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Enphase Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:ENPH) is one of the 10 Stocks Dominating With Powerful Gains.
Enphase Energy climbed to a new 52-week high on Friday, as investors resumed buying positions following the launch of a new product and a new strategy to lure customers before the looming solar tax credit deadline.
In intra-day trading, the stock soared to a record high of $53.89 before trimming gains to end the session just up by 10.16 percent at $52.89 apiece.
A man installing solar panels on a roof. Photo by William Mead on Pexels
In a statement, Enphase Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:ENPH) said that customers can now place preorders for its new IQ9S-3P Commercial Microinverter, a new product capable of supporting 770-watt solar panels to remain eligible for the 30 percent commercial tax credit before the July 4 deadline.
“Preorders … allow customers to safe harbor equipment ahead of upcoming federal tax credit deadlines while finalizing project designs,” it said.
Enphase Energy Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ENPH) new microinverter is capable of supporting 18A of continuous DC current, delivering up to 548 VA of continuous output power, and is designed for high-wattage solar panels for commercial customers.
It is likewise equipped with advanced GaN technology, enabling high performance, cooler operation, and an industry-leading CEC weighted efficiency of 97.5 percent.
In other news, Enphase Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:ENPH) swung to a net loss of $7.4 million in the first quarter of the year from a $29.7 million net income in the same period last year, as revenues fell by 20 percent to $282.9 million from $356 million year-on-year.
While we acknowledge the risk and potential of ENPH as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than ENPH and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 33 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and Cathie Wood 2026 Portfolio: 10 Best Stocks to Buy. 
Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
Yahoo FinanceEnphase Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:ENPH)
Returns since its inception in May 2014 (through February 18th, 2026)
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When Jeff Bezos said that one breakthrough technology would shape Amazon’s destiny, even Wall Street’s biggest analysts were caught off guard.
Fast forward a year and Amazon’s new CEO Andy Jassy described generative AI as a “once-in-a-lifetime” technology that is already being used across Amazon to reinvent customer experiences.
At the 8th Future Investment Initiative conference, Elon Musk predicted that by 2040 there would be at least 10 billion humanoid robots, with each priced between $20,000 and $25,000.
Do the math. According to Musk, this technology could be worth $250 trillion by 2040.
Put another way, that’s roughly equal to:
And here’s the wild part — this $250 trillion wave isn’t tied to one company, but to an entire ecosystem of AI innovators set to reshape the global economy.
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Even if that $250 trillion figure sounds ambitious, major firms like PwC and McKinsey still see AI unlocking multi-trillion-dollar potential.
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A major decision on plans for another solar farm in part of Leicestershire has been put off after more information was requested.
An application to build a solar farm bigger than 3,000 tennis courts near Freeby in Leicestershire went before members of Melton Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Thursday, May 15.
The scheme would see land east of Waltham Road used for a renewable energy project that could power up to 10,000 homes and would be decommissioned in 40 years’ time.
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There are already at least 10 solar farms fully operational, under construction, or applying for planning permission across the borough.
The applicant, Tony Gannon, head of Downing Renewable Developments LLP, told councillors that this proposal helps counter the “increasing threat” to energy security nationally and that there is a “clear and urgent” need for developments of this sort.
Although more than 20 per cent of the space in question is classed as best agricultural land, Mr Gannon argued that the project helps contribute to food security, with better biodiversity and a contribution towards Net Zero targets anticipated. Sheep will also be able to graze under the panels.
However, two tenant farmers will lose the land as a source of income if the works go ahead.
A representative of the site’s owner, Freeby Estate, reassured members that these families had been offered alternative land, around 10 per cent larger than the area they would lose.
Some members of the committee feared the project could pose a serious fire risk.
Councillor Pip Allnatt, formerly the council’s leader, questioned why two water reserves were included in plans if the source of a potential fire would be electric.
Councillor Elaine Holmes pointed toward the gas pipe running through the centre of the site.
She said: “It is not a bit dangerous, it’s incredibly dangerous.
“When this was probably going to be messed about with, with somebody digging, they said if anything happened to it, it could kill most of the people in Melton. It’s that serious.”
However, officers said that a 16.5-metre corridor would prevent any work in the area where the pipe is, and both Cadent Gas and the Health and Safety Executive had no objections.
The applicant said they would make a £200,000 capital contribution to Freeby Parish Council to help manage construction disruption, and added they would fit five homes a year with solar panels as a gesture to the local community.
But councillors ultimately decided they didn’t have all the information they needed to make a decision and voted to defer the application.
Think more Pacific hurricanes, a wetter and colder winter across the southern U.S. — and potentially the hottest year on record.
Experts share what to do if you encounter bears, mountain lions or snakes — and the mistakes hikers and campers should avoid.
EVs can spare you from high prices at the pump, but there are a lot of factors that can affect whether they're the right choice for you.
A rescued black bear cub named Hiro is capturing attention on social media after wildlife officials found him alone and brought him to a rehabilitation center.
Chinese President Xi Jinping warmly welcomed a delegation of US CEOs on Thursday during the first day of President Trump's visit to the country.
Netflix keeps ending fan-favorite hits after just a few seasons — even when audiences are still growing.
The disgraced personal-injury lawyer, who was found guilty in 2023 of killing his wife and younger son, is serving a 40-year federal sentence for stealing from his clients and will remain in jail while awaiting retrial.
PCOS has long been treated mainly as a fertility problem, despite its effects throughout the body. The new name aims to change that — though not everyone is on board.
The British royal is in Italy, marking her first official overseas visit since undergoing cancer treatment.
Salmonella can cause gastrointestinal disease, but most people recover within a week.

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Albanian Consortium Seeks EBRD Support for 160 MWp Solar-Plus-Storage Project  SolarQuarter
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BASTROP, La. (KNOE) – A Bastrop resident raised concerns about a new solar farm’s location during Thursday’s city council meeting, but officials declined to address the issue without their attorney present.
Bishop Charles Bradford asked about administrative requirements and standards at the solar farm before the council stopped him.
“Bishop, we cannot answer some of those questions because our attorney is not present,” a council member said. “He drafted that ordinance, so I think he would be the one to answer the ordinance. I’ve read over it, but I don’t feel comfortable with trying to answer the question.”
Bradford said the location is his primary concern.
“Solar panels can go out in the rural area as they choose, you know, there’s a source of energy, but you don’t catch them inside the heart of the city in a poor low-income area,” Bradford said.
The solar panels are located outside Bastrop City Hall, across from apartments and a senior living area.
Bradford said he worries about potential risks to nearby residents.
“We don’t want them sitting right next, adjacent to the fence, sitting next to the apartment where the kids are playing on one side of the street,” Bradford said. “Our water supply line is within 100 feet. I mean, solar panels, if they bust and sink into the ground in our water system, you got a community poison.”
The city council and mayor did not respond to requests for comment.
Copyright 2026 KNOE. All rights reserved.

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Most Influential Leaders

Stacy Wescoe//May 15, 2026
City of Reading goes solar
PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

Stacy Wescoe//May 15, 2026//
The City of Reading will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday to launch a solar energy project at its public works campus. 
The ceremony marks the start of the city’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050. 
The project is being developed in partnership with Schneider Electric.  

In a press release, the city said its Environmental Advisory Council played an important role in advocating for and recommending the project as part of the Reading’s ongoing sustainability efforts.  
The project will include more than 4,200 solar panels across city facilities and is expected to eliminate electricity costs at City Hall and the Public Works Administration and Garage by 2027 while also reducing air pollution and helping stabilize long-term energy costs.

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A recent investigation by researchers at Sapienza University of Rome has determined the optimal locations for deploying offshore floating photovoltaic systems in Italy. The work, which appears in the journal Energy for Sustainable Development, employed a geospatial multi-criteria evaluation framework to gauge technical viability.
The team utilized QGIS software to merge oceanographic, environmental, and operational information, producing a feasibility index ranging from zero to one for both offshore and nearshore zones. Ten critical factors were integrated into the model: wave height, wave period, wind speed, current speed, bathymetry, distance from the coastline, fishing activity, marine protected zones, and ferry routes. Each factor was assigned a suitability rating derived from engineering limitations and published research. A Hydrodynamic Severity Index was also developed, merging wave height and peak period to more accurately depict conditions impacting floating structures.
The spatial evaluation pinpointed highly appropriate offshore zones in the Adriatic Sea, the Gulf of Taranto, specific areas surrounding Sicily, and portions of Sardinia. These sites are characterized by moderate wave and wind patterns, advantageous bathymetry, and relatively short distances to the shore.
Principal author Leonardo Micheli stated that the group pinpointed appropriate zones for offshore floating PV deployment by applying realistic limitations based on present industry practices, constraints, metocean conditions, and bathymetric data. The Italian Exclusive Economic Zone was employed as a representative example. Locations were categorized according to their degree of appropriateness; certain variables, like protected zones and ferry paths, served as binary exclusion factors, whereas others were evaluated using a continuous suitability ranking.
The analysis revealed that utilizing merely 2% of Italy’s technically viable offshore solar area could theoretically produce sufficient electricity to satisfy the nation’s yearly power consumption of 306.1 TWh. Sensitivity checks confirmed that, even under cautious projections, only a minor portion of the identified appropriate marine area would be necessary to fulfill national electricity needs.
The researchers observed that offshore floating PV is still in an early developmental phase because of the technical difficulties associated with functioning in severe marine settings. Notable obstacles include corrosion from saltwater, structural strain from waves and wind, increased upkeep demands, and higher levelized electricity costs. Environmental issues also continue, especially concerning effects on marine life, disruption of the seabed, and diminished light penetration through the water. Earlier studies indicated that wave motion can change module tilt and orientation, potentially decreasing yearly energy output by as much as 9% during harsh sea conditions.
Nevertheless, the scientists pointed out that offshore installations could gain from large, unobstructed areas, strong solar radiation, and reduced operating temperatures due to cooler surroundings and stronger winds, which can boost module efficiency. They also have minimal visual impact and can be situated alongside offshore wind farms, allowing for shared infrastructure, more consistent power generation, and reduced overall system expenses.
The study concluded that, with ongoing technological progress and decreasing costs, offshore floating PV could emerge as a competitive and supplementary element of the national energy mix, especially in nations with dense coastal populations and abundant solar resources. The modeling method can be readily adapted to other areas.
Interactive table based on the Store Companies dataset for this report.
This report provides a comprehensive view of the solar cells and light-emitting diodes industry in Italy, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the national value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between domestic suppliers and international partners. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the solar cells and light-emitting diodes landscape in Italy.
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for Italy. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts.
This report provides a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for Italy. The profile highlights demand structure and trade position, enabling benchmarking against regional and global peers.
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links solar cells and light-emitting diodes demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts in Italy.
Each projection is built from national historical patterns and the broader regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of solar cells and light-emitting diodes dynamics in Italy.
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data, presented in both value and volume terms.
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
The report benchmarks market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for Italy.
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.
Report Scope and Analytical Framing
Concise View of Market Direction
Market Size, Growth and Scenario Framing
Commercial and Technical Scope
How the Market Splits Into Decision-Relevant Buckets
Where Demand Comes From and How It Behaves
Supply Footprint and Value Capture
Trade Flows and External Dependence
Price Formation and Revenue Logic
Who Wins and Why
How the Domestic Market Works
Commercial Entry and Scaling Priorities
Where the Best Expansion Logic Sits
Leading Players and Strategic Archetypes
How the Report Was Built
Part of Enel Group, develops solar plants globally
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Engineering, procurement, construction
Joint venture for solar plant operation
PV systems for building envelopes
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Architectural and industrial LED
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LED fixtures and controls
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Energy efficiency and PV systems
Residential PV system provider
LED lighting manufacturer and distributor
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Australia’s rooftop solar market climbed by 31% in the past month with the latest data revealing that a record 442 MW of small-scale PV capacity was installed across the country in April 2026.
Image: Western Power
From pv magazine Australia
Australian households and businesses installed more rooftop solar last month than in any other month on record with new data from solar and storage market analyst SunWiz showing 442 MW of sub-100 kW rooftop PV capacity was registered nationwide in April 2026.
This marked a 31% increase on the 341 MW registered across the country in March and is almost double the 225 MW of new capacity registered in April 2025.
“We have now reached the strongest month in the history of STC (small-scale technology certificates),” SunWiz Managing Director Warwick Johnston said, adding that the market is now running 35% ahead of the same point in 2025.

Johnston said the surge in solar registrations was largely a byproduct of changes to the federal government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which has supported the installation of more than 350,000 small-scale battery energy storage systems over the past 10 months.
Changes to the rebate scheme, that provides discounts of up to 30% on the upfront cost of installing small-scale battery systems alongside new or existing rooftop solar, were introduced on 1 May 2026. In the wake of the changes, systems installed through the program will continue to receive the full discount on the first 14 kWh of usable capacity, while 14-20 kWh batteries will get 60% of the discount and 28-50 kWh batteries will get 15% of the rebate.
Johnstone said the adjustments to the battery rebate scheme had “triggered a surge in battery demand with a meaningful flow-on effect to solar.”
“The rebate cut sent households scrambling for large-format (40–50 kWh) batteries, and the bigger solar arrays needed to run them followed, turning the Cheaper Home Battery Program into a multiplier well beyond its original scope,” he said.

