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Founded in Bengaluru in 2006, when solar panels cost 40 times more than they do today, Orb Energy has spent two decades building a dynamic, commercially viable solar business. Today the company celebrated its 20th anniversary of pioneering and delivering a clean, solar power revolution for India.
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 17: When Orb Energy began its journey in Bengaluru in 2006, solar power was a very different proposition. Solar panels cost around 40 times more than they do today, making solar largely relevant only for off-grid applications (e.g., remote power and backup power). Virtually no solar power was connected to the grid at the time.
When the company launched, it had a very straightforward mission: to make solar accessible, affordable and hassle-free for customers in semi-urban and rural areas who were experiencing severe power shortages and desperately looking for a better energy alternative. To reach these markets, Orb Energy built a branch network that, at its peak, reached 170 branches across five states in South India.
As solar costs fell dramatically following the 2008 financial crisis and state governments began introducing net-metering policies, grid-connected solar became a more viable proposition. This was when Orb began moving towards the SME rooftop solar market for grid-connected solar applications.
1 October 2026
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By 2017, Orb Energy had established its own solar panel manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, strengthening its ability to control product quality and deliver integrated solar solutions. By bringing together manufacturing, system design, installation and after-sales service under one roof, the company developed a vertically integrated model that resonated with SME customers, many of whom recognised the value of this approach from their own businesses.
Furthermore, recognising that many banks had yet to appreciate the growth potential of rooftop solar in India, Orb Energy launched its own in-house credit facility, enabling SMEs to adopt solar without collateral or a down payment. This approach helped businesses consider solar as a manageable investment rather than a substantial upfront expense. Cumulative disbursements through the company’s solar finance facility have so far reached close to ₹350 crore.
Orb’s model also attracted institutional backing. In 2019, Shell acquired a 20% stake in Orb Energy to support the expansion of solar adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises. In 2022, the US International Development Finance Corporation extended a US$20 million loan to support the company’s in-house credit facility for SMEs.
Twenty years after its founding on Gandhi Jayanti in 2006, Orb Energy has grown into a business with around 450 MW of installed solar PV capacity, over 175,000 systems and 95,000 customers served across India. In 2025, Orb Energy was ranked among India’s top three rooftop solar companies, according to JMK Research & Analytics. Over the past six years, the company has typically ranked among India’s top five rooftop solar companies, according to JMK Research & Analytics and CRISIL.
Damian Miller, CEO and Co-Founder of Orb Energy, said: “As we look back on 20 years, what stands out is the trust our customers have placed in us and the commitment of our employees and partners who work every day to deliver on that trust. This milestone belongs to our customers, partners and the entire Orb Energy team, whose support and commitment have shaped our journey.”
As Orb Energy enters its third decade, it aims to exceed 1 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030. Its focus remains true to its founding mission: making solar power more accessible, affordable and hassle-free for customers looking for a better energy alternative.
Disclaimer: This article is published via a syndicated feed. The content has not been independently verified by Outlook Business, and all views expressed are those of the syndicate. Readers are advised to use their discretion.
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On October 18, 2026, JinkoSolar Holding Co Ltd (NYSE: JKS) announced the introduction of its new Tiger Neo 5.0 solar module, featuring a sleek all-black design and powered by advanced TAC technology. This residential solar panel delivers a maximum power output of 510 watts and a module efficiency of 25.52%, marking a technological advancement in the company’s product lineup.
JinkoSolar’s launch of the Tiger Neo 5.0 module represents a significant step forward in residential solar technology. The new module’s all-black aesthetic and high efficiency of 25.52% position it as a competitive offering in the residential solar market, which is increasingly demanding higher power outputs and improved design integration for home installations. The 48-cell model’s 510-watt maximum power output is among the highest in its class, underscoring JinkoSolar’s commitment to innovation and expanding its footprint in the residential segment.
JinkoSolar Holding Co Ltd is a China-based solar technology company operating across the photovoltaic value chain, from silicon wafers and solar cells to solar modules and energy storage systems. The company serves a global customer base including utility-scale developers, commercial and industrial clients, and residential installers. With a market capitalization of $431 million, JKS is listed on the NYSE and classified within the Technology sector and Semiconductors industry. Despite its scale and technological advances, JinkoSolar faces significant financial challenges, as reflected in its recent financial metrics.
JinkoSolar’s current Price-to-Sales ratio of 0.05 is markedly below its historical median of approximately 0.2, signaling that the market is pricing in substantial risks or limited growth prospects. This valuation level suggests that investors are cautious about the company’s ability to generate revenue growth or improve profitability in the near term. The industry average P/S ratio is typically higher, reflecting more optimistic expectations for solar technology companies with stable or growing sales. Importantly, JinkoSolar is unprofitable and cash-flow negative, rendering traditional earnings-based valuation metrics like the Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio ineffective and irrelevant for valuation purposes.
GuruFocus’ proprietary GF Value™ metric estimates an intrinsic value of $16.55 per share for JKS, compared to the current market price of $8.12, implying a 50.9% undervaluation. However, this figure should be interpreted with caution. GF Value™ relies on historical trading multiples and growth projections that may not fully capture the risks associated with JinkoSolar’s ongoing losses and financial distress. As such, GF Value™ serves more as a directional warning signal than a precise fair-value target for this stock. For more details, see GF Value™.
The GF Score™ is a composite measure designed to evaluate a company’s overall financial health by aggregating key factors such as financial strength, profitability, growth, valuation, and momentum. JinkoSolar’s GF Score™ of 64 out of 100 indicates a middling fundamental profile. The company exhibits relative strengths in growth and profitability metrics but is hampered by weak financial strength and poor stock momentum.
JinkoSolar’s strongest area is growth, ranked 8/10, reflecting its ongoing investments in technology and market expansion, as exemplified by the Tiger Neo 5.0 launch. Profitability is moderate at 6/10 despite negative margins, indicating some operational improvements or relative positioning within the industry. However, the company’s financial strength is weak (3/10), consistent with a high debt-to-equity ratio of 3.4 and an Altman Z-Score of 0.41 signaling distress risk. The valuation rank of 4/10 and momentum rank of 1/10 highlight market skepticism and weak stock price performance. For further information, visit the JKS stock page.
GuruFocus tracks that two premium gurus currently hold JinkoSolar shares, with recent activity showing one guru adding to their position while two others trimmed theirs. This mixed guru ownership trend suggests cautious optimism but also some profit-taking or risk management among sophisticated investors. Insider activity over the past 12 months has been exclusively selling, with insiders offloading $33.4 million worth of shares and no insider purchases reported. The absence of insider buying combined with significant insider sales may reflect concerns about the company’s near-term outlook from those with the most direct knowledge.
JinkoSolar’s introduction of the Tiger Neo 5.0 module highlights its technological innovation and strategic focus on the residential solar market. However, the company’s financial and valuation metrics paint a more cautious picture. The extremely low Price-to-Sales ratio relative to historical and industry norms indicates that the market is pricing in significant uncertainty about future revenue growth and profitability. Earnings-based valuation metrics are not applicable due to persistent losses and negative cash flow. The GF Value™ suggests undervaluation but should be interpreted as a directional signal rather than a precise target given the company’s financial distress and risk profile. Mixed guru ownership and substantial insider selling further underscore the need for investors to carefully weigh the risks. Those interested in monitoring JinkoSolar’s evolving fundamentals and market position can find more details on the JKS stock page.
What is JKS’s GF Score™?
JKS’s GF Score™ is 64 out of 100, reflecting a moderate overall fundamental profile with strengths in growth and profitability but weaknesses in financial strength and momentum.
Is JKS overvalued or undervalued?
Based on Price-to-Sales, JKS appears undervalued relative to its historical median and industry peers, but earnings-based valuation metrics like P/E are not meaningful due to the company’s ongoing losses.
What is JKS’s P/E ratio compared to historical?
JKS currently has no meaningful P/E ratio as it is unprofitable; instead, its financial strength metrics indicate distress, including a low Altman Z-Score and high debt levels.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
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This past summer was hot and expensive and many families faced record-high energy bills trying to keep their homes cool. Unfortunately, this issue isn’t going away as long as we remain hooked on costly, polluting fossil fuels. Too often, the climate and affordability crises are falsely portrayed as competing priorities in direct conflict with one another. And while policymakers fight about how to solve these crises, regular New Yorkers are just trying to figure out how to get by.
But right now, Gov. Hochul has a chance to sign legislation that would help lower utility bills while reducing emissions and expanding access to renewable power. We think she should.
As chair of the Senate Finance Committee and speaker of the New York City Council, we are working hard with colleagues at the state and local level to lower costs and create a healthier, more sustainable future for our constituents. We represent some of the most densely-populated neighborhoods in the state, where our residents are paying record-high energy bills and are eager to find ways to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
The SUNNY Act, which passed the Legislature with broad bipartisan support, is a simple, common-sense way to allow families to fight climate change and lower their energy bills. It legalizes plug-in solar panels, often referred to as “balcony solar,” which can be safely and easily installed in houses and apartments alike — but which are currently blocked by outdated rules that require the same complicated interconnection agreements necessary for full rooftop solar arrays.
Signing the SUNNY Act would let New Yorkers take power back into our own hands while giving us some relief in the process. That’s especially important for our constituents. While many households across the state are installing rooftop solar panels, the renters and apartment owners who make up our districts often don’t have that option.
Plug-in solar panels are the perfect solution. These devices can be placed onto a balcony, backyard, or patio, and easily set up to start powering homes right away. One plug-in panel can generate up to hundreds of dollars of savings each year, helping offset 10-20% of electricity bills.
If this sounds too good to be true, don’t take it from us: look at the red and blue states across the country who just passed legislation doing the same thing, including our neighbors in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Vermont. In the last year, lawmakers in Colorado, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, Utah, Virginia, and most recently California, all adopted similar legislation to embrace balcony solar so their residents can benefit, and bills have been introduced in 24 other states. Abroad, other countries including Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom have seen successful mass adoption of plug-in solar.
Of course, balcony solar panels alone can’t solve skyrocketing utility bills or the climate crisis. But the SUNNY Act is exactly the kind of pragmatic, concrete, common-sense action that lawmakers can and should be taking to give New Yorkers some immediate relief. Thankfully, the Legislature has already passed the bill, meaning the governor just needs to sign it.
The governor has declared that she is committed to using all the tools available to confront the energy affordability crisis. Plug-in solar is one more tool that can make an immediate difference. We hope the governor will follow through on her commitment to fight for a cleaner, more affordable New York and usher in a SUNNY-er future for all New Yorkers.
Krueger chairs the state Senate Finance Committee. Menin is speaker of the New York City Council.
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Ionic Liquids: The Molecular Key to Tougher, More Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Perovskite solar cells have stunned the energy world with their meteoric rise in efficiency, but a new review published in the Journal of Materials Science argues that the next leap forward may come not from the perovskite itself, but from a class of designer salts known as ionic liquids. The review, led by Zhiyan Sun and colleagues at Liaoning Petrochemical College in China, systematically connects the molecular architecture of ionic liquids to the performance and durability of perovskite devices, offering a blueprint for rational additive design rather than trial-and-error chemistry.
Perovskite solar cells owe their appeal to a rare combination of traits: power conversion efficiencies that now rival established silicon technology, and a manufacturing route based on low-cost solution processing that can be printed, coated, or spin-cast at temperatures far below those needed for silicon wafer fabrication. Yet the technology remains haunted by stubborn bottlenecks. Devices degrade under sustained illumination, heat, and humidity; non-radiative recombination losses drain voltage; energy levels at interfaces misalign in ways that waste charge carriers; and producing large, uniform films across square meters of module area remains notoriously difficult. These problems, the review argues, share a common root in the delicate chemistry of the perovskite layer itself.
Ionic liquids, salts that remain liquid at or near room temperature, have emerged as one of the most versatile tools for addressing these weaknesses. Composed of bulky organic cations paired with organic or inorganic anions, they are essentially non-volatile, thermally robust, and electrically conductive. Crucially for perovskite researchers, both halves of the molecule can be tuned independently. The review emphasizes that this structural modularity is the key to their effectiveness: the cation backbone, the length of alkyl side chains, the type of functional substituents, and the coordination behavior of the anion collectively determine how, and how strongly, an ionic liquid interacts with the perovskite components.
The first major mechanism the authors dissect is crystallization control. Perovskite films form from solution, and the speed and orderliness of crystal growth determine whether the final film is riddled with grain boundaries and voids or dense and well-oriented. Ionic liquids can coordinate with lead ions and intermediate phases during deposition, slowing nucleation and guiding the formation of larger, more uniform grains. The review highlights work showing that ionic liquid additives enable high-quality crystallization even in air atmosphere, a significant practical advantage since perovskite processing has traditionally demanded inert-glovebox conditions. Viscosity effects, noted in earlier studies of ionic-liquid-assisted growth, also modulate how nanoparticles assemble into the final film.
Defect passivation is the second pillar. The surfaces and grain boundaries of perovskite crystals are littered with undercoordinated lead atoms and halide vacancies that act as traps for charge carriers, sapping efficiency through non-radiative recombination. Ionic liquids attack this problem from both ends of the molecule: the anion, whether a halide, pseudohalide, acetate, or fluorinated species, can bond to exposed lead sites, while cations such as imidazolium, pyrrolidinium, and pyridinium derivatives interact with the halide-rich side of the lattice. The review catalogs studies in which such dual-action passivation pushed fill factors above 83 percent in cesium-based cells and lifted efficiencies beyond 23 and even 25 percent, including air-fabricated devices reaching 25.11 percent efficiency.
Interfacial energetics form the third mechanism. A solar cell is a stack of dissimilar materials, and every junction between the perovskite and its transport layers can either help or hinder the flow of electrons and holes. Ionic liquids, with their permanent dipoles and tunable work functions, can realign energy levels at these buried interfaces, reducing voltage losses. The review describes strategies ranging from ionic liquid optimization of the interface between spray-coated nickel oxide and the perovskite, to hybrids of self-assembled monolayers and ionic liquids for buried interface modulation in tandem devices, to ionic liquid engineering that strengthens the perovskite/self-assembled-monolayer heterointerface itself.
Moisture resistance and long-term stability round out the picture. Water ingress is a primary degradation pathway for perovskites, and the hygroscopic character of ionic liquids is a double-edged sword that the review examines carefully. Some ionic liquids form protective encapsulating layers or stabilize one-dimensional perovskite phases at the surface that shield the underlying three-dimensional absorber. A landmark study cited in the review demonstrated that ionic liquids can dramatically improve the long-term operational stability of perovskite solar cells, and related work showed modules stabilized with ionic liquids exceeding 20 percent power conversion efficiency. The review also notes that in situ oligomerization of ionic liquids has produced robust encapsulation even in perovskite single crystals for X-ray detection, hinting that the same chemistry could harden photovoltaic devices.
