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Indian domestic solar module manufacturing capacity has exceeded 100GW, up from just 2.3GW in 2014, according to energy minister Pralhad Joshi.
All of this capacity is listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), a list of largely Indian-based manufacturers whose solar products are eligible for use on government-supported projects.
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The government has sought to expand Indian domestic manufacturing capacity in recent years – adding over 25GW of new module capacity alone in 2024 – and Joshi attributed this growth to policies such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which incentivises industrial manufacturing in India.
“We are building a robust, self-reliant solar manufacturing ecosystem,” said Joshi. “This achievement strengthens our path towards Atmanirbhar Bharat [‘Self-reliant India’] and the target of 500GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.”
The ALMM was first introduced in 2019, and expanded to cover the solar module space in March 2021. In the last four years, the number of ALMM-registered manufacturers has grown from 21 to 100, operating 123 separate manufacturing facilities.
Despite this growth in module manufacturing capacity, upstream manufacturing capacity has lagged behind, leaving India reliant on imports of cells and wafers from overseas, most notably China. Cell and wafer manufacturing are more expensive and complicated processes, which take longer to establish.
This week, an Ember report found that, between January and June this year, India’s monthly imports of Chinese cells and wafers had increased.
Earlier this month, India updated its ALMM to include solar cell manufacturers, adding six companies with 13GW of annual cell manufacturing capacity. The country had already nearly trebled its cell manufacturing capacity in the 12 months to March 2025, and sustaining this growth through the support of the ALMM scheme will be vital if India is to onshore its solar supply chain.
Earlier this month, the US Department of Commerce launched a new antidumping and countervailing (AD/CVD) investigation into solar products from India, alongside Indonesia and Laos.

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In one of the largest real-world demonstrations of construction robots being used at utility-scale solar construction so far, a Maximo robot has completed the successful installation of 100 MW of solar capacity at the sprawling AES Bellefield solar complex.
After completing the first half of the Bellefield complex last summer, Maximo engineers went into a higher gear, with the latest version 3.0 robots consistently surpassing an installation rate of one module per minute, with construction crews installing as many as 24 solar panel modules per hour, per person.
If that sounds fast, that’s because it is. At full tilt, the latest Maximo robot-equipped crews have nearly doubled the output of traditional installation methods at similar solar locations throughout Southern California.
“Reaching 100 MW is an important milestone for Maximo and for the role robotics can play in solar construction,” explains Chris Shelton, president of Maximo. “It demonstrates that field robotics can move beyond experimentation and deliver consistent results at utility scale. As solar deployment continues to accelerate globally, technologies that improve installation speed, quality and reliability will become increasingly important.”
Like every other startup fishing for investors, Maximo is playing up the AI angle with claims that NVIDIA supported the development and readiness of the Maximo robots deployed at the Bellefield complex.
(By) leveraging NVIDIA AI infrastructure together with NVIDIA Omniverse libraries and NVIDIA Isaac Sim open robotics simulation framework, the Maximo team was able to develop, test and refine robotic capabilities through physics-based simulation and AI driven modeling before deploying updates in the field. The combination of AI, vision, robotics and simulation driven engineering reduced development and validation timelines and increased confidence in field performance as the robotic fleet scaled.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) powered the development, deployment, and operation of Maximo’s AI-driven field systems. AWS provides scalable computing, automated software delivery, and advanced data analytics, including real-time construction intelligence, enabling Maximo to collect operational robotics data and continuously improve performance.
MAXIMO
The rapid deployment of solar panels at utility scale projects like this one – set to eventually reach over a GW of solar generating capacity – could not come at a better time, with a continuing war in the Middle East and potentially permanently crippled fossil fuel production capabilities driving up energy costs as the demands for new data centers and EV charging infrastructure pile on the energy demands.
“Innovation in carbon-free energy development is critical to meeting the world’s growing energy needs,” said Kara Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer, Amazon. “By combining AI and robotics, technologies like Maximo demonstrate how we can accelerate the transition to carbon-free energy while improving safety and efficiency. Amazon is proud to support projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable infrastructure.”
Like just about every other business that demands a high degree of physical labor, the construction industry is facing huge labor shortages, making machines like Maximo that provide real efficiency gains welcome additions to the job site.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Maximo.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
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Cheap Solar Is Transforming Lives and Economies Across Africa  nytimes.com
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Rooftop solar has gone from a niche green technology to a mainstream financial decision. Over 5 million American homes now have solar panels, and the cost has dropped more than 70% since 2010. But “worth it” depends on where you live, how much you pay for electricity, and how you finance the system.
This guide cuts through the marketing hype and gives you the real numbers.
Solar panel prices are often quoted in “cost per watt,” which includes panels, inverter, racking, labor, permits, and interconnection. Here’s what a complete residential installation costs at different system sizes:
Your payback period depends primarily on two factors: how much you currently pay for electricity and how much sunlight your location receives. States with high electricity rates and good sun exposure have the fastest payback:
Estimates assume an 8 kW system, include the 30% federal ITC, and factor in state/local incentives where applicable. Actual results depend on roof orientation, shading, and local utility policies.
Solar isn’t the right choice for every home. Here are situations where the math doesn’t work:
Net metering is the single most important policy factor in residential solar economics. Under full net metering, your utility credits you at the full retail rate for every kWh your panels send to the grid. Without it, you may only receive wholesale rates (2–5¢/kWh) for excess production.
Adding a home battery (Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ, Franklin WH) costs $8,000–$15,000 installed and is eligible for the 30% federal tax credit. A battery makes financial sense when:
For most American homeowners with a suitable roof, a decent sun exposure, and electricity rates above 14¢/kWh, rooftop solar is a strong investment in 2026. The 30% federal tax credit (available through 2032), falling panel prices, and rising electricity rates make the math better than it’s ever been.
The key is running the numbers for your specific situation: your roof, your usage, your rate, and your state’s net metering policy. Start by checking current electricity rates in your state and comparing that to the projected cost of solar power over 25 years.
NREL residential solar cost benchmarks (2025), SEIA/Wood Mackenzie U.S. Solar Market Insight, DSIRE state incentive database, LBNL “Tracking the Sun” report, EIA state electricity rate data. Last updated March 17, 2026.
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The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) says its AUD 25.3 million ($16.5 million) investment will help SunDrive commercialize copper-based solar cell technology as a low-cost, silver-free alternative.
Image: SunDrive
From pv magazine Australia
ARENA has committed AUD 25.3 million to Sydney-based solar technology company SunDrive to advance its copper solar cell innovation toward large-scale production.
SunDrive’s copper metallization process replaces silver in solar cells to reduce costs and improve efficiency, supporting ARENA’s ultra-low-cost solar initiative.
Funded through ARENA’s Advancing Renewables Program (ARP), the investment will enable SunDrive to expand from research and development at its South Sydney facility to a 300 MW commercial-scale production tool. The project involves collaboration with solar manufacturing firms Maxwell Technologies and Jiangsu Vistar Equipment Technology.
SunDrive Chief Executive Officer Natalie Malligan said the funding marks a major step from world-leading research to commercial reality.
“It’s a strong validation of our strategy to develop world-class solar innovation here in Australia and partner with the best in the industry to industrialize it,” Malligan said. “It shows how Australian innovation can compete globally, and how with the right support, we can take homegrown technology to the world.”
SunDrive Co-founder Vince Allen said world records in cell efficiency have already been broken with Maxwell Technologies.
“This next phase builds on that success and represents the culmination of our work to translate our copper plating technology into the industrial tools that will define the next generation of solar cell technology,” Allen said. “With silver prices nearly tripling in three years and solar now using a third of global industrial silver, the industry urgently needs a silver-free alternative. With ARENA’s support and our partners’ expertise, this project intends to deliver a scalable mass-production solution.”
ARENA has previously provided AUD 14 million to support SunDrive’s demonstration of copper metallization technology.
ARENA Chief Executive Officer Darren Miller said SunDrive is tackling one of the biggest cost drivers in solar manufacturing and showing how Australian research can lead next-generation innovation.
“Not only is copper more abundant and cheaper than silver, but SunDrive’s unique manufacturing process also results in higher cell and module efficiencies which could have huge benefits for global decarbonisation efforts,” Miller said. “We’re providing a further AUD 25 million in funding to help scale up SunDrive’s technology which could significantly help push the boundaries of efficiency and affordability and unlock the potential of ultra-low-cost solar.”
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This agreement will create jobs and stabilize the power grid.
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Apple signed a 15-year renewable power purchase agreement with Engie.
According to Renewable Energy Magazine, Engie will build two wind farms, one wind repowering farm, and two agrivoltaics plants for this agreement. These farms will begin operations between 2026 and 2027 in Southern Italy. 
About 80% of the energy created on these farms will power Apple. The other 20% will fuel the electrical grid, delivering enough electricity to power about 30,000 homes for a year. Annually, the renewable energy sources created through this contract will prevent 160,000 tons of carbon pollution, equal to the emissions from 70,000 gas-powered cars. 
This agreement will create jobs, stabilize the power grid, and reduce reliance on expensive fuels such as oil and gas. By switching from planet-warming sources of energy, people in the area can enjoy secure, consistent power while saving money. Plus, it reduces impacts on the environment, creating a cooler, cleaner planet.
The two wind farms will collect energy from wind. The repowering farm will refurbish old, inefficient wind turbines, and the agrivoltaics plants will combine agriculture with solar power generation.
Installing solar panels can bring your cost of energy down to or near $0, potentially massively reducing your utility bills. Use TCD’s Solar Explorer to connect with vetted installers and compare local bids, and you could save up to $10,000 on a solar installation.
The Solar Explorer also has $0 down subscription programs that can reduce your utility rates by as much as 20%. For example, Palmetto’s LightReach solar panel leasing program allows you to lock in low energy rates. Another Solar Explorer partner, EnergySage, has several free tools to help you find incentives, get quotes, and match with installers. 
Plus, with the free Palmetto Home app, you can earn up to $5,000 in rewards for home upgrades when you make simple, everyday changes.
“Through strategic partnerships like this one, we are accelerating the shift toward a carbon-neutral future, accompanying our clients in their sustainability journey,” Edouard Neviaski, an executive vice president at Engie, said.
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India installed 14.3GW of new utility-scale solar capacity in the first half (H1) of 2025, marking a 49% increase year-on-year, according to energy consultancy firm JMK Research. 
Earlier this year, India crossed 100GW of cumulative solar capacity, becoming the world’s fourth-largest PV market, while domestic module manufacturing jumped from 2.3GW in 2014 to over 100GW. 
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According to JMK’s latest report, India RE Update Q2 2025, rooftop solar additions surged 76% year-on-year to reach 3.2GW during the same period. For the full calendar year, India is projected to add 39GW of solar capacity, including 30.2GW of utility-scale, 7GW of rooftop, and 1.8GW of off-grid projects. By comparison, JMK’s July report had forecasted 28.3GW of utility-scale and rooftop solar PV installations in India for fiscal year 2026.
On a state level, growth was concentrated in a handful of markets. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu together accounted for nearly 81% of solar installations in the first half of this year. Gujarat led with approximately 6GW, followed by Rajasthan (5.5GW) and Maharashtra (3.6GW). 
In terms of financing, India’s renewable energy sector attracted more than US$4.87 billion in investments in Q2 2025, about 21% lower than Q1 2025. 
However, the report flagged concerns on the tendering side. In Q2 2025, solar tenders accounted for just 10% of total capacity issued, with volumes falling 60% quarter-on-quarter. JMK attributed the decline to a shift away from vanilla solar projects toward hybrid and other non-vanilla renewable energy (RE) tenders, compounded by power sale agreements (PSA) delays and transmission bottlenecks. 
India’s domestic module sector continued its rapid expansion in Q2 2025, with 11 manufacturers announcing plans for nearly 17GW of new solar module capacity, according to JMK Research. 
New entrants are joining established players to capture rising demand. Sunkind India has partnered with ConfirmWare PV Manufacturing Solutions to deploy 4GW over the next two years, while Future Solar aims to scale from its current 644MW to 4GW by mid-2026. Novasys is planning a 2.6GW TOPCon module assembly plant by 2026, and Solarium Green Energy is re-entering module production with a 1GW automated module assembly plant in Ahmedabad. 
Moreover, shipments in the second quarter totalled 8.6GW across the top 21 players, with the top five manufacturers – Waaree, Goldi Solar, ReNew, Rayzon Solar and Adani – accounting for around 57% of volumes.  
International suppliers had only a marginal presence, with Chinese firms Trina Solar and Astroenergy representing about 3.4% of shipments, compared to 95.3% from domestic players. 
The trend highlights the combined impact of India’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) mandate and policy support for self-reliance, which continue to cement the dominance of Indian manufacturers in the country’s solar supply chain. 
Additionally, in Q2 2025, Waaree and Adani collectively exported around 1.33GW of solar PV modules, up 774MW from Q1 2025. Waaree’s exports accounted for 62.5% of its total module production, while Adani’s contributed 44%. Other domestic players held smaller shares, with Saatvik at 3.25% and Rayzon at 0.12%. 
According to a JMK Research report in May 2025, India shipped 12.5GW of solar modules in the first quarter of the year. Over half of this came from the top five manufacturers, led by Waaree with over 2GW, followed by Chinese firm TrinaSolar, one of only two international shippers. Domestic players accounted for nearly 90% of total shipments. 
India’s solar trade balance remained in net import territory, with module imports totalling US$232.31 million and cells worth US$607.90 million, compared to exports of US$544.94 million for modules and US$4.06 million for cells. China dominated module imports, supplying 67%, followed by Vietnam, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates and the US. 
The US was the main export destination, taking 97.3% of India’s module shipments. However, Donald Trump’s 25% tariff on Indian imports from 1 August 2025, a potential additional 25% tax on crude oil imports, and US AD/CVD investigations into PV cells from India, Indonesia, and Laos threaten India’s foothold in the US market.