Every state posted growth in rooftop solar installations in April with 143 MW of new capacity registered in New South Wales alone, up 35% on the previous month.
The Australian Capital Territory reported a 62% increase while Queensland delivered a 36% month-on-month increase.
SunWiz said most rooftop PV segments had recorded growth over the month with the 20-30 kW segment the standout, delivering almost double the installed capacity compared to March, up 98%.
The 15-20 kW segment increased by 61% while the 30-50 kW segment recorded growth of 45%. The 3-6 kW and 6-8 kW segments showed minor dips in month-on-month capacity growth.
The growth in the larger segments saw the national average system size bump up to 11.35 kW.
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Amherst Indy
Critical, Progressive, Independent
Amherst Indy
A duplex under construction at Amherst Community Homes. Photo: Valley CDC
Report on the Meeting of the Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, May 14, 2026
This meeting was held over Zoom and was recorded.
Present: Gaston de los Reyes (chair), Alex Cox, Allegra Clark, Karla Rasche, Heejae Kim, Bob Pomeroy, and Paul Bockelman (town manager). Absent: Rob Allingham. Staff: Greg Richane (housing coordinator).
Solar Panels for Affordable Duplexes in North Amherst
State Rep. Mindy Domb appeared before the May 14 meeting of the Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (AMAHT) to request that the trust help Valley Community Development put solar panels on the roofs of Amherst Community Homes, the soon-to-be-completed 30 affordable homeownership units in North Amherst. She said she and state Sen. Jo Comerford had sought to include the solar panels in a housing bond bill, but that funding would not come through in time.
Domb noted that the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) had allocated $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds toward the solar installation, but the remaining $220,000 of the estimated $420,000 total needed to be secured by the end of May to access that money. Valley CDC was willing to contribute $120,000, leaving the initiative $100,000 short. Domb hoped AMAHT would make up the difference, citing the opportunity to pair clean energy with affordable housing.
Jessica Allen, real estate and development director for Valley CDC, said the duplexes are passive solar construction, but Valley has observed that tenants in its other complexes are experiencing high electric bills — a concern, given that the duplexes rely exclusively on electricity.
Allen said the original plans included rooftop solar, but that feature was cut due to insufficient funds. Unanticipated construction issues stemming from the early, cold winter and other site problems have consumed all but $100,000 of the contingency funds. The project is not eligible for additional state funds, and no grant funding is available.
PV Squared prepared the original rooftop solar plans and submitted the lowest bid for the current project. Allen said the plans call for enough panels to cover heating and cooling costs — not a full buildout — and estimates the installation will save homeowners about $100 per month in electricity costs.
All units will be sold to first-time homebuyers earning between 80% and 100% of area median income. Resale values will be restricted for 30 years to preserve long-term affordability. Of the 53 applicants in the lottery, 36 are Amherst residents, work in Amherst, or have children in Amherst public schools; 17 are people of color. The first units are expected to be ready for occupancy in June, with the remainder available shortly after.
AMAHT members were unanimously supportive. Housing Coordinator Greg Richane said the trust has about $1.7 million in its account. Member Bob Pomeroy suggested committing $137,500 of those funds to the solar installation, an amount that would not jeopardize the project’s remaining contingency funds. AMAHT has already contributed $750,000 to the project, which also received $750,000 in Community Preservation Act funds.
The motion to fund the solar installation passed unanimously. Allen estimated the work would take one to three months. Once all units are sold, the electric accounts will be transferred to the homeowners.
ADU Survey
De los Reyes, Pomeroy, and Richane have been working to develop a postcard to mail to property owners gauging their interest in building accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The postcards will include a QR code linking recipients to an online survey. Printing and mailing costs are estimated at about $1,000. AMAHT hopes to assess community appetite for ADUs and, ideally, work with interested homeowners to develop programs to tie ADU development to housing affordability.
Town Manager Laments Withdrawal of Beacon Communities’ Affordable Housing Project in North Amherst
Town Manager Paul Bockelman noted the withdrawal of Beacon Communities’ planned 140-unit affordable housing project for seniors and families in North Amherst. “Beacon Communities’ decision not to move forward with their proposal was really discouraging,” he said. “They had not even made a proposal before neighbors came out in force to oppose it and filed litigation against the town and the developer. We had people who serve on our appointed boards, elected officials in the district who were clearly against it, and no one speaking for it. It’s just really discouraging to have a project that was 100% affordable, built for families and seniors, aligned with the town’s goals in terms of the master plan, building near village centers, the housing production plan — with a proven developer who has capital available to them.”
He continued: “Were there issues to be worked out? Probably. And maybe it wasn’t going to happen. But to be in opposition before they even presented a proposal was just very discouraging to everybody advocating for affordable housing.” Bockelman acknowledged that the proposed site was marginal and that developing it would entail significant costs to the town, but said “all the easy land to develop has been developed.” He lamented that the opposition turned litigious so quickly, warning that it will make the trust’s work more difficult going forward.
Planning Board member Jerah Smith, in a public comment, echoed those concerns, saying the project “should have been a no-brainer” and that Amherst had “failed the people who could have been our neighbors in that building.” He called on affordable housing advocates to be more proactive in the future.
Allegra Clark asked whether Beacon Communities might be reluctant to propose future development in Amherst. Bockelman said the town has had a good relationship with the company, which manages North Square and Rolling Green, but he was unsure whether Beacon would pursue another project here.
Priorities for Future Use of Hampshire College Land
Bockelman said the Town Council’s priorities for the future use of the roughly 600 acres of Hampshire College land within Amherst are housing and property tax revenue. He noted that much of the land is not developable, and that the existing large buildings present challenges — though some, like the tennis courts and pool, hold value for the community. He said it is not feasible for the town to purchase the land outright at a cost of $40 million without either a tax override or delaying construction of a new Department of Public Works facility, neither of which is desirable. He did, however, view rezoning the land to enable appropriate development as a realistic path forward.
A Tribute to Connie Krueger
AMAHT member Karla Rasche noted the recent passing of Connie Krueger. “If you didn’t know her, she had a long history of working as a housing advocate,” Rasche said. “When I reached out to her after I was first appointed to the trust, she invited me over, and I still think about the things she taught me that evening. She really grounded me and gave me institutional memory about how Amherst works. She was just so knowledgeable and practical, and really intelligent and caring. She was on the Select Board at one point, too. I just wanted to, for the record, express my gratitude for everything she did for the town — thinking of all the shoulders we stand on and the meaningful work we still have to do.”
Bockelman thanked Rasche for the tribute. He added that Krueger worked for MassHousing Partnership for many years after serving as a town planner, and noted that she and her partner were among the first couples to marry in Amherst after same-sex marriage was legalized in Massachusetts. “She had a strong voice, and she did not suffer fools gladly, and also held people to a higher standard,” he said. “I felt that when I reported to her as a selectperson.”
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“This is a big nope.”
Photo Credit: iStock
A home with solar panels can be a worthwhile investment that pays off for decades, but it is important to know exactly what you’re getting into before signing on the dotted line. For one homebuyer, the aspiration of owning their own residence began to turn into a cautionary story when they encountered an undisclosed solar lease after their offer was accepted. 
The buyer shared their story on r/FirstTimeHomeBuyers, seeking advice on how to handle the situation.
“I recently had my offer accepted on a house that checked every box I’d been hoping for in my first home,” they shared. “This came after months of searching and honestly being on the verge of giving up.”
While the buyer was excited that the process was progressing positively, things became complicated upon learning that the house included a 25-year solar lease with a 2.9% annual rate increase, as noted in a new-to-them addendum. 
This was a financial obligation they had hoped to avoid. “The solar agreement is a 25-year contract with a 2.9% annual increase in monthly payments, and that’s not something I’m comfortable committing to,” they expressed. “Please advise, has anyone dealt with this before? Is this a red flag worth walking away over, or is it a regular thing and I’m being too paranoid?”
While solar panels are a tried-and-tested upgrade that can easily pay for themselves in savings, the process of getting panels can be complicated. Luckily, the experts at EnergySage can help with free tools that get you competitive bids with local installers, saving you up to $10,000 on installation costs. 
Fortunately, supportive commenters promptly offered their perspectives on the matter.
“I personally would not proceed as I don’t like being blindsided by sellers who are deliberately hiding material information,” one advised.
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LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it painless to lock in long-term savings of up to 33% off your current power bill. Palmetto covers a 25-year warranty for the panels, which means you’ll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs.
To get started, just book a short meeting with Palmetto’s experts to explore your options and find the solution that’s right for you.
“If they didn’t mention this before you signed the contract, then this is a big nope,” another said.
“This is something your attorney should work through with you,” a third commenter added. 
Many commenters also pointed out that solar panels can be worthwhile, but if the seller was hiding the details before the signing, then it would be best to get more information. 
If you’re curious about solar, or are buying a home with solar panels, check out EnergySage for resources that make navigating the upgrade simple. 
If you’re interested in solar but are concerned about upfront costs, Palmetto offers a $0-down solar leasing program called LightReach. It includes free maintenance for 12 years and can lower your utility rate by up to 20%. 
To save even more on energy costs, consider pairing your solar panels with energy efficient appliances. EnergySage can help you get started with its HVAC resources.
Get TCD’s free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
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PV-SMaRT field-testing equipment monitoring underground soil moisture at a New York PV facility. Photo from Scott McArt, Cornell University
The Photovoltaic Stormwater Management Research and Testing (PV-SMaRT) project is developing and disseminating research-based, PV-specific tools and best practices for stormwater management and water quality at ground-mounted PV sites.
To achieve PV-SMaRT’s goal, NLR is partnering with the University of Minnesota, Great Plains Institute, and Fresh Energy.
Many jurisdictions treat ground-mounted PV facilities as predominantly impervious surfaces or surfaces that do not allow water to soak into the ground. However, rather than acting like a paved surface, rainwater can generally infiltrate under elevated PV arrays.
Because current stormwater runoff models used by local and state jurisdictions were not designed for ground-mounted PV, the stormwater permitting process can impose costly additional stormwater infrastructure requirements. Often, additional land must be leased or purchased for stormwater mitigation measures, such as detention ponds. The  permitting process also often lacks accuracy and leaves unanswered questions for jurisdictions when they attempt to evaluate applications for risks and opportunities associated with ground-mounted PV facilities.
Through its research and analysis, the PV-SMaRT project aims to address the stormwater and water quality challenges facing PV facilities in most jurisdictions.
PV-SMaRT’s research and modeling highlight four factors that should be considered in stormwater management and water quality permitting for PV arrays (in order of greatest impact):
Compaction—managing soil compaction and bulk density across the site
Soil depth—including soil depth (rooting depth) in stormwater modeling and design
Ground cover—installing, establishing, and maintaining appropriate vegetated ground cover between and under the arrays to facilitate infiltration
Disconnection—ensuring appropriate distance between arrays for infiltration.
These factors are drawn from the report Best Practices: Photovoltaic Stormwater Management Research and Testing (PV-SMaRT), published by the Great Plains Institute, a PV-SMaRT partner.
PV-SMaRT has developed an easy-to-use calculator to estimate stormwater runoff from ground-mounted PV arrays. This calculator is based on research and hydrologic modeling conducted at a set of research sites featuring diverse climatic, topographic, and soil conditions, with either fixed or tracking solar arrays, and vegetation that included pollinators, grass, or cover crops.
Climatic and hydrologic field measurements at each site were used to develop a two-dimensional numerical model for stormwater runoff based on specific combinations of a wide range in 24-hour design storms, soil textures, crop rooting depth, soil bulk densities, presence or absence of solar arrays, spacing of solar arrays, type of ground cover, and slope steepness values.
To learn how to use the calculator, watch this recording of a webinar hosted by Fresh Energy.
The PV-SMaRT project is using five ground-mounted PV sites in the United States to study stormwater infiltration and runoff. These sites represent a range of elevations, slopes, soil types, and geographical locations. The unique conditions at each site are being characterized, and measurements are being taken of soil infiltration, runoff, site vegetation density, speciation and rooting depth, precipitation, and drip edge runoff.
Minnesota’s site has a 3.4-megawatt (MW) DC, fixed-mount, two-in-portrait PV array. It has sandy soil with a pollinator mix dominated by black-eyed Susan daisies and receives 37 in. of annual rainfall. Equipment was installed in June 2020 and will operate for 2 years.
New York’s site has an 18-MW DC, fixed-mount, two-in-portrait PV array. It has silt loam soil with a tall grass and clover mix, is ungrazed or grazed by sheep, and receives 49 in. of annual rainfall. Equipment was installed in June 2020 and will operate for 2 years.
Oregon’s site has a 9.9-MW DC, tracking, two-in-portrait PV array. It’s a flat site with clay soil, a diverse pollinator seed mix, and 16 in. of annual rainfall. Equipment was installed in August 2020 and will operate for 2 years.
Colorado’s site has a 1-MW DC, tracking, one-in-portrait PV array. It has clay soil and pollinator-friendly vegetation and receives 16 in. of annual rainfall. Equipment was installed in September 2020 and will operate for 2 years.
Georgia’s site has a 1.3-MW DC, tracking, one-in-portrait PV array. It’s a flat site with sandy clay soil, mowed cover crops, a high-diversity pollinator mix, and 49 in. of annual rainfall. Equipment was installed in September 2020 and will operate for 2 years.
The PV-SMaRT water quality task force works closely with the project team to provide feedback and guidance on the technical analysis, modeling, validation, and creation of water quality best practices. The task force is made up of individuals who represent a variety of views and stakeholder groups, including water quality experts, stormwater professionals, and solar industry representatives. Task force members understand the landscape of technical, strategic, permitting, and ground-mounted PV site development issues to meeting water quality goals.
Task force members include:
Measuring and Modeling Soil Moisture and Runoff at Solar Farms Using a Disconnected Impervious Surface Approach, Vadose Zone Journal (2024)
Best Practices: Photovoltaic Stormwater Management Research and Testing (PV-SMaRT), Great Plains Institute Report (2023)
Creating Water Quality Value in Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Sites, International Erosion Control Association News Story (2022)
PV-SMaRT: Potential Stormwater Barriers and Opportunities, Great Plains Institute (2021)
InSPIRE: Innovative Solar Practices Integrated With Rural Economies and Ecosystems Website, OpenEI
James McCall
Energy and Environment Analyst
[email protected]
303-275-3759
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Last Updated May 7, 2026
The National Laboratory of the Rockies is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation, operated under Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308.

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Iberdrola completes first phase of the Noronha Verde project in Brazil, with 4,800 solar panels installed  Iberdrola
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Solar panel loans trap Florida seniors in 25-year contracts  moneywise.com
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OAKFIELD, N.Y. — News10NBC is following up on an investigation into major solar projects in Genesee County and their impact on agriculture.
RELATED: News10 Investigates: Genesee County leaders say they’ve ‘had enough’ as solar farms rapidly transform rural landscape
Right now, Genesee County has the largest percentage of land in New York dedicated to agriculture — 177,000 acres of farmland. But it is now also leading the state in terms of most acreage devoted to solar projects. Critics fear the loss of land to solar farms will damage the local economy.
Christian Yunker is a third-generation farmer who operates CY Farms in Genesee County. With 7,500 acres, he grows food crops, feed and even turf grass. He’s had years where it was a struggle.
“There’s good years and there’s tougher years. We go through different commodity markets, energy markets, labor markets,” Yunker said.
To help weather the tougher years, he agreed a few years ago to lease about 200 acres of his land to solar developers.
“Farming is hard and it’s a stable stream of income,” Yunker said.
Yunker isn’t alone. Thirty other farmers or landowners in Oakfield and Elba have collectively leased more than 4,600 acres for the Cider Solar Project. Construction is now under way.
All large-scale solar projects are approved by the state Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES), created to streamline the process.
“It really was out of recognition that utility scale projects that are major generation resources should go through a very detailed and extensive state level process and also have a lot of protections built into that process,” said Jessica Waldorf, the chief of staff and director of policy implementation for the State Department of Public Service.
But Genesee County Manager Matt Landers says developers, with the approval of the state, have gone too far here.
“This is beautiful farmland, and they came out here with big paychecks and they’ve basically laid siege on our little county here in Genesee County,” Landers said.
It’s hard to fault the farmers who can lease their land to energy companies for as much as $2,000 an acre.
“People think, oh farmland is being lost, but it’s actually supporting the farmers by helping them keep the bottom line going,” said Marguerite Wells, executive director at the Alliance for Clean Energy New York.
Wells says solar energy is critical to meeting the state’s rapidly growing power needs while reducing reliance on oil and gas.
“The challenge in New York is, where else could you possible put any solar panels,” Wells said.
According to a 2024 report by the state comptroller’s office, Genesee County dedicates 56% of its land to agriculture, the highest in New York. Landers says the state has invested millions of dollars in dairy processing companies in Genesee County. More solar means less acreage to support those agribusinesses.
Read the comptroller’s full report:
“You need to have cows and milk to be able to feed these companies and our local farmers want to take advantage of this opportunity, but they’re being priced out by not being able to acquire the land or use the land they need to be able to make a living and support these businesses,” Landers said.
But Wells says a lot of this comes down to private property rights.
“The folks who own the land and pay the taxes really need a way to keep paying the taxes. And if they want to put up houses, they can sell it off as housing lots. They could be growing hogs out there, or they could put solar panels in,” Wells said.
But even this farmer who is leasing land to solar developers believes it’s gone too far. Yunker says he now regrets his decision.
“We never would have imagined the scale that we saw here in the county and we really think it’s flipped the balance of the local economy here in terms of — there’s just too many acres that have been converted,” Yunker said.
There are some solar farms across the country that are now practicing what is called “agrivoltaics.” That is the dual-use of the land for farming on the solar properties. The panels tend to be elevated for lower growing crops or pollinators, and the rows are spaced wider to allow farm equipment to access.
At the Cider Solar Project, the approval came with the requirement that there be sheep grazing on 327 acres of the land.
ORES, which oversees the process, has issued 35 permits throughout the state. It has denied only one. But officials say the permit application that comes in from the developers on day one is never the permit that is ultimately approved.
There is legislation in the state Senate and Assembly that would give final control of these projects to the local municipalities. But those bills have not made it out of committee.