The review’s most distinctive contribution is its insistence on structure-property relationships. Rather than treating ionic liquids as interchangeable additives, it categorizes them by chemical family, imidazolium, pyrrolidinium, ammonium, pyridinium, and protic variants among them, and links each family’s behavior to its molecular features. Alkyl chain length governs hydrophobicity and how deeply the cation inserts into the lattice; functional groups such as sulfonates, fluorine atoms, and Lewis base sites dictate coordination strength and passivation mode; and anion identity determines whether the additive manages iodine, moderates strain, or forms low-dimensional surface phases. This framework explains why, for example, a piperidinium salt famously stabilized high-efficiency perovskite cells in work published in Science, and why acetate-based ionic liquids excel at crystallization regulation in inorganic compositions.
The implications extend well beyond the laboratory. Ionic liquids have enabled printable mesoscopic cells exceeding 20 percent efficiency, improved the humidity tolerance of vacuum-deposited large-area modules, and even accelerated the oxidation of the widely used hole transport material Spiro-OMeTAD for more reproducible devices. They are also opening a greener processing route: protic ionic liquids have allowed researchers to formulate perovskite inks from water and alcohols for slot-die coating, moving the field away from toxic solvents. Machine learning is now being deployed to accelerate the search for optimal ionic liquid formulations, a development the review flags as a coming inflection point for the field.
Challenges remain before ionic liquid engineering becomes standard practice. The review acknowledges that the sheer diversity of possible cation-anion combinations makes systematic optimization difficult, that the long-term behavior of some additives under real-world operating conditions needs further scrutiny, and that the green credentials of ionic liquids themselves deserve honest reassessment rather than assumption. Still, the authors argue that the correlations they have mapped between molecular design and device performance provide the theoretical foundation needed to move from empirical discovery to deliberate engineering. If perovskite solar cells are to graduate from record-breaking lab curiosities to durable, bankable products on rooftops and solar farms, the humble ionic liquid, they suggest, may be one of the decisive ingredients.
Subject of Research: The role of ionic liquid molecular design in improving the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells
Article Title: Ionic liquids for perovskite solar cells: from molecular design to device performance
Article References: Sun, Z., Yang, L., Du, F., Wang, H., & Li, Z. (2026). Ionic liquids for perovskite solar cells: from molecular design to device performance. Journal of Materials Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-026-13946-8
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1007/s10853-026-13946-8
Keywords: perovskite solar cells, ionic liquids, defect passivation, crystallization, photovoltaics, interface engineering, device stability, molecular design, thin films, renewable energy, Ionic, liquids
News Source: Denise Maddox. (October 18, 2026). Ionic Liquids: The Molecular Key to Tougher, More Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells. Scienmag.
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“We would not have made the $40,000 investment in solar.”
Photo Credit: iStock
Colorado Springs homeowners with rooftop solar say a proposed utility billing change could sharply reduce the savings that justified installing panels.
If approved, Colorado Springs Utilities estimates solar customers would pay roughly $500 more annually starting in 2032.
For residents who spent tens of thousands of dollars on solar, the dispute centers on whether a city-owned utility can change the terms after households have already invested in cleaner energy.
Customers in the city’s net-metering program currently can apply extra solar generation to later electricity use at the same value, including power used overnight or during the winter. According to Colorado Public Radio, the Colorado Springs City Council informally supported changing that arrangement.
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Instead of continuing those equal-value credits, the proposal would shift customers to billing that more closely follows Colorado Springs Utilities’ Energy Wise rates, which are higher on weekdays during the 5-9 p.m. peak window. Resident Wendy Crawford told council, “We would not have made the $40,000 investment in solar if we knew then that CSU would not stand behind their net metering agreement.”
Going solar is still one of the best ways to save money on home energy, even as Colorado Springs debates a policy that could add roughly $500 a year for some customers. Homeowners who want to run the numbers can try EnergySage to get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes.
Colorado Springs Utilities chief financial officer Tristen Gearhart argued that the current setup allows solar users to swap lower-cost midday electricity for power that can cost four times more during peak demand. He said, “(Solar customers) are not paying for all of the infrastructure that they’re using during those peak times that we have to build.”
Rooftop solar often relies on net metering to make the math work for homeowners. Colorado Springs Utilities says its current rules allow “net daytime generation to be used at night, and net summer excess to be used during the winter months.” That lets families match solar production with when they actually need power.
Utility officials say that arrangement shifts grid costs onto neighbors without solar because the city still has to maintain enough infrastructure for evening peaks. Gearhart told council that electricity use among solar customers runs roughly 30% higher than that of non-solar customers, saying many add electric devices to use their credits.
Critics say the proposed change could chill future adoption and slow progress toward a more affordable, cleaner local energy system. Councilor David Lienweber, who has solar panels, said, “I’m starting to get to the place where they have a third option, which is even better, and that is to unplug their solar and just go non-solar.”
Colorado Springs Utilities laid out two pathways for net-metering customers. One would add a $1-per-day charge and apply peak-hour Energy Wise rates, while valuing exported solar in dollars based on the time it was returned to the grid, as rates manager Scott Shirola explained.
For homeowners weighing whether rooftop solar still makes sense before the utility’s September 22 vote, shopping carefully can make a major difference. With EnergySage’s help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. EnergySage’s solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with details on solar panel incentives for each state, which can help homeowners get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives.
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
Lienweber also floated batteries as a way for solar users to get through expensive evening hours or even eventually leave net metering behind. Adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. Homeowners can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
Homeowners in other states are running into similar questions as solar rules change. This coverage covers net metering disputes, battery economics, and how shifting incentives can change the payoff of rooftop solar.
• In Ohio, homeowners found half the bill untouched after signing up for rooftop solar.
• Across much of the U.S., net metering rules affect whether home batteries pencil out.
• In Connecticut, home batteries gained ground as rooftop solar incentives ran into new caps.
• Homeowners facing expiring incentives still argued solar is worth the investment.
• Across the U.S., rooftop solar can save homeowners about $50,000 over time.
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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SMA Solar develops photovoltaic system technology for decentralized energy supply, according to its investor-relations page. SMA Solar stock trades pre-market at EUR 57.45 at 8:06 a.m. CEST at Lang & Schwarz on October 19, 2026, 0.35 percent below the Xetra close of October 16, 2026 (EUR 57.65).
The indication is minus EUR 0.20 from Friday’s Xetra closing level. The further course from the Xetra open at 9:00 a.m. CET/CEST is shown by the continuously updated real-time quote of SMA Solar stock.
Its solutions serve photovoltaic applications for people and businesses seeking decentralized renewable energy supply, as described by SMA Solar’s investor-relations material. The IR calendar lists the next quarterly communication for November 12, 2026, covering January through September 2026. Market context: Market report DAX.
More news and analysis on SMA Solar stock
China is proposing new export controls on twelve solar technologies citing national security concerns and greater oversight requirements. These regulations aim to restrict technologies that are crucial in sensitive sectors such as aerospace and national defense. The proposed changes may impact companies like Tesla that are looking to expand production.
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India Braces For Impact Again
China’s shadow if set to grow longer on India’s solar manufacturing plans, with the solar giant planning a fresh set of restrictions on transfer of technology. Readers will be aware that India’s emergence as a key solar cell manufacturer has happened almost completely under the shadow of shadow boxing with China, as visa issues, and machinery restrictions at various points in the past two years slowed down many plans. The ame playbook is visible in battery cell manufacturing too, and now, apparently, in ingot and wafer manufacturing besides polysilicon itself. However, keep in mind that the final call might be restricted to the latest versions of these manufacturing technologies, which might yet offer an escape route to Indian firms seeking to build themselves.
A Dominance That Is Unmatched
China’s dominance of the global solar industry has long rested on a powerful combination of manufacturing scale, low costs, technological expertise and an integrated supply chain. That had meant an overall global market share of close to 80% or higher for all parts of the solar suppy chain for China over the past two decades. But as rival economies seek to replicate that model, Beijing appears increasingly determined to protect the technologies underpinning its lead.
On October 16, China proposed adding 12 photovoltaic manufacturing technologies to its list of technologies prohibited or restricted for export. The proposed measures cover technologies used in producing thin silicon wafers, advanced polysilicon, perovskite and tandem solar cells, while specified manufacturing processes for TOPCon, heterojunction (HJT) and back-contact cells would face export restrictions. There are no restrictions proposed on finished modules and cells however.
The announcement came as Chinese solar exports continued to weaken. Exports of solar cells and panels by weight fell 6.4% year on year in September, according to Chinese customs data on October 18.
Taken together, the developments highlight a strategic challenge for Beijing: how to retain control over an industry in which China’s extraordinary manufacturing success has also created excess capacity, intense price competition and pressure on manufacturers’ profitability.
China’s proposed restrictions are significant because they target manufacturing know-how, not simply finished solar products. The distinction matters. Countries can import panels relatively easily, but building a competitive domestic industry requires access to production equipment, process engineering, manufacturing expertise and continual improvements in cell efficiency. The gradual weakening and demise of many European firms that offered the only non-Chinese alternative in many of these technologies has been notable in the past decade.
The proposed restrictions on selected next-generation technologies are particularly noteworthy. Perovskite-silicon tandem cells offer the prospect of higher efficiencies than conventional silicon cells, while advances in wafer production and cell architectures can reduce costs and improve performance.
While China claims the proposed controls are intended to address national-security concerns and prevent sensitive technologies from being improperly transferredt the measures form part of a broader review of export controls covering technologies in sectors including artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
Public consultation is scheduled to run until November 15, 2026, and specified technologies would be subject to different levels of restriction. An interim registration requirement for certain technology transfers has, however, already taken effect.
The timing is important. China’s solar industry is dealing with a problem partly created by its own success: production capacity expanded faster than profitable demand could absorb it.
The International Energy Agency has documented how rapid capacity growth across the polysilicon, wafer, cell and module segments created a substantial manufacturing overhang, pushing down prices and profits. Competition among Chinese provinces and the shift towards more advanced cell technologies have added to the problem.
Last week, SaurEnergy reported how five major manufacturers—LONGi, Trina Solar, JinkoSolar, JA Solar and Tongwei—employed 154,061 people at the end of 2025, down by 40,589, or approximately 21%, from a year earlier. This followed a substantial reduction across the dsame set of firms in 2024 as well.
This is a striking contradiction: solar deployment continues to expand globally, yet some of the industry’s largest manufacturers are cutting jobs and struggling with losses.
September’s export decline adds another indicator of the pressure facing the sector. A single month’s fall does not establish a sustained trend, but it reinforces the need to examine whether global demand can absorb China’s enormous manufacturing capacity at remunerative prices.
For Beijing, protecting technology leadership may therefore have significance beyond preserving export revenues. It could help Chinese firms maintain an advantage as competing countries build factories, while retaining control over the next wave of manufacturing innovation.
India is directly exposed to the implications of the proposed controls. Its solar manufacturing ambitions increasingly extend beyond module assembly towards cells, wafers and a more integrated domestic supply chain. With the next key deadline June 2028, for ingots and wafer manufacturing domestically.
If access to Chinese manufacturing know-how becomes more restricted, Indian firms may face higher costs, longer development timelines and greater difficulty adopting advanced production processes. Projects relying on technology licensing, equipment transfers or Chinese technical assistance could be particularly affected, depending on the final rules.
But the development also reinforces the case for investing in domestic research and development, manufacturing equipment, process engineering and collaboration between industry and research institutions.
India should also avoid assuming that export restrictions will automatically create a competitive advantage for domestic manufacturers. Technology access is only one part of the equation. Scale, productivity, financing costs, supply-chain depth and the ability to sell into global markets will continue to determine competitiveness.
For India, (and the rest of the world) the challenge is not merely to manufacture more panels. It is to develop the capabilities required to compete when access to the most advanced production technologies can no longer be taken for granted.
For India, that may be the most important takeaway from Beijing’s proposed export controls: manufacturing independence ultimately requires technological independence, not just more factories.
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Australian Premium Solar (India) CMP Rs 236 (19 Oct 2026). Market cap Rs 475 Cr. ROE 35.24%. P/E 8.18x versus Industry P/E 44.36x.
Updated: 19 Oct 2026 • 10:13 am
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Australian Premium Solar (India) is one of the names investors compare when screening the Solar Equipment sector. Whether it is the best stock in its sector depends on whether an investor prioritises return ratios, valuation or balance sheet strength. This article sets it against two named peers and the sector benchmark so you can judge for yourself.
Is Australian Premium Solar (India) the best stock in its sector? The stock trades on the NSE at Rs 236 as of 19 October 2026, within its 52-week range of Rs 213.70 to Rs 543.95. The sections below cover the business, the key ratios, a peer comparison and a closer look at valuation.
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Table of Contents
Australian Premium Solar (India) Ltd, incorporated in 2013, is a solar panel and inverter manufacturer and an EPC services provider. It manufactures monocrystalline and TOPCon solar modules and serves residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers. A company announcement dated 16 October said a new 400 MW TOPCon line began commercial production on 13 October, raising module capacity from 800 MW to 1.2 GW. At a market capitalisation of Rs 475 Cr, it is tracked as part of the Solar Equipment sector on Univest.
Australian Premium Solar (India) makes its case as the best stock in its sector primarily on valuation relative to its Industry P/E, backed by its return on equity. Australian Premium Solar (India)’s 8.18x P/E is below the 44.36x Industry P/E, Premier Energies at 24.70x and Vikram Solar at 14.89x, while its 35.24% ROE is higher than Premier Energies at 35.05% and Vikram Solar at 14.85%, and its debt to equity ratio of 0.28 is below Premier Energies at 0.86, though above Vikram Solar at 0.20.
Compare Australian Premium Solar (India) Against Other Solar Equipment Sector Stocks
The table below sets Australian Premium Solar (India) against 2 other Solar Equipment sector names, using the same live data source for every company. A peer average row is included for P/E, ROE and debt to equity, calculated across the 2 peer companies.
Measured against the peer averages, Australian Premium Solar (India)’s P/E is 59 percent below the 19.80x average, and its ROE is 10.29 percentage points above the 24.95% average. An average of just two companies is a rough guide, so treat the gap as a pointer for further research and not as a verdict.
At a P/B ratio of 2.89, the market pays about Rs 2.89 for every rupee of book value, and the EPS (TTM) of Rs 28.80 is the earnings base behind the P/E. The stock trades about 57 percent below its 52-week high and about 10 percent above its 52-week low. The company does not currently show a dividend yield, so returns for shareholders depend mainly on the share price. As with any single stock, investors should weigh these figures against their own valuation discipline and risk appetite rather than the sector label alone.
Also read – Is Oracle Financial Services Software the Best Stock in Its Sector? A Look at the Numbers
Download the Univest iOS App or Univest Android App to track Australian Premium Solar (India) and other Solar Equipment sector stocks.
Before deciding whether Australian Premium Solar (India) deserves its label as the best stock in its sector for your own portfolio, compare it directly against Solar Equipment sector peers using the steps below.
