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Colombia’s new Minister of Mines and Energy, María Nohemí Arboleda, has placed the Colombia Solar program under review. The initiative, structured under the previous administration, includes a COP 4.2 trillion ($1.35 billion) agreement aimed at bringing photovoltaic systems to low-income households.
In recent comments on the ministry’s budgetary situation, Arboleda said officials are reviewing contracts with similar scopes, cases in which individual contractors held as many as five contracts, questions over officials’ work locations, and monitoring reports that, according to the minister, had not been submitted.
Arboleda also questioned the implementation of Colombia Solar, pointing to the COP 4.2 trillion allocation and saying the program currently has “zero connected users.”
“Obviously, the project cannot continue until there is clarity on what is happening, because it involves an allocated budget with no progress to show for it,” she said in remarks broadcast by Blu Radio.
The COP 4.2 trillion cited by Arboleda relates to an inter-administrative agreement signed on Dec. 29, 2025, between the Ministry of Mines and Energy and state-owned power company Generadora y Comercializadora de Energía del Caribe (Gecelca). The agreement has a five-year implementation period, running through December 2030, and targets 563,057 users across 13 departments.
Colombia Solar was launched in September 2025 through Decree 0972 and subsequently regulated by Resolution 40159 of 2026. A month later, document 4158 from the country’s Colombia’s National Council for Economic and Social Policy earmarked COP 8.35 trillion for the program between 2026 and 2030, with the goal of bringing photovoltaic systems to approximately 1.3 million households.
The program covers the design, supply and installation of solar PV systems for users in socioeconomic strata 1, 2 and 3 – the three lowest tiers in Colombia’s classification system – connected to the National Interconnected System. It covers the departments of Atlántico, Bolívar, Cesar, Norte de Santander, Santander, Antioquia, Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Chocó, La Guajira, Magdalena, Córdoba and Sucre.
Arboleda’s review follows an earlier order from the new government to examine several actions related to Colombia Solar. A dispute over the initiative between the outgoing administration and new President Abelardo De La Espriella’s team emerged in July.
In August, a separate procurement process managed by the Fund for Non-Conventional Energy and Efficient Energy Management (Fenoge), valued at approximately COP 164 billion, was canceled. The process covered the implementation, operation, maintenance and monitoring of photovoltaic systems and had come under scrutiny from the Inspector General’s Office. It is separate from the COP 4.2 trillion agreement signed with Gecelca.
The review of Colombia Solar comes amid a broader shift in the country’s energy policy.
The governments of Colombia and the United States signed two memoranda of understanding in Barranquilla on Tuesday, covering strategic minerals and civil nuclear cooperation. The agreements were signed during a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who met with president De La Espriella.
On nuclear energy, the memorandum establishes a non-binding framework for cooperation. According to Colombia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, it will facilitate technical exchanges, regulatory capacity building, workforce training and scientific research, as well as assessments of potential applications of nuclear technology for energy security.
The agreement does not provide for the construction of nuclear reactors in Colombia and does not identify specific projects, locations, technologies, capacities or timelines for nuclear power plants. The ministry described the memorandum as opening space for a “technical, gradual and responsible dialogue” on potential applications of nuclear technology.
A Nuclear Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (NCMOU) does not itself authorize the export of U.S. materials or equipment for reactor projects. Under U.S. rules, such transfers require a nuclear cooperation agreement pursuant to Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act.
Following the signing, Arboleda said Colombia aims to turn its mining and energy potential into “industry, formal employment, innovation and development for the regions,” adding that cooperation with the United States would provide technical tools to support that goal.
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Two people are facing felony charges after deputies say thousands of feet of copper wire were stolen from a solar farm in Roanoke Rapids.
The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded Tuesday morning, Sept. 8, to a solar energy farm near Airport Road after receiving a report of stolen copper wire.
Investigators say about 2,000 feet of copper wire had been taken from solar panels. The theft caused more than $10,000 in losses for the company, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies returned to the property Wednesday morning after receiving a report that two people were walking around and entering the site.
Authorities say surveillance cameras helped identify the two suspects through their clothing and tattoos. Investigators interviewed both people, who deputies say admitted to the theft.
Timothy Joyner of Roanoke Rapids is charged with felony breaking and entering, misdemeanor injury to personal property, felony larceny, and felony possession of stolen goods or property. He was held without bond.
Johnny Miller of Massachusetts is charged with felony conspiracy and felony possession of stolen goods or property. He received a $15,000 secured bond.
The sheriff’s office says the stolen copper was recovered and returned to the company. Both men are scheduled to appear in court Sept. 23.
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Clean energy scored a rare win in Ohio last month when state regulators unanimously approved a permit for 149 megawatts of solar and 149 MW of battery storage at the Hamden Energy site in Vinton County, located in the southeast quadrant of the state.
In contrast to most of the state’s solar permitting cases, no parties in the case opposed the project, proposed by developer Recurrent Energy, at the Ohio Power Siting Board — largely because it will be built on reclaimed coal mine land.
“Developing a solar project on reclaimed land is an excellent opportunity to harvest another one of the area’s abundant resources to power Ohio while providing supplemental tax revenue to support a legacy energy community,” said Ali Trunzo, a senior development manager for Recurrent Energy.
Like much of the rest of Appalachian Ohio, Vinton County has a history of hosting extractive industries — particularly coal, iron, and clay — whose production has plummeted over the last century. Although its economy has grown over the past 20 years, roughly 19% of the county’s residents live in poverty.
The county’s board of commissioners did not block the project, which they could have done under a 2021 law that erected extra hurdles for solar and wind power, but not fossil fuel generation.
Opponents of other solar farms in Ohio have frequently raised concerns about projects taking farmland out of use, although solar occupies less land than golf courses in the state and can coexist with some farming practices.
Projects on former mine lands and industrial brownfields, like Recurrent’s, tend to draw less opposition, although they have their trade-offs. Namely, they can be more expensive to develop than greenfields because of conditions at the location and the need to accommodate remediation, according to RMI, a clean energy think tank.
Trunzo declined to provide cost information about Recurrent’s Hamden Energy project, although she noted that specialized methods and equipment may need to be used to adapt to the site’s soils and terrain.
The roughly 25 people who commented in the case docket or spoke at a June 10 local hearing voiced mixed opinions. The most common concern was whether ongoing reclamation would be finished before construction started on the solar and battery project.
That remediation work is the responsibility of Cheyenne Resources, which holds the surface mining permit for the property, confirmed Andy Chow, a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Recurrent Energy has agreed to begin construction only after reclamation is done.
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The Recurrent project is not the first coal-to-solar farm greenlit by the state. Regulators approved the Vinton Solar Energy Center in 2018, and the project remains under construction by developer Invenergy. Other states are siting solar at former mine lands as well.
More projects will likely follow in Ohio because of recent policy changes.
Under a 2025 law, House Bill 15, former mine lands and industrial brownfields are eligible for treatment as priority investment areas. Ohio has more than 70,000 acres that might fit that definition, RMI data shows. Rules from the Ohio Department of Development for designating such places took effect two months ago. Agency spokesperson Brian Bohnert told Canary Media the state has started to identify its first areas under the program. One of the two sites designated through late August includes both former coal mine land and an industrial site.
“The reuse of former mining land for new energy production is a win-win for Ohio consumers and the environment,” said Rebecca Mellino, associate director of climate and energy policy for The Nature Conservancy.
The Nature Conservancy’s view, Mellino said, is that HB 15 not only creates priority areas but also lets counties host solar on former mine sites and brownfields despite exclusions that might otherwise apply under Senate Bill 52, the 2021 enactment that added hurdles for renewable energy developments.
In many cases, solar energy is cheaper and can come online quicker than natural gas generation. Yet as projections call for the state’s electricity demand to grow, clean energy developers continue to face bans or project vetoes under SB 52. Beyond the statute’s terms, state regulators have often blocked projects on the basis of unanimous local government opposition, regardless of whether opponents’ arguments were based on opinion or grounded in fact.
A bill passed by the Ohio Senate this spring could make it even harder, if not impossible, for many solar and wind projects to get built. SB 294 is now in the Ohio House of Representatives.
“Projects like Hamden Energy are vital to bringing sustainable, affordable, and dependable energy online,” said Chris Tavenor, general counsel for the Ohio Environmental Council, which was a party in the case.
But, Tavenor cautioned, “without reform to the energy siting process, energy costs will remain high, and we will continue to see energy prices rise along with demand. We acknowledge this win, while also recognizing that we have much more work ahead.”
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Kathiann M. Kowalski is a contributing reporter at Canary Media who covers Ohio.
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An agreement made by Sembcorp Industries to acquire Philippine solar farm developer Puente Al Sol from CleanCurrent Renewable Energy Inc was dropped. Sembcorp and CleanCurrent Renewable Energy mutually agreed to terminate the proposed SGD 105 million (~$83,048,267) transaction, citing prevailing market conditions and evolving circumstances. Puente Al Sol is developing a solar farm in Cadiz, Philippines, with a planned capacity of 96 MW. The transaction was originally agreed in January 2025. Sembcorp had agreed to the deal as part of its renewable energy activities. The company said the termination follows changes in the conditions surrounding the proposed acquisition. The decision means Sembcorp will not proceed with the planned purchase of the Philippine solar developer.