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India’s Dependence on China in the Renewable Energy Industry and the Future Outlook  spf.org
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Aftrak’s solar-powered micro electric tractors bring light to farmers in Malawi  cnn.com
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Sometimes two is better than one. Coupling solar energy and storage technologies is one such case. The reason: Solar energy is not always produced at the time energy is needed most. Peak power usage often occurs on summer afternoons and evenings, when solar energy generation is falling. Temperatures can be hottest during these times, and people who work daytime hours get home and begin using electricity to cool their homes, cook, and run appliances.
Storage helps solar contribute to the electricity supply even when the sun isn’t shining. It can also help smooth out variations in how solar energy flows on the grid. These variations are attributable to changes in the amount of sunlight that shines onto photovoltaic (PV) panels or concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) systems. Solar energy production can be affected by season, time of day, clouds, dust, haze, or obstructions like shadows, rain, snow, and dirt. Sometimes energy storage is co-located with, or placed next to, a solar energy system, and sometimes the storage system stands alone, but in either configuration, it can help more effectively integrate solar into the energy landscape.
“Storage” refers to technologies that can capture electricity, store it as another form of energy (chemical, thermal, mechanical), and then release it for use when it is needed. Lithium-ion batteries are one such technology. Although using energy storage is never 100% efficient—some energy is always lost in converting energy and retrieving it—storage allows the flexible use of energy at different times from when it was generated. So, storage can increase system efficiency and resilience, and it can improve power quality by matching supply and demand.
Storage facilities differ in both energy capacity, which is the total amount of energy that can be stored (usually in kilowatt-hours or megawatt-hours), and power capacity, which is the amount of energy that can be released at a given time (usually in kilowatts or megawatts). Different energy and power capacities of storage can be used to manage different tasks. Short-term storage that lasts just a few minutes will ensure a solar plant operates smoothly during output fluctuations due to passing clouds, while longer-term storage can help provide supply over days or weeks when solar energy production is low or during a major weather event, for example. 
Balancing electricity loads – Without storage, electricity must be generated and consumed at the same time, which may mean that grid operators take some generation offline, or “curtail” it, to avoid over-generation and grid reliability issues. Conversely, there may be other times, after sunset or on cloudy days, when there is little solar production but plenty of demand for power. Enter storage, which can be filled or charged when generation is high and power consumption is low, then dispensed when the load or demand is high. When some of the electricity produced by the sun is put into storage, that electricity can be used whenever grid operators need it, including after the sun has set. In this way, storage acts as an insurance policy for sunshine.
“Firming” solar generation – Short-term storage can ensure that quick changes in generation don’t greatly affect the output of a solar power plant. For example, a small battery can be used to ride through a brief generation disruption from a passing cloud, helping the grid maintain a “firm” electrical supply that is reliable and consistent.
Providing resilience – Solar and storage can provide backup power during an electrical disruption. They can keep critical facilities operating to ensure continuous essential services, like communications. Solar and storage can also be used for microgrids and smaller-scale applications, like mobile or portable power units.
The most common type of energy storage in the power grid is pumped hydropower. But the storage technologies most frequently coupled with solar power plants are electrochemical storage (batteries) with PV plants and thermal storage (fluids) with CSP plants. Other types of storage, such as compressed air storage and flywheels, may have different characteristics, such as very fast discharge or very large capacity, that make them attractive to grid operators. More information on other types of storage is below. 
Pumped-storage hydropower is an energy storage technology based on water. Electrical energy is used to pump water uphill into a reservoir when energy demand is low. Later, the water can be allowed to flow back downhill and turn a turbine to generate electricity when demand is high. Pumped hydro is a well-tested and mature storage technology that has been used in the United States since 1929. However, it requires suitable landscapes and reservoirs, which may be natural lakes or man-made by constructing dams, requiring lengthy regulatory permits, long implementation times, and large initial capital. Other than energy arbitrage, pumped hydro’s value of services to integrate variable renewables are not fully realized, which can make the financial payback period long. These are some of the reasons pumped hydro has not been built recently, even though interest is evident from requests to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for preliminary permits and licenses.
Many of us are familiar with electrochemical batteries, like those found in laptops and mobile phones. When electricity is fed into a battery, it causes a chemical reaction, and energy is stored. When a battery is discharged, that chemical reaction is reversed, which creates voltage between two electrical contacts, causing current to flow out of the battery. The most common chemistry for battery cells is lithium-ion, but other common options include lead-acid, sodium, and nickel-based batteries.
Thermal energy storage is a family of technologies in which a fluid, such as water or molten salt, or other material is used to store heat. This thermal storage material is then stored in an insulated tank until the energy is needed. The energy may be used directly for heating and cooling, or it can be used to generate electricity. In thermal energy storage systems intended for electricity, the heat is used to boil water. The resulting steam drives a turbine and produces electrical power using the same equipment that is used in conventional electricity generating stations. Thermal energy storage is useful in CSP plants, which focus sunlight onto a receiver to heat a working fluid. Supercritical carbon dioxide is being explored as a working fluid that could take advantage of higher temperatures and reduce the size of generating plants.
A flywheel is a heavy wheel attached to a rotating shaft. Expending energy can make the wheel turn faster. This energy can be extracted by attaching the wheel to an electrical generator, which uses electromagnetism to slow the wheel down and produce electricity. Although flywheels can quickly provide power, they can’t store a lot of energy.
Compressed air storage systems consist of large vessels, like tanks, or natural formations, like caves. A compressor system pumps the vessels full of pressurized air. Then the air can be released and used to drive a turbine that produces electricity. Existing compressed air energy storage systems often use the released air as part of a natural gas power cycle to produce electricity.
Solar power can be used to create new fuels that can be combusted (burned) or consumed to provide energy, effectively storing the solar energy in the chemical bonds. Among the possible fuels researchers are examining are hydrogen, produced by separating it from the oxygen in water, and methane, produced by combining hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Methane is the main component of natural gas, which is commonly used to produce electricity or heat homes.
Energy can also be stored by changing how we use the devices we already have. For example, by heating or cooling a building before an anticipated peak of electrical demand, the building can “store” that thermal energy so it doesn’t need to consume electricity later in the day. The building itself is acting as a thermos by storing cool or warm air. A similar process can be applied to water heaters to spread demand out over the day. 
Ultimately, residential and commercial solar customers, and utilities and large-scale solar operators alike, can benefit from solar-plus-storage systems. As research continues and the costs of solar energy and storage come down, solar and storage solutions will become more accessible to all Americans.
Learn more about solar office’s systems integration program. 
Learn about DOE’s Energy Storage Grand Challenge.
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Research in photovoltaic (PV) system design and energy yield aims to understand how solar installations can be best configured and operated to maximize the amount of electricity the system will generate over the course of its service lifetime while minimizing costs. Energy yield is the amount of energy actually harvested from solar panels, taking into consideration external factors like heat, dirt, and shade, whereas efficiency refers to testing done in lab conditions.
Research in this area is focused on improving the value of PV systems by increasing their annual energy production, reducing system capital expenditures, lowering the operations and maintenance (O&M) costs, and ensuring this value is understood by everyone associated with the PV system life cycle. Learn more about how PV technology works.
As more utilities rely on clean energy to meet customer demands, PV system design and energy yield research is critical to develop systems that deliver the maximum possible solar energy. Optimizing the design and construction of PV systems to maximize annual energy yield can have a significant impact on the overall cost. More accurate energy yield models can also affect the cost of the system by reducing the financing costs, because these models determine how panels and other system components meet expectations for output. Consistently meeting those expectations reduces financing risk for solar projects.
Research in this topic supports the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) goals of improving the affordability, performance, and value of solar technologies on the grid and meeting its 2030 cost target of $0.02 per kilowatt hour (kWh) for utility-scale PV. Learn more about SETO’s PV goals.
SETO’s research in this area includes developing system designs and hardware components that reduce the detrimental impact of soiling, module operating temperature, partial shading, and other sources of power loss during system operation. Research in this topic also covers the development of tools, techniques, and platforms for the measurement, analysis, characterization, and prediction of system performance and energy yield, including big data analysis to better understand performance or optimize O&M schedules. SETO also manages the PV Fleet Performance Data Initiative, which collects and analyzes nationwide PV plant operation data to provide plant owners and operators with confidential, detailed assessments of the performance of their fleet and sets benchmarks for the performance of the entire U.S. solar fleet. Several of SETO’s funding programs have projects that focus on PV system design and energy yield:
Learn more about PV research, other solar energy research in SETO, and current and former funding programs.
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“That’s an impressive drop in costs.”
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A homeowner in the r/solar Reddit community sparked a conversation after revealing how pairing solar panels with a new heat pump cut their annual electric bill by $500. 
The original poster explained that they replaced their 1990s-era heat pump with a modern Mitsubishi hyper-heat heat pump. Normally, upgrading to a heat pump is a great way to reduce home energy bills, but because this homeowner already had solar panels, their savings were boosted even further.
The only two months they had any electricity bills, other than the base charges for grid connection, were January and February. “For the year, thanks to my solar, I paid less than $110,” OP said. “Last year I was closer to $600 for electricity, so saved $500 off last year.”
“Solar plus modern cold-weather heat pumps are a match made in heaven,” the OP added. “You can’t beat not having a utility bill.” Another commenter noted, “that’s an impressive drop in costs.”
If you’re interested in following in this homeowner’s footsteps and upgrading to a highly efficient HVAC system, TCD partner Mitsubishi can help you slash your energy bills and understand the best system for your situation. 
Even better, energy-efficient heat pumps and solar panels help curb your home’s reliance on harmful fuels, such as natural gas and propane. Homeowners often don’t realize how many harmful pollutants gas-powered furnaces and stoves release. 
Over 80 million U.S. residents are struggling to pay their rising energy bills, but you can help reduce yours by taking control of your heating and cooling costs. 
• Mitsubishi can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect you with trusted installers 
• Not ready to spend up front? Palmetto’s $0-down HVAC leasing program can lower your energy costs by up to 50% 
• TCD’s HVAC Explorer makes it easy to access exclusive offers from preferred partners
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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 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.
Solar panels can save you more than $50k over their 25-year lifespan, and EnergySage can help you save as much as $10k on installation. Which begs the question — isn’t that worth an email or two?
Palmetto’s HVAC leasing program starts as low as $99 per month and includes 12 years of free maintenance for homeowners concerned about initial HVAC installation costs. 
This homeowner’s situation shows just how much more someone can save by pairing highly efficient appliances with solar panels. TCD partner EnergySage makes it simple to find the best solar panels and installers for your home and budget, and its tools could save you up to $10,000 on installation costs. 
To further push your savings, consider the free Palmetto Home app. By completing simple challenges, such as cutting down your home energy consumption, you could collect up to $5,000 in rewards to spend on home upgrades. 
Which of these savings plans for rooftop solar panels would be most appealing for you?
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Commenters on the Reddit post were quick to concur with OP’s findings. 
“My January bill was negative $21,” one homeowner with solar panels said. “I think February is going to be even better.” 
Another explained they have also seen a great season for their solar panel generation. 
“I’m seeing the most productivity this year than all previous years since 2019,” they wrote.
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King Charles Jokes About ‘Disaster’ After Knocking Down Plaque During Visit to Solar Panel Company  Yahoo
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STOCKTON, Ala. (WALA) – State legislators from the Gulf Coast have introduced bills that could temporarily halt a Stockton solar facility as Silicon Ranch, the company that wants to build a solar farm on the Stockton property, scheduled a meeting with citizens opposing the development.
State Sen. Greg Albritton and State Rep. Matt Simpson introduced complimentary bills that if passed, could temporarily stop the Stockton facility or any other solar site from moving forward. One bill would give county commissioners in Mobile and Baldwin counties regulatory control over future solar facilities built in their jurisdictions. The other bill would impose a one-year moratorium on new solar farm development.
Albritton said the moratorium would provide time to examine potential environmental impacts and create new parameters for solar site developers to follow.
“What we need to look at during that moratorium is we could take a look at the process and find out what’s going on,” Albritton said. “How did this happen in the first place and how can we prevent that from occurring in this vacuum and how can we get more transparency?”
Property rights at center of debate
The immediate challenge will be to convince other lawmakers across the state to support the legislation quickly. At the core of the fight is property rights and what can be done on unzoned private land. Alabama has put itself atop the list of industrial development leaders in the country.
“I’m certain that those questions will come up and I hope that those are done openly on the floor so that we can discuss them openly because that does affect all of Alabama and we need to address it, but just because it needs to be discussed does not mean that they need to have free reign,” Albritton said.
Silicon Ranch to hold public meeting
Nashville-based Silicon Ranch operates in 18 states and Canada. The company has faced community opposition before and will meet with the community Wednesday, April 8, in Bay Minette where they said they will address misinformation surrounding the project.
“One of the big points of misinformation is that we will be building in or damaging wetlands,” said Reagan Farr, co-founder and CEO of Silicon Ranch. “That is not true. The project is actually protecting wetlands. There’s eight hundred acres of wetlands onsite and we have set aside twenty-five hundred acres, all of which includes those wetlands and buffers around those wetlands.”
Representatives from the Alabama-based company that manufactures the solar panels will also attend to speak to their track record.
Farr said his company has a $350 million contract with Alabama Power to provide electricity and he intends to meet that obligation. He said he has seen this kind of opposition before but did not expect to run into it in Alabama.
“I expect this when I’m in Berkley, California,” Farr said. “I don’t expect it in Alabama and I sure don’t expect it from Republicans, so I would say that I am flabbergasted and do not understand, other than trying to curry favor with this Facebook group what they are defending or what they are trying to achieve. Very anti-business. Very anti individual rights and property rights with no justification.”
Farr said his company has already met with legislators in Montgomery and he is confident Albritton’s and Simpson’s bills will fail.
The public meeting is set for Wednesday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the John R. Rhodes Civic Center adjacent to City Hall. The company encouraged people to visit the Stockton Solar Farm page on Silicon Ranch’s website to give feedback. Farr will give a presentation and answer questions from the community.
Copyright 2026 WALA. All rights reserved.

