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Navitas Solar, a Surat-based PV module manufacturer, has announced plans to invest around INR 1,500 crore in a 3.6 GW solar cell manufacturing facility and a pilot wafer and ingot production line in Gujarat as part of its backward integration strategy.
The project will be developed in phases, with the first phase scheduled for commissioning in 2027. Additional capacity expansions are planned thereafter, subject to market conditions and project readiness.
As part of the project, civil work covering over 10 lakh sq. ft. is currently underway. Navitas Solar said it has secured technology tie-up for the planned manufacturing line and appointed senior leaders to spearhead the new business vertical. The company is further strengthening its project execution, manufacturing, technology and quality functions to support the successful implementation of the expansion and its long-term growth plans.
According to the company, the cell manufacturing facility is being designed as a highly automated and future-ready production platform capable of supporting next-generation solar technologies. The manufacturing line will be developed with upgradeability and flexibility to adapt to evolving technology pathways, including potential transitions to advanced cell architectures, subject to market and technology readiness.
The company also plans to set up a pilot wafer and ingot manufacturing line in 2027 as a part of its long-term roadmap for deeper backward integration. The initiative is expected to strengthen internal capabilities, enhance technology understanding, and support future localization requirements across the solar value chain.
Navitas Solar’s proposed 3.6 GW cell facility is aligned with the Government’s implementation of the ALMM List-II framework for solar PV cells, which will significantly drive the demand of domestically manufactured cells.
The company estimates the project to generate nearly 1,000 employment opportunities across manufacturing, engineering, operations, project execution, quality assurance and research functions, while also creating significant indirect employment across logistics, ancillary industries and supporting services.
Navitas Solar currently has an annual solar module manufacturing capacity of 3 GW and offers a comprehensive portfolio of Mono PERC and high-efficiency TOPCon modules ranging from 40W to 720W. The company also has upstream integration through its subsidiary, Navitas Alpha Renewables, which manufactures solar encapsulants.
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Wednesday, June 17, 2026
PAXTON — A solar farm is planned for 25 acres of farmland just outside of Paxton, Mayor Bill Ingold revealed during the city council’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 9.
“About a week or so ago, the city attorney (Tony Schuering) and I were on a Zoom phone call with somebody inquiring about the possibility of locating a 25-acre solar farm near Paxton,” Ingold told aldermen. “It would be near some property that was contiguous (to city limits), and they asked about a possible annexation (of that land into city limits). … And what we said (in response) was that we would want to kind of bring it up (to the council first) … to see what you thought.”
While two of the six aldermen present for the meeting said they were against any solar farm being built on farmland, the council agreed to hear the developer’s pitch anyway. Ingold said he would contact the developer the next morning to arrange for them to attend the council’s July 14 meeting to provide further details and answer any questions.
In response to a question from Alderman Rob Pacey, Schuering said the council could expect the project’s permitting to move quickly if that would be the council’s desire.
“If they come (to the meeting) in July and you are interested in moving forward with the project, it would be up for a vote for your consideration in August,” Schuering told aldermen.
In addition to the council’s approval of the annexation, the city’s zoning code seems to incidicate that the project would require approval of a special-use permit — plus the agriculturally zoned land’s rezoning to a permitted use district — following a public hearing before the city’s planning and zoning commission.
While few details of the project were publicly disclosed by the mayor or city attorney, including the developer’s name and the project’s proposed location near Paxton, Ingold did reveal that the solar farm would not include any battery storage facilities and would not be located in the city’s tax-increment financing district, “because it’s not in there right now.”
Schuering said in response to a question from Alderman Kristen Larson that he was unsure of the project’s electricity generating capacity. Ingold said he was told the electricity would feed into the grid for use locally by residents and businesses here in Paxton.
Also in reply to a question from Larson, Schuering was unable to say whether the developer already owns the involved property or instead plans to either buy or lease it.
“I think that would be a good question for them,” Schuering replied. “Based on the conversation that we had with them, I don’t know that we could have really inquired on that, frankly. (The discussion) was more so about, ‘Let’s check with the council and see if they’re interested in having the discussion.’ If you are, then we can get them here and let them speak for themselves.”
“Right now, we’re just taking your temperature to see what you think,” Ingold told aldermen. “If this is something that you’d like to hear more about, we’ll invite them to come to the July meeting.”
Aldermen Justin Withers and Deane Geiken both said they were not in favor of solar farms being built on farmland but said they would be willing to hear out the developer anyway.
“I would suggest that we at least hear what they have to say before we make a decision on anything,” Alderman Mike Wilson said.
“I’m OK with that,” Geiken replied.
“We have an obligation, I think, to at least have more information than we have right now,” Pacey said.
Ingold noted that even if annexation is not pursued and the project remains outside of city limits, the city could still have a say in whether it is allowed, as the city has zoning authority withina11/2-mileradiusof its corporate boundaries.
“We do zone out a mile and a half, so we do kind of control what’s going on,” Ingold said. “If we told them ‘no’ and they don’t annex (the land) into the city, they could always go to the county (for a special-use permit).”
Schuering said some developers of solar farms might pursue annexation and a city-issued permit because, among other reasons, “there’s a little bit more regulatory certainty if they go through our process as opposed to keeping it in the county.”
“Also, frankly, I think we can do it faster,” Schuering said. “I think we can go through the regulatory hearings and the processes and all of that more expeditiously than counties can. … It’s just the process that they have to go through (at the county level) looks different and, as a result, takes longer.”
Also present for the meeting was Alderman Joe Reinhart. Absent were Aldermen Eric Evans and Matt Greenburg.
The council’s July 14 meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 145 S. Market St.
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Independent power producer (IPP) Alluvial Power has started commercial operations at its 150MWac project in Ford County, Kansas. 
The Boot Hill Solar project’s electricity output will be contracted and sold to Sunflower Electric Power Corporation under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA). Sunflower is a not-for-profit electric generation and transmission utility serving seven member utilities across central and western Kansas. 
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Boot Hill Solar is expected to generate nearly 400,000MWh of electricity annually, equivalent to around 9% of Sunflower’s current system energy demand, according to project estimates. 
Alongside energy supply, the project is positioned to deliver on-peak capacity during high-demand summer periods, particularly in the Dodge City area, where grid stress typically intensifies. 
“Reaching commercial operation is a major step forward for this project and for the Sunflower system,” said Corey Linville, Sunflower senior vice president and chief operations officer of generation and power supply. “We appreciate the collaboration of Ford County, Victory Electric Cooperative and the many partners who helped Alluvial and Sunflower advance the Boot Hill Solar project to completion.”  
Alluvial Power said the project supports system reliability and wholesale price stability while diversifying Sunflower’s generation mix. The company describes Boot Hill as part of its broader US energy transition pipeline. 
Financing for the project included a construction and term debt facility led by MUFG Bank, with tax equity provided by RBC Community Investments. Financial terms of the package were not disclosed. 
Boot Hill Solar adds to the portfolio of Alluvial Power, an energy transition platform focused on developing, re-developing and constructing US power infrastructure. The firm says its team has delivered 7GW of operating projects representing more than US$30 billion in investment. 
Alluvial is backed by OPTrust, one of Canada’s largest pension funds, which manages more than CA$27 billion (US$19.2 billion) in assets. 

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Solar Power World
By Kelly Pickerel | June 17, 2026
Convalt Energy is trying again. The company that bought the manufacturing equipment from the former SolarWorld facility for a new solar panel assembly site in New York has now set its sights on an “advanced manufacturing campus for the production of solar cells, solar modules, and solar glass” in New Mexico.
Convalt announced in 2021 that it was going to start a solar factory in Watertown, New York. Plans never progressed beyond land acquisition, and Convalt is paying back the $1.05 million loan the local government provided. The company began in 2011 as a solar developer working in Southeast Asia and Africa, and Convalt has since increased its efforts outside of the United States. Earlier this month, Convalt signed an agreement with the government of Lesotho in Southern Africa to develop 4.6 GW of solar.
Now the company has announced a binding purchase and sale agreement with Gallup Land Partners for a solar manufacturing campus in Gallup, New Mexico, that also promises up to 1 GW of behind-the-meter power generation.
“We are thrilled to announce this new partnership with Gallup Land Partners, further strengthening a relationship that leverages GLP’s deep roots within the Gallup community. We are also pleased to welcome GLP as a shareholder in Convalt,” said Hari “Harry” Achuthan, CEO of Convalt Energy,
Convalt expects the project to create approximately 900 permanent jobs and more than 1,000 construction jobs over a construction period anticipated to extend through 2028. Total investment is expected to reach up to $5 billion across all phases of development, Convalt says.
The Convalt website says the New Mexico site will be a 3.6-GW HJT cell and module manufacturing facility, noting that the company now has former Meyer Burger professionals on staff. The surface area of the plot is 2.5 million ft².
Kelly Pickerel has more than 15 years of experience reporting on the U.S. solar industry and is currently editor in chief of Solar Power World. Email Kelly.

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You could soon by plug-in solar panels from Amazon, Asda, Currys, B&Q, Screwfix, Lidl after they and other major retailers joined government plans to roll out the technology.
After announcing in March 2026 that it was planning to make plug-in solar panels more available for customers, the government has said it will consult with industry giants to make sure plug-in panels are safe to use.
Ministers say customers will be able to build on the savings they can already make by using roof-top solar panels (about £480 on average) once plug-ins are fully available.
At a government roundtable, John Boumphrey, UK & Ireland Country Manager, described plug-in solar panels as “a fantastic opportunity to make renewable energy more accessible”. Helping households to create their own energy, Boumphrey said, would save money and cut carbon emissions.
Martin McClusky, minister for energy consumers, said the “easy-to-install tech” can be “transformative for renters or those on lower incomes”.
Georgina Hall, Corporate Affairs Direcotr, Lidl GB, said that plug-in solar would a “highly effective, low-cost” option for people to cut their energy bills.
“We welcome this consultation and look forward to working alongside the government and industry partners to explore how these products can safely play their role in the UK’s clean energy revolution,” she said.
Plug-in solar panels are already popular in Europe. They can be put on balconies or any other outdoor space, connecting straight into the mains socket. This means it’s possible to run a home entirely on free solar power without an upfront installation cost.
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Global Power Generation, the international subsidiary of Spanish energy group Naturgy, has brought two utility-scale solar photovoltaic plants online in Australia, with a combined capacity of 360 megawatts. This information was reported by PV Tech.
The commissioning of these two projects raises Naturgy’s total installed capacity in Australia to 1.3 gigawatts.
The larger of the two facilities, named Glenellen, is a 260-megawatt solar PV plant situated in Greater Hume Shire, southern New South Wales, roughly two kilometres northeast of Jindera. The installation spans 300 hectares and contains nearly 373,000 solar modules. Naturgy acquired the project from Trinasolar in February 2024. The company stated that Glenellen is expected to produce approximately 450 gigawatt-hours of electricity each year. It is Naturgy’s largest solar project in Australia to date and was designed as an agrivoltaic facility, meaning it combines renewable energy generation with agricultural use.
The second plant, called Bundaberg, is a 96-megawatt project located in Queensland. It represents Naturgy’s first solar installation in that state and is forecast to generate around 200 gigawatt-hours annually.
Both projects have secured long-term power purchase agreements for their energy output, which provides revenue visibility over their operational lifetimes.
These commissioning announcements follow a period of active capacity growth for GPG in Australia. At the time of a 2.3 billion Australian dollar portfolio financing completed in December 2024, the company’s Australian portfolio consisted of eight operating assets. Those assets included six wind farms, a battery storage system in the Australian Capital Territory, and the Cunderdin solar-plus-storage hybrid project in Western Australia. With the addition of the two new plants, the total number of operating assets now stands at ten.
GPG has been active in Australia for more than fifteen years, building a portfolio that now includes wind, solar, and battery storage across multiple states. Its wind fleet comprises the 218-megawatt Ryan Corner and 180-megawatt Berrybank 1 in Victoria, along with Berrybank 2, Crookwell 2, Crookwell 3, and Hawkesdale.
As reported by PV Tech last year, GPG inaugurated the Cunderdin solar-plus-storage project in Western Australia, which was the first large-scale grid-connected hybrid solar and battery project in that state. It combines a 128-megawatt solar plant with a 55-megawatt, 220-megawatt-hour battery storage system supplied by Sungrow.
The Glenellen project had a lengthy approvals history. It was referred to the New South Wales Independent Planning Commission in late 2023 after more than 50 objections were received during the public exhibition phase.
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Solar Power World
By Kelly Pickerel | June 17, 2026
Homebuyers pay 1-2% more for homes with rooftop solar or high-efficiency heat pumps, but current homeowners appear largely unaware of these assets’ resale value, according to new research conducted by home energy intelligence company 257.
Credit: 257
After cuts to the federal energy efficiency rebate program and solar tax credit, these findings offer residential HVAC and solar businesses a new basis for proving ROI to their prospects, including those who may not stay in their homes through the full payback period.
In 257’s examination of over 500,000 U.S. homes sold between 2024-2025, it found that although most real estate listings didn’t advertise the energy-efficient assets present, those that did were rewarded with higher purchase prices:
Per EnergySage, the average upfront installation cost in 2026 is $30,500 for rooftop solar and $14,529 for a ducted heat pump. Given 257’s new findings, homeowners who market these additions when listing their properties for sale can expect to earn back 27-33% of their initial investment on top of the ongoing operational savings, making the expense ROI-positive for millions more homes.
“Changing incentives and rising energy costs have made it harder for homeowners to rationalize large home energy improvements,” said Scott Rosenberg, co-founder and CEO of 257. “This data shows that homeowners who invest in upgrades can both save on their bills over time and make nearly a third of their money back upon selling their home. Solar and HVAC companies stand to benefit from educating their customers about the often-overlooked resale opportunity.”
257 profiles hundreds of property, demographic and energy characteristics for all 130 million homes in the United States. It conducted this research as part of a broader industry study released today by the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative (SECC) exploring the role of energy efficiency in home values and buyer preferences.
While only 8% of listings last year advertised energy efficiency features, this number has nearly tripled since 2015, suggesting that homeowners are beginning to realize the resale potential as energy affordability and grid reliability quickly become two of the greatest concerns facing Americans.
“We use 257’s data and AI to identify homes most likely to purchase energy upgrades like solar, storage, generators and HVAC systems,” explained Lauren Martin, CMO of Freedom Power, one of the largest home energy providers serving Texas and Florida. “This analysis shows that not only do these investments help with day-to-day energy costs, but they can also increase home value. It’s a win-win: good for consumers, good for suppliers like us and another compelling reason to keep investing in America’s clean energy transition.”