Australian Premium Solar (India) gives investors a clear set of numbers to work with, from returns and valuation to leverage and peer standing. Whether it earns the label of best stock in Solar Equipment depends on how much weight you give each of them and on how the business executes from here. Because the stock trades below its sector benchmark, the open question is whether earnings growth will close that gap or whether the discount is deserved. As with any individual stock decision, this analysis is educational and investors should do their own research or consult a SEBI-registered advisor before investing.
Disclaimer: Data and figures in this article are sourced from publicly available information. These may or may not be accurate. Please verify all data with the official NSE (nseindia.com) and BSE (bseindia.com) websites before making any investment decision. Investments in securities are subject to market risk. This content is for educational purposes only and is not investment advice by Univest (SEBI RA INH000013776).
Ans. There is no single definitive answer, because the best stock in a sector depends on whether an investor is prioritising returns, valuation or balance sheet strength. Australian Premium Solar (India) has a 35.24% ROE and trades at 8.18x P/E against a 44.36x Industry P/E. Against the 2 peers compared in this article, its ROE is above the 24.95% peer average and its P/E is below the 19.80x peer average. Its debt to equity ratio of 0.28 is below the 0.53 peer average, which matters because borrowing can inflate returns and add risk when business conditions weaken. These figures are best read together rather than in isolation, and they work as a starting point for your own research and not as a verdict.
Ans. Australian Premium Solar (India) was trading at Rs 235.70 on the NSE as of 19 October 2026, and its 52-week range runs from Rs 213.70 to Rs 543.95. That leaves the share price 57 percent short of the 52-week high and 10 percent clear of the 52-week low. Its market capitalisation is Rs 475 Cr and its EPS (TTM) is Rs 28.80, which is the earnings figure behind the 8.18x P/E. Share prices change through the trading day, so check the live quote on Univest before acting on any number here.
Ans. Australian Premium Solar (India) is classified under the Solar Equipment sector on Univest, and that group of listed companies is the reference point for the 44.36x Industry P/E used in this article. The 2 named peers compared here are Premier Energies and Vikram Solar, chosen as comparable listed names so that the P/E, ROE and debt figures come from the same live data source. Investors who want a wider view can compare more Solar Equipment sector stocks on the Univest Screener, since no two companies in a sector have exactly the same business mix.
Ans. Australian Premium Solar (India)’s P/E of 8.18x is below the 19.80x average of the 2 named peers, with Premier Energies at 24.70x and Vikram Solar at 14.89x. It also sits below the 44.36x Industry P/E, which is the benchmark for the wider Solar Equipment sector. A P/E that is below a peer average can reflect a valuation discount or premium, but it can also reflect different growth or return expectations, so it should be read alongside ROE and debt. Its P/B ratio of 2.89 gives one more view of how the market values its book value.
Ans. Australian Premium Solar (India) reported a return on equity of 35.24%, which is above the 24.95% average of its named peers, with Premier Energies at 35.05% and Vikram Solar at 14.85%. ROE shows how much profit a company generates on every rupee of shareholders’ equity, so a higher figure generally points to more efficient use of capital. ROE is easier to trust when leverage is modest, and here the debt to equity ratio is 0.28 against a peer average of 0.53. It is worth checking whether the ROE has been stable over several years rather than relying on a single reading.
Ans. Sector position is only one input into an investment decision. Australian Premium Solar (India) has a 35.24% ROE and a 8.18x P/E, which make it worth researching further, and its dividend yield is 0.00%. You should also weigh its business outlook, earnings consistency, debt levels, your investment horizon and your own risk appetite before buying. Spreading money across several stocks and sectors reduces concentration risk, and this article is educational content, not investment advice. For personalised guidance, consult a SEBI-registered advisor.
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Export restrictions could intensify domestic price competition and prompt manufacturers to reassess expansion plans
October 19, 2026
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Shares of Tesla Inc. (TSLA) and Canadian Solar Inc. (CSIQ) are in focus after China proposed tighter controls on the export of technologies used to manufacture solar panels and cells.
China's Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology on Friday proposed adding 12 photovoltaic technologies to the country's export-control list, including technologies related to polysilicon, silicon wafers and advanced solar-cell manufacturing, per a report by Reuters.
Tesla shares closed 2% lower on Friday, while Canadian Solar shares fell more than 7%.
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Under the proposal, China would prohibit exports of certain technologies used to manufacture perovskite and tandem solar cells, as well as selected thin-silicon wafer and fluidized-bed polysilicon technologies. Other advanced manufacturing technologies, including TOPCon, HJT and back-contact technologies, would face restrictions rather than an outright export ban.
The measures are part of a broader revision of China's Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited and Restricted from Export. Beijing said the photovoltaic additions cover technologies used in polysilicon manufacturing, silicon-wafer manufacturing and solar-cell manufacturing.
China's Commerce Ministry said the move is aimed at addressing national security concerns, pointing to the growing use of photovoltaic technologies in areas including aerospace, national defense, unmanned equipment and high-security infrastructure.
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“The national security risks that may be caused by the export of solar technology have been constantly rising. It is necessary to implement timely and appropriate supervision,” the ministry said.
At the same time, Beijing stressed that the controls are intended to be narrowly targeted. The ministry said technologies that do not meet the specified control thresholds would remain freely exportable and that products manufactured using controlled technologies are not themselves within the scope of the proposed rules.
"The scope of technologies listed in this announcement is limited; other technologies that do not meet the control indicators can still be freely exported," the ministry said.
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According to a Reuters report from March, Tesla was in talks with Chinese firms to procure about $2.9 billion worth of solar manufacturing equipment, including equipment from Suzhou Maxwell Technologies, Shenzhen S.C New Energy Technology and Laplace Renewable Energy Technology.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk outlined his vision at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January this year, with the EV giant planning to add 100 GW of solar manufacturing capacity in the U.S. by 2028.
Canadian Solar could be particularly relevant because its U.S. manufacturing expansion relies on heterojunction technology, or HJT, one of the advanced solar-cell technologies specifically identified for export restrictions under China's proposal.
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Canadian Solar's subsidiary CS PowerTech officially opened the first phase of its HJT solar-cell factory in Jeffersonville, Indiana, earlier this year. The first phase has a total capacity of 2.1 GW, while a second phase is expected to bring total U.S. cell capacity to 6.3 GW in the first half of 2027.
The company has described the Indiana facility as the first U.S. plant designed to produce advanced HJT bifacial N-type solar cells. Together with its Texas module facility, the expansion is intended to create a more localized U.S. solar manufacturing supply chain.
"We are executing on a multidimensional solar technology roadmap, spanning advanced cell innovations to next-generation applications," Canadian Solar CEO Colin Parkin said in August. "In the near to midterm, U.S. manufacturing remains at the forefront of our strategy."
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However, the proposal does not mean that Canadian Solar's HJT factory is automatically blocked. China's Commerce Ministry emphasized that the controls have specific technical indicators and that only technologies and key equipment meeting those thresholds would be subject to the proposed restrictions.
Retail sentiment on Stocktwits around Tesla trended in the ‘bullish’ territory at the time of writing.
TSLA stock is down 21% year-to-date, while CSIQ stock is down 59%. The S&P 500 ETF (SPY) is up 16% over the past 12 months, while the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) is up 18%.
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Researchers at the Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR) in Brazil have assessed the potential for retrofitting commercial photovoltaic modules into photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) panels, identifying practical constraints that currently limit the approach’s technical and economic viability.
The scientists explained that previous research focused on custom-designed PV/T collectors with optimized integration, rather than standard commercial PV modules, with only a few studies having explored retrofitting existing panels. The literature indicates that effective performance depends not only on component optimization but also on overcoming inherent thermal limitations of commercial modules.
“Our work provides a design-oriented, experimental assessment of PVT retrofitting, identifying the key structural and operational parameters that govern system performance and establishing minimum requirements for heat extraction capacity to achieve effective thermal regulation under real operating conditions,” the academics stressed, noting that their analysis focused on PVT modules using heat pipes and thermosyphons, which stand out for their high efficiency, passive operation, and ability to transfer heat via phase-change mechanisms with minimal temperature gradients.
Thermosyphons, in particular, rely on gravity-driven circulation between evaporator and condenser sections, enabling effective heat removal without capillary structures. Their performance depends on factors such as filling ratio, inclination angle, working fluid, and system geometry.
The experimental setup consisted of a standard 60 W polycrystalline photovoltaic panel with four rear-mounted thermosyphons under real outdoor conditions. The thermosyphons, made of copper and filled with distilled water, were designed with distinct evaporator, adiabatic, and condenser sections to enable passive heat transfer.
Aluminum absorber bars were used to ensure thermal contact between the panel and the thermosyphons, while the condenser sections were integrated into a water-cooled manifold acting as a heat sink. A closed-loop circulation system, including a thermal reservoir, pump, expansion vessel, and flow meter, was used to manage water flow and heat recovery. The setup allowed continuous recirculation and storage of heated water for further use, according to the research team.
The PVT system was installed alongside a reference PV panel to enable direct performance comparison under identical environmental conditions. Both panels were mounted at a 25° tilt and oriented north to maximize solar exposure. Temperature measurements were taken using thermocouples placed on the panel surface and within the water circuit, while solar irradiance was recorded with a pyranometer. An Arduino-based I–V curve tracer was developed to measure electrical performance, including voltage, current, and power output.
The two systems were experimentally evaluated under real outdoor conditions, using different water flow rates and weather scenarios. Tests were conducted on sunny and cloudy days at 6.5 L/min and on a sunny day at 1.5 L/min, with controlled inlet water temperatures to ensure consistency.
The results showed that the PVT module consistently operated at higher temperatures than the reference panel due to added thermal resistance and reduced natural convection at the rear, which resulted in a slight electrical efficiency drop, highlighting a thermal penalty associated with the retrofit design. However, the PVT system achieved significantly higher total energy efficiency, reaching about 45.75% under sunny conditions, driven by effective heat recovery. The system also exhibited strong thermal inertia, smoothing temperature fluctuations and enabling continued heat transfer even when solar irradiance decreased.
On cloudy days, this thermal inertia improved performance further, increasing total efficiency to over 50% due to delayed heat release from stored energy. However, heat extraction rates showed a plateau, indicating an upper limit imposed by thermal resistances and thermosyphon capacity. Flow rate, meanwhile proved to be a critical parameter. At 6.5 L/min, efficient cooling maintained better electrical and thermal performance, while at 1.5 L/min, reduced convection led to overheating, significantly lowering electrical efficiency, down to 10.93%, and overall efficiency, down to 19.02%.
Further findings confirmed that increasing flow rate alone cannot fully overcome the limitations, as heat extraction is ultimately capped by interface quality and system design.
Overall, the results demonstrate that PVT retrofit performance depends on balancing heat extraction capacity with inherent thermal resistances. They also highlight the existence of a maximum heat removal threshold and the need for optimized design parameters, such as flow rate and thermosyphon configuration.
“The current four-thermosyphon configuration is undersized for achieving thermal parity with a standard PV module,” the academics emphasized. “An increase of approximately 60% in heat extraction capacity is required, which can be achieved by increasing the number of thermosyphons (to six or seven) or enhancing the effective thermal contact area. Despite these limitations, the system demonstrated stable operation and consistent heat recovery under variable environmental conditions, supporting its applicability for low-grade thermal energy utilization.”
Looking forward, the scientists are planning to prioritize enhancing heat extraction capacity by optimizing thermosyphon design, spatial configuration, and thermal interface quality, as well as exploring alternative working fluids and geometries tailored to retrofit constraints. Moreover, they want to address long-term performance, system integration in real applications such as building-integrated PV, and comprehensive economic assessments to evaluate cost-effectiveness and scalability.
Their findings were presented in the paper “Experimental assessment of thermal performance limits in a thermosyphon-based PV/T retrofit of a commercial photovoltaic panel,” published in Energy Conversion and Management.
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This article was very descriptive, and useful. I will try it in one of my panel. It would be helpful if more elaborate & detailed article to is published on the above subject.
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Xcel Energy is proposing to keep electricity rates flat for two years as Minnesotans’ complaints about rising utility costs mount.
The state’s largest electric utility says under the plan, filed with the state Public Utilities Commission last week, it would postpone any requests to raise its electricity rates until at least November 2028.
In exchange, Xcel wants permission from state regulators to use federal tax credits from planned battery storage projects sooner than expected.
Xcel expects to receive those credits from the federal Inflation Reduction Act for five battery projects near the retiring Sherco coal plant in Becker, at its Blue Lake facility in Shakopee and in Nobles County.
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Xcel says the plan would allow it to continue to invest almost $4.5 billion in Minnesota’s electric system over the next two years, and help offset rising costs.
“This request demonstrates Xcel Energy’s commitment to keeping rates stable today while continuing to deliver safe, reliable electric service and make investments that power tomorrow,” said Bria Shea, president of Xcel in Minnesota, North and South Dakota, in a news release.
The proposal comes as state regulators examine the cost of electricity at a time when many Minnesotans are struggling to pay their utility bills.
Xcel's most recent rate increase, which state regulators approved in June, was 5.8 percent over two years. That proposal generated thousands of comments opposed to the increase.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and consumer advocates asked the Public Utilities Commission to reconsider the decision, but it declined.
Instead, it launched a statewide investigation to examine the affordability of electric and natural gas service provided by regulated utilities, including Xcel.
When it comes to staying informed in Minnesota, our newsletters overdeliver. Sign-up now for headlines, breaking news, hometown stories, weather and much more. Delivered weekday mornings.
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“They told me on phone, that wont be a problem. Nothing in contract about it.”
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Two weeks after a solar-and-battery system was installed at a home in Perth, Western Australia, its owner says the setup sat idle because the installer didn’t bring a smart meter to the install, and the company then asked for an extra $850 to complete the work.
According to the homeowner in a Reddit thread in r/solar, the sales pitch included a verbal assurance that the existing solar equipment and the new system could both be combined into one system.
However, on installation day, the technician said he hadn’t been told there was already a solar system at the property and therefore hadn’t brought the smart meter needed to connect the two setups.
The homeowner said the follow-up quote to finish the job totaled $850, with $250 for the smart meter and $600 for labor and transport because the installer lives 62 miles away.
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The homeowner was not happy with the second quote, saying: “I’m like fine ill pay the $250 for the meter (as that wasn’t in the quote) but paying $600 for him to come back when he should of been told to bring it in advance is where I draw the line.”
One commenter highlighted a difference between what sales says and what the contract says, writing, “Able to combine and agree to combine are two different things.” He added, “it does not mean they would just do it without your agreement.”
The original poster responded: “They told me on phone, that wont be a problem. Nothing in contract about it.”
Going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy, but only when homeowners can clearly compare what’s included and what isn’t. Using EnergySage to get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes can help shoppers catch missing items before work begins.