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Western Sydney has witnessed a significant surge in the adoption of solar energy among homeowners in recent years. This trend, driven by both economic and environmental factors, highlights the shifting attitude towards sustainable energy solutions. Many residents in this region are turning to solar installers Western Sydney to facilitate this transition, benefiting from professional installation services tailored to local needs.
One of the primary reasons Western Sydney homeowners are embracing solar technology is the rising cost of electricity. Traditional power sources have become increasingly expensive, prompting households to seek more cost-effective alternatives. Solar panels provide an opportunity to reduce monthly utility bills significantly, offering a level of financial control and savings that was not previously available.
In addition to economic incentives, environmental concerns play a crucial role in accelerating solar adoption. Many homeowners recognise the impact of traditional energy consumption on carbon emissions and climate change. By installing solar power systems, they contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, aligning their energy consumption with sustainable practices.
Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that does not produce harmful pollutants during operation. This aspect is particularly vital for communities in Western Sydney, where urban development and industrial activity continue to increase. The utilisation of solar power helps mitigate environmental degradation and preserves local ecosystems.
The Australian government, along with state-specific initiatives, offers significant incentives for adopting solar energy. Rebates, tax benefits, and feed-in tariffs create a favourable environment for homeowners to invest in solar systems. These financial advantages make the upfront costs more manageable and enhance the long-term return on investment.
Western Sydney residents benefit from these schemes, which encourage a faster transition to renewable energy sources. Combined with competitive pricing from reputable solar installers Western Sydney, the practicality and appeal of solar installation have increased considerably.
Recent technological developments have improved the efficiency and durability of solar panels, making them a more attractive option for homeowners. Innovations such as higher conversion rates and enhanced storage capabilities mean that solar energy can now reliably meet a household’s power demands throughout the day and night.
One notable product gaining popularity in the Western Sydney area is the Sigenergy range of solar solutions. These systems, installed by professional Sigenergy installers, offer advanced performance metrics that appeal to environmentally conscious and financially savvy consumers alike.
Public awareness campaigns and educational programmes have also contributed to the growing acceptance of solar power in Western Sydney. Local councils and environmental organisations actively promote the benefits of renewable energy, helping to dispel myths and provide clear, factual information to the public.
Workshops, seminars, and online resources inform homeowners about the technical, financial, and environmental aspects of solar installation. This knowledge empowers residents to make informed decisions and encourages widespread adoption.
Installing solar panels has been demonstrated to increase property values in many instances. Prospective buyers recognise the benefit of reduced energy costs and sustainable energy sources, making solar-equipped homes more desirable in the market.
This increase in property appeal is an additional incentive for Western Sydney homeowners to invest in solar technology, ensuring a favourable return beyond just energy savings.
The growth in demand for solar installations has led to a rise in professional service providers equipped to handle various installation needs. Trustworthy solar installers Western Sydney offer comprehensive assessments, customised system design, and prompt installation services. Their expertise and adherence to industry standards ensure the safety and performance of solar systems.
Western Sydney homeowners appreciate the availability of local experts who understand the region’s specific requirements and can provide ongoing support for their solar investments.
Solar technology integration with advanced energy storage systems further motivates homeowners to switch. Battery storage allows excess solar power generated during peak sunlight hours to be stored for use during evenings or cloudy days, maximising energy self-sufficiency.
This feature reduces dependency on the grid and reduces electricity costs. It enhances the value proposition of installing solar panels, especially in regions like Western Sydney, where energy consumption patterns fluctuate.
Increased solar adoption among Western Sydney households contributes to greater energy security for the community at large. Decentralised power generation reduces pressure on the national grid and mitigates risks related to outages or supply disruptions.
This aspect holds particular significance in densely populated areas, where demand for reliable electricity is continuous and critical for daily living.
Although the benefits of solar energy are substantial, homeowners must carefully consider factors such as roof orientation, shading, and system sizing before installation. Professional assessments conducted by experienced installers assist in identifying the optimal configuration for each property.
Ongoing maintenance requirements and warranty provisions should also be understood to ensure long-term system reliability and performance.
The initial investment for solar panel installation can vary widely based on system size and chosen equipment. However, when balanced against energy savings, government incentives, and increased property value, the return on investment is typically favourable.
Homeowners in Western Sydney increasingly recognise the economic advantages, further driving the solar market growth within the region.
Western Sydney homeowners are switching to solar faster than ever due to a combination of financial benefits, environmental awareness, technological advancements, and supportive policies. The presence of skilled solar installers Western Sydney and access to quality products like those from experienced Sigenergy installers facilitate this transition effectively. As renewable energy continues to evolve, Western Sydney is positioned to remain at the forefront of sustainable residential energy solutions.
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The report shows that the UK’s untapped commercial rooftops could become a major new source of solar energy generation with enough output to match that of 20 Hinkley Point C nuclear power stations. This, if utilised correctly, could massively increase UK renewable energy production, fast-track the UK’s path to net zero, improve national energy security, reduce the need for solar deployment on agricultural land, and drastically reduce energy costs for occupiers amid ongoing energy price uncertainty.
The report, which draws on data and respondents from 70 real estate organisations with combined assets under management (AUM) of over £500 billion, has found that less than 10 percent of suitable commercial building roofspace has been utilised for solar generation to date, providing just 3-5 GW of solar capacity.
While solar technology is widely championed in principle, its deployment remains significantly below its technical potential, particularly across the industrial and logistics real estate sector.
Unlocking the remaining 90 percent could provide a vast new source of home-grown renewable generation, with the potential for more than 60 gigawatts (GW) of untapped solar capacity to be harnessed across UK commercial real estate. It would also significantly reduce energy costs for occupiers and create additional revenue streams for landlords whilst rapidly decarbonising the UK’s built environment, which currently emits 25 percent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.
This latent capacity (60 GW) is the equivalent of powering approximately 20 million National Grid enabled UK homes per year, or more than 10 times the AI data-centre capacity the Government expects the UK to need by 2030.
The report reveals the clear commercial case for rooftop solar installation, should the necessary financial, regulatory and legal frameworks be put in place. For a typical 300 kWp solar installation with a capital expenditure of £250,000, a tenant-funded installation could generate a 20 percent Net Yield in its first year and a payback period of just 5.5 years. For landlord-funded installation, Net Yield in the first year sits at 12 percent, with a payback period of 8 years. Whether the solar panels are installed by the landlord or tenant, both models present strong environmental benefits, saving 53 tonnes CO2e per year.
Solar power is also increasingly viewed as an essential element of asset modernisation, decarbonisation and future-proofing existing assets against tightening ESG regulations, meeting higher tenant expectations for building sustainability and helping to protect occupiers from volatile energy pricing. It would also significantly reduce the need for solar farms to be deployed on agricultural land, a positive given concerns around future food security and heightening scrutiny of solar installation in rural areas.
However, despite the many benefits, the report highlights that delivery constraints are a key barrier to wider roll-out, meaning that well-intentioned projects are delayed, downsized or not pursued at all. Whilst 85 percent of respondents expect rooftop solar activity to increase in the coming years, this will not happen without significant policy reform.
Financial viability remains one of the most persistent constraints on rooftop solar PV deployment in the UK commercial real estate sector. Mismatches between funders’ requirements and commercial leases, ambiguity in the REIT regime and insurance terms all hamper deployment. Other constraints include structural barriers such as leasing complexity, policy and regulatory uncertainty, grid capacity and connection delays as well as inconsistent commercial frameworks. The cumulative impact of these hurdles is the prevention of widespread, scalable solar deployment as well as market fragmentation.
In response, the report calls on the government to unlock the full potential of rooftop solar through seven clear recommendations. These include:
Remove tax and regulatory barriers by clarifying REIT rules for solar investment; broadening the REIT regime to include renewable energy; extending the business rates exemption for solar investment beyond 2035; and improving capital allowance reliefs.
Standardise legal and commercial frameworks such as PPAs and lease clauses to reduce complexity, cost and delays.
Introduce consistent insurance standards for rooftop solar to reduce design risk and avoid projects being downsized or abandoned.
Strengthen export revenues through more predictable long-term pricing mechanisms, making larger solar installations viable.
Accelerate grid reform and investment to improve connection times, increase capacity and provide clearer information for developers.
Provide long-term policy certainty, including clear implementation of MEES to support investment and make solar a standard feature of commercial buildings.
Maximise existing solar projects by increasing the 50kW cap on permitted development regimes with prior approval with local planning authorities
“Solar energy has a critical role to play in the UK’s energy transition, and commercial real estate has the potential to be a major player in the generation of rooftop solar” said Rob Wall, Assistant Director, Real Estate:UK. “However, as our research shows, deployment of solar on commercial buildings is slow and we are still some way off from delivering that long promised rooftop revolution. There is ambition – with 85 percent of real estate professionals expecting solar power generation from commercial buildings to increase over the next 24 months – but for that to happen we need a series of policy reforms as set out in today’s report.”