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Photovoltaic System for Eisenach Plant Goes Online: Opel Drives Green Transformation of its Sites  media.stellantis.com
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The company plans to develop a solar farm partially on top of 123 acres of capped landfill, plus 234 acres of surrounding agricultural areas. It will pay the city $85 per acre as part of the lease.
“Today we got an outcome that gives us a real shot at making Lexington a leader, and not only the green energy revolution, but meeting the climate challenge, all the while doing some really good things for the community in the process,” said company CEO Adam Edelen.
The council’s vote on the lease had previously been delayed over concerns the city was not getting enough money from the developer. Before the final reading, members of the Lexington Model Airplane Club, whose headquarters are based near the landfill, came to council, warning they would be displaced if the solar project goes through.
“Flying is not just a hobby, it’s an opportunity to learn and to teach,” said club member Dale Arvin. “We work with a lot of youngsters on how to fly model airplanes, and at the same time, we teach them a little bit about physics, electronics, aerodynamics, mechanics and internal combustion engines, jet engines, electric motors, battery technology.”
The club’s current site is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration as an “FAA-Recognized Identification Area,” which allows drones and other remote-controlled aircraft to be flown without certain hardware restrictions.
“If we move, there is no guarantee the FAA will approve a new location,” said club member James Newberry. “Moving us doesn’t mean just a change of address. It risks a federal regulatory grounding that could end our club forever.”
Lexington Chief Administrative Officer Sally Hamilton said she has been working with the club to find a solution. The club’s lease ends in April, and there have been discussions to extend the lease one extra month while they try to find ways to move forward.
“This is a really difficult situation, because both of these projects are really, really good. They just can’t coexist with each other,” she said.
The council voted mostly in favor of moving forward with the solar farm lease, in part because of timeline concerns. Edelen has said the company would need to start construction in mid-June to qualify for federal tax credits on renewable energy.
Those credits are scheduled to sunset in July as part of the Big, Beautiful Bill. Major delays would be a blow to the solar farm’s financial prospects, and Edelen said missing out would effectively kill the project.
An amendment to the resolution approving the lease would tie the project’s community benefits agreement, meant to help lower energy costs for low-income households, to the city’s industrial revenue bond, which incentivizes economic development. Both would come before council at the same time.
The agreement would need to be finalized and approved before construction begins in earnest.
“Tying those two together, we have an opportunity to have a real conversation with the developer about what’s best for the community as that project moves forward,” said at-large council member James Brown, who introduced the amendment.
Edelen will now reach out to financiers to secure funding for the solar project. He’s hopeful the city bond and the community benefits agreement are approved by the urban county council before the body takes its July recess.
The council voted 10-3 to approve the lease, with two members absent.

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The Indian solar industry has 86GW and 182GW of annual solar cell and module manufacturing capacity, respectively, expected to be commissioned by 2027.
This is one of the key findings from a recent report from market research firm Mercom India, which highlights that a further 85GW and 97GW of solar cell and module manufacturing capacity, respectively, are forecast to come online by 2030 at the latest.
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In total, this represents 171GW of solar cell capacity and 279GW of annual module manufacturing capacity to be commissioned by 2030.
For comparison, the country is forecast to install 28.3GW of utility-scale and rooftop solar during the fiscal year 2026, which is between April 2025 and March 2026. Even if not all of this module manufacturing capacity that is currently under construction or announced comes online, it would still represent a nearly tenfold difference between the two.
Moreover, this would need to be added to the already operational module capacity, which stands at 109.5GW, according to Mercom’s latest data. Over the summer, the operational annual nameplate capacity for modules in India’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) passed the 100GW threshold.
According to Mercom, the module nameplate additions were driven by the utility-scale pipeline of 186GW projects between 2025 and 2027, the country’s solar installation targets set by 2030 and a strong policy-driven domestic demand for Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) modules.
Almost half of the 100GW operational module capacity was added in the first half of 2025, with Mercom reporting that 44.2GW of new module capacity, while 7.5GW of new solar cell nameplate capacity was added in H1 2025. In terms of technology, nearly all the capacity added (90%) was for TOPCon, while for the first time heterojunction capacity was added in the country.
Furthermore, for solar cells, the operational capacity under the ALMM List-II is at nearly 18GW, with the Indian government recently adding 4.8GW of nameplate capacity.
Even though no ingot/wafer or polysilicon capacity has been brought online in the first half of this year, this could soon change, given that the government targets to include wafers in the ALMM list starting from June 2028. A decision that was received positively by several Indian solar manufacturers.
Taking only the figures from the first half of this year into account, India has already added nearly twice the module nameplate capacity in 2025 than it did for the whole of 2024. Mercom published the data for 2024 earlier this year and outlined that the country had added 11.6GW and 25.3GW of annual nameplate capacity for solar cells and modules, respectively.
The northwestern Indian state of Gujarat accounted for nearly 42% of all operational module nameplate capacity in India as of June 2025, representing nearly 60GW of annual nameplate capacity. The share for solar cells is slightly higher, with almost half (47%) of all Indian solar cell capacity located in Gujarat.
Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are ranked second and third for module manufacturing capacity, both accounting for 18%, while Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are second and third for solar cell manufacturing capacity and account for a combined 31% of the country’s share.
Both Gujarat and Rajasthan are leading states in terms of total installed utility-scale solar capacity in the country and have some of the largest pipelines of projects.

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Wakects 20W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel Kit With 40A PWM Controller – Portable For RV, Boat, Off-Grid  ruhrkanal.news
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India’s decision to raise tariffs on solar panels made in China was based on more than just trade balances. It was a strategic message.
India’s decision to raise tariffs on solar panels made in China was based on more than just trade balances. It was a strategic message—a subtle but strong claim that New Delhi wanted to have more control over its clean energy future, depend less on one source, and change the power dynamics of its renewable sector.
China has been in charge of the global solar energy supply chain for a long time. Indian firms have relied heavily on low-cost imports of Chinese solar modules to meet their rapidly rising renewable energy targets. This reliance has not only been beneficial, but it has also made India vulnerable—economically, strategically, and technologically. The new tax provisions reflect a deliberate shift. They are designed not simply to preserve the indigenous industry but also to represent a broader shift in how India sees energy, security, and diplomacy intertwined in the years ahead.
Why This Tax Matters
China presently manufactures more than 80% of the world’s solar panels. For India, which has set lofty renewable energy ambitions, including 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, Chinese imports have served as the foundation of its growth. These panels have been less expensive and more widely available than any household option.
However, such dependence carries risks. Any problems with China’s manufacturing or supply chains, whether they are caused by geopolitics, price manipulation, or trade disputes, could make India’s energy transition much harder. These fears have grown stronger in recent years as tensions between India and China have risen, ranging from border standoffs to competition in critical technological areas.
The new tax scheme levies a baseline customs duty on imported Chinese solar modules. While the specific numbers vary by product category, the goal is clear. To make Chinese imports less appealing, encourage Indian developers to source more materials domestically and promote “Atmanirbhar Bharat.” This is not the first time India has tried out protective measures for its solar industry. However, this time, the magnitude and timing are different. India’s renewable aspirations are no longer only environmental objectives; they are also linked to national security and energy sovereignty. And secondly, imposing this levy in a fractured world order, with India itself being under tariff stress by the US, is eye-catching. India’s own manufacturing capacity has increased, although it remains far behind China’s. This move, on the other hand, fits with India’s overall “China-plus-one” strategy, which includes making supply chains more diverse, getting more investment in local businesses, and making strategic partnerships. China has used its dominance in solar manufacturing as a quiet way to influence world events. India’s choice is a planned response to this.
The geopolitical landscape has changed, and supply chain resilience is now seen as a national issue instead of a technical one. In short, this is a strategic decision rather than just an economic one. India’s renewable tariff decision sends a signal that extends beyond the energy sector. It sends a message to Beijing that New Delhi is no longer content to rely on Chinese supply chains in crucial areas. And it communicates to the international community that India intends to establish itself as a serious manufacturing alternative in the renewable domain.
Domestic industry in the spotlight
The tax will have an immediate impact on domestic solar developers, increasing their costs. The medium-term goal, on the other hand, is to give India’s solar manufacturing sector the room it needs to grow. In the last few years, a number of Indian companies have been able to make more solar modules and cells. Incentive programs, production-linked subsidies, and targeted investments have all tried to build an industry that can compete on a global scale.
By raising the cost of Chinese imports, the government seeks to tip the scales just enough to give domestic players a fair chance. If successful, this might strengthen the domestic industry, create jobs, and reduce India’s exposure to external supply shocks.
Geopolitics Balancing Act of  Green Energy
The solar panel tax is part of a much broader geopolitical trend. Green energy is no longer viewed as a standalone environmental concern; it is inextricably linked to strategic rivalry. Control over sustainable energy technologies—from solar panels to batteries and rare earths—is increasingly shaping power dynamics.
India wants to depend less on Chinese solar imports for both strategic and economic reasons. The race to lead the world’s energy transition is also a race for geopolitical power. Countries that control technology, supply chains, and markets will shape the future of energy. Of course, there are problems with taxing Chinese goods. Beijing could respond in either an economic or political way. Developers in India may have to pay more, which could make it harder to finish projects in the short term.
To deal with this, New Delhi has quietly followed two paths:
India’s diplomatic outreach in renewable energy, which includes involvement in the International Solar Alliance, is also intended to strengthen its global position in defining the clean energy order. India’s move does not include closing its market. It is about rebalancing. The administration is emphasizing that a country aiming for energy leadership cannot rely primarily on imports from a single geopolitical rival.
In the twenty-first century, strategic autonomy includes not only defense and technology but also who is in charge of the energy transition. India is being careful with solar energy while keeping its eyes on the prize of long-term success. This is a pattern that is becoming more and more common all over the world. Governments are looking at how much they depend on energy and how to make their systems more resilient, from Washington to Brussels to Tokyo. India’s tariff policy fits right within this new strategic playbook.
What Comes Next?
The key question now is whether India’s local industry would step forward. If local manufacturers can quickly scale up and compete on price and quality, India has the potential to become a major solar manufacturing hub. This would give New Delhi more freedom in trade talks, make it stronger in climate diplomacy, and make it more independent in terms of strategy. If it doesn’t work, the higher prices could slow down the growth of renewable energy, which India can’t afford to do as it tries to meet its climate goals. The decision about the solar tariff has already changed the strategic equation, no matter what. Solar panels used to be seen as a technical product that didn’t take sides, but now they are used for diplomacy and power politics.
India’s decision to tax Chinese-made solar panels is a small change in policy that sends a strong strategic message. It shows that the country wants to rely less on one supplier, build up its own manufacturing base, and have more control over its clean energy future. In modern diplomatic language, specific, targeted economic actions that change the rules of the game are often more effective than general statements when it comes to making strategic changes.
Solar energy is more than just sunlight and saving money. It’s all about power: political, economic, and technological. India has recently announced its intention to participate in the game according to its own rules.
MD does not stand behind any specific agenda, narrative, or school of thought. We aim to expose all ideas, thinkers, and arguments to the light and see what remains valid and sound.
© 2023 moderndiplomacy.eu. All Rights Reserved.

