Solar Now

A huge wind and solar project near Chugwater to generate 450 megawatts of wind and solar power was unanimously approved Wednesday by Platte County planners. "I want to be able to earn some money off my land,” said one rancher in support of the plan.
May 13, 20267 min read
A massive wind and solar project spanning 49,500 acres in Platte County got a unanimous green light Wednesday from the Platte County Planning and Zoning Commission.
NextEra Energy Resources’ Chugwater Energy Project is expected to generate about 300 megawatts of wind energy, 150 megawatts of solar energy and includes a 150-megawatt battery energy storage system. 
The project will include up to 150 wind turbine generators, and the construction phase will create up to 300 jobs, with eight to 12 full-time positions for ongoing operations.
Planning commissioners faced a room full of county and town residents, including farmers and ranchers at a public hearing for about two hours of public comment prior to voting unanimously to approve moving forward with the project. 
Their votes, which came about with three motions, took less than 30 minutes. The unanimous vote will go to the Platte County Commission as the group’s recommendation. Any final decisions on county approval for the project will be made by the commission.
“Please try to stay open-minded and level-headed,” said Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Marty Shepard.
Prior to approving the public hearing rules, Platte County resident Jill Caufmann requested removing the restriction of a time limit on public comment and removing a clause condemning derogatory comments.
“If I understand you correctly you would like to have removed from the rules of the meeting that people act dignified and second of all you object to the five-minute rule,” said Platte County Attorney Rex Johnson.
He said the board has the authority to conduct meetings in an orderly fashion, adding that if they didn’t put a time limit on the public comments, “We’d be here until Christmas.”
Developer Anthony Bianchini, a senior project manager with NextEra Energy, introduced the project, saying, “Today we want to be clear about what we are proposing, why this project makes sense, how this project has been designed and why it meets Platte County’s requirements.”
A slide show he presented covered aspects of the proposed projects including environmental and community impacts, transmission line siting considerations, noise regulations, battery storage statistics. 
The project would include construction, maintenance, operation, decommissioning and land reclamation.
“The county has some of the best wind potential anywhere in the nation,” Bianchini said.
Chris Brown, executive director of Powering Up Wyoming, remarked that three proposed Wyoming energy projects — the Rail Tie, Laramie Range and Chugwater — comprise less than 2% of the overall landmass of southeast Wyoming, which he classified as Albany, Laramie, Platte and Goshen counties. 
He also said the economic benefits from the Chugwater project were important to consider, given property tax reductions that local communities are facing due to recent legislation.
“We think this is a good project,” Brown said. “We stand in favor of it moving forward.”
A number of Chugwater-area ranchers and farmers attended the hearing, many speaking in favor of the proposed project because of how it would support their operations.
Dan Kirkbride operates a 102-year-old ranch outside of Chugwater. The project would largely increase his family’s annual income, he said.
He added that it would contribute to the county’s coffers at a time of declining property tax revenue.
“If the Chugwater community picks up even a few of the workers as permanent residents that’s good news,” he said. “Every family is important to our little town and school.”
Kirkbride was sympathetic to those who oppose the project.
“We realize it’s a hard situation for folks who feel they are captive to it,” he said.
But, said Kirkbride, we live in a world of development. These developments “all contribute to the conveniences that sustain our everyday life.
“The council has hard decisions ahead of you,” he said.
Robert Moxley spoke to the commissioners about a wind co-op he helped establish two decades ago where area landowners pooled up to 10,000 acres of land to offer to wind developers.
“We were hoping to make our farms productive in a climate where agriculture has become impossible,” said Moxley, who is a lifelong Chugwater resident and owns land that will be impacted by the project. “I want to see this project go through.”
Moxley said he worked 60 hours a week for years, trying to turn a profit on his family’s wheat farm.
“It’s not worth anything as a wheat farm,” he said. “It’s got grass growing on it. I want to be able to earn some money off my land.”
Cole Borchardt, who graduated from Chugwater High School in 2004, spoke in favor of the project for the growth it could mean for his hometown. 
He told commissioners he left the area after high school because he didn’t see many opportunities at home. After a stint working in oil fields and construction, he returned to his family’s ranch.
He told the commissioners that six kids from his graduation class stayed in Chugwater to do business.
“Wyoming’s not growing much,” he said. “You either grow or you die. You have to change some if you want to grow some.”
Paul Norfleet, a sheep rancher who recently moved to Chugwater, spoke about the challenges of farming and said the project would allow revenue to come to his ranch. 
That revenue, he said, would go toward regenerating the land.
Solar panels would be a boon to his sheep, he said, because the panels would allow the sheep to graze for several weeks longer than normal.
Norfleet said condensation collects on the solar panels and then drips onto the ground, providing strips of grass for grazing.
“It seems like a win-win situation,” he said.
Holding back tears, John Burns, who serves on the Chugwater Town Council and owns land within 1 mile from a proposed power line, expressed concern over the project turning Chugwater into a ghost town.
“Nobody wants to live near a power line. That’s a simple fact,” Burns said. “If this goes forward as it is, Chugwater’s going to die.”
Earl Wright, a landowner who lives “right next door” to where proposed solar panels would be placed, voiced concern over how his property would be affected by solar panels. 
He worried the heat generated from the panels would negatively affect his trees and the wildlife he enjoys seeing on his peoprty.
He also expressed concerns over increased traffic. The road to his house is already bumpy, he said, adding, “the road gets so rough I have to get my teeth fixed.”
“If they put those panels around my house, my property will become basically worthless,” he said.
Caufmann, who had challenged the rules of the public hearing prior to the public comment period, presumed that none of the energy generated from the project would be used in Wyoming.
Several landowners questioned the fire risk with a battery storage facility so close to their land.
Cowboy State Daily previously reported that Cheyenne will also likely be expected to aid the Chugwater Fire Department in emergency response to the construction site. 
Mayor Patrick Collins said Cheyenne has one of the only teams in the area capable of performing emergency rescues in high places like the tops of wind turbines.
Eric Jones, representing the town of Chugwater, spoke to the importance of preserving the town’s viewshed.
“The town of Chugwater would like to preserve its views,” he told the planners.
Burns said the project’s proposed transmission line would be visible near town and go “right on top of the bluff and the billboards.
“The power line will kill Chugwater if it’s in sight of the town,” he said.
He continued, “We’re a town in dire straits. People move here for the bluffs and the access to state land. We need to protect that.”
Kate Meadows can be reached at kate@cowboystatedaily.com.
Mac Watson7 min read
Clair McFarland10 min read
Kate Meadows is a writer for Cowboy State Daily.
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Solar panel fire damages Twin Cities home  CBS News
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The city of Bruges is offering small- to medium-sized enterprises and organizations looking to install large-scale rooftop solar free advice from an independent solar broker. The solar broker will be available to support the entire installation process, from initial calculations through to final commissioning.
Image: Olga Subach/Unsplash
The city of Bruges in Belgium has launched a new service offering free independent advice for small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and organizations planning to install large-scale rooftop solar.
The free advice service will be delivered by Belgian energy consultancy Emaze BV, which the city has appointed as an independent solar broker via a framework agreement.
In its role as the solar broker, Emaze BV will be available to provide free support throughout the solar installation processes, from initial calculations and feasibility studies to contract negotiations and final commissioning. They can also assist with the integration of the rooftop solar system with any required batteries, charging stations and control systems.
The broker will be required to work independently. “The city funds the services, ensuring that no commissions or commercial interests are involved,” a statement on the city’s website explains. “This guarantees neutral advice and allows for the selection of the most sustainable and profitable solution for the parties involved every time.”
To be eligible for the service, SMEs and organizations should be looking to install solar on roofs larger than 500 sqm located within the Bruges territory. Companies larger than SMEs and companies subject to solar panel obligations for buildings with electricity consumption higher than 1 GWh are not eligible for the service.
Eligible companies are invited to contact the city of Bruges to make use of the free support from the solar broker.
The city says the initiative forms part of its plan to accelerate the realization of large-scale solar projects as it works towards sourcing 90% of Bruges’ electricity from local solar and wind generation, as outlined in the objectives of its Strategic Energy and Climate Plan.
According to figures available on the city’s website, up to 71% of Bruges’ electricity came from solar and wind sources as of last year.
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The infrastructure is part of the Rural Electrification Project, which will benefit more than a million people
MCA has surpassed the previous record set at Cazombo for installed infrastructure, specifically in terms of solar capacity, battery storage and tonnes of CO2 avoided annually

The Luau Photovoltaic Park, which will supply green energy to over 90,000 people, has a production capacity of 31.85 MWp, batteries with a storage capacity of 75.26 MWh and will prevent the emission of 47 tonnes of CO2
GUIMARÃES, Portugal, May 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In early May, MCA inaugurated Africa's largest off-grid renewable energy solar park in the village of Luau, Angola. The project was designed to address a challenge faced by many countries across the continent: ensuring a supply of electricity to remote and isolated communities, for whom extending the grid is technically and economically unfeasible.
The Luau Solar Park has a generation capacity of 31.85 MWp and batteries with a storage capacity of 75.26 MWh, enough to supply more than 90,000 people, whilst preventing the emission of 47 tonnes of CO2. This is the country's second off-grid system with a solar power source and a battery bank for night-time supply, eliminating the need for any fossil fuel. The inauguration of the facility was attended by the President of the Republic of Angola, João Lourenço, and the Minister of Energy and Water (MINEA), João Baptista Borges.
With its commissioning, the Luau Photovoltaic Park has become the largest off-grid park on the African continent, surpassing the record previously set at Cazombo. It should be noted that the Cazombo Solar Photovoltaic Park features infrastructure installed by MCA comprising 25.3 MWp of solar capacity, 59.46 MWh of battery storage, and 40,320 630 Wp photovoltaic modules.
"It is with immense pride that MCA contributes to the country's energy transition with the delivery of yet another solar park. This is a project that goes far beyond the technical aspect: it represents a commitment to communities that, for decades, have lived without access to energy. The completion of the Cazombo and Luau parks marks just the beginning of a structural and ambitious programme, which will continue to expand in the coming months. We believe that energy transforms lives, creates opportunities and strengthens regions, and it is with this aim that we will continue to work, side by side with the communities, to ensure that electrification reaches where it makes the most difference," says Manuel Couto Alves, Chairman of MCA.
This infrastructure, budgeted at over €87 million and comprising a total of 54,912 installed solar panels, has created more than 200 local jobs and will enable annual savings of around 18 million litres of fuel. The Luau solar farm is the second to be delivered as part of the Rural Electrification Project covering 60 communes in Angola. 
In a context where electricity plays a fundamental role in promoting local development, the Rural Electrification Project emerges as a structural solution, placing solar energy at the heart of the solution. Off-grid solar farms combine solar generation and storage, enabling clean and reliable energy to be delivered to the most remote communities, with direct benefits for quality of life and economic activity through the democratisation of essential services. The first results are already visible with the completion of the Cazombo plants in 2025, now joined by the Luau plant, in an expansion drive that will intensify until 2027.
The Rural Electrification Project, which envisages the implementation of 46 autonomous mini-grids (powered by solar photovoltaic parks) and an estimated impact on over one million people, has been recognised in the European Union's Global Gateway strategy, which aims to promote sustainable, inclusive and high-quality connections in the fields of energy, digital technology and infrastructure, contributing to the economic and social development of partner countries. 
In the context of rural electrification, these projects seek to ensure access to clean, reliable and affordable energy for remote communities, strengthening essential services such as healthcare, education and local economic activity, whilst supporting the energy transition and climate action. Based on balanced partnerships and high environmental, social and governance standards, Global Gateway projects in the energy sector aim to generate a lasting impact on local populations, reduce regional inequalities and promote more sustainable and resilient growth. 
Designed and built by the Portuguese MCA Group, the financing for this operation was structured by the British Standard Chartered Bank with the support of the German Export Agency, Euler Hermes, which provided a guarantee of around one billion euros, reinsured by the Portuguese and Korean Export Agencies (Cosec and K Sure). The Angolan state-owned electricity production company (PRODEL Ep) is the project developer.
The Portuguese company has been making a name for itself in the Angolan market by successfully developing turnkey projects aimed at ensuring the provision of basic infrastructure, namely water supply and energy production facilities.
About MCA 
MCA is a Portuguese company founded in 1998 in Guimarães by businessman Manuel Couto Alves and currently has around 2,000 employees in various countries. The company is active in the development, engineering, procurement, construction, and operation of projects in four business verticals: Energy, Urban Development, Infrastructure and Health. MCA began its internationalisation process in 2006 in the Angolan market and is currently present in three geographical clusters including the Iberian Peninsula, Central Europe, and Africa. The company endeavours to create and share long-term value, thereby promoting the sustainable development of the communities in which it operates. https://www.mcagroup.com/en/
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2979585/May_MCA_Luau.jpg
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Argus upgraded First Solar’s price target by $25 on May 13, citing strong first-quarter earnings that beat expectations. The stock traded near $239 as mixed analyst sentiment persists.
First Solar reported first-quarter 2026 earnings that exceeded analyst expectations, with earnings per share of $3.22 versus estimates of $2.87 and revenue of $1.04 billion, according to MarketBeat as of May 13, 2026. The photovoltaic solar module manufacturer’s strong quarterly performance prompted Argus to raise its price target from $250 to $275, implying approximately 15% upside from current levels.
The stock traded at $238.76 on May 13, 2026, according to MarketBeat. First Solar’s market capitalization stands at $25.65 billion, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, reflecting a conservative balance sheet. The company maintains a current ratio of 2.56 and quick ratio of 2.15, indicating solid short-term liquidity.
As of: May 14, 2026
By the editorial team – specialized in equity coverage.
First Solar specializes in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of photovoltaic solar modules. The company operates primarily in the United States, which accounts for 95.7% of net sales, with additional exposure to India and France. As a major player in renewable energy equipment, First Solar serves a market driven by global demand for clean energy solutions and US government incentives supporting solar deployment.
The company’s revenue is generated through the production and sale of photovoltaic solar modules used in utility-scale and distributed solar installations. First Solar’s Q1 2026 revenue of $1.04 billion reflects strong demand in its core US market, where federal tax credits and state-level renewable energy mandates continue to support solar adoption. The company’s ability to exceed earnings expectations signals operational efficiency and favorable market conditions for solar equipment manufacturers.
While Argus maintained a buy rating alongside its price target increase, analyst sentiment on First Solar remains divided. The consensus rating on MarketBeat is a Moderate Buy with an average price target of $247.03. Recent analyst actions include GLJ Research downgrading the stock from buy to hold with a target of $207.82 on March 4, and Susquehanna lowering its price target from $280 to $250 on April 9. Barclays reduced its price objective from $228 to $213 on April 20, though it maintained an overweight rating. DZ Bank assigned a strong sell rating on February 26.
Read more
Additional news and developments on the stock can be explored via the linked overview pages.
More news on this stockInvestor relations
First Solar’s first-quarter 2026 earnings beat and Argus’s price target increase reflect positive momentum in the solar equipment sector. However, the divergence in analyst ratings—ranging from strong sell to buy—underscores the complexity of valuing renewable energy companies amid changing policy environments and market dynamics. US investors should monitor upcoming guidance updates and industry trends to assess whether the company can sustain its earnings growth trajectory.
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute investment advice. Stocks are volatile financial instruments.