Kelly Pickerel has more than 15 years of experience reporting on the U.S. solar industry and is currently editor in chief of Solar Power World. Email Kelly.

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In late 2025, BloombergNEF (BNEF) projected that 2026 would be the first down year for solar panel installations in two decades and with Chinese capacity installations slowing significantly versus the prior year at this point, it looks like this forecast may come true.
Speaking at SNEC 2026 exhibition in China last week, BNEF solar analyst Jenny Chase examined why the ongoing wars have a limited effect on solar, and what might pull the solar module industry from its doldrums.
Although there are multiple energy wars (Ukraine and the Middle East) ongoing, solar power is mostly indirectly affected. Both of these global events are heavily affecting oil, which — according to the International Energy Agency — represents only 2.6% of all electricity generation. However, the war in Ukraine began with conflict over natural gas resources, and the world’s largest liquefied natural gas export facility, in Qatar, has been taken out by Iranian missiles.
Since the start of the Middle East events, after an initial increase in global liquefied natural gas pricing, pricing has returned to the average pricing of 2025. Within the United States, pricing increased for a moment, then returned to regular pricing. However, solar’s own pricing is having the greatest effect on solar deployment.
Across the world — China, France, California — solar power installations are driving negative pricing and curtailment. Across Europe in 2025, zero and negative pricing hours rose in seven countries, per BNEF. Spain logged 800 hours of zero or negative prices in 2025, and in the first quarter of 2026 set a new quarterly record of 397 hours of negative prices — already approaching 2025’s annual total of 555 negative-price hours, and more than a third of the roughly 1,080 daytime hours in the three-month window.
With this reality in mind, the question posed by BNEF was — what will drive solar deployment next? The answer focused on energy storage.
BNEF projects that after 2025’s record capacity deployment of 112 GW / 307 GWh, which was a 48% jump on 2024, a 41% increase to 158 GW / 459 GWh can be expected in 2026.
Energy storage is showing that it can arrest the downward pricing trend leading to “free” daytime solar in California. Still, Chase noted the 459 GWh of batteries to be added in 2026 can store only about 43 minutes of peak output from the 640 GW of new solar expected the same year.
An economic analysis by BNEF suggests that solar and storage have total deployment limits due to the low prices of coal and gas. These BNEF economic models suggest solar just breaks 30% of global electricity by 2050, with gas holding around 17% and coal sliding to roughly 10%.
Chase expects the actual deployment of solar and energy storage to outpace BNEF’s modeling, as deployments of both technologies have historically beaten forecasts.
While data centres are getting a lot of headlines, they’re not that big of a deal when considering all of the other ways electricity is used globally. In 2025, BNEF suggests data centres used 501 TWh of electricity, which is expected to more than double to 1,114 TWh — 3.6% of global electricity — by 2035.
The roughly 613 TWh increase would require, depending on where the solar is deployed, between 250 GW and 450 GW of solar capacity. At this year’s pace of 640 GW, it would increase solar deployments by 4% to 7% over the next decade.
Chase also noted there was an “X factor” which could drive demand: electric vehicles, which are expanding greatly due to ongoing conflicts. In Europe, EV demand rose 24% year on year in April, per BNEF.
However, even EVs can carry solar only so far — BNEF’s Electric Vehicle Outlook projects a fully electric global road fleet would need some 8,313 TWh of electricity by 2050 in its Net Zero Scenario — roughly 80% more than data centers’ projected 4,627 TWh that year.
BNEF sees a path for far greater growth, forecasting roughly 900% growth over the recently reached 3 TW of cumulative capacity. BNEF said that in the 2050 Net Zero Scenario, cumulative installed solar capacity could reach 30.8 TW.
From pv magazine Global

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Researchers are working on a concept for a fully recyclable solar panel. 
Published on June 17, 2026
© TU Delft
Mauro swapped Sardinia for Eindhoven and has been an IO+ editor for 3 years. As a GREEN+ expert, he covers the energy transition with data-driven stories.
Solar power is the main driver of the energy transition and the cheapest form of electricity. With billions of solar panels now connected to the grid, what will happen to them at the end of their life? “The total weight of the entire human population is around 600 megatons. End-of-life solar panels waste could reach around 200 megatons by 2050,” explains Urvashi Bothra, a postdoc at the Delft University of Technology.
Currently, solar panels are shredded when discarded. This is because solar cells are coated in a layer of EVA — ethylene-vinyl acetate, a glue that binds them to the glass. As much as this coating keeps the different components together, protects them from moisture, and provides stability, it also makes it hard to disassemble solar panels at the end of their life – usually after 25 to 30 years. 
From copper to silicon, solar panels contain a wealth of valuable materials. Moreover, following refurbishment, the same silicon cells can be reused. Bothra’s work focuses on designing solar panels that use circularity as their guiding principle. 
The researcher is part of the Photovoltaic Materials and Devices (PVMD) group at TU Delft. The group focuses on the full solar energy chain, working on new materials, innovative solar panels, and battery solutions. 
The postdoctoral researcher’s work starts from the assumption that current EVA-coated solar panels are too hard to recycle. Therefore, the solution to the problem lies in designing solar panels that achieve performance comparable to what is available on the market, are easy to disassemble, and enable the smooth recovery of materials. 
A concept she has been working on is a liquid-filled module. Instead of EVA, silicone oil is chosen for its optical properties that match well with glass. “As a result, we achieved a solar module with an efficiency of 21.4% in the lab,” underlines Bothra. “This is essentially the same as the conventional solar modules that use EVA.”
The efficiency is the amount of sunlight a solar panel can convert into electricity.  Solar panels on the market range from 22% to 26%. The choice of silicone oil aligns precisely with this direction while offering an easier path to recycling. 
The liquid-filled module concept is inspired by a previous solar module concept: the air gap module, which uses air to encapsulate cells. However, given the different refractive indices of glass and air, a fraction of the light is reflected rather than transmitted. As a result, the solar panels were less efficient. 
Disassembling is straightforward. “You take out the liquid, you cut the edge sealant, and you have the solar cell — from which you can recover high-grade silicon and silver," explains the postdoc. In this way, every single gram of the used material can have a second life. At the same time, the silicone oil showed potential for full reusability. Being a non-toxic product, there is no disposal issue. 
For comparison, once solar panels are dismissed, they are treated as follows. The aluminum frame and the junction box — where cables connect to get electricity – are removed. Everything else, from glass to cells, goes into a shredder and is then used as filler material for road making. 
The development of these modules passes through proving tests. In the climate chamber, an isolated device, looking a bit like a fridge, solar panels are thoroughly tested for wear and weather resistance. 
Modules are tested for sun exposure, simulating years' worth of exposure in a matter of weeks. For instance, conventional solar panels turn yellow, gradually reducing the light reaching the cells and degrading performance over time. Liquid-filled modules, Bothra notes, could be promising and not show this effect. The tests are underway. 
“We test temperature, humidity, and their interaction,” underlines Bothra. It is painstaking work, but it is what stands between a promising prototype on a lab bench and a product that can be trusted on a roof.
A snapshot of the liquid-filled module assembled and disassembled. – © TU Delft
To make an impact, the innovative solar cells need to get out of the lab. To do so, the researchers are working on scaling the design. One issue the group has identified is hydrostatic pressure: in a full-size module, the weight of liquid creates pressure that can cause the glass to bow. That is an engineering problem being actively worked on. 
A more encouraging finding on the manufacturing side: the lamination equipment used to make conventional modules requires only one additional step — the liquid-filling — to produce the new design. TU Delft is already working with a Dutch manufacturer, Biosphere Solar, on this transition within the FAIR-PV project.
Full-size prototypes are not just sitting in the lab. Liquid-filled and air-gap modules have been installed at the Innovation Pavilion, Marineterrein, Amsterdam and are being monitored for outdoor performance alongside commercial panels. 
Much of the solar industry's success has been grounded in cost per watt — circularity has never been part of the equation. Bothra's work is a bet that it will have to — that as deployment scales into the terawatt range and the first wave of panels begins reaching end of life, the industry will need a way to close the loop. 
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Last year, the United States solar industry installed 43 gigawatts of new capacity. As solar projects continue to expand across the United States, state policymakers are increasingly focused on a question that comes up decades after construction: What happens when projects reach the end of their operating lives?
The 50 States of Solar Decommissioning: 2025 Snapshot report from the NC Clean Energy Technology Center and DSIRE Insight found that solar decommissioning policy is becoming an increasingly active area of state regulation, as lawmakers and landowners seek to clarify who is responsible for removing equipment, restoring land, and covering end-of-life costs.
Planning for the full project life cycle
Solar decommissioning generally refers to the removal of solar panels, racking, wiring, fencing, inverters, transformers, access roads, storage systems, and other project infrastructure, followed by site restoration. Most solar projects are expected to operate for 25 to 30 years, meaning the first large wave of utility-scale decommissioning is still ahead. But rapid deployment is pushing states to set rules now.
The report notes that there is still no consistent national standard for solar decommissioning. However, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is developing a standard for decommissioning solar and energy storage equipment. In the meantime, states are creating their own frameworks. For developers, landowners, and state and local governments, that means bringing decommissioning into the conversation around solar development now.
As of 2025, the DSIRE report found that 23 states had statewide solar decommissioning policies, 10 had statewide/local hybrid policies, one had a statewide optional policy, and one offered a state model template for local governments to adopt. More than two dozen state legislatures considered or enacted bills in 2025 related to solar and battery storage decommissioning, financial assurance, recycling, or material disposal. 
Decommissioning approaches vary nationwide
The country’s largest solar markets show how varied decommissioning approaches can be. Across the top solar states by installed capacity — California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, North Carolina, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Virginia, and Georgia — several themes are emerging. Financial assurance is becoming the backbone of decommissioning policy, with states relying on bonds, letters of credit, escrow arrangements, and other mechanisms to ensure that projects can be decommissioned. Agricultural land is another major driver, especially in states focused on restoring farmland, protecting drainage systems, and returning land to productive use.
Battery storage is also an essential part of the decommissioning conversation, as solar-plus-storage becomes the go-to model for projects. Some states include co-located storage in solar decommissioning rules, while others are developing separate storage-specific requirements. Recycling remains less uniform, though more states are beginning to address panel reuse, recycling facility reporting, and disposal limits.
Top solar states demonstrate variability 
Among the top solar states, policy approaches vary widely. Some states have statewide or hybrid state-local rules. Others are still relying more heavily on local processes or have only considered legislation that has not yet passed.
California, the nation’s largest solar market, uses a statewide/local hybrid model. Under its Solar Use Easement framework, project owners must submit decommissioning plans and financial assurance to the local government, with review and approval by the California Department of Conservation. The policy emphasizes soil management, site restoration, equipment removal, and five-year financial assurance updates.
Texas takes a landowner-focused approach for certain private, non-utility-owned solar projects, requiring equipment removal, land restoration, reseeding, and reuse or recycling of eligible components. In 2025, Texas enacted laws addressing solar component recycling and battery energy storage facility agreements.
Florida and Arizona show that large solar markets do not always have detailed statewide decommissioning frameworks. Florida lawmakers considered 2025 bills that would have allowed counties to require decommissioning of solar facilities over 2 MW on agricultural land, but the bills failed. Arizona is not included among the report’s state policy profiles.
North Carolina applies decommissioning requirements to new solar projects of 2 MW or more, including ancillary battery storage. Project owners must register with the Department of Environmental Quality and submit a decommissioning plan, cost estimate, financial assurance, and fees.
Illinois’ policy is driven largely by concerns about farmland. Solar facilities over 500 kW on third-party agricultural land must file an Agricultural Impact Mitigation Agreement and submit a deconstruction plan to the county.
Nevada focuses on larger utility-scale projects, requiring certain ground-mounted projects over 70 MW to file surplus asset retirement plans. New York requires projects of at least 25 MW, including co-located storage, to submit detailed decommissioning and restoration plans covering funding, timelines, safety, recycling, and future site use.
Virginia requires local governments to secure written decommissioning agreements as part of solar approvals. In contrast, Georgia requires operators under new or renewed solar facility agreements to remove equipment and restore land to its prior condition.
The rapid buildout of solar has made decommissioning less of a distant issue and more of a near-term policy design question. The report shows that states are beginning to fill the gap, but the top solar markets are moving at different speeds and with different priorities.
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How deep-red Utah helped launch a portable plug-in solar movement  AOL.com
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Solar technology firm Create Energy has finalized its acquisition of SOL Components, purchasing the solar structure and tracker manufacturer from parent company Kloeckner Metals Corp.
Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
The deal is set to greatly bolster Create Energy’s offerings in the solar tracker market, officials say, positioning the Portland, Tennessee-based firm as a “premier provider of fully integrated energy systems” in the U.S. Additionally, the deal furthers the company’s mission of becoming a single source solar platform for EPCs, IPPs, and hyperscale solar developers.
Create Energy CEO Dean Solon says he is thrilled to see the deal’s closure, as his company adds to its “Un-Evil Empire” and the ONTRACK solar tracker platform. He adds that the company has more in the works, and advised customers to keep watch for further business moves.
“We are building a unified power plant platform that simplifies and elevates how energy projects are designed, procured, and deployed,” Solon says. “Our mission is clear: deliver the best products, unmatched customer service, and absolute reliability. I’ve been in solar for over 30 years, and it’s time to completely revolutionize the tracker market.”