They also said the newly installed system was still not switched on after two weeks of daily calls and texts. Although the equipment had been installed, it was still not generating electricity or charging the batteries while the disagreement over the meter and the return-visit fee continued.
Commenters also questioned whether the additional hardware was necessary in the first place.
After being asked why a smart meter was needed, the original poster said, “They said couldn’t get the two invertors to work together properly, so said I needed a smart meter to fix the issue…”
For anyone expanding an existing home solar setup with new panels, batteries, or another inverter, the safest move is to make sure everything is explicitly included in the paperwork.
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
That issue came up directly in the thread when one commenter asked, “Did you specifically request them to combine two into one, and is it on the contract black and white where they would perform the service?”
Comparison tools can also help prevent sticker shock. With EnergySage’s help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. EnergySage’s solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with details on solar panel incentives for each state; together, these resources can help homeowners get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives.
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. Homeowners who want to compare home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates, can explore EnergySage for more information.
A clear contract protects both the homeowner and the company from an argument. This homeowner felt the effect of a spoken agreement first-hand: “I’m I in the right or wrong here folks? What can/should I do? Or should I just suck it up?”
Homeowners dealing with problems like this one often want a better sense of how to vet installers, compare quotes, and avoid surprise costs. Other solar customers have run into misleading sales pitches, confusing pricing, and disappointing results after panels go up.
• A wary homeowner sought solar installation advice after hearing installer horror stories and service failures.
• EnergySage’s COO investigated interconnected cost factors driving solar prices and confusing homeowner quotes.
• A new homeowner faced a $420 bill even after rooftop solar was part of the sale.
• One solar owner received ‘ridiculous’ charges from a utility company despite generating home power.
• In Florida, one homeowner turned an $800 power bill into a $300 credit with solar.
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New Delhi: Emmvee Photovoltaic Power has reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 382.04 crore for the September quarter, helped by increased income from key business verticals.
The company, which is in the manufacturing of solar modules and cells, had clocked a net loss of Rs 237.86 crore in the second quarter of the preceding 2024-25 financial year.
In an exchange filing, Emmvee Photovoltaic Power said its total income increased to Rs 1,578.89 crore in July-September FY26 from Rs 1,149.38 crore a year ago.
The company garnered revenue of Rs 1,779.64 crore from the module and Rs 15.1 crore from the EPC projects business segments.
(Disclaimer: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by HDFC Sky editorial team and is auto-generated from PTI feed.)
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YINGFA at REI 2026
As India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem expands, module manufacturers are increasingly looking beyond cell efficiency alone, with format flexibility, manufacturing compatibility, quality consistency and supply support becoming important considerations in cell selection.
At Renewable Energy India Expo (REI) 2026, YINGFA will showcase its TOPCon 3.0 cells with 27.3% measured cell efficiency and XBC 2.0 solar cells with efficiency up to 28.4%s, positioning the two technologies around different requirements in next-generation module design. For Indian module manufacturers, YINGFA is positioning its solar cell portfolio around three priorities: higher efficiency, greater design flexibility and reliable manufacturing support.
The company will exhibit at Hall 14, Booth C33, from October 22 to 24 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida.
More Cell Formats for Module Design
A key focus of YINGFA’s REI display is its TOPCon 3.0 platform. Rather than presenting a single cell configuration, YINGFA will be highlighting a multi-cut portfolio covering full-cell, half-cut, third-cut and quarter-cut options.
The approach is aimed at giving module manufacturers greater flexibility when evaluating cell layouts for different module formats and applications. At the booth, customers will be able to review physical cell samples and discuss areas such as cell selection, module design compatibility, production requirements and potential product configurations with YINGFA’s sales and technical teams.
The emphasis on multi-cut formats is particularly relevant as module manufacturers continue to explore different combinations of cell size, electrical design and module architecture to improve product performance and manufacturing efficiency.
XBC 2.0: High Efficiency, Pure Black Aesthetics
Alongside TOPCon, YINGFA will present its XBC 2.0 solar cell, with cell efficiency of up to 28.4%.
The XBC design features a pure black appearance with no front metal gridlines, offering another option for module manufacturers where both electrical performance and visual appearance are important design considerations.
YINGFA stresses that the efficiency figures displayed at REI refer specifically to cell-level performance. Final module performance depends on module design and manufacturing process.
The distinction is relevant for module makers assessing how higher-efficiency cells translate into finished products rather than evaluating cell efficiency as a standalone specification.
Manufacturing Across China and Indonesia
Beyond product technology, YINGFA will use REI 2026 to highlight its manufacturing footprint across China and Indonesia supported by a local team in India. Its international manufacturing footprint includes PT. Bintan Cellular Indonesia (BCI), YINGFA’s solar cell manufacturing base in Indonesia.
Its dedicated local service in India, where its local team acts as a link between customers and YINGFA’s sales, technical and customer service functions is expected to add to its responsiveness.This supports customers not only during product selection, but also in discussions covering specifications, sample evaluation, quality requirements, delivery coordination and after-sales support.
For Indian module manufacturers, YINGFA sees this combination of technology, manufacturing flexibility and local communication as central to building longer-term supplier relationships.
From Exhibition to Customer Collaboration
During REI 2026, YINGFA will also engage module manufacturers and industry partners around future product requirements and collaborations rather than limiting its participation to product display.
Its message at REI is straightforward: provide module manufacturers with higher-performance cell technologies, more format choices and manufacturing support across markets.
With its commitment, ‘We Only Make Better Solar Cells,’ YINGFA remains focused on solar cell innovation, manufacturing quality and long-term customer support. Catch the Yingfa team at:
REI 2026
22–24 October 2026
India Expo Mart, Greater Noida
Hall 14 | Booth C33
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“Suggest you not rely on Reddit as a substitute for doing your homework.”
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A Maryland homeowner interested in rooftop solar turned to Reddit’s r/Solar forum with a blunt concern: How do you find a reputable installer when you keep seeing shady characters getting hired by solar companies?
The search was focused on Frederick, Maryland, where the homeowner said they wanted real recommendations and a way to avoid the kind of salesperson or contractor represented by someone they know who keeps turning up at solar companies.
The concern sharpened after the homeowner looked into a specific installer in their area. In the Reddit post, the resident asked for input after researching a company that appeared to have been in business for 13 years, but then hesitated after seeing negative online reports.
The original poster wrote, “There are reviews on this subreddit saying the company went drastically downhill as of about a year ago. Any updates on them?”
With energy prices through the roof, there’s never been a better time to go solar — and EasyHome can help you find the best prices from the best installers in your area.
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OP added, “I know a con artist-type guy whose friends are constantly starting solar businesses and employing him,” before asking, “Who are the trusted professionals I should call in the Frederick area of Maryland? And what are some guidelines I should look for to know who to trust?”
In response, commenters noted that a company’s age can be misleading if ownership or management changed after an acquisition. Several gave company recommendations, and one commenter wrote, “the 13 years in business thing doesn’t mean much when the company got bought out or changed management.” Another added, “Suggest you not rely on Reddit as a substitute for doing your homework.”
A third suggested, “I would wait until early next year… There is an extremely good chance (not 100%) the solar incentives will be back in 2027.”
The thread highlights a basic problem in local solar shopping: a company’s reputation can shift faster than its branding.
For shoppers trying to screen out the kind of operator the OP feared, the main lesson was to rely on fresh local feedback and not treat “13 years” in business as a guarantee that the current service is still solid.
For homeowners weighing similar decisions, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy. If you’re comparing installers instead of relying on one sales pitch, trying EnergySage can help you get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes.
With EnergySage, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. For homeowners trying to separate strong installers from shaky ones, that side-by-side visibility can add both savings and confidence.
Homeowners can also use EnergySage’s solar map, which shows the average cost of a home solar panel system on a state-by-state basis, along with details on solar panel incentives for each state.
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
And for residents thinking beyond panels alone, adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. Homeowners can also explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
For anyone sorting through solar installers, these stories offer more on how to spot red flags and avoid bad actors.
• Industry insiders warn that frauds can cost you tens of thousands during a home solar upgrade.
• A new homeowner flooded with predatory calls asked how to find a company that’s actually legit.
• After customer service horror stories, one homeowner learned how to upgrade to solar without getting ripped off.
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What made the proposal appealing to the poster was the modest power draw.
Photo Credit: iStock
A debate on r/prepping turned a humble kitchen appliance into a broader thought experiment about blackout cooking: Could a small rice cooker, powered by a battery pack and solar panels, quietly handle dinner when the grid is down and open flames feel too risky?
On r/prepping, one user floated the idea that a compact rice cooker might fit into an outage plan. In a Reddit thread, they pointed to rice as a high-calorie staple and suggested cooking meat above it in a steamer tray, with the cooker running on stored solar power during a blackout.
The poster found the proposal appealing because of its modest power draw. They wrote that a rice cooker uses “only about 200 watts for 20-30 min of cooking time” and noted that much of the water stays inside rather than escaping as steam.
They also framed it as a lower-profile cooking method. As the poster put it, “the smoke from a fire would alert other people of your location and compromise your safety.”
Not everyone agreed it was the most practical appliance. One commenter wrote, “Electric pressure cookers are even more energy efficient and can perform basically the same job plus loads of other cooking tasks.”
The thread widened into a bigger comparison over which electric cooking device gives households the most flexibility when fuel is limited.
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A commenter argued that a rice cooker is “very slightly more energy efficient for cooking rice, but it’s not by that much,” while adding that a pressure cooker can handle a much wider variety of meals.
The original poster, however, pointed to the power demands involved in that option. They said an Instant Pot could draw 700w and might need to be paired with “a 1000w power station,” making it a much larger battery setup than the original 200-watt rice-cooker concept.
Commenters also listed other possible rice-cooker uses, including beans, and raised questions about soup, steaming vegetables, boiling water, and coffee. On the voltage side, the original poster said they were “not aware of any 12v pressure cookers available in the USA” and said they had learned that 12v rice cookers do exist.
If versatility is the priority, commenters kept circling back to pressure cookers. One commenter argued that “your best tool is the one that has many uses,” while another recommended a portable induction burner, though others pushed back by saying induction cooking usually requires more watts and cannot handle tasks like soup on its own.
If you’re thinking through how to power cooking during an outage, these stories look at the backup setups that can make it work.
• Copper’s battery-powered induction range promises cooking through outages while unlocking $1,800 in incentives.
• Among preppers, the topic of solar panels over generators kept surfacing as the calmer blackout strategy.
• Energy experts call inexpensive portable backup power one of the easiest shields against outages.
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China revealed an extensive draft proposal to limit exports of over 40 advanced technologies, encompassing solar production technologies, AI models, and various biotech platforms.
Several technologies associated with the production of solar cells have been identified for either a total export ban or limited exports.
Although the draft proposal does not limit the majority of solar exports, the newly implemented regulations on advanced solar manufacturing technologies may affect countries like India in their attempts to lessen reliance on China as they aim to advance within the solar industry.
A variety of AI-powered technologies have been included in the draft plan revealed on Friday by the Ministry of Commerce alongside the Ministry of Science and Technology, named “Announcement No. 48.”
Also Read: LG Electronics Emerges as Apple's Home AI Ally
It encompasses 40 essential technologies in the areas of AI, biomedicine, and photovoltaics. Among these, 14 technologies were suggested for a total ban on export, including the manufacturing technologies for Perovskite and tandem solar-cell modules, AI-driven technologies capable of generating and altering harmful code, and certain platforms associated with cell and gene therapy.
An additional 26 technologies were identified for restricted exports, including polysilicon engineering technologies utilized in solar cell production, provided they relate to production lines with yearly output capacities of no less than 30,000 tonnes.
Regarding photovoltaics controls, the statement indicated that China was incorporating 12 photovoltaic technologies, which include polysilicon production, wafer fabrication, and solar cell manufacturing.
Referencing the necessity to “protect national security and interests,” the statement indicated that “photovoltaic technologies are being more widely utilized in aerospace, defense, unmanned systems, and other critical areas; consequently, the national-security consequences of technology exports have escalated.”
Also Read: UAE Group AESG Buys Top Australian Renewable Energy Consultancy
It stated that “only a restricted range of technologies would be subject to regulation” and “other solar technologies would still be freely exportable.” Regarding the suggested AI regulations, the spokesperson noted that although “most AI technologies will remain largely exportable,” China is introducing 23 critical AI technologies, which include foundation models, intelligent agents, computing clusters, and information-processing technologies.
Technologies like automated harmful-code creation and modification might be employed to attack essential infrastructure, defense systems, and central government networks or to bypass national security protections,” the statement added. “If these technologies fell into the hands of harmful individuals, they could pose risks to national security and greater human safety.” China aims to create security measures, deter abuse, and guarantee that AI stays managed by humans.
Also Read: Moma Marks Construction Milestone at Dubai Beachfront Property
The declaration emphasized that China continues to be “dedicated to creating an open-source AI innovation ecosystem,” and that open-source AI initiatives and international chip manufacturing endeavors “would qualify for support measures,” whereas technologies already accessible to the public through open-source releases or scholarly articles would “typically be free from export restrictions.”
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China will still sell India solar panels, but it now wants to guard the recipe for making them. Here’s what its new export curbs mean for India’s solar cell shortage, the companies racing to expand, and who else India can turn to.
Imagine the best biryani shop in your neighbourhood. For years, it happily sold you biryani. It also sold you its big handis, and even sent its cook over to train your staff.
Now the shop has a new rule. You can still buy the biryani. But the recipe for its newest dishes is no longer for sale. And the handis and the cook? You’ll need the shop’s permission first.
That, in short, is what China did to the world’s solar industry on October 16, 2026. And India, which is busy trying to open its own biryani shop, may feel it the most. So let’s break it down.
China proposed controls on 12 technologies used to make solar equipment, citing national security. It sorted them into two buckets.
Bucket 1: Banned outright. These are China’s crown jewels:
Technology to make perovskite and tandem cells. These are next-generation cells that squeeze far more power out of sunlight.
Technology to make ultra-thin silicon wafers, 70 micrometres or less. That is roughly as thin as a human hair.
A cheaper, cleaner way to make polysilicon, the purified silicon that everything else is built from.
Bucket 2: Allowed, but only with permission. This covers TOPCon, HJT and back-contact (XBC) cells. These are the workhorse cell types that most new factories use today.
Two bits of fine print matter a lot:
It’s still a draft. Public comments are open until November 15, 2026. But one part is already live: Chinese companies must now register with the government before sending these technologies abroad.
Finished products aren’t blocked. China will still sell you solar panels, and even cells and wafers. What it’s locking up is the know-how and the machines to make them yourself.
That second point is the whole game. China isn’t stopping the biryani. It’s guarding the recipe.
Reuters adds one more detail: China has already been curbing solar-manufacturing technology exports to India specifically. Analysts see it as China protecting its lead while India tries to build its own industry.
First, a quick lesson in how a solar panel is made. It goes in four steps: polysilicon → wafer → cell → module (the panel).