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Rows of solar panels at a newly completed community solar farm Wednesday in Las Vegas, N.M. Several projects are underway statewide.

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Rows of solar panels at a newly completed community solar farm Wednesday in Las Vegas, N.M. Several projects are underway statewide.
About five years after the New Mexico Legislature passed a law creating the state’s community solar program, projects around the state are finally getting off the ground.
Officials, lawmakers and renewable energy advocates have acknowledged the rollout of the state’s community solar program has been slower than expected, but in recent months, the program’s momentum appears to be increasing as projects materialize.
Community solar proponents believe the last five years have offered lessons for improving the statewide program as it approaches an expansion in capacity that will allow for more projects to be awarded and built.
The state’s community solar program allows people, businesses and municipalities to subscribe to solar projects and receive credits toward their utility bills, offering an opportunity for renters and low-income residents to benefit from significant savings and increase New Mexico’s solar portfolio.
The most recent community solar project completed is called the Pino Site in Las Vegas, N.M., where several people gathered Wednesday morning to celebrate the project coming online.
The facility, off Seventh Street at the northern end of Las Vegas, is one of eight community solar projects around the state developed by a partnership of Albuquerque-based Pluma Construction, Forefront Power, Standard Solar and Solstice. The projects have developed a total capacity of 48.4 megawatts of solar, including facilities in Las Cruces, Silver City and Clovis, along with others. All of the projects have been completed except one, a facility in Alamogordo, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Chris Pacheco, owner of Pluma Construction, said the community solar program has proved to be a “tremendous growth opportunity” for New Mexico companies like his.
“What this does show is that even if you are a small New Mexico company, if you branch out and partner, you can grow your company,” Pacheco said. “I hope this portfolio is remembered not just because of the successful energy projects, but as an example of what can happen when local leadership and strong partnerships come together for the state of New Mexico.”
Rep. Tara Lujan, D-Santa Fe, praised the community solar program and the Pino Site at the event.
“One of many reasons why I’ve become a legislator is to really ensure that our dollars and our economy and our budget are going towards what we see up here today,” Lujan said, gesturing at the rows of solar panels behind her.
The projects by the partnership have been among the first to come online from an initial round of community solar awards announced by the Public Regulation Commission in May 2023.
Of the 47 projects — and about 196 megawatts of community solar — chosen by the commission, 13 were online Wednesday, agency spokesperson Patrick Rodriguez said. He noted all of the awarded projects are expected to come online in the next few years, and 39 of them are on track to be complete by the end of 2026.
In recent years, state utility regulators approved an increase to the capacity of the community solar program, meaning more projects will eventually come online.
One hurdle for community solar projects getting off the ground has been the cost of interconnection to the electrical grid, which can run into the hundreds of thousands or even into the millions of dollars, said Jim DesJardins, executive director of the Renewable Energy Industry Association of New Mexico.
Sometimes those costs are not known by developers upfront, he said, and the interconnection costs can make a project less viable financially.
“If developer ‘X’ knew that the site that they bid on was going to require a $10 million investment to upgrade a substation, they would have said, ‘I think we’ll look somewhere else,’ but they didn’t know that ahead of time,” DesJardins said. “So we need to get better at sharing information.”
DesJardins’ trade group and others have argued for more “visibility” of interconnection costs by utilities in a rulemaking proceeding that is underway at the commission. The process is expected to yield changes to community solar regulations in the coming months as part of an effort improve the program.
Another proposal for the rule change is the concept of consolidated billing, which would eliminate the need for a separate monthly bill for a community solar subscription.
The company Solstice — which manages subscriptions for several community solar projects — is required to send its subscribers in New Mexico a separate invoice from their utility bill, Tyler Yasa, one of the company’s executives, said in an interview, adding that under state regulations, customers are kicked off the program after one missed payment.
Yasa described the billing rules as an “existential threat” to New Mexico’s community solar program, saying the dual billing system has essentially resulted in his company accepting the default risk from utilities for community solar subscribers, since those subscribers — which are largely low-income — are more likely to relinquish their subscription to community solar than risk losing their power if they are ever unable to pay.
The company was the first to start billing community solar subscribers in New Mexico, he said, and its data shows turnover in subscribers that he attributed to the billing issues.
“Because of how quickly we’re churning through customers, we’re going to reach a saturation level at some point in the very near future where we can’t continue to subscribe these customers, because we’ve already reached out to the majority of them,” Yasa said. “I think in order to make this program as successful as possible and actually have longevity, we have to address the subscriber question — where does that default risk land?”
He pointed out several other states have moved from dual billing to consolidated billing for community solar programs, including Maryland, Illinois and New York.
In the rulemaking proceeding underway at the Public Regulation Commission, commissioners will considering several models for consolidated billing. Solstice and others have pushed for a feature called net crediting, which includes the application of the community solar credit directly on the subscriber’s utility bill.
Comments submitted to the commission by a host of advocacy groups — including the Coalition for Community Solar Access and Sierra Club — urged the commission to adopt consolidated billing with net crediting in the coming rule change, calling both features “essential to maintaining the program’s low-income participation objectives.”
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In a significant push towards clean energy adoption, Varanasi (Kashi) has secured the 10th position nationally in rooftop solar installations, outperforming several major cities and emerging as a model for sustainable urban development.
Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the city has witnessed rapid progress in solar energy deployment. A total of 39,018 rooftop solar systems have been successfully installed so far.
According to Chief Development Officer Prakhar Kumar Singh, 62,964 applications were received under the scheme, out of which nearly 39,018 installations have been completed.
The district has achieved an installed capacity of 1,32,096.31 kW, consistently ranking second in Uttar Pradesh after Lucknow for several months.
The rooftop solar systems are generating approximately 6,60,482 units of electricity daily, leading to savings of nearly ₹39.6 lakh per day. This translates into an annual saving of about ₹144.65 crore.
As per UPNEDA officials, subsidies worth ₹251.49 crore have already been disbursed to around 33,332 beneficiaries, significantly reducing electricity costs and enabling many households to access near-free power.
Beyond financial gains, the initiative is delivering substantial environmental benefits. The installed solar capacity is expected to reduce approximately 1.58 lakh metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, contributing to cleaner air and a greener urban ecosystem.
Additionally, the rooftop model has helped conserve nearly 660 acres of agricultural land, eliminating the need for large-scale land acquisition for power generation.
The solar expansion has also boosted employment in the region. With 310 active vendors, the sector is generating:
Opportunities span installation, maintenance, logistics, and technical services, benefiting thousands of youth.
The success of rooftop solar adoption in Varanasi highlights the effective implementation of central and state government policies. Officials attribute the achievement to coordinated efforts between administration and citizens.
“Due to the collective efforts of the people and the department, Varanasi has achieved the tenth position in the country and continues to hold the second rank in the state,” said Prakhar Kumar Singh.
With strong momentum, the city is expected to further improve its national ranking and strengthen its position as a leader in India’s clean energy transition.

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Capacity additions rose more than 143% YoY and nearly 49% QoQ
May 14, 2026
Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights
India installed 15.3 GW of solar capacity in Q1 2026, its highest-ever quarterly total, according to Mercom India’s Q1 2026 India Solar Market Update Report.
Additions rose more than 143% year-over-year (YoY) from 6.3 GW in Q1 2025, and nearly 49% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) from about 10.3 GW in Q4 2025.
Large-scale solar accounted for most of the growth. India added 12.6 GW of large-scale capacity during the quarter, representing more than 82% of total additions. Open access projects made up 21% of the large-scale total. Large-scale installations increased 55% from the previous quarter and 147% from the same period last year.
Record commissioning activity was driven by approaching policy deadlines and improved transmission readiness in key solar states. Developers accelerated project completions ahead of the ALMM List-II implementation scheduled for June 2026, amid concerns over limited domestic DCR cell availability and rising module procurement costs.
“India’s solar sector recorded its strongest quarter ever in Q1 2026, driven by accelerated project execution ahead of the June ALMM-II deadline and the reduction in ISTS charge-waiver benefits. However, transmission bottlenecks could still play the spoiler in what is expected to be a record year for solar installations. While project execution and commissioning activity remain strong, transmission readiness and evacuation infrastructure are struggling to keep pace with the rapid growth in renewable capacity. As renewable penetration increases, curtailment, grid flexibility, and storage integration are becoming critical to sustaining future growth,” commented Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group.
Execution under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) program also strengthened, particularly in western states. Open access projects added further momentum as developers moved to commission capacity before the next phase of inter-state transmission system (ISTS) charges waiver reductions.

“MNRE has often waited until close to the deadline before giving clarity on extensions, and the market is now working with the assumption that the ALMM List-II deadline may not be extended. Module manufacturers and developers are expected to push for some relief, either on a project-by-project basis or through a short extension, because domestic cell manufacturing capacity is still limited,” said Priya Sanjay, Managing Director, Mercom India.
Gujarat and Rajasthan led large-scale solar installations in Q1 2026, accounting for approximately 40% and 39% of additions, respectively. Maharashtra ranked third with a 6% share.
As of March 2026, India’s cumulative installed solar capacity, including large-scale and rooftop systems, exceeded 152 GW. Solar accounted for 28% of India’s total installed power capacity and 55% of its total installed renewable energy capacity.
Large-scale projects made up nearly 85% of India’s cumulative installed solar capacity, while rooftop solar accounted for more than 15%.