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After opting for energy-saving upgrades, a Pennsylvania cookie maker’s power bills still jumped, underscoring how hard utility expenses are to manage across the state.
At Shirley’s Cookie Company in Blair County, facilities maintenance manager Richard Weyant said thousands of dollars went toward LED lighting and improved HVAC equipment, according to Philly Voice. Even with those updates, electricity consumption fell 5.7% over four years while the company’s power bills climbed 17.4%.
He told lawmakers that the company has little flexibility to cut electricity use because power is required to mix, bake, and store its products. Weyant also said competitive pressure from manufacturers in other states and abroad means the business cannot always raise prices enough to offset higher energy costs.
With elections on the horizon, both parties have made affordability a central issue in Harrisburg, though they remain divided on how to lower energy costs.
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Electric bills are only part of the strain. Bill Ward, Jr., president and CEO of Ward Transport and Logistics, said high diesel prices are also taking a toll on businesses, noting that the cost of fuel “cuts into our margin” and makes it harder to offer raises and strong benefits.
Weyant said rising operating expenses are crowding out spending on equipment, automation, wages, and benefits. He said six automation upgrades worth about half a million dollars had been stalled and warned that “money spent covering these higher operating costs is money we can’t use somewhere else.”
Coal and natural gas power plants contribute to air and water pollution linked to asthma, heart disease, cancer, and premature death, while also keeping many households tied to volatile fuel costs instead of more abundant energy sources like sunlight and wind. Industry lobbying has often slowed cleaner, cheaper alternatives that could protect communities and reduce monthly bills.
Republican Josh Kail blamed Democratic energy policies and called for greater use of the state’s natural gas, though he did not outline why he thought investment in renewable energy would not yield dividends once built. Industry executive Stephanie Catarino Wissman of the American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania also said permit delays and regulatory reviews were slowing development, while environmental advocates have pushed for a more diversified energy mix with additional renewables.
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Weyant urged lawmakers to look beyond power and fuel bills alone and consider options such as solar, battery storage, demand-reduction technologies, grants, and tax incentives. He said those tools can help businesses and households limit their exposure to rising energy costs while also improving reliability.
For households looking for relief, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy. Readers can explore EnergySage to get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes. Their free services can also make the math easier for homeowners.
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 on a state-by-state level, as well as details on solar panel incentives for each state, and together these resources can help readers 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. It can also help homeowners keep essential appliances running when the grid goes down. Readers can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
“We want to keep investing in Pennsylvania and we want to keep investing in our employees,” Weyant said. “Affordable, reliable energy helps Pennsylvania manufacturers’ ability to do both.”
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GreenIT launched two solar parks in Piedmont, Italy, with a combined capacity of approximately 19 MW the facilities will produce approximately 30 GWh of electricity per year.
The new plants are located in the provinces of Vercelli and Alessandria, their commissioning expands GreenIT renewable generation capacity in Italy and strengthens its presence in the country’s photovoltaic market.
GreenIT is a joint venture owned 51% by Plenitude, a company controlled by Eni, and 49% by CDP Equity, established in 2021, the company focuses on the development, construction, and operation of facilities for renewable energy in Italian territory.
The two parks have approximately 32,000 high-efficiency bifacial photovoltaic modules these panels are installed on structures with single-axis solar tracking systems. These systems adjust the orientation of the panels throughout the day to better utilize available radiation and optimize electricity production.
Another aspect of the projects is the use of land that was previously used for mining activities, before the plants were built, these areas were remediated and rehabilitated to accommodate the solar installations.
The project thus combines the addition of new photovoltaic capacity with the recovery of spaces previously used by other industrial activities.
The company maintains a portfolio of more than 300 MW of solar projects in an advanced stage of development with which it plans to expand its photovoltaic capacity over the next few years. In addition, it has around 30 MW under construction in Campania and Piedmont, these facilities are expected to come online between the end of 2026 and the first months of 2027.
These projects are part of the company’s strategy to increase renewable generation in Italy and contribute to the goals of the country’s Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan for 2030.
Paolo Bellucci, CEO of GreenIT, highlighted the role of the two new plants in the company’s expansion plans:
The commissioning of these two plants represents an important step in GreenIT’s growth trajectory and reinforces our ambition to become one of the leading Italian operators in the solar and wind energy sector.
Bellucci also reiterated the company’s commitment to the development of renewable energy generation and the advancement of Italy’s energy transition.
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Africa’s solar panel manufacturing capacity is set to increase to quadruple this year, according to a new report from thinktank Ember.
Ember’s latest report, developed in collaboration with Africa Tech Futures Lab, says solar panel manufacturing output will quadruple as 2 GW of manufacturing plants in Egypt and around 500 MW in Tanzania come online. Panel manufacturing capacity across a further six countries – Morocco, South Africa, Algeria, Tunisia, Nigeria and Kenya – is expected to reach around 1 GW.
The report points out that data for assessing solar panel manufacturing capacity in Africa is extremely limited, with little publicly-available documentation.
Dave Jones, Ember chief analyst and co-author of the report, told pv magazine that Africa’s large-scale solar manufacturing factories in Egypt, Ethiopia and Tanzania are likely trying to keep a low profile to avoid unwanted attention from the US authorities, who are aiming to reduce solar imports into the country.
“However, many smaller solar manufacturing plants across Africa are increasing capacity, and although companies are keen to make press announcements, these announcements offer very little detail on manufacturing line capacity and even less on actual manufacturing volume,” he added.
The report adds that the new panel manufacturing capacity in Egypt and Tanzania is predominantly geared toward export to the US, where prices are much higher for Chinese panels due to US tariffs on Chinese goods.
While the other six mentioned countries are geared more towards supporting domestic growth, the report adds that up to 94% of the panels installed in Africa today are still imported from China.
According to data from Ember’s China’s Solar PV Export Explorer, China imported 19 GW of PV cells and 9 GW of PV wafers into Africa in the the 2.5 years to June 2026. Over the same time period, Africa manufactured just 2.7 GW of PV panels.
“We think that, in a small part, this reflects the step-up in African solar manufacturing that will continue into late 2026 and beyond. But we think the majority would not actually be imported into the country, but rather re-shipped most likely to the US,” the report says. “Customs in most African countries do not report imports of cells and wafers, so there is no data there that helps to clarify.”
Upcoming changes to US tariffs, which are set to make imports of PV cells and panels more expensive from December this year, could reduce the ability of African nations to sell cells and panels into the US. The tariff changes follows China’s removal of its 9% export VAT earlier this year.
“This could mean solar panels end up being used domestically,” the report continues. “This would replace Chinese imports and ultimately mean Africa becomes more directly self-sufficient.”
Jones also told pv magazine that Chinese solar panels remain the biggest barrier to building solar supply chains in Africa.
“[Chinese panels] are extremely high quality and, at $80 or so a panel, fall into the ‘ridiculously cheap’ category,” he explained. “Africa imported just $2.4 billion of solar panels in the last 12 months, so the import bill is not big, and the value-add that countries can achieve will be small, so when countries consider solar, they need to do it in a cheap and long-term way.”
Jones added the complimenting clean technologies justify more urgency in terms of supply chains. The report highlights that Africa is already importing more dollars of batteries than solar panels from China, while Jones said that EVs, grid tech and wind turbines are also rising.
“African countries should be developing an overall cleantech industrial supply chain that seeks to leapfrog the old energy world of ‘import oil and gas, import cars, import power plants’,” Jones said.
Additional headline figures from the report indicate that a record 17 GW of solar will be installed in Africa this year, equivalent to around 100,000 solar panels a day, with a total 36 of Africa’s 54 countries on track to install a record amount of solar in 2026.
The report adds that three quarters of Africa’s solar growth is distributed solar, made up of small-scale customer-side PV systems installed mostly on rooftops. Of the estimated 26 GW of solar added in Africa between 2023 and 2025, the report says distributed solar accounted for 20 GW.
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Zoning Changes — The Clyde Board of Aldermen approved changes to the town’s zoning ordinance on Aug. 13, 2026.
Zoning Changes — The Clyde Board of Aldermen approved changes to the town’s zoning ordinance on Aug. 13, 2026.
Clyde may be Haywood County’s smallest town, but the latest overhaul to its zoning rules packs a big punch: nearly 90 updated or new definitions setting the stage to govern what is and isn’t permissible if and when Clyde grows.
Those definitions include new uses on the horizon that didn’t exist before, like data centers and commercial solar facilities — as well as emerging issues like living in RVs after a disaster and special events.
“These are living documents, so you know, the world changes, and so does sometimes our zoning ordinance,” explained Clyde’s new town planner, Alexis Baker. “With any zoning ordinance, there are always things that you can do better.”
Baker, who has worked as a city planner across Western North Carolina, said she came in with a fresh set of eyes and saw some things that needed changing.
Defining data centers was chief among those. Clyde currently has a moratorium on data centers and crypto mining while developing rules to govern them. But first, what are they? There is no way to zone something that is not defined, Baker explained.