India is strongest at the last step. China’s new rules land on the steps before it, and the cell step is where India is already short.
The cell is the important bit. It’s the thin blue square that actually turns sunlight into electricity. The module is mostly assembly: you line up the cells, add glass, a frame and wiring.
India is brilliant at the assembly part. It’s still small at the cell part. By June 2026, India could make about 262 GW of panels a year, but only about 37 GW of cells. For TOPCon, the most popular type, the gap is wider still: roughly 172 GW of panel capacity against about 10 GW of cells.
Think of it as a giant tiffin-box factory that makes very little of the food that goes inside.
The government wants to fix this. Under a rule called ALMM List-II, government-backed solar projects must now use Indian-made cells. Some rooftop and open-access projects got a breather, but that ends on December 31, 2026.
So every big company is racing to build cell factories. Here’s the catch: most of those factories run on Chinese machines, set up by Chinese engineers. One study found that all 17 of Waaree’s listed supply-chain partners were Chinese. And that is exactly what China just put behind a permission gate.
It depends on how far along a company’s plans are.
1. Factories already running: mostly fine. The machines are already installed and humming. The worry is servicing. Spare parts, upgrades and visits from Chinese technicians may now need Beijing’s approval, so fixes could get slower.
2. Factories being built: this is where it hurts. A new cell line needs Chinese engineers to install and switch it on. If every such job needs a licence, timelines slip and costs rise. Santosh Pai of the Institute of Chinese Studies warned that India’s first wave of cell makers could see delays in starting production.
And timing is everything here. A cell factory that opens six months late misses six months of the shortage, which is exactly when cells are most profitable to sell.
3. Going deeper into wafers and polysilicon: harder still. India already plans to require Indian-made wafers from June 2028. China has now banned the technology for the thinnest wafers and the cheapest polysilicon process. So India’s next big step just got steeper.
If new cell factories open late, the cell shortage lasts longer. That’s bad for the country. But it’s good for whoever already has cell lines running, because scarce things sell at higher prices. Wood Mackenzie already expects utility-scale solar system prices in India to rise 20% by the end of 2026 because of the cell crunch.
So not every solar company is hurt equally:
Better placed: companies with cell factories already producing.
More exposed: companies that mostly assemble panels and whose cell plans are still on paper.
The honest answer: no single country can replace China. It dominates almost every step. But there are options at each step, just smaller and pricier.
Step
Who else can supply
The catch
The equipment names come from general industry knowledge; treat them as a starting list, not a verified supplier directory.
In practice, India will probably use a mix. The government can negotiate licences, since TOPCon is “restricted,” not banned. Companies can buy some lines from Europe, Korea or Japan. And everyone will have to spend more on their own R&D. Slower and costlier, yes. But it’s also how real self-reliance gets built.
If you’re planning rooftop solar: prices could stay firm for a while if cells remain scarce. Panels won’t vanish, though, because finished products aren’t blocked.
If you hold solar stocks: a headline like this can trigger a sharp sell-off. But remember that running factories aren’t directly hit. The real risk is to future expansion timelines, not today’s output. Three things are worth watching:
The final rules after November 15.
Whether Indian companies actually get licences approved.
What companies say about whether their machines are already delivered.
This is context, not investment advice.
The bottom line: China isn’t taking the biryani off the menu. It’s locking the recipe in a safe. India’s real test now is whether it can learn to cook on its own, and how fast.
Until then…
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Based on 17.6 kW, the proposal comes out to about $2.78 per watt.
Photo Credit: iStock
A Massachusetts homeowner turned to social media after being confused by two different system sizes on the same $49,000 solar panel proposal: 17.6 kilowatts DC and 15.1 kilowatts AC.
The homeowner took their questions to Reddit’s r/Solar forum, where they asked, “Should I be calculating cost per DC or AC kw? This would be a 40 panel roof installed project in Massachusetts
In the Reddit thread, the original poster was seeking “quote feedback” on their $49,000 estimate for a system with a 17.6-kW DC size, a 15.085-kW CEC-AC rating, 40 JAM54D41 MB panels, and 40 IQ8MC-72-M-US [240V] inverters.
Solar panels generate DC electricity, and the inverters convert it to AC for home use.
With energy prices through the roof, there’s never been a better time to go solar — and EasyHome can help you find the best prices from the best installers in your area.
EasyHome takes the guesswork and headaches out of energy upgrades by showing you estimated savings from a network of vetted local partners. To get started, just enter your ZIP and share a few details about your home — seeing your estimate is really that easy.
People replying to the thread clarified that the price-per-watt calculation should use the DC system size. Based on 17.6 kW, the proposal comes out to about $2.78 per watt, which is much more favorable than using the lower AC rating.
One comment wrote, “for system pricing, you look at installed kWdc, so panel wattage x quantity.” Another user similarly added, “DC is what you paid for so that’s the number to use, works out around $2.78/watt, which is decent for MA.”
For comparing solar bids, the 17.6-kW DC figure offers a more consistent benchmark, while the installer’s annual production estimate provides a better idea of what the $49,000 system might actually produce on a Massachusetts roof.
As the discussion shows, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy, and homeowners comparing bids can use EnergySage to get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes. With EnergySage’s help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations.
EnergySage’s solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with details on solar panel incentives for each state.
Plus, adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. For a 40-panel setup like the one in the Reddit post, homeowners can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
These stories take a closer look at the costs, savings, and incentives that can shape a solar quote like this one.
• Energy experts helped 60,000 homeowners slash prices by $9,000 on rooftop solar installations.
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
• On Cape Cod, solar and net metering could leave one homeowner 4,100 kWh ahead.
• Researchers found solar panels save homeowners about $700 yearly, with bigger gains in some states.
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China Proposes Export Controls on 12 Solar Technologies; India’s Clean-Energy Manufacturing Faces New Questions http://www.nationpathindia.com
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China has proposed adding 40 technologies across artificial intelligence (AI), biomedicine and photovoltaic energy to its catalogue of technologies prohibited or restricted from export, according to an announcement by the country’s Ministry of Commerce.
The proposed revision covers technologies from three sectors that have become increasingly important to China’s technology and industrial development. The ministry has invited public feedback on the proposal. While also introducing interim pre-export registration management for the relevant technologies.
Among the technologies included in the proposal are AI models, intelligent agents and computing clusters. These represent key components of China’s AI industry and support the development and deployment of advanced AI systems.
The proposal comes amid growing competition and geopolitical tensions between China and the United States over the development of advanced technologies. AI capabilities, computing infrastructure and access to strategic technologies have become increasingly important in the broader competition between the two countries.
The ministry said the proposed revision was a routine update prompted by the expanding use of related technologies in sensitive fields. It also stated that the move was not directed at any specific country, region or entity.
The public consultation period will allow stakeholders to submit their views on the proposed changes before the revision process advances. At the same time, the interim pre-export registration arrangements introduce an additional administrative step for relevant technologies covered by the proposal.
The inclusion of AI models, intelligent agents and computing clusters highlights the growing importance of software, AI systems and computing resources in technology-related trade controls. These technologies support the development of advanced AI capabilities and have become central to the wider technology competition involving China and other major economies.
Biomedicine and photovoltaic technologies are also covered by the proposed revision, extending the scope beyond AI to other sectors with important industrial and technological applications.
The proposal does not establish that all 40 technologies have already been added to the restricted list. It remains a proposed revision, with public opinions being sought until November 15.
The announcement reflects China’s continuing review of export controls as technological applications expand into more sensitive areas.
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“The big cost right now seems to be the batteries.”
Photo Credit: iStock
After moving into a home with 15 fully paid-off solar panels, one resident assumed their setup could at least cover a handful of necessities when the grid goes down.
Instead, they were told adding outage backup would cost more than $10,000.
In a Reddit thread on the site’s r/SolarDIY forum, a homeowner explained that the grid-tied setup generates more electricity than the home uses but still shuts off during power outages.
This original poster asked, “What is the absolute cheapest way to utilize even a small portion of an existing grid-tied solar system during a power outage?” The OP added, “I’m really just looking for the most affordable, bare-bones solution that would allow us to access some of the energy our panels are producing during an emergency.”
With energy prices through the roof, there’s never been a better time to go solar — and EasyHome can help you find the best prices from the best installers in your area.
EasyHome takes the guesswork and headaches out of energy upgrades by showing you estimated savings from a network of vetted local partners. To get started, just enter your ZIP and share a few details about your home — seeing your estimate is really that easy.
Replies to the post explained that getting existing rooftop solar to work in a blackout usually involves more than a simple add-on.
One user replied, “You need a battery, a new inverter and a transfer switch that can switch between grid connected and battery. And a qualified electrician to install it. The big cost right now seems to be the batteries.”
A second commenter similarly added, “your best bet is to buy a battery system, charge it when you have excess solar power and then plug in whatever you need during a power outage. Integrating a battery system into your existing setup will be expensive.”
A third user explained that “AC coupling a hybrid inverter/battery is how you do this. $10,000 isn’t absurd, the parts are $4,000 on the low side of things.”
Several commenters emphasized that the cheapest practical alternative is often a separate portable battery for key loads such as a fridge, freezer, internet, or lights. They also noted that this route usually does not let the installed rooftop panels provide power during an outage, though.
Going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy, especially if your system can produce excess power. If you’re comparing rooftop options or wondering whether pricing is competitive, EnergySage can help you get free installation estimates and compare quotes.
With EnergySage’s help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. EnergySage’s solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with solar panel incentives for each state.
And as explained by the Reddit thread, adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. Homeowners who want to compare battery options and installation pricing can also explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage, including competitive installation estimates.
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
These stories explore the backup options homeowners consider after learning their solar panels will not run during an outage.
• Solar owners on Reddit said full-home battery backup can make outages almost disappear.
• For blackout-prone households, a home battery storage unit can protect food and the internet.
• In California, one homeowner showed that solar kept his lights on through a neighborhood blackout.
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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NEW WILMINGTON, Pa.-– I get many questions about the solar panel beside the tiny house where I’m living, and it sparked my interest in learning more about it myself. I sat down with Dr. Helen Boylan-Funari to gather some information on the Tiny House Solar Panel.
Q: “Was the solar panel constructed at the same time as the tiny house, or was it installed as a project after the tiny house was built?”
A: “The solar panel was installed as an educational resource and sustainability project in 2019, about two years after the tiny house was constructed in 2017.”
Q: “How does the solar panel operate, and is there anything specific we should know?”
A: “The system is made up of polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and thin film solar panels. The system feeds into the power grid, not just to the tiny house itself.”
Polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and thin-film solar panels differ in uses, efficiency, and lifespan.
Polycrystalline solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells made up of silicon crystals of different sizes. The solar panels convert sunlight energy at around a 15%-19% efficiency; the panels are best used for large residential roofs and have a lifetime of around 25-35 years.
Monocrystalline solar panels contain photovoltaic cells that are made of silicon crystals of relatively the same size. These panels convert sunlight energy at a 20%-24% efficiency; they’re best used for limited roof space and have a lifetime of 25-30+ years.
Thin film solar panels are made up of thin layers of microscopic layers of light absorbing materials. These are made by spraying layers of light absorbing materials rather than using solid silicon crystal wafters like what is used in monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. These panels convert energy around 10%-18% efficiency, however, they are more efficient at picking up solar rays on cloudy days. These panels are best used for RV or boat setups and have a lifetime of 10-20 years.
The system beside the tiny house is made up of all three types, polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and thin-film panels. The solar panel stands to the left of the tiny house and is on a pole mount with a manual tilting system. The panel tilts throughout the day to maximize the amount of sunlight energy available for the solar panel system. The power generated feeds into the surrounding power grid, not the tiny house itself.
Even though the solar panel system beside the tiny house doesn’t power the tiny house directly, I do believe that areas that get more sunlight more often could use a solar power system to adequately provide electricity for a tiny home setup.
The tiny house solar panel has its own data website that you can explore using this link:https://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/web/RnMR1593616/today/graph/hours?public=1
Solar panels are compact and prove to be efficient in areas that get a lot of sunlight yearly. This practice could bring more of a reality to a more self-sustainable way of living!
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“Whatever else happens, don’t let the batteries sit at a low state of charge for long periods.”
Photo Credit: iStock
A homeowner with a 12-kilowatt-peak solar setup told the r/solar subreddit that the house has been “pretty much offgrid” since adding a battery in April, but they are now trying to figure out how to prepare the system for five darker months of weaker solar production.
At the top of their concerns was their battery’s discharge limit.
In the Reddit post, the homeowner described a 12-kilowatt-peak solar system — listed as “2x6kWp PV” — with a Sungrow SH10RT-20 inverter and an SBR256 battery that was connected in April.
They wanted to know whether leaving the discharge limit at the default 5% still made sense for five darker months.
The home has been producing enough power for months to sharply cut grid use. The poster said the system makes about 60 kilowatt-hours on a sunny summer day and about 40 kilowatt-hours in mid-October, meaning much of that electricity can be used directly or stored instead of bought from the utility.
More than one reply favored keeping a bigger reserve.
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“I’d feel a bit more comfortable setting to 10% or even 20%,” a commenter wrote.
A second commenter went even further: “I agree. I wouldn’t let mine get that low either. I’m set at 20%.”
The homeowner is not deciding whether solar is worth it; they are trying to protect existing savings through the least productive part of the year. The poster also said they do not expect the battery to reach a full charge again until March.
If winter production falls from 40 kilowatt-hours a day to roughly 10 on an average December day, as the poster expects, every decision about battery reserve affects how much stored solar can offset paid electricity from the grid.
They also clarified in a reply that the house remains connected to the grid.
“Yeah, I am connected to the grid,” the original poster explained. “In the inverter, I can choose to fill the battery with grid electricity to 100%, so that’s not the issue.”
That shifted the conversation from outage planning to battery care. As the original poster put it, “Outage isn’t something I’m worried about. I want to avoid deep discharges.”
Taken together, the replies leaned toward a 10% to 20% floor as a more comfortable winter setting than 5% if the goal is to avoid pushing the battery too deep.
One commenter offered a more specific warning, writing: “Whatever else happens, don’t let the batteries sit at a low state of charge for long periods, e.g. more than a day or two. They don’t like it.”
For a grid-connected home, that can mean using the inverter’s option to top the battery up from grid power when needed. Another commenter suggested setting the reserve so the battery can still refill to 100% by the end of generation on a bright winter day.
It is as much a utility-bill strategy as a hardware one, helping a household use as much self-generated electricity as possible without draining the battery more than necessary.
Commenters suggested pvoutput.org and SunSleuth to compare winter generation with other systems and get a better sense of what kind of daily charging is realistic.
For homeowners leaning more on solar, questions about backup power, battery economics, and day-to-day savings get real fast.
• One household said full-home battery backup made outages almost unnoticeable after a solar upgrade.
• Across the U.S., homeowners are choosing home batteries as prices plunge and bills climb.