Rajasthan had the highest cumulative installed large-scale solar capacity, representing about 32% of the national total. Gujarat followed with more than 21%, while Karnataka accounted for over 11%.
The average cost of large-scale solar projects using TOPCon DCR modules declined nearly 1% QoQ but rose 6% YoY.
Tender activity reached about 3 GW during the quarter, doubling from the previous quarter but falling 68% YoY. About 4 GW of solar projects were auctioned in Q1 2026, down 47% QoQ and 64% YoY.
“With uncertainty around ALMM and the timing of PPA signing, developers are cautious about bidding because they may not know which compliance conditions will apply when projects move forward,” Sanjay said.
“Land and transmission challenges will grow with every passing month. Developers are already seeing fewer contiguous land parcels suitable for solar, and land prices are rising as farmers become more aware of upcoming solar development,” she said.
Mercom’s Q1 2026 India Solar Market Update report is 113 pages long and covers all facets of India’s solar market. For the complete report, visit:  https://www.mercomindia.com/product/q1-2026-india-solar-market-update
Arjun Joshi
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The successful bids ranged from €0.0399/kWh to €0.0510/kWh
May 14, 2026
Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights
Germany’s Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has awarded 268 bids for solar installations with a combined capacity of 2,299 MW in its March 2026 solar PV auction.
The auction targeted a total capacity of 2,295 MW but received 532 bids totaling 4,622 MW, more than double the tender volume. Thirty-nine bids were excluded from the process.
The auction followed a pay-as-bid pricing mechanism, with successful bids ranging from €0.0399 (~$0.0468)/kWh to €0.0510 (~$0.0598)/kWh. The volume-weighted average award price stood at €0.0494 (~$0.0579)/kWh, slightly below the €0.0500 (~$0.0586)/kWh recorded in the previous round, indicating continued price pressure in Germany’s solar procurement market.
According to Klaus Müller, President of the Bundesnetzagentur, the level of competition remained high, continuing the trend from earlier rounds, and contributed to a further decline in award values.
Regionally, Bavaria accounted for the largest share of awarded capacity, continuing its dominant position in previous auctions, with 693 MW allocated across 106 winning bids. Lower Saxony followed with 340 MW from 33 successful bids, while Baden-Württemberg secured 333 MW through 45 winning bids.
In terms of project categories, the highest number of successful bids was associated with installations planned alongside motorways and railway lines, which accounted for 123 winning bids totaling 1,026 MW. This category accounted for the largest share of awarded capacity, highlighting the continued use of transport corridor-adjacent land for solar development.
The second category was farmland or grassland located in disadvantaged areas, which secured 73 winning bids with a combined capacity of 760 MW.
The third segment was classified as “special solar installations,” comprising 59 winning bids totaling 439 MW. This category accounted for nearly 15% of the total volume of bids submitted and close to 20% of successful bids, marking its highest share to date and a significant increase over previous auction rounds.
These projects involve dual land use, combining electricity generation with other activities such as agriculture, indicating growing interest in integrated land-use models within Germany’s solar sector.
Recently, Bundesnetzagentur invited bids to set up 296,269 kW solar projects on buildings or noise barriers.
In the same month, Germany added a total of 3.5 GW of solar capacity during the first quarter of 2026, according to data from Bundesnetzagentur. The country’s cumulative solar capacity now stands at 121 GW.
Meghana Prasad
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© 2026 by Mercom Capital Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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AXITEC Energy India, through distribution partner UNO Power, has delivered advanced 620 WP G12R solar modules for a 120 kW installation in Coimbatore, supporting clean energy adoption and operational efficiency in Tamil Nadu.
May 14, 2026. By News Bureau
AXITEC Energy India through its distribution partner UNO Power, has supplied high-efficiency solar modules for a 120 kW solar installation developed by Mahameru Impex in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The project reflects the growing adoption of reliable and performance-driven solar solutions in India’s commercial and industrial sector.
The installation has been developed using AXITEC’s advanced 620 WP G12R solar modules, known for their high efficiency, durability and dependable energy generation performance. Through this project, UNO Power served as the module supply partner, supporting the deployment of quality solar technology for the installation.
Mahameru Impex executed the project as the installation and implementation partner, managing the design, engineering  and commissioning of the solar plant. The successful completion of the project highlights the importance of strong collaboration across the solar value chain in accelerating India’s clean energy transition.
Designed to deliver operational efficiency and sustainability benefits, the solar installation is expected to generate approximately 6–7 units of electricity daily per 1 kW of installed G12R modules. The project is also projected to contribute significantly towards reducing carbon emissions and dependency on conventional energy sources.
Commenting on the development, Tanmoy Duari, Chief Executive Officer, AXITEC Energy India, said, “At AXITEC, our focus remains on delivering high-quality solar technology that enables reliable and long-term clean energy generation. We are pleased to see our high-efficiency modules contributing to this 120 kW installation in Coimbatore through our partner network. Such projects demonstrate how collaborative efforts across the industry can support India’s growing renewable energy ambitions.”
K Dheeraj Ranka, Founder and  Managing Partner – Uno Power added “Quality Solar BOS will make you believe in what it can do for you in the next 25 years.”
As India continues to strengthen its renewable energy infrastructure, partnerships between technology providers, distributors and installation companies will remain essential in driving wider adoption of decentralised solar energy solutions across industries.

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Cloudy with a few showers. High 51F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..
Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low 44F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
Updated: May 14, 2026 @ 4:11 am
Bear Ridge Solar was among 23 large-scale, land-based renewable energy projects to have contracts approved the state in 2024.

Bear Ridge Solar was among 23 large-scale, land-based renewable energy projects to have contracts approved the state in 2024.
With its legal issues with the Town of Cambria now settled, Bear Ridge Solar is now seeking county incentives for its massive solar project.
Cypress Creek Energy, developers of the 100 MW farm in Cambria and Pendleton, is looking for nearly $27 million in various tax incentives toward the $220.6 million development. Those include $18.6 million in sales tax exemptions, $6.9 million in property tax exemptions over a 20-year period, and $1.4 million in mortgage recording tax exemptions.
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“We’ve created community in a time where people are divided.”
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Britain’s latest energy price spike is pushing more households to look up — at their roofs. In east London, one neighborhood is trying to turn that interest into action by linking dozens of streets together in a shared push for solar power, according to the i Paper.
What started as a hyperlocal fundraiser is now growing into a community-scale model for lower bills and cleaner energy.
In Walthamstow, a project called Walthamstow Power Station is helping residents install solar panels together, lowering costs through collective bargaining and new financing options, per the Guardian. The effort comes as war-related pressure on oil and gas markets drives up household energy bills across the U.K., deepening the country’s second energy crisis in less than five years.
The timing stands out. Renewable energy providers are seeing stronger demand, and newly released figures showed 27,000 solar systems were installed in March — Britain’s biggest monthly total in more than 10 years, per the i Paper.
The project began during the COVID-19 lockdown, when artists Dan Edelstyn and Hilary Powell spent 23 nights sleeping on their roof and raised more than £150,000 ($203,077). The funds went toward solar for 16 homes and five local schools.
Now the idea is expanding quickly. More than 130 streets have expressed interest in taking part, with support from local MP Stella Creasy and community energy company People Owned Power Energy.
BOBS from Skechers has helped over 2 million shelter pets around the world — and the charity program just announced this year’s Paws for a Cause design-winning sneakers.
These “hound huggers” and “kitten kicks” sneakers are machine washable and equipped with memory foam insoles. Plus, they were designed by passionate students who were inspired by their very own rescue pets.
BOBS from Skechers is also committed to donating half a million dollars to the Best Friends Animal Society this year to help every dog and cat experience the safety and support of a loving home.
One of the biggest barriers to rooftop solar is not a lack of interest — it’s the cost. Even when solar can significantly lower monthly bills, many households still cannot afford the upfront expense. That makes community-led financing especially meaningful at a time when family budgets are already stretched by rising costs.
In Walthamstow, the early results suggest solar can deliver real savings. Edelstyn said participating homes have reduced their bills by roughly a third, per the i Paper, while also cutting their reliance on fossil fuels. That could mean more stable energy costs for households and less exposure to volatile global fuel markets.
There are wider benefits as well. More rooftop solar can reduce planet-warming pollution and lower local air pollution linked to fossil fuel use, which can improve public health over time. It can also strengthen neighborhood ties by turning an energy upgrade into a shared effort rather than a solo purchase.
For residents able to contribute some money up front, group buying can also unlock quick savings. One local resident said eight households on his street secured a 30% discount by coordinating their installations.
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According to the i Paper, POP Energy is working on a co-op setup that could let households add solar without paying up front. Residents would instead make fixed subscription payments over time, with the goal of keeping the charge below what they save on electricity bills. 
Government backing may also help; Great British Energy has set aside up to £1 billion for community-owned energy projects by 2030.
You can also increase the value of solar by pairing panels with efficient electric appliances, which can push your utility costs even lower. 
If you’re interested in going solar, EnergySage offers simple, free resources that can help you get solar panels and save you up to $10,000 in the process. If you’re not ready to spend up front, Palmetto’s $0-down LightReach solar leasing program can lower your utility rate by up to 20%.
Walthamstow still faces challenges, including regulations, property ownership complications, and barriers for renters. But the model shows how communities can make clean energy more accessible when households work together.
“It is going to be generated locally. It is going to be across millions of roofs,” said Howard Johns, CEO of POP Energy, per i Papers.
Edelstyn pointed to another benefit beyond lower bills, according to the publication: “We’ve created community in a time where people are divided.”
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The Missouri Public Service Commission has given its approval to an agreement to build a solar farm in Callaway County.
The PSC granted Ameren Missouri a certificate to build, own, and operate the project.
The 250-megawatt solar generation facility will include a 345-kilovolt switching station.
A press release from the PSC states that the facility will be built on land that Ameren already owns next to the nuclear-powered Callaway Energy Center.
2026 Sinclair, Inc.

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FLASH: Jinko Solar signs 89.4 MW su…  Mysteel
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Electrical failure in solar panel system causes roof fire, leaves Hainesville home uninhabitable  Lake and McHenry County Scanner
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Cows under solar panels could be the breakthrough in America’s solar farm fight  Yahoo
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The announcement has spread quickly across social media.
Photo Credit: Nissan
Nissan is making waves after unveiling a solar panel-based charging system for the Nissan Ariya, which the company says can add up to 14 miles to its range. 
On average, the tech will add about 11 miles of daily range, per Autocar.
Yet even this seemingly small amount can make an enormous difference in the amount of charging required. Nissan said that drivers in sunny areas could reduce their charging frequency by up to 65%.
The solar-powered EV is a joint project between Nissan and Lightyear, which supplied the panels covering roughly 41 square feet above the cars. 
The concept is simple but striking. Solar cells built into the car help top off the battery without the need to plug in, potentially adding range while reducing the time needed to intentionally refuel the car.
The Ariya also isn’t the only EV to include a solar roof. The company showcased the Sakura, which also includes a rooftop solar charging system called the Ao-Solar Extender. The Sakura with the rooftop charging array was unveiled at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, where Nissan said that it could add nearly 1,900 extra miles of range annually. 
The company is presenting this technology as a way to make EV charging more convenient, especially for commuters or anyone who leaves their car parked outside for long stretches of the day. For many people, that is the big selling point: free energy from the sun, with no charging cable required.
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ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – In a unanimous decision, the Winnebago County Zoning Board of Appeals voted against a solar farm from Pivot Energy.
Board members say even though the paperwork was properly submitted, it’s not a good location.
The solar arrays would have sat next to Curran’s Orchard. The owner, community members and organization leaders spoke out in opposition to the plan.
Pat Curran previously told WIFR earlier this week he thinks solar farm projects belong in industrial zoning districts.
Copyright 2026 WIFR. All rights reserved.

