explore our newsletters He also sees an opportunity for British manufacturers to replace lithium-ion batteries, for which China has cornered the market, with a new type of battery technology. “One of the ones I’m particularly enthusiastic about is sodium ion,” he said. “The sodium can be produced from the salt in sea water — and we’re an island nation, we’ve got ample access to sea water. They’re cheap to make and it would replace the need to mine lithium, which has a very destructive impact on the planet. For me, it represents a very interesting development.” However, the technology won’t be ready for large-scale production for at least a couple of years, he said. Promoted Content
North Devon has been a target for large solar farm applications in recent years (file image)(Image: Pixabay) Solar panels on commercial and public buildings and car parks could become policy at North Devon Council in a bid to prevent prime farmland being eaten up by large solar farms. The district has been a target for large solar farm applications in recent years and there is concern that farming income could reduce further if more farmland disappears. Cllr Pru Maskell’s (Con, Braunton West and Georgham) motion to adopt a political stance in favour of smaller solar installation on rooftops and solar canopies and encourage the use of brownfield sites for solar farms was supported by North Devon Council this week. She said North Devon had the opportunity to lead the way on this following North Devon Hospice’s solar panel installation on its car park. She said nationally, farming income was down by up to 40 per cent and farmland solar projects were not helping. Energy security and food security should be treated with equal importance. Cllr Liz Bulled (Con, North Molton), a local farmer, said farmers were “on their knees” and needed all the help they could get. Agricultural land was finite and in times of international unrest sustainable home grown food needed to be increased, she said. Cllr Bulled said she supported the need for green energy but told the committee that there was “no such thing” as an electric tractor so farmers had to rely on fossil fuel. Red diesel had doubled in price and employing a contractor for farm work could cost around £700 a day. Sixty per cent of fertilizer came through the Strait of Hormuz which was closed due to conflict in Iran. Livestock farmers were becoming increasingly reliant on organic fertilizer the animals produced themselves so this should be encouraged on “every acre of North Devon,” she said. “Tourists don’t come here to see fields and fields of solar panels but fields of sheep and cattle. We have to work together to put solar panels in the right place not on productive farmland.” Cllr Robin Milton (Ind, Bishops Nympton), also a farmer, said there were a relatively low number of uses for roofs on buildings other than keeping the rain out and that could be done with a solar roof. He said he was surprised planning policy had not reached that stage particularly with commercial buildings “I absolutely support it and feel it is appropriate for us as a council to support our rural economy as well as our net zero ambition.” The motion has been referred to the joint planning policy committee and strategy and resources committee to discuss. At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.
Australia’s Energy Market Commission says introducing a new distribution planning framework and undertaking enhanced data reporting will help to reduce rooftop solar curtailment. Aerial view of a suburb in Sydney Image: Shanjir H/Unsplash The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is proposing to modernize its distribution network planning, which it says will help to lower curtailment of rooftop solar. A draft rule released earlier this week proposes to replace the existing distribution annual planning report with a distribution network plan. The plan would be published every five years covering a 20-year timeframe, with distribution network service providers also required to provide concise annual updates. The commission is also planning to establish a new framework for distribution network data reporting. It says that with rooftop solar, batteries and electric vehicles transforming the distribution networks, in turn creating both opportunities for consumers and challenges for the grid, planning needs to be backed by clearer, more accessible data on how and where these technologies are being used. Chair of the commission, Anna Collyer, said the reform will give decision-makers across the energy system better information to act earlier. “With detailed visibility of where solar, batteries and electric vehicles are emerging, distributed network service providers and investors can plan ahead through targeted upgrades or non-network solutions,” Collyer said. “That means fewer constraints, less curtailment of rooftop solar, and ultimately more efficient investment decisions that flow onto everyone’s power bills.” The draft rule also proposes to boost visibility of the low-voltage network, which the commission says will help identify the best stops to install electric vehicle chargers and community batteries. AEMC is now seeking stakeholder feedback, with submissions due by 4 June, before publishing a final determination and rule later this year. The planned reform comes as the rollout of rooftop solar in Australia accelerates, with recent analysis finding Australia’s rooftop solar market surged 19% last month as consumers race to take advantage of battery subsidies. A report by the Clean Energy Council found the capacity of Australia’s rooftop solar fleet reached 28.3 GW by the end of last year, with approximately 4.3 million installations across the country. Rooftop solar’s contribution to Australia’s total electricity generation reached 14.2% in the second half of the year of 2025, up from 13.4% in the same period the previous year. In January, AEMC permitted virtual power plants to compete directly with large-scale generators in Australia’s energy market from 2027. 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. More articles from Patrick Jowett Please be mindful of our community standards. Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked *