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AFERIY 30W Portable Solar Panel – Compatible With Nano 100W Power Station For Outdoor Charging  ruhrkanal.news
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India added 37.9GW of new solar PV capacity in 2025, a 54.7% increase compared with 2024 installations and a historical record, according to JMK Research.
28.6GW of new utility-scale solar capacity came online in 2025, JMK’s data said, which was driven by the commissioning of “the long-pending tenders awarded by various central and state agencies”. Utility-scale capacity additions grew by 54.6% last year.
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JMK added that the expansion of domestic solar PV manufacturing capacity has spurred greater deployments in 2025. The Indian government’s approved list of models and manufacturers (ALMM) policy means that certain solar projects can only use approved, Indian-made products.
As well as utility-scale deployments, India added around 7.9GW of rooftop solar capacity in 2025, a 72% increase compared with 2024. Around 60% of that capacity was added in the second half of the year, which JMK attributes to government subsidy incentives for domestic rooftop solar.
Only the off-grid and distributed solar segment declined slightly in 2025, with around 1.35GW of new PV capacity coming online, around 8.8% less than in 2024.
2025 also saw 6.3GW of new wind capacity added, an 85.3% increase on 2024 installations.
As of the end of the year, India has around 258GW of total renewable energy capacity installed, according to Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) data. 53% of that capacity is solar PV, followed by 21% wind, 20% large hydro, 4% bio power and 2% small hydro.
State by state, solar installations were unsurprising. Gujarat and Rajasthan led installations in 2025 with 11.1GW and 10.2GW, respectively, followed by Maharashtra (9.7GW), Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
JMK’s figures exceed those issued earlier this month by the MNRE, which said that India installed just under 35GW in the first 11 months of 2025. JMK did not provide month-by-month breakdowns for the year, so the roughly 3GW discrepancy could have been installed in December, which was absent from MNRE’s figures.
Read more of PV Tech’s coverage of the Indian solar market and its manufacturing expansion here.

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Solar rooftop potential for the entire country is the number of rooftops that would be suitable for solar power, depending on size, shading, direction, and location. Rooftop potential is not equivalent to the economic or market potential for rooftop solar—it doesn’t consider availability or cost. Rather, it is the upper limit of solar deployment on rooftops across the country.
Solar rooftop potential for an individual rooftop is the amount of solar that could be installed on that rooftop, based on its size, shading, tilt, location, and construction. Satellite maps, irradiance data, equipment specifications, and other factors inform the bids that installers present to customers to assist them in understanding the potential costs and benefits of solar panels on their roof.
According to National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) analysis in 2016, there are over 8 billion square meters of rooftops on which solar panels could be installed in the United States, representing over 1 terawatt of potential solar capacity. With improvements in solar conversion efficiency, the rooftop potential in the country could be even greater. Residential and other small rooftops represent about 65% of the national rooftop potential, and 42% of residential rooftops are households with low-to-moderate income.
NREL estimates that an average of 3.3 million homes per year will be built or will require roof replacement—representing a potential of roughly 30 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity per year. If even a small fraction of these new roofs had solar installations, it could have a significant impact on U.S. solar power generation.
For individual rooftops, national laboratories and private companies have developed a number of tools to estimate the amount of solar that could be installed on a given rooftop. The tools described below were funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) to help consumers start the process of choosing solar by determining the solar potential of their homes or businesses.
EnergySage, a previous Incubator awardee, allows homeowners, businesses, or nonprofit organizations to estimate their energy savings from solar, and connects them with prescreened installers who can provide estimates specific to the user’s address. Users can comparison shop and select the system that fits their needs best. Electricity bills are used to estimate the potential savings from solar energy, and Energy Sage has been found to offer customers substantial savings over more conventional products.
PVWatts is an online tool from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) that estimates the energy production and cost of electricity for grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) solar power systems throughout the world. It allows homeowners, business owners, and nonprofit organizations to easily develop estimates of the performance of potential PV installations, based on online map or user supplied data. Another online tool from NREL is the System Advisor Model (SAM), a free software that enables detailed performance and financial analysis for renewable power systems.
A previous Incubator awardee, Sun Number gives a numerical score which represents the solar suitability of a building’s rooftop on a scale from 1 to 100, with 100 being the ideal rooftop for solar. Scores can be accessed by entering a valid address in a region where the analysis has been performed. The Sun Number score is created from aerial imagery that is processed with proprietary algorithms to accurately analyze individual rooftops, and based on a combination of factors, each weighted uniquely to provide an accurate analysis of a rooftop. Factors include roof shape, surrounding buildings, surrounding vegetation, regional variability, and atmospheric conditions. The company also partnered with Zillow, an online home-listing service provider, which culminated in the addition of a solar potential listing to the descriptions of over 40 million homes.
Aurora Solar Inc., a previous Incubator awardee, developed a web-based application that quickly calculates the solar potential of a building’s rooftop. The application uses image recognition and computer vision algorithms to assess and compare many potential sites.
The dGen model simulates customer adoption of distributed energy resources for residential, commercial, and industrial entities in the United States or other countries through 2050. It is able to analyze the key factors that will affect future market demand for distributed energy resource. In the future, dGen will be an open source tool.
Folsom Labs, a previous Incubator awardee, developed a solar permit generator—a software engine to automatically generate standard documents for inspectors and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs). AHJs require these documents to authorize solar arrays in their jurisdiction. The software uses HelioScope, a design and engineering product offered by Folsom Labs, to quickly create the permit documents, single-line diagrams, site plans, and design details.
The National Solar Radiation Database provides a serially complete collection of hourly and half-hourly values of meteorological data and the three most common measurements of solar radiation: global horizontal, direct normal and diffuse horizontal irradiance.
PVLib is an open-source software package that allows users to simulate the performance of photovoltaic energy systems. There are two different versions (pvlib-python and PVILB for Matlab) that have grown significantly from contributions from an active community of users. 
ReEDS simulates electricity sector investment decisions based on system constraints and demands for energy and ancillary services. Its high-spatial resolution and advanced algorithms are able to represent the cost, value, and technical characteristics of integrating renewable energy technologies.
REopt Lite recommends the optimal mix of renewable energy, conventional generation, and energy storage technologies to meet cost savings, resilience, and energy performance goals.
Also known as SAM, this free, techno-economic software model enables technical performance simulation and financial analysis of renewable energy projects. SAM combines time series weather data and system specs to calculate potential electricity production and uses system cost, compensation, financing, and incentive data in an annual cash flow to calculate levelized cost of energy, net present value, payback period, internal rate of return, and revenue of a potential project.
Learn more about available solar energy resources and DOE’s solar energy research.
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French floating solar specialist Ciel & Terre has gained certification for its Fusio floating PV system.
Launched last year, Fusio was designed to meet the needs of gigawatt-scale floating solar projects, prioritising robustness, efficiency and scalability.
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Ciel & Terre said it was important to have Fusio independently assessed to validate the performance and durability principles of the new technology.
The company said it had now obtained ‘Approval in Principle Level 1’ (AiP) from Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, a testing and certification body for offshore equipment.
Bureau Veritas assessed a number of the Fusio system’s technical and structural criteria, including its ability to support PV modules, the mechanical interfaces for electrical cables and mooring systems, the anchoring and mooring system, and the electrical specifications for cabling.
According to Ciel & Terre, the Bureau Veritas analysis confirmed the robustness of the Fusio technology and that the design does not conflict with the rules and regulations applicable to inland or calm water applications. Tests and technical notes, such as wind tunnel tests and structural engineering documents, were reviewed and incorporated into the evaluation process.
The company said in a statement that the AiP from Bureau Veritas would reinforce Fusio’s credibility among energy producers, investors and authorities, providing confidence and transparency in the design process.
“This approval in principle confirms the solid work undertaken by our R&D teams and our desire to raise the standards for floating solar power. Fusio marks a turning point in our ability to support ever more ambitious projects,” said Stéphane Prouvost, director of the Ciel & Terre product division.
Ciel & Terre said Fusio had already been installed on three floating solar installations in conditions with high wind and wave conditions without sustaining any damage.

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Engie and US-based Luminous have tested autonomous robots at the 250 MW Goorambat East Solar Farm in the Australian state of Victoria, completing panel installation ahead of schedule.
Image: Engie
From pv magazine Australia
The installation of almost 500,000 solar panels at the France-headquartered developer ENGIES‘s Goorambat East Solar Farm in Victoria will be completed by October 3, thanks in part to a collaboration with US robotics company Luminous, which has trialled its first LUMI S4 fleet during construction.
ENGIE Site Representative Justin Webb said commissioning has commenced, and first energization of the Goorambat East Solar Farm is expected by end of October 2025, with full operations on target for mid-2026.
“It will have a generating capacity of up to 250 MW, which is enough to power up to 105,000 average Victorian homes,” Webb said.
Located near Benalla, 210 km northeast of Melbourne, the demonstration of the AI-powered LUMI pick and place robot at Goorambat addresses the industry’s most labor-intensive task of panel installation.
LUMI autonomously places solar modules onto racking structures, allowing onsite workers to complete the final securing process, reducing manual labour and improving installation speed, safety and cost-efficiency.
“The system was used to install pilings and more recently solar panels, with American company Luminous testing their LUMI system outside of the US for the first time and demonstrating the future of solar farm construction,” Webb said. “The intended higher productivity of these autonomous systems will reduce the cost of renewable energy projects and enable projects to be built in less time – which will bring down energy costs for consumers and potentially allow more solar farms to be built.”
The robots also require skilled technicians to operate them, resulting in upskilling the current renewable energy workforce and enabling more productivity, Webb added.
“The use of autonomous robots could also have large benefits for the construction of solar farms in remote and inhospitable areas, such as is deserts, where the climate could be dangerous for human staff.”
“In the longer term, with continued development, robots like these will also enable a reduction in health and safety related risks from construction projects, for example reducing the manual handling of heavy solar panels.”

Luminous Robotics Inc. Chief Executive Officer and Founder Jay M. Wong said deploying the company’s LUMI fleet in Australia allowed it to capture the data, performance insights and real-world impact needed to drive global adoption.
“Our LUMI robots exceeded our target production rate and fueled by support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), we’re keen to accelerate our next phase where we fine tune the LUMI fleet’s capabilities,” Wong said.
“This will further advance and optimize flow, autonomy, reliability, manufacturability, and massively improve the construction of energy infrastructure at scale.”
Wong said in the coming months Luminous and ARENA will release and open source solar construction’s largest, most comprehensive robotics dataset.
“We believe this is the honest approach to truly democratize solar for humanity. Such that this effort becomes the fuel on which innovative solutions, not just for panel installation and construction, but the holistic, collective industry can benefit from, in accelerating the planet into a future of true solar scale up.”