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Interview with Antonio Ruano, CEO of Intelec: “The financial and technical support from CDTI Innovación and the ERDF funds has helped us professionalize our photovoltaic R&D”
At a time of rapid solar energy expansion, the challenge is no longer just installing more capacity, but managing it more effectively. With the support of CDTI Innovación and co-financing from the ERDF funds, the Jaén-based company Intelec is driving Simpred, an artificial intelligence-based solution aimed at transforming the maintenance of photovoltaic installations by anticipating failures and optimizing performance.
Since its creation in 2002 in Jaén, Intelec has followed a path that closely reflects the transformation of Spain’s energy sector itself. Founded as a company focused on engineering solutions for installations and energy efficiency, it has progressively evolved toward a model in which technology and innovation play a central role. “Our vocation has always been to combine execution capability with technological innovation,” explains Antonio Ruano, the company’s CEO, who emphasizes that this transformation process “has led us from being an installation company to developing our own technology in the field of smart energy.”
Today, with more than 130 professionals and a network of collaborators that expands its operational capacity, Intelec focuses almost all of its activity on the domestic market. Its specialization ranges from solar photovoltaic energy — including residential self-consumption, industrial solutions, and large-scale installations — to air conditioning, electric mobility, and energy consulting. In recent years, it has also strengthened its position in specific niches such as floating photovoltaics, with several projects carried out on irrigation reservoirs.
This growth has been accompanied by an increasingly strong commitment to R&D&I. Initiatives such as SmartPhotolive, in collaboration with the University of Jaén, and the Simpred project itself mark a turning point in the company’s strategy. “We want to take another step forward and become developers of our own technology, generating products, industrial property, and new business lines based on data and artificial intelligence,” says Ruano.
A sector in expansion
The origin of Simpred is directly linked to a structural transformation within the photovoltaic sector. The accelerated growth of installed capacity worldwide has created new needs that, until now, have not been fully addressed. “We are experiencing unprecedented expansion. But that growth has arrived faster than the tools needed to maintain the installed base under optimal conditions,” warns Ruano.
In this context, one of the main issues identified is the persistence of reactive maintenance models — interventions that occur only after a failure has already happened, with the resulting impact on energy production and installation profitability. “This causes production losses, increases operational costs, and reduces return on investment,” he summarizes.
The situation is especially critical for small and medium-sized installations, which make up an increasing share of the photovoltaic market. Unlike large-scale plants, these installations usually do not have advanced monitoring systems due to their cost and complexity. “Current solutions are designed for large solar plants and are not cost-effective on a small scale. That has created a real technical gap,” he explains.
It is precisely in this space that Simpred positions itself: a project focused on developing a predictive maintenance solution adapted to distributed installations, especially in self-consumption environments.
Self-consumption as an opportunity
Simpred’s approach also responds to a strategic reading of the market. The self-consumption segment — residential, commercial, and small and medium-sized enterprises — is one of the fastest-growing areas in Spain, but also one of those with the greatest shortcomings in terms of maintenance.
“It is a huge, fragmented, and underserved market, and that is where the greatest innovation opportunities lie,” says Ruano. Every year, thousands of new installations come online and, in many cases, are left without proper follow-up after commissioning.
The project’s value proposition is based on reversing this situation through the use of artificial intelligence and data analysis. Among the expected benefits, Ruano highlights improved energy production, reduced operating costs, and extended equipment lifespan. “Detecting failures before they impact generation allows better use of the energy produced and more effective intervention planning,” he notes.
Another key element is occupational safety: reducing unnecessary travel. “On rooftops, every avoided technical visit eliminates a working-at-height risk,” he points out.
The challenge of data robustness
Developing a solution like Simpred is not without challenges. One of the main issues involves the availability and quality of the data needed to train artificial intelligence systems.
“The challenge is to generate robust datasets in a market that has historically been poorly monitored,” explains Ruano. Small installations — precisely those targeted by the project — usually lack advanced data collection systems, making it difficult to identify patterns and anomalies.
To address this problem, Intelec has launched a strategy that combines the installation of specific sensors with the development of automated fault-labeling systems. “We are deploying environmental, electrical, and thermal sensors in pilot installations, while also working with open protocols such as Modbus TCP and OPC UA to guarantee interoperability,” he details.
In addition, the project includes the creation of a structured database that constitutes, in itself, one of its main assets. This approach is supported by a multidisciplinary team that integrates technical expertise, artificial intelligence capabilities, and real operational experience.
Collaboration with the University of Jaén
One of Simpred’s distinguishing features is its close collaboration with the academic environment, particularly with the IDEA Group at the University of Jaén. This alliance combines scientific rigor with practical applicability, a key aspect in market-oriented R&D projects.
“The university provides theoretical depth and research capability; the company contributes plant knowledge and access to the end customer,” summarizes Ruano. In this specific project, the IDEA Group participates in tasks such as photovoltaic system characterization, statistical analysis of variables, and simulation of maintenance scenarios.
This collaboration is not a one-off initiative, but part of a broader and well-established relationship between the two entities, including projects such as SmartPhotolive. According to Ruano, this type of synergy is essential for promoting knowledge transfer and strengthening the innovation ecosystem.
Public support for greater territorial cohesion
The development of Simpred has been made possible thanks to the support of CDTI Innovación and co-financing from the ERDF funds under the 2021–2027 program. The project has a duration of 36 months and a budget close to half a million euros.
“For us, this support has been decisive. A company of our size could not undertake a project of this technical ambition without an instrument like the CDTI’s,” says Ruano. Beyond the financial aspect, however, he also highlights the value of the technical guidance: “Interaction with CDTI helps organize the roadmap, define milestones, and professionalize the R&D function within the company.”
From a broader perspective, Ruano underlines the impact of this type of funding on the innovation ecosystem as a whole. “It enables companies in regions such as Jaén to develop projects to European standards, generate industrial property, and collaborate with universities,” he says. In his opinion, this model contributes to greater territorial cohesion and the creation of qualified employment, especially in strategic sectors such as the energy transition.
Sustainability and efficiency: impact on the 2030 Agenda
Simpred’s contribution to sustainability operates on several levels. First, by optimizing the performance of photovoltaic installations, resulting in better use of the clean energy generated. “Every hour a panel operates below its capacity is renewable energy that is lost,” Ruano reminds us.
Second, the predictive approach reduces the need for premature replacements and optimizes the use of resources associated with maintenance. This includes both materials and travel, aligning with the principles of the circular economy.
In this regard, the project is directly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Improved energy efficiency, sector digitalization, and emissions reduction are some of the key drivers behind this contribution to the 2030 Agenda.
A paradigm shift in solar maintenance
Beyond its technical results, Simpred aims to generate a deeper change in how maintenance is perceived within the photovoltaic sector. “We want it to stop being seen as a cost and start being understood as a driver of profitability and sustainability,” says Ruano.
Looking ahead, the company plans to consolidate this technology as a benchmark platform, with deployment in the domestic market and international projection. The strategy includes expansion into other countries with high photovoltaic development, as well as participation in European R&D programs.
“In five years, we would like predictive maintenance to become the standard for small plants as well, and for Intelec to have helped make that possible,” he concludes. If achieved, this objective would not only strengthen the company’s position, but also contribute to improving the efficiency and sustainability of the energy system as a whole.
Image: Intelec company installations
CDTI Innovación
The Centre for the Development of Technology and Innovation (CDTI E.P.E.) is the innovation agency of Spain’s Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, whose objective is to promote technological innovation in the business sector. CDTI’s mission is to ensure that the Spanish business ecosystem generates and transforms scientific and technical knowledge into globally competitive, sustainable, and inclusive growth. In 2025, במסגרת the 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, CDTI provided more than €2 billion in support to Spanish companies and startups.
More information:
Web: www.cdti.es
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/29815
X: https://twitter.com/CDTI_innovacion
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CDTIoficial
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The project will combine large-scale solar generation with extensive battery storage to supply uninterrupted power.
JinkoSolar and Masdar have signed a supply agreement covering 2GW of Tiger Neo photovoltaic (PV) modules for Abu Dhabi’s round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy project.
Masdar and the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) jointly developed RTC, which combines a 5.2GW solar PV plant with a 19GW-hour battery energy storage system (BESS).
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The project is designed to deliver continuous renewable energy output.
Under the agreement, JinkoSolar will deliver its Tiger Neo series modules, produced using N-type TOPCon technology, to match the RTC project’s technical specifications.
The signing marks a new collaborative step between JinkoSolar and Masdar.
The two companies have previously worked together, and this arrangement further develops their strategic relationship in the Middle East’s renewable energy market.
Once operational, the project is expected to provide large-scale baseload renewable energy at what its developers state are internationally competitive rates.
The facilities planned for RTC are described by stakeholders as benchmarks for global zero-carbon power production.
According to the companies involved, JinkoSolar’s products have met the technical requirements for the undertaking and implementation will proceed with locally available technical services.
Core senior executives from both parties were present at the signing ceremony.
RTC seeks to address the challenge of intermittency in renewable energy and aims to support growing demand for stable, clean power sources.
Earlier this month, EWEC and Masdar entered into a framework agreement to accelerate the development of renewable energy projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The collaboration seeks to implement more than 30GW of solar PV capacity and more than 8GW of BESS to support the country’s clean energy goals.
The agreement is intended to broaden the UAE’s energy mix, strengthen supply security and contribute to local industrial activity.
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FTC Solar: Setting a New Standard in Utility-Scale Solar with the 1P Pioneer Tracker  SolarQuarter
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It’s the latest sign that Tesla is trying to make its clean energy products easier to buy by lowering upfront costs for households.
Photo Credit: iStock
Tesla has launched a new home energy bundle in the United Kingdom that packages rooftop solar panels and battery storage into one monthly payment, and for some customers, it can also include a Model 3, Solar Now reported.
The new offer, available through certified installer BOXT, is the latest sign that Tesla is trying to make its clean energy products easier to buy by lowering upfront costs for households that already use electric vehicles.
According to Solar Now, Tesla’s UK “Renewable Energy Bundle” combines an eight-panel solar setup with a Powerwall 3 home battery for £199 per month (or about $269 per month). 
If homeowners opt to add the Tesla Model 3 EV, the monthly figure rises to roughly $669/month.
Tesla is marketing this package as having 0% interest over the first four years with an upfront deposit of $2,365. This promotional pricing currently applies only to existing Tesla vehicle owners. 
This bundling program may be indicative of how Tesla is changing sales of its energy products. In the U.S. last year, Tesla similarly launched a solar and Powerwall leasing program as a strategy to attract customers who were initially turned off by high upfront costs, according to Not a Tesla App.
For many households, the biggest obstacle to installing solar panels and a battery is not a lack of interest in the technology, but the upfront price. Spreading those costs over four years at zero interest can make the numbers much more manageable for people who want lower energy bills without paying a large lump sum all at once.
That bundle could be especially useful for EV owners. This is in part true because a Powerwall 3 can store electricity generated by solar panels for later use, including for vehicle charging, but also for providing backup power and helping your household avoid drawing more expensive electricity during peak-rate periods. 
Electric vehicle charging at public chargers is also significantly more expensive than charging at home.
To help you access the benefits of charging at home, Qmerit offers free, instant initial estimates for Level 2 charger installation. You can increase those savings by pairing your charger with solar panels. EnergySage is a reliable source of free tools to connect you with vetted installers and save you up to $10,000 on the price of installation.
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Amazon’s Quick and Easy-to-Use Portable Solar Panel Is on Sale for Only $150  Men’s Journal
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Floating Solar Panels Market Size 2026
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Uttar Pradesh Energy Expo 2026 Powers India’s Clean Energy Momentum with Industry Recognition, Innovation & Collaboration  SolarQuarter
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Ashtrom breaks ground on 150-MW CSP-contracted solar project  Renewables Now
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Fuse Energy snaps up 20-MW solar project in Wales  Renewables Now
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FLASH: Boway Alloy to sell its U.S. PV business battery assets for approximately $724 million  Mysteel
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A High Court in South Africa ordered the country’s Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy to deliver full documentation relating to three solar tenders awarded in 2021 and 2022 to local solar manufacturer ARTsolar, after the company questioned if the preferred bidders had followed local content requirements for PV modules set out in the tenders. ARTsolar told pv magazine its legal team is currently reviewing the documentation it has received.
ARTsolar module manufacturing plant in Durban, South Africa.
Image: Artsolar