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Explore the evolving issues in solar financing for homes. Discover expert advice and practical solutions to protect your long-term solar financial interests. Solar financing for homes has come under fire with the loss of federal tax credits and higher interest rates. Homeowners are also impacted by hidden dealer fees on installer-provided loans. Getting new solar loans has also become increasingly difficult due to tighter lending standards. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, loans accounted for 58% and third-party ownership 23% of residential solar financing. Solar panels have many benefits, and homeowners can pay for them wisely with fixed leasing options, a home equity line of credit, and verified local lenders. We care about your data. See our privacy policy. A main source of renewable energy financing came to an end when homeowners lost the federal tax credit, which covered 30% of the initial installation cost. The loss of this credit also increases the payback periods. Depending on your area, you may receive less compensation for excess energy sent back to the grid thanks to net metering changes. With tighter lending restrictions, more homeowners no longer qualify for the favorable solar loans they would have previously. The interest rates on solar loans have also increased as high as 16%, according to Solar Tech Online. Lower-interest loans have often come with hidden dealer fees ranging from 15% to 25%. With these rebates and potential loan losses, more homeowners have turned to leasing for solar financing. However, that creates a loophole as the customer doesn’t own the equipment, which can complicate refinancing or selling the home. You’re locked into a contract and don’t get additional long-term savings beyond your lower energy bills. If you’re having issues regarding a solar financing contract, you can get solar cancellation help with SCRC and its partnership with Consumer Advocacy Law Group. Instead of the installer-offered financing with dealer fees, check out your local bank or credit union for home improvement loans. If you have enough equity, consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Some may benefit from the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), which adds the solar cost to property taxes instead of counting it as debt. It’s available in 36 states (and D.C), such as: A home powered by solar energy helps you maintain a sustainable and energy-independent lifestyle with a reduced carbon footprint. In some cases, home value can increase. Plus, a well-installed system requires little maintenance over its lifespan. However, you should consider how long you plan to live in your home before installing panels to ensure it’s worth the ROI. Areas with higher utility usage, high energy bill rates, and good sun exposure are usually the best places for solar power. Don’t get thrown off by issues with solar financing. Many homeowners have also had problems with unscrupulous lending fees and leases that are difficult to get out of. Luckily, a legal professional can review your case. If you don’t qualify for traditional solar loans, check your home equity line and local lenders like credit unions. Keep learning about green energy updates, and review our website for more information
Project developer Recurrent Energy has capped a busy couple of weeks in the Australian market with the sale of a 250 MW solar and 120 MW battery project in New South Wales to an unidentified European buyer. Image: Recurrent Energy Recurrent Energy, the renewable energy developer arm of solar manufacturer Canadian Solar, revealed it has completed the sale of the Gunning Energy Park in southern New South Wales (NSW) to an unnamed “European infrastructure and investment group” for an undisclosed sum. Gunning Energy Park combines a 250 MW solar farm with a 120 MW battery energy storage system with a four-hour dispatch capacity. The estimated $651 million (USD 421 million) project is proposed for a 676-hectare site near Gunning, about 245 kilometres southwest of Sydney. The hybrid project, that would connect to the national electricity grid via Transgrid’s nearby 330 kV transmission line, already has state government planning approval. Recurrent Energy Chief Executive Officer Ismael Guerrero said the sale of the project reinforces the company’s reputation as a leading renewable energy developer in Australia, where it has been operating for more than a decade. “This milestone builds on our continued success in the country, highlights our ability to develop innovative, large-scale renewable energy projects, and marks an important step in advancing Australia’s transition to a cleaner and more reliable energy system,” he said. The sale of the Gunning project is the latest in a series of recent achievements for Recurrent Energy, including the registration of the 150 MW Carwarp Solar Farm in northwest Victoria and the start of commercial operations at the 100 MW / 200 MWh Mannum battery energy storage project in South Australia. The Carwarp Solar Farm was last week registered in the Australian Energy Market Operator’s market management system – a key step indicating readiness for testing and commissioning. Located near Carwarp in Victoria’s northwest, the solar farm is part of the broader Carwarp Energy Park, that will eventually include a hybrid battery energy storage system. Once fully operational, the PV power plant is expected to generate 405 GWh of clean electricity annually and is backed by a long-term power purchase agreement with an unnamed multinational company. Recurrent Energy also announced recently that the Mannum battery project, now owned by South Australian energy infrastructure company Epic Energy, had successfully completed commissioning and commenced full operations. The project, developed by Recurrent Energy and executed by fellow Canadian Solar subsidiary e-STORAGE after being sold to Epic last year, was built alongside that company’s Mannum Energy Park, that includes two solar farms with a combined 35 MW generation capacity. 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. More articles from David Carroll Please be mindful of our community standards. Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked *
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In the current energy landscape, Pakistan is striving to reduce its reliance on imported fuels by accelerating the development of indigenous energy resources. This includes fast-tracking hydropower projects and expanding renewable energy capacity through wind and solar photovoltaic systems. A central pillar of this transition is the indigenisation of electrical equipment, components, and materials required for power generation, transmission, and distribution — an area that has long remained heavily import-dependent despite the country’s latent industrial capacity.