• With only 20 states keeping net metering rules intact, home batteries look different financially.
• In Connecticut, a new bill gives home batteries a major advantage before incentive caps bite.
• In Australia, a homeowner said blackouts became invisible after a 20-kilowatt solar installation.
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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Emmvee Photovoltaic Power Limited (NSE:EMMVEE) submitted newspaper clippings of its unaudited financial results for the quarter and half year ended 30 September 2026 to the exchanges on 17 October 2026, fulfilling its disclosure obligation under Regulation 47 of the SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015.
Emmvee Photovoltaic Power Limited (NSE:EMMVEE), headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, operates in the renewable energy sector with a focus on solar photovoltaic power generation. The company, formerly incorporated as a private limited entity, is engaged in generating solar energy and has established solar power plants across India. It is listed on both the NSE and BSE, with its investor disclosures available through the official investor relations section of the company’s corporate website.
Emmvee Photovoltaic Power Limited filed a submission with both BSE Limited (Scrip Code: 544608) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (Symbol: EMMVEE) on 17 October 2026. The submission enclosed newspaper clippings of the extract of the statement of unaudited financial results, covering both standalone and consolidated figures for the quarter and half year ended 30 September 2026. The clippings were published on 15 October 2026, two days prior to the regulatory submission date.
The results extract appeared in two widely circulated English-language newspapers, Economic Times and Times of India, as well as in Vijaya Karnataka, a leading Kannada-language daily, thereby ensuring broad geographic and linguistic reach in line with SEBI’s public dissemination norms. The filing was signed by Murugesh C, Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, acting on behalf of the board. The company confirmed that the same information was simultaneously made accessible through its official investor relations web page, consistent with SEBI’s dual-channel disclosure requirements under Regulation 47.
Investors will note that the present filing is procedural in nature and confirms that the company has met its statutory obligation to disseminate financial result extracts through print media in accordance with Regulation 47 of the SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015. The filing itself does not disclose specific revenue, profit, or margin figures; those details are contained within the underlying financial results announced separately by the board.
Shareholders will observe that the publication of both standalone and consolidated extracts gives investors a basis to cross-reference reported performance across the two accounting frameworks. The disclosed terms indicate no corporate action, dividend declaration, or change in capital structure arising from this filing. Investors seeking detailed financial data should refer to the full results filing submitted to the exchanges.
India’s solar power installed capacity has grown substantially over recent years, with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy reporting cumulative solar installations exceeding 90 GW as of mid-2026. Listed solar power generation companies such as Emmvee Photovoltaic Power are subject to heightened regulatory scrutiny on disclosure timelines under SEBI LODR norms, reflecting the sector’s growing importance to institutional and retail investor portfolios.
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Investing.com — China has proposed export restrictions on 12 solar manufacturing technologies, citing national security concerns, in a move that could affect overseas production plans and reinforce Beijing’s dominance in the global photovoltaic industry.
China’s Ministry of Commerce announced the proposal on Friday as part of a broader revision of its technology export-control catalogue, covering artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
The ministry said tighter oversight was necessary because photovoltaic technologies are increasingly used in sensitive sectors, including aerospace and national defence.
Under the proposed measures, China would prohibit exports of certain technologies used to manufacture thin silicon wafers, perovskite and tandem solar cells, alongside large-scale fluidised-bed polysilicon production systems.
Perovskite technology offers the potential for higher solar conversion efficiency, while tandem cells combine materials to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight.
Fluidised-bed polysilicon production is also more energy-efficient and less expensive than the conventional Siemens process.
Beijing would separately restrict, rather than prohibit, exports of advanced solar cell manufacturing technologies, including TOPCon, heterojunction technology (HJT) and XBC.
The proposed controls could complicate overseas manufacturers’ efforts to expand domestic solar production.
Chinese officials previously discussed potential restrictions with manufacturers, raising concerns about expansion plans by U.S. companies, including Tesla (NASDAQ).
China has also tightened access to solar manufacturing technology for India, which is seeking to develop domestic production and reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers.
The proposal reflects Beijing’s efforts to maintain oversight of strategically important technologies while protecting its position in the global solar supply chain.
The commerce ministry said the measures were intended to prevent the uncontrolled spread or misuse of sensitive technologies while preserving legitimate international cooperation.
Exporters must register certain overseas technology transfers pending the formal revision of the export-control catalogue.
Public consultation on the proposal will close on November 15.
If implemented, the restrictions could increase uncertainty for international solar manufacturers seeking access to Chinese production expertise.
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Tongwei (CNE000001GS3) reported a CNY 5.12 billion loss attributable to shareholders for the first half of 2026, while revenue fell 15.19 percent year over year to CNY 34.36 billion, according to China Tech Visits. The latest company-linked development is a brand ranking reported on October 14, 2026.
Tongwei said it ranked 115th on the 2026 Asia’s 500 Most Valuable Brands list after the ranking was released on September 20, 2026. The company also retained its global number-one positions in photovoltaic and aquaculture brand value, according to the release.
The ranking sits beside a difficult earnings picture. First-half revenue of CNY 34.36 billion was 15.19 percent below the prior-year period, while the CNY 5.12 billion shareholder loss followed a CNY 2.67 billion loss in the latest quarter, reported by Investing.com.
The operating tension is visible in the comparison between Tongwei’s global industrial footprint and its latest results. The company says its solar cell shipments have exceeded 400 GW cumulatively, while high-purity polysilicon has held the world’s largest market share for several consecutive years, according to its September 23, 2026 company release at Tongwei.
On December 12, 2025, Tongwei’s advanced photovoltaic pilot platform received national manufacturing-platform recognition after a selection process with an 8.5 per mille inclusion rate, according to the company’s investor-relations page. On September 23, 2026, Tongwei said its brand value reached CNY 275.639 billion and ranked 41st in China’s 500 Most Valuable Brands. On October 14, 2026, the company highlighted its 115th position in the Asia ranking.
TradingView lists October 31, 2026, as the next earnings-report date for Tongwei. The scheduled report is the next concrete checkpoint for whether revenue and losses have stabilized.
Tongwei’s market capitalization was CNY 49.9 billion on October 16, 2026, and its Shanghai Stock Exchange 52-week range was CNY 10.32 to CNY 27.75. The October 31 reporting date gives the market a defined point for testing the gap between the company’s global solar scale and its recent financial results.
Market context: Market report Shanghai Composite.
More news and analyses on Tongwei stock
Atmos Renewables, the renewable energy arm of investment manager Igneo Infrastructure Partners, announced it has taken full ownership of the operating Yatpool and Hughenden solar farms, the advanced Bullawah wind project and a number of earlier stage development projects from BayWa r.e..
Sydney-headquartered Atmos said the acquisition increases its operational portfolio to 19 solar, wind and battery energy storage assets and lifts its operating and in-construction capacity beyond 2 GW, placing it among Australia’s larger renewable energy owner-operators.
The 106 MW Yatpool Solar Farm is located in northwest Victoria and entered into commercial operation in 2021 with its revenue supported by an offtake arrangement with Australian electricity retailer Flow Power. The asset is about six kilometres from the 112.5 MW Karadoc Solar Farm that Atmos acquired from BayWa r.e. in 2023.
The 20 MW Hughenden Solar Farm is in central Queensland and has been operating since 2018. The project has a power purchase agreement (PPA) in place with Queensland government-owned gen-tailer CS Energy.
Atmos has also acquired the Bullawah Wind Farm project proposed for southwest New South Wales (NSW) and several earlier stage developments. The Bullawah project includes plans for up to 800 MW of wind generation alongside a 359 MW two-hour battery but currently only has access rights for a 262 MW wind stage.
Atmos Chief Executive Officer Nigel Baker said together, the projects add further scale and diversity to the company’s growing portfolio.
“This acquisition strengthens our portfolio in two important ways,” he said. “Yatpool and Hughenden add further diversity to our operating portfolio, while the 262 MW Bullawah project positions the company to deliver its first NSW wind farm in the near term, given the advanced state of that project and the REZ access rights it holds.”
“This allows us to expand the Atmos operating portfolio immediately, while investing in a significant wind project in the NEM region of greatest customer demand.”
The acquisition follows Atmos’ announcement earlier this month that it had reached financial close on two large-scale projects that will deliver a combined 870 MW of new renewable energy capacity. The projects include the 400 MW / 1,600 MWh Teebar Battery Energy Storage System in Queensland and the 470 MW Parron Maam Marang Farm in Western Australia.
For BayWa, the transaction comes as it presses ahead with a “strategic realignment” revealed earlier this year. In March, the company announced it would turn its focus to “specific core markets” in Europe due to “significantly clouded market conditions” for the renewable energy sector.
BayWa Chief Operating Officer said Daniel Gäfke the transaction highlights the company’s expertise in identifying, advancing and mitigating risk in large-scale renewable energy developments.
“The successful transfer to Atmos Renewables highlights the strength of high-quality, investment-ready assets and the continued interest in renewable energy infrastructure opportunities,” he said. “We are convinced that these projects will continue to generate significant value under the new owner.”
Baker said BayWa is now working closely with Atmos to ensure a smooth transition, adding that existing PPAs, landowner agreements and stakeholder commitments will be honoured.
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“I expect to see a surge of similar products coming soon.”
Photo Credit: Reddit
A homeowner took to social media to lay out a simple solar math problem: If 800 watts of solar panel output is produced for five hours while the house uses a steady 400 watts, can the extra energy be stored for later?
In a post on Reddit’s r/SolarDIY community, the homeowner said their state now allows plug-in solar systems that can send up to 1,200 watts to the grid.
The original poster wanted to know whether a solar power station could sit between the panels and the panel box so the house could store any generation it didn’t use immediately.
OP wrote, “I’m wrapping my head around the options with plug in solar and am trying to see if a solar power station is useful in this,” before asking, “Are there power banks that will do this? How hard are they to set up?”
With energy prices through the roof, there’s never been a better time to go solar — and EasyHome can help you find the best prices from the best installers in your area.
EasyHome takes the guesswork and headaches out of energy upgrades by showing you estimated savings from a network of vetted local partners. To get started, just enter your ZIP and share a few details about your home — seeing your estimate is really that easy.
Commenters to quickly stream into the thread to add their thoughts and suggestions. One wrote, “You would need the solar to feed/charge the power station which would feed into the microinverter which would plug into the dedicated outlet and sync with the grid.”
Another added, “plug in solar rules vary with each state,” an idea several other users expressed.
One encouraging commenter explained, “you can configure solar output to pass directly to the inverter to supply a baseboard value you define in the app. Surplus charges the battery… I expect to see a surge of similar products coming soon.”
Whether you get rooftop panels or opt for a plug-in setup, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy. Homeowners who want to compare larger system options can try EnergySage to get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes. With EnergySage’s help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations.
For anyone weighing a solar upgrade, EnergySage’s solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with details on solar panel incentives for each state.
Batteries can change a solar system’s economics by providing backup power, reducing energy costs, and supporting off-grid use. They can also make the post’s midday extra generation more useful after sunset. Homeowners can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
These articles explore the same questions about solar, batteries, and what daytime generation is actually worth.
• Across the U.S., net metering rules make home batteries harder or easier to justify.
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
• In Australia, a homeowner’s 20kW solar setup made blackouts nearly invisible and credits piled up.
• EnergySage says solar panel costs depend on equipment, labor, incentives, and household needs.
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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Partial shading remains one of the most persistent constraints on photovoltaic system performance, particularly in built environments where rooftops, vegetation, adjacent structures and changing sun angles can reduce the energy available to parts of an array. AIKO will address this challenge in a technical webinar titled “Why partial shading should no longer define your system yield”, taking place on 21 October 2026 at 10:00 SAST, 09:00 WAT and 10:00 CAT.
Register for the webinar here: https://aikosolar.com/en/events-calendar/
The session will focus on Advanced Back Contact (ABC) Module Architecture and System Level Optimisation, exploring how module design and system configuration can work together to support stronger yield outcomes when shading occurs. Rather than treating partial shading as an unavoidable limitation, the discussion will examine the engineering principles that influence how a system responds to non-uniform irradiance.
Adnane El Youssofi, Solutions Engineer at AIKO MEA DG, and Ridhaa Orrie, Technical Sales Manager at AIKO MEA DG, will lead the technical discussion.
Engineering led case study
The webinar will include a case study deep dive, giving attendees a practical view of how ABC architecture relates to system level yield. The discussion is intended to connect module level design considerations with the broader performance of a photovoltaic installation.
Attendees will gain insight into why partial shading can affect system yield, how ABC module architecture relates to system level performance, and what system level optimisation can contribute in real world applications. A live question and answer session will allow participants to engage directly with the AIKO technical team.
The content is designed for engineers and technical professionals working in solar PV, electrical systems and energy, module design and applications, system performance, and related research. It will be particularly relevant to those involved in system design, performance assessment, project development and technical specification.
Berlin BC Summit
Participants will also receive information on the upcoming Berlin BC Summit, which will take place from 8 to 12 December 2026. The summit forms part of AIKO’s broader engagement with the back contact technology ecosystem and will provide further opportunities for technical exchange.
Registration for the webinar is available through the official registration link. The session will be hosted on Microsoft Teams.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
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Toyota Tsusho Corporation (“Toyota Tsusho”) announced today that, through its Group company AEOLUS SAS (“AEOLUS”), which is engaged in the renewable energy business in Africa, it has completed the construction of two solar power plants (totaling 100MW) in the Republic of Tunisia (“Tunisia”) and begun commercial operation.
This project is Toyota Tsusho’s first renewable energy project in Tunisia and AEOLUS’ first investment project. The two solar power plants being constructed in Tunisia’s Sidi Bouzid and Tozeur governorates through an operating company funded by AEOLUS and Scatec ASA, a Norwegian company involved in the construction and operation of solar power plants, have now been completed. Sidi Bouzid Mezzouna PV Power (50MW) began commercial operation on January 1, 2026, and Tozeur PV Power (50MW) began commercial operation on March 4, 2026.
Going forward, these plants will supply electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of approximately 120,000 Tunisian households (resulting in approximately 108,000 tons of reduced CO2 emissions) to the Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas for a period of 30 years.
Both power plants were selected by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan for Financing Programme for Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) Model Projects* in FY2023.
Toyota Tsusho Group promotes carbon neutrality in order to deliver a better global environment for future generations. In Africa, under the key message “for the future children of Africa,” we will continue to promote green businesses that contribute to solving social issues and realizing economic growth in Africa.
* Ministry of the Environment, Japan has been implementing the “JCM Model Projects,” which provides financial supports covering up to half of the initial investment costs. The purpose of this model projects is to financially support the implementation of projects which reduce GHG emissions by utilizing leading decarbonizing technologies in developing countries, and in return, to acquire JCM credits for achievement of Japan’s GHG emission reduction and the partner countries’ emission reduction target. This project is being implemented with the cooperation of the Tunisian and Japanese governments.