South African solar manufacturer ARTsolar is in the process of reviewing documentation relating to three public procurements after it claimed the tenders’ local content requirements had not been followed by the independent power producers (IPPs) awarded contracts.
The Durban-headquartered manufacturer filed an application in the Gauteng High Court in October 2024, claiming there had been “consistent and rampant circumvention of the local content requirements” among preferred bidders and that South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) had failed to enforce the provisions.
ARTsolar’s application named 26 respondents in total, including multiple government ministers, South Africa’s electric utility Eskom, the country’s National Transmission Company and the 18 IPPs and associated joint venture companies that were awarded contracts across the three tenders.
The tenders in question are the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP), awarded in 2021, and bid windows five and six of the country’s flagship Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP), awarded in 2021 and 2022.
ARTsolar’s claim explains each tender had a minimum local content threshold, requiring a percentage of laminated PV modules to come from local sources. It says this requirement would have formed part of the implementation agreements signed between DMRE and each preferred bidder and adds that DTIC held responsibility for ensuring compliance with these local content requirements.
Image: ARTsolar

In his founding affidavit, ARTsolar chairman Bebinchand Seevnarayan wrote that it had “become apparent that many of the successful IPPs have failed to comply with these local content requirements, and it is suspected that they have been sourcing cheaper, foreign-manufactured PV panels instead.”
“The DTIC’s failure to enforce local content requirements creates a significant issue, as it allows preferred bidders to cut costs by sourcing cheaper, foreign-manufactured PV panels, thereby avoiding the higher expenses associated with complying with local content obligations,” Seevnarayan wrote. “Despite this noncompliance, these bidders still benefit from the full contract value, which was intended to cover the costs of meeting local content requirements. Furthermore, under the power purchase agreements (PPA), Eskom is obligated to purchase the electricity generated by these projects at the maximum contract value. This means that even though the bidders reduced their expenses by disregarding local manufacturing obligations, they continue to reap substantial profits from the PPA for the duration of the agreement.”
Seevnarayan said he was turning to the court to restore transparency, enforce the rule of law and protect the local manufacturing industry from being sidelined in favour of cheaper foreign imports.
“Beyond the harm to ARTsolar and other local PV manufacturers, these practices have a far-reaching impact on public interests, hurting our economy, local jobs, tax revenue, industry growth, skills development and South Africa’s capacity to tackle its energy crisis,” Seevnarayan claimed.
In a court order published in December and seen by pv magazine, the High Court of South Africa ordered the government to produce the full record of decisions related to the local content requirements for the tenders.
Local press in South Africa reported some of the 27 respondents to the claim opposed the released, arguing that some of the documentation was sensitive. The court order stipulates that any documentation deemed as confidential by the respondents was made available to ARTsolar’s legal representatives and an independent expert.
ARTsolar General Manager Viren Gosai told pv magazine the company began receiving the requested confidential and non-confidential documents in February. “The information has been submitted directly to our legal team and is currently undergoing review and assessment as part of the legal process,” Gosai confirmed.
Gosai added that ARTsolar’s review application seeks to assess whether the applicable localization and procurement requirements were complied with in the awarding and implementation of the projects. “Our position is that these projects should comply with the applicable procurement and localization requirements in accordance with the rule of law, as these obligations formed part of the bid conditions and contractual framework under which the projects were awarded,” he explained.
Image: ARTsolar

Gosai continued that the local industry has made substantial investments to ensure it is capable of meeting the required standards, specifications and demand associated with these programs.
“ARTsolar recently created over 300 jobs and invested significantly in machinery, technology and manufacturing capability upgrades at its Durban facility in anticipation of demand arising from localization commitments linked to these programs,” he told pv magazine, before encouraging stakeholders associated with the projects to apply appropriate oversight and due diligence in relation to localization and procurement obligations.
“We remain supportive of South Africa’s renewable energy objectives and believe that proper implementation of localization frameworks can contribute meaningfully towards sustainable industrial growth, investment certainty and long-term job creation,” Gosai said.
Last year, ARTsolar announced a collaboration with China’s JA Solar, with intentions to expand local solar module production.
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A new study conducted in Morocco titled ‘Quantitative assessment of fly ash–induced soiling in photovoltaics: Experimental validation and predictive modelling,’ has quantified how fly ash pollution from industrial, vehicular and residential combustion processes significantly degrades solar energy generation in urban environments. The research shows that fine particulate matter settling on solar panels reduces light transmission, increases thermal effects and ultimately lowers electricity output.
The study combined controlled experiments with numerical modelling to assess how fly ash accumulation affects photovoltaic modules. Results show an exceptionally strong match between measured and simulated performance, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.997 and a coefficient of determination of 0.994. Model error remained low, with a root mean square error of 0.79 degrees Celsius and a mean absolute error of 0.62 degrees Celsius, confirming high predictive reliability for soiling induced performance losses.
Findings further demonstrate that fly ash acts as both an optical barrier and a thermal modifier on module surfaces. While the deposited layer reduces heat transfer across the module structure and produces a measurable drop in operating temperature, it simultaneously drives significant electrical losses due to reduced light availability for the silicon cells.
Power output analysis showed reductions exceeding 50 percent on average for soiled panels, particularly during peak solar irradiation between 10:00 and 14:00. Spectral testing revealed that fly ash exhibits high absorbance of up to 0.8 across the ultraviolet and visible range, significantly limiting incoming photon energy. In addition, low transmittance further restricts light penetration to the active layer, while reflectance levels exceeding 35 percent in the infrared range increase photon losses.
The results underline that optically active airborne particulates such as fly ash represent a major and often underestimated driver of photovoltaic performance decline in polluted regions. The study concludes that effective cleaning regimes and preventive surface protection strategies are essential to maintain reliable solar generation in high emission urban and industrial environments.
Link to the full paper HERE
Author: Bryan Groenendaal






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Dane County prosecutors charged Sun Badger Solar founders Trevor Sumner and Kristopher Sipe after customers reported paying thousands for unfinished solar panel projects.
DANE COUNTY, Wis. – Two founders of Waukesha-based Sun Badger Solar are facing felony charges in Dane County after customers reported losing thousands of dollars for solar panel projects that were never completed.
What we know:
Dane County prosecutors charged Trevor Sumner and Kristopher Sipe on March 17 with multiple felony counts of theft by a contractor between $10,000 and $100,000.
The charges come after Contact 6 investigations dating back to 2024, when multiple customers reached out saying they had paid thousands of dollars but never received completed work.
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Sun Badger Solar closed in 2023, leaving customers on the hook for solar panels that were never finished or installed.
In 2024, the Minnesota attorney general prohibited Sumner and Sipe from doing business in the state, saying the company they worked for at the time, Able Energy, swindled more than $1 million from customers for uncompleted work.
Dig deeper:
Dane County prosecutors list multiple victims, including a restaurant supply company that paid nearly $50,000 to Sun Badger Solar in 2022. Prosecutors said no materials were ever delivered.
Investigators said a Dane County couple also lost nearly $11,500 in 2022 after making a down payment for solar panels they never received. The couple could not reach the company despite multiple emails, letters and phone calls.
Prosecutors accuse Sipe of using some of the funds for personal expenses, including luxury hotels, spas and massages.
Local perspective:
"Even if I don’t get any money back – let’s put these people in jail," said Paul Carter, of Milwaukee.
Carter said he understands the frustration. In 2023, he paid Sun Badger Solar $18,000 and never had any services completed.
"Never saw a cent of it back," Carter said.
Carter was among more than 140 creditors listed in a court filing with the Sun Badger receiver. Receivership is an alternative to bankruptcy.
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"I think this should be pursued to whatever ends it needs to be," Carter said.
Carter ended up using a different company for his solar panels. Even though the charges were filed in Dane County, he said he hopes the investigation keeps gaining energy.
What’s next:
If convicted, Sumner and Sipe could face up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000.
Sipe is scheduled to be in court next week. Bond for Sipe and Sumner was set at $500 per case, totaling about $2,000 each.
Related
A Bristol family thought they’d made an investment with a bright future. Instead, the solar panel installer they hired went dark.
The Source: Information in this report is from the Dane County District Attorney’s Office and Wisconsin Circuit Court.
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JinkoSolar has signed a strategic agreement with Masdar for the supply of 2 GW of solar photovoltaic modules to support a major clean energy development in the United Arab Emirates. The agreement marks a significant expansion of cooperation between the two companies in advancing large scale renewable infrastructure in the Middle East.
Under the agreement, JinkoSolar will provide its Tiger Neo series solar modules, which are based on advanced photovoltaic technology designed for high performance and long term reliability in utility scale applications. The modules will be deployed in Abu Dhabi as part of a flagship energy project aimed at strengthening the region’s clean power capacity.
Related news: JinkoSolar launches mass production of Tiger Neo 3 as global pre-orders exceed 15GW 
The project, known as RTC, is being developed in Abu Dhabi by Masdar in partnership with Emirates Water and Electricity Company. It combines a 5.2 GW solar photovoltaic plant with a 19 gigawatt hour battery energy storage system, creating one of the largest integrated renewable energy and storage developments globally.
Once operational, the facility is designed to deliver continuous renewable electricity supply by addressing the variability of solar generation through large scale storage integration. This approach is intended to enable stable baseload clean energy output at competitive cost levels and support the broader transition toward low carbon power systems.
Senior executives from both companies, including Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi and senior leadership from JinkoSolar, witnessed the signing ceremony, underscoring the strategic importance of the agreement and the long term collaboration between the two sides.
The deployment of JinkoSolar modules in the project reflects Masdar’s confidence in the company’s manufacturing capability, technology platform and global delivery strength. It also reinforces the position of the Tiger Neo product line as a preferred solution for large scale utility developments.
The RTC project is expected to serve as a reference model for future renewable energy systems that combine solar generation with battery storage to deliver continuous power. Its development strengthens the United Arab Emirates’ role in advancing large scale clean energy infrastructure and supports global efforts to scale up reliable renewable power solutions.
JinkoSolar stated that it will continue to support the project through product delivery and technical services, while deepening its presence in the Middle East renewable energy market and contributing to the acceleration of global zero carbon energy transformation.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
Link to the list of JinkoSolar distributors in Africa HERE 

 
Wow that is huge and a big project, are u guys hiring any potential poeple in assisting in this project, I have 2 and a half years experience in installing solar panels biggest project I was part of was 12 000 ground mount installation so hard work and long hours is no problem for me if u guys can give me a opportunity to prove myself I would appreciate it






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© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.
“There are more win-wins than trade-offs.”
Photo Credit: iStock
While some critics argue that large-scale solar farms can displace valuable farmland in the United States, projects across the country show that agriculture and clean energy don’t have to be mutually exclusive. 
According to ABC News, a central Tennessee ranch offers one example of how solar panels and lush pastures can coexist. 
At a 40-acre site outside Nashville, cows are grazing directly beneath solar arrays in a setup known as agrivoltaics — combining agriculture and solar energy.
Silicon Ranch unveiled the project in Christiana, Tennessee, where cattle share land with a working solar farm. Instead of gravel or bare ground under the panels, the site is covered in pasture, and a herd of cows and calves rotates through portions every few days.
The setup stands out because most agrivoltaics projects have focused on crops or sheep rather than cattle. Larger animals create bigger engineering challenges, since solar panels often tilt steeply and leave too little clearance underneath for taller creatures.
To address that, Silicon Ranch increased the panel height and created software that lets workers shift them closer to horizontal while cattle are grazing, according to ABC News. 
BOBS from Skechers has helped over 2 million shelter pets around the world — and the charity program just announced this year’s Paws for a Cause design-winning sneakers.
These “hound huggers” and “kitten kicks” sneakers are machine washable and equipped with memory foam insoles. Plus, they were designed by passionate students who were inspired by their very own rescue pets.
BOBS from Skechers is also committed to donating half a million dollars to the Best Friends Animal Society this year to help every dog and cat experience the safety and support of a loving home.
The farm produces about 5 megawatts of electricity for Middle Tennessee Electric. Company officials said the goal is to prove that the model can scale and help meet rising power demands.
This kind of dual-use approach could help solve two challenges at once: the need for more affordable electricity and the need to keep farmers on their land.
Ethan Winter of American Farmland Trust told ABC that leasing farmland for solar can bring in around $1,000 per acre, roughly 10 times what some farmers have typically earned.
That extra income can help farm families pay off debts, diversify operations, and avoid selling land under trying economic and climate conditions. For communities, these projects can improve access to clean energy while sustaining local economies and food systems.
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There are potential health and climate benefits as well. Anna Clare Monlezun, who is working on the Tennessee project, told ABC that pastures beneath solar panels may hold more moisture and better withstand drought. Animals can also benefit from the added shade, which may ease heat strain and, relatedly, cut water use.
As of this year, Silicon Ranch expects to have almost 15,000 acres of pastures being grazed by various animals, including cows and sheep.
If this Tennessee project is successful, it could open the door to more dual-use efforts that support both energy reliability and agriculture.
“There are more win-wins than trade-offs,” Monlezun told ABC.
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It is expected to power around 145,000 homes.
Iberdrola Australia has completed the installation of more than 600,000 solar panels at the Broadsound power plant in Queensland.
The project will combine 376 MW of solar capacity with a 180 MW battery storage system to deliver reliable renewable energy. Once operational, the facility is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 145,000 homes.
Broadsound also uses solar tracker technology to improve energy capture and increase renewable output.
The milestone strengthens Iberdrola’s position in Australia, where the company already operates 2,500 MW of installed capacity across wind, solar and storage projects.
Iberdrola plans to invest more than €1b in the country by 2029 as part of its international expansion strategy.
 