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The party has promised to “scrap the net zero madness,” but told campaigners they are powerless to do much unless they win the next general election.
AI generated Text-to-speech
LONDON — Reform UK will not be able to block government-approved large-scale solar farms hated by local campaigners, the party has admitted. 
Richard Tice, energy spokesperson for Nigel Farage’s populist poll-leaders, has tried to channel frustration among some voters at Labour’s plans to back vast solar developments, as ministers rush to hit climate goals by the end of the decade. 
Super-sized solar farms are “so unfair” on local residents, Tice told parliament last May. “Those living in a village or small town in the countryside might all of a sudden find themselves surrounded not by glorious fields, but by black plastic. There is no justification for that, or fairness in it.”
He regularly rails against “net-zero madness.”
But now Tice has admitted to anti-solar groups he is powerless to block many of the projects on their way to development.  
Reform “must be honest” about the scale of the challenge opposition groups face, he said in an exchange of letters with local campaigners last month, seen by POLITICO. 
“I won’t mislead anyone: not every scheme currently in the pipeline can be stopped retrospectively under today’s rules,” he wrote to campaign groups.  
“When we say we will stop or delay these developments, we are not pretending we can magic them all away overnight from opposition,” he added. 
Tice was responding to an open letter organized by campaigners who had met with him and his colleague, Treasury Spokesperson Robert Jenrick, and had grown frustrated over Reform’s perceived failure to match their NIMBY rhetoric with action. 
“There remains growing concern about a potential gap between public statements and deliverable policy, particularly in relation to claims that developments might be ‘stopped,’ ‘delayed,’ or ‘quashed,’” campaigners told Tice in the letter.
Reform constituencies are a key battleground for large-scale solar development. Jenrick is the MP for Newark, where two massive solar farms — One Earth and Great North Road — are proposed. Both await a decision from Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.  
For now, the party is “using every lever available” to block developments, including legal challenges, Tice said.  
This includes Reform-run local authorities Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council, which have committed up to £500,000 in public funds to finance a potential judicial review against another development, Springwell Solar Farm. That project was approved by Miliband in April.  
Tice argued there are “excellent grounds” for a challenge, but the numbers are not on the party’s side.  
There have been 230 appeals against solar schemes by English councils since 2011, according to data provided by lobby group Solar Energy UK. Most — 125 — found in favor of developers. And since 2024, out of 27 challenges, all but one have gone the way of developers. 
David White, leader of the Say No to One Earth Solar Farm, who organized the letter sent to Tice, has asked Reform to spell out its approach to challenging new developments. 
White said: “Reform’s position has raised hopes among communities most affected by large-scale solar developments. … The key question now is what is actually deliverable — communities need clear, realistic answers, not just broad commitments.” 
Rejecting Ming Yang was not a “Huawei moment,” says top net-zero official.
Ministers were told to lock the biomass giant into an agreement on carbon capture. The government ignored them — and now Drax has walked away.
The SNP has changed its position from 2023, when the government it led in Scotland warned against more North Sea drilling.
The U.S. president is an outspoken champion of drilling in the North Sea. The industry has decided the smart political move is to reject him.

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New 36 MW PV plant in Francofonte aims to supply clean electricity to around 13 000 households by 2028
Italy, Sicily: VSB Italy has secured the Regional Single Authorisation Measure (PAUR) for a new photovoltaic project in Sicily, further supporting the country’s energy transition and the growth of sustainable energy infrastructure.
The solar plant will be developed in the Passaneto area within the municipality of Francofonte. The overall site covers around 64 hectares, with approximately 46.5 ha allocated to the PV installation itself. The project will have an installed capacity of 36 MW and will contribute to both Italian and European decarbonisation targets.
The development has been planned with consideration for the surrounding environment and local landscape. The design includes measures intended to balance renewable energy production with land protection.
Open areas beneath the solar modules will encourage natural vegetation growth, while additional environmental measures include wildlife passage solutions and vegetation screens using native plant species to improve landscape integration.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the plant expected to enter operation by the end of 2028. Once completed, the facility should generate enough renewable electricity to meet the yearly demand of around 13 000 households.
The project is also expected to bring economic benefits to the region through direct and indirect employment opportunities during both construction and operation.
VSB Italy and VSB Group said the approval represents another important step in supporting Italy’s energy transition while creating long-term value for local communities and the wider region.
Source: Energy Global
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The research project combines LiDAR measurements with advanced meteorological simulations to assess the climatic impacts of large-scale photovoltaic installations in desert regions.
Image: pv magazine / AI generated
Photovoltaic parks of sufficient scale and appropriate design could influence climate processes in coastal desert regions and potentially enhance rainfall.
This hypothesis underpins a research project led by the University of Hohenheim in Germany. The initiative, to be carried out on the Arabian Peninsula, is funded by the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), an international scheme that invests $5 million annually in technologies aimed at increasing precipitation in arid regions. The project was selected from around 120 international proposals and will receive funding over three years.
The research is led by Oliver Branch and Volker Wulfmeyer, specialists in Earth system science and meteorology who have spent more than a decade studying desert climate dynamics.
The central hypothesis builds on observed effects in large-scale photovoltaic installations. Dark solar module surfaces absorb solar radiation, increasing near-surface air temperatures and generating thermally driven updrafts. In coastal desert environments, these updrafts may interact with moisture-bearing sea breezes, potentially promoting convective cloud formation and precipitation.
According to the researchers, the effect could be amplified at very large scales and with optimized plant design. Differential heating above photovoltaic fields could force moist air upward into higher atmospheric layers where condensation occurs, potentially triggering localized rainfall and storm development.
The project will also examine artificial dunes several hundred meters high, which could act as man-made orographic barriers. Similar to natural mountain ranges, they may induce orographic lift, enhancing condensation and precipitation processes.
To test these hypotheses, the team will deploy high-resolution LiDAR systems and conduct measurements near large solar installations in the United Arab Emirates, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which had around 3.8 GW of installed capacity by the end of 2025 and is expected to reach 7.2 GW. The instruments will capture three-dimensional profiles of temperature, humidity and wind up to cloud-forming altitudes.
The observational data will be used to drive ultra-high-resolution meteorological models simulating atmospheric dynamics over different photovoltaic and artificial dune configurations. These simulations will run on the Hunter and HoreKa supercomputers operated by the University of Stuttgart and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
The goal is to determine optimal size, placement and design parameters for such infrastructures to maximize their potential impact on precipitation formation. The researchers also suggest future integration into energy and agricultural systems in arid regions, combining solar power generation with drought-resistant crops and water management strategies.
In addition, the concept explores energy and thermal synergies: part of the electricity generated by photovoltaic plants could power irrigation and pumping systems for resilient crops such as jojoba or jatropha. The vegetation could in turn reduce local temperatures, potentially improving photovoltaic performance.
Another recent research from China assessed the impact of using up to 50% of the Sahara desert for the deployment of large scale solar power plants and found these may impact the global cloud cover through disturbed atmospheric teleconnections. This, in turn, would impact solar power generation itself in North Africa, Southern Europe, the Southern Arabian Peninsula, India, North Asia, and even Eastern Australia.
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by Shreya Tiwari | May 15, 2026
Synopsis: This article mentions the best solar panel loans in India under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, comparing the interest rates, EMIs, subsidy benefits, repayment tenure, and eligibility to help you choose the right rooftop solar loan for your home.
Solar technology is changing the way we produce & consume energy, it is connecting urban and rural households towards sustainability. India is one the fastest growing solar markets globally and with government’s support solar panels are becoming affordable for Indian homeowners to install at their respective homes.
Solar panel loans are becoming popular because they eliminate major upfront costs, they cover the whole solar power ecosystem including batteries and inverters and their repayment might be lower than or equal to your electricity bill. You don’t need to own a house to have a solar panel as many solar loan providers are now creating financing products not just for individual homeowners but also for housing societies, apartment associations, and even tenants with the landlord’s approval.
In order to increase solar adoption in India , the government of India launched PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Under this scheme, homeowners can get subsidies of up to 60% for installing rooftop solar systems (₹30,000/kW (up to 2kW) and a fixed ₹78,000 for 3kW and above). Some Indian states offer additional top-up incentives on top of the central subsidy to promote rooftop solar installations. The solar panel subsidy is available to people who live in – homes that have panels connected to the power grid, group housing societies and residential welfare associations with panels that can produce up to 500 kilowatts of power. 
Provides installation of Solar Roof Top for loan amount up to 2 lacs starting at 5.75% interest rate and for amount up to ₹ 6 lac with effective interest rate of 7.90%.There is no prepayment penalty and repayment tenure is up to 120 months/ 10 years which reduces EMI burden. Interest rate and approval depends on the profile of the borrower and minimum annual income of the borrower should be 3 lacs.This loan is eligible under the PM Surya Ghar subsidy scheme which makes it one of the most affordable financing options.
Offers Up to 90% financing with interest rate starting from 6.75% – 7.90 % pa. Government Subsidy up to Rs.78,000, there are no foreclosure charges and options of floating & fixed rate are available. The best part is that there is no requirement for income documents for loan amounts up to ₹2 lakhs. The loan is suitable for homeowners looking for moderate EMIs and longer repayment periods (up to 10 years).
This loan offers Installation of a new rooftop solar power system at residential houses with maximum capacity up to 10 kw. Interest rate is starting from 7.00%- 8.25% for non home loan borrowers and varies by your CIBIL score. Maximum Loan amount is ₹6 Lakhs, depending upon the capacity of rooftop solar power system, repayment period is up to 10 years. There is zero upfront fee and subsidy is capped at ₹78,000.
The loan amount can go up to ₹6 lakhs for homes. If you borrow up to ₹2 lakhs the interest rate is around 7.75% per year and for ₹6 lakhs the interest rate is 8.15% per year. You can choose how much to pay each month and the repayment tenure is up to 10 years. The Canara Bank Solar Loan is also part of the PM Surya Ghar subsidy scheme. This means you can get up to ₹78,000 off. This loan is good for people who do not want to pay too much interest.
Union Bank Solar Rooftop Loan
This loan is up to ₹6 lakhs depending on system capacity and borrower eligibility. Interest rates for loans up to ₹2 lakhs generally start from around 7.60% p.a., while loans up to ₹6 lakhs may have rates starting from around 8.00% p.a. The bank offers repayment tenure up to 10 years. This loan may suit homeowners looking for competitive public sector bank financing and easier repayment flexibility.
Also read: Top 5 Banks Offering Green Home Loans at the Lowest Interest Rates in 2026
Example: Let’s say a homeowner puts up a solar system that costs ₹2 lakhs. Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana they might get a subsidy of up to ₹78,000. This depends on the system’s size. After getting the subsidy they need to borrow ₹1,20,000. Now if they borrow this amount for five years at an interest rate of 8% per year their monthly EMI would be ₹2,475 – ₹2,500. This is less than the electricity bill that many people receive monthly.
Before you get a loan you should really look at things like the subsidy, the interest rate, repayment period and how much money you have to pay right away. You should also make sure the solar installer and the equipment are approved under the government subsidy scheme. Another thing to think about is your roof space, maintenance costs, warranty for solar panels and how much money you will save on electricity over time. 
The cost of electricity is going up , the government is giving subsidies so that rooftop solar systems can become cheaper for people in India. The PM Surya Ghar Yojana and banks are making it easier for people to get loans, which is reducing the amount of money people have to pay upfront. Looking at multiple options and comparing them saves your time and money in future and helps you make an informed decision that you would not regret later.
Written by Shreya Tiwari

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A few passing clouds. Low around 50F. Winds light and variable..
A few passing clouds. Low around 50F. Winds light and variable.
Updated: May 15, 2026 @ 8:15 pm
Representatives of Competitive Power Ventures and Harrison Street Asset Management join to cut the ribbon on the new Backbone Solar project located off Route 135 near Swanton, Maryland.
The new Backbone Solar Farm is located on the former site of a coal strip mine in Garrett County, Maryland.

Representatives of Competitive Power Ventures and Harrison Street Asset Management join to cut the ribbon on the new Backbone Solar project located off Route 135 near Swanton, Maryland.
The new Backbone Solar Farm is located on the former site of a coal strip mine in Garrett County, Maryland.
SWANTON, Md. — Competitive Power Ventures and its strategic investment partner Harrison Street Asset Management recently celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the CPV Backbone Solar project, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued investment in reliable, domestic energy infrastructure, and economic development.
CPV Backbone Solar is the largest utility-scale solar project in Maryland and is situated on a former coal mining site along Sharpless Mine Road near Swanton. The 160-megawatt solar project adds new generation to the grid while supporting the state’s clean energy target of 50% renewable generation by 2030.
The ceremony brought together local elected officials and community leaders to commemorate the completion of the solar facility and recognize the workers and organizations that helped bring the project to life.
CPV Backbone Solar will help meet the growing regional energy demand while supporting local tax revenues. During construction, the project supported hundreds of jobs and created opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, and skilled trades workers.
“Today represents more than the completion of an energy project. It represents investment in this community, in domestic energy production, and in our shared future,” said Sherman Knight, CEO of CPV. “At a time when there is a need and call for affordable energy solutions, CPV Backbone Solar is able to provide clean, low-cost power to the region.”
“We’re demonstrating how former coal mining land can be repurposed into a valuable new source of generation for Maryland,” said Mike Resca, EVP of CPV Renewable Power. “This project was made possible through key community and industry partners. By leveraging innovative engineering solutions and building strong strategic partnerships, even the most complex development challenges can be effectively overcome.”
“CPV Backbone Solar demonstrates how infrastructure investments can generate meaningful economic and community benefits,” said Carolyn Arida, Partner – Infrastructure at Harrison Street Asset Management.
“The project reflects growing demand for renewable energy, while transforming a former coal site into a long-term asset for local communities and the broader power grid. It also reinforces our strong partnership with CPV and our shared commitment to expanding renewable generation infrastructure.”
The project reflects CPV’s long-standing commitment to working collaboratively with local stakeholders throughout the development and construction process. From early outreach efforts through construction completion, CPV engaged with community leaders, residents, and local organizations to ensure the project was developed responsibly and transparently.
“Projects like CPV Backbone Solar help strengthen local economies by creating jobs, generating new tax revenue, and supporting long-term investment in our region,” said Garrett County board chairman Paul Edwards. “We appreciate CPV’s continued partnership and commitment to being an active community partner throughout this process.”
A planned second phase is currently under construction and is projected to expand the facility’s total installed capacity to 175 MW.