Keeping Create Energy ONTRACK

One of the greatest benefactors of this deal will be Create Energy’s ONTRACK platform, the company says. Already fully integrated with the firm, the platform provides “a seamless panel-to-power experience” eliminating complexity, reducing costs, and strengthening execution.
In a rapidly consolidating solar and solar tracker market, Create Energy is working to consistently expand its offerings. The aggressive M&A strategy the firm has deployed recently is part of its wider vision, it says, as it works to build a “powerhouse platform” of solar offerings.
The deal is a step forward for the company, representatives add, toward changing how the energy infrastructure industry handles design, deployment, and scaling. Create Energy is working to “fundamentally reshape the industry,” the firm adds, rather than make incremental improvements.
“Create Energy promised to be a dominant force in the M&A market this year, and we are delivering,” says Joseph Fahrney, Create’s chief of staff. “In a consolidating industry, customers choose us because they trust Dean Solon and our ability to provide speed, certainty, unmatched performance, and one of the best warranties in the industry.
“This acquisition amplifies our momentum and solidifies Create Energy as the premier long term solutions provider for the energy sector.”


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Technical to deployable potential of rooftop solar photovoltaics  Nature
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Fine Art Photography Daily
©Jamey Stillings, El Romero Solar, photovoltaic power plant, Atacama Region, Chile, 2017 This 246-megawatt solar farm (photovoltaic power plant), located north of La Serena, provides 100% of the electricity needed by the Google Data Center in Santiago.
Documentary photographer Jamey Stillings has recently opened the remarkable exhibition ATACAMA: Renewable Energy and Mining in the High Desert of Chile at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where it will remain on view through August 26, 2026. In a reflective accompanying essay, Stillings recounts the journey behind bringing the exhibition to life, offering insights into the relationships, fundraising efforts, and complex logistical challenges that shaped its realization.
As part of that reflection, he starts with the exhibition’s introductory statement:
ATACAMA, a seminal project by documentary photographer Jamey Stillings, examines the evolving nexus between renewable energy and mining in Chile’s Atacama Desert. Stillings shares his distinctive aerial perspective to examine dramatic large-scale renewable energy projects, dynamic views of enormous mining operations, and the stark natural beauty of the Atacama Desert, so often scarred by human activity.
Why are Chile and the Atacama Desert significant?
Because the copper and lithium we use daily in our cars, computers, and smartphones likely come from Chile. As the global leader in copper production, Chile supplies more than one-quarter of the world’s copper and is the second largest lithium producer. These facts make our connection to Chile and its environmental practices more relevant and tangible.
The ATACAMA project features aerial photography exploring renewable energy, mining, and our global reliance on copper and lithium. New solar and wind projects supply electricity to the grid, power mines, and significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Chile has tripled its renewable energy capacity since 2017, and most major mines have transitioned to 100% renewable energy for electricity, setting a promising example for other countries.
Stillings’ aesthetic interest in the human-altered landscape and his environmental sustainability concerns are the principal pillars of his work. His imagery elicits a critical dialogue about meeting society’s needs and desires while seeking an equilibrium between nature and human activity. ATACAMA demonstrates how photography can concurrently be a source of inspiration, motivation, and information. It reminds us that a carbon-constrained future is crucial to a responsible and sustainable approach to life on Earth.
Jamey Stillings at work
©Jamey Stillings, Proyecto Solar San Andrés, photovoltaic power plant, Atacama Region, Chile, 2017 This 50-megawatt photovoltaic plant uses a single-axis tracking system aligned north-south, allowing the rows of panels to slowly tilt from east to west and follow the sun.
Jamey Stillings’ multi-decade career spans documentary, fine art, and commissioned work. Since 2010, he has focused on renewable energy through an extended aerial photography project, Changing Perspectives: Renewable Energy & the Shifting Human Landscape. Stillings has photographed extensively over the United States, Japan, Uruguay, and Chile from helicopters and light airplanes. New US-based and international chapters of Changing Perspectives are under development.
Stillings has published three books:
Atacama: Renewable Energy and Mining in the High Desert of Chile (Steidl, 2023)
The Evolution of Ivanpah Solar (Steidl, 2015)
The Bridge at Hoover Dam (Nazraeli Press, 2011)
Stillings presents globally at photo festivals, universities, TED events, and professional conferences. His work is exhibited and published widely in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America. Recent publications include The New York Times Magazine, National Geographic, Der Spiegel, Le Monde, Newsweek Japan, WIRED Italia, and Photoworld China. Stillings’ photographs are in private and public collections, including the United States Library of Congress, the Museum of Fine Arts – Houston, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Nevada Museum of Art.
©Jamey Stillings, Landscape, Atacama Region, Chile, 2017
©Jamey Stillings, Mina Zaldívar, open-pit copper mine, Antofagasta Region, Chile, 2017 In 2020, Mina Zaldívar became one of the first copper mines to operate entirely on renewable energy, using power from wind, solar, and hydro sources on Chile’s national grid. This transition helps reduce the mine’s operational greenhouse gas emissions, even as large-scale copper ore extraction continues.
©Jamey Stillings, These turquoise lithium evaporation ponds are part of SQM’s operations in the northern Salar de Atacama, an ancient, dried lakebed. Lithium-rich brine is pumped from beneath the salt flat and concentrated in a network of ponds within a lithium-producing zone of roughly 900 square kilometers (about 350 square miles), in a basin that contains a significant share of the world’s known brine-based lithium reserves.
©Jamey Stillings, Pampa Elvira Solar, solar thermal power plant, at the Minera Gaby copper mine, Antofagasta Region, Chile, 2017 This 27.5-megawatt solar thermal array provides most of the hot water needed for the electrowinning process at Minera Gaby. Electrowinning is an electrochemical process used to plate pure copper from an aqueous solution.
©Jamey Stillings, Pacific Ocean coastline, Antofagasta Region, Chile, 2017
©Jamey Stillings, Cerro Dominador, solar thermal power plant under construction, Antofagasta Region, Chile, 2017 In 2017, this 110-megawatt solar thermal power plant was under construction, featuring a 252-meter-high receiver and a 17.5-hour molten salt storage capacity. It would become part of a hybrid facility that includes a 100-megawatt photovoltaic power plant.
ATACAMA – Creating an Exhibition from Scratch
When you pour heart and soul, along with several years, into a photo project, creating an exhibition of the work is a fitting culmination of your creative efforts. Such was my goal with ATACAMA.
ATACAMA: Renewable Energy and Mining in the High Desert of Chile is a major chapter in the extended project, CHANGING PERSPECTIVES: Renewable Energy and the Shifting Human Landscape, which I began in late 2010. It comprises a major body of aerial work photographed from a small plane over the Atacama Desert in 2017, an ATACAMA book interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, another round of work over the Atacama in 2022, and, finally, a book of the same name, published by Steidl in 2023 .
The opportunity to create an exhibition arose at the suggestion and encouragement of Wendy Watriss, co-founder of FotoFest, and Steven Evans, FotoFest executive director. My friend and colleague Brad Temkin had a successful exhibition, The State of Water, at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) in 2020. Perhaps HMNS would host an ATACAMA exhibition in conjunction with Global Visions: FotoFest at 40 ?
Lisa Rebori, Senior VP of Collections and Exhibits, and her team at HMNS were indeed interested. They were willing to professionally install an exhibition I delivered. The question of where ATACAMA would be exhibited within the museum was TBD, and they would not contribute funding towards its creation.
OMG! How could I bring the ATACAMA exhibition into existence?!?
My standards are high. The exhibition must be museum-quality and at home in an art, science, or natural history venue. Raising funds, curating and producing the work, designing the exhibition, including text and graphics, installing it with the HMNS team, and then promoting it to the world – all of it seemed daunting, to say the least!
In my studio with Dianne Duenzl (dianneduenzl.com), my able and dependable studio manager, we created a budget, a fundraising plan, and a production schedule. I knew that every month from December 2024 through March 2026 would be dominated by ATACAMA. It would intrude on my sleep and dinnertime conversations. ATACAMA would be IT for sixteen months of my life!
Back in 2023, I applied to and was accepted by Fractured Atlas as my fiscal sponsor for CHANGING PERSPECTIVES. My goal was to raise $65K in 90 days to make the ATACAMA exhibition a reality. My son, Zubin, shot, edited, and produced the intro video. I launched the campaign in early June 2025, using the Fractured Atlas fundraising platform, MailChimp for email, and Little Green Light  as my client relationship management (CRM) system.
You learn a lot quickly when you take on a fundraising campaign. Why should you help Jamey with an ATACAMA exhibition when there are a thousand other requests for contributions? How do others decide whether to support you or not? What is the etiquette for such requests with close friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and those of means who support the arts? How often do you reach out? How do you best respect others’ decisions? And how do you give love and support back to friends who cannot contribute and are going through difficult times?
Not surprisingly, the base of my support came from artist friends and colleagues, with contributions ranging from $50 to $250. Members of my extended family chipped in as well. Several friends and supporters contributed at the $1,000–$5,000 level. But as I neared the 45-day mark, I had reached only one-third of my goal. I had been counting on a longtime client and supporter of the arts to come through at a high level. Radio silence. Then, out of the blue, he wrote, expressed his enthusiastic support, and contributed $20K. All of a sudden, the $65K goal seemed attainable!
It came down to the wire. We crossed the finish line with less than 24 hours to go, thanks to one last email push and the energy that comes with a goal in sight. Thank you to each and every one who supported ATACAMA!
In September 2025, I began final image editing and proofing, while curation, exhibition design, and production began in earnest. I wanted to create the exhibition with framed dye-sublimation metal prints and chose to collaborate with Blazing Editions. I asked Clay Williams , a talented graphic designer and longtime friend and collaborator, to help me design the exhibition graphics, and he readily agreed. Throughout the process, we worked closely with the HMNS exhibition and design team. The push was on.
Jamey Stillings at Blazing Editions for ATACAMA
In early February 2026, three crates arrived at HMNS. I flew to Houston with my wife, photographer Esha Chiocchio, who had been a constant source of love and support throughout the process. With the museum’s friendly and excellent exhibition team, we installed ATACAMA in a beautifully prepared space on the 3rd floor, near King Tut’s Tomb, the Hall of Ancient Egypt, and Death by Natural Causes exhibitions. On Saturday afternoon, February 21, we held an informal opening, followed by a reception generously hosted by my friends, Kath and Jorge Blanco.
©Jamey Stillings, Houston Museum of Natural Science, ATACAMA scale model of exhibition
©Jamey Stillings, Houston Museum of Natural Science, ATACAMA scale model of exhibition
©Jamey Stillings, Houston Museum of Natural Science, ATACAMA installation of exhibition
©Jamey Stillings, Houston Museum of Natural Science, ATACAMA installation of exhibition
©Jamey Stillings, Houston Museum of Natural Science, ATACAMA installation of exhibition
It is a different experience to have an art exhibition in a natural science museum than in an art museum. A science museum celebrates the exhibition’s content, whereas an art museum celebrates the art and the artist. But it is also true that nearly two million visitors come to the Houston Museum of Natural Science each year, compared with one million at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Each time I visit the ATACAMA exhibition, I see myriad people taking it in –– families, young kids, and older folks. I am grateful to each and every person who helped make ATACAMA: Renewable Energy and Mining in the High Desert of Chile a reality!
The ATACAMA exhibition will continue at the Houston Museum of Natural Science through August 26, 2026.  – Jamey Stillings
For more information about the ATACAMA exhibition, please view the interactive online ATACAMA Traveling Exhibition catalog.
©Jamey Stillings, Installation of ATACAMA at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
©Jamey Stillings, Installation of ATACAMA at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
©Jamey Stillings, Installation of ATACAMA at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
©Jamey Stillings, Installation of ATACAMA at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
©Jamey Stillings, Installation of ATACAMA at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
©Jamey Stillings, Installation of ATACAMA at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
©Jamey Stillings, Installation of ATACAMA at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
©Jamey Stillings, Installation of ATACAMA at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
©Jamey Stillings, Installation of ATACAMA at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
©Jamey Stillings, Installation of ATACAMA at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
LINKS FOR ATACAMA: Renewable Energy and Mining in the High Desert of Chile
jameystillings.com
The ATACAMA Traveling Exhibition catalog
75-second Video Tour of ATACAMA at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
The book, ATACAMA: Renewable Energy and Mining in the High Desert of Chile (Steidl, 2023)
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
ATACAMA at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
ATACAMA Traveling Exhibition Catalog / Jamey’s Invitation
I am excited to share a traveling exhibition that uses art to build awareness about renewable energy and climate change through compelling, thought-provoking photographs. Following its premiere exhibition at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (February through August 2026), the exhibition is available to travel to museum and institutional venues across the United States and internationally.
I welcome opportunities to collaborate with host venues to adapt the exhibition to their unique missions, audiences, and spaces. Its flexible format makes it easily scalable and customizable, allowing presentations that range from formal museum installations with framed works to large mural-sized prints, outdoor exhibitions, LED displays, or immersive projections.
My photography offers a distinct perspective that captivates and informs viewers through the geometry of human-made structures framed within the organic landscapes of nature. This exhibition invites audiences to engage in the vital and sometimes challenging conversations necessary to imagine a more sustainable future for life on Earth.
I look forward to working with you to bring this vision to life!
Introducing the ATACAMA PORTFOLIO




 
I am happy to share that I have created a limited-edition portfolio of work from ATACAMA: Renewable Energy and Mining in the High Desert of Chile.
A portfolio of twelve prints–six from work in 2017 and six from 2022–in an edition of nine, plus one AP. Archival pigment prints on Canson Platine Fibre Rag paper, 17×22”, signed and numbered, in a custom-built portfolio case.
Portfolios purchased on or before 31 December 2026 • $9,000 each
Beginning 1 January 2027 • $10,000 each through #5, #6 through 9 TBD, the AP is NFS.
If you are interested in acquiring THE ATACAMA PORTFOLIO, please contact me directly.
Thank you for supporting my ongoing project work!
 