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Australia will invest AUD 24.7 million over 3 years to set up a national solar panel recycling pilot with up to 100 collection sites 
Currently, only 17% of end-of-life solar panels are recycled, despite rooftop solar capacity expanding across more than 4.2 million households and small businesses  
Improving solar panel recycling could unlock up to AUD 7.3 billion in value, according to the Productivity Commission report  
Australia has announced plans to invest AUD 24.7 million over the next 3 years for solar panel recycling under a national pilot. The scheme envisages the establishment of up to 100 pilot collection sites across the country.  
A leading name in the rooftop solar market, more than 1 in 3 Australian homes are equipped with solar panels. At the end of 2025, the country’s cumulative installed rooftop solar panel capacity stood at 26.8 GW across 4.2 million households and small businesses (see Australia’s Cumulative Rooftop Solar Capacity Exceeds 26 GW).   
However, as the country’s Productivity Commission report found out, only 17% of solar panels are currently recycled. Increasing this could unlock up to AUD 7.3 billion through reduced waste and reuse of valuable and strategic minerals such as copper, silver, and aluminum.   
“Only a small percentage of end-of-life solar panels are currently recovered for recycling with most panels are either stockpiled, dumped in landfill or exported for reuse,” said Australia’s Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt. “But we think solar panels are made up of materials that are too valuable to throw out. These materials can be repurposed to support the clean energy transition and help reduce what we send to landfill, improving out natural environment.” 
The commission sees potential in boosting the country’s circular economy through better coordination, regulatory design, and innovation. The government will consider the findings of the commission and work with states and territories to improve sustainable solutions. 
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed the pilot project and pledged support as its President, Mayor Matt Burnett, explained that a national scheme will help manage the current unsustainable pressure on councils. It, however, wants the responsibility to be shared fairly across the supply chain.  
“But for this pilot to lead to a long-term national solution, the Federal Government must also progress strong product stewardship arrangements. Manufacturers and importers must share responsibility for the end-of-life management of solar panels so ratepayers aren’t left carrying the cost,” added Burnett.  
Earlier in 2025, the federal government secured state and territory government support for a national product stewardship scheme for solar panels. 
Australia expects its annual solar panel waste volume to nearly double from 59,340 tonnes in 2025 to 91,165 tonnes in 2030, with a large volume coming from the residential segment. Smart Energy Council believes around 1/3rd of end-of-life solar panels could be reused, contributing up to 24 GW of energy by 2040 (see Australia’s Solar Panel Waste Could Unlock 24 GW By 2040). 
TaiyangNews 2024

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The Clark County Planning Commission is considering a change to land ordinance that would limit commercial solar facilities to land zoned for industry.
The Clark County Planning Commission is considering a change to land ordinance that would limit commercial solar facilities to land zoned for industry.
The Clark County Planning Commission is considering a change to land ordinance that would limit commercial solar facilities to land zoned for industry.
The Clark County board of zoning appeals denied a special use exception to build a solar energy facility on private farmland. Now, the planning commission is considering a change to land ordinance.
The proposal comes after the Clark County Board of Zoning Appeals denied a special use exception to build a solar energy facility on private farmland.
The commission heard about two and a half hours of public comment on the proposed amendment, but took no action during the meeting. The amendment was tabled until June 10.
Supporters of the change say commercial solar has no place in their communities. Opponents say it would severely limit property rights.
“I don’t want to see solar panels around my house,” Steve Woods said. “What’s it going to do to the environment? What’s it going to do to the wildlife?”
Woods said commercial solar energy fields do not belong on Clark County farmland and said there are more appropriate places for them, including River Ridge, where the Clark County Government Center is located.
Kerri Vaughn said she agreed to lease her farmland to a developer to build a solar farm.
“I did my research and I’m like, ‘OK, this isn’t hurting anyone. It’s not going to hurt any animals. This could this could save us’” Vaughn said.
Vaughn said the project would have helped her after a battle with cancer nearly eight years ago left her with massive debt.
The plan commission heard more than two hours of public comment.
“It’s a sound UDO but it still hasn’t reached any other conclusion than the BZA saying no,” Commissioner Bryan Glover (also Vice President of the Plan Commission) said. “This was an excellent exercise to understand what the BZA members have gone through four different times.”
After further discussion, the plan commission will make a recommendation and send the issue to county commissioners for final action.
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Iraq to connect Phase 2 of 1.2GW Shams Basra solar project in Q3 2026  ZAWYA
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Southeast Asia’s transition away from imported fossil fuels is accelerating, but the region may be walking into a different form of energy dependence, one centered not on geopolitically fragile Middle Eastern supplies, but on China.
For years, energy security in Southeast Asia was largely defined by exposure to imported oil, coal, and liquef…
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South African real estate investment trust Redefine Properties has reported continued expansion of its renewable energy portfolio, with solar photovoltaic capacity reaching 62.23MWp for the six months ended 28 February 2026, representing a 7.2% increase compared with the equivalent period in 2025.
In its interim results presentation, the company said the majority of installed capacity is concentrated in its retail portfolio, where approximately 47.79MWp has been deployed across shopping centres and malls. Industrial properties account for 8.23MWp, while office assets contribute a further 6.21MWp.
Embedded solar photovoltaic plants generated about 43.6MWh of electricity during the reporting period, underscoring the growing role of onsite renewable energy in reducing grid dependence across its property portfolio. In parallel, Redefine also wheeled 18.5MWh of electricity through short term power purchase arrangements, reflecting increased use of alternative energy procurement mechanisms.
Electricity wheeling, which enables energy generated at offsite facilities to be transmitted to users through existing transmission and distribution infrastructure, forms a key pillar of the company’s distributed energy strategy. Redefine’s wheeling activity is linked to the City of Cape Town pilot project, under which the company, together with VDMV Property Holdings, has installed a 5.7MWp rooftop solar system at Massmart’s Brackengate 2 facility.
The company also has 5.6MWp of additional solar capacity under development, valued at approximately R101m, as it continues to expand embedded generation across its asset base.
Further strengthening its renewable energy pipeline, Redefine signed a wheeling agreement with NOA in June 2025 aimed at increasing renewable energy supply across 11 Eskom connected properties. The agreement is expected to deliver 37GWh per year over a 20 year period.
Overall, the company estimates that cumulative savings from its solar investments have reached R107.5m, highlighting the growing financial contribution of distributed renewable energy within its operational strategy.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal






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Sicily has launched a significant funding window for companies to install photovoltaic systems and battery storage, with preliminary applications due between 15 December 2025 and 13 February 2026.
The 5.4 MW Partanna project in Sicily. Meteocontrol reports that the installation, which was completed this year, is the first in Italy to combine thermodynamic and PV systems. It features monitoring on the three central inverters, zone monitoring for string current, and a power plant controller.
Image: meteocontrol
From pv magazine Italy
The Italian island of Sicily has allocated €246 million ($286.7 million) to support the installation of photovoltaic systems and battery storage within local enterprises, as part of the Pr Fesr Sicilia 2021–2027 programme. The measure sits within Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) notice, which is designed to back productive and industrial investments in digital technologies, deep tech, biotechnology, and clean and resource-efficient energy technologies. The total financial envelope attached to the call exceeds €315 million.
The Step notice divides funding across two actions. Action 1.6.1 allocates about €69 million to digital, deep tech, and biotechnology projects. Action 2.9.1 allocates roughly €246 million to clean and resource-efficient technologies, which include battery technologies and broader forms of energy storage.
These fall under List B of the call, titled “Clean and resource-efficient technologies,” and include definitions expanding across “solar photovoltaic technologies,” “solar thermoelectric technologies,” “solar thermal technologies,” “other solar technologies,” “battery technologies,” and “energy storage technologies”.
The measure is open to enterprises of any size, including aggregated groups of up to five entities, which may also involve research organisations, as well as European and international investors. Eligible activities include productive investments, industrial research, experimental development, and technological innovation, provided they align with the requirements of the notice.
The application procedure has two stages. A preliminary access request must be submitted between 15 December 2025 and 13 February 2026. Applicants receiving a positive outcome from the administrative checks will then have 75 days to file the final project documentation.
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Written by

Nikkei Asia 

Published on 14 May 2026  

3 mins read

EcoFlow, a Chinese provider of power and energy storage solutions, is expecting to sell its plug-in products in British supermarkets within months, hoping to raise brand awareness as it aims to reach commercial clients, the company’s European head said.
The Shenzhen-based company, along with European supermarket group Lidl and British frozen foods chain Iceland, has been named by the British government as a partner in its plan to encourage households to adopt solar panels to cut reliance on fossil fuels.
The government also plans to build 1.5 million energy-efficient “warm homes” that are cheaper to run as part of efforts to reach its own net zero emissions by 2050. EcoFlow’s products allow users to plug solar panels into mains sockets, giving them easy access to renewable energy.
“People are already thinking seriously about energy independence, lowering bills, and getting more control over how they generate and use electricity,” Yuan Yidan, EcoFlow’s head of Europe, was quoted as saying in an email reply to Nikkei Asia queries. “Where there’s strong awareness of solar, battery storage and home energy management, adoption tends to happen much faster.”
EcoFlow did not respond to a question about its UK sales target but Yuan cited “significant opportunity” in small businesses, agriculture, off-grid applications and light commercial use.
The company has more than five million users worldwide and operates in over 140 countries, including several European markets. It said it has sold tens of thousands of units in collaboration with retailers such as Lidl and Ikea, through which it sells its products in a partnership with Swedish company Svea Solar in Belgium and Germany.
Just two of its panels plus a microinverter, which is a device that converts direct currents to alternating currents to produce electricity, would meet the basic needs of a family of four in London, by EcoFlow’s estimation.
Any excess electricity can be saved in its batteries or sold back to the grid, though EcoFlow also sells systems without storage. These batteries don’t need to be connected to the mains, but connectivity via an app will give users more control.
The UK and Europe offer EcoFlow much greater potential than China, where energy infrastructure is highly centralized, which means there is less demand for small-scale home systems. In China, its main business is portable chargers.
EcoFlow launched online in the UK last year and opened its headquarters—one of two local offices in Europe—in September. Rising household bills exacerbated by the Iran war could boost EcoFlow’s business, though the company is careful to point out that a lot still depends on government regulations that have yet to be fully formed.
Market conditions in the UK also differ considerably from those in mainland Europe, from the types of residential housing—there are far fewer balconies in the UK than in some countries in Europe—to restrictions around domestic energy production.
In European markets like France and Germany, households can simply plug their EcoFlow system into a wall socket and start using it. In the UK, however, existing regulations require an electrician to wire the product into the mains, which is both expensive and time-consuming.
A Department of Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said while plug-in solar products will need to meet product safety standards, initial tests have shown that these kinds of systems can be operated safely in the UK.
To achieve its net zero goals, the government must remove red tape and allow households to use the plug-in technology that is already compatible with UK homes, industry observers said.
Critics fear an overreliance on Chinese renewable technology could plunder the UK industry and pose a threat to security. In March, the British government blocked a project for a factory by Chinese wind turbine maker Ming Yang Smart Energy Group over national security concerns.
In response to a query about security issues, the company said, “Protecting customer data is a top priority for us. We design our software to meet strict security standards and ensure it complies with all relevant regulations … customers can feel confident that their data is being handled securely and responsibly.”
This article first appeared on Nikkei Asia. It has been republished here as part of 36Kr’s ongoing partnership with Nikkei.
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New molecular layer helps perovskite–silicon solar cells last longer under heat  NUS – National University of Singapore
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Proposed solar project in Urbana Township faces public scrutiny  WDTN.com
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Australia is in the grip of a record-breaking battery rush. Last week Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced that more than 380,000 home batteries have been installed since July last year. That’s over 100,000 more than the total installed between 2020 and mid-2025. The reason for the rush: government subsidies, which cut the upfront cost by about 30%.
Image: Chris Bowen
While the federal government has described the Cheaper Home Batteries program as an ” unprecedented success, ” it has also been criticised for unfairly allowing wealthier households to reap the benefits.
Our working paper, released this week but not yet peer reviewed, shows a disproportionate increase in the installation of batteries and rooftop solar in wealthier postcodes.
The program has now been redesigned, with two major revisions that took effect this month. The upfront subsidy now available will be lower than previously advised across all battery sizes. The subsidy will also differ based on the size of battery installed.
Will this be enough to better target the scheme? That’s not clear. We found similar issues occurred when rooftop solar subsidies were changed in 2011. These should be a cautionary example of policies that entrench energy inequality. They show a need to move away from first-come, first-secured schemes.
We looked at the number of batteries installed between July 2025 and March 2026 across all Australian postcodes.