– August 6, 2024 release: Participation in 100MW Solar Photovoltaic IPP Projects in Tunisia
(https://www.toyota-tsusho.com/english/press/detail/240806_006449.html)
The information in this release is current as of the date of announcement.
Please note that information may change after the date of announcement. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
Luis Reyes
Oct 18, at 11:00am ET
Power plants don’t usually hand out their operating data. A utility will tell you how many megawatts it made last year and maybe how many homes that covers, but the second-by-second stuff, the pressures and flow rates and tank levels, stays inside the control room. So when a commercial solar plant in the French Pyrenees put a full year of that onto a public server last month, I went and read the paper that came with it.
The plant is called eLLO, it sits above the village of Llo in the eastern Pyrenees, and it doesn’t use a single solar panel. It uses 27 rows of mirrors to boil water, and it stores the leftover heat in nine steel tanks so the turbine can keep running after dark. The interesting part, at least to me, is what happens when those tanks are full.
A photovoltaic panel turns light into electricity directly. This plant does it the old-fashioned way, with steam. Flat-ish mirrors on the ground track the sun and bounce it onto a steel tube running 28 feet above them, water flows through the tube, and the water comes out of the field as a mix of steam and hot water at 547 degrees Fahrenheit and 1,015 psi. That steam spins a 10-megawatt turbine, the same basic trick a coal plant uses, minus the coal.
The field is big. The 27 rows add up to 1.64 million square feet of mirror, roughly 38 acres of glass, laid out on a hillside that slopes and bends enough that the engineers had to split it into an east field of 10 rows and a west field of 17. Each row is built from modules 220 feet long and 46 feet wide, and each module carries 140 reflectors made of four mirrors apiece, bonded to a frame under tension so they bow very slightly. The operator’s own count is 95,200 mirrors.
The mirrors get cleaned by robots, which is a sentence I didn’t expect to write about a plant that started feeding the French grid on May 14, 2019.
Here’s the bit the paper describes better than any press release ever did. The storage is nine horizontal steel vessels, each holding 120 cubic meters, which works out to 31,700 gallons apiece, and they’re mostly full of water held under pressure.
If you’ve ever used a pressure cooker, you already understand the physics. Water under pressure can sit well above 212 degrees without boiling. During the day, when the mirrors are making more steam than the turbine can swallow, the extra steam gets piped into the water inside those tanks, where it condenses and heats the water up toward 547 degrees. What builds up in the tanks is hotter and hotter water, and that water is the storage medium.
Then the sun drops behind the mountains. The plant opens a valve, the pressure in the tanks falls, and some of that pressurized hot water flashes back into steam, which goes straight to the turbine. The paper’s authors say the nine tanks together hold about 160 megawatt-hours of heat, enough for roughly four hours of full-power running, or around 40 megawatt-hours of electricity once you account for the 25 percent the steam cycle actually converts.
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Four hours is the design figure. The 24-hour snapshot the researchers chose to publish in fine detail, July 16, 2025, was picked precisely because it was a clear, high-sun day where the tanks charged fully and then ran the turbine overnight. What the paper doesn’t tell you is how many nights in 2025 got the full four hours and how many got 40 minutes. The hourly data is there if you want to work that out yourself, and I suspect somebody will.
This is the detail that got me. The plant’s first job, according to the operating strategy laid out in the paper in Data in Brief, is to push 9.9 megawatts onto the grid. Anything the mirrors make beyond that goes into the tanks. And once the tanks are charged and the turbine is already at full load, the control system starts tipping mirror modules off the sun to cut steam production.
So on a good summer afternoon, a share of a 38-acre mirror field is deliberately pointed at nothing. The plant has more sun than it has anywhere to put it.
You might be wondering why they don’t just build more tanks. Pressure vessels rated for 1,000-plus psi and 547 degrees aren’t cheap, and the paper is frank that large-scale storage is the hard part of this whole steam-in-the-pipes approach. A molten salt tower, like the kind we wrote about in the New Mexico desert, can hold heat for far longer, but it needs a separate loop of salt that has to stay liquid or it turns into a very expensive rock. Pressurized water is simpler, it responds fast, and apparently four hours was the trade-off this operator could afford.
I’d call it a pretty honest design.
The paper comes from researchers at the PROMES-CNRS solar lab in Font-Romeu, a few miles from the plant, with the plant’s own production manager, Fabien Roget, listed as a co-author. They pulled readings from 124 sensors: the irradiance meters, the number of mirrors actually focused in each field at any moment, pressure and water level in all nine storage tanks, steam flow to the turbine, and the export meter at the substation.
The logger records every second. For the year, they averaged that down to hourly values from January 1, 2025, through January 1, 2026. After throwing out every hour with a bad or missing reading, they ended up with 338 usable days. The rest went missing to maintenance windows and what the authors describe as freezes in the supervision server, which is a problem anyone who’s run industrial software will recognize.
Is a solar plant in the French mountains really the one to publish? Frankly, yes, because nobody else has. The authors say this is the first open year-long dataset from a commercial plant of this type, and the comparisons they give are a few days of data here, weather readings there, or a full set that a company keeps locked up. If you’re a grad student trying to model how one of these things behaves at half load on a cloudy Tuesday, this is the only real-world answer you’ve got.
The data is out under France’s Etalab open license, so anyone can download it.
We covered a different take on the same problem earlier this year: a stack of heated bricks in Kern County, California that soaks up cheap solar electricity by day and makes steam for an oil field by night. That one stores 100 megawatt-hours and charges off electricity. The French plant stores 160 megawatt-hours of heat and never touches a solar panel at all. Same goal, two very different machines, and I’m not sure either one has settled the argument.
What the eLLO plant has going for it is a track record. The operator, whose management team took the company over in 2023, says on its own site that it feeds the grid by day and part of the night. CNIM, the builder, sized the output at the electricity use of more than 6,000 households, and NREL’s project database lists an expected 20.2 gigawatt-hours a year. The mirrors, the tanks, and the 10-megawatt turbine were all running through the year the researchers logged.
Valentine Grange and her co-authors published the dataset on September 18, 2026, covering every hour of 2025 at the plant in Llo, France, plus the July 16 day broken down to 10-second steps.
Agree or laugh out loud?
Luis Reyes · Oct 1, 2026
Luis Reyes · Oct 7, 2026
Luis Reyes · Oct 3, 2026
Luis Reyes · Oct 8, 2026
Luis Reyes · Oct 5, 2026
Luis Reyes · Sep 20, 2026
Luis Reyes · Oct 18, 2026
Luis Reyes · Oct 18, 2026
Olivia Richman · Oct 18, 2026
Luis Reyes · Oct 18, 2026
Luis Reyes · Oct 17, 2026
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Black salesman knocks on Florida couple’s door to sell solar panels. Then they allegedly threaten to hang him: ‘I was afraid for my life’ Yahoo
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For most of the fossil-fuel era, energy security meant securing a continuous flow of things that disappeared when they were used. Oil arrived in tankers, natural gas crossed pipelines or oceans as LNG, and coal moved by rail and ship. Burn the fuel and another shipment had to follow, which made access to producing countries, sea lanes, pipelines and foreign exchange central to keeping an economy running.
Electrification changes that relationship because much more international trade moves productive equipment rather than continuously consumed fuel. A country can import solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles, transformers and power electronics, then use those assets for years while drawing increasing amounts of energy from domestic sunlight, wind, hydro or other electricity sources. The supply chains remain international, but the economic dependency is structurally different.
That is the central argument in my updated TFIE Strategy Briefing on globalization, electrification and energy security. It also corrects something I got wrong when I first made the sustainability case for globalization in 2021.
At the time, I argued that expanding trade and economic integration would spread technology, increase productivity and create a useful side effect of greater peace. Russia invaded Ukraine less than six months later. The pandemic had already exposed brittle supply chains, and the following years brought export controls, strategic industrial subsidies and increasingly overt economic confrontation between the United States and China.
Trade did not abolish geopolitics, and concentrated dependence can create serious vulnerabilities. Relying heavily on one unreliable supplier for a commodity that must be purchased every month is particularly dangerous. A system with several suppliers, multiple routes, domestic alternatives and enough redundancy to tolerate disruption has a very different risk profile.
Energy provides unusually clear examples of that distinction. Europe responded to the Russian gas shock partly by diversifying fossil-fuel supply, but it has not tried to turn every country into an electrical island. Cross-border electricity infrastructure is being expanded because access to several neighbouring systems can improve resilience alongside domestic generation, storage and flexible demand.
Ukraine provides the harder version of that argument. Ukraine and Moldova synchronized with the Continental European power system shortly after Russia’s 2022 invasion, giving Ukraine access to another source of system support while domestic energy infrastructure was under attack. Interconnection did not eliminate vulnerability, but it expanded the resources available when parts of the national system failed.
The trade shift becomes even clearer in countries that import large amounts of fuel. Pakistan has rapidly installed decentralized solar, with its central bank estimating roughly 50 GW of capacity by the end of 2025. The State Bank of Pakistan estimates that reduced energy imports saved about $7.1 billion in foreign exchange over six years and that the installed solar base could cut the country’s 2026 energy-import bill by another $5.2 billion to $7.8 billion.
Pakistan imported much of the solar hardware, including large quantities from China. That did not eliminate international dependence, but the imported panels now produce electricity from Pakistani sunlight instead of requiring another imported fuel shipment every time electricity is generated. The central bank’s analysis suggests that cumulative savings on fuel imports have already broadly offset the foreign-exchange cost of the imported panels.
Electric vehicles create a similar shift. The International Energy Agency estimates that the global EV fleet displaced about 1.7 million barrels of oil per day in 2025, with China accounting for roughly one million barrels per day. An oil-importing country can still import the car and battery, but it does not then have to import petroleum for every kilometre the vehicle travels.
This distinction is particularly important for emerging economies, where imported fuels can consume scarce foreign currency. Ethiopia explicitly linked its restrictions on new combustion-vehicle imports to reducing fuel dependence as it encouraged electric mobility. Charging infrastructure and vehicle maintenance remain real constraints, but every EV supplied increasingly from domestic electricity changes the future import requirement.
Africa illustrates why imported clean technologies can also become the first stage of industrial development rather than evidence of permanent dependence. Sustainable Energy for All estimates that African countries imported more than $12 billion of solar modules, lithium-ion batteries and assembled EVs between 2022 and 2024. China supplied more than 90% of the solar modules, which is clearly a concentration risk, but the equipment is also creating customers, installers, financing capabilities, maintenance businesses and electricity demand.
Those markets can reinforce one another. Solar and batteries can replace diesel generation at mines, farms, telecom sites and commercial facilities, while electric motorcycles and buses create additional demand for locally generated electricity. Better utilization improves the economics of generation and storage, and larger markets can eventually support local assembly, components, logistics and manufacturing where the scale is sufficient.
That sequence matters. Requiring every country to reproduce every stage of a solar, battery or EV supply chain before allowing deployment would sacrifice much of the manufacturing scale that made the technologies affordable in the first place. Resilience is better served by diversifying excessive concentrations, building selected domestic capabilities and maintaining alternative suppliers and routes than by trying to make every country self-sufficient.
The old fossil-energy system was international too, but its dependencies were unusually persistent. Geological resources were concentrated in particular places, and importing countries had to return to the market continuously because the commodity disappeared through combustion. Electrified systems still require international trade, but a growing share of that trade leaves behind equipment that keeps producing useful services after the transaction.
This is why sustainability and globalization remain linked even after the geopolitical optimism of the 1990s and 2000s has faded. Renewable resources, mineral deposits, manufacturing centres, engineering expertise, capital and demand are distributed unevenly across the world. Trying to force all of them inside national borders would make the transition slower and more expensive.
The better objective is strategic interdependence: several suppliers rather than one, several routes rather than one chokepoint, enough domestic capability to absorb shocks, stronger grids and storage, and much less reliance on imported fuels that have to be purchased again every time they are burned.
The full TFIE Strategy Briefing examines that shift through European electricity interconnection, Ukraine, Pakistan, EV oil displacement and Africa’s emerging solar-battery-electric mobility flywheel.
Michael Barnard is Chief Strategist at TFIE Strategy and publisher of Michael Barnard’s TFIE Strategy Briefing at briefing.tfie.io. He works with investors, infrastructure strategists, NGOs, startups, policymakers, and public-interest organizations on reality-based decarbonization strategy, investment-thesis testing, technology diligence, 2030-2050 transition roadmaps, reports, keynotes, and strategic reality checks. His work tests energy, industry, transportation, infrastructure, and climate-tech pathways against physics, economics, operating evidence, denominators, comparators, and time. Michael’s analysis spans grids, storage, electrification, hydrogen, maritime and aviation fuels, critical minerals, China’s clean-tech scale, industrial decarbonization, geothermal, nuclear and SMR claims, and odd technoeconomic questions such as seabed mining and sulfur supply. Across those topics, his focus is consistent: separating real transition progress from pilots, subsidies, announcements, orderbooks, and narrative momentum. At Michael Barnard’s TFIE Strategy Briefing, free posts carry the public argument, while paid subscribers get the professional layer: Transition Pathway Scorecards, evidence notes, denominator checks, update triggers, reports, and decision-grade context for people working around the energy transition.
Michael Barnard has 1526 posts and counting. See all posts by Michael Barnard
Molecular Interlayer Lifts MoOₓ Silicon Solar Cells to Record 24.9% Efficiency
Crystalline silicon still rules the photovoltaic world, accounting for the overwhelming majority of solar modules installed every year. Yet the industry’s workhorse material carries a persistent cost: conventional p-type regions require high-temperature doping steps that complicate manufacturing and cap how far device performance can climb. Dopant-free carrier-selective contacts promise to change that, and molybdenum oxide (MoOₓ) has emerged as one of the most compelling hole-transport materials for the job. Now a team at Beijing University of Technology, led by Professors Qian Kang, Zilong Zheng, and Yongzhe Zhang, has shown that a molecular-scale interlayer of phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) can unlock MoOₓ’s full potential, delivering a record power conversion efficiency of 24.9 percent in MoOₓ-based silicon solar cells. The work, published in Nano-Micro Letters, tackles two stubborn problems that have long kept this otherwise attractive material from reaching its ceiling.
MoOₓ owes its appeal to a rare combination of properties. Its high work function means it can induce strong band bending at crystalline silicon interfaces without any conventional p-type doping, effectively persuading the silicon surface to behave as a hole-selective contact. It is also inexpensive and processable at low cost, two qualities that matter enormously for commercial feasibility. But the material hides a fundamental weakness at the interface where it meets hydrogenated amorphous silicon (i-a-Si:H), the thin passivating film typically paired with it in silicon devices. Oxygen vacancy defects in MoOₓ lower its effective work function, eroding the very band bending that makes it hole-selective. At the same time, the interaction between the two materials is dominated by weak van der Waals forces, which impair charge carrier transport across the junction.