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Switch to plug-in solar? My advice after testing the DIY energy tech at home  ZDNET
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New Delhi, May 16: India added a record 15.3 GW of solar capacity during the January–March quarter of 2026, marking the highest-ever quarterly solar installation in the country, according to a report by Mercom India Research.
The installations represented a 143% year-on-year increase compared to 6.3 GW added during the same quarter last year, while also exceeding the 10.3 GW commissioned in the previous October–December 2025 quarter.
Large-scale utility projects dominated the additions, contributing 12.6 GW, or nearly 82% of total quarterly installations. Open access projects accounted for 21% of utility-scale capacity additions, reflecting rising demand for captive and commercial renewable power procurement.
Overall, India added 19.9 GW of power generation capacity during the quarter, with solar accounting for 77% of the total additions. As of March 2026, the country’s cumulative installed solar capacity reached 152 GW.
Utility-scale projects comprised 85% of the installed solar base, while rooftop solar accounted for the remaining 15%. Solar energy now represents 28% of India’s total installed power capacity and 55% of total renewable energy capacity.
Rajasthan continued to lead the country in utility-scale solar deployment, accounting for 32% of cumulative installed capacity, followed by Gujarat at 21% and Karnataka at 11%.
The report noted that Gujarat and Rajasthan together contributed nearly 80% of new utility-scale installations during the quarter.
According to Mercom, the record commissioning activity was driven by multiple factors, including upcoming policy deadlines and improved transmission infrastructure readiness in key renewable markets.
A significant catalyst was the impending implementation of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II norms from June 2026, which prompted developers to fast-track project execution amid concerns over domestic solar cell availability and higher module procurement costs.
Project activity also gained momentum under the PM-KUSUM programme, alongside accelerated commissioning of open access projects ahead of the phased reduction in Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charge waivers.
Despite the strong growth trajectory, industry experts cautioned that grid and transmission infrastructure may become a critical bottleneck as renewable penetration rises.
Raj Prabhu said transmission readiness and power evacuation infrastructure are struggling to keep pace with the rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity. He noted that grid flexibility, storage integration, and curtailment management would become increasingly important for sustaining long-term growth in the sector.
The latest figures underscore India’s accelerating transition toward renewable energy and its growing role as one of the world’s fastest-expanding solar power markets.

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Chinese Clean-Tech Firms Scrap $2.8 Billion Investments In The U.S. Amid Tighter Rules  International Business Times
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Eight US solar panel manufacturers are flagging a circumvention of tariffs by Chinese firms in Ethiopia, following a surge in solar imports from the East African country to the United States.
On May 12, eight US solar panel manufacturers asked the Department of Commerce to open an investigation into the circumvention of countervailing duties by Chinese companies established in Ethiopia. According to Bloomberg, these firms would assemble modules in Ethiopia before re-exporting them to the United States, thus evading antidumping and countervailing duties imposed on direct imports from China. Solar is growing rapidly in the United States, where it is set to surpass coal in states like Texas by 2026, heightening the commercial stakes around equipment. US imports of solar products from Ethiopia, almost non-existent until June 2025, surged to around $300 million by the end of December, making the country the seventh-largest solar supplier to the United States.
This dynamic puts Ethiopia at the center of a two-front trade battle. Since December 2025, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has already rejected $16.3 million worth of Ethiopian solar equipment under the law banning imports of goods produced by forced labor, particularly those linked to the Chinese polysilicon supply chain. Tim Brightbill, an attorney at Wiley Rein and lead lawyer for the group of eight complainants, told Reuters: “The US solar industry is at a turning point; with billions invested, thousands of jobs created, and real capacity brought online, we will not let systematic tariff evasion compromise this progress.”
Benefiting from competitive labor costs and modern industrial parks, Addis Ababa is seeking to become an African hub for solar equipment manufacturing. Several Chinese groups have announced major projects there. According to China Global South, three consortiums – CSI Solar (a subsidiary of Canadian Solar), Hainan Drinda New Energy Technology, and Toyo Solar Manufacturing – plan to invest more than $500 million in module, cell, and energy storage factories in Ethiopia. Meanwhile, a plant called “Gobeze Solar Cell” has emerged in the Huajian special economic zone, with an initial investment of $100 million for its first phase.
This dispute is part of a broader confrontation between Beijing and Washington for control of renewable energy supply chains. China now dominates over 80% of global solar module production and a significant share of polysilicon. US tariffs on solar cells imported from China jumped from 25% to 50% in 2024 under Section 301 provisions. After antidumping and countervailing duty investigations that heavily penalized assembly hubs in Southeast Asia between 2024 and 2025, Chinese manufacturers turned to Ethiopia, a jurisdiction still free of such penalties. Solar trade tensions go beyond the bilateral framework, with Beijing also protesting the risk classification imposed by Brussels on solar inverters.
Economic modeling of the US solar market shows that a $1 import tax translates into an average $1.35 increase in the final consumer price, explaining the responsiveness of domestic producers to the surge in Ethiopian imports. For Ethiopia, the stakes are high: developing its solar sector offers a major industrial opportunity, but it also exposes it to geopolitical frictions between the world’s two largest economic powers.
Chinese group Ming Yang Smart Energy secured a license to develop 8.4 GW of renewables in Ethiopia, including 5.4 GW of wind and 2.8 GW of solar, with an initial $7.47 billion inve
The 30 MWac solar plant in Kulim, Kedah, will generate 1.5 TWh over its lifetime for Malaysian industrial customers. Financing of $37 million was arranged by BNP Paribas.
The Spanish utility has agreed to acquire a 40 MW wind farm in Basilicata, bringing its installed capacity in Italy to around 450 MW, across wind and solar.

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Local solar firms team up to cut nonprofit’s utility costs by $11,000 a year  The Business Journals
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Renewable Energy
According to PV Magazine, the company NKS Solar One — a joint venture between Blueleaf Energy Philippines and NKS Energy Utilities, with a US$ 1.5 billion investment from the Australian group Macquarie — is building two floating solar parks in the Philippines: 162 MW on Lake Caliraya and 88 MW on Lake Lumot, both in the province of Laguna, southeast of Manila. Together, the two projects total 250 MW of capacity with commercial operation expected in the second quarter of 2026. What distinguishes NKS Solar One from any conventional solar park is not just the location over water.
It is the set of simultaneous benefits that the floating panels produce for the same reservoirs that support them: reduction of up to 70% in the water evaporation rate, suppression of algae blooms that degrade water quality, cooling of the panels by proximity to the water which increases generation efficiency, and production of clean energy without occupying any hectare of land in a country that, with 115 million inhabitants and 7,100 islands, has land available as one of the most contested resources.
The NREL — United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory — identified 584 floating solar installations around the world with a total capacity of 10 GW in September 2024. In less than a decade, the technology has gone from experiment to industry.
Google builds the world’s largest iron-air battery in Minnesota with 300 MW and 30 GWh to store energy for 100 consecutive hours.
Small and flexible hydropower plants can be a game-changer for clean energy by generating electricity in previously overlooked rivers, without requiring large dams or aggressively altering the water flow.
Dongfang breaks world record and manufactures 26 MW wind turbine in China with 137-meter blades that spin so slowly they appear stationary on the horizon.
System that promises to store energy in hills, using a fluid denser than water, reaches full power in the UK and can transform former industrial areas into smaller hydroelectric batteries, quick to build and focused on clean energy.
The evaporation of reservoirs is one of the least discussed losses of natural resources in hydroelectric generation — and one of the most relevant in tropical regions like Brazil and the Philippines, where temperature and intense solar radiation combine to evaporate significant volumes of water throughout the year.
In tropical reservoirs, evaporation loss can represent between 5% and 15% of the total volume of water available for generation annually. In drought years, when reservoir levels are already compromised, this additional loss has a direct impact on generation capacity. The Itaipu reservoir, for example, has a surface area of approximately 1,350 km² — an area where annual evaporation can represent billions of liters of water that will never pass through the turbines.
Floating panels solve this problem by blocking direct solar radiation that heats the water’s surface. According to data from Power Prognosis, partial coverage of a reservoir with panels reduces water temperature and evaporation rate by up to 70% in covered areas. This not only conserves water for hydroelectric generation but also improves the reservoir’s reliability during periods of water scarcity — exactly when generation is most critical.
One of the physical advantages of floating solar that rarely appears in technical summaries — but has a measurable impact on energy production — is the cooling effect that the water surface exerts on the panels installed above it.
Photovoltaic panels lose efficiency as temperature rises. A panel operating at 65°C produces approximately 12% to 20% less energy than the same panel operating at 25°C — a thermal degradation that directly affects any installation in a tropical environment exposed to direct sunlight. In land-based parks during the Filipino or Brazilian summer, this loss of efficiency is routine and unavoidable.
Floating panels operate in a permanently cooler environment because the water surface beneath them continuously evaporates, absorbing heat through evaporation and maintaining the local microclimate cooler than on land. The additional efficiency estimated for floating installations compared to equivalent land-based installations ranges between 5% and 15%, depending on ambient temperature and wind speed over the lake surface. In terms of annual production, this difference can represent tens of gigawatt-hours additional without any extra capital cost.
NKS Solar One is the first major floating solar project in the Philippines — and one of the most complex in the Asian region as it involves two lakes in different municipalities connected to a single transmission substation.
Lake Caliraya will host the larger of the two parks, with 162 MW capacity. Lake Lumot will receive 88 MW. The two projects total 220 MWp of maximum output capacity, according to Rafael Macabiog, project manager at Blueleaf. The grid connection will be made via a 6 km 230 kV transmission line to the Lumban substation of NGCP — the national transmission company of the Philippines. The total project cost is estimated at PHP 15 billion, equivalent to approximately $260 million just for NKS Solar One, part of the total $1.5 billion portfolio that Blueleaf is investing in the Philippines.
The project received certification as an Energy Project of National Significance by the Filipino government — a classification that speeds up regulatory approvals and simplifies the licensing process. China Energy Engineering Corporation International signed an EPC contract for the Lake Caliraya project, while Xian Electric will be responsible for the substation. The expected production is approximately 200 million kWh per year for the Caliraya component alone, enough to supply more than 165,000 Filipino households with average consumption.
One of the benefits of floating solar that appears only in the most detailed technical studies — rarely in project announcements — is the suppression of algae blooms in reservoirs covered by the panels.
Algal blooms in reservoirs are a growing problem in tropical regions, where elevated water temperatures combined with nutrients from agricultural runoff create ideal conditions for the accelerated growth of cyanobacteria and other algae. The impact goes beyond environmental: intense blooms contaminate water with toxins, drastically increase treatment costs for human supply, and can reduce dissolved oxygen in the reservoir to the point of killing fish on a commercial scale.
Floating panels block the solar radiation that fuels algae growth, creating shaded areas where blooms cannot establish. The suppression of algae reduces water treatment costs for reservoirs serving riverside populations, improves the quality of water available to the hydroelectric plant itself — because excess algae damage turbines and filtration systems — and preserves the aquatic ecosystem that the local fishing community depends on.
Brazil has 1,300 hydroelectric reservoirs with a total surface area representing one of the world’s largest potentials for floating solar — and this potential remains practically unexplored.
Conservative estimates by Brazilian researchers indicate that covering just 5% of the surface of Brazil’s main reservoirs with floating panels would generate more than 100 GW of solar capacity — without occupying any land and with all the secondary benefits of reducing evaporation, suppressing algae, and natural cooling. For context: Brazil’s entire installed electricity generation capacity totaled 215 GW in 2024. Floating solar on 5% of the reservoirs would add almost half of that.
The Balbina reservoir in Amazonas — created by a hydroelectric plant now considered one of the biggest environmental mistakes in Brazilian energy history, for flooding 2,360 km² of forest to generate only 250 MW — has a surface area that alone could host dozens of gigawatts of floating solar. Itaipu, Tucuruí, Serra da Mesa, and Furnas have surfaces comparable to the entire Philippines. The model that Blueleaf, NKS Solar One, and CEEC are implementing in the Laguna lakes in 2026 is the same that could transform the environmental liabilities of Brazilian hydroelectric plants into energy assets without building a single new dam.
Floating solar went from a laboratory curiosity to a global industry in less than fifteen years. The NREL documented 584 installations with a total capacity of 10 GW in September 2024 — a number that did not exist as a generation category in 2015.
China dominates the market, with the largest floating solar park in the world: the Huainan plant in Anhui, with 150 MW installed over a flooded coal mine — another example of dual utility of environmental liability infrastructure. Japan has dozens of installations in decommissioned nuclear and hydroelectric plant reservoirs. South Korea, the Netherlands, and India have projects at different stages. The global floating solar market was valued at over $3 billion in 2023 with growth projections above 20% per year until 2030, according to Allied Market Research.
What unites all these projects — from Lake Caliraya in the Philippines to the Huainan reservoir in China, from the unexplored potential of Balbina in the Amazon to the Cirata hydroelectric plant in Indonesia, inaugurated in November 2023 with 192 MW — is the same logic that India’s initiative of covering irrigation canals with solar panels articulates: the water infrastructure that was built for a single purpose can generate energy, save water, and improve the ecosystem at the same time, as long as someone decides to install panels where there was previously only a surface reflecting sunlight to the sky.
Débora Araújo is a content writer at Click Petróleo e Gás, with over two years of experience in content production and more than a thousand articles published on technology, the job market, geopolitics, industry, construction, general interest topics, and other subjects. Her focus is on producing accessible, well-researched content of broad appeal. Story ideas, corrections, or messages can be sent to contato.deboraaraujo.news@gmail.com
© 2026 Click Petróleo e Gás – All rights reserved

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BusinessDay
Rekiyah Mohammed
May 15, 2026
epa01837390 Workers labor in a factory of a Chinese solar panel maker in Hangzhou in east China’s Zhejiang province 26 August 2009. Chinese photovoltaic manufacturers have asserted a major role in halfing the cost of solar panels over the last year, according to a recent report on The New York Times. EPA/STR
How small, local energy systems are solving a problem the national grid has struggled with for decades.
In the quiet village of Mpape, just a few kilometers from the sprawling luxury of Abuja, the sun sets with a heavy finality. A shop owner once closed his business at dusk. Not because he wanted to, but because darkness gave him no choice. Fuel for his generator was too expensive, and for the residents here, the “National Grid” was a myth, a series of wires that passed over their heads but never reached their homes. Today, his shop stays open into the night. A small solar-powered system hums quietly nearby, powering his lights, a fan, and even a charging point for customers. Business is better. Life is different. Minigrids are the shortcut to energy justice.
However, this shop owner’s success is an exception to a frustrating rule. For decades, Nigeria’s electricity story has been one of centralized struggle, where the focus on big power has left small communities in the dark. In many parts of Nigeria, electricity is still treated like a privilege instead of a basic need. Despite being rich in natural gas, the country continues to face unreliable power supply.  Nigeria had chased the dream of universal electrification through grid extension. It was a noble but flawed strategy. Stretching high-voltage cables across difficult terrain to reach a village of 500 people is prohibitively expensive and technically inefficient.
According to the World Bank, 85 million Nigerians, 45% of the population, still lack access to the electricity grid. Larger disparities exist in access to electricity between urban areas (84%) and rural ones (26%). Power deficit affects households, businesses, and key public buildings such as hospitals. It is estimated that 40% of primary health centres, which mainly serve rural areas, lack enough power to conduct standard operating procedures.
For most Nigerians living outside major cities, electricity is not just unreliable; it is simply unavailable. And for those with access to the grid, reliability is a myth. Nigeria’s national electricity grid has remained highly unstable, with repeated system failures disrupting power supply across the country. Between May 2023 and early 2026, the grid has recorded no fewer than 20 collapses, according to industry data. The critical electricity infrastructure financing gap estimated at $100 billion (about twice the country’s 2026 federal budget) annually over the next 30 years, makes grid-based electricity expansion increasingly challenging.