ENERGY LANDSCAPE In the current energy landscape, Pakistan is striving to reduce its reliance on imported fuels by accelerating the development of indigenous energy resources. This includes fast-tracking hydropower projects and expanding renewable energy capacity through wind and solar photovoltaic systems. A central pillar of this transition is the indigenisation of electrical equipment, components, and materials required for power generation, transmission, and distribution — an area that has long remained heavily import-dependent despite the country’s latent industrial capacity. To address this structural gap, a comprehensive Power Sector Indigenisation Plan (PSIP) has been under preparation for the past three years. Anchored in the National Electricity Policy 2021 and the National Electricity Plan 2023–2027, the PSIP envisages a ten-year, multi-pronged strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities. It focuses on increasing the share of locally produced equipment and materials in total sector procurement, facilitating technology transfer, and promoting research and development across the power sector value chain. A key objective is the progressive localisation of manufacturing across generation, transmission, and distribution systems in line with Pakistan’s energy transition goals. Under the Integrated Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) 2025–2035, the country aims to raise the share of renewable energy in total generation capacity to around 60 per cent by 2035. Achieving this target will require substantial scaling up of domestic capabilities in solar and wind technologies. However, recent trends highlight a widening gap between policy intent and implementation. Between 2017 and 2025, Pakistan’s cumulative imports of solar-related equipment are estimated to have exceeded $9 billion, including roughly $7.5 billion for solar panels and over $2 billion for inverters and balance-of-system components. Furthermore, import data for FY2025 indicates a sharp surge, with machinery and equipment for solar, wind and battery storage collectively reaching $7.7 billion within the first ten months alone — highlighting the urgency of a coherent indigenisation policy. Encouragingly, some progress has been made. A notable institutional development was the launch, in May 2025, of Pakistan’s first power equipment manufacturing dashboard. This real-time digital platform tracks local vendor capabilities, monitors localisation levels and identifies strategic investment opportunities under the PSIP framework, thereby improving transparency and coordination. The National Grid Company of Pakistan (NGC), formerly the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC), has initiated steps to build domestic capacity by placing ‘educational orders’ worth over Rs900 million with local manufacturers. These are intended to help domestic firms meet stringent grid specifications for high-voltage transmission components such as conductors and cables. In addition, contracts amounting to over Rs12 billion have been awarded to Pakistani cable manufacturers in recent years, indicating a gradual shift toward local sourcing, as the NGC is engaged in expanding and modernising the 220 kV and 500 kV transmission networks, supported by financing under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and multilateral institutions such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB). At present, the level of indigenisation — measured as the share of locally manufactured equipment in total power sector procurement expenditure — is estimated at around 15 per cent. The PSIP aims to increase this share to approximately 30 per cent within three years by promoting the production of higher-value and critical components. Pakistan already possesses a modest but capable manufacturing base for medium- and high-voltage electrical equipment, including transformers, switchgear and control panels, many of which conform to international standards and are produced under technical collaboration with global firms. The PSIP framework also seeks to support the domestic production of a broader range of equipment, including insulators, transmission towers, and energy meters, through a mix of standardisation, certification, fiscal incentives and technology upgrading. The overarching objective is to reduce import dependence while enhancing technological depth and export potential in electromechanical engineering. Pakistan’s engineering sector — largely private-sector-driven — already manufactures a range of equipment, including transformers, generators, boilers, electric motors, towers and circuit breakers. With appropriate policy support and access to modern technology, the sector could realistically achieve 30–35 per cent indigenisation by value (share of total project cost), and a significantly higher proportion by weight or volume, across various types of power projects. Historically, local firms have supplied a variety of components and spare parts to the power sector, but their role has diminished as reliance