“We have been using common definitions, maybe even looking at other jurisdictions for our definitions,” Baker said.
The definition for data centers is likely to keep evolving, however, until a rulebook is created during the year-long moratorium.
“Any definition that we added for cryptocurrency or data centers is just a placeholder,” Baker said. “We gave ourselves a year to make sure that we make the best decisions possible.”
The possibility of homeowners setting up their own miniature solar farms is another new-fangled definition in the zoning ordinance. While solar panels for personal use are OK, what about a bunch of them?
“Utility-scale solar may not be appropriate to say put in a small neighborhood,” Baker said. “Any other solar that is not on your roof requires a special use permit.”
Another big change in the updated zoning ordinance was more flexibility on living in RVs and campers after a natural disaster. Flooded Clyde homeowners attempting to live in RVs on their property after Helene ran afoul of old rules — which limited living in an RV as a primary dwelling for more than 180 days.
Baker and other town officials recognized the need to amend this section.
“We don’t allow RVs as long-term residences, but we do also understand that people need to live somewhere while they’re waiting to have their primary residence repaired,” Baker said.
Now victims of natural or other disasters can live in temporary dwellings while their home is being repaired for up to 12 months, or longer if permitted. If property is within the area of a federal disaster declaration, or approved by the town administrator, residents can apply for a temporary permit free of charge.
Other conditions include being ready for travel or highway use and complying with county sewage regulations.
There’s also an entirely new section for special events.
Any outdoor special event either held on town property or that disrupts traffic must now get a special use permit approved by the town board.
“You don’t want an unknown event happening and you can’t get through a main road, for example, or there could be an emergency and, you know, fire or the police can’t get through. That’s kind of one of the things that we hope that would help with,” Baker said while explaining her thought process behind the new section.
This change reflects Baker’s philosophy that zoning ordinances are “living documents.”
“It’s just continuously keeping your regulations up to date with what happens in the world and in our local community,” she said.
The changes were presented during a public hearing before the Clyde Planning Board prior to coming to the board of aldermen. Public comment was allowed and encouraged during every step.
Baker wants to make sure the new zoning ordinance is as easy to understand as possible for Clyde residents. That includes rewriting clunky definitions or cleaning up technical language.
“I think what we’re trying to do is to bring better clarity,” she said. “I personally believe that the zoning ordinance should be more easily understood by maybe someone who doesn’t have a planning background.”
Baker may be new to Clyde, but she believes these changes are just the beginning when it comes to the town bouncing back after Helene.
“I think there’s a lot of interesting things happening in Clyde. You know, there were a lot of buyouts after Helene. I think there’s a lot of possibilities going on here, and I’ve seen kind of a pickup in development, so I think there will be a lot to do, and I would like to be involved in positive changes for the community,” she said.
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Germany’s solar industry is beginning to feel the effects of prolonged regulatory uncertainty surrounding Solar Package I, more than two years after the legislation was adopted and while several of its measures remain pending EU State aid approval. Although the German government approved the package in 2024 to accelerate the expansion of solar energy, including changes to auction design, higher project size limits and support for different PV technologies, the European Commission has yet to give its green light to a number of key provisions due to State aid concerns. This delay is creating uncertainty for developers and is already affecting investment decisions across the sector.
In an exclusive interview with Review Energy, Carsten Körnig, Managing Director of the German Solar Association (BSW-Solar), warned that the situation is no longer simply delaying regulatory changes, but is affecting investment decisions, project pipelines and expectations for the German photovoltaic market in 2027.
“The ongoing delay in EU State aid approval — which has now persisted for over two years since the adoption of Solarpaket I — has left crucial national solar regulations frozen on paper,” Körnig said.
According to the association, conducting major auctions under rules that do not yet incorporate the pending Solar Package I provisions is causing “significant disruption across Germany’s solar industry.”
The warning comes after Germany’s 1 September innovation auction, which closed with 475 MW on offer. The auction could not apply the Solar Package I provision that would increase the maximum solar component of bids from 20 MW to 50 MW, as the required EU State aid approval remained pending.
Attention is now turning to the second-segment solar auction scheduled for 1 October, which covers solar installations on buildings and noise barriers. Different Solar Package I provisions affecting this segment also depend on the pending approval.
For BSW-Solar, the consequences extend beyond these individual auction rounds.
Solar Package I introduced a dedicated auction sub-segment for special solar installations, including Agri-PV, floating PV, moor PV and carport PV, designed to prevent these generally more expensive dual-use technologies from competing directly with cheaper conventional ground-mounted projects.
Because that mechanism cannot yet be applied without EU clearance, BSW-Solar argues that these technologies are struggling to compete under the existing framework.
“Many developers invested in planning processes and made financial commitments, which now results in severe operational losses due to postponed or cancelled projects,” Körnig said. He added that the prolonged freeze “severely damages trust in the national legal framework and paralyzes the pipeline of new, land-saving project developments.”
The association also points to a second source of uncertainty: the existing EU State aid approval for Germany’s current Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), excluding the pending Solar Package I provisions, is valid only until 31 December 2026.
According to BSW-Solar, projects bidding in auctions late this year whose awards are not officially announced until 2027 could face the risk of receiving no support. The association says this legal uncertainty is already making it more difficult for developers to obtain bank financing.
The effects, it says, are already visible in the market. 44% of companies in the rooftop PV segment and 56% of companies in the ground-mounted solar sector are experiencing declining demand for photovoltaic systems scheduled for installation or participation in auctions in 2027 because of uncertainty over next year’s regulatory framework.
“Instead of driving the highly necessary market acceleration of 20 GW of additions per year to meet statutory targets, the lack of EU clearance acts as an artificial brake, discouraging project pipelines and jeopardizing Germany’s expansion targets,” Körnig said.
One of the measures that could not be applied in the September innovation auction was the increase in the maximum solar component of bids from 20 MW to 50 MW.
BSW-Solar argues that the change would have a tangible economic impact on project development. “The increase of the bid size from 20 to 50 MW will reduce costs for new projects per MW and will increase overall PV installation in Germany,” Körnig told Review Energy.
But the association believes even the 50 MW threshold will eventually be insufficient.
BSW-Solar says that with the planned increase in ground-mounted PV tender volumes to 14 GW per year in total, including PPA and innovation tenders, Germany would need to go further and raise the cap from 50 MW to 100 MW.
The association also notes that the 2026 auctions have so far been highly competitive because developers are seeking awards for projects already in their pipelines before the current State aid approval expires at the end of the year. At the same time, developers are beginning to scale back the development of new projects until there is greater certainty over the future regulatory framework.
BSW-Solar said it cannot currently quantify the exact number of delayed projects, affected MW or investment volume. However, it said numerous companies made advance plans in anticipation of a rapid approval and that the two-year delay is resulting in “severe operational and economic losses” from projects that have not been realised or commissioned.
The upcoming 1 October second-segment solar auction presents a different challenge.
Solar Package I increased the annual auction volume for this segment from 1,100 MW to 2,300 MW, a change BSW-Solar considers essential to accommodate the growing pipeline of commercial rooftop projects.
The package also lowered the threshold above which rooftop systems must participate in auctions from 1,000 kWp to 750 kWp.
BSW-Solar warns that introducing the lower threshold without simultaneously expanding the auction volume to 2,300 MW would create an “artificial bottleneck.”
“Projects will be forced into a highly restricted auction pool, heavily choking the commercial rooftop market,” the association warned.
BSW-Solar is calling on the German government to resolve the State aid issues quickly, particularly through the implementation of two-sided Contracts for Difference (CfDs) with what it describes as a fair market corridor.
According to the association, CfDs should be introduced for photovoltaic systems of 200 kWp or more in accordance with European rules. While it considers the proposed transition of the existing support framework towards two-way CfDs appropriate, BSW-Solar says improvements are still required.
“In particular, a market value corridor is missing and PPA are heavily restricted by the current design of the CfD,” Körnig said.
The association argues that CfDs should be introduced immediately to meet the requirements for State aid approval of the EEG from 2027 and, ultimately, “to prevent a halt to expansion in early 2027.”
The debate therefore extends beyond the two auctions currently in focus. For Germany’s solar industry, the key issue is increasingly whether the regulatory framework for 2027 can be resolved in time to prevent today’s planning uncertainty from translating into a broader slowdown in new photovoltaic deployment.
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Revenue from 4,000 acre solar project on Navajo Nation will not directly go to local tribe members Planetizen
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Wesley Littlefield 09.09.26
I was invited on a media trip into the Montana backcountry. I was super excited, but I didn’t know if I would have enough battery power to make it through the trip while capturing all the photos and videos I needed. Luckily, I had the Nestout 28W 4-Panel Solar Charger handy as I headed off-grid. Find out whether this sun-powered charger is right for you in my honest Nestout 28W 4-Panel Solar Charger Review.
I took the Nestout 28W 4-Panel Solar Charger into the Montana backcountry for a 5-day adventure. We whitewater rafted, fished, and camped without access to any power other than what we brought. I had to keep my phone, camera, and backup batteries charged for five days, and I couldn’t have done it without the Nestout Solar Charger.