Tags: Chile, Enviroment, Jamey Stillings
Posts on Lenscratch may not be reproduced without the permission of the Lenscratch staff and the photographer.

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Researchers from the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) have fabricated a shingled photovoltaic module that can be combined with thermoelectric generators (TEGs) and allow efficient PV–TEG waste-heat energy recovery.
TEGs can convert heat into electricity through the “Seebeck effect,” which occurs when a temperature difference between two different semiconductors produces a voltage difference between two substances. The devices are commonly used for industrial applications to convert excess heat into electricity. However, their high costs and limited performance have thus far limited their adoption on a broader scale.
The shingled cell technology replaces conventional ribbon-based interconnections by connecting solar cell strips directly in series, which eliminates soldered ribbons. This design increases the active area available for light absorption while also reducing thermal and mechanical stresses within the module. As a result, it improves both efficiency and long-term reliability compared with standard interconnection approaches.
For module assembly, the KIER researchers used PERC solar cells supplied by South Korea’s Shinsung Engineering as the starting material. The cells were first divided into narrow strips using a 1,064 nm infrared laser scribing process, followed by mechanical cleaving. Shingled modules comprising three, five, or seven strips were fabricated with a total active area of 100 cm², whereas the 14-strip configuration had an increased area of 170 cm². The corresponding strip dimensions were 100 × 38.83 mm, 100 × 21.70 mm, 100 × 16.07 mm, and 85 × 16.07 mm for the three-, five-, seven-, and 14-strip modules, respectively.
Electrical interconnection between adjacent strips was formed by series assembly using CA 3556HF conductive adhesive. The structures were then hot-pressed and cured at 180 C for 1 minute to ensure reliable bonding. PV tabbing ribbons were soldered to both ends of each shingled module to provide external electrical contacts. Finally, the modules were encapsulated with a front glass layer, an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulant, and a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) backsheet to enhance mechanical protection and environmental stability.
The scientists explained that this module architecture is beneficial for TEG integration because its series-connected strip design increases the operating voltage while reducing the output current, which in turn minimizes current-dependent resistive losses and Joule heating in the TEG. This improved electrical matching reduces the impact of the TEG’s relatively high internal resistance, enhances fill factor stability, and ultimately enables more efficient and load-resilient power extraction in PV–TEG hybrid systems under real operating conditions.
The commercial thermoelectric (TE) elements were provided by Chinese specialist Xinrong. A 100 cm² substrate-free TEG array was fabricated using 308 elements with polymer-filled gaps for mechanical stability and optimized heat transfer. The arrays were assembled via patterned copper (Cu) films on polyimide substrates using screen-printed solder, reflow soldering, and final substrate removal to expose electrodes for electrical connection.
The hybrid PV-TEG systems developed for testing consisted of a two-terminal (2T) setup, where PV and TEG are directly connected in series with a single external contact pair, and a four-terminal (4T) setup, where both components operate independently to eliminate series resistance losses from the TEG. The 2T configuration was primarily used, while the 4T architecture was employed only for loss analysis and comparison purposes.
A custom experimental platform was developed using a transparent Cu mesh heater on top and a bottom cooler to impose a controlled temperature gradient while simultaneously transmitting standard solar irradiation to the device. This setup enabled accurate I–V characterization of PV, TEG, and combined PV–TEG devices under coupled thermal and optical loading, with additional measurements supported by a dedicated numerical model.
TE elements were electrically characterized using Hall-effect and time-dependent resistance measurements under controlled current biases to evaluate transport and stability behavior. The PV component was modeled using a double-diode formulation combined with a thermoelectric generator equation set, solved via Lambert W-function-based transformations. Model fitting to experimental I–V data allowed extraction of key parameters, including effective TEG resistance, and enabled quantification of power losses in 2T operation.
The measurements showed that minimizing PV current while increasing voltage significantly reduces the impact of TEG resistance on device performance, withe the shingled PV modules being found to be particularly effective in achieving this low-current, high-voltage operating regime. Thermal analysis also revealed that PV-driven current induces both rapid Peltier cooling/heating and slower Joule heating within the TEG, which increases its effective resistance over time.
Furthermore, linear correlations between current and temperature gradients confirmed the coupling between electrical transport and thermoelectric heat exchange within the hybrid system. A validated numerical model, meanwhile, predicted that optimal designs with low current and high voltage operation can reduce power loss to near zero levels. This prediction was experimentally confirmed in a large-area 170 cm² device, which achieved ultra-low loss and high power output under controlled conditions.
“Using a 14-strip shingled module, which divides the current while increasing the voltage across multiple strips, we realized a load-resilient shingled PV module for a field-scale PV–TEG,” the researchers concluded. “The scale and performance of our PV–TEG represent significant advances over the largest (68 cm2) and best-performing (1.15 W) devices reported thus far in the literature. Unlike tandem solar cells, which require complex monolithic integration and sophisticated spectral splitting, our PV–TEG involves only a straightforward connection of commercially available PV and TEG components, with no front-end-of-the-line fabrication being necessary.”
The new solar module concept was described in the study “Load-resilient shingled photovoltaic module for field-scale thermoelectric coupling,” published in scientific reports.
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What often gets overlooked are the innovations underway where the power grid ends. It costs power utilities a lot to keep these towns connected to the grid. But the plunging costs of renewables and storage mean it’s increasingly possible to do things differently. It makes sense for towns, remote communities and mine sites to produce more of their own power – and eventually, cut the link to the grid entirely.
Western Australia – a state larger than Western Europe – is at the forefront of these changes. Because it’s not connected to the national power grid, it has long gone its own way on power. Now, utilities are rethinking whether the state’s huge grid is necessary. Over 15,000 km of overhead line have been decommissioned in recent years.
For the residents of small towns in outback Western Australia, remote First Nations communities in the Northern Territory or a mine site in the middle of the Western Australian Goldfields, power isn’t something to take for granted.
For decades, these places have had to make do with an often unreliable trickle of electricity transmitted along very long, ageing wires. These can be battered by storms, coated in salt and sand, and regularly knocked out .
For instance, the small outback Queensland town of Thargomindah had 20 unplanned blackouts in the three months to February 2024 – more than one a week.
This is a common problem for communities at the edge of the grid. Electricity is often less reliable and more expensive. Transmitting power thousands of kilometers from where it is produced means up to 35% is lost along the way.
Many remote communities rely on diesel generators, either as a backup or permanently. Because these rely on expensive fuel trucked in, residents can end up paying much more for electricity than people in cities.
Grid frontiers
For a long time, there was no real alternative to generators and unreliable power. Now there are several.
The three most advanced options are standalone power systems, renewable microgrids and community batteries. All represent a shift away from grid dependence, though they differ in the degree. Standalone systems operate without the grid, microgrids can work with or without it and community batteries remain connected to the network.
Western Australia has two electricity grids – one in the southwest, where most people live, and another in the northwest mining hub. It also has 38 microgrids . Authorities want to have 1,000 standalone power systems dotting the state by 2030 .
Here are some examples of what’s being tested at the edge of the grid.
The town of Kalbarri sits at the end of a notoriously unreliable 130km power line from Geraldton, regularly lashed by storms. This is why it was chosen to host the state’s standout example of what’s possible – a 5 MW microgrid .
It combines local wind, rooftop solar and batteries and detects faults in milliseconds, switching to island mode so smoothly that residents may not even notice. It’s expected to eliminate 80 per cent of the town’s previous outages.
In towns such as Esperance, Exmouth and Carnarvon, 10 community batteries are being installed, while the gold mining hub of Kalgoorlie will soon host a large 50 MW battery.
Mining companies are looking to these methods to lower operating costs and cut emissions. The Agnew Gold Mine now gets 50-60% of its electricity from wind, solar and batteries with 99.99% reliability, which is essential for a mining operation.
Remote First Nations communities such as Blackstone are also looking to microgrids combining solar, batteries and a diesel backup. Reliable electricity is vital for family homes and healthcare.
The innovation at the edge of the grid isn’t just vital for remote residents.
These real world trials of microgrids, batteries, smart software and standalone power systems will feed into how we manage bigger energy grids and make the best use of renewables and storage.
Authors: Asma Aziz, senior lecturer in power engineering, Edith Cowan University; Yasir Arafat, senior research engineer in electric vehicle batteries and battery storage, Edith Cowan University
This article was initially published in The Conversation and is republished here under a Creative Commons Licence.
From pv magazine Australia
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June 17, 2026 08:00 ET  | Source: Enphase Energy, Inc. Enphase Energy, Inc.
FREMONT, Calif., June 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company, today announced that it will showcase a range of current and new products for the European market at The smarter E Europe (Intersolar Europe) in Munich, Germany from June 23-25, 2026. Highlights include:
“Europe is at the center of the home energy transition, and Intersolar is where we show how Enphase is helping define what comes next,” said Sabbas Daniel, senior vice president of sales at Enphase Energy. “Our 2026 lineup brings together higher-performance solar, next-generation storage, smarter and bidirectional EV charging, and AI-powered energy management to make the home energy system easier to install, easier to use, and more valuable for homeowners.”
Enphase will be present at The smarter E Europe in Hall C5, booth C5.530, from June 23-25, 2026. To schedule a meeting with our team, please visit the Enphase website. For more information about Enphase products and services, please visit our regional websites.
About Enphase Energy, Inc.
Enphase Energy, a global energy technology company based in Fremont, CA, is the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems, EV chargers, home energy management systems, and virtual power plant (VPP) solutions. Enphase products enable people to harness the sun to make, use, save, and sell their own power, all controlled through the Enphase App. The company revolutionized the solar industry with its microinverter-based technology and has shipped approximately 87.8 million microinverters, with more than 5.2 million Enphase-based systems deployed in over 165 countries. For more information, visit https://enphase.com/.
©2026 Enphase Energy, Inc. All rights reserved. Enphase Energy, Enphase, the “e” logo, IQ, and certain other marks listed at https://enphase.com/trademark-usage-guidelines are trademarks or service marks of Enphase Energy, Inc. Other names are for informational purposes and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including statements related to the expected capabilities and performance of Enphase Energy’s IQ Battery G5, IQ9N Microinverters, IQ Bidirectional EV Charger, IQ EV Charger 2, and IQ Energy Management, including safety, quality, efficiency, and reliability; the expected availability, timing, and geographic expansion of these products in European markets; anticipated installation times, system performance characteristics, and product features; the potential energy savings, cost reductions, and operational benefits associated with these solutions; the compatibility of Enphase products with third-party devices, electric vehicles, and supported grid-service programs; expectations regarding compliance with current and future regulatory requirements in Europe; and Enphase Energy’s expectations regarding the adoption of home energy, electrification, and AI-enabled energy management solutions in European markets. These forward-looking statements are based on Enphase Energy’s current expectations and assumptions and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, changes in market demand; electricity pricing and tariff structures; the ability to meet anticipated product availability timelines; the performance, availability, and reliability of third-party products and services, including cellular connectivity; regulatory and policy developments; product performance and reliability; supply chain constraints; and other factors discussed in Enphase Energy’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those risks described in more detail in Enphase Energy’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K. Enphase Energy undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events, or changes in its expectations, except as required by law.
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Enphase Energy
press@enphaseenergy.com
FREMONT, Calif., June 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company and the world's leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery…
FREMONT, Calif., June 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company, today announced the launch of the new IQ9N™ Microinverter for residential…

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Audit puts Texas solar factory among Intertek’s top-rated globally  Stock Titan
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A team of chemical engineers led by UQ’s Dr Miaoqiang Lyu and Professor Lianzhou Wang have developed a new fabrication method that eliminates the need for toxic lead and other hazardous solvents in perovskite indoor solar panels.
“Indoor solar cells themselves are not new, but the power conversion efficiency of the commercial silicon-based technology is only around 10 per cent,” Dr Lyu said.
“Halide perovskites are an emerging technology that could replace silicon, offering much higher efficiencies and commercial potential.
“However, most still rely on lead-based hazardous materials.
“The technology we developed eliminates those materials while still delivering high efficiency.”
UQ PhD student Zitong Wang, who is under the supervision of Dr Lyu and Professor Wang, developed a safe and scalable vapour-based manufacturing process for fabricating high-quality lead-free perovskite material with fewer performance-limiting defects.
Indoor perovskite solar cells operate under low-intensity artificial light, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and fluorescent lamps.
Using the new method, the panels achieved an efficiency of 16.36 per cent — the highest reported for this type of lead-free perovskite indoor solar cell made using an industry-compatible evaporation method.
“This material has very attractive properties that can absorb indoor light and convert very weak indoor light efficiently into electricity,” Dr Lyu said.
“By removing those solvents entirely, the process is much better suited to scalable manufacturing.”
Lead-free perovskite indoor solar cells are also increasingly viewed as an alternative to coin-cell and button batteries for low-power electronics like environmental sensors, wearables, medical and health monitoring devices, and small consumer electronics.
Supermarkets trialling battery-powered electronic shelf labels, which replace thousands of paper price tickets and reduce manual labour, are among the potential early applications of the technology.
“With suitable voltage management, these devices can replace coin‑cell batteries, reducing the number of small batteries that end up as waste or in children’s toys,” Dr Lyu said.
Panels fabricated using the UQ process are thin, scalable and can be made on flexible plastic and in different shapes, making them easy to integrate into a wide range of products.
The next step is sealing the panels before further testing.
“I think the key here is encapsulation, to protect the material from oxygen and moisture,” Dr Lyu said.
“People will probably see perovskite indoor panels and integrated consumer electronics in the market in the next few years.”
The research paper is published in ACS Energy Letters.
Dr Lyu is an ARC Future Fellow at UQ’s School of Chemical Engineering whose research group focuses on advanced optoelectronic materials. Zitong Wang is a PhD student based at UQ’s Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), and Professor Lianzhou Wang is an Honorary Professor at UQ with a strong research record in functional nanomaterials for clean energy applications. Dr Dongxu He is a post-doctoral researcher at School of Chemical Engineering. 
Source: University of Queensland