Project partner France-headquartered Bouygues Construction Australia Project Director Bastien Sauvet said with support from ARENA and its joint venture with Sydney-based Equans Solar and Storage Australia, this first deployment outside the US showcases how robotics can improve safety, quality and productivity in solar farm construction.
“It is a promising step, and it will be exciting to see how robotics can help shape the future of renewable energy in Australia, Sauvet said.
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Energy management in the commercial sector has taken a significant step forward in the Dominican Republic with the implementation of an advanced battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Las Carmelitas branch of Ferretería Ochoa, one of the country’s largest hardware and construction supply retailers.
The project was developed by ENESTAR, with support from UNITRADE, an authorised distributor of Huawei FusionSolar technology.
The solution is integrated into an existing grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system of approximately 450 kWp, which had already enabled the facility to significantly reduce electricity consumption. The addition of energy storage represents the next stage in energy optimisation, focusing on load profile management and tariff optimisation while complementing the existing solar generation.
The project incorporates the Huawei LUNA2000-215-2S10, a 215 kWh commercial and industrial (C&I) battery energy storage system designed for facilities with variable electricity demand. The system stores energy and releases it in a controlled manner during periods of higher consumption, helping stabilise the facility’s energy use and reducing the impact of peak demand charges, one of the main cost drivers for commercial electricity consumers.
The storage system operates with an advanced Time of Use (TOU) configuration, enabling energy management based on tariff schedules established by the local electricity distributor.
Through this functionality, the system automatically charges the batteries during off-peak periods, when electricity prices are lower, and discharges them during peak demand hours (7:00 pm to 12:00 am). This strategy reduces billed electricity consumption when energy prices are highest and significantly lowers peak demand charges.
As a result, the system improves demand-side management, reduces power-related costs and maximises the return on investment (ROI) of the energy storage asset.
From both operational and financial perspectives, energy storage is emerging as a key tool for active energy optimisation. It enables companies to achieve more predictable electricity consumption patterns without affecting operational continuity, while expanding their value beyond the traditional role of backup power.
Safety is a central component of the system’s design. The solution integrates multiple layers of protection at the cell, module and system levels, alongside continuous monitoring of electrical and thermal variables.
The system also incorporates active liquid cooling technology, which maintains uniform temperature conditions, reduces thermal stress and improves the stability and lifespan of the battery system.
According to energy and financial modelling carried out by ENESTAR, the project will allow Ferretería Ochoa to achieve estimated savings of around DOP 180,000 per month (approximately USD 2,500). The projected payback period is less than 30 months, aligning with international best practices in energy management for the commercial sector.
With this deployment, UNITRADE strengthens its role as a facilitator of Huawei’s energy storage portfolio in the Dominican market, while ENESTAR consolidates its position as an integrator of hybrid solar PV and energy storage solutions focused on technical performance, operational safety and measurable economic outcomes for businesses.
The project reflects a broader trend across Latin America, where commercial and industrial companies are increasingly adopting energy storage technologies to optimise energy management, reduce operational costs and enhance operational resilience through digital energy solutions and hybrid generation systems.
by Strategic Energy Keep reading
The event, organised by Quantum America, will take place from 13–17 April 2026 in Brazil and will bring together regulators, executives and industry specialists to discuss the future of public utilities in Latin America, with a focus on grid infrastructure, energy storage, renewable integration and new tariff models.
by Strategic Energy Keep reading
Eduardo Oviedo says Honduras must “change the business philosophy” of its state-owned utility to restore financial stability and deliver benefits to citizens.
by Strategic Energy Keep reading
Coral Energía plans to end 2026 with 260 MW of built capacity and around 400 MW across contracted and pipeline projects, while expanding into large-scale battery storage, corporate PPAs and potential transmission investments.
by Strategic Energy Keep reading
The event, organised by Quantum America, will take place from 13–17 April 2026 in Brazil and will bring together regulators, executives and industry specialists to discuss the future of public utilities in Latin America, with a focus on grid infrastructure, energy storage, renewable integration and new tariff models.
by Strategic Energy Keep reading
Eduardo Oviedo says Honduras must “change the business philosophy” of its state-owned utility to restore financial stability and deliver benefits to citizens.
by Strategic Energy Keep reading
Coral Energía plans to end 2026 with 260 MW of built capacity and around 400 MW across contracted and pipeline projects, while expanding into large-scale battery storage, corporate PPAs and potential transmission investments.
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Learn more about South Australia’s new university for the future
This website is due to be retired. For all information related to the new Adelaide University — including study applications for 2026, details for commencing and current students, and Graduate Research — please visit adelaideuni.edu.au.
The information on this website applies to services of the University of South Australia as of 19th December 2025 including for students completing their studies and graduating with UniSA during the period 19th December 2025 up until 31st March 2026.

07 October 2025
Australia’s rapid uptake of solar panels is creating a looming waste problem with most solar photovoltaic (PV) panels being directed to landfill at the end of their life.
However, University of South Australia researchers have identified ways to overcome barriers to safely and profitably extend the life of solar panels and decrease the overall footprint of solar energy.
Australia leads the world in per-capita rooftop solar installations, the systems of which typically have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years but in practice are removed or replaced much sooner. The Australian Energy Council projects the cumulative volume of end-of-life solar panels to reach 280,000 tonnes by the end of the year.
UniSA PhD student Ishika Chhillar led a study into key barriers to the sustainable reuse of solar panels and developed a mitigation strategy for what would be needed to fully realise a circular economy in the solar sector.
Her findings suggest that simply recycling panels is not enough – with most significant volumes of end-of-life panels still ending up in landfill – and that more must be done to unlock a secondary market for used systems.
“The large-scale reuse of PV panels faces technical, economic and regulatory barriers,” Chhillar says.
“There are many key challenges including the low cost of new panels undercutting the resale PV panel market, a lack of incentives for reuse of the panels, different policies for reuse across states, lack of liability for second hand installations and a limited infrastructure for testing and refurbishing of used panels.”
“Industry, government, academic and consumers all recognise that these barriers can and must be overcome, and that with the right frameworks in place, Australia can extend the life of its solar panels with true environmental and social benefits in the process.”
One of the barriers to people accessing second-hand panels is the falling cost of new panels which undermines the resale market and leaves little financial incentive for consumers or businesses to choose to reuse.
Currently, no rebates or credits are in place for installing second-hand panels.
There is also no national reuse framework, with different Australian states and territories having inconsistent rules for panels that have reached the end of their life. No clear approval pathway or guidelines exist for re-selling and installing used panels, leaving installers wary of potential legal liabilities.
Chhillar says that without a unified, national approach to standards and liability, companies will continue to avoid second-hand products due to compliance risks.
“Currently, the lack of any standard certification for used panels means buyers and installers have little to rely on besides a seller’s word, but an official certification process would change that,” she says.
“A credible certification program should include standardized testing protocols for used panels. By bridging the trust gap, certification can transform reused panels from a risky option into a transparent and standardised product category.
“One option is certification being accompanied by a clear, consumer-friendly grading system such as a gold, silver or bronze classification or a star-rating label to indicate the remaining efficiency and expected lifespan of a panel. This would allow buyers to make informed decisions.”
Associate Professor Sukhbir Sandhu, whose research focuses on social and environmental sustainability issues, says there is room for digital innovations for traceability, allowing for greater transparency on whether a panel is fit for reuse.
“If each solar panel’s history and performance data could be recorded in a database accessible to buyers and regulators, it would dramatically reduce uncertainty,” she says.
“Industry experts we spoke to for this study proposed solutions ranging from simple QR-code labels to block chain-based platforms that track a panel’s “digital passport” throughout its life.
“This transparency would enable quicker decisions on whether a panel is fit for reuse, without requiring extra testing at each change of hands.”
Assoc Prof Sandhu says by acting on these recommendations, Australia can not only mitigate the waste problem but also unlock the maximum benefit of its clean energy investments.
“We have other established practices in electronics, batteries and mobile phones,” she says. “By embracing a structured approach to the repurposing of solar panels, the renewable energy sector can significantly extend the lifecycle of these resources, contributing to a more sustainable, efficient and circular economy.”
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Contact for interview: Ishika Chhillar E: ishika.chhillar@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Melissa Keogh M: +61 403 659 154 E: melissa.keogh@unisa.edu.au
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Credits: Juice
An off-grid home can save thousands in energy bills.
As the world is embroiled in the current energy crisis that has emerged out of the Strait of Hormuz, one Kentucky lawmaker who has risen to fame recently opted to use a Tesla battery to store the energy needed for his home, revealing his new self-sustaining house in a YouTube video.
Would you power your home with old, discarded EV batteries?
The unprecedented growth of the solar plus storage sector has been a sight to behold for the world.
In 2024, the solar power sector achieved a landmark output of 2.25 terawatts (TW), which is almost double what the sector generated just two years prior. Solar power is so dominant that some states offer to pay solar homeowners for their excess energy.
However, a niggling issue for the solar power sector has been the batteries needed to store the delicious energy from the Sun.
Batteries to store solar energy are remarkably expensive, but one Congressman from Kentucky took it upon himself to construct his own off-grid home that sourced its batteries needed from an unexpected place, Tesla.
The Republican Congressman from Kentucky has risen to worldwide stardom as he and another Democratic Congressman, Ro Khanna, authored what could be one of the most important bills in recent memory, the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA).
While lawmakers deal with that, the Congressman from Kentucky has been making waves in another area of public importance, off-grid living.
The dream of constructing a self-sustaining home that relies only on renewable energy resources has been a shared one for many of us. Some have sold everything they own and moved into the wilderness to build off-grid homes for themselves and their families.
Solar panels need to store the energy generated in batteries that can keep the power safe until the time comes when the user opts to turn the system on.
New types of solar power systems have emerged as scientists and energy experts try to increase the efficiency of the renewable energy king. But even the newest and most shiny solar power networks still need many, many batteries.
Republican Congressman Thomas Massey may have the answer we have been searching for in renewable energy generation.
Thomas Massey revealed that he did a high-voltage energy home makeover that has astounded the world.
Obviously, the Congressman makes quite a lot of money and can easily afford the monthly electric bills for his home, but money being no object has not stopped the Kentucky lawmaker from constructing an electricity system that uses solar panels connected to several old Tesla batteries.
The MIT-educated engineer and self-described “trans-partisan” released a full video that detailed how he constructed the DIY “homebrew Powerwall.”
Massey has stated that he dreamed of using old Tesla batteries to power his home for years, and in 2018, he met a man in Georgia to purchase several salvaged battery packs from a wrecked Tesla Model S.
He used the salvaged batteries to store the energy produced by his solar panels, and he revealed that his home had been running on the system ever since.
Government policies have pushed many of us towards the off-grid lifestyle, and Thomas Massey has proven that using salvaged Tesla batteries can save thousands in battery storage system costs.
The real cost of living off-grid has become easier to understand, thanks to the efforts of hundreds who now live the lifestyle, including Thomas Massey.
© 2026 by Ecoportal
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Maharashtra-based integrated solar module and key components manufacturer RenewSys India has inaugurated its 3 GW AI-powered, fully automated solar module manufacturing facility at IndoSpace Industrial Park, Khopoli (Khalapur, Maharashtra).
RenewSys India said in a press release that the facility spans over 7 lakh sq. ft. and is key to supporting the expansion of its manufacturing operations. With the commissioning of this plant, RenewSys’s total solar module manufacturing capacity will increase to 5.6 GW, reinforcing the company’s position as a key contributor to India’s clean energy growth. The company has come a long way since the initial launch of its facility in Maharashtra in 2021. 
The facility is located near Mumbai with strong multimodal connectivity. The Khopoli facility enhances operational scale, improves supply chain efficiency, and supports faster access to domestic and international markets. The facility was inaugurated by Saif Dhorajiwala, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Fourth Partner Energy, who attended as the Chief Guest. Designed as an AI-powered and fully automated manufacturing unit, the facility incorporates advanced production technologies and digital monitoring systems to ensure high precision, efficiency, and consistent product quality.
The facility has been designed to support 3 GW of solar module manufacturing capacity. It features AI-enabled, fully automated production lines, advanced quality control with real-time digital monitoring, efficient logistics integration, and provisions for scalable future expansion.
The new facility underscores RenewSys’s continued investment in technology-driven manufacturing, supporting the supply chain, and contributing to industrial development in Maharashtra’s key manufacturing corridor.
Speaking on the occasion, Avinash Hiranandani, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, RenewSys India Pvt. Ltd., said, “The inauguration of our 3 GW AI-powered, fully automated facility at Khopoli marks a major milestone in RenewSys’ expansion strategy. As India accelerates its renewable energy transition, technology-led manufacturing capability becomes increasingly important. This facility enhances our ability to deliver high-performance solar solutions at scale while maintaining our focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability.”
Anshuman Singh, CEO & Managing Director, IndoSpace, said: At IndoSpace, we are building the strategic backbone of India’s industrial and logistics transformation. This partnership with RenewSys reflects our long-term commitment to enabling high-impact sectors such as clean energy manufacturing. 
We are India’s leading B2B media house, reporting full-time on solar energy, wind, battery storage, solar inverters, and electric vehicle (EV)
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A public notice sign, found adjacent to a Dededo property owned by Core Tech International on Feb. 12, 2026, indicates an application having been filed with the Guam Land Use Commission to rezone the entire parcel to a light-industrial zone.