This is where minigrids come in.
Minigrids are small, local power systems that generate and distribute electricity within a community. Instead of waiting for the national grid to reach every community, a process that is slow and expensive, minigrids bring power directly to where people live. Most are powered by solar energy, making them cleaner, quieter, and cheaper to maintain over time compared to diesel generators.
When minigrids power productive activities, like agro-processing, tailoring, welding, or small-scale manufacturing, they create income streams that help communities sustain and expand their energy use. Field engagements and community-level feedback consistently highlight this link between energy and livelihoods. Where electricity supports income generation, adoption is higher, and systems are more sustainable.
The Path Forward: Innovation and Ownership

Paraphrasing the words of the National Coordinator of the Resource Justice Network Nigeria at a 2025 stakeholder renewable energy roundtable organized by BudgIT, the success of the energy transition will not be measured solely by the total megawatts added to the national grid, but by the extent to which it reduces inequality and creates opportunities for the marginalized.

 According to BudgIT’s analysis, at least N43.17 billion across 35 projects was allocated to minigrid (mostly solar) development in the 2025 budget. Certainly, the government recognizes that decentralised electricity systems are key to improving access across the country. But the government cannot achieve this on its own, especially given the paucity of public funds and rising public debt.
To make this dream a reality for the 80 million Nigerians still in the dark, we need more than just technology; we need innovative financing and private sector investors. Pay-as-you-go solar systems and microfinance schemes contribute to lowering the barriers to entry for low-income households. By reducing reliance on expensive and polluting diesel generators, these approaches ease financial pressure while promoting environmental sustainability.
But the issue also goes beyond access. As emphasized at BudgIT’s energy transition analysis, a “Just Transition“ must prioritize the productive use of energy. Reliable electricity should be a driver of development, enabling small businesses to expand and improve service delivery in sectors like healthcare and education.
Meaningful community participation must also be embedded into the design of these projects especially in rural communities. BudgIT’s studies and community engagements provide evidence that engaging local communities in decision-making ensures solutions are tailored to their needs and fosters a sense of ownership that enhances sustainability. There is greater trust, stronger ownership, and better maintenance of infrastructure over time.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s rural electrification challenge is complex, but it is not impossible to solve. The traditional approach of waiting for the national grid to expand everywhere has left too many people behind. Minigrids offer a different path: one that is faster, more flexible, and better suited to the realities on the ground.

Finally, minigrids will not replace the national grid. But they do not need to. What they offer is something just as important: a practical way to reach communities that have waited too long, using solutions that are faster, cleaner, and more responsive to their realities. “Because at the end of the day, electricity is more than wires and poles. It is about dignity. It is about opportunity. And for millions of Nigerians still living in the dark, it is about finally being seen”.
 If Nigeria gets it right with the right mix of innovation, inclusion and accountability, minigrids could help close one of the country’s most persistent gaps, one community at a time.
Rekiyah Mohammed is a Program Officer with the Natural Resource and Climate Governance team at BudgIT.

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https://indianmasterminds.com
Home » News » Government » India Launches 200 MW Solar Module Manufacturing Line to Boost Clean Energy and Make in India
New Delhi: India’s clean energy sector received a major boost after the launch of the 200 MW Solar Module Manufacturing Line of Central Electronics Limited (CEL). Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh dedicated the new facility to the nation and said renewable energy will play a key role in helping India achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2070.
The new solar manufacturing line is part of India’s larger plan to increase domestic solar production, reduce import dependence, and support the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.” The project highlights India’s growing focus on indigenous technology and clean energy manufacturing.
The newly inaugurated facility belongs to Central Electronics Limited, a government-owned enterprise working in solar and strategic electronics sectors.
Read also: NTPC and EDF Sign MoU to Explore Nuclear Power Projects in India with Focus on Clean Energy Expansion
Key highlights of the project:
According to official information, the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the project was issued on April 24, 2025, and the plant became operational within a year.
During the inauguration event, Dr. Jitendra Singh said India is rapidly expanding in several non-fossil energy sectors, including:
He also said every renewable energy source has its own importance and India is moving ahead with an integrated clean energy strategy.
The minister described the new solar line as:
The launch of this manufacturing line is important for several reasons.
India is trying to reduce dependence on imported solar equipment. The new facility will help improve local production capacity and strengthen supply chains.
India has set a target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Expanding renewable energy infrastructure is necessary to meet this target.
The project supports the government’s Make in India initiative by promoting local manufacturing and indigenous technologies.
CEL is also expanding into:
Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled that India’s first solar cell was manufactured by CEL in 1977, while the country’s first solar plant was established by the organisation in 1979.
Founded in 1974, CEL has played an important role in solar photovoltaic technology, railway electronics, and defence-related systems in India.
The minister also highlighted how CEL transformed from an organisation once facing disinvestment into a profit-making Mini Ratna PSU.
The event also included technology collaboration initiatives between CSIR laboratories and CEL.
Important projects discussed included:
Officials said the new Drishti system is now fully indigenous, supporting India’s self-reliance goals in strategic technology sectors.
Read also: ONGC Launches India’s First Geothermal Pilot at Ankleshwar, Converts Abandoned Well into 450 kW Clean Energy 

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CIM Group announced today the launch of Permanent Power Company (the “Company”), a national power platform, following a series of recent transactions including securing a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) and a $400 million financing commitment.
Permanent Power Company reflects the evolution of CIM Group’s power business from a collection of assets into a long-term power platform designed for scale, durability and sustained ownership across a broader geography and portfolio of assets. In order to best meet the growing needs of clients, the Company consolidates operating solar generation, energy storage, transmission infrastructure and development?stage projects under one platform, providing greater operational efficiency, financing flexibility and the foundation for expansion nationwide.
The Company believes there is significant and growing demand for power generation and energy storage, and plans to continue developing, acquiring and operating power projects across the U.S. It has an active pipeline of projects and is evaluating a range of opportunities, with a strategic focus on assets located in qualified rural Opportunity Zones.
“Permanent Power Company is a power platform focused on long-term growth and a stable energy supply, domestic power generation, energy storage and transmission,” said Avi Shemesh, Co-Founder and Principal, CIM Group. “Securing this significant, long-term PPA with the regulated power division of a $200 billion global energy supermajor underscores the momentum behind this platform and supports our ability to deliver power to our clients at significant scale.”
Long-Term Power Purchase Agreement with a Regulated Energy Service Provider
Permanent Power Company recently signed a long?term PPA with an investment-grade, regulated energy service provider, for the entire capacity of solar generation and battery storage at the Grape project. The agreement covers 100 percent of the project’s 246 MW of solar PV capacity and 150 MW (600 MWh) of BESS capacity, providing long?term contracted revenue from an investment?grade counterparty.
Permanent Power Company currently operates 652 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and 360 MW (1,440 MWh) of battery energy storage systems (BESS), as well as 15 miles of transmission lines in California. It also has one project under construction, Grape, and one construction ready project, Daylight, with a combined 550 MW solar PV power generation capacity and 330 MW (1,320 MWh) of BESS. Upon completion, the portfolio is expected to comprise approximately 1,200 MW solar PV and 690 MW (2,760 MWh) of BESS.
The Grape and Daylight projects are located within Westlands Solar Park, one of the largest permitted solar parks in the U.S. encompassing more than 20,000 acres in California’s San Joaquin Valley.
$400 Million Financing from HPS Investment Partners
In further support of the platform’s scale and commercial strength, Permanent Power Company secured a $400 million financing commitment from funds and accounts managed by HPS Investment Partners, part of BlackRock Private Financing Solutions, a leading global, credit-focused alternative investment firm that seeks to provide creative capital solutions.
The financing serves as a major milestone that advances the Company’s strategic growth plan focused on delivering power, energy storage and transmission solutions across the U.S. It will help the Company accelerate development of Grape and Daylight while also providing resources to expand its pipeline through strategic acquisitions of future projects.
Together, the long?term PPA and the $400 million financing highlight confidence from strategic energy partners and capital markets, supporting Permanent Power Company’s development as a scaled platform serving commercial and institutional customers.
About Permanent Power Company
Permanent Power Company was formed to build upon CIM Group’s energy platform with an initial portfolio of approximately 1,200 MW of solar photovoltaic systems, 690 MW (2,760 MWh) of battery energy storage systems capacity, and 15 miles of transmission infrastructure in California. Permanent Power Company is a national enterprise focused on power initiatives such as energy reliability with long?term ownership, operation and expansion of power assets, including projects located in qualified rural Opportunity Zones across the United States.
About CIM Group
CIM is a community-focused real estate and infrastructure owner, operator, lender and developer. Since 1994, CIM has sought to create value in projects and positively impact the lives of people in communities across the Americas by delivering more than $60 billion of essential real estate and infrastructure projects. CIM’s diverse team of experts applies its broad knowledge and disciplined approach through hands-on management of real assets from due diligence to operations through disposition. CIM strives to make a meaningful difference in the world by executing key environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives and enhancing each community in which it invests. For more information, visit www.cimgroup.com.

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50 times growth in 10 years: How India is scaling up its Solar capacity, working towards ending dependency on China and consistently beating the goals it sets  OpIndia
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Large solar array being installed at Vermilion Country School  The Timberjay
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Solar power has gotten cheap enough that putting up panels is among the cheapest ways of providing energy. This isn’t just the case for bulk electricity on a power grid, either; even small devices are easier and cheaper to power with solar than ever before. For example, landscape lighting which once relied on 12V or 24V DC wires all over one’s yard with a transformer and power supply hidden somewhere have partially been converted to simpler individual solar-powered lights now. These small devices can also be given additional capabilities as [Mauro] demonstrates.
In this case, [Mauro]’s goal was to add on-demand lighting to a solar-powered light which was otherwise motion-activated only. To do this, they added a NRF24L01+ radio inside the light’s housing paired with an STM32 microcontroller. This secondary system is largely separated from the existing control circuitry with the exception of being able to switch the lights and receiving its power from the same solar panel. [Mauro] also created a small library to help with communicating with these new modules, whether that’s using a home automation system like Home Assistant or some other method.
Although adding in a few capabilities to inexpensive solar lighting might seem simple on the surface, a project like this is a gateway to adding in all kinds of interesting features to things with built-in solar panels and lots of free space in their cases. The best example here is the addition of a Meshtastic node to one of these lights, making it convenient and stealthy, but we could also see adding in other remote hardware to a landscape lighting module like a gate sensor or a plant health monitoring system.
a gateway to adding in all kinds of interesting features
Not to mention that since they are individually addressable, I can now flicker them on and off chaotically “Stranger Things” style to creep out trespassers
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The new standards, DNV‑ST‑C108 Structural design of floats for floating photovoltaic systems and DNV‑ST‑E309 Station keeping of floating solar photovoltaic systems, are complemented by DNV‑RP‑0584  Design, development and operation of floating solar photovoltaic systems, the world’s first recommended practice on FPV originally released in 2021 and with an update due in June 2026.
Together, the documents provide a comprehensive and aligned framework for the design, analysis, operation, and risk management of FPV systems across their full life cycle, from component to system level.
Floating solar is increasingly being deployed on inland and near‑shore water bodies as developers seek to expand renewable capacity while reducing competition for land. As projects scale up, technical robustness and consistency in engineering practices become critical to investor confidence, insurability, and long-term asset performance. Indeed, the floating solar market is expected to grow from USD 7.9 billion in 2026 to USD 9.2 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 1.75.
“Floating solar is moving from niche applications to large-scale infrastructure,” said Ditlev Engel, CEO, Energy Systems at DNV. “These new standards are designed to help the industry manage risk, improve reliability, and enable innovation while maintaining appropriate safety margins.”
DNV‑ST‑C108 defines technical requirements for the structural design and qualification of FPV float structures, addressing both short‑term and long‑term performance. It introduces a flexible, performance-based design approach that aligns engineering and testing requirements with the potential consequences of float failure, while supporting cost‑effective and innovative solutions. The standard includes requirements covering safety classification, design basis, material qualification, structural design, testing and corrosion protection, with particular attention to non‑metallic materials and degradation due to solar irradiation.
DNV‑ST‑E309 establishes principles and methodologies for the design of mooring and station-keeping systems for floating solar applications. It provides guidance on design loads, load combinations, and analysis procedures, and includes specific requirements for components and system configurations to reduce the risk of failure across the station-keeping system. A failure modes, effects, and criticality analysis forms the basis for risk assessment within the standard, while safety factors are calibrated through structural reliability analysis to ensure alignment between methodological approach and risk level.
DNV‑RP‑0584 recommended practice brings together requirements, recommendations, and guidelines for the design, development, operation, and decommissioning of FPV systems. It is intended to be applicable across major global markets and focuses primarily on FPV systems in sheltered inland and near‑shore water bodies, while explicitly defining the limits of applicability for harsher offshore environments, where it is only applicable as general guidance or reference document.
The introduction of the two new standards positions the RP as complementary system-level guidance rather than a primary design-level reference.
“The principles and terminology used across the two standards are aligned, providing industry stakeholders with a coherent and consistent set of guidance documents for floating solar photovoltaic systems,” concluded Daniel Pardo Tovar, Global Lead Floating Solar, Energy Systems at DNV “By creating a common technical language and a clear link between component‑level requirements and system‑level guidance, DNV is helping developers, owners, insurers and regulators work from the same foundation.”
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GOLDBECK SOLAR has been named a The smarter E AWARD 2026 finalist for HeliomatiX in the Photovoltaics category. HeliomatiX is a utility-scale PV construction automation system that links AssemblyHub, autonomous electric Crawlers, and AMoS within one site workflow. AssemblyHub preassembles module rails and up to four modules in portrait mode, while checking module damage, scanning serial numbers, and securing elements before transport. Autonomous Crawlers move these preassembled elements across slopes, mud, and harsh site conditions. AMoS uses sensors, a precision gripper, alignment, and laser-based scanning to mount up to 4 modules at once. HeliomatiX is focused on fixed-tilt installations and differs from existing 1P tracker automation systems. The system can cut module assembly labor needs by up to 85%, while reducing on-site transport, packaging waste, noise, and emissions. The smarter E AWARD 2026 winners will be honored on June 22 at the International Congress Center, Messe München.