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GreenYellow has commissioned a 700 kWp photovoltaic plant for Dupol Next in Zanica, Italy, under a 20-year self-consumption contract fully financed by the company.
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Valenciaport is moving forward with the installation of vertical solar panels on the breakwater of the northern expansion of the Port of Valencia, an initiative that is part of the European project RENEWPORT – Harnessing RENEWable energy potential for the clean energy transition of MED PORTS. This initiative aims to promote the clean energy transition of Mediterranean ports.
The contract has been awarded to Pavener Servicios Energéticos S.L. for a total of 169,314.55 euros, and the installation is expected to be completed and operational by September 2026. The work includes the installation of solar panels and the placement of the project’s official signage, in accordance with the communication requirements established for projects co-financed by the European Union.
This project began in January 2024 and is 80% co-financed by the European Unionthrough the INTERREG EURO-MED program, under the Greener MED initiative. Its aim is to reduce the carbon footprint of Mediterranean ports by identifying, demonstrating, and validating innovative solutions based on renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy.
Renewable Energy in a Real-World Port Environment
The installation of this vertical solar plant marks a new step in Valenciaport’s strategy to move toward a more sustainable, efficient, and carbon-free port model. Through projects such as RENEWPORT, the Port Authority of Valencia (APV) is strengthening its role as a demonstration site for clean technologies, capable of generating useful knowledge and replicable solutions for other ports in the Mediterranean and across Europe.
The project aims not only to implement new sources of renewable energy but also to assess their technical, economic, and environmental viability in real-world port infrastructure. In this way, RENEWPORT helps transform ports into more sustainable and resilient energy hubs, in line with European goals for the energy transition, the fight against climate change, and the circular economy.
Collaboration to accelerate decarbonization
In addition to installing renewable energy solutions, RENEWPORT promotes knowledge transfer and collaboration among port authorities, operators, energy companies, research centres, and other stakeholders in the port ecosystem. This cooperation is key to accelerating the decarbonization of the maritime-port sector and ensuring that the solutions developed can be adapted and implemented in other locations. With milestones such as the installation of these vertical solar panels, Valenciaport continues to make progress in identifying innovative solutions and demonstrating clean technologies in a real-world operational setting. This initiative reinforces the APV’s commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and the gradual reduction of its facilities’ carbon footprint.
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What often gets overlooked are the innovations underway where the power grid ends. It costs power utilities a lot to keep these towns connected to the grid. But the plunging costs of renewables and storage mean it’s increasingly possible to do things differently. It makes sense for towns, remote communities and mine sites to produce more of their own power – and eventually, cut the link to the grid entirely.
Western Australia – a state larger than western Europe – is at the forefront of these changes. Because it’s not connected to the national power grid, it has long gone its own way on power. Now, utilities are rethinking whether the state’s huge grid is necessary. Over 15,000 kilometres of overhead line have been decommissioned in recent years.
Life at the end of the grid isn’t easy
For the residents of small towns in outback Western Australia, remote First Nations communities in the Northern Territory or a mine site in the middle of the WA Goldfields, power isn’t something to take for granted.
For decades, these places have had to make do with an often unreliable trickle of electricity transmitted along very long, ageing wires. These can be battered by storms, coated in salt and sand, and regularly knocked out .
For instance, the small outback Queensland town of Thargomindah had 20 unplanned blackouts in the three months to February 2024 – more than one a week.
This is a common problem for communities at the edge of the grid. Electricity is often less reliable and more expensive . Transmitting power thousands of kilometres from where it is produced means up to 35% is lost along the way.
Many remote communities rely on diesel generators, either as a backup or permanently. Because these rely on expensive fuel trucked in, residents can end up paying much more for electricity than people in cities.
Three ways to power the end of the grid
For a long time, there was no real alternative to generators and unreliable power. Now there are several.
The three most advanced options are standalone power systems, renewable microgrids and community batteries. All represent a shift away from grid dependence, though they differ in the degree. Standalone systems operate without the grid, microgrids can work with or without it and community batteries remain connected to the network.
Why is Western Australia leading the way?
WA has two electricity grids – one in the southwest, where most people live, and another in the northwest mining hub. It also has 38 microgrids . Authorities want to have 1,000 standalone power systems dotting the state by 2030 .
Here are some examples of what’s being tested at the edge of the grid.
The town of Kalbarri sits at the end of a notoriously unreliable 130km power line from Geraldton, regularly lashed by storms. This is why it was chosen to host the state’s standout example of what’s possible – a 5 MW microgrid .
It combines local wind, rooftop solar and batteries and detects faults in milliseconds, switching to island mode so smoothly that residents may not even notice. It’s expected to eliminate 80 per cent of the town’s previous outages.
In towns such as Esperance, Exmouth and Carnarvon, 10 community batteries are being installed , while the gold mining hub of Kalgoorlie will soon host a large 50 MW battery.
Mining companies are looking to these methods to lower operating costs and cut emissions. The Agnew Gold Mine now gets 50-60% of its electricity from wind, solar and batteries with 99.99% reliability, which is essential for a mining operation.
Remote First Nations communities such as Blackstone are also looking to microgrids combining solar, batteries and a diesel backup. Reliable electricity is vital for family homes and healthcare.
From the edge of the grid to cutting edge
The innovation at the edge of the grid isn’t just vital for remote residents.
These real world trials of microgrids, batteries, smart software and standalone power systems will feed into how we manage bigger energy grids and make the best use of renewables and storage.
Authors: Asma Aziz, Senior Lecturer in Power Engineering, Edith Cowan University; Yasir Arafat, Senior Research Engineer in Electric Vehicle Batteries and Battery Storage, Edith Cowan University
This article was initially published in The Conversation and is republished here under a Creative Commons Licence.

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With less of the panel’s active area blocked, more of the module can be used to produce electricity.
Photo Credit: Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems has reached a new efficiency milestone. Its III-V germanium solar module achieved 34.4%, a step forward for a technology that could eventually squeeze more electricity and value from each panel.
According to CleanTechnica, this comes only a few months after Fraunhofer ISE set its previous mark of 34.2% earlier in 2026.
In announcing the result, Fraunhofer ISE credited partner companies involved in the module.
“The solar cells were developed by AZUR SPACE, while the anti-reflective coatings on the front glass were provided by temicon,” the company said in a news release.
The record was set with a III-V germanium solar PV module.
Unlike the 833-square-centimeter module that set the team’s earlier 2026 record, the new version uses shingled-matrix technology. That approach relies on narrow, overlapping solar-cell strips bonded with conductive adhesive instead of the usual soldered copper ribbons.
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With less of the panel’s active area blocked, more of the module can be used to produce electricity.
Fraunhofer ISE explained: “This architecture enables direct cell-to-cell contact, thereby eliminating the need for traditional solder-coated copper ribbons. The key advantage: By eliminating cell interconnects, no active cell area is shaded. The resulting exceptionally high area utilization was a key factor in achieving the record efficiency.”
Higher-efficiency solar modules can produce more electricity from the same amount of roof, land, or building space. That could be especially valuable in cities, on commercial rooftops, and in other space-limited settings where every square foot matters.
Advancements like this can help lower the cost of clean energy, cut pollution from dirty power sources, and improve air quality.
If you want to make the switch to solar, EnergySage can help save you up to $10,000 on your install and connect you with trusted local installers. If buying panels isn’t in your budget, Palmetto’s LightReach leasing program can lower your utility rate by up to 20% and has deals starting at $0 down. 
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Can large-scale photovoltaic plants offer attractive long-term electricity deals to industrial consumers whose load profiles fluctuate by tens of megawatts within minutes? The Applied Systems Engineering division of the Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation (Fraunhofer IOSB-AST) examined this question in an analysis for German steel manufacturer Stahlwerke Thüringen GmbH (SWT). The study aimed to identify the threshold price at which sourcing solar power via a long-term “pay-as-produced” power purchase agreement (PPA) becomes economically viable for an energy-intensive operator.
IOSB-AST points to volatile spot market prices, geopolitical uncertainty, and regulatory shifts as key factors complicating long-term cost planning for energy-intensive industries. In this context, long-term PPAs with renewable generators are seen as a “promising approach,” enabling predictable procurement costs over terms of 15 years or more and partially insulating industrial consumers from short-term price fluctuations.
However, aligning such contracts with the operational reality of a steelworks remains challenging. SWT’s load profile can vary by up to 60 MW within minutes, meaning a single 15-minute settlement interval may include both electricity consumption and feed-in. At the same time, long-term market uncertainty adds further complexity. According to Steffi Naumann, group leader at Fraunhofer IOSB-AST, this requires “a high-resolution, scenario-based methodology” to determine a reliable threshold price.
To capture short-term variability, photovoltaic generation was simulated at one-minute resolution. Standard global solar radiation datasets, typically available only at coarser intervals, were insufficient. While some large-scale projects rely on on-site irradiance measurements over extended periods, IOSB-AST instead used data from a remote solar radiation observatory. The institute derived minute-level stochastic patterns from 10-minute measurements and applied them to local weather conditions, enabling “realistic interpolation and robust simulation of actual feed-in profiles,” it said.
A sensitivity analysis was then carried out jointly with SWT across multiple scenarios, weighted by probability of occurrence. Depending on the assumptions, the marginal cost threshold for project viability ranged from €20 ($23.2)/MWh to €70/MWh (€0.02–0.07/kWh). IOSB-AST did not disclose the final threshold price determined for SWT.
The analysis identified negative electricity prices as the key economic risk for the steel producer. This could be mitigated through contractual provisions allowing photovoltaic curtailment without compensation during negative price periods.
For SWT, battery storage is considered a potentially viable option—assuming continued spot market volatility—though primarily for arbitrage rather than increasing solar self-consumption. From this perspective, storage operates independently of the PPA structure.
Stahlwerk Thüringen produces structural steel using an electric arc furnace route followed by hot rolling. The company aims to achieve climate-neutral steel production by 2040 and to increase the share of renewable energy in its operations.

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Gonvarri Solar Steel, a global company specialized in the design and supply of solar trackers and fixed structures for photovoltaic projects, introduces the new evolution of its TracSmarT+1P solar tracker, a solution developed to directly address the key needs identified in collaboration with major industry stakeholders, including EPC contractors, developers, and on-site construction teams.
This new version introduces a significant transformation in the tracker’s structural design, highlighted by the adoption of an octagonal torque tube geometry. This evolution represents an intermediate step between the circular and square configurations historically used by the company, leveraging Gonvarri’s expertise in steel transformation to enhance both structural behavior and manufacturing and assembly processes.
The system redesign incorporates a high percentage of pre-assembled components within the bill of materials, significantly optimizing installation times—with reductions of more than a 35%—and improving on-site logistics management, including material handling, storage, and spare parts availability. In addition, tube-to-tube connections are eliminated through the introduction of a torque tube swaging solution, reducing the total number of components and simplifying system assembly.
From a mechanical design perspective, the new TracSmarT+1P enables a relevant optimization of plant layout configuration. The system significantly reduces the number of piles, while expanding the operational range of row length and strings in multiple configurations. This evolution contributes to a direct reduction in mechanical costs both during the investment phase (CAPEX) and throughout long-term operations and maintenance.
The system maintains a high degree of terrain adaptability through the integration of SmarTSlope by Solar Steel technology, enabling the management of slopes greater than 1º between piles. This capability significantly reduces the need for earthworks and, in certain cases, can eliminate them within the layout design, improving the technical and economic feasibility of projects in complex terrains.
In terms of energy performance, the tracker can be integrated with Solar Steel’s TracBoost ecosystem, which includes certified proprietary backtracking technologies capable of improving annual plant production by up to 8%. It also incorporates the SmarTHail feature, designed to minimize component damage under adverse weather conditions such as hail.
The TracSmarT+1P is also designed to meet the growing demands of agrivoltaic applications, offering elevated configurations with up to 2.1 meters of ground clearance. This feature, combined with its proprietary tracking control system, enables the optimization of both agricultural and photovoltaic operations through advanced adjustments such as inter-tracker angle limitations and improved maintenance operations.
Designed for global deployment, the system offers strong applicability across regions such as EMEA, LATAM, and India, adapting to the specific requirements of each market. Its configuration flexibility enables deployment across diverse environments, from irregular terrains in Europe to agrivoltaic projects in countries such as Italy, France, and Germany, as well as installations in demanding conditions such as desert areas or corrosive coastal environments, where Gonvarri Solar Steel’s expertise in steel treatment plays a critical role.
The new TracSmarT+1P evolution will be officially presented at Intersolar Europe, where Gonvarri Solar Steel will showcase a scale model of the system at booth A6.370, offering a detailed view of its innovations and previewing additional developments currently in progress.
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Principality Stadium switches on UK’s largest sports venue solar installation  Energy Live News
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The French renewable energy company Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) manages a number of large solar plants in the Rhône Valley region of France. CNR also played host to a 2023 research project by Barré et al. of the University of Luxembourg, during which it was found that the solar panel plants were having an unexpected effect on bat behavior.
Some conservationists use GPS tech to save the environment by tracking tagged wildlife, but Kévin Barré and his team observed the bats in this study via acoustic monitoring with a microphone array. They recorded 15,273 three-dimensional bat positions, which enabled them to determine that the majority of bats flew up to 44% faster and 33% straighter in response to the solar arrays. This increase in expeditious flying translated directly into a decrease of up to 39% in feeding behavior for bats in the Rhône Valley testing area.
According to a research article by P. A. Flemings of Australia’s Murdoch University (via Science Direct), solar panels act as “acoustic mirrors” for echolocation-reliant animals in the same way that bodies of water do. Assuming that bats are confusing solar plants for large lakes, it would explain why they treat them as places to fly over quickly rather than stop and feed. Moreover, the BBC reports that solar farms have contributed to a decrease in the U.K.’s population of bats, birds, and insects. It’s a vicious cycle: fewer insects mean less food for insectivorous bats, which in turn harms the bat population even further.
The Global Solar Council asserts that solar energy provides significant benefits for the power grid and reduces the overall cost of electricity. There are also documented instances of solar panels directly helping the environment; China’s largest solar farm is creating fertile soil in the desert, to name one example. But are these benefits enough to outweigh the potential harm to animals living in those environments? Is there something that can be done to mitigate damage to local wildlife?
The answer likely lies in being prudent about how and where governments allow companies to place their solar farms. The CNR solar plants in France may have caused unexpected effects on bat behavior, but a 2025 study at an ecovoltaic solar energy development in the Midwestern United States showed that weekly bat activity near the ecovoltaic sites increased by approximately 50% during the monitoring period.
The aforementioned study suggests that solar developments can be planned with certain siting and management configurations that are actually beneficial to at-risk animal populations. This supports the idea that solar farms on degraded land can have a positive effect on local wildlife. When solar developments move forward without being thoughtful toward nature, though, it’s up to communities to take a stand. One Senedd petition to “Halt Significant Developments on the Gwent Levels SSSI” received over 6,000 signatures from people all across Wales, serving as an inspiring example of community action.