I found the Nestout 28W Solar Charger very simple and easy to use. Just unfold it, lay it out (hang it or prop it up) in the sun, plug in the cable, and start charging. Once the panels are in the sun, the screen turns on automatically to show how much it’s charging. I love the built-in Velcro stands, even though I was skeptical of them at first. They’re great for angling the panels toward the sun. The only problem is that my screen is upside down when they’re deployed. The solar charger also has built-in loops so you can hang it if needed.
Rating: 9 / 10
It didn’t take long on my media trip for the Nestout Solar Charger to become essential. I started charging batteries on the second day, but they didn’t charge very quickly. Even in bright, sunny conditions, the solar panels are only 24% efficient. I left a backup battery charging for a few hours in the afternoon, and the power only increased by 5%. I would have to charge it all day, hoping it might reach 75%. However, I expected this because solar panels in general are notorious for slow charging since they’re not very efficient.
Rating: 7 / 10
One of the main reasons I was excited to bring the Nextout Solar Charger on this trip was that it was designed to be weather-resistant, and we had plenty of opportunities for it to encounter water since we were whitewater rafting. While I kept it in a dry bag when not in use, I still left it in dirt, sand, and dew. Nestout used water-resistant, heavy-duty materials to ensure this gear could handle rough handling and tough conditions. I’ve been very impressed with just how tough this unit is because I’ve crammed it in suitcases, gear bags, and accidentally dropped it, but it’s still going strong.
Rating: 9 / 10
The Nestout 28W 4-Panel Solar Charger is ideal for off-grid camping and emergency preparedness. On multi-day fishing and hunting trips, I have it packed, just in case I need to charge a camera or phone in the field. If you spend a lot of time away from power sources, then this solar charger is worth checking out. However, if your camping and outdoor activities take place near electricity, I don’t see a reason to own it.
I’ve used less expensive (and smaller) solar chargers that performed similarly, but not quite as well as the Nestout 28 W 4-Panel Solar Charger. This is the best one I’ve gotten my hands on so far, but at $130 MSRP, I know it’s not for everyone. I would really love to see it charge faster at this size and price range. However, $130 is a small price to pay to nearly always have access to power for those of us who need it on our adventures.
Rating: 8 / 10
Pros:
Cons:
Now that you’ve finished reading my Nestout 28W 4-Panel Solar Charger Review, you understand why it’s become an essential tool in my off-grid kit. I use it to keep my gear charged when away from other power sources, and I love the ruggedness and durability that it offers because I’m tough on my gear.
Overall Rating: 8.25 / 10
Wesley Littlefield
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MANILA, Philippines — SunAsia Energy Inc. is teaming up with Thailand-listed Gunkul Engineering Public Co. Ltd. to build a $1-billion floating solar project on Laguna Lake, touted as the largest of its kind in the region.
The companies recently formalized their partnership to develop the project, which is envisioned to have an installed capacity of around one gigawatt.
SunAsia Energy president and CEO Tetchi Capellan said the deal underscores the shared vision of the Philippines and Thailand to “forge meaningful collaboration, drive innovation and create an impact that extends well beyond our borders.”
Unlike ground-mounted solar projects, floating solar installations require specialized engineering solutions to withstand water-based conditions, including humidity, corrosion, wind waves and other environmental and mechanical stresses.
Given its scale, the Laguna Lake project is expected to drive local manufacturing of key components, particularly floaters or the platforms that keep solar panels afloat on bodies of water.
“SunAsia is working with floating solar experts across the region, drawing on a century of engineering knowledge and experience to design for the future while anticipating risks today and building resilience for the years ahead,” SunAsia Energy vice president for strategic projects Karlo Abril said.
Before Gunkul’s entry, Blueleaf Energy Philippines of the Macquarie Group had been involved in the project since 2021, providing development and funding support.
With the new partnership, SunAsia Energy is expected to leverage Gunkul’s proven expertise in renewable energy development, as well as in engineering, procurement and construction.
As a publicly listed renewables platform, Gunkul has a diversified portfolio of clean energy assets and engineering capabilities, positioning it as an integrated power player in Asia.
SunAsia Energy, on the other hand, primarily focuses on solar power development, partnering with local and international groups to advance solar projects across the country.
Beyond large-scale ground-mounted solar projects, the company has also expanded into floating solar development to complement its land-based renewable power portfolio.
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A homeowner in Augsburg, Germany, wanted to run their house without a connection to the public grid. The system needed to cover household demand day and night using only onsite solar and battery storage.
The basement installation made battery safety an important part of the choice. The homeowner had concerns about installing a large lithium-ion battery system indoors and asked SALZSTROM, BIWATT’s local distributor, about alternatives. SALZSTROM proposed a sodium-ion solution based on BIWATT R2 batteries and H3 hybrid inverter.
The installation pairs a 49 kWp PV array with 270 kWh of storage. It uses 60 BIWATT R2 sodium-ion battery units and four 12 kW BIWATT H3 inverters, providing 48 kW of inverter power.
Safety and environmental impact were key factors in the battery choice. BIWATT’s sodium-ion chemistry offers greater thermal stability and a lower risk of thermal runaway than LFP, addressing the homeowner’s concerns about a large indoor battery installation.
Lithium extraction can involve significant water use and land disturbance. BIWATT’s sodium-ion technology instead draws on abundant sodium resources and hard carbon derived from coconut shells, offering a lower-impact materials route that fits the homeowner’s goal of creating an all-green home energy system.
Cold-weather performance was especially important for a fully off-grid home. In winter, any energy used to heat the batteries would have to come from the home’s own solar-and-storage system. BIWATT rates the R2 for operation down to -30°C without an auxiliary heating system, keeping more stored energy available for household use.
The result is a home energy system powered entirely by onsite solar and storage, giving the homeowner a safe, fully green energy solution.
The 60 R2 units are linked through BIWATT’s dynamic balancing technology to form a single 270 kWh storage network. Solar power generated during the day is stored for use at night and when PV output is low.
The completed system is designed to supply the whole home continuously without a grid connection or the need to purchase grid electricity.
The homeowner described the result, saying, “You made a dream come true.”
BIWATT launched the world’s first sodium-ion all-in-one HESS in 2023. The indoor R2 followed in 2024, the outdoor R3 in 2025, and the stackable all-in-one R5 and I3 C&I storage system in 2026.
Contact BIWATT for more information.
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The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!
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Sustainability is a major focus today, and energy saving is a given. Those who have installed a photovoltaic system on their roof are fortunate. But what happens if the roof structure catches fire? Are there disadvantages?
Since photovoltaic systems have been installed on roofs, a persistent rumor suggests that the fire department will not extinguish the house. But is that really true? How should one act if there's a fire on the roof and solar panels are present? myHOMEBOOK investigated and asked the fire department.
The introduction of photovoltaic systems has significantly changed the rules for the fire department. Firefighters sometimes cannot easily reach the source of the fire. Carsten-Michael Pix from the German Firefighters Association explains to myHOMEBOOK: "Of course, a solar system doesn't make extinguishing easier. I have something on the roof that naturally makes access more difficult. And when I'm looking for the fire, I first have to remove something, but it's not impossible."
Photovoltaic systems do not always need to be removed during a fire, only if the fire is in close proximity. The German Firefighters Association has published a brochure for firefighters. It contains many helpful tips on how to handle a fire involving photovoltaic systems.
Related: Legal changes for photovoltaic systems! More money for full feed-in
It's clearly a rumor. The fire department must decide how to proceed with each fire individually, and whether a photovoltaic system is involved is secondary. "It's complete nonsense; the fire department will always help," says Carsten-Michael Pix. "Of course, if it is, in quotes, worth it." For example, if a barn with a photovoltaic system is "fully involved," as the fire department jargon goes, the fire department might initially not extinguish it. In such cases, the fire department might let certain parts burn, according to Pix. "But that has nothing to do with the photovoltaic system; it's always an individual decision," the spokesperson explains.
Also interesting: Did you know you can buy solar systems at Ikea?
The rumor that the fire department doesn't extinguish when a photovoltaic system is involved has persisted for years. Over fifteen years ago, there was an incident that might have sparked the rumor. Pix is familiar with the case: "I know of an operation somewhere in East Frisia, where the issue was very new. The fire department didn't really know what to do, and ultimately, very unfortunate images emerged." The fire department, which Pix says was overwhelmed and helpless, apparently let the building burn down.
Yes and no. Solar modules are made from various materials but can usually only smolder. The cables to which the panels are attached are generally not fire starters either. Like all other cables, they are encased in plastic. "But the parts can't really burn, as we commonly understand fire," Pix reassures. Additionally, roof tiles to which solar modules are attached are never flammable.
Also interesting: Are insurance policies for PV systems worthwhile? Finanztest has checked
No. You can, but you don't have to. When making an emergency call, you should mention everything that seems important at the moment. The fire department assesses the situation on-site, Pix explains: "The first firefighter on the scene always conducts a survey." This involves questions about whether people are in danger, what is burning, where it is burning, and whether anything specific needs to be known, such as the presence of gas cylinders in a workshop or solar panels. Even if the fire department sends someone on a reconnaissance mission, it never hurts to inform them about potentially hard-to-see solar modules, especially on a very tall building.