Compared with a middle socio-economic group, there have been 912 more batteries installed in the richest major city postcodes with high solar installations.
This corresponds with 3.6% more households installing a battery and an additional 36 megawatt-hours of capacity in each of these more wealthy postcodes, compared with the middle socio-economic group.

Our research shows households that could move quickly have been able to secure a higher subsidy before changes to the program came into effect at the start of May 2026. For the period between December 2025 and March 2026, battery installations are estimated to have increased by ten per month in more prosperous postcodes. But this is likely to be an underestimate, with data still to be released and revised by the Clean Energy Regulator .
We found many of these fast movers also locked in a larger subsidy by installing a bigger battery. There had been a 4.5 kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 9.5kWh increase in the average capacity of batteries installed since December 2025.
Because households must have solar installed to get a battery subsidy, there has also been an increase in solar installations .
We found there was a doubling of rooftop solar capacity installed in more prosperous postcodes, compared with the 12 months before the Cheaper Home Batteries program was announced.

In 2011, a similar inequitable pattern occurred for rooftop solar – households in more wealthy postcodes were able to lock in a high upfront subsidy or a higher feed-in tariff.
Households in South Australia and Queensland that got rooftop solar installed before policy changes in 2011 still receive a 40-44 cent/kWh feed-in tariff, and will continue to do so until mid-2028. Most solar households receive much less: 10c/kWh or lower.
Our research , which focuses on revisions to both household solar and battery programs, shows we have repeated the mistakes of the past.
Household technology subsidies that use first-come, first-secured financial support are likely to favour households with greater financial resources and a greater tolerance of financial risk.
Australia’s battery subsidy is set to decrease each year, no matter how many batteries are installed. The subsidy does not vary by postcode, wealth or income.
But future household programs could be designed differently, with the aim of more equitable support during the early stages of adoption.
For example, a Californian solar scheme reduced its subsidy based on how many batteries had already been installed. And while research shows savvy households anticipated the changes and installed more rooftop solar in the months before subsidies decreased, it provides an example of what could be done.
Australia’s battery program could have set subsidies based on how many batteries had been installed in each postcode. Greater allocations could also be provided to higher-priority areas.
This means higher subsidies would be distributed more evenly across the country and not centred in major cities. It would also reserve more funding for lower-income households in areas where battery installations have not kept up.
The home battery rush is a cautionary example of policy design that has entrenched inequality through first-come, first-secured subsidies. We need to do more to ensure everyone is part of the energy transition.
Our findings raise questions about the aims of household solar and battery subsidy programs. Does equity across socioeconomic groups matter? Should we have a more targeted approach? Should we prioritise areas with weaker or more remote sections of the grid?
When announcing the revisions to the Cheaper Home Batteries program, Bowen noted the previous success of rooftop solar across Australia. He said: “We want to match that success with home batteries to cut bills for everyone, for good.”
We are still a long way from an equitable transition, where people from all walks of life have access to rooftop solar and home batteries.
Authors: Thomas Longden, Senior Researcher, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University; Debasish Das, Lecturer in Economics, UNSW Sydney
This article was initially published in The Conversation and is republished here under a Creative Commons Licence.
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New Zealand’s government has ordered a sector review into the installation of residential and small to medium-scale solar, aiming to reduce what it describes as a “red tape nightmare” that can delay approvals for months.
According to the government, the review seeks to make New Zealand the “simplest developed country for solar deployment” by addressing regulatory barriers that currently require up to eight layers of sign-off and five separate site visits from four different entities before small-scale systems can be switched on.
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Analysis by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority shows most New Zealand households could save more than NZ$1,000 (US$590) annually on power bills by installing solar modules.
A typical small-to-medium system costs between NZ$8,500 and NZ$11,500, with a payback period of around 10 years. Despite these economics, only 3-4% of New Zealand households currently have solar installed, compared to more than 30% in Australia.
Regulation Minister David Seymour pointed to Victoria, Australia, as a potential model, where standard installations require just one layer of sign-off and can be approved within 24 hours.
Victoria’s process allows installers to manage the entire installation, with licensed electrical inspectors conducting remote inspections using photographs unless non-compliance is identified.
“During installation, the installer often cannot turn off or reconnect the fuse, update the meter, or carry out the required independent electrical inspection,” Seymour said. “These tasks must be done by other entities, requiring additional site visits.”
The regulatory complexity comes as New Zealand’s distributed solar capacity increased 44% in 2025, with a record 258MW installed last year, according to data from Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko.
The growth reflects broader momentum in New Zealand’s solar sector, which has seen Genesis Energy break ground on a 136MWp solar plant and install the first modules at the 400MW Te Rahui Solar Farm, which will become the country’s largest solar installation when complete.
The review follows New Zealand’s 2024 energy crisis, which exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s hydropower-dependent electricity system.
Low rainfall, declining hydro storage reserves, and natural gas shortages caused electricity prices to surge, prompting calls for greater generation diversity.
The Ministry for Regulation will examine how existing rules operate in practice, identify duplicative requirements, and study regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions. The review will cover rooftop, ground-mounted, and plug-in solar systems for residential and small commercial applications.
Initial advice will be provided to the minister later this year. The review follows feedback submitted through the government’s Red Tape Tipline, where households and installers raised concerns about approval delays and costs.
While New Zealand’s electricity generation remains approximately 87% renewable energy, primarily from hydropower and geothermal sources, the country has lagged in distributed solar adoption.

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The first distributed photovoltaic power station built on the roof of colleges and universities in Chongqing is connected to the grid|Solar Projects  Solarbe Global
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After introducing its subscription-based solar plan last year, Maxis is now expanding its Maxis Home Solar offering with a new outright purchase option for homeowners in Peninsular Malaysia.
The new option is aimed at users who prefer full ownership of their solar photovoltaic (PV) system instead of committing to a long-term subscription plan.
According to Maxis, customers who opt for outright purchase can potentially reduce their monthly electricity bills by up to 80%, with the initial investment potentially recoverable within three to five years. The telco is also offering 0% interest instalment plans of up to 36 months through selected partner banks.
The move comes amid increasing interest in home solar adoption following rising electricity costs and the government’s push for greater energy self-sufficiency through the Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme (Solar ATAP).
Under the ATAP programme, you can get offset on energy charge for a contract period of 10-years. There’s no quota limitations and domestic customers with 3-phase wiring are allowed to get a higher system size of up to 15kW.
The outright purchase option starts from RM20,499, or from RM570/month via a 36-month 0% interest EzyPay instalment plan. Unlike the subscription model, customers fully own the solar system from the start.
As part of a limited-time promotion, customers who sign up before 31 May 2026 will also receive up to (3+2) five years of complimentary maintenance, insurance and solar performance monitoring. According to Maxis, the insurance coverage includes accidental damage protection for components such as solar panels and inverters.
Maxis says the outright purchase option is best suited for homeowners who want to maximise long-term savings and ownership value.
For customers who prefer lower upfront costs, Maxis will continue offering its existing subscription-based solar plan which was launched in 2025. Under the subscription model, customers only need to pay an upfront fee of RM1,000, followed by monthly payments from RM256 over a contract period of 10 years.
Maxis says subscription customers can enjoy electricity bill savings of up to 25% from day one, with maintenance, insurance and monitoring included throughout the contract period.
The service is open to all homeowners with landed properties throughout Peninsular Malaysia.
Maxis Green Solutions Sdn. Bhd. Director, Patrick Er said, “We believe Maxis Home Solar offers customers so much more than just lower electricity bills. Especially with today’s fluctuating energy costs and the unpredictable weather, we know they need more than just a solution – they need assurance. That’s why we’re absolutely committed to ensuring their investment performs brilliantly for the next 20 years. This is why we’ve built our Maxis Home Solar offering around comprehensive insurance coverage and unwavering ongoing support, giving customers that ultimate peace of mind and truly long-term energy savings, all backed by a provider they can trust.”
For more info, you can visit the official Maxis Home Solar page.