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Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), a leading developer of sustainable energy solutions, and part of Jameel Energy, is expanding its portfolio of battery energy storage systems, photovoltaic plants and hybrid projects in Germany.  The company has secured 2.3 GW of grid capacity for projects across the country, creating a clear development path towards Ready-to-Build milestones between 2026 and 2029.

The announcement of 2.3 GW secured grid capacity comes at a time when grid access has become a decisive factor for large-scale renewable energy and storage projects in Germany.  Spread across several regions, these projects are key to the country’s renewable build-out, grid development and industrial electricity demand.  The German portfolio is part of FRV’s broader international development pipeline including photovoltaic, battery energy storage, hybrid, green hydrogen projects and data centers.  Globally, the Spain-headquartered group operates more than 2.9 GW of assets, with a further 1.0 GW currently under construction and an international project pipeline of 29 GW.
“Germany needs more renewable generation, but more importantly renewable energy must be integrated more efficiently into the power system and at fair price,” said Amós Guillén, Managing Director of FRV Germany. “With 2.3 GW of secured transmission grid capacity, we are building a portfolio which combines storage, PV and hybrid solutions with a clear route to Ready-to-Build status. Our focus is on projects that add flexibility, make better use of grid infrastructure and support the next phase of Germany’s energy transition.”
The battery storage projects are designed for a two- or four-hour discharge duration, allowing them to store electricity during periods of high renewable generation and feed it back into the system when demand is higher and clean energy is lacking in the system.  This flexibility helps to make better use of existing grid infrastructure and supports the integration of additional renewable energy, the core business of FRV.
In Brandenburg, the company is developing four projects including three battery storage facilities and one hybrid project.  The portfolio includes one battery energy storage project, with 750 MW, which is currently close to building approval. Ready-to-Build status for the Brandenburg portfolio is expected between 2026 and 2028.
In Lower Saxony, FRV is developing five projects with a total planned capacity of almost 700 MW, including one battery energy storage system, one photovoltaic plant and three hybrid projects.  Key projects include a battery energy storage system, with 600 MW, which is facing already the B-Plan phase, and a  photovoltaic project, with 13.8 MW.  The projects are expected to reach Ready-to-Build status between Q4 2026 and Q1 2028.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, FRV is developing three additional projects with an estimated total capacity of over 900 MW, subject to final construction permits.  The portfolio includes two hybrid projects and one battery energy storage facility.  One of the key projects is a battery energy storage system, with 900 MW and 3,600 MWh, Ready-to-Build status for the North Rhine-Westphalia portfolio is expected between late 2027 and Q1 2029.
Beyond the 2.3 GW portfolio with secured transmission grid capacity, FRV is developing a further pipeline in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony-Anhalt and Schleswig-Holstein.  The company will now advance the projects through permitting, technical design and preparation for construction.  FRV’s German activities are supported by the company’s international project development and delivery experience, including more than 50 plants across four continents and eight countries.
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FRV strengthens German PV and battery storage pipeline with 2.3 GW of grid capacity secured
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A new low-cost handheld device that tests the quality and safety of milk is being developed by the Abdul Latif Jameel World Water and Food Security Lab (J-WAFS) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
MIT mechanical engineering PhD candidate visited milk collection centers in Maharashtra, India, and discussed collection practices with dairy farmers and center operators during a 2017 research trip.  J-WAFS-funded technology being developed by Jain in mechanical engineering professor Sanjay Sarma’s MIT lab will allow users at village-level milk collection centers like the one pictured to easily test milk for quality and nutritional consistency on site. 
Image courtesy of Pranay Jain

Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), part of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, has been awarded a 55 MWac solar project in Armenia that will power more than 21,400 homes in Armenia with clean energy.
Tristan Higuero, COO East, meets Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan.
FRV continues to strengthen its portfolio in Italy with the development of more than 2,900 MW (11,000 MWh) of battery energy storage systems (BESS), which are expected to reach “Ready to Build” st …
Aguas Esperanza, the joint venture between Almar Water Solutions, part of Jameel Environmental Services,  and Transelec, has successfully commenced operations of the SIAM II pipeline confirming the s …
FRV, a leading developer of sustainable energy solutions, and part of Jameel Energy, continues to strengthen its portfolio in Spain with the development of more than 1,200 megawatts (5,000 MWh) of bat …
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The European Investment Bank (EIB) has completed its financing for the Kelme wind farm in Lithuania – the largest operating wind site in the Baltic region – with an additional loan of €150 million to Ignitis Group.
The new financing brings the EIB’s total support for the project to €250 million, representing almost half of a €550 million flagship investment that is reshaping Lithuania’s energy landscape. The EIB last year provided an initial loan of €100 million for the Kelme wind farm.
“Our support highlights how strategic investments in renewable energy can deliver both energy security and economic resilience for Lithuania,” said EIB Vice President, Karl Nehammer. “Projects like this help ensure stable, affordable and domestically produced electricity for the future.”
With an installed capacity of 314 MW, the Kelme wind farm, developed by Ignitis Renewables, reached full commercial operation in June 2025. It generates enough electricity to power 250 000 Lithuanian households and has significantly increased the country’s domestic renewable electricity generation, strengthening energy security and reducing reliance on energy imports.
“The additional EIB financing reflects continued confidence in Ignitis Group’s strategy and our long-term partnership with the European Investment Bank. Access to capital at this scale is essential to expand domestic green generation and strengthen the regional energy system,” added Ignitis Group Chief Financial Officer, Jonas Rimavicius. “It also highlights the role of long-term partnerships with international financial institutions as a key enabler in delivering a secure and green energy ecosystem across the Baltic region.”
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50,000 photovoltaic panels installed in Portugal city  The Portugal News
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Corporate funding, public market financing, and debt investments in the global solar sector experienced 131% year-over-year growth to open the first quarter of 2026, said Mercom Capital Group.
The $11.1 billion raised across 53 deals represents a substantial volume growth from the $4.8 billion secured across 39 deals in the first quarter of 2025.
Global venture capital funding for the solar sector reached $1.1 billion across 17 deals in Q1 2026, down 21% compared to the $1.4 billion raised over 14 deals in the year-ago period. However, VC funding increased 74% quarter-over-quarter compared to the $606 million raised across 20 deals in Q4 2025.
Solar downstream companies accounted for $543 million across 10 deals this quarter, down from $1.3 billion in 12 deals in Q1 2025. The largest VC deals over the period were $343 million raised by Inox Clean Energy, $165 million raised by Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions, and $150 million raised by Amarenco. Grew Solar and Radiance Renewables also secured significant rounds of $118 million and $100 million, respectively.
Public market financing in the solar sector totaled $1.1 billion in eight deals in Q1 2026, marking an increase from the $20 million raised in two deals in Q1 2025. Quarter-over-quarter, public market investments rose 24% from the $900 million raised in eight deals during Q4 2025.
Announced solar debt financing totaled $8.9 billion across 28 deals in the first quarter of 2026, a 154% increase compared to the $3.5 billion raised over 23 deals in Q1 2025. Debt financing also rose 162% sequentially compared to the $3.4 billion secured in 20 deals during the final quarter of 2025.
Corporate mergers and acquisitions activity expanded year-over-year, with 28 solar M&A transactions in Q1 2026 compared to 19 deals in Q1 2025 and 21 transactions in Q4 2025.
Large-scale solar project acquisition activity also trended upward, tracking 75 transactions in Q1 2026 compared to 63 transactions in the year-ago period. In terms of capacity, a total of 18.4 GW of solar projects changed hands in Q1 2026, up from 13.6 GW in Q1 2025. Project developers and independent power producers were the most active buyers, acquiring nearly 11.9 GW, while investment firms and infrastructure funds secured 3.8 GW. Other buyers, including industrial conglomerates and energy companies, took 1.8 GW. On the utility and manufacturing side, a utility company acquired an 830 MW project, an oil and gas firm took a 40 MW project, and a manufacturing company acquired a 20 MW project. 
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Navitas Solar plans to establish a pilot wafer and ingot manufacturing line by 2027
Navitas Solar to invest around INR 1,500 crore ($181.1 million) in a 3.6 GW solar cell manufacturing facility and a pilot wafer-and-ingot production line in Gujarat. The company has planned to complete this project in different phases. The first phase will commence in 2027. Further capacity additions are planned thereafter, subject to market conditions and project readiness.
Civil construction activities spanning over 92,200 square metres are currently in progress for the project. Navitas Solar stated that it has already secured a technology partnership for the proposed manufacturing line and appointed experienced senior leaders to drive the new business vertical. The company is also enhancing its capabilities across project execution, manufacturing, technology, and quality management to support the expansion.
According to the company, the upcoming cell manufacturing facility is being developed as a highly automated and future-ready production platform designed to support next-generation solar cell technologies. The manufacturing line will feature flexible and upgradeable infrastructure, enabling it to adapt to emerging cell architectures as technologies mature and market demand evolves.
As part of its long-term backward integration strategy, Navitas Solar plans to establish a pilot wafer and ingot manufacturing line by 2027. The initiative aims to strengthen the company’s in-house expertise, deepen its technological capabilities, and support future localisation efforts across the solar value chain.
The proposed 3.6 GW solar cell manufacturing facility is aligned with the Government of India’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II framework for solar PV cells, which is expected to drive significant demand for domestically produced solar cells.
Navitas Solar expects the project to create nearly 1,000 direct employment opportunities across manufacturing, engineering, operations, project execution, quality assurance, and research and development functions. In addition, the facility is likely to generate substantial indirect employment in logistics, ancillary industries, and support services.
The company currently operates 3 GW of annual solar module manufacturing capacity and offers a broad portfolio of Mono PERC and high-efficiency TOPCon modules ranging from 40 W to 720 W. Through its subsidiary, Navitas Alpha Renewables, Navitas Solar has also established upstream integration capabilities with the production of solar encapsulants.
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This article first appeared in City & Country, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on June 8, 2026 – June 14, 2026
Malaysian homeowners are increasingly investing in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Fuelled by the growing popularity of smart homes and the steady uptake of electric vehicles (EVs), rooftop solar is being positioned as the centrepiece of integrated, low-carbon households, promising lower electricity bills and greater self-sufficiency.
Under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), Malaysia is targeting a renewable energy capacity of 70% by 2050, with rooftop solar playing a major role. The government’s push is also evident in a continuous rollout of solar schemes: the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) introduced in 2011, the Net Energy Metering (NEM) programme in 2016 and Solar ATAP (Accelerated Transition Action Programme), which was introduced in January this year as a replacement for NEM.
However, for homeowners, several practical considerations tend to emerge only after installation, by which point the commitment to a 25- to 30-year asset on the roof has already been made. City & Country speaks to industry experts on what homeowners should focus on first when buying a solar PV system.
The previous NEM scheme worked as an energy credit system. Every excess kWh sent to the grid offset imported electricity on a 1:1 basis, which made return-on-investment (ROI) calculations relatively straightforward and often included a side income on top of electricity bill savings.
Now, Solar ATAP operates differently in three key ways.
First, the financial benefit now comes primarily from using one’s own daytime generation, rather than from selling excess electricity back to the grid. Excess energy can be carried forward but at a system marginal price (SMP), meaning, credits will be dynamic and market-based.
Second, the removal of the fixed quota across different user categories that characterised NEM means more Malaysians can now apply for Solar ATAP without the “first come, first served” pressure of the previous scheme.
Third, the allowance for larger systems enables homeowners to install set-ups that can cover up to 100% of their household electricity demand, designed to maximise self-consumption during daytime hours.
This means the biggest savings are from using free electricity immediately during the day to avoid paying Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) tariff rates. This encourages heavy electricity usage in the daytime rather than at night. To use “gained” daytime energy at night, battery storage systems (BESS) are necessary.
If users generate more than they use, the excess flows back to the grid, for which they will receive credits. Accumulated credits will offset monthly electricity bills. For users whose consumption exceeds their generation, they will need to pay TNB the net difference. 
Ultimately, Solar ATAP encourages self consumption and appropriately sized systems.
“Solar energy is now positioned not as a side income opportunity, but as part of a broader household energy management strategy and a long-term sustainability investment,” says DP Architects director and Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) honorary treasurer Ellina Rahman.
One practical effect of the redesign is that homeowners no longer need to invest in oversized battery storage to capture excess daytime generation for export, says GSPARX Sdn Bhd managing director Sansubari Che Mud. This helps lower the upfront cost of going solar and increase its accessibility, he adds.
In short, ROI assumptions based on the old NEM economics no longer apply. Homeowners evaluating solar quotations in 2026 should understand whether their household’s actual daytime consumption pattern aligns with the new economics.
What trips up many homeowners after installation is not the technology, but their own behaviour. A common “solar rebound effect” occurs when households end up consuming more electricity due to an increased comfort with consumption. As a result, their electricity bills climb.
PAB Architecture Sdn Bhd director and PAM honorary secretary David Teoh installed a 9kWp PV system on his roof three years ago as he was eager to jump on the bandwagon. His electricity bill dropped significantly at first, but it began to climb back up after several months.
“I always offer a word of caution against the ‘false economy’ of having solar panels. Because the energy felt ‘free’, I inadvertently started consuming more,” he says.
The corrective measure for Teoh was a self-audit of major household appliances. He replaced a 1.5HP non-inverter air conditioner rated at 3,720kWh per year with an inverter model consuming only 961kWh per year and upgraded to a more energy-efficient refrigerator. His household subsequently recorded several months of net energy generation.
A later EV purchase pushed consumption back up, but the overall household bill remains well below what it would have cost by using petrol. “The most realistic savings — and the best return on investment — come when you conserve energy first and match your mindful consumption with what your roof can actually generate,” says Teoh
According to Ellina, those who are likely to benefit the most from daylight consumption are households with work-from-home arrangements, EV charging needs, larger families or heavy air conditioning use. They tend to achieve “very compelling savings under Solar ATAP” because they are consuming while the roof is generating electricity.
On the other hand, homeowners with lower daytime consumption may face longer payback periods.
The physical realities of installation matter as much as the financial calculations.
Teoh says that for optimal generation, a roof should ideally face north or south while following the sun’s path so as not to suffer the heat intensity of the east-west orientation. A slight pitch is also preferable, so the rain can wash away any debris, he adds.
“Flat concrete roofs are the most ideal and safest condition for installation, although pitched roofs can also accommodate solar panels effectively,” says Ellina.
Landed properties — bungalows, as well as semi-detached and terraced houses — are generally well-suited for solar PV systems. Stratified apartments are typically not, as building exteriors are usually common property.
The same legal complication applies to strata-titled townhouses, says Teoh. “For strata-titled properties, the roof is legally classified as ‘common property’. You cannot simply install solar panels without the consent of the other owners or management corporation.”
Older homes carry an additional consideration: the roof structure must be assessed by a professional to confirm it can safely bear the dead weight of a solar PV system for at least 25 years, particularly when timber trusses are involved.
Safety considerations have prompted formal guidance that most homeowners have not seen. Ellina notes that Bomba Malaysia’s rooftop solar guidelines require a one-metre passageway on the rooftop for firefighter access, sufficient distance between panels and any ventilation point to allow for smoke discharge, and an adequate gap between panels and the party wall separating linked houses to prevent fire spread between properties.
Beyond fire risk, roof leaks are the most common installation problem. Sealants applied around mounting penetrations on pitched tiled roofs deteriorate over time, which can lead to mould growth, water seepage and, in serious cases, deterioration of the roof structure itself.
Physical damage is a quieter but real risk. Teoh had to replace several of his solar panels after they were damaged by falling debris from neighbouring construction. “A physically damaged panel isn’t just an efficiency issue as cracked glass allows moisture to enter, which can lead to electrical arcing — a very real fire hazard,” he says.
Safety risks also extend beyond installation. End-of-life solar panels and their components — including battery storage units common in hybrid set-ups — require proper disposal and recycling. Dismantling work itself carries safety risks, particularly falls from height, with general awareness of building maintenance still low in Malaysia, says Ellina.
Teoh advises buyers to look beyond standard certifications when selecting a service provider, and at how the solar panels will be physically attached to the roof, what mounting system the vendor is proposing and whether the installer will accept responsibility in the event of a leak. Companies with their own installation and operations and maintenance (O&M) teams are recommended.
“Look for a company with a strong in-house installation team and dedicated O&M team. A 25-year warranty is effectively meaningless if the vendor’s business model suggests it won’t be around in five years,” he says.
Warranties themselves come in two distinct forms: a product warranty typically covers manufacturing defects for 10 to 15 years, while a performance warranty guarantees a specified percentage of power output over the panels’ 25-year lifespan.
“What homeowners often miss are the exclusions,” says Teoh. “Standard warranties do not cover ‘Acts of God’ such as lightning strikes, severe storms or winds carrying debris that cause damage to the roof and panels. They also don’t cover pest damage, like monkeys or rats chewing through your cables.
“If you are adopting rooftop solar, you should contact your insurer to add your new PV system to your homeowner’s insurance policy to protect against these everyday realities.”
Maintenance is non-negotiable, he adds. Dust, pollution and bird droppings can reduce output by 10% to 15%, requiring periodic cleaning with water and a soft brush. Inverters typically require replacement at the 10- to 15-year mark, well before the panels themselves degrade — a recurring cost that rarely appears prominently in the original quotation. “While solar is generally ‘fit and forget’, it does require some maintenance,” says Teoh.
He explains that annual inspections and system maintenance are typically carried out by the vendors, and due diligence makes a difference. “As the owner, you can track panel performance through [a designated] app. This will give you information on how efficient the system is. Any year-on-year drop in performance can be detected, so you can take remedial action by contacting your vendor.”
Disposal of the solar PV system enters the picture when the panels reach their “end of life” phase, when they need to be decommissioned and recycled. 
Homeowners are advised to engage certified contractors who can handle the removal and recycling of components at a dedicated recycling facility. It should be noted that not every solar provider offers dismantling and recycling services.
With operational lifecycles of 25 to 30 years and nationwide domestic adoption having begun in 2006, Malaysia is approaching what can be considered its first major decommissioning cycle. “We are looking at the first cycle of main bulk panel disposal in 2030 to 2035,” says Ellina.
In this country, solar panels are classified as e-waste under the Department of Environment’s Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulations 2005. However, the legislation does not yet include specific guidelines on solar panel handling, storage or recycling — a gap that the broader circular economy framework for renewable energy will need to address.
Panel components — glass, silicon, metal — are individually recyclable, but solar panels are engineered as durable composites built to withstand 25 years of weather and heat, which makes separating those materials for recycling more complex, says Ellina.
“Malaysia needs to be ready in terms of specific methods for processing e-waste, recycling and appropriate disposal sites, given the rising consumer uptake of EVs, energy storage systems and industrial-grade e-waste components, in addition to solar panels,” she adds.
For GSPARX’s Sansubari, the framing of an imminent “decommissioning wave” may be premature. He points out that many of the earliest FiT-era installations from 2011 onwards remain technically healthy beyond the contractual period.
In such cases, the practical pathway is often repurposing — continuing to use the panels for self-consumption, paired with battery storage to capture excess daytime energy for evening peak use. Existing assets may also find roles in emerging energy-as-a-service or community energy models, he adds.
Repurposing second-life panels comes with its own considerations. Such panels may already contain micro-cracks, or develop invisible ones if not handled or transported properly, which can reduce output and create localised hotspots — a fire risk on timber roof trusses, says Teoh.
“Second-life panels carry no warranties and cannot be legally tied to the grid under current utility schemes. They may be more suitable for small, off-grid garden sheds and are probably safer used that way. It is always better to consult an electrical engineer familiar with solar panels if you want more accurate advice,” he adds.
For homeowners signing a 25-year contract in 2026, the takeaway is that rooftop solar’s sustainability does not end at generation. Lithium-ion batteries, specifically lithium iron phosphate (LFP) variants commonly used in residential energy storage, also require careful end-of-life handling.
While Solar ATAP’s self-consumption economics still encourages homeowners to pair their systems with battery storage energy systems (BESS), the disposal question not only extends beyond solar panels, but also to the entire solar energy setup.
Sansubari sees the next phase of policy development as one that should be focused on strengthening the circular economy for solar assets. “Key areas to be further enhanced are clearer national guidelines on solar panel recycling, standardised decommissioning practices and incentives to encourage investment in local recycling,” he says.
He also points to extended producer responsibility mechanisms where manufacturers and industry players share responsibility for end-of-life management, alongside greater use of recyclable materials, improved supply-chain traceability and research into second-life applications.
Until these frameworks are fully developed, the deployment of solar PV systems will continue to outpace the infrastructure needed to support them.
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In another example of how much US solar manufacturing has gone from small potatoes to a giant industry since Joe Biden took office in 2021, here’s a whopper of a stat: solar manufacturing capex in the USA has exploded from $150 million in 2020 to an estimated $2.5 billion in 2026.
Much of that is thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2020, which stimulated the biggest new investment in US manufacturing ever, and much of it focused on cleantech industries like the solar industry. Additionally, tariffs have put more pressure on the industry to build out more of a supply chain in the United States.”The constant threat of anti-dumping and countervailing duties has altered procurement strategies for domestic module assemblers. Relying on imported components from traditional Southeast Asian hubs is increasingly viewed as a high-risk long-term strategy, pushing capital toward domestic cell capacity,” pv magazine summarizes.
“Despite the downstream momentum, upstream structural bottlenecks persist. Polysilicon remains a constraint for the domestic value chain, given that establishing new polysilicon refinement capacity involves significantly higher capital intensity and longer construction timelines than expanding module assembly lines.”
Well, you can’t do everything at once. But increasing localization and domestic production is the clear trend.
We’ll see where things go, but I don’t expect the trend will turn around anytime soon. As noted above, there’s too much risk in relying on open trade policies, and there are still a ton of incentives in the US to manufacture products here.
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PHOENIX, AZ — Thousands of Arizona Public Service customers who have solar panels pay an extra monthly fee on their bills.
Now there’s a court ruling that could work in their favor.
The Arizona Court of Appeals on Tuesday sided with solar advocates, ruling the Arizona Corporation Commission violated due process when it imposed a solar fee on APS customers. The court found a subsequent rehearing failed to fix the problem.
“This charge has been silly from the beginning,” said Autumn Johnson, executive director of the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association, a non-profit group that advocates for solar and was part of the legal challenge.
The commission must now either hold another rehearing on the solar fee or throw out the charge completely.
No word yet on what direction the commission will go. In a statement on Tuesday, Commission Chairman Nick Myers said the commission will wait for guidance from legal counsel before taking action.
ABC15 has reported extensively on the solar fee.
The fee, officially known as “Grid Access Charge,” was approved by the commission in February 2024. The charge applies to more than 165,000 residences with solar panels. It was part of a package of increases approved for APS customers.
Many solar customers see the fee listed as a “Grid Access Charge” on their monthly bills. For solar customers on “legacy” plans, the fee is included in the base rate and doesn’t appear as a separate line item on bills.
The fee isn’t huge – about two to three dollars a month on average. But that was on top of an 11% hike in APS rates that all residential customers faced that year, not just solar customers.
Larry Sunshine — yes, that’s really his name — was one of several customers who spoke to ABC15 back in 2024 about the solar fee. The Scottsdale resident has 43 panels on his home and is among many solar customers upset over having to pay an extra fee simply because they installed solar panels.
“It’s just another amount of money out of your pocket that could be used by something that maybe has more value to you,” Sunshine said.
In a statement in response to the recent court ruling, APS issued this statement:
“Arizona Public Service (APS) is reviewing the Court of Appeals’ decision regarding the procedural aspects relating to the solar charge implemented in the 2022 rate case and is assessing its implications. APS remains committed to providing safe, reliable service while supporting rates that are fair for all customers.”
APS is in the midst of another request for a rate increase before the corporation commission with hearings now underway. In that rate case, APS is proposing to increase the solar fee. A decision on that rate case is not expected until later this year.
ABC15 will continue to monitor and report on what happens with the solar fee.
Have a story idea in Scottsdale? Email ABC15’s Scottsdale reporter Anne Ryman at anne.ryman@abc15.com, call her at 602-685-6345, or connect on X.
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European Energy connects first battery storage facility in the Baltic region  EnergyWatch
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New solar module squeezes more power from every square foot, setting world record  Yahoo Tech
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European Energy inaugurates Latvia solar park  reNEWS.BIZ
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India added 4.6 GWh of battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 939% quarter-on-quarter increase from the 442.7 MWh added in Q4 2025, according to Mercom India Research’s Q1 2026 India Energy Storage Landscape Report.
The nation’s cumulative installed battery energy storage capacity reached 5.9 GWh as of March 2026.
Standalone energy storage accounted for 73% of India’s cumulative BESS capacity, followed by 15% from solar-plus-wind with storage (round-the-clock RE power) projects, and 11% from solar-plus-energy storage projects. The remaining share was split among emerging configurations, including solar-plus-wind with storage and floating solar with storage, each contributing less than 1%.
The pumped storage project (PSP) pipeline remained strong, with 57.2 GW of projects in various stages of development. Out of 7.2 GW installed, 5.7 GW of PSPs were operational as of March 2026.
“The strong growth in Q1 2026, coupled with a rapidly expanding project pipeline, reflects how quickly energy storage is becoming a core part of India’s power infrastructure. Policy support, including the expansion of the viability gap funding (VGF) program and mandatory storage requirements for new solar projects, has accelerated market development and strengthened the sector’s long-term outlook,” said Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group.
“The next challenge is ensuring sustainable growth through realistic bidding, regulatory certainty, and policies that recognize storage as a strategic grid asset,” Prabhu added. “As renewable energy penetration increases, storage will play a critical role in maintaining grid reliability and supporting the integration of large volumes of solar and wind.”
According to the report, in Q1 2026, India’s energy storage development pipeline reached 69 GWh, comprising 41 GWh of standalone storage, 11 GWh of solar-plus-wind with storage, 9 GWh of solar-plus-energy storage, and 1 GWh of solar-plus-wind with storage projects (RTC capabilities). Additionally, there were 6 GWh of renewable energy-plus-storage projects, with unspecified configurations for both renewable and storage.
Gujarat had the largest pipeline of standalone battery storage capacity at 10 GWh.
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PUBLISHED ON June 16, 2026
ONLINE — Penn State Extension is offering a free, one-hour webinar to help communities better understand the growing presence of large-scale solar development across Pennsylvania. The session, will take place on June 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (ET).
As energy demand continues to rise, utility-scale solar projects are gaining momentum in rural areas of the state. Penn State Extension educators will provide an overview of these trends and explain what they could mean for local communities, landowners, and decision-makers.
The webinar will explore:
Large-scale solar development is part of a broader shift in the energy landscape, with communities increasingly evaluating how these projects intersect with agriculture, infrastructure, and long-term planning.
The program is designed for a wide audience, including landowners, farmers, municipal officials, policymakers, and community members who want to better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with solar energy development.
Participation is free, but registration is required to receive the webinar access link. A recording will be made available to registrants after the event. Please register at:  www.bit.ly/solar618.
Penn State Extension has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy Integrated Energy Systems Office for this project.
About the Integrated Energy Systems Office
The U.S. Department of Energy Integrated Energy Systems Office drives research and development of energy solutions that enhance grid reliability and resilience, foster U.S. technological leadership, and reduce the cost of energy for 4 U.S. Department of Energy | Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation Americans. Learn more at energy.gov/cmei/systems/integrated-energy-systems-office.
—Penn State Extension
ONLINE — Join Stefan Streckfus, CTO of Renewell Energy, for a free, one-hour webinar exploring the untapped potential of inactive wells. The concept, known as gravity energy storage, has the potential to transform abandoned wells into valuable assets for renewable energy integration. The webinar hosted by Penn State Extension explores how decommissioned oil and gas […]
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Extension is pleased to announce an upcoming webinar titled “Harvesting Innovation: Geospatial Intelligence and Precision Ag,” scheduled for 1pm EST on April 22, 2025. This virtual event will explore the transformative role of geospatial technologies in modern agriculture.​ Geospatial intelligence, encompassing tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote […]
PORTLAND, Tenn. — The American Society of Agricultural Consultants (ASAC) will host a “Shop Talk” on April 30th at 11:00 AM Central Time to discuss the increasing role of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agricultural consulting. It’s open to members and prospective members interested in the topic who are willing to share what they’ve found beneficial with others. […]
NEW PRAGUE, Minn. — NMC: The Global Milk Quality Organization’s Oct. 30 webinar, led by and Doug Reinnemann, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Ian Ohnstad, The Dairy Group, features “The new DeLaval standard way of milking in VMS (voluntary milking system).” This free, one-hour educational offering starts at 10 a.m. Central time (Chicago time). DeLaval has […]
Penn State Guide to Urban Soil Management to Support Safe, Productive Land Use
Good Stewardship Reduces the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species in Pennsylvania