Generally, you can't prevent a fire. For instance, you can't control whether lightning strikes. However, owners can do one essential thing, the expert advises, which is to ensure installations are done according to the latest technology standards, meaning hiring good craftsmen, not those who have only been doing it for three months. Comparing companies is definitely advisable, and in this regard, one shouldn't necessarily focus on saving money.
Insurance is available for all life situations. Some are essential, while others are just for peace of mind. You don't need special insurance for photovoltaic systems. However, you should definitely consult with your insurance provider, Pix advises: "There are so many different scenarios. A policy might have been taken out decades ago when photovoltaic systems didn't even exist. Talking to your insurance is always the right move." In this case, caution is better than regret.
The post How Dangerous Are Photovoltaic Systems in a House Fire? appeared first on myHOMEBOOK.
Allendale, Northumberland: My late-flowering poppies have lit up the garden, and it’s not only me who’s taken an interest
Donald Trump vowed to break the midterm curse by promising every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of Congress.
Search ongoing for at least 80 missing people in waters off Palawan Island
The president offered few details of the plan but said the money would have to be spent in America
Trump makes racist remark about Arab-sounding names as he jokes about his Iran war in Dallas
The moment in question came as HUD Secretary Scott Turner left the stage at the Republican Party’s midterm convention in Texas
At least five people have died and 86 remain missing after a fire erupted on a ferry in the Philippines, triggering a search-and-rescue operation in rough seas.
‘Guess who?’ says Fire Point, Ukrainian maker of long-range weaponry; drone alert in Moldova as Zelenskyy waited to fly out. What we know on day 1,660
Democratic senator praised Republican colleague from Pennsylvania, Dave McCormick in surprise appearance
Native only to the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, the rare apes were found thousands of kilometres away in Odisha state
A suspected Russian attack drone nearly struck Volodymyr Zelensky’s aircraft during takeoff from Moldova, according to Norway’s prime minister.
The Trump administration has worked to restore monuments tied to Confederate leaders while criticizing Smithsonian exhibits that touch on slavery
The president’s top federal prosecutor in DC refuses to answer questions about his demands to re-open vandalism case against ex-Olympian
Lawsuit says police should’ve known the risk of putting a kid in the driver’s seat wearing impairment goggles
Special conservation and security measures are in place to ensure the 70-metre long artefact’s safety while it is in the UK.
Critics say threshold pushes higher-paid staff to cut back on work and often mothers to stop working to avoid losing entitlement
School staff tell focus groups they believe school system in England and Wales cannot deal with attendance crisis
Hundreds of thousands of passengers were caught up in the disruption after flights were cancelled following a Nats technical issue on Tuesday.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland soldiers said they relished the chance to ‘prove ourselves’ against comrades.
The Scottish Government launched a consultation on its plan to cap the price of some household staples during the summer recess.
A large industrial facility in south Louisville caught fire on Wednesday.
The fire was reported just before 3 p.m. Wednesday in the 8700 block of Minor Lane. That's near Okolona between Outer Loop and I-265.
The building is Grainger Industrial Supply. Grainger distributes maintenance, repair and operating supplies.
Okolona Fire Chief Mark Little said a solar panel on the roof caught fire.
Video shows one of 12 chunks of the solar panels scorched on top of the building.
The building is nearly 1.5 million square feet.
Little said four firefighters went down due to heat exhaustion.
"You got the sun that's beating down obviously up on the roof. You're wearing about 80 pounds of gear and you have a respirator on that makes it more difficult," said Little.
The fire took around two hours to get under control.
There were no employee injuries reported.
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Perovskite solar cells have long been hailed as the most promising challengers to silicon’s dominance in photovoltaics, capable of converting sunlight into electricity with remarkable efficiency while being fabricated from inexpensive solution-processed materials. Yet the very property that makes them so versatile—the enormous chemical space of possible elemental combinations—has also made them notoriously difficult to optimize systematically. A new study published in Applied Nanoscience by Sameer Pandey, Naman Shukla, Vishal Kumar Sharma and Shruti Tiwari proposes an elegant way through this computational maze: a unified multiscale framework that fuses density functional theory (DFT), supervised machine learning and device-level simulation to accelerate the discovery and design of high-performance perovskite photovoltaic materials.
The central problem the researchers set out to tackle is one of scale. First-principles calculations based on density functional theory, the workhorse of computational materials science since Hohenberg and Kohn formulated its foundations in 1964, deliver physically rigorous predictions of crystal structure, electronic band structure and defect energetics. But these calculations are expensive, and the space of conceivable perovskite compositions—from lead halides to tin-based alternatives and hybrid organic-inorganic variants—spans thousands of candidates. Exhaustively screening them with DFT alone would consume prohibitive amounts of supercomputing time. The Indian research team’s answer was to let DFT do the heavy lifting for a representative subset of materials, then hand the resulting data to machine learning models that can extrapolate the physics to the wider compositional landscape in a fraction of the time.
In the first stage of their pipeline, the authors computed a suite of physically meaningful descriptors for perovskite materials: structural parameters such as lattice constants and Goldschmidt tolerance factors, electronic bandgaps, formation energies, and a set of defect-related characteristics that capture how easily harmful point defects form within each crystal. These quantities matter enormously for solar cell performance. The bandgap determines which portion of the solar spectrum a material can absorb and sets an upper limit on the open-circuit voltage; formation energies indicate thermodynamic stability; and defect energetics govern whether imperfections in the crystal act as benign spectators or as recombination centers that throttle efficiency.
The descriptor sets then became training data for supervised machine learning algorithms. The team employed a battery of regression models, including random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR), gradient boosting regressor (GBR) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), evaluating their accuracy with standard metrics such as mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE). The trained models learned to predict key material and photovoltaic performance indicators with high accuracy at computational speeds many orders of magnitude faster than a fresh DFT calculation. Crucially, the authors emphasize that their approach preserves physical interpretability: rather than treating the machine learning model as an opaque oracle, the descriptor-based design means that each prediction can be traced back to concrete structural and electronic features that chemists and physicists understand.
With rapid material predictions in hand, the framework then bridges from the atomic scale to the device scale. The machine learning outputs were fed into solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS) modeling, a well-established one-dimensional device simulation tool originally developed for polycrystalline thin-film photovoltaics. At the device level, the combined DFT-ML predictions were used to assess the four canonical figures of merit of a solar cell: open-circuit voltage (VOC), short-circuit current density (JSC), fill factor (FF), and, ultimately, power conversion efficiency (PCE). This multiscale coupling is what distinguishes the work from purely computational screening studies; it closes the loop between quantum-mechanical material properties and the electrical behavior of an actual photovoltaic device stack.
The scientific payoff of this integrated approach is a clear, quantitative picture of how material properties translate into device performance. The findings reveal strong correlations among defect tolerance, bandgap optimization and photovoltaic efficiency—and, perhaps most importantly, they identify defect suppression as a leading pathway for raising efficiency. This conclusion resonates with a decade of experimental wisdom in the field. Halide perovskites are unusual semiconductors in that many of their intrinsic defects form at low energy and therefore do not act as efficient recombination centers, a property known as defect tolerance. Materials such as methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) and formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) owe their remarkable laboratory performance partly to this forgiving defect chemistry. Conversely, lead-free alternatives such as CsSnI3 suffer because tin vacancies create dense populations of detrimental holes. By encoding defect energetics as machine learning descriptors, the new framework can flag which compositions are likely to tolerate imperfections before a single sample is synthesized in the laboratory.
The study arrives at a moment when perovskite photovoltaics are moving decisively from laboratory curiosity toward commercial reality. Since the seminal 2009 report by Kojima and colleagues demonstrating organometal halide perovskites as visible-light sensitizers, certified efficiencies have climbed at a pace unmatched by any other solar technology in history, as tracked by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s best research-cell efficiency chart. Milestones such as pseudo-halide anion engineering for α-FAPbI3 cells and atomically coherent interlayers on SnO2 electrodes, both reported in Nature in 2021, have pushed lab-scale efficiencies above 25 percent. But the same speed of progress has exposed the bottleneck that the new study addresses: the field’s reliance on empirical, trial-and-error optimization. Each compositional tweak—substituting cations, mixing halides, engineering interfaces—requires experimental iteration that is slow and costly. A predictive computational framework that can pre-screen candidates promises to redirect that experimental effort toward the most promising candidates.
The economics of the approach are as compelling as the science. The authors report that their DFT-ML scheme consumes dramatically less computational power than exhaustive first-principles screening while retaining the physical fidelity needed for meaningful predictions. In practical terms, this means a research group without access to massive computing infrastructure can still perform rational materials design, democratizing access to state-of-the-art materials discovery. It also means that as perovskite solar cells scale toward manufacturing, the framework can serve as a design engine for tailoring compositions to specific device architectures, processing constraints and stability requirements.