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A public notice sign, found adjacent to a Dededo property owned by Core Tech International on Feb. 12, 2026, indicates an application having been filed with the Guam Land Use Commission to rezone the entire parcel to a light-industrial zone.
Core Tech International has clinched a zone change needed to build a 60-megawatt solar farm for the Guam Power Authority, even as the property in question is the subject of its land dispute with the Guam Waterworks Authority.
Members of the Guam Land Use Commission approved the zone change Thursday for Core Tech’s 58.7-acre property in the Ukudu area of Dededo.
Land is near the entrance to Tanguisson Beach, and sits next to GWA’s Northern District Wastewater Treatment plant, at the center of a $220 million property dispute between the waterworks authority and Core Tech.
Lot 10184-6 itself, approved for a zone change, is part of that active lawsuit now on appeal to the Supreme Court of Guam.
GWA last October sent the Dededo Municipal Planning council testimony opposing Core Tech’s zone change.
But commissioners approved the change in an unopposed vote this past Thursday.
Commissioners Leilani Flores, Joe Rios, and Vice Chairman Ron Pangelinan voted in favor of the solar farm rezone, from mixed “R2” and “M1” zoning, for multi-family residential and light industrial use, to a full light industrial “M1” zone.
Commissioner Gerry Yingling was absent and excused, while GLUC Chairwoman Anita Borja Enriquez recused herself from the matter.
Enriquez’s daughter, Vanessa Williams Cruz, is the attorney representing Core Tech in its land dispute with GWA.
GWA’s opposition was noted in a staff report from the Department of Land Management, read by DLM chief planner Celine Cruz.
Staff noted that any action before the Land Use Commission was limited to zoning, and “the decision to change the zoning designation does not affect prejudice or interfere with any pending litigation involving the property.”
A zone change would not “confer advantage” to any party in the lawsuit, according to the report read by Cruz.
“GWA concerns include disputed property ownership affecting portions of the subject, lot discrepancies and survey maps and boundary delineations requiring resolution,” Cruz stated, “and the need to protect existing GWA infrastructure and easements, including ensuring continued access and maintenance.”
But she said the issues fell within GWA’s responsibilities, and would have to be addressed by waterworks before Core Tech could begin any “land-disturbing” activity at the site.
DLM staff did recommend that commissioners incorporate conditions into the zone change, requiring verification of ownership, updated land survey documentation, and protection of all existing utility easements at the site.
Commissioners adopted the recommendations.
GWA testimony indicated it has disputed maps provided by Core Tech for the zone change application, the Pacific Daily News reported.
Waterworks has asserted that Lot 10184-6 contained active sewer and water infrastructure, including a 42-inch water main.
Core Tech project representative Marvin Aguilar on Thursday said the rezone will allow the planned solar farm and battery storage facility to move forward.
Aguilar said the latest rezoning will bring the total space for the solar facility up to 113 acres, “give or take.”
He told commissioners that the solar facility matched nearby industrial use, which included the wastewater treatment plant, a worker barracks, equipment laying yard, and “super warehouse.”
Land use commissioners last year approved two other solar farm-related rezoning for Core Tech, for a pair of properties totaling 36.6 acres along the Tanguisson cliff line.
Those properties are next door to the parcel rezoned this past week.
The Public Utilities Commission in November approved Core Tech’s deal with GPA for the facility.
Core Tech will generate power, and GPA will buy it at an estimated average cost of $21.9 million per year. The electricity will then be sold to GPA customers.
The Supreme Court of Guam in January 2025 agreed to hear an appeal from GWA on several key issues in the Core Tech land dispute.
As of Friday, no opinion has been issued.
GovGuam and now GWA have sued to revoke certificates of title owned by Core Tech, arguing property title was wrongfully transferred by Ancestral Lands back in 2006.
Core Tech has countersued, seeking $220 million in damages and rent from GWA, and argued the government is trying to take the land without paying.
GWA has indicated that water bills for residential customers could more than double if a judge rules they must pay that sum.
When the Core Tech solar deal was being considered by the Consolidated Commission on Utilities back in August of 2024, GPA General Manager Benavente told the Pacific Daily News that the solar farm would be built on a separate parcel of land than the one now subject of litigation by GWA.
At the time, GPA legal counsel Marianne Woloschuk told CCU commissioners that the solar project award and the GWA lawsuit were handled separately.
Reach reporter Joe Taitano II at JTaitano@guampdn.com.
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French independent power producer (IPP) Qair has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Brazilian LPG distributor Ultragaz for the Bom Jardim solar PV project.
Located in the north-eastern state of Ceará, construction started at the 192MW PV plant in 2024 and reached commercial operations earlier this year. The project is located in the same state as most of the company’s operational solar and wind capacity in Brazil. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Mining and Energy, the project is part of a larger solar complex that comprises ten PV plants and a combined capacity of 439MW. Full commercial operation of all the plants is expected by December 2027.
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Qair has more than 600MW of operational capacity in the country, including two hybrid solar and wind projects in the state of Ceará, with each project having 101MW solar PV capacity.
Moreover, the company has a development pipeline of 13GW, including 4.5GW of renewable hydrogen projects.
“This agreement marks a significant step in our capacity of leading the energy transition in the Brazilian private sector and also in our collaboration with local partners like Qair,” said Lucas Witzler, energy director at Ultragaz.

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Loom Solar reaches 1 Lakh homes, gains Pan-India access  manufacturingtodayindia.com
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Saatvik Solar Industries clinches Rs 638 Cr contract  manufacturingtodayindia.com
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India is embracing a solar energy revolution, with PM Modi highlighting the impact of the Surya Ghar scheme on homes, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the rapid expansion of solar energy adoption in India, crediting the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for transforming lives and accelerating the nation’s clean energy transition.
Speaking during the 132nd episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister noted that solar energy is now reaching every corner of urban and rural India.
If you visit any city, big or small, today, you will surely notice a change. You will see solar panels installed on the rooftops of a large number of homes. Until a few years ago, this was only seen on a few homes. But today, the impact of the 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana' is being observed in every corner of the country,” PM Modi said.
Empowering individuals through solar training
Citing success stories, PM Modi spoke about Payal Munjpara from Surendranagar, Gujarat, whose life was transformed through the scheme. Payal completed a four-month Solar PV technician course under the initiative and is now a skilled solar technician and entrepreneur, installing solar rooftop systems in surrounding districts and earning a steady income.
“Payal received training in solar power technology through the Surya Initiative and completed a four-month Solar PV technician course. She has now become a skilled solar technician. Payal is making a name for herself as a solar entrepreneur. She works on solar rooftop installations in nearby districts, earning thousands of rupees every month,” the Prime Minister said.
Similarly, Arun Kumar from Meerut has become a local energy provider. By generating solar power at home, he is reducing electricity bills while selling surplus energy back to the grid, demonstrating the economic benefits of residential solar power solutions.
Also Read| Mann Ki Baat: India confident on energy front despite West Asia disruptions, says PM
Boosting agriculture with solar pumps
PM Modi also highlighted the advantages of solar-powered irrigation for farmers. Muralidhar from Jaipur transitioned from a diesel pump to a solar pump, reducing fuel costs and ensuring timely irrigation. The shift not only improved crop yields but also enhanced his family’s quality of life through clean and affordable energy.
“With solar energy, farming is more sustainable, and families are experiencing a better standard of living,” the Prime Minister added.
Reaching remote regions and tribal communities
The benefits of the scheme are also reaching remote areas, particularly in the Northeast. In Tripura, several villages inhabited by the Riang tribe now have access to solar mini-grids, providing reliable electricity for homes, education, and mobile charging.
“Children can study after dusk, villagers can charge mobile phones, and community life has transformed thanks to solar energy,” PM Modi said.
Also Read| Scammers in Mumbai pose as gas officials, steal nearly Rs 1 crore in a month
Driving India’s clean energy future
Highlighting the nationwide impact, the Prime Minister encouraged citizens to join the solar energy revolution.
“There are countless examples of solar energy transforming lives across India. Join this revolution and help connect others,” he urged.
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is playing a pivotal role in India’s renewable energy landscape, promoting solar rooftops, solar entrepreneurship, clean energy solutions, and sustainable development across urban and rural communities.
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Published: 29 Mar 2026, 01:32 pm IST
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Guelph project looks at placing solar farms on unusable brownfield sites  CBC
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IMPARTIAL NEWS + INTELLIGENT DEBATE
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Retailers are working with the government to allow the panels, which are popular in Germany and Spain, to be allowed to plug in to domestic sockets
Major retailers, including Sainsbury’s and Currys, are planning to sell plug-in solar panels after the Government said they will be on sale in UK stores “within months”.
Regulations currently prohibit the panels from being plugged into a circuit connected to the grid – including household sockets.
But major retailers including Iceland and Lidl are working with the Government and Ofgem to update the rules and allow the panels to be connected to domestic sockets.
The i Paper understands that both Lidl and Iceland have not confirmed plans to sell the panels, but intend to do so when the regulations are updated.
This paper can also reveal that Sainsbury’s – which owns brands such as Argos – and Currys are also planning to sell the panels if the guidance is updated.
Sainsbury’s is currently reviewing sources for the panels, The i Paper understands, while Currys is also exploring options to add to its solar range.
When approached by The i Paper, John Lewis did not rule out selling the plug-in panels, but said no official plans had been made.
“We are constantly reviewing our ranges to make sure we stock what our customers want to buy,” a John Lewis spokesperson said, adding that there are “no plans at the present time” to sell the panels.
The Government has said it is already working with retailers like Lidl and Amazon, alongside manufacturers such as EcoFlow, to bring plug-in solar to the UK market.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has promised that the solar panels will be available in shops “within months”, while EcoFlow has said it hopes people will be able to use them this summer.
The panels cost roughly £400 and could cut around £100 off household bills each year. That means the devices’ purchase cost could be covered within about four years by the savings they generate, with any additional electricity they produce being effectively free.
To function, the panels could be plugged into household sockets and installed in outdoor areas such as balconies, rooftops, gardens, and external walls.
Ministers are working with Energy Networks Association, Distribution Network Operators (the organisations that own and control the electricity distribution network), and the regulator Ofgem.
Specifically, it will update the “G98 distribution code and wiring regulations BS 7671” to allow UK households to connect <800W plug-in solar panels to domestic mains sockets – without the need for an electrician and with tailored safety standards.
As more suppliers join the market, the price of the panels is expected to drop further, according to Gareth Simkins, a spokesperson for Solar Energy UK, which represents more than 400 companies in the energy sector.
“The Government clearly expects plug-in solar arrays to become a mass-market consumer product, which is exactly what has happened in countries such as the Netherlands and Germany,” he told The i Paper.
“If a good number of major retailers start selling them, that should certainly push down their cost.”
The German Solar Association has estimated that more than one million plug-in solar installations have so far been made across Germany.
In the UK, Simkins said companies represented by Solar Energy have reported thousands of inquiries by customers interested in solar panels as energy prices began rising after the Iran war broke out.
“It’s not unreasonable to think that we’re going to see thousands of these installed in the coming months and years,” he added.
In November 2025, the number of certified solar panel installations surpassed 203,125 – the previous annual record set in 2011, according to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
The MCS, which tracks renewable energy installations, said the figure brought the total number of certified solar panels installed in the UK to about 1,850,000.
Frankie Mayo, senior analyst at the global energy think-tank Ember, said: “Domestic-scale solar installations, completely subsidy-free, hit record levels at the end of last year. This will only accelerate the rate of home-upgrades across the country.
“Once you’ve got solar, electric vehicles and heat pumps become so much more attractive too. The electro-tech revolution is coming to every UK household now.”
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The International Energy Agency (IEA) says that Australia installed 5.2 GW of solar capacity in 2024, bringing the national total to 40 GW across distributed and utility-scale systems.
Image: Australian PV Institute
From pv magazine Australia
An IEA survey of solar power applications in Australia shows that the country installed 5.2 GW of solar capacity in 2024 and reached a total of 40 GW, including 26.1 GW of distributed systems and 13.4 GW of centralized installations.
Utility-scale installations of 5 MW or more contributed 2 GW, while rooftop systems across residential, commercial and industrial sites contributed 3.2 GW to the annual total.
Solar installations in 2024 exceeded the cumulative total of all installations completed up to the end of 2015, which stood at 5.1 GW.
“Despite recording a record volume of installations in 2024, Australia did not rank among the world’s top ten markets for annual installations. This marks the second consecutive year outside the top 10, a position it has held since the IEA photovoltaic power systems program (PVPS) began tracking markets in the 1990s,” said the IEA.
For rooftop solar Australia outranks most nations, with 44% of free-standing homes having systems installed, including about 50% of homes in Queensland and South Australia.
“With low insolation relative to the rest of Australia (3.7 kWh per year), Tasmania has only 20% of free-standing homes powered by solar PV,” said the IEA. “South Australia, with a population of 1.77 million, rooftop solar alone has routinely been sufficient to power the state with excess power from rooftop and large scale being exported to neighboring states for over the four hours around mid-day.”
A trend toward larger residential systems has prompted a reclassification of typical system sizes. Residential installations were previously defined as 10 kW or less, up from 3 kW in 2012, and are now defined as up to 15 kW. Commercial systems are classified between 15 kW and 100 kW.
The report notes that Australia’s ambition for utility-scale solar falls into the 10 GW to 30 GW range. Despite incentives such as the Capacity Investment Scheme and its 40 GW target, issues related to connection approvals, congestion management and fragmented access arrangements increase costs and risks for grid-scale projects, the report finds.
Australia ranks in the top ten globally for total installed capacity and records a world-leading installation rate of more than 1.52 kW per capita.
“With an impressive total 26.1 GW of distributed solar and an additional 13.4 GW total centralized solar, combined with excellent insolation, solar power now meets over 20% of the nation’s total electricity demands,” the report says.
The National Survey Report of PV Power Applications in Australia 2024 lists University of New South Wales Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics Director Professor Renate Egan as the lead author, with contributions from experts at six other Australian universities and clean energy specialist businesses.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
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Soft costs research in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) addresses challenges associated with reducing non-hardware cost components of solar energy systems. These costs include design, siting, permitting, installation, interconnection, and financing. They also include the sales, general, and administrative expenses solar companies incur for customer acquisition, workforce training and certification, supply chain and inventory control, decommissioning and end-of-life management of solar systems, and operating overhead. Learn more about soft costs.
As solar hardware costs continue to decline, lowering soft costs becomes an even more important part of lowering the total cost of a solar energy system. The soft costs for residential solar energy systems declined by approximately 50 percent between 2010 and 2020 according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, but these costs need to fall an additional 60-70 percent to achieve SETO’s cost targets and to make unsubsidized residential solar a more affordable electricity option across the country.
Soft costs projects funded by SETO quantify cost-reduction opportunities, develop data and tools to improve information access and market transparency, and identify successful and efficient models and processes that can be more widely used. This work supports the development and sharing of data and best practices throughout the solar life cycle and prioritizes the dissemination and replication of results so solutions can be widely adopted.
Within SETO’s soft costs research area, efforts are focused on several topics. Learn more about them below.
SETO’s soft costs portfolio addresses a wide array of costs and challenges to solar energy deployment. Projects are working to improve market transparency of solar system costs, prices, and adoption trends; enable access to solar through innovative financing and community solar; reduce costs for permitting, inspection, and interconnection; improve bulk power system and distribution system planning for larger amounts of grid-connected solar; reduce land use competition for siting solar projects; enable solar installations in new construction and with roof replacements; improve the compatibility of solar with wildlife and local ecosystems; and improve planning for the retirement of solar panels.
Additionally, projects develop training materials and programs to help supply a skilled workforce to meet the solar industry’s growing human resource needs, prepare those in the utility industry to manage a modern grid, and help relevant professions keep up with these rapidly emerging and advancing technologies.
In order to ensure that the best information gets to the people that need it, SETO also has several technical assistance programs that work to improve solar access.
Projects in this research area are managed by the strategic analysis and institutional support team. Learn more about SETO’s funding programs and current funding opportunities. Reports resulting from research projects can be found on the Office of Science and Technical Information (OSTI) website.
In addition to funding research projects, SETO also funds several initiatives that help improve solar access and lower soft costs.
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he Chico Area Recreation and Park District is set to provide an update on construction progress at the Chico Aquatic Center on Garner Lane. The board will discuss the project at its meeting. According to the district, Pools A and B are seeing visible progress. Pool C, the recreation pool and lazy river, has been formed with concrete slab to be poured by the end of the month.
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By Canary Media