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The $220 million project has a capacity of 305 MW and is located in the province of Mendoza, in the sunny Cuyo region.
Image: Prensa Gobierno de Mendoza
From pv magazine Latam
The province of Mendoza has inaugurated the El Quemado Solar Park, located in the department of Las Heras, in the province of Mendoza, in the sunny Cuyo region.
With an installed capacity of 360 MW, the facility is now the largest photovoltaic plant in Argentina. Prior to the commissioning, the country’s largest solar facity was the 315 MW Cauchari complex.
Originally developed by the provincial utility Empresa Mendocina de Energía Sociedad Anónima (Emesa), the $220 million project was subsequently acquired and built by YPF Luz. The first 100 MW unit entered commercial operation in December last year.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Governor Alfredo Cornejo, YPF President and CEO Horacio Marín, and Chief of Staff Manuel Adorni. Officials highlighted that El Quemado is the first renewable energy project approved under Argentina’s Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI), designed to attract investments through fiscal, customs, and foreign exchange incentives.
The plant spans approximately 620 hectares and comprises more than 511,000 bifacial solar modules, 5,800 trackers, 1,170 inverters, and 40 transformer stations. It has an estimated capacity factor of 31.4%. According to official estimates, annual generation will be sufficient to cover residential demand in the city of Mendoza, as well as the departments of Las Heras and Lavalle.
The grid connection works included a new transformer station linked to the Argentine Interconnection System (SADI), as well as a substation equipped with GIS technology and an outgoing feeder for three 220 kV/33 kV transformers. The project also included 180 km of fiber-optic cabling for control and protection systems.
Construction lasted 18 months and peaked at more than 350 workers, with 87% of labor sourced locally. Key technology suppliers included JinkoSolar, Arctech Solar, and Huawei.
With El Quemado now online, Mendoza exceeds 700 MW of installed solar capacity and is moving toward a provincial pipeline projected to surpass 1 GW. Among upcoming developments are the Anchoris and San Rafael projects, each with 180 MW of capacity.
Several power purchase agreements (PPAs) have meanwhile been secured. In December last year, YPF Luz signed an agreement with Molinos Río de la Plata to extend its renewable supply contract to 2030, increasing the company’s clean energy share to up to 80%, with the potential to reach 100% in the future. The agreement builds on a prior contract signed in September 2023, which included the 100 MW Zonda Solar Park in San Juan, and now incorporates generation from El Quemado.
In March this year, YPF Luz signed a three-year agreement with Skyonline, an Argentine technology company specializing in digital infrastructure, to supply approximately 7,200 MWh annually. The contract will cover 85% of the electricity demand of Skyonline’s data center in downtown Buenos Aires, supplied through generation from El Quemado and the General Levalle Solar Park in Córdoba.
In April, YPF Luz also announced an agreement with Molinos Basile, covering 50% of the company’s electricity demand, equivalent to around 2,200 MWh per year.
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Century-Old Brick Townhouse Expansions  Trend Hunter
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The Montreal-based company is working through phase 1 of a project partially funded by the California Energy Commission, and has just began serving the Quebec market. As it works to prove its technology can support the California grid and its homeowner customers, the company is planning for phase 2.
Image: dcbel
Montreal-based smart energy technology company dcbel (pronounced like “decibel”) is in the process of implementing a California program it calls Ready Deployment with Dynamic Rates, largely funded by the California Energy Commission (CEC) through an initiative called Responsive, Easy Charging Products with Dynamic Signals (REDWDS).
The REDWDS program is designed to accelerate the development and deployment of easy-to-use EV charging products that respond to remote signals to support grid reliability and decarbonization goals.
Dcbel’s key technology is the Ara Home Energy Station, a hardware hub that combines a bidirectional electric vehicle charger, a solar inverter, and a stationary battery management system into a single enclosure. 
Powered by the company’s Orchestrate software, the Ara system is designed to learn household energy patterns to optimize power consumption, helping homeowners save money on a dynamic rate schedule. In addition, the system enables vehicle-to-home backup power during grid outages and can export stored energy back to the grid when electricity prices are high.
Under phase 1 of the Ready Deployment with Dynamic Rates program, which runs through December 31, 2026, the company plans to install 200 Ara stations at single-family homes to demonstrate that its products are capable of participation in energy transactions as part of dynamic rate pilot programs.
The dynamic rates programs are experimental utility rate structures that are currently being tested by the state’s investor-owned utilities. The programs use hourly rates that change daily based on expected grid conditions, allowing customers who can shift their usage to lower cost periods to save money.
Solutions like the dcbel Ara system automate this shifting, allowing a customer’s solar and EV battery to power the home or even export power when prices are highest.
Program details for California homeowners 
According to the dcbel website, homeowners who participate in the California program can receive up to $13,800 in rebates, including over $10,000 for the Ara unit and installation costs, as well as rebates for interconnection, switching to a dynamic rate plan and owning a bidirectional EV. 
While the company is nearing the limit of 200 participants, spots in the program remain available to homeowners who qualify.
“Our interest is in a broad collection of participants,” said Diana Gilmore, U.S. programs lead at dcbel, in an interview with pv magazine USA. Gilmore said the company is looking for homeowners with “diverse use cases” in various places throughout the state, so it can prove its technology works for many different kinds of homeowners.
Participating homeowners can use the Ara equipment to charge (and discharge) their bidirectional-capable electric car to perform peak shaving (using stored energy to avoid drawing from the grid during peak times), and get access to backup power for their homes. 
Gilmore says the Ara technology works with any car that uses the ISO 15118 bidirectional standard. The company’s CEC grant award letter specifically lists the Nissan Leaf and Volvo EX90 as compatible cars for phase 1. Cars from Mitsubishi, GM, Hyundai and others are listed as compatible cars for planned phase 2 deployments.
Additionally, Gilmore says dcbel has tested Ara for compatibility with cars from manufacturers that prefer not to publicly disclose that their cars are capable of the technology.
Future CEC funding 
The CEC awarded dcbel with more than $52 million in potential funding under the REDWDS initiative in early 2024, but only $2,466,148 in funding for phase 1 of the project was guaranteed. Additional funding of $49,923,904 is available for phase 2 only if dcbel meets certain performance metrics during phase 1.
To qualify for the phase 2 funding, the company must complete the initial deployment to homeowners with electric vehicles, with at least 50% of those customers residing in ZIP codes that represent disadvantaged or low-income communities. The company must also demonstrate that its technology works to perform energy transactions and track and report data to the CEC.
If everything goes well, dcbel plans to expand its offering to thousands of single family homes as part of phase 2. But first, the company must successfully complete phase 1 and obtain permission from the executive director the CEC to proceed to phase 2. 
Additionally, stipulations in the initial award make it clear that funding for the REDWDS program beyond phase 1 is not guaranteed. 
The Clean Transportation Program, under which the CEC administers REDWDS funding, is currently expected to deliver $95.2 million per year through 2028-29, but the state leaders have recently been grappling with a projected $24 billion budget shortfall over the next two years. A revised budget recently released by Governor Gavin Newsom eliminates the shortfall and makes no changes to CEC funding.
For the time being, dcbel is focusing on executing its phase 1 California plan, as well as serving homeowners in Quebec, where it announced it would enter the market in April.
“We’re at the point where the rubber is hitting the road, so to speak,” said Gilmore. “The technology is being installed at these homes. For anyone who’s been looking forward to this: now is the time. It’s coming to fruition, and that’s very exciting for us.”
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“The path to home energy independence is becoming clearer…”
Photo Credit: Instagram
With fuel prices across the U.S. seeing major increases, more and more homeowners are looking for smart upgrades to dodge rising costs. 
Luckily, the experts at EnergySage offered a few helpful tips for people looking to save. 
“Gas prices just jumped $0.50 a gallon because of a war overseas,” Kristina Zagame, senior content producer at EnergySage, said in a short Instagram video. “Americans have been at the mercy of global energy markets for over 50 years.” 
A post shared by EnergySage (@energysage_official)
However, Zagame explained that consumers today have options to avoid absorbing the higher costs tied to conflict or inflation.
Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area.
To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
“We have real alternatives,” Zagame said. “Sunlight doesn’t travel through pipelines. Stored solar energy in a battery can’t be blocked by a military conflict, and your home can run on both.” 
Solar panels and batteries are a tried-and-true method to reduce your home energy costs, and during times of energy instability, they can offer even greater savings on utility bills — even more so if you drive an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid and can drive off the effectively free power of the sun. 
If you’re curious about how a solar panel upgrade can save you money in the long term, connect with the experts at EnergySage to get started with quick installation quotes. 
Zagame continued by explaining that adopting solar panels and pairing them with energy-efficient appliances and EVs can help you take control of your energy needs and help you steer clear of the energy rate rollercoaster. 
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Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation.
To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
“The path to home energy independence is becoming clearer: solar, batteries, EVs, and electrified homes that give people more control over their bills,” the video’s caption said. 
With more Americans feeling the pressure of increased fuel and living costs, those with solar can see as much as six figures in savings over the lifetime of their system. 
To see how much you can save with solar panels in your area, check out the free resources from EnergySage. Homeowners who connect with EnergySage experts can save as much as $10,000 on installation costs. 
EnergySage even has a helpful mapping tool that shows the average cost of solar in your area and details available incentives, so you can snag the best price possible for an upgrade. 
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
Even better, if you’re looking to go fully off-grid or avoid peak energy rates, a battery backup could be perfect to pair with solar panels. EnergySage can help you get started there, too, with free, helpful home battery information. 
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The eighth edition of kWh Analytics’ Solar Risk Assessment identifies equipment-triggered fires, penalties from regulators, and battery measurement errors as the newest challenges to returns from renewable energy assets.
According to the report, although severe weather continues to be a significant driver of financial losses, the emerging danger comes from within the facility itself. The sector has traditionally concentrated on protecting against wildfires, yet merely 4% of photovoltaic fire loss incidents happen in zones with high wildfire risk. Conversely, 84% of fire incidents are brushfires caused by equipment, meaning the solar hardware itself is the ignition source.
Nextpower points out a critical shortfall in present maintenance routines: 79% of high-risk photovoltaic connector and fuse problems identified show no detectable heat signature during inspections. Thermal drones, commonly used to find module-level defects, frequently miss balance-of-system issues where no measurable heat exists prior to failure. Nextpower contends that high-resolution visual checks must supplement thermography to lower the occurrence of fires.
Test results from Kiwa PVEL and Kiwa PI Berlin reveal that 30% of manufacturers experience junction box failures during reliability testing, which elevates fire risk across entire portfolios. The report advises stakeholders to emphasize production oversight and pre-shipment inspections to confirm manufacturing quality.
GameChange Solar reports that current IEC 62782 standards for single-axis tracker design underestimate the cyclical loading encountered during an actual hurricane by a factor of eight. Modeling conducted by CPP Wind Engineering Consultants for GameChange Solar indicates that a site during Hurricane Ian likely endured over 8,000 cycles with pressures reaching 1,400 Pa, whereas the standard mandates only 1,000 cycles at 1,000 Pa. Tests demonstrated that common rail designs passed the standard test but developed visible cracks under more realistic cyclical loading conditions.
Vaisala Xweather reports that in 2025, 32% more US wind turbines were struck by four or more lightning strokes compared to the prior year, underscoring the need for stronger grounding and protection measures.
Hail remains the costliest type of insured loss for the solar industry. Research from kWh Analytics and GroundWork Renewables shows that standard 2 mm glass modules are no longer adequate for 52% of the contiguous United States to maintain risk below an acceptable loss threshold. In the highest-risk zones, covering 13% of the US, both hail-resistant modules and robust stow protocols are necessary, with robust stow defined as achieving a tilt of 70 degrees or more during a storm. Software-based stow can fail if operational procedures are insufficient. GroundWork Renewables testing confirms that hail-resistant constructions using 2.5 mm or 3.2 mm glass have significantly lower failure probabilities.
Above Surveying examined data from over 3,000 assets and discovered that thermal anomalies do not follow a linear degradation trajectory. Defect rates, including cell cracks and busbar peeling, increase markedly after year seven, creating substantial long-term financial risk for projects that assume a constant degradation rate over a 30-year lifespan.
ACCURE Battery Intelligence finds that state-of-charge inaccuracies in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries can cost operators more than $1 million per GWh each year in dynamic markets such as ERCOT, because the flat voltage curve makes it challenging for standard management systems to provide a dependable view of available energy. PowerUp reports that 75% of utility-scale battery sites show early signs of HVAC-related thermal anomalies, which can lead to thermal runaway if not addressed.
Crux reports that new rules regarding prohibited foreign entities take effect in 2026, yet only 38% of developers feel fully prepared to comply. Vaisala notes that failing to meet heightened Federal Energy Regulatory Commission cybersecurity and regulatory standards can result in penalties of $1 million per day for renewable energy developers. CAC highlights that tax insurance underwriters are tightening conditions, with 75% of underwriters refusing to cover valuation step-ups above 25%, which creates a limitation for project financing.
The report concludes that as the industry expands, risks are becoming more localized, more technical, and more costly, necessitating a strategy grounded in detailed, field-verified data.
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Global solar PV capacity reached around 2,974 GW by end-2025, with nearly 698 GW added in 2025. The sector, however, is shifting from rapid deployment to integration challenges, as high penetration rates drive curtailment, storage demand, grid constraints, and evolving policy and market designs.
Solar on a warehouse.
Image: Shutterstock