The broader significance of the work lies in its embodiment of the materials informatics paradigm. Over the past decade, researchers including Ramprasad, Pilania and colleagues have demonstrated that machine learning trained on high-throughput DFT data can accelerate property predictions across fields from dielectric breakdown to polymer design. The new study applies this philosophy specifically to the photovoltaic perovskite problem, integrating it with device simulation in a single coherent pipeline. The authors frame the result as an efficient, predictive solution to two coupled challenges: perovskite material screening and solar cell design scaling. In other words, the framework addresses not only which material to choose but also how that choice will perform inside a complete device, accounting for the interplay of absorption, charge transport and recombination.
Looking forward, the framework opens several avenues. The descriptor library could be expanded to include interface properties, ion migration barriers and environmental stability metrics, all of which influence the long-term durability that remains perovskite technology’s chief hurdle to commercialization. The machine learning models themselves could be retrained as new experimental data accumulate, creating a self-improving design loop in which computation guides synthesis and synthesis refines computation. And as lead-free and low-dimensional perovskite variants proliferate in the search for less toxic, more stable absorbers, the ability to rapidly triage candidates on the basis of bandgap, stability and defect physics will become ever more valuable.
For a field that has grown accustomed to surprise breakthroughs, the message of this study is quietly transformative: the next generation of perovskite solar cells may not be stumbled upon in a laboratory but designed in silico, with quantum mechanics providing the ground truth, machine learning providing the speed, and device simulation providing the engineering judgment. As Pandey and colleagues demonstrate, when these three computational layers are woven together, the vast perovskite chemical space stops being an obstacle and starts becoming an opportunity.
Subject of Research: Machine learning-assisted first-principles (DFT) investigation of the structural, electronic and photovoltaic properties of perovskite materials for high-performance perovskite solar cells
Subject of Research: Technology and Engineering
Article Title: Machine learning-assisted first-principles investigation of structural, electronic, and photovoltaic properties of perovskite materials
Article References: Pandey, S., Shukla, N., Sharma, V. K., & Tiwari, S. (2026). Machine learning-assisted first-principles investigation of structural, electronic, and photovoltaic properties of perovskite materials. Applied Nanoscience, 16(4), Article 53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13204-026-03184-4
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1007/s13204-026-03184-4
Keywords: Perovskite solar cells, Density functional theory, Machine learning, Materials informatics, Photovoltaics, Defect tolerance, Bandgap optimization, Power conversion efficiency, Computational materials science, SCAPS device simulation
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Teresa Odom. (September 10, 2026). Machine learning boosts first-principles study of perovskite photovoltaic properties. Scienmag. https://scienmag.com/machine-learning-boosts-first-principles-study-of-perovskite-photovoltaic-properties/
Teresa Odom. “Machine learning boosts first-principles study of perovskite photovoltaic properties.” Scienmag, 10 September 2026, https://scienmag.com/machine-learning-boosts-first-principles-study-of-perovskite-photovoltaic-properties/. Accessed 10 September 2026.
Teresa Odom. “Machine learning boosts first-principles study of perovskite photovoltaic properties.” Scienmag. September 10, 2026. https://scienmag.com/machine-learning-boosts-first-principles-study-of-perovskite-photovoltaic-properties/
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Tags: accelerated discovery of perovskite solar materialsaccelerating photovoltaic material design with machine learningcomputational challenges in perovskite optimizationcomputational materials science for renewable energydata-driven design of next-generation solar cellsdefect energetics in photovoltaic materialsdensity functional theory applications in photovoltaicsdensity functional theory for perovskitesdevice-level simulation of perovskite solar cellsdevice-level simulation of solar cellsfirst-principles calculations forhigh-throughput screening of perovskite compositionshybrid organic-inorganic perovskiteslead halide and tin-based perovskite alternativesmachine learning in solar cell designmachine learning in solar cell optimizationmultiscale computational framework for perovskitesmultiscale computational framework for photovoltaicsorganic-inorganic hybrid perovskitesperovskite photovoltaic material discoveryperovskite photovoltaic material optimizationscalable methods for photovoltaic property prediction
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EU policymakers responsible for drafting a report on the European Commission’s proposed Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) have set out measures for boosting Europe’s manufacturing sectors.
Plans for the IAA were first unveiled in March this year. At the time, proposals included introducing EU-made content requirements for products benefiting from public funds, including solar PV and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Since then, three Members of European Parliament – Renew Europe’s Christophe Grudler, S&D’s Pierre Jouvet, and the Green’s Anna Cavazzini – have been tasked with developing a draft report on the IAA, which is due for publication this week.
According to an update posted by centre-right party Renew Europe earlier this week, key measures of their draft review include raising the threshold for Made in Europe and low-carbon products in strategic sectors to 50% by 2036, ensuring that public funds support domestic industries and sustainability.
It also commits to increasing EU content in net-zero technologies, such as solar panels, heat pumps, wind turbines and nuclear power plants.
Renew’s update adds that clearer safeguards, including stricter definitions and component requirements, should be introduced in order to “close the door on circumvention and guarantee public funds truly benefit European industries”.
“When member states put more than €2,500 billion of public money on the table every year, through public procurement and state aid, while at the same time letting one billion euros a day flow to China, something is going terribly wrong,” Jouvet said. “European citizens are entitled to expect that part of that money goes to companies that pay wages, train European workers including young people and invest in the green transition close to where they live.”
Grudler added that the draft report proposes “simple, clear and applicable rules, without unnecessary administrative burdens for businesses and local authorities.”
“Facing fierce global competition, we must build and consolidate the value chains of our strategic sectors in Europe: from steel and aluminium to the automotive industry and clean technologies,” he added.
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INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana farmers and solar developers are increasingly experimenting with ways to combine electricity generation and agriculture as large-scale solar projects expand across the state.
Some solar installations now incorporate sheep, pigs and chickens, allowing livestock to graze beneath panels while vegetation provides ground cover. At one of the world’s largest solar farms, thousands of sheep are used to control vegetation, replacing conventional mowing crews while benefiting from the panels’ shade.
The approach, known as agrivoltaics, also is drawing interest from farmers seeking more predictable income. Solar leases can provide steadier revenue than crops subject to changing commodity prices, while agricultural uses may allow landowners to continue producing food on portions of solar sites.
In southwestern Indiana, growers are examining whether crops such as melons could benefit from panel shade. However, crop rotation, equipment access and field layouts could require significant changes. Raising panels high enough to accommodate livestock or farm machinery also can increase construction costs.
The expansion is not without opposition. Some rural residents question the use of agricultural land for projects that may send electricity to distant population centers, particularly in communities that have experienced power outages. Counties that restrict solar development also can lose potential jobs and economic activity, while manufacturers increasingly seek locations with dependable renewable energy.
Researchers are studying solar-powered microgrids as another potential benefit, particularly for keeping rural communities powered during emergencies.
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Highlighted in yellow, this map shows the location of a proposed solar array off Jamestown Road in Belmont.
Highlighted in yellow, this map shows the location of a proposed solar array off Jamestown Road in Belmont.
BELMONT — The Belmont Selectboard voted 5-0 on Sept. 2, to support a solar energy project on Jamestown Road that could ultimately save the town thousands and generate new tax revenue. The project, which must gain approval next from both the zoning and planning boards, would be installed in 2027-28.
Kearsarge Energy, long-term owners for over 100 solar projects in New England, presented to the selectboard their proposal for a 92-acre solar farm at tax lot 232-007 on Belmont’s GIS tax map, owned by Daniel McDonald, of Pembroke, Massachusetts. It is zoned for rural use at more than 90 acres.
Kearsarge Energy, which is family-created by three brothers who maintain they aren’t just “flippers,” contacted McDonald.
“We’re one of the largest independent power producers on the East Coast. We named it after Kearsarge because that’s where we used to go hiking as kids, on the easy side,” said Andrew Bernstein, one of the founders. “We have about 110 projects. We work closely, mostly with municipalities and towns. We are long-term owners. We don’t give out projects and then flip them.”
Kearsarge Energy supports local construction companies and materials when possible. There’s limited visibility from the Jamestown access point, so passersby wouldn’t immediately notice the solar array. The interconnection points through Eversource, which will arguably take the longest amount of time to construct, will be located on Jamestown, and cause minimum disruption.
All told, construction of the solar project would take four to six months.
The major net gain for the town would be the tax agreement. Discounts off the net meter rate would eventually be kicked back to the town via check from Eversource.
“There’s potential for $10,000 annual savings. It just depends on what the total kilowatt hours that are used by the town. That assumes an annual electricity usage of about a million kilowatt hours. What you’d say, if it’s a million kilowatt hours, the net metering rate is $0.14. And then you would say, ‘I’m going to take a million,’ you get 10% of that. And we write you a check every month. So, there’s no downside at all.”
The numbers are subject to change as costs shift throughout the construction project. The town can lock that rate in for 20 years.
“There’s nothing really to hide. The nice thing about a solar project is there’s community benefits. There’s local tax revenues. You’ve got locally-generated, renewable energy. When you do a project like this, all the costs of upgrading the infrastructure come back to the developer. So, that’s a net positive, as well,” Bernstein said.