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PARIS, June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When was the last time you used your portable power station? For many owners, these powerful batteries spend most of the year tucked away in a closet after camping trips, road adventures, or outdoor events. As balcony solar systems continue to grow in popularity across Europe, BLUETTI has introduced an innovative solution that gives these devices a valuable second life.

Recently unveiled at a brand launch event in Paris, the BLUETTI Balco Transfer Hub is the world’s first grid-tied controller designed specifically for portable power stations. Combining plug-and-play simplicity with cross-brand compatibility, it enables users to transform a portable battery into a grid-connected balcony solar energy system without the complexity and cost of traditional installations.
The concept is simple. During the week, your portable power station can serve as part of your home energy setup. Solar panels charge the battery throughout the day, storing clean energy for later use. In the evening, when electricity demand and utility rates are typically at their highest, the Transfer Hub can feed up to 800W of stored solar power into the home grid. This helps power everyday household appliances such as refrigerators, Wi-Fi routers, lighting, and televisions while reducing reliance on expensive grid electricity.
To maximize savings, the system features intelligent energy management. By analyzing real-time electricity pricing and solar generation forecasts, it can automatically optimize charging and discharging schedules. Users can also charge batteries during low-cost off-peak hours and prioritize energy-intensive appliances when solar production is strongest.
Installation is remarkably straightforward. Users simply connect the Transfer Hub to a wall outlet, link it to a compatible portable power station, and connect solar panels. No drilling, complicated wiring, or professional installation is required, making it an ideal solution for renters and homeowners alike.
The Balco Transfer Hub also offers impressive flexibility. It supports selected BLUETTI products, including the Elite 300, while remaining compatible with many third-party portable power stations. Additional smart features, including app-based energy monitoring, wireless system expansion, and integration with popular smart home platforms, help users build a more connected and efficient energy ecosystem.
Available now in Germany and France for €349, the BLUETTI Balco Transfer Hub provides an affordable way to lower energy costs, maximize the value of existing portable power stations, and take a practical step toward a more sustainable future.
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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.
It points to the possibility of “horizontal” recycling.
Photo Credit: iStock
As solar installations age, discarded panels are becoming a bigger waste problem worldwide. But a new recycling method suggests that even one of the toughest solar-panel materials to reclaim may be reused instead of sent to a landfill.
According to the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, glass manufacturer NSG Group said a trial in Japan successfully converted glass recovered from retired photovoltaic panels into float glass, a common base material for glass products.
NSG Group said it produced float glass in a trial at its plant in Ichihara City, Japan, using glass recovered from retired solar modules. 
Solar-panel cover glass has historically been difficult to recycle. The material is built to withstand years of outdoor exposure, and strong adhesives help keep the modules together, the report noted.
However, those same adhesives also make it hard to separate the glass cleanly enough for high-value reuse.
The new recycling method addressed that challenge with a low-temperature thermal decomposition that breaks apart the resin holding the module components together. This allows the glass, solar cells, and interconnectors to be sorted more precisely.
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NSG said the trial suggests the recovered material may, under certain conditions, work in float-glass production. That points to the possibility of “horizontal” recycling, meaning old solar-panel glass could be remade into a similar high-quality glass product rather than downcycled into something less useful.
Solar power helps cut electricity-related pollution, reduce household energy costs, and curb reliance on dirty fuels. But as more panels reach the end of their useful lives, the industry will need better ways to deal with the resulting waste.
NSG said the method may reduce the need for inputs such as silica sand and soda ash, increase the use of cullet, or recycled glass, and cut carbon dioxide pollution from glass production.
Less mining and lower industrial pollution can mean cleaner air and a healthier environment for nearby communities.
Using materials that are already in circulation can also make supply chains more resilient and lower manufacturing costs over time.
Because float glass is used in everyday products such as windows and other building materials, better recycling could eventually contribute to more affordable, lower-impact goods while keeping bulky solar waste out of landfills.
Get TCD’s free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
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California Solar Power Overtakes Natural Gas As Grid Transformation Accelerates In 2026  SolarQuarter
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Navitas Solar, an India-based PV module manufacturer, has announced plans to invest around INR 1,500 crore ($181.1 million)in a 3.6 GW solar cell manufacturing facility and a pilot wafer and ingot production line in Gujarat, as part of its backward integration strategy.
The project will be implemented in phases, with the first phase scheduled for commissioning in 2027. Further capacity additions are planned thereafter, subject to market conditions and project readiness.
Civil works covering more than 92,200 m2 are currently underway. The company said it has secured a technology tie-up for the planned manufacturing line and appointed senior leadership to oversee the new business vertical. It is also strengthening its project execution, manufacturing, technology and quality functions to support the expansion.
According to Navitas Solar, the cell manufacturing facility is being designed as a highly automated, future-ready production platform capable of supporting next-generation solar technologies. The line will be built with upgradeability and flexibility to accommodate evolving cell architectures, subject to technology and market readiness.
The company also plans to establish a pilot wafer and ingot manufacturing line in 2027 as part of its long-term backward integration roadmap. The initiative is expected to strengthen in-house capabilities, improve technology understanding and support future localisation requirements across the solar value chain.
Navitas Solar’s proposed 3.6 GW cell facility aligns with the Indian government’s implementation of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II framework for solar PV cells, which is expected to significantly increase demand for domestically manufactured cells.
The company estimates the project will generate around 1,000 direct jobs across manufacturing, engineering, operations, project execution, quality assurance and R&D, along with additional indirect employment in logistics, ancillary industries and support services.
Navitas Solar currently has 3 GW of annual solar module manufacturing capacity and offers a portfolio of mono PERC and high-efficiency TOPCon modules ranging from 40 W to 720 W. It also has upstream integration through its subsidiary Navitas Alpha Renewables, which manufactures solar encapsulants.
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Thursday, June 18, 2026
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Be part of the high-level European conference on solar and energy storage, exploring bankable BESS projects, warranties, and energy management for residential and C&I sectors
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Entries open in seven categories: Modules, Inverters, BoS, BESS, Manufacturing, Sustainability, Projects.
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Interest-free loans of up to $15,000 (USD 10,600) are being offered by the New South Wales (NSW) government to encourage the uptake of renewable energy measures like solar panels and household batteries and boost the clean energy rollout.
NSW households with a combined taxable income of $210,000 or less can now apply for a 10-year loan of up to $15,000 at zero interest to install energy-saving and cost-cutting upgrades.
The $480 million commitment, that is expected to benefit at least 32,000 households, is part of a $557 million package to be included in next week’s NSW state budget.
In addition to loans, the program will later this year provide discounts of up to $4,000 to households with a combined annual income of up to $80,000, or eligible concession card holders, looking to upgrade with energy-saving measures. This is a $77 million commitment.
Renters will be able to access the payments provided that their landlord approves the upgrade.
In addition, eligible households will be able to use the state program on top of the federal government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program, that offers about a 30% discount on the upfront cost of installing typical small-scale battery systems alongside new or existing rooftop solar.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the state program is a practical way to make energy efficiency upgrades significantly more affordable.
“For many households, the upfront cost of these upgrades has simply been too high,” he said. “We’re stepping in to help where we can, so more families can access technology … while making sure NSW has a more reliable and secure energy system for the future.”
Eligible home improvements include rooftop solar, battery energy storage systems, electric vehicle chargers, switchboard upgrades and solar water heaters. The program also covers induction cooktops, DC ceiling fans, reverse cycle air conditioning, ceiling insulation, draught-proofing and double glazing.
Smart Energy Council Chief Executive Officer David McElrea labelled the program “a massive win for households.”
“Helping lower-income earners and renters to overcome the cost barrier to modernising their homes with smart solar, batteries, efficient cooling and heating is the fastest way to permanently drive down household expenses while building a more resilient grid,” he said.
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Thursday, July 9, 2026
11:00 am – 12:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Thursday, June 18, 2026
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Thursday, June 11, 2026
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Monday, June 1, 2026
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Tuesday, June 16, 2026
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The new pv magazine Global May issue is now available!
Mountains to climb
Available in print and digital formats.
Entries open in seven categories: Modules, Inverters, BoS, BESS, Manufacturing, Sustainability, Projects.
April 01 – August 31, 2026
Energy-hungry data centers open new doors for solar and storage.
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From pv magazine India
Vikram Solar is advancing the first phase of its planned 12 GW solar cell manufacturing facility and expects to commission 9 GW of cell production capacity by the end of December 2026.
The expansion comes as India’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II took effect on June 1, 2026. Under the new requirement, solar PV modules deployed in projects covered by the ALMM framework, including government-supported schemes, net-metering installations, and open-access renewable energy projects, must use solar cells sourced from manufacturers listed under ALMM List-II.
“While certain under-construction projects have received transitional relief, the broader policy direction remains unchanged. With domestic cell capacity still trailing module capacity, access to ALMM-compliant cells and backward integration will increasingly differentiate manufacturers. As ALMM List-III for wafers and ingots remains under consultation for its proposed June 2028 implementation, the policy framework is expected to increasingly favour scaled, integrated players, accelerating industry consolidation over the medium term,” says Equirus Securities in its recent research note.
According to the research note, Vikram Solar is simultaneously expanding its module manufacturing capacity from 9.5 GW to 15.5 GW, with the additional capacity expected to be commissioned by the first quarter of fiscal year 2027.
The report notes that domestic cell capacity continues to lag module manufacturing capacity, making access to ALMM-compliant cells an increasingly important competitive factor for solar manufacturers.
Module-cell integration is expected to play an important role in Vikram Solar’s next phase of development. The report notes that the company has secured interim domestic cell availability through a 2 GW ALMM-compliant sourcing arrangement with Jupiter International, ensuring domestic cell availability ahead of its planned backward integration. However, Equirus Securities said this agreement is unlikely to materially alter Vikram Solar’s earnings, as DCR-linked pricing premiums are likely to remain with cell suppliers rather than flow through to module manufacturers.

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Thursday, July 9, 2026
11:00 am – 12:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Thursday, June 18, 2026
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Be part of the high-level European conference on solar and energy storage, exploring bankable BESS projects, warranties, and energy management for residential and C&I sectors
The new pv magazine Global May issue is now available!
Mountains to climb
Available in print and digital formats.
Entries open in seven categories: Modules, Inverters, BoS, BESS, Manufacturing, Sustainability, Projects.
April 01 – August 31, 2026
A two-day conference in Austin, Texas, bringing together leaders in US solar manufacturing, equipment specification, and factory execution.
Saudi Arabia is accelerating its clean energy transition—join the SunRise Arabia Clean Energy Conference 2026 in Riyadh to explore how solar PV and energy storage are powering its digital economy.
Showcase your brand across all our platforms: from 13 websites in 7 languages to our magazines, daily newsletters, industry events and more. Reach your audience the right way!
We are participating in Intersolar 2026 again this year! Visit us at our Booth Hall 2 A2.250 to discuss the latest trends within the photovoltaic industry with the pv magazine team.
June 23-25, 2026 | MUNICH, GERMANY

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