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While solar photovoltaic (PV) installations are best able to reliably take advantage of the sun’s energy in climates such as the Southwestern United States (Figure 1), PV systems are also beneficial in parts of the United States with severe winter weather. This page examines the areas of the United States most at risk from severe winter weather and summarizes various approaches that PV system designers, installers, owners, and operators can take to address these hazards throughout the entire PV production lifecycle, from design through post-damage repair.
PV modules operate more efficiently in colder weather, as temperatures above 77°F cause decreases in voltage. However, the threat of winter weather, like ice and snow, pose design and operational challenges for PV systems in these areas and can limit power production.
More severe winter weather or long-term exposure to winter weather conditions can seriously disable or damage a PV system, leading to repair costs and production losses if the system is not designed to withstand these conditions.
Most snow will melt quickly off PV systems or be blown off by wind. Heavier snow or extreme winter weather, however, pose a greater risk to the resilience and longevity of PV installations. During severe snowstorms, the weight of accumulated snow on a PV module may cause it to warp or even break.
Similarly, the formation of ice upon the surface of a PV system can both add to and significantly redistribute the weight of the system, potentially over-straining certain components such as the module frames and the structure supporting the system from below. 
The majority of the United States is subject to snow conditions or some degree of winter weather hazard that could damage or interrupt the operation of a PV system (Figure 2). Generally, historical data from the last three decades show that although snow falls throughout the nation, the areas that receive the deepest January snowfalls (i.e., average of more than 30 inches) during that time range have generally been in sections of 18 states, including: 
The geographic distribution of the risk of ice storms is significantly different from the geographic distribution of snowfall depth. Figure 3 shows ice storm hazard risk across counties. 
The places most at risk from ice storms are sections of the Great Plains region, including Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota; as well as some parts of the Southern United States, including sections of Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Texas; and other isolated counties. 
This risk of ice storms pertains more to areas with relatively flatter topography, compared to the risk of heavy snowfall accumulation, which pertains mainly to high-elevation areas and high-latitude locations.
This distinction is crucial as snow and ice adhere to PV systems in different ways and require specific solutions. Anti-snow PV coating applications need to address water that is already frozen whereas anti-ice PV coating applications need to first prevent precipitation from freezing on its surface and then convey it quickly off the system.
This section outlines measures to prevent damage to PV systems and increase production in areas at risk for extreme winter weather. These include considerations in the design, procurement, and installation phases of the project as well as during the performance period (including after a winter weather hazard has occurred). 
It is crucial to design a PV system to survive the conditions it will experience over its expected lifetime (typically 25–30 years). System design encompasses module selection, racking parameters, attachments of modules to the racking or roof, system layout, and foundation design. 
Modules are tested for how much load they can withstand and are typically certified according to the test standard IEC 61215. Load ratings are typically given in Pascals (Pa). A typical module rating will be 2400 Pa. 
For locations at risk of heavy snow accumulation, select modules certified to withstand at least 5000 Pa. Refer to module installation manuals to find static (snow) test load ratings for the specific mounting configuration to be used. Adding mounting points can also increase the load rating. Smaller modules can typically withstand higher loads. 
Because PV modules are normally installed in a tilted position, snow will slide down the panels and accumulate unevenly at the bottom edge of the panel at the frame (see Figures 4 and 5 under the section, “Framed Versus Frameless”), resulting in greater stress on the lower portion of the module. IEC standard 62938 for framed modules provides a method to determine the load-bearing capability of modules subjected to non-uniform snow loads.
Snow loads for a specific site are typically calculated using ASCE 7 that result in a ground snow load in pounds per square foot (psi). These ground snow loads are used in formulas which factor in site specifics to yield a roof snow load for rooftop systems. 
When calculating loads, do not assume a uniform loading across a PV system; factor in that the lower side of the modules typically gets loaded more than the higher side, causing increased stresses on the module. 
Modules typically have metal frames around the perimeter of the PV module, though some modules are frameless. 
Frameless modules can shed accumulated snow more quickly since the frame can prevent snow at the lower tip of the panel from sliding off after a heavy snowfall. Frameless modules, however, may have lower snow and wind load ratings than framed modules. Load rating should be the priority consideration over the ability to shed snow.
Figure 4 shows the success of the PV systems without the frame after a snowfall along with framed PV systems that have retained more snow.
Under heavy snow weight and ice buildup, frames have come detached from modules as well (Figure 5).
Under heavy loads, invisible cracks can form in solar cells. Modules with multi-busbar solar cells have a lower risk of propagating these cracks. The solar cell width between the busbars on multi-busbar PV panels has a smaller surface area than traditional busbar technology and so cracks have limited room to grow. If cell cracks grow, they can lead to decreased production and possibly fire safety risks.
Coatings and treatments for PV systems that would facilitate the automatic removal of snow and ice from the surface of the system are currently under development and are not mature at the time of writing. 
Higher tilt angles allow snow to shed from systems more quickly and reduce the risk of damage. The steeper the angle, the better the snow shed (up to 60 degrees). 
Significant gains are seen around 30–35-degree tilt angles, which is significantly steeper than a typical roof. Furthermore, the steeper the module tilt angle, the less snow weight is transferred to the module. 
Selecting a higher tilt angle, however, will result in higher wind loads on modules, and thus higher costs, so the system designer should find the ideal compromise between these drivers as well as solar production. 
PV tracker systems can adjust their angle with respect to the ground. If installing a tracker system in a heavy snow region, select one with the capability of a “snow stow” mode that will tilt the panels to a steep angle in a heavy snow event, thus aiding shedding of snow off the modules. This can be engaged manually or automatically. 
This functionality may not be available in heavy snow events, especially if communication with the system is lost. Ensure the system designer designs for the worst-case scenario where the tracker is not able to stow or shed any snow.
Overall, tracker systems typically mount modules closer to the center of the module, leaving the ends less supported. If installing a tracker system, ensure that module load calculations are performed using the actual attachment points on the module, rather than simply using load ratings given on a specifications sheet.
Snow that has fallen or been shed from a PV system may accumulate on the ground. In areas prone to heavy snowfall, elevate the bottom edge of systems higher above ground to accommodate, at least two feet above maximum normal snow depth. This will have cost implications and increase the wind load, so it is important to weigh these factors and risks. 
A greater number of attachment points on a module could increase its ability to withstand heavy snow loads. Modules typically use four attachment points, though more are possible. 
A National Park Service site in Mount Rainier National Park had a harsh winter that left modules crushed. They replaced the damaged modules (that were attached at four points) and racking with new modules that attached to the racking at eight attachment points. They also added extra module supports underneath the modules. These retrofits survived the following winter without damage. 
Read more about the successful deployment of a solar power system at Mount Rainier National Park.
As ground in cold climates freezes and thaws, foundations on structures can work their way up out of the ground. This can cause damage to or even toppling of a ground-mounted PV system. 
Consideration of frost heave is not always required on projects and is not mandated in ASCE 7 building codes that are typically used, so require design engineers to account for frost. 
Ensure frost depth is considered in the design, type, and depth of foundations; the pile depth should extend significantly below the frost depth.
Use a design engineering firm with experience and success installing PV in cold weather climates and require that they perform frost heave calculations in the system design. Soils vary from site to site and can vary across a site so design foundations for the specific conditions present. This may require a pile pull test. 
Orienting PV modules in landscape format can help accelerate shedding of snow or ice that is covering a PV panel. This orientation will also increase production as snow typically melts and first exposes the tops of the modules. The PV module produces power from three discrete sections: when viewed in landscape this would be the top third, middle third, and lower third. When each of these thirds of the module are clear of snow, they can produce power.
In areas where the wind generally blows from a single direction, PV system operators can take advantage of the venturi effect, where a current of fast-moving wind crests over the top of a sloping obstacle and then speeds away from the object. For PV systems, installing a curved “venturi” deflector at and pointing the top of the PV panel against the direction of the wind can help ensure that snowdrifts or water-bearing winds do not make contact with the surface of the panels, reducing the risk of snow or ice accumulation.
Vertical PV installations are fixed at a 90-degree angle relative to the horizon. Not only are they less likely to accumulate snow or ice compared to horizontally tilted systems but any snow or ice that ultimately adheres is more likely to shed off the panel. 
At high latitudes, their extreme orientation also means that they can capture the low angle of the winter sun more effectively. 
Ground-mounted vertical PV can be placed in areas that would otherwise be infeasible for ground-mounted horizontal PV since the vertical PV uses space more efficiently and may be placed among existing land uses, such as parking or farmland. 
Wind loading, though, will be higher on vertically mounted PV systems, which needs to be weighed against the benefits of a vertical PV system.
Categorize solar racking as “ice-sensitive structures” as defined by ASCE 7. This will require design to account for ice buildup on the racking structure. For roof-mounted systems, have modules situated up to the top of the roof and include a barrier to prevent ice dam build up.
While always important to keep water out of electrical components, water ingress can pose additional risk in cold weather climates. Water that enters an electrical enclosure can freeze and expand, damaging system components (Figure 6). Enclosures should be NEMA 4 or higher rated.
As snow melts and freezes, it can form icicles on a PV system. Icicles can add weight and pull on light system components such as wiring, so use wire management solutions that will hold under added weight. Do not use plastic wire ties and ensure wire connections are under modules or otherwise protected from where icicles will form.
Development of a hazard mitigation plan that accounts for winter weather hazards can help reduce the overall impacts of ice storms, heavy snow, and frost upon PV systems. Having a post-hazard recovery plan in place when a winter weather hazard occurs will help ensure that the PV system can quickly resume power generation with minimal cost. The plan should:
In situations where many feet of snow bury a PV system, avoid the potential for accidental damage (e.g., stepping on the glass surface of the PV panel or damaging it with snow removal equipment) by installing poles several feet in height along the corners and perimeter of the system and signage to alert crews of the presence of a PV system.
These poles can help snow removal workers identify the system’s location and avoid damaging the system. This is especially important in systems adjacent to parking lots or roads where snowplows may inadvertently damage a PV system (Figure 7). 
Removal of accumulated snow or ice is not recommended. If attempted, it should be done with extreme caution and care.
Shovels can cause damage and attempting to remove snow off panels can do more harm than good. Stepping or standing on panels will cause damage, and crews are often not aware of these risks or may unintentionally put weight on panels.
If snow accumulation is excessive and a site chooses to remove snow, use softer tools, such as brooms and brushes to remove snow above the panels. 
In the event of an impending severe storm, system survival should take precedence over power production. Power production is likely to be minimal during a storm, regardless, and damage could lead to system downtime for extended periods that would be far more costly. 
In locations prone to extreme winter weather, a trained professional should inspect the system after each winter season or after an extreme weather event. Visually check for broken glass, detached metal module frames, warped modules.
If the system is easily accessible, ensure modules are still securely attached to the racking or roof. Visually check that electrical cables are still routed securely and attached. Check that energy production of the system is as expected.
 
If damage is detected, the system should be disconnected and corrective repairs should be made, including replacing damaged modules. 
Contact FEMP for assistance with solar PV systems.
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[2026 Asia Future Business Forum] Earth Is Too Small, Now to Space… ’24-Hour Solar Power’ Ushers in the Era of Orbital Data Centers
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Published 13 May.2026 11:23(KST)
Updated 13 May.2026 13:42(KST)
“Space solar cells have become a key enabler for large-scale, AI-based satellite systems.”
On May 13, Professor Myunghoon Shin of Korea Aerospace University presented space solar cells as next-generation energy infrastructure technology that will lead the ‘New Space’ era at the 2026 Asia Future Business Forum held at Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul. He assessed that overcoming the limitations of terrestrial power supply and enabling ‘orbital data centers’ that operate 24 hours a day could become a game changer for the AI industry.
Professor Myunghoon Shin of the Department of Avionics and Information Engineering at Korea Aerospace University is delivering a keynote speech titled “Current Status and Business Opportunities of Space Solar Power Technology” at the 2026 Asia Future Business Forum held at Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul on the 13th. 2026.5.13 Photo by Yojongjun
Currently, terrestrial data centers face limits to scaling up due to enormous power consumption and cooling challenges. In this context, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, predicted at the 2026 Davos Forum that “the most cost-effective place to deploy AI will be space.” Space-based AI computing is not only free from environmental regulations or power supply issues on Earth, but also provides strong economic competitiveness due to its ease of long-term expansion.
Global big tech companies are already racing to pioneer space. SpaceX has reportedly submitted plans to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate over one million orbital data center satellites. Amazon and Blue Origin are pushing to build gigawatt-scale space data centers through ‘Project Sunrise.’ Google is also planning to launch a demonstration satellite equipped with a solar-powered satellite cluster containing Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) in 2027.
Professor Shin named CEO Musk as one of the leading figures in the commercialization of space data centers. He noted that Musk has built a vertically integrated ecosystem that goes beyond simple technology development to encompass solar cell production, launch, operation, and service. Tesla provides battery, power electronics, and energy storage technologies, while SpaceX transports infrastructure into space at low cost with reusable launch vehicles. This is combined with Starlink’s satellite communications network, xAI’s AI models, and X (formerly Twitter)’s real-time data streams, forming a vast, integrated ecosystem.
Professor Shin said, “SpaceX is accumulating expertise by independently launching rockets and sorting out which components, including solar cells, are truly suitable for use in space,” and stressed, “It is impossible for Korean companies to compete directly with SpaceX using the same model right now. Even if the scale is smaller, it is important to maintain a self-sustaining space business ecosystem that can consume what it produces.”
Professor Myunghoon Shin of the Department of Avionics and Information Engineering at Korea Aerospace University is giving a presentation titled ‘Current Status and Business Opportunities of Space Solar Power Technology’ at the 2026 Asia Future Business Forum held on May 13 at Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul. 2026.5.13 Photo by Yongjun Cho
From a technical standpoint, making strategic choices between efficiency and cost has become crucial. The traditional space industry has relied on III-V multi-junction solar cells, which have high efficiency and reliability, but their per-watt price is hundreds of times higher than terrestrial versions. As a result, Chinese companies that dominate the terrestrial solar cell market are seeking to enter the space market with next-generation materials such as perovskite. In particular, tandem cells that combine perovskite and silicon are considered strong candidates for future space data centers, as they are lightweight, flexible, and can dramatically reduce manufacturing costs.

Among Korean companies, Flexell Space and Solletop, which are collaborating with Hanwha Systems, are accelerating their efforts to secure flight heritage for perovskite tandem cell technology.
Professor Shin predicted, “The space solar power industry is shifting to a mission-optimized and hybrid approach that combines high efficiency with low cost,” and added, “Ultimately, advances in solar cell efficiency, materials, and manufacturing technologies will play a decisive role in realizing large-scale space energy systems such as orbital data centers.”
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