From pv magazine Global
It took the solar industry more than 40 years to install its first terawatt of capacity. It took less than three years to nearly triple that. Global cumulative installed PV capacity reached approximately 2,974 GW by the end of 2025, according to the IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme’s 13th annual Snapshot of Global PV Markets (find the accompanying fact sheet here).
Annual installations in 2025 reached an estimated 698 GWp — confirmed figures of at least 608 GWp plus a further 90 GWp identified through expert estimates — representing 16% growth over 2025. That sounds impressive until you compare it to the 28% growth recorded in 2024 and the staggering 93% surge in 2023. The market is still expanding, but the pace is moderating.
China remains dominant but growth rates are slowing
China accounted for approximately 60% of new global capacity in 2025, installing up to 415 GWp. China’s annual additions alone exceeded the entire global market as recently as 2022.
The EU held second place with 66 GW,  similar to 2024’s 65 GW in 2024, while India leaped to third with 56 GW thanks to accelerating utility-scale deployment ahead of domestic content deadlines and expanding distributed solar support policies. The USA slipped to fourth at 43 GW, its first time outside the top three since 2019. The American slowdown is attributed to rising costs for structural and electrical components, grid interconnection bottlenecks, higher interest rates, and policy uncertainty accompanying the change of administration.
Beyond the top four, the rankings reveal a genuinely diversifying market. 39 countries installed at least 1 GW in 2025, up from 33 in 2024. Saudi Arabia entered the top ten for the first time, commissioning several very large utility-scale projects, while Pakistan, despite a measure of uncertainty in estimated volumes, remained among the largest annual markets, almost entirely in the distributed segment driven by low-cost imported modules.
Module prices
One of the report’s most striking observations is the deepening paradox at the heart of the global supply chain. Module prices in China fell by more than 60% from early 2023 levels, supporting deployment across virtually every market. Yet this same price collapse drove manufacturer margins to the floor, with cumulative losses among Chinese module producers approaching USD 5 billion from early 2024 onward.
The report is direct about the consequences: this divergence between strong market growth and constrained industrial profitability is a defining feature of the sector, with real implications for warranty exposure, bankability, and long-term operations and maintenance under sustained price compression. In plain terms, buying cheap modules today may come with hidden costs if the manufacturer cannot honour its 25-year warranty.
Under these conditions, deployment bottlenecks in a growing number of markets shifted away from module CAPEX and increasingly towards permitting, grid connection, grid congestion and the evaluation of curtailment and negative price risk. IEA PVPS also notes that curtailment, negative prices and grid access constraints are becoming more material as penetration rates rise.
Penetration rate challenges
Perhaps the most significant data in the report concerns PV penetration. Global theoretical PV penetration reached approximately 10.5% of electricity demand and 12.0% of electricity consumption in 2026, based on installed capacity at the end of 2025. Thirty-five countries now theoretically exceed 10% penetration, up from 27 in 2024 and just 18 in 2023.
At the top sit Greece and Spain, both at or above 31% of electricity demand, though the report notes that curtailment in Greece means actual delivered penetration is meaningfully lower. Pakistan could be approaching 28%, though between the uncertainty in estimated installation volumes and grid instability, a significant but unknown volume is also being curtailed. Cyprus, Lithuania, Chile, the Netherlands, Australia, and Germany all sit above 18%.
Even the two largest markets are crossing meaningful thresholds: the EU is approaching 15% penetration, while China has surpassed 13%. At these levels, system-level effects like curtailment, negative prices, and grid voltage issues are becoming routine operational realities rather than edge cases. The report’s conclusion is pointed: the key question for PV markets is no longer simply the scale of deployment, but the conditions under which additional capacity can be integrated into reliable and economically sustainable electricity systems.
Integration
The structural shift the report describes has sweeping implications for policy, investment, and system design.
On the policy side, feed-in tariffs and simple volume-based tenders are giving way to more complex instruments. China has moved utility-scale solar to market-based pricing. Several countries are introducing storage mandates — India now requires storage to be paired with new utility-scale tenders, China’s new distributed PV rules demand that projects be “monitorable, measurable, adjustable and controllable.” Spain’s 11 regional governments launched fiscal subsidy programmes for self-consumption in 2025 even as national policy cooled on export remuneration. Austria is exempting storage from grid fees where it demonstrably serves system stability.
On the commercial side, PPA structures are evolving from simple long-term electricity price hedging tools towards arrangements that must increasingly reflect counterparty risk, flexibility needs and system value. In North America, large technology companies signed major utility-scale solar PPAs in 2025, while in Australia volumes secured for greenfield solar remained significant as mining and other large industrial consumers pursued long-term decarbonisation and cost-stability objectives. In Saudi Arabia, five solar PPAs totalling 12GW were signed over the same period. Data centres and industrial consumers are emerging as a significant driver of contracted solar demand globally.
The rise of co-located solar-plus-storage is also beginning to complicate the industry’s own reporting conventions. The report highlights the AC/DC accounting problem: as DC-to-AC ratios on utility-scale projects push above 1.5 — and in solar-plus-storage projects beyond 1.7 — the gap between AC reported and real DC installed capacity grows. This is not a trivial issue; at current market scale, methodological differences between IEA, IRENA, PVPS, and BNEF datasets can represent several tens of gigawatts.
PV and the broader transition
In 2025, PV represented more than three-quarters of new renewable generation capacity added worldwide, and around 60% of new renewable electricity generation. Its share of installed capacity continues to outpace its share of generation, reflecting its lower average capacity factor compared to wind or hydro — but the trajectory is clear.
The report illustrates an increasingly tight three-way convergence between annual PV additions, stationary battery storage deployment, and light EV sales, all of which accelerated sharply after 2021. These are no longer separate markets, but reinforcing components of the same energy transition, each making the others more valuable — PV charging EVs and batteries, batteries shifting PV output to higher-value hours, EVs providing flexible demand that smooths grid balancing. The report also points out that over 300 GW of PV is now more than a decade old, making inverter replacement, repowering, and end-of-life recycling immediate operational concerns rather than future abstractions.
What 2026 holds
The near-term outlook is shaped by challenges  on several fronts. The USA entered 2026 in a volatile trade and policy environment, with tariff pressures increasing procurement costs across the solar supply chain even as domestic manufacturing capacity continues to expand under the Inflation Reduction Act. France faces potential slowdown as shifting political priorities reshape national energy policy. India is expected to remain one of the largest growth markets, though grid absorption and the pace of storage development will determine how much new capacity can actually be integrated.
China, meanwhile, is not retreating from scale but rather reorienting, shifting toward stronger integration with storage, grid capacity, and smart-system infrastructure. Whether the rest of the world’s grids, policy frameworks, and financing structures can keep pace with a market that is closer and closer to 1 TW per year is the defining question of the solar decade now underway.
Author: Bettina Sauer
This article is part of a monthly column by the IEA PVPS programme.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own, and do not necessarily reflect those held by pv magazine.
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Researchers at the German institute built a photovoltaic water electrolysis system based on micro-concentrator photovoltaics coupled to proton exchange membrane electrolysis. Outdoor testing demonstrated a record solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 31.3%, achieved by a four-junction CPV system driving two PEM cells in series under real operating conditions.
The CPV-driven PEM electrolyzer
Image: Fraunhofer ISE
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) in Germany have developed a photovoltaic water electrolysis system that utilizes its own micro concentrator photovoltaics (micro-CPV) technology.
The scientists explained that prior approaches using dual- and triple-junction III-V concentrator cells reached up to 19.8% solar-to-hydrogen efficiency (SHT) outdoors and around 30% indoors, but required careful matching of voltage, current, and system configuration. Their new work demonstrated a four-junction concentrator system driving PEM cells outdoors, achieving a record 31.3% STH efficiency.
“We are still at low technology readiness level (TRL) and therefore it is hard to say how quickly we can get to a low levelized cost of hydrogen which is competitive. We first need partners to develop the system fully,” Frank Dimroth told pv magazine. “With Clearsun Energy, we try to create a startup to commercialize concentrating photovoltaics and this solar hydrogen module could be a future generation product for the company.”
The TRL measures the maturity of technology components for a system and is based on a scale from one to nine, with nine representing mature technologies for full commercial application. “I would say our system is a proof of concept which is TRL3,” Dimroth added. “Currently we have no funding to build a pilot system but of course this would be the next step.”
In the paper “Photovoltaic water electrolysis reaching 31.3% solar-to-H₂ conversion efficiency under outdoor operating conditions,” published in communications engineering, the Fraunhofe ISE researchers explained the electrolysis sytem is driven by the propietary HyCon system, which consists of Fresnel lens arrays focusing light onto four parallel-connected 4-junction CPV cells with a size of 7 mm² each, which are in turn electrically and thermally linked to the anode and cathode of two proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer cells connected in series.
An aluminum frame holds a Fresnel lens array at an 80 mm focal distance from the CPV solar cells, with screw adjustment for fine-tuning alignment. The solar cells are mounted on copper (Cu) substrates fixed to a large copper baseplate, which also supports the overall thermal and structural integration. A series-connected PEM electrolysis stack is attached to the rear of the baseplate, electrically and thermally linked to the CPV system via titanium (Ti) screws and the Cu interface.
Image: Fraunhofer ISE, communications engineering, CC BY 4.0
The CPV solar cells are built by wafer-bonding of two dual-junction structures, namely gallium indium phosphide (GaInP)/gallium arsenide (GaAs) and gallium indium arsenide phosphide (GaInAsP)/gallium indium arsenide (GaInAs). “This 4 J solar cell technology has demonstrated world record solar-to-electricity (STE) conversion efficiencies of up to 47.6% under the concentrated reference AM1.5 direct spectrum,” the scientists emphasized.
The PEM electrolyzer consists of two machined chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (PVC-C) plates that guide deionized water to the reaction chamber containing the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which uses a 175 μm perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membrane with a 1.13 cm² active area, coated with iridium at the anode and platinum at the cathode as catalysts. A titanium screw presses a titanium mesh onto the MEA to act as a porous transport layer and flow field for water distribution and product removal.
The whole system was designed to operate the electrolysis stage at elevated temperatures, ideally through thermal coupling with the CPV array.
In its current version, however, only limited passive heat transfer was achieved, so additional inlet water heating was required to sustain stable operation and maintain efficiency. “Hence, active heating will be avoided through an enhanced thermal coupling between the CPV and electrolysis cells in a future design,” the academics emphasized.
The conducted field testing of the CPV/PEM electrolysis system using a dual-axis solar tracker over 13 summer days in Freiburg, Germany, and found the system can achieve hydrogen production with a solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency of 31.3%. “This is 5% higher than the best photovoltaic/electrolysis systems reported in literature which range between 20 and 30%,” the team said.
This peak performance corresponded to operating conditions where the CPV array and PEM electrolysis stack reached efficiencies of 34.7% and 91.1%, respectively. At this operating point, the system operated at a current density of 368 mA/cm² and a cell voltage of 3.25 V. “No degradation was observed during the 107 hours of operation in which our system went through 13 dynamic cycles,” the researchers concluded, noting that increasing the capacity factor of the HyCon technology to 35% could enable a levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) below $3/kg.
 
 
 