By Canary Media
Canary Media
27 March 2026
See more from Canary Media’s ​“Chart of the Week” column.
Solar and wind developers around the world just keep getting defeated — by themselves.
Yet again, a record amount of new solar and wind capacity came online globally last year, according to the latest numbers by think tank Ember. The jump was sizable: Additions exceeded the prior year’s by 17%.
Not to pit friends against each other, but solar is the clear front-runner when it comes to renewables deployment. The world installed nearly four times more solar than wind in 2025. But wind can take solace in the fact that it grew faster last year, with installations up by 47% from 2024 — dwarfing solar’s 11% increase.
It’s also worth noting that nearly two-thirds of the added capacity came online in China, of course.

This renewables boom sounds like good news for fending off climate change, but things are more complicated than that. Lots of fossil-fueled power plants are getting built around the world, too, as energy demand skyrockets thanks to the AI boom and the electrification of cars and buildings. Still, the steady growth of renewables is chipping away at polluting fuels’ grip on the globe: Wind and solar generate an increasing share of the world’s power, hitting 15% in 2024, the most recent year Ember has data on.
Meanwhile, the argument for renewables is only getting stronger as the war in the Middle East spikes oil and gas prices worldwide, leaving countries that rely on imported fuels to pay through the nose.
Despite policy headwinds in the U.S. and elsewhere, there’s good reason to believe that wind and solar will keep notching personal bests. Photovoltaic panels and turbines, plus the batteries that store their energy for later, are fast and cheap to build, making them tough for electricity-hungry countries to say no to. 

Ysabelle Kempe is associate editor at Canary Media.
Clean energy
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Offshore wind
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© 2026 Canary Media

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By cutting their carbon emissions, schools across the U.S. are freeing up money for teachers, books and other needs.
This story about green schools was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for Hechinger’s climate change newsletter.
In Warren County, Kentucky, the school district saved more than $2 million in utility costs since retrofitting five schools with solar panels and introducing other energy efficiencies. In Jamestown, Rhode Island, installing solar panels at two schools is saving the district more than $60,000 per year. After the school district in Boulder Valley, Colorado, retrofitted a middle school, energy costs dropped by approximately $10,000 annually.
Those examples are from a new report commissioned by the Building Power Resource Center, a group that supports climate action. While investing in green buildings is good for the environment, the report makes the case that it’s also good financially, freeing up money schools can use for teachers, books and other needs.
And the report says that even though the Trump administration cut many of the federal programs incentivizing schools to invest in greener buildings and vehicles, there are still places to turn for help with up-front capital on clean energy projects — namely state programs. Still, because of the shifting politics, the projects face longer odds getting off the ground than a few years ago.

“School districts all around the country are looking for ways to save money, and this seems like a pretty good strategy for them to be looking at,” said David R. Eichenthal, the study author and a former Biden administration official who now serves as a visiting research scholar at the City University of New York’s Center for Urban Research. “I used to be a local government finance officer, and there are few phrases that are more music to one’s ears than ‘recurring operating savings.’”
For Putnam Valley Central School District, about 50 miles north of Manhattan, those sorts of savings have been accumulating for several decades. Back in 1998, the district converted a middle school from inefficient, electric baseboard heating to geothermal energy, a renewable resource that taps heat from the Earth’s crust.
The project was financed through what’s known as an energy performance contract: The district received a bond to cover up-front costs of geothermal construction, which it repaid through the savings generated from swapping the less-efficient energy source for a more-efficient one, said David Spittal, the district’s director of operations and transportation.
In 2000, the district built a new high school that was entirely reliant on geothermal, turning to a pot of state money — building aid for school capital improvement projects — to help cover the up-front costs. When Spittal joined in 2017, the district took on another, smaller decarbonization project at the elementary school, again using an energy performance contract. Then last year, voters approved a bond to convert the elementary school entirely to geothermal, and state building aid will pick up some of the costs.
In the report, Eichenthal calculated that geothermal at the middle school has saved the district roughly $1.5 million in energy costs. Spittal estimates that the projected savings of all the district’s green energy investments will be significantly higher: roughly $18 million between 2019 and 2039.
“If we hadn’t done this, we would have been in trouble,” said Spittal. “We would either have to raise taxes or lose teachers and raise class sizes.”
The federal retreat from climate action has complicated plans to fund such projects: New York State building aid reduced Putnam Valley’s up-front costs for the latest geothermal project by two-thirds, but they would have been next to nothing if the district had tapped into clean energy tax credits created by the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act, Spittal said. The school district chose not to discuss that option with voters, though, because of the tax credits’ uncertain future; last year, Congress and the Trump administration rolled back several of them (though credits for geothermal remain largely intact.)
Still, state programs to help school districts decarbonize continue to exist, in both red and blue states. New York, Maryland and Massachusetts have grant programs for cleaner, green schools. In Texas, the LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Program finances clean energy projects on buildings supported by the state, including school districts; the loans are repaid with cost savings from the projects. Minnesota and Pennsylvania have programs to help schools adopt solar, Ohio has one for energy efficiency, and Colorado provides grants for geothermal energy, among other examples.
West Virginia is one of more than two dozen states to green-light power purchase agreements, which typically allow school districts and other tax-exempt organizations to lend their space for solar projects. The Wayne County school district worked with Solar Holler, a solar energy company, to build solar panels on 15 of its schools. The project is expected to save the school district about $200,000 in annual energy costs, said Todd Alexander, the district’s superintendent.
While that’s not a huge savings for a district the size of Wayne County, the state’s 12th-largest, it still amounts to the salaries of about two teachers, Alexander said. And the project cost nothing for the district because all the expenses were borne by Solar Holler, including through federal incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act and a private sector arrangement known as a renewable energy certificate. Under the arrangement, companies seeking to meet climate decarbonization goals were matched by the business Ever.green to help pick up some of the costs of the Solar Holler project.
“It was kind of a no-brainer,” Alexander said.

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Yet even with the clear-cut financial savings, there was political blowback. State Sen. Craig Hart, who represents part of Wayne County, introduced a bill to limit power purchase agreements, arguing that they undercut coal and politicized schools. “I don’t think a school is a good place to make a political statement about your utilities and whatnot,” he said in a committee hearing, according to the news organization Mountain State Spotlight. Lawmakers dropped the bill, but new efforts to limit wind and solar have popped up in the state Legislature this year.
In spite of the obstacles, Dan Conant, founder and chief executive officer of Solar Holler, said that spiraling electricity prices are fueling interest in solar. “We’re going to be okay without the [federal] incentives,” he said. “Solar is just flat-out cheaper than what folks are getting from the utility grid.”
Eichenthal, the report author, said he hopes that as districts get better about tracking their savings and sharing those stories, green investments will continue to catch on.
“There are dollars that are available for school districts that want to do this. There’s a long history of state involvement in this area,” he said. “And there are now a series of solid case studies where we no longer just have to say, ‘Well, we think you’re going to save money.’ We can say, ‘Here are the dollars and cents.’”
This article first appeared on The Hechinger Report and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Caroline Preston is managing editor who helps oversee Hechinger's K-12 and higher ed coverage. Her writing has appeared in publications including NBC News, The New York Times, The Washington Post and Wired.com, while stories she has edited or written have been honored by the Data Journalism Awards, the Education Writers Association, the Online News Association and others.
As the new school year gets underway, more students than ever are riding a greener version of the classic yellow bus.
When an early learning center in Houston rewilded its grounds to withstand heat and floods, it gained a whole new sprawling outdoor classroom.
In Tunisia, where education is underfunded, one school is flush with cash after covering itself in solar panels and selling the energy back to the grid.
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King Charles has hailed the “wonderful” work of a British company developing the next generation of solar panels, though he light-heartedly referred to the “disaster” of his plaque unveiling.
During his tour of Oxford PV (Photovoltaics) headquarters, the King saw panels significantly more efficient than conventional products, which he described as “so vitally needed”.
The head of state has championed sustainability and climate action for decades, regularly speaking about the planet’s threats and adopting practical measures, such as running his Aston Martin on eco-fuel.
He told a group of staff “I hope you can speed up the transition a bit” – an apparent reference to the aim of moving away from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
The King added: “I think you’re remarkable, how you’ve managed to keep it all going, but it does take time to get to the point where you can actually commercialise all these things.
“But we need it all badly, all your products, fantastic – applicable on one or two roofs.”
There was a lighter moment when Charles pulled a sheet to unveil a plaque to mark his visit, quipping “disaster” after it tumbled to the ground from an easel.
He was shown the research and development lab of Oxford PV, founded in 2010 as a spin-out from nearby Oxford University, which has become a world leader in using light-sensitive perovskite to develop solar panels that are over 20% more efficient than conventional panels.
He looked at an electron microscope image of the surface of perovskite, a material layered on to silicon solar panels to increases their efficiency at creating electricity as it absorbs different parts of the light spectrum.
The King was delayed by around 45 minutes when bad weather forced him to switch from a helicopter to a car for his journey to Oxford, believed to be from London, and he joked a number of times about the delay after apologising for being late.
When Charles was shown images of commercial applications of the advanced solar panels, not yet available to the public, he appeared impressed with the potential use in car manufacturing, aeronautics and satellites.
David Ward, chief executive of Oxford PV, said after the visit that the firm was shipping “pilot volumes” of products to early customers, adding: “There’s been a decade of work, getting it from a brilliant piece of science into a real module that you see here, that we could give to a customer and they put on a roof.
“I don’t think one energy source will dominate all others, but solar right now is the cheapest form of energy generation and deals with security and energy transition.”
The four new teams in the 2026 World Cup field will join a long history of debutants — including two that went surprisingly far into the tournament.
Duke faces UConn in Sunday's Elite Eight round of the men's March Madness tournament. Here's how to watch.
It's March, and that means basketball! Here's how to catch every game of the women's March Madness college basketball tournament.
The UFC boss sees big summer returns as possibilities for Islam Makhachev and Conor McGregor.
The finish left Barber motionless on the mat for more than a minute.
The Yankees are 3-0 for a third straight season.
Millions are protesting Saturday in the third round of "No Kings" rallies against the Trump administration, with more than 3,000 events planned across all 50 states. Bruce Springsteen, Bernie Sanders and Jane Fonda are appearing at the Minneapolis event.
The Yankees are looking to make it three in a row over the Giants.
Michigan and Louisville will face off at the women's March Madness college basketball tournament round of 16. Here's how to watch.
Geraldo Perdomo made a quick and classy gesture before his first at-bat Friday.