The researchers’ solution is deceptively simple: insert an ultrathin PMA interlayer, roughly one nanometer thick, between the i-a-Si:H and the MoOₓ. Rather than acting as a passive additional film, PMA functions as a molecular bridge that simultaneously strengthens interfacial bonding, passivates oxygen-vacancy defects, raises the effective work function, and enhances band bending for more selective hole extraction. First-principles calculations reveal just how dramatic this transformation is. PMA forms bonding energies of 3.1 electron volts with i-a-Si:H and 2.6 electron volts with MoOₓ, compared with only 1.4 electron volts at the pristine MoOₓ/i-a-Si:H interface. That near-doubling of interfacial coupling provides the chemical foundation for improved hole transport across the junction.
Defect chemistry tells an equally important story. X-ray photoelectron analysis shows that PMA reduces the Mo⁵⁺/Mo⁶⁺ ratio in MoOₓ from 0.18 to 0.14, a clear indication that oxygen vacancies are being passivated. Fewer vacancies mean a higher effective work function, which the team measured as increasing from 5.0 to 5.1 electron volts. Meanwhile, the interfacial dipole rises dramatically from 1.63 to 6.34 debye, strengthening band bending and field-effect passivation at the silicon surface. PMA also acts as a dual-functional modifier by creating a strong interface dipole and reducing the tunneling barrier, which lowers contact resistance by 24 percent. These molecular-scale changes compound into macroscopic electrical gains that show up clearly in device measurements.
The performance improvements are striking across every metric that matters in silicon photovoltaics. The open-circuit voltage climbs from 713 to 730 millivolts, reflecting reduced recombination at the contact. The fill factor improves from 83.7 to 84.9 percent, indicating more efficient charge collection under operating conditions. The champion efficiency reaches 24.9 percent, compared with 23.8 percent for the MoOₓ control device. Crucially, the modification introduces negligible optical penalties: visible-light transmittance remains above 95 percent, so the ultrathin PMA layer preserves the transparency needed for front-side contact applications without sacrificing any of the incident sunlight.
Electrical characterization deepens the picture further. The minority-carrier lifetime, a sensitive indicator of surface passivation quality, increases from 1.18 to 2.44 milliseconds. The saturation current density, which quantifies recombination losses at the contact, falls by 63 percent, from 40.0 to 14.9 femtoamperes per square centimeter. Contact resistivity drops by 24 percent, from 140 to 106 milliohm square centimeters, confirming that PMA genuinely improves carrier transport rather than merely suppressing recombination. The built-in potential also increases from 722 to 741 millivolts, consistent with the enhanced band bending predicted by the dipole measurements. Device simulations independently predict an efficiency improvement from 23.9 to 24.7 percent, closely tracking the experimental results and validating the underlying physical model.
What makes this result scientifically interesting is that PMA addresses both defect-induced recombination and inefficient interfacial charge transport in a single molecular-scale modification. Most interfacial engineering strategies in photovoltaics tackle one problem at a time: either passivating defects or improving energy-level alignment. PMA does both simultaneously, tuning chemical bonding, defect chemistry, work function, band bending, and carrier transport in one coordinated step. The phosphomolybdic acid molecule, with its Keggin-type structure and multiple oxygen atoms, provides the chemical versatility needed to interact strongly with both the amorphous silicon surface and the transition metal oxide above it, acting as a genuine molecular-scale bridge rather than a simple spacer layer.
The broader implications extend well beyond a single efficiency record. The PMA/MoOₓ architecture provides a promising route toward dopant-free passivating contacts for high-efficiency crystalline silicon photovoltaics, and its solution-processable nature means the ultrathin interlayer can be deposited without expensive vacuum equipment or high-temperature processing. This matters for scalable and cost-effective photovoltaic manufacturing, where every added processing step must justify itself in efficiency gains. The molecular-scale interfacial bridging concept also offers a general strategy for engineering transition-metal-oxide interfaces in other optoelectronic devices, including displays, sensors, and next-generation electronics that require precisely engineered interfaces between dissimilar materials.
The achievement of 24.9 percent efficiency in a dopant-free MoOₓ-based silicon solar cell represents a meaningful milestone in the quest for high-performance photovoltaic contacts that avoid conventional doping. By simultaneously passivating oxygen vacancies, elevating the work function through dipole formation, and strengthening interfacial bonding to facilitate hole transport, the PMA interlayer demonstrates that molecular-scale engineering can overcome the intrinsic limitations of transition metal oxides in silicon photovoltaics. As the industry continues to push efficiency boundaries while reducing manufacturing costs, strategies like this one that deliver multiple benefits from a single ultrathin, solution-processable modification will play an increasingly important role in shaping the next generation of silicon solar cells.
Subject of Research: Dopant-free hole-selective contacts based on molybdenum oxide and phosphomolybdic acid interlayers for high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells
Article Title: A molecular interlayer boosts MoOₓ-based silicon solar cell efficiency
Article References: A molecular interlayer boosts MoOₓ-based silicon solar cell efficiency. (n.d.). Original publication
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: Not provided
Keywords: MoOx, phosphomolybdic acid, dopant-free contacts, silicon solar cells, passivating contacts, hole transport layer, oxygen vacancies, interfacial dipole, work function, carrier transport, photovoltaics, Nano-Micro Letters
News Source: Drew Townsend. (October 18, 2026). Molecular Interlayer Lifts MoOₓ Silicon Solar Cells to Record 24.9% Efficiency. Scienmag.
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China’s Ministry of Commerce (Mofcom) and Ministry of Science and Technology on October 16 published Joint Announcement No. 48 of 2026, proposing to add 12 photovoltaic (PV) technologies to the country’s Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited or Restricted from Export. The public consultation runs until November 15.
The bans and licensing requirements have not yet taken effect, but an interim registration requirement came into force on October 16. It requires companies to register planned exports of listed technologies through Mofcom’s online system, covering intellectual property transfers, overseas technology licensing, ownership or control changes involving foreign entities, and transactions that are underway but not completed.
Under Chinese regulations, prohibited technologies cannot be exported, while restricted technologies require government approval and licences. Mofcom said the proposals address national security concerns, citing PV applications in aerospace and defence. It said technologies below the stated thresholds and finished products are outside scope, and that the measures do not target any particular country, region or company. The controls target manufacturing technologies, not exports of finished modules.
Prohibited technologies
The prohibited list includes production processes and equipment manufacturing know-how for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells based on wafers of at least 182 mm that achieve conversion efficiencies of 30% or higher. It also covers slot-die coating processes for perovskites with coating widths of at least 1.1 metres.
On modules, the proposal covers single-junction perovskite modules of at least 1 square metre with efficiencies of 18% or higher, and perovskite tandem modules of the same minimum area with efficiencies of at least 28%.
In polysilicon, it covers cold-hydrogenation fluidized-bed processes for trichlorosilane production with single-line capacities of at least 250,000 metric tons annually, and silane-based fluidized-bed processes with annual capacities of at least 20,000 metric tons. It also covers processes for silicon wafers no thicker than 70 micrometres and certain edge-passivation technologies for thin crystalline-silicon cells, along with related equipment manufacturing know-how.
Restricted technologies
Restricted-export technologies include polysilicon plant engineering for production lines of at least 30,000 metric tons annually, and advanced crystal-pulling and wafer-cutting processes. They also include specified high-performance manufacturing processes for TOPCon, back-contact and heterojunction (HJT) cells, covering deposition, passivation, diffusion and metallization. The HJT provisions include certain p-type technologies evaluated under air mass zero conditions, which are relevant to space applications.
Industry implications
If adopted, the controls could limit overseas access to China’s most sophisticated PV production technologies. While finished cell and module exports are unaffected, transfers of manufacturing know-how through licensing, overseas line installation and commissioning, equipment exports and on-site technical support could be prohibited or require approval.
In the near term, this could delay overseas PV manufacturing projects and raise compliance costs. Over the longer term, it could slow efforts by overseas manufacturers to close the technology gap. Tighter controls could also complicate Chinese manufacturers’ international expansion and heighten trade tensions.
India impact
China controls 75-95% of the global solar PV supply chain, including 91% of polysilicon and over 97% of wafers. India, despite some decline in dependence, still relies on China for over 50% of its solar cells and modules, with imports worth nearly $4 billion in FY2024.
India lacks manufacturing strength in upstream components such as polysilicon and ingots, and efforts to build local capacity face cost and technology barriers. The proposed restrictions would highlight India’s dependence on imported capital equipment and critical technological know-how, and could make the development of domestic solar manufacturing more difficult.
Juniper Green Energy Limited has entered a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Tata Power for a 70 MW firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) project through its subsidiary, Juniper Green Sigma Eight. The project, based in Maharashtra, will include 180 MWp of combined solar and wind capacity, paired with a 280 MWh battery energy storage system. Power supply…
Read More Juniper Green signs PPA with Tata Power for 70 MW FDRE project
Sinovoltaics’ Q1 2025 global PV Module Manufacturers Ranking shows India-based Insolation Energy, Waaree Renewable Technologies, and Solex Energy as the top three. The Altmann Z-score-based ranking covers 63 suppliers, tracking financial health from March 2022 to December 2024. The updated top ten list: Insolation Energy (India) Waaree Renewable Technologies (India) Solex Energy (India) Eterbright (HIWIN)…
Read More Sinovoltaics releases Q1 2025 global PV module ranking
The Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (MPERC) has dismissed a review petition filed by the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) and Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company Limited (MPPTCL) challenging its earlier order on transmission charges applicable to Short-Term Open Access (STOA) customers. In its order dated July 3, 2026, the Commission held that the petitioners…
Read More MPERC rejects review plea on STOA charges for renewable generators
Sunsure Energy has commissioned an 82.5 MWp open-access solar project in Jhansi district, Uttar Pradesh. The plant is expected to generate around 0.12 billion units of electricity annually and supply industries in the state with cost-competitive green power. The company operates approximately 260 MWp of open-access solar capacity across Agra, Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi, and Chitrakoot,…
Read More Sunsure Energy commissions 82.5 MWp solar plant in Jhansi
India has nearly 47 GW of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity at various stages of development as the country expands energy storage infrastructure to integrate growing renewable energy capacity, meet peak electricity demand and support grid reliability. As of June 30, 2026, nearly 16 GW of BESS capacity was under construction, around 12 GW…
Read More India has nearly 47 GW BESS capacity under development, Parliament told
Bangladesh owes Tripura Rs 20 billion for electricity supplied under an agreement with the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited. Tripura provides 60-70 MW of power, but the dues are increasing daily. Chief Minister Manik Saha stated that no decision has been made on halting the supply yet, but payment must be cleared to avoid disruptions….
Read More Bangladesh owes Tripura Rs 20 billion in electricity dues
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Home – News – Michigan Approves 185-Megawatt Sanilac County Solar Project Amid Growing Thumb Opposition
DTE Energy’s Peatville Solar project advances as Michigan’s Thumb debates farmland preservation, renewable energy development and industrial data centers.
SANILAC COUNTY, Mich. — Michigan regulators have approved key agreements for a proposed 185-megawatt Sanilac County solar project, advancing another major renewable energy development as opposition to industrial projects grows across Michigan‘s Thumb.
The Michigan Public Service Commission approved module supply and master service agreements Oct. 15 for DTE Electric’s Peatville Solar Project. Regulators estimate the project will produce electricity at a levelized cost of $76 per megawatt-hour.
The approval is part of a larger decision involving 360 megawatts of solar capacity across Michigan. It does not mean construction has started or that the commission has secured every required permit.
Peatville is one of three solar projects included in the commission’s decision.
The others are the 50-megawatt Keystone Solar Project in Iosco County and the Blazing Star Solar Project in Allegan County. The projects support DTE’s long-term energy plan, which calls for adding renewable generation as Michigan moves toward its clean energy goals.
Supporters say solar development provides lease payments to farmers, construction jobs, and additional local tax revenue. They also argue that renewable electricity can reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Opponents question the loss of productive farmland, the effect on neighboring property owners and whether rural communities have enough authority over project locations.
Across the county line, Huron County has become a center of opposition to large solar developments.
In September, the Huron County Planning Commission approved a special-use permit for Ranger Power’s proposed 150-megawatt Pinesap Solar project in Rubicon Township by a 5-2 vote. The development would occupy approximately 1,600 acres of participating property. Residents challenged aspects of the application, including glare studies, sound testing, financial assurances and compliance with county requirements.
County officials disputed several objections. The allegations have not been established as violations of the ordinance.
On Oct. 7, county planners voted to reduce a proposed countywide solar acreage cap from 9,000 acres to 5,000 acres. The proposed change remains under legal review and has not become law.
Huron County also has a temporary moratorium on new utility-scale solar and battery storage permits through Dec. 29.
Solar farms are not the only industrial projects facing opposition.
In May, Huron County commissioners approved a 36-month moratorium on land-use permits for data centers and similar facilities. Residents raised concerns about electricity consumption, water supplies, farmland preservation and the long-term effects of large industrial facilities.
Lake Township approved a separate six-month data center moratorium in July while officials considered permanent zoning regulations.
Data centers house computer servers that support artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and other digital services. Large facilities can require substantial electrical infrastructure and cooling capacity. Unlike solar farms, which generate electricity, data centers consume power around the clock. Both types of development can create construction jobs and tax revenue, but they differ in long-term land use and infrastructure needs.
No verified evidence shows that Peatville Solar is being developed specifically to supply a proposed Thumb-area data center.
Michigan’s Public Act 233 of 2023 allows certain large renewable energy projects to seek state approval under specified conditions.
Supporters say the law helps Michigan meet electricity needs and prevents local restrictions from blocking major investments. Critics argue it weakens township and county control over land-use decisions.
Sanilac County has faced similar disputes involving wind energy development, including the proposed 300-megawatt Riverbend Wind project. Together, these controversies have placed local zoning authority at the center of Michigan’s energy debate.
The commission’s approval advances Peatville Solar, but questions remain about its construction schedule, precise acreage, local tax benefits and additional permits.
Those details will help determine the project’s effects on Sanilac County residents. Meanwhile, Huron County continues reviewing its solar ordinance and restrictions on data centers. For Michigan’s Thumb, the debate extends beyond the need for additional electricity.
The larger question is who decides where major energy facilities belong, how farmland should be protected and whether local communities receive lasting benefits from industrial development.
Michael is the owner of Thumbwind Publications LLC. It started in 2009 covering Michigan and the Upper Thumb. Today, his Michigan Moments series has established a loyal base of 110,000 followers.
[…] currently has over 1,600 operational wind turbines. Collectively, these generate nearly 4000 MW of power, roughly 8% of the…
[…] current renewable portfolio includes 20 wind farms and 34 solar parks—all based in Michigan. Since 2009, the utility has…
** “Given the recent ‘Winter Storm Warning’ for the Michigan Thumb, do you think the government’s weather forecasting has become…
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What a great addition to this story. Thank you!
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