 
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DNV launches floating solar standards  reNews
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Ministry data showed domestic solar module capacity nearly doubled from 38 gigawatt (GW) in March 2024 to 74 GW in March 2025, while solar cell capacity rose from nine GW to 25 GW over the same period. The increase in domestic manufacturing has improved supply chain resilience and supported larger deployments across states. Analysts said the capacity gains reflect policy support and market demand.
Despite the gains, the report observed a heavy reliance on imports for key upstream components. In the financial year 2025 India imported around 35 million (mn) solar modules valued at about 1.6 billion (bn) US dollars, with an estimated 60 to 80 per cent procured from China. These figures underline the gap between module assembly and upstream material production and the challenge of moving up the value chain. The report recommended accelerating localisation to capture value and reduce vulnerability to global supply disruptions.
Overall non-fossil fuel capacity has crossed 50 per cent of total installed capacity, reaching 262.7 GW, according to the ministry. Solar and wind account for the bulk of recent additions and continue to shape the power mix as thermal capacity adjusts. Policymakers and industry participants were said to be focused on scaling manufacturing, addressing logistics and improving financing to sustain the energy transition. Policy efforts are concentrated on incentives, technology transfer and investment in domestic supply chains to reduce import dependence.
India ranks third globally in installed renewable energy capacity, according to a report by Morgan Stanley and data from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The report said the transition would reduce external dependence but that success would depend on how quickly the country localises critical segments such as solar cells, wafers and polysilicon. Officials noted that solar and wind additions have driven most recent growth. The Morgan Stanley analysis also emphasised the need to address manufacturing bottlenecks to sustain momentum. Ministry data showed domestic solar module capacity nearly doubled from 38 gigawatt (GW) in March 2024 to 74 GW in March 2025, while solar cell capacity rose from nine GW to 25 GW over the same period. The increase in domestic manufacturing has improved supply chain resilience and supported larger deployments across states. Analysts said the capacity gains reflect policy support and market demand. Despite the gains, the report observed a heavy reliance on imports for key upstream components. In the financial year 2025 India imported around 35 million (mn) solar modules valued at about 1.6 billion (bn) US dollars, with an estimated 60 to 80 per cent procured from China. These figures underline the gap between module assembly and upstream material production and the challenge of moving up the value chain. The report recommended accelerating localisation to capture value and reduce vulnerability to global supply disruptions. Overall non-fossil fuel capacity has crossed 50 per cent of total installed capacity, reaching 262.7 GW, according to the ministry. Solar and wind account for the bulk of recent additions and continue to shape the power mix as thermal capacity adjusts. Policymakers and industry participants were said to be focused on scaling manufacturing, addressing logistics and improving financing to sustain the energy transition. Policy efforts are concentrated on incentives, technology transfer and investment in domestic supply chains to reduce import dependence.
In a bid to ease congestion and improve urban mobility during monsoon, MMRDA has undertaken one of the largest coordinated barricade removal and monsoon preparedness drives across its ongoing metro and infrastructure projects.With substantial progress achieved in viaduct and structural works across multiple metro corridors, barricades from completed stretches beneath metro viaducts are being systematically removed, restoring maximum possible road space before the monsoon. Wider carriageways across key arterial roads are expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, support better rainwa..
The Pune railway division has announced plans to remove all 16 diamond crossings by the end of 2026 as part of a major yard remodelling project following the derailment of a Vande Bharat Express at Pune Junction on April 27. Railway authorities said the replacements aim to improve safety and streamline train operations across the busy station. The decision followed a Central Railway finding that the accident involved a non-standard diamond crossing and highlighted the need for replacement. Regular maintenance of existing crossings will continue until the replacement work is completed. Official..
The Goa state government has declared 80 million square metres (mn) of land a no development zone, designating the area as protected from new construction. The notification reclassifies tracts across the state under a no development category for planning and regulatory purposes. The declaration signals a formal halt to new building permits within the defined zone. Authorities indicated that maps will be issued to show broad boundaries while detailed surveys will refine precise limits. The move transfers responsibility for enforcement to local planning authorities and relevant departments, whic..
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Funding Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office is funding the American-Made Challenges: Perovskite Startup Prize, a two-stage, $3 million prize competition designed to accelerate the development and manufacturing of perovskite solar cells by moving world-class research out of the lab and into new U.S. companies.
Competitors who advance from the first stage to the second will receive a $200,000 cash prize. The winners of the second stage will receive $500,000 in cash—a combined total of $700,000—plus $100,000 in technical support vouchers for launching a viable solar manufacturing company with the potential to introduce marketable perovskite products in the United States.
By soliciting the talents and innovative spirit of diverse American entrepreneurs, the Perovskite Startup Prize will advance this promising technology and help increase opportunities for U.S. manufacturers.
The prize was announced on March 25, 2021. Applicants had to build teams and form for-profit U.S. companies whose date of incorporation was on or after October 16, 2020. Individuals and nonprofits were not eligible to compete.
On January 30, 2024 SETO announced one grand prize winner for the Liftoff Competition.
The first stage of the competition is the Countdown Contest. To enter, participants must assemble a team of strong technical and business experts and then submit plans for a viable perovskite solar business with quantifiable goals. During the contest, teams can leverage the American-Made Network—consisting of national laboratories, investors, industry experts, and more—for resources, connections, and technical support. Teams selected to advance to the next stage of the competition will receive $200,000 in cash.
The second and final stage of the competition is the Liftoff Contest. Competitors will complete the objectives in the plan evaluated during the Countdown Contest, obtain third-party validation of their perovskite solar cells and modules, and solidify the network that will help them launch their business.
SETO added a new prize level called the Power Up Prize, which will provide a $40,000 cash prize to support teams that present a compelling innovation that needs further refinement. Power Up Prize winners are encouraged to further iterate on their technology and continue competing in future Countdown deadlines.
Verde Technologies
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Project Summary: In partnership with a network of national labs, research groups, and industrial partners, this project is developing a domestically manufactured lightweight and flexible perovskite solar module. The goal is to make the panels more efficient than foreign-sourced panels and less costly to install, resulting in a more robust solar supply chain and a lower levelized cost of energy for all. The team’s core technical differentiator is its ability to rapidly translate laboratory-scale perovskite advancements to commercially-relevant manufacturing processes, in part using a novel solution processing hardware called Verde Slot Coating. Throughout the Countdown Phase of the Perovskite Startup Prize, the team used its expertise in coating to successfully integrate and translate third-party intellectual property into scalable processes, complete a full-scale manufacturing trial with industrial partners, demonstrate strong market pull for novel perovskite solar products, and raise capital from investors.
Perotech Energy
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Project Summary: This team’s innovation is developing perovskite bifacial modules using high throughput and a low-cost solution process with high stability and energy yield.
American Perovskites 
Location: San Jose, California
Project Summary: This team is working with a host of players including Colorado School of Mines, TDA Research, TandemPV, and the University of Toledo. Their approach is to scale up the production of novel materials that can be used in perovskite solar cells and improve the reliability, performance, and cost of these device components.
MujiElectric
Location: Renton, WA
Project Summary: This team, a previous Power Up Prize Winner, is working closely with the University of Washington and is licensing technology from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Their innovation aims to produce and commercialize state-of-the-art high-efficiency perovskite solar cells.
Verde Technologies
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Project Summary: This startup spun out of the University of Vermont and is demonstrating a high-performing, single-junction perovskite device, with the goal of developing a flexible all-perovskite tandem module for the residential solar market.
SoFab Inks
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Project Summary: This startup spun out of the University of Louisville and is developing high-performance inks to be used in perovskite devices.
Beyond Silicon
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Project Summary: This team, a startup that spun out of Arizona State University, is developing a perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cell that has the potential to surpass the efficiency limit of standard silicon solar cells. Beyond Silicon’s mission is to bring to market perovskite/silicon two-terminal tandem solar cells that are more than 28% efficient in 2024.
MujiElectric
Location: Renton, Washington
Project Summary: This team is working closely with the University of Washington and is licensing technology from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Their innovation aims to produce and commercialize state-of-the-art high-efficiency perovskite solar cells.
Perotech Energy
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Project Summary: This startup spun out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is developing perovskite bifacial modules using high-throughput, low-cost solution processes with high stability and energy yield.
The Perovskite Startup Prize is part of the American-Made Challenges and is administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
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Breakthrough in solar manufacturing for battery-free sensors  Industry Update
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Each year, some of the power solar could have produced is blocked by aerosols.
Coal is by far the most polluting fuel that we use. It produces the most carbon emissions per unit of energy, and impurities in the coal produce a lot of sulfur dioxide aerosols, as well as nitrous and nitrogen oxides. Then there’s the coal ash that’s left behind, which typically contains a lot of toxic metals. The health benefits of displacing coal power are typically estimated to be well above the costs of the new generating equipment. 
But a new study suggests that the problems with coal-derived pollution go beyond health; it interferes with other power sources. Researchers have found that aerosols, both natural and human-derived, significantly reduce the power we could be getting from solar panels, to the tune of hundreds of terawatts a year. And a lot of those aerosols come from burning coal.
The new work, done by a team in the UK, is based on a new global inventory of solar facilities. This started with known inventories of solar facilities, and was supplemented with AI-analyzed satellite imagery and crowdsourced records of locations. Satellite images were then used to determine the size of these facilities, and location-tagged weather data could then be used to estimate their power production.
That could then be used to estimate what the facilities would be producing if clouds and/or aerosols weren’t scattering the sunlight that would otherwise reach the panels. This produced some significant numbers. In 2023, for example, over a quarter of the potential solar power production was lost, with over 20 percent due to clouds and another 6 percent from aerosols. That works out to be a bit over 500 terawatt-hours, or the full annual output of 84 coal plants (each with a 1 GW generating capacity). 
Aerosols alone are a major contributor to these losses. The researchers note that, for the five years leading up to 2023, we installed enough solar capacity to produce an average of 250 TW-hr of additional power per year, but were losing 75 TW-hr of that to aerosols. (Obviously, solar production kept going up because the existing capacity rose each year.)
The researchers note that aerosols can also contribute to cloud formation, which also causes further losses. But the degree of that contribution is much harder to estimate, so the researchers focus on aerosols for much of the analysis. Some of those aerosols occur naturally, typically from dust kicked up by winds in desert regions. However, despite deserts’ reputation as sunny paradises, the world as a whole hasn’t built much solar infrastructure in the desert yet, so this isn’t as much of a factor as you might expect. 
Coal appears to be a major contributor. It’s estimated that sulfur dioxide aerosols, primarily produced through coal burning, account for nearly half of the aerosols analyzed here. Carbon-rich material, which also typically comes from fossil fuels, accounts for another 18 percent. 
The impact of aerosols, however, is not evenly distributed. In China, the researchers estimated that aerosols were reducing solar production by 7.7 percent overall and offsetting anywhere from a third to half of its annual growth. The researchers note that “the spatial distribution of photovoltaic losses in China mirrors that of its coal-fired power capacity,” and an analysis of pollution data from China shows that 30 percent of the losses due to aerosols can be attributed to coal burning. 
In contrast, most solar production in the US takes place in the south and west, while coal plants are more common in the east and northeast. As a result, the annual losses in the US were less than half of those seen in China (3 percent).
The good news is that things are getting better in China. In response to some severe pollution problems, the country built a new generation of high-efficiency coal plants and retired some of the worst polluters. And the data show that this is also benefiting solar power, with the impact of aerosols dropping over the last few years.
Even with the improvements, it’s striking that coal appears to be the only power source that actively reduces the productivity of what’s shaping up to be its primary competitor. It should also provide an impetus to move off coal more quickly, as at least some of the loss of coal production will be offset by enhanced productivity from solar.
Nature Sustainability, 2026. DOI: 10.1038/s41893-026-01836-5
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The dawn of 24/7 solar power  Financial Times
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Jitendra Singh Inaugurates 200 MW Solar Module Manufacturing Facility of Central Electronics Limited to Strengthen India’s Clean Energy Sector  SolarQuarter
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Author : Manini
As solar power drives India’s energy transition, the challenge is shifting from rapid capacity addition to ensuring grid stability, storage integration, and market readiness so that renewable growth translates into reliable and sustainable power
Image Source: Pexels

Solar power is driving India’s energy transition. Over the past decade, competitive auctions have sharply reduced tariffs, making solar one of the cheapest renewable sources in the country. This cost advantage has accelerated adoption across both utility-scale and decentralised segments. Consequently, installed capacity has expanded from just 2.8 GW in 2014 to 140.6 GW, accounting for around 27 percent of total installed generation capacity as of January 31, 2026.
The more important question, though, is what happens when the sun is not shining. Storage is one solution. At the same time, the growing cost-competitiveness of solar-plus-storage projects points to a shift in capacity addition, as well as how power is produced and priced. However, sustaining this momentum and scaling further will depend on addressing gaps the sector still faces.
In calendar year (CY) 2025, India added 37.9 GW of solar capacity, including 28.6 GW of utility-scale capacity (up 54.6 percent year-on-year), 7.9 GW of rooftop solar (up 72 percent), and 1.35 GW of off-grid installations (down 8.8 percent). As a result, total solar capacity rose to 135.81 GW by December 2025, and further to around 143 GW by February 2026, within overall power generation capacity exceeding 524 GW. India’s current pipeline across wind, solar, hybrid, and storage projects is around 169 GW. Of this, about 68 GW is solar, with another 10 GW under bidding, likely to become operational over the next 4-5 years. This has positioned India as the world’s third-largest solar market, while domestic manufacturing capacity has increased to 173 GW of solar modules.
While solar capacity has expanded rapidly, it needs adequate storage to ensure generation is not lost and curtailment risks remain limited. However, battery energy storage systems (BESS) are still at an early stage in India. Between 2022 and May 2025, around 12.8 GWh of BESS capacity was auctioned across hybrid and standalone projects. However, operational capacity lagged far behind, with only 219 MWh active as of March 2024, owing to a large pipeline under construction. From an operational base of around 507 MWh at the end of 2025, storage capacity is projected to rise to nearly 5 GWh by the end of 2026, largely driven by projects already under execution.
For renewable energy (RE) to play a reliable role in the transition, cost remains a key factor. Over time, solar power in India has become significantly more competitive, driven mainly by competitive auctions and falling technology costs.
While storage increases costs compared to standalone solar, it also makes power dispatchable. At current price levels, it is increasingly competitive with coal-based power.
The levelised cost of energy for solar PV currently stands at around INR 3.5/kWh. Tariffs have fallen from nearly INR 15/kWh in the early 2010s to INR 2.44/kWh in 2017, and further to around INR 2/kWh in 2020, as seen in the Bhadla and Solar Energy Corporation of India auctions. More recently, tariffs have stabilised at around INR 2.86/kWh in 2025, reflecting changing cost conditions. Solar is now cheaper than the variable cost of coal-based power.
However, tariff-based comparisons alone do not capture intermittency. For solar to provide reliable power, storage costs also need to be considered. Solar-plus-storage projects are beginning to address this gap. A TERI study highlights that if standalone solar generation costs INR 2.5/kWh, adding BESS raises the cost to around INR 3.9-4.3/kWh, while solar plus pumped storage costs around INR 4.4-4.9/kWh. Even then, this remains lower than new thermal power, estimated at around INR 5.4–5.8/kWh.
This suggests that while storage increases costs compared to standalone solar, it also makes power dispatchable. At current price levels, it is increasingly competitive with coal-based power.
Achieving India’s 2030 targets will require a sustained scale-up in solar deployment. JMK Research projects about 42.5 GW of new solar capacity in CY 2026 alone. Looking further ahead, NITI Aayog estimates that solar could account for 46 percent of India’s total 856 GW power capacity by 2047 under its “India Energy Securities Scenarios 2047” framework.
At the same time, storage requirements are expected to rise. Reflecting the National Electricity Plan 2023, the Central Electricity Authority estimates BESS capacity of 236.2 GWh by 2031-32, alongside 175.2 GWh of pumped hydro storage.
To support the scale-up, the government has introduced a mix of measures across demand creation, manufacturing, grid integration, and storage:
Many de-risking initiatives, including competitive bidding guidelines and transparent e-auctions, have also helped push tariffs down. Project aggregation, standardised tenders, pre-bid consultations, and long-term contracts of at least 25 years have also improved investor confidence and reduced price volatility.
Beyond direct policy incentives, India’s institutional framework has also supported scale-up. Mechanisms like open access and captive procurement allow large consumers (with loads above 1 MW) to source power directly from generators, rather than relying solely on local DISCOMs. Supported by a unified national grid, this creates flexibility on the supply side by allowing clean power to be sourced across regions and transmitted where needed. Captive and group captive solar plants, set up in the open access market, also benefit from lower, more predictable energy costs and have lower exposure to DISCOM tariff hikes. Overall, this makes India’s market structure more flexible than in many advanced economies.
Many de-risking initiatives, including competitive bidding guidelines and transparent e-auctions, have also helped push tariffs down. Project aggregation, standardised tenders, pre-bid consultations, and long-term contracts of at least 25 years have also improved investor confidence and reduced price volatility.
Despite early investments, subsidies, and falling costs helping scale solar in India, many challenges continue to hinder growth.
Grid-related constraints remain a major concern. High integration costs (INR 5-20 lakhs/MW), transmission delays, and land acquisition hurdles continue to slow the expansion of solar-heavy grids. At the same time, manufacturing capacity is beginning to outpace demand. With 173 GW module capacity, utilisation levels remain low. Many factories built to exceed 125 GW capacity are only utilising 25 percent of it, raising the risk of oversupply, without a matching rise in domestic demand.
India’s solar expansion, from 2.8 GW in 2014 to more than 140 GW in 2026, reflects rapid scaling. However, meeting the 500 GW non-fossil fuel target will depend not only on installed capacity, but also on improving storage, grid integration, transmission and demand absorption.
Storage gaps further complicate the transition. Limited storage increases the risk of curtailment. Between May and December 2025, India reduced 2.3 TWh of solar generation to maintain grid stability. In parallel, RPO targets continue to see uneven compliance across states. DISCOM financial stress, uneven policy implementation, and slow rooftop adoption also continue to affect deployment. Although dependence on imported components, particularly from China, has reduced over time, supply-chain vulnerabilities remain relevant.
India’s solar expansion, from 2.8 GW in 2014 to more than 140 GW in 2026, reflects rapid scaling. However, meeting the 500 GW non-fossil fuel target will depend not only on installed capacity, but also on improving storage, grid integration, transmission and demand absorption.
While falling tariffs and policy support have made a difference, capacity addition alone does not always translate into usable power. For solar to lead India’s broader transition and support the Viksit Bharat vision, addressing these structural gaps will be essential.
Manini is a Research Assistant with the Centre for Economy and Growth at the Observer Research Foundation.
Manini is a Research Assistant at the Centre for Economy and Growth, ORF New Delhi. Her research focuses on the intersection of geopolitics with international …
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