on turnkey imports for large-scale projects has increased. Regional experience shows the importance of sustained policy support. Countries such as China, India and Turkiye have successfully developed strong domestic power equipment industries through phased localisation policies, joint ventures and targeted incentives, while Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam are increasingly pursuing local manufacturing of renewable energy components as part of their energy diversification strategies. These examples highlight that indigenisation is a long-term process requiring consistency and policy discipline. For the PSIP to deliver meaningful outcomes, Pakistan must create a genuinely enabling environment. This includes discouraging excessive reliance on turnkey imports, offering targeted fiscal incentives, and promoting joint ventures and structured technology transfer agreements. A phased indigenisation policy, linking local content requirements with project implementation, should be institutionalised. Collaboration with Western firms for advanced technologies and with Chinese partners for cost-effective solutions should be pursued pragmatically, with a clear focus on domestic capability-building. The missed opportunity in the late 1990s, when the global Vestas of Denmark considered establishing a manufacturing facility in Karachi but shifted to India due to a lack of policy support, remains a telling reminder of the costs of inaction. Industrial self-reliance in the power sector is a strategic necessity. Without a robust domestic manufacturing base, Pakistan will remain exposed to external shocks, foreign exchange constraints and supply chain disruptions. By aligning its energy transition with a coherent, consistently implemented industrial policy, the country can advance affordability, energy security and sustainability. The real test, however, lies not in policy formulation but in its execution — requiring institutional coherence, long-term commitment, and an unwavering focus on developing indigenous technological capability and learning from past indigenisation efforts.
The writer is a retired chairman of the State Engineering Corporation. Date:
Ready to get up to 3 free quotes? Get up to 3 free quotes for solar, batteries, EV chargers or hot water heat pumps GET MY QUOTES Last Updated: 5th Jan 2026 Some might think installing a solar power system in Tasmania isn’t a good proposition, but this is an incorrect perception. More than 63,609 systems had been installed throughout the Apple Isle up until the beginning of December 2025 (Source: Clean Energy Regulator). All these systems add up to around 392 MW of electricity generation capacity. With a population 576,000 (March 2025 – Population.Gov), this works out to around 680 watts (W) of small-scale solar energy capacity per Tasmanian. It’s well under the Australian average of around 1 kilowatt (kW), and the lowest among all the states and territories. The Australian Photovoltaic Institute puts the dwelling saturation level of PV systems in TAS at 23.3%. This means there’s certainly plenty more Tasmanian households that could be putting their valuable rooftop real estate to good use and saving them a significant chunk of change on their electricity. With Australia’s major solar subsidy still available and the cost of solar panels and other components so low, it’s a good time to make a move. Hobart has a yearly average of 3.5 sun hours a day. Cooler temperatures are also beneficial as heat is the enemy of solar panels, reducing their efficiency. This means a good quality, well installed 6.6kW system can potentially generate around 8,400kWh of electricity a year in Hobart! So, regardless what you may have heard, assuming your rooftop is suitable and you select a good installation company, a solar power system could prove to be a very wise investment. What’s more is that Tasmanians can also be paid for the electricity surplus to their needs that they generate – this is known as a feed-in tariff. It’s not a huge amount, but it can accelerate payback time. Home Batteries In Tasmania Residential energy storage still hasn’t been widely adopted in Tasmania, some of this due to the pricing of battery systems. But in July 2025, the federal government made them much more affordable through its Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP). From launch to the end of 2025, 1,467 battery systems were installed across the Apple Isle. The program runs until the end of 2030, during which time the subsidy level will drop at regular intervals. The following video (and this guide) explain everything Tasmanians should know before getting quotes for solar panels. We have installers in our network for just about everywhere in Tasmania, but the following two pages just have recommendations specific to Hobart and Launceston. If you’re in TAS and are yet to choose a solar installer, receive up to 3 solar quotes from hand-picked Tasmanian installers I have personally thoroughly checked out who service your area. Sign up for our weekly newsletter!