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What’s involved in the construction of a solar farm, from breaking ground at the construction site to when the system starts producing energy? And how does a photovoltaic system actually work once it’s installed – basically, how is energy produced? Let's go through both processes step by step.

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Technological advancement of floating solar photovoltaic system: Design, efficiency and environmental effects  cambridge.org
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SMA Solar Technology AG (ISIN: DE000A0DJ6J9) stands as a cornerstone in solar energy infrastructure, providing essential inverters that enable efficient photovoltaic systems worldwide. North American investors should evaluate its strong technological position and exposure to the accelerating clean energy transition.
SMA Solar Technology AG has established itself as a pivotal player in the renewable energy sector, particularly through its expertise in solar inverters and energy management solutions. Listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under ISIN DE000A0DJ6J9, the company delivers hardware and software that optimize the performance of photovoltaic installations globally. For North American investors, SMA represents a strategic opportunity to gain exposure to Europe’s solar leadership amid rising U.S. demand for reliable grid integration technologies.
As of: 29.03.2026
By Elena Voss, Senior Financial Editor at NorthStar Markets: SMA Solar Technology drives the solar revolution with precision-engineered inverters essential for stable renewable grids.
Official source
All current information on SMA Solar Technology directly from the company’s official website.
SMA Solar Technology focuses primarily on developing, producing, and selling solar inverters, which convert direct current from solar panels into alternating current for grid use. The company’s portfolio extends to system technology for grid-connected and off-grid applications, battery inverters, and comprehensive energy management systems. This integrated approach positions SMA as more than a component supplier; it acts as a full-service provider for photovoltaic system operators.
Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Niestetal, Germany, SMA operates through three main segments: Home Solutions, Commercial & Industrial, and Utility. The Home Solutions division targets residential solar installations, offering compact inverters and monitoring tools. Commercial & Industrial caters to medium-sized enterprises with scalable solutions for rooftops and ground-mounted systems, while Utility focuses on large-scale power plants requiring high-efficiency, grid-stabilizing technology.
The company’s competitive edge lies in its technological innovation and reliability. SMA inverters are renowned for their high efficiency rates, often exceeding 98%, and robust performance in diverse environmental conditions. This reliability fosters long-term customer loyalty, as evidenced by the company’s extensive service network spanning over 20 countries, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal yield for end-users.
In the broader solar value chain, SMA occupies a critical midstream position. Upstream solar panel manufacturers and downstream project developers depend on its inverters for system completion. This centrality insulates SMA somewhat from raw material price volatility while exposing it to overall solar deployment growth.
Sentiment and reactions
The global solar photovoltaics market continues its robust expansion, driven by falling module costs, supportive policies, and corporate sustainability commitments. Projections indicate sustained double-digit annual growth through the decade, propelled by energy security concerns and decarbonization targets. SMA benefits directly as inverter demand correlates tightly with installed capacity.
Key drivers include government incentives like the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, which extends tax credits for solar-plus-storage systems, and Europe’s REPowerEU plan aiming for 600 GW of solar by 2030. These policies accelerate utility-scale projects, where SMA’s large-scale inverters excel. Additionally, the residential segment grows via net metering and self-consumption models popular in North America.
Energy storage integration represents a major tailwind. As battery costs decline, hybrid systems combining solar, inverters, and storage become standard. SMA’s Sunny Central Storage and Sunny Island products address this trend, enabling peak shaving and grid services that enhance project economics.
Grid modernization efforts further bolster demand. With renewables comprising over 40% of generation in leading markets, advanced inverters with grid-forming capabilities are essential for stability. SMA’s Direct Marketing and Virtual Power Plant solutions position it at the forefront of this digitalization wave.
SMA’s inverter lineup spans 1 kW to 5 MW capacities, covering every scale from balcony systems to megawatt farms. Flagship products like the Sunny Tripower X series for commercial use feature three-phase topology for superior yield in partial shading. Utility-scale Sunny Central UP delivers up to 99% efficiency with active thermal management.
Beyond hardware, SMA invests heavily in software. The ennexOS platform provides cloud-based monitoring, predictive maintenance, and energy optimization across portfolios. This service-oriented model generates recurring revenue through subscriptions, diversifying beyond one-time hardware sales.
Innovation pipelines include next-generation wide-bandgap semiconductors for even higher efficiencies and modular designs for easier scalability. SMA also advances hydrogen-ready inverters, anticipating electrolyzer integration in green hydrogen production—a nascent but promising market.
Sustainability permeates operations. The company targets carbon neutrality by 2030, with 100% renewable electricity in production since 2020. Such credentials appeal to ESG-focused investors, particularly in North America where sustainable investing assets exceed $5 trillion.
SMA competes with global giants like Huawei, Sungrow, and Enphase in a fragmented yet consolidating market. Huawei dominates in cost-sensitive Asia, while Enphase leads U.S. residential microinverters. SMA differentiates through premium quality, European manufacturing, and superior service.
Vertical integration provides a moat. In-house transformer and power electronics production ensures supply chain control amid geopolitical tensions. German engineering standards yield products with 20-30 year lifespans, outlasting cheaper alternatives prone to failures.
Strategic partnerships enhance reach. Collaborations with panel makers like LONGi and EPC firms such as Bechtel bundle SMA tech into turnkey solutions. Geographic diversification—40% revenue from Europe, 30% Americas, 30% APAC—mitigates regional slowdowns.
Margins reflect this positioning. SMA consistently achieves gross margins above 35%, supported by a lean cost structure and pricing power in high-value segments. Operational excellence includes automated factories in Germany and China, balancing quality and scale.
Read more
Further developments, updates, and context on the stock can be explored quickly through the linked overview pages.
North American investors find SMA compelling due to U.S. solar capacity doubling every few years, driven by data center demand and manufacturing resurgence. The company supplies key projects like those under the IRA, with inverters certified for North American grids.
Accessibility via ADRs or European ETFs simplifies investment. Currency-hedged vehicles mitigate euro exposure. Dividend policy—yielding around 2-3% historically—appeals to income seekers alongside growth potential.
Portfolio fit suits clean energy allocations. SMA complements U.S.-focused peers like First Solar, offering international diversification. Analyst coverage from North American firms provides familiar research frameworks.
What matters now: accelerating U.S. utility tenders favoring proven European tech. Investors should monitor quarterly order intake for Americas exposure, signaling sustained demand amid policy continuity.
Supply chain disruptions pose ongoing risks, particularly rare earths and semiconductors. While diversified, SMA remains sensitive to Asian manufacturing halts. Geopolitical tensions could elevate costs.
Competition intensifies from low-cost Chinese rivals. Margin pressure may arise if premium pricing erodes. Technological shifts, like module-level power electronics, could challenge central inverter dominance—though SMA adapts via hybrid offerings.
Regulatory changes represent binary risks. Subsidy phase-outs or grid access restrictions could slow deployments. Conversely, extended incentives amplify upside.
Open questions include execution on storage ramp-up and service revenue growth. North American investors should watch U.S. project pipeline visibility, tariff developments on imports, and capex efficiency amid expansion. Currency fluctuations and interest rates also warrant attention, as higher rates curb project financing.
Disclaimer: Not investment advice. Stocks are volatile financial instruments.

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Introducing the Sojitz employees continually taking on new challenges to create new value for society
Sojitz History Manga
Introducing the Sojitz employees continually taking on new challenges to create new value for society
Sojitz History Manga
Energy Solutions ＆ Healthcare Division
Asia & Oceania
Nov. 26, 2025
Sojitz Corporation
Nov. 26, 2025
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Sojitz Corporation (“Sojitz”) has acquired a stake in Australia’s Next Green Group Pty Ltd (“NGG”), an energy retailer that also develops solar systems, battery storage, and other EPC services for energy projects. The company will become a consolidated subsidiary of Sojitz following the acquisition of issued shares. Through this acquisition, Sojitz will build an integrated energy solutions business for air conditioning system installation and electricity supply that includes energy management and leverages synergy with Australia’s Ellis Air —a consolidated Sojitz subsidiary and air conditioning and mechanical services company providing energy-efficient design and construction services—and Climatech, which operates under Ellis Air.

Australia has the highest annual per capita consumption of energy in the APAC region. Buildings in Australia are required to meet high standards for environmental performance ratings. As a result, there is growing awareness and demand for energy-saving services. For multi-tenant sites such as shopping centers and high-rise buildings, adoption of energy-efficient air conditioning systems is increasing. In particular, many buildings require centralized HVAC*1 system installation that integrate heat-generating components such as boilers and refrigerators.

In Australia, electricity rates are driven up by high grid costs that account for approximately 45% of electricity costs. High demand therefore exists for cost-reducing through the adoption of Behind-the-Meter (BTM) systems, which include integrated rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems. In addition, BTM services under the PPA model do not require any startup investment costs for installation, and the BTM industry is demonstrating a rapid growth rate exceeding 12% annual growth. *2

NGG provides retail electricity services to small and medium-sized businesses primarily across the Eastern States of Australia, but largely in the states of New South Wales and Victoria. NGG has a track record of installing solar power systems and storage batteries at significant commercial and industrial sites for leading global corporates and including shopping centers, health precincts and retail centers. The company’s strength lies in its ability to build integrated models for power generation, transmission, retail, and energy management. NGG will join Sojitz Group, and the companies will leverage their joint air conditioning equipment and energy-saving businesses to provide services for existing customers. Specifically, NGG will collaborate with Ellis Air Group to provide comprehensive energy solutions for building infrastructure that include the installation and operation of HVAC equipment, and supply of energy. Additionally, Ellis Air Group and NGG will work to accelerate the expansion of BTM services under the PPA model to expand long-term electricity sales and strengthen earnings foundations.

Moving forward, Sojitz will continue to supply clean energy to consumers and provide low-carbon and decarbonization-related solutions and services in order to contribute to the energy transition.

*1: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
*2: Sojitz study
[Related Information]
January 30, 2025　Sojitz Acquires Energy Efficient HVAC Provider and Mechanical Service Contractor in Australia
December 13, 2024　Sojitz Enters the Electricity Retail Business in Ireland
May 17, 2023　Sojitz Enters Energy Conservation Business in Australia
September 13, 2021　Sojitz Enters the Electricity Retail Business in Europe’s Leading Sustainability Markets
Contact: Sojitz Corporation Public Relations Dept.　hodo@sojitz.com

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