Very little maintenance is required by the town.
Sheep are often used to manage vegetation overgrowth, and emergency shut-offs can be done via mobile app. Training for first responders on the solar equipment will also be conducted by the company. To date, Kearsarge Energy has never had a project involved in a fire.
“In 16 years of business, we’ve never had a fire. There’s really nothing that can burn. It’s steel and glass. If there ever were, we just let it burn out,” Bernstein said.
Comparative projects around the state include arrays in Claremont, Bow, Manchester and Concord.
Selectboard member Travis O’Hara made the motion to support the project after much conversation, which was seconded by Sharon Ciampi. The planning board meets next on Monday, Sept. 28, and the zoning board meets on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
To watch the meeting, visit belmontnh.gov. The board will meet next at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Belmont Mill.
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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.
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The Italian summer changed the shape of the power day more than its size. Solar produced 13.8 TWh between June and August and held the middle of the day, but a hot season lifted demand by 5.2 TWh while hydro and wind fell 2.7 TWh, and gas covered most of what was left, adding 6.4 TWh and pushing its share of generation toward half. Prices split the same way, rising least in the hours solar owns and most after sundown, so the exposure that once ran across the whole day now concentrates in the evening, where gas still sets the price.
Italian solar produced 13.8 TWh over June to August, 1.1 TWh more than the same months of 2025, while gas added 6.4 TWh over the identical window, taking it to 30.4 TWh and lifting its share of Italian generation from 40.6% to 47.7%.
Year on year demand lifted by 5.2 TWh, while hydro and wind gave up 2.7 TWh between them, run of river down 20.1%, reservoir down 27.0% and wind down 16.5%. The hydro loss came with exceptionally low river levels in the north, where the Po fell to a record low at the end of July and ran at under a third of its seasonal norm. That leaves a gap of 7.9 TWh to be covered. Gas met 80% of it and solar 14%, with higher net imports covering a further 8%, so gas and solar between them account for almost all of the domestic response. The demand growth was heat driven rather than structural. Across twelve Italian cities the mean summer temperature ran 1.7 C above 2025.
Demand grew at least at midday, but that explains only part of it. The gap to cover was 2.8 GW at midday and 3.9 GW overnight, so the midday gap was around a third smaller. Gas answered far more unevenly, adding just 1.0 GW at midday against 3.7 GW across the evening peak and 4.2 GW overnight. Its weakest response of the day coincided with the strongest solar, which added 1.2 GW over last summer in precisely those midday hours.
The wholesale reference price for electricity (PUN) averaged €156.5 ($182.1)/MWh over the three months, €45/MWh above last summer, with every zone up between 38.0% and 44.2%. Only 66 of 2,182 priced hours cleared below €60/MWh, against €84/MWh of 2,208 last summer.
Every hour was dearer than last summer, but the increase concentrated after sundown, at about €57/MWh across the evening peak against €32/MWh at midday. That divergence is a solar artefact, not a market judgement in the middle of the day. Matching hours on residual demand collapses the midday discount from €33/MWh to under €4/MWh, which attributes the great majority of it to solar rather than to the shape of demand, but the level does not disappear with it. Like for like across the day, Italian prices sat about €35/MWh above last summer. Solar itself captured €133.4/MWh, 36 more than a year earlier, but it lagged the rise in baseload, so its capture rate slipped 2.3 points to 85.3%.
Gas rose at both ends of the day and barely at midday.
That same uneven response made the fleet cycling harder within the day. The 1.0 GW added at midday against 3.7 GW in the evening widened the swing between those two windows from 7.8 GW to 10.4 GW. Day by day, the distance between each day’s highest and lowest gas hour grew by 2.7 GW to reach 12.3 GW, and the widest day reached 18.0 GW. The fleet is not running less. It is moving further within the day, with output up in every one of the twenty four hours, by 0.8 GW at the shallowest.
The national average conceals a wide zonal range.
In IT South, solar averaged 86.6% of the zone’s own demand across the middle of the day and reached 182% in its best single hour, while Sardinia averaged 87.7% and reached 171%, and IT North, which carries more than half of Italian demand, averaged just 32.8%.
Sicily added the most solar of any zone, 0.5 TWh for a 42.1% rise, and recorded the largest capture decline, down 4.5 points to 80.9%, level with Sardinia at the bottom of the Italian range. In absolute terms its solar still earned the most of the southern zones, €132.5/MWh against €131.3/MWh in IT South and €123.7/MWh in Sardinia, but it earned that against Italy’s highest zonal baseload of €163.7/MWh, and the gap between the two is what pulls its capture rate to the bottom.
IT South and Sardinia already generate more solar than they consume in about a quarter of their midday hours, Sicily in one in seven. Where that surplus cannot be exported the zonal price collapses to zero, as it did in thirteen hours in IT South and nine in Sardinia, while the North still cleared around €80/MWh.
If solar had been the source of this summer’s stress it would show up as output fell short of what the market expected, and it did not.
Across the three months Italian solar came in 4.9% above the published day ahead forecast, beating it on 83 of the 91 days that carried one. Of those 91 days, midday solar came in more than 5% below forecast on four, more than 10% below on two, and more than 25% below on none, while across daylight hours, 06:00 to 19:00, the mean absolute hourly forecast error was 664 MW, or 6.2% of mean output.
Resource risk arrived together, and solar could not offset it. Hydro and wind gave up 2.7 TWh in the same season that demand added 5.2. Solar rose, but it clears a gigawatt in only thirteen hours of the day, so it covered 14% of a gap that ran through all twenty four hours and left most of the rest to gas.
The exposure sits in the evening rather than in the middle of the day. Midday prices rose 35.5% against 41.3% in the evening, and gas widened its own midday to evening gap from 7.8 GW to 10.4 GW as the burden shifted into those hours.
Capture erodes at zone level first, and the national average hides it. The 85.3% headline masks Sicily at 80.9%, down 4.5 points after 42.1% output growth, and IT South and Sardinia, which already generate more than their own demand in about a quarter of their midday hours. A national price curve does not reveal those zonal differences.
The level of Italian prices still appears to be set by gas. Only 66 of 2,182 priced hours cleared below €60/MWh, and every zone rose between 38.0% and 44.2%. Solar changed the distribution of Italian prices across the day this summer. It did not change what sets their level.
One caution applies throughout. The demand growth behind the gap was heat, and heat reverses. All of it came in July and August, and June demand came below last year, so if next summer is milder and hydro recovers, the 2026 figures read as a single year rather than a trend. What holds regardless is the shape. Solar serves the part of the day it generates in, and gas serves the rest.
These are the types of questions assessed using WSP’s Electricity Market Outlook (EMO), which helps clients test how solar portfolios, storage assets and cross-border positions may perform under different weather, market and policy scenarios. The underlying model, PRIMES-IEM, has supported European Commission policy analysis for two decades. It runs European markets simultaneously to 2050, with cross-border flows derived by replicating the EUPHEMIA algorithm used in the EU Single Day Ahead Coupling. Output includes hourly prices, capture rates, hydro and cooling-water sensitivities, curtailment exposure and storage profitability projections at country and asset level.
Author: Safa Sen, Market Engagement Lead For CWE at WSP.
WSP Group unites engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities to advance humanity. From local beginnings to a globe-spanning presence today, it operates in over 50 countries and provides solutions and delivers innovative projects across sectors: Transport & Infrastructure, Property & Buildings, Earth & Environment, Water, Power & Energy and Mining & Metals.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own, and do not necessarily reflect those held by pv magazine.
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The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!
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An English county is facing a “wall” of solar farms covering 12,000 acres, an MP has warned.
Mid Norfolk Conservative MP George Freeman convened and chaired a ‘solar summit’ on Friday (4/9) – bringing together local representatives, council officials and MPs in response to a spate of solar farm applications.
A the meeting, the MP said he had calculated that, if approved, the farms proposed in Norfolk would take up 12,000 acres of space.
He said: “I was adding up the acreage and there’s about seven and a half thousand in west Norfolk and five or six thousand in south Norfolk, so that’s about 12,000 acres.
“That’s 250 Wembley stadiums and the size of the Norwich City Council area.”
Mr Freeman MP continued: “This is going to be a wall of solar infrastructure across the A47. This is big.
“It’s my concern that, at the moment, away from the villages who are dealing with it, people are not aware of what this will mean for the whole county.”
Photographs taken earlier this year show progress on a major 49.9MW solar farm being built at Bloy’s Grove, in Norfolk, by EDF Renewable.
The plans were approved in June 2022 by South Norfolk Council’s planning committee amid opposition.
Network Rail struck a deal with the operator for the electricity generated to power stations, offices and depots across the country.
And another aerial photo taken this year shows a solar farm on the former RAF Coltishall base, which began operation in 2015.
Planning inspectors in the county have recently begun considering proposals for the 2,800-acre Droves Solar Farm by developer Island Green Power.
The firm says the farm would generate enough electricity to power around 115,000 homes annually.
The firm has also proposed another scheme – known as East Pye Solar – which it also says