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The Chinese manufacturer said its new back-contact module delivers up to 545 W and over 25% efficiency in a compact rooftop format for residential, C&I, and off-grid applications. Aiko Neostar ABC 60-cell module Image: Aiko From pv magazine Global Chinese PV manufacturer Aiko has launched its third-generation all-back-contact (ABC) 60-cell solar module in Australia, targeting residential, commercial and industrial (C&I), and off-grid applications in a compact rooftop format. According to a company, the new range delivers up to 545 W and boasts module efficiency above 25% in a 1,954 mm × 1,134 mm × 30 mm footprint. The company says that its ABC design removes front-side busbars and combines a grid-free front surface with a zero-bap cell layout and invisible ribbon interconnection, allowing the module to produce up to 30 W more per panel than comparable TOPCon products and achieve roughly 15% higher lifetime energy yield/m2. For the Australian market, Aiko positions the 60-cell format as a response to the growth of rooftop solar, larger average household system sizes, and rising interest in pairing PV with batteries. The smaller footprint aims to help customers maximise output on limited roof space, which becomes increasingly important as homes add electric vehicles, heat pumps, and other electrified loads. The module features a temperature coefficient of -0.26%/C, compared with -0.29%/C for standard TOPCon, and long-term degradation is rated at 1% in year one and 0.35% annually thereafter, implying 90.6% output retention after 30 years. Hot-spot temperatures were found to be more than 30% lower than comparable TOPCon modules in testing, the manufacturer said. The launch also targets C&I and off-grid segments. On a typical 660 m² commercial roof using 196 modules, replacing 510 W TOPCon modules with the new 545 W modules would increase system size from 100 kW to 107 kW without changing the footprint, according to the company. For remote or bushfire-prone sites, mono-glass variants use 3.2 mm front glass and are certified for 35 mm hail impact under TÜV and PVEL standards, while dual-glass versions carry IEC Fire Class A certification. Aiko said the Gen 3 60-cell range has received Australia’s Clean Energy Council (CEC) approval, enabling installations in the country. Models rated 535 W to 540 W are expected to be generally available from late April 2026, with 545 W modules available in limited quantities first, followed by additional dual-glass and full-black variants later in the year. 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. More articles from Vincent Shaw Please be mindful of our community standards. Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked *
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Widely dispersed wind farms and solar panels are harder to target than fossil fuel power stations, Michael Shanks says Renewable energy will boost the UK’s national security and make the country more resilient against potential aggression or sabotage, the government’s energy minister has said. Michael Shanks said widely dispersed wind farms and solar panels were much harder to target than large-scale fossil fuel power stations. They are also not vulnerable to supply shocks, such as the current oil crisis caused by the US-Israel war on Iran and the soaring gas prices that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. “We are dealing with a far more complex threat landscape than we’ve ever dealt with before. That’s true in the UK, it’s true across Europe,” Shanks said. “Building a decentralised power system with a whole series of assets is less of a risk of physical attack than large-scale power stations. Moving towards clean power is the best way to deliver our energy security in an increasingly uncertain world.” The Conservatives and Reform UK have pushed for more drilling in the North Sea, rather than renewables. But those arguments received a heavy blow last week when the Guardian revealed that Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency and the world’s leading energy economist, advised against new exploration licences on a commercial basis and said potential new fields already within the licensing system, such as Rosebank and Jackdaw, would make little difference to the UK’s energy security or energy prices. Military experts have also called for investment in wind farms and solar panels to bolster the UK’s national security against potential aggression or sabotage. Several former military chiefs have written to governments to urge them to pursue renewables. Retired Lt Gen Richard Nugee has previously said investing in renewable energy would make the UK more resilient. “To have a strong military deterrence, we need a resilient homeland. If we want to build a resilient country, low-carbon energy is a very important component,” he said. Shanks was speaking from Ukraine, where over the weekend he visited energy projects that the UK helped to fund. “It’s a really important visit for me to see firsthand the impact that Russia’s attacks on energy infrastructure have had and are having in Ukraine, and meet those who are helping to rebuild that infrastructure and build even greater resilience into the Ukrainian energy system,” he said. “We can learn a huge amount in the UK from what Ukraine is doing. They are building decarbonised infrastructure across the country because solar and wind and batteries are much harder to target than large scale power stations. They’re doing it at a pace I’d like to be doing it at in the UK as well.” Cybersecurity is another area Shanks is interested in. “We’re responding to [the increase in threats] with a national plan for how we deal with our energy security,” Shanks said. “We’re also working on how we build resilience at every single part of the energy system, from the grid to individual projects, both cybersecurity and physical security.” Action has also been taken to secure the UK’s undersea cables to offshore wind farms after suspicions that Russian submarines might have been scouting them or could target the UK’s energy interconnectors to other countries. “We’ve been doing a lot of work, making sure that our undersea cables are as resilient as possible and are protected from attack,” Shanks said. “We were aware of that move by Russia [and] there’s no doubt that highlights how serious the threat is. We need to redouble our efforts around that. But we do have a very robust plan in place for ensuring their security and working collectively across Europe on this.” The potential for attacks on atomic power stations has also led to fears that Ukraine’s nuclear reactors could be damaged by Russia. But the UK had a highly secure nuclear estate, Shanks said. “Nuclear is a critical part of how we get off fossil fuels. With the small modular reactors, we will deliver on that. Security is right at the heart of our consideration for nuclear, as it has always been.” This week, governments from at least 56 countries are meeting in Colombia for the world’s first conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels. The UK’s climate envoy, Rachel Kyte, is attending. One of the highlights of the conference will be the convening of a scientific panel on how countries can wean themselves off fossil fuels.
Corporate Profile Message from the President Corporate Principle Mission、Vision、Values（MVV） Business ICT Solution Electronics & Devices Foods, Meat & Grain Steel, Materials & Plant Motor Vehicles & Aerospace Green Transformation(GX) Acceleration Kanematsu Ventures Business topics Investor Relations To shareholders and investors Operating results & Financial position Shareholders Information IR Library Sustainability Message from the Chair of the Sustainability Management Committee Kanematsu Group Sustainability E:Environment S:Social G:Governance 2025.11.07 Information PDF for printing (PDF 409KB)
We are happy to announce that Indonesia’s PT. Kanemory Food Service (“KFS”), a group company of Kanematsu Corporation (“Kanematsu”), has installed a rooftop solar PV system (output: 637 kWp) throughout its main plant to reduce CO₂ emissions. The installation was carried out by PT Alam Energy Indonesia (“AEI”), in which Kanematsu acquired a stake in September, and represents the first GX project leveraging the synergy between AEI and the Kanematsu Group following Kanematsu’s share acquisition (press release on acquisition of AEI shares).
KFS operates in the food processing and central kitchen business in Indonesia. Since its founding in 2012, KFS has grown its business with the expansion of Japanese companies into Indonesia, offering original frozen foods as well as halal certification-related services.
The newly installed solar PV system will help KFS switch approximately 15% of its annual power consumption to renewable energy, and is expected to reduce its annual CO₂ emissions by around 516 tons. This is equivalent to an approximately 2%*1 reduction of the combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions*2 of the entire Kanematsu Group. *1: Relative to 26,928 t-CO₂, our combined Scope１and 2 emissions for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 *2: Scope 1 refers to the company’s direct CO₂ emissions, while Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions from purchased electricity.
In October, AEI also installed a solar PV system at the Cimory Group, an Indonesia-based general food manufacturer and a key partner of the Kanematsu Group.
The Kanematsu Group is driving GX as a key measure under its medium-term management plan “integration 1.1.” We remain committed to providing GX solutions tailored to the needs of our group companies, customers, and partners, thereby helping to realize a sustainable society.
＜PT Kanemory Food Service（KFS）＞ A member of the Kanematsu Group. Operates in the food processing and central kitchen business in Indonesia.
＜PT Alam Energy Indonesia（AEI）＞ A joint venture of Shizen Energy, Alamport, NiX Group, and EnBio Holdings, with PT Alam Energy Renewables as a subsidiary. Operates a rooftop solar panel rental business amounting to 30 MW in total in Indonesia.
April 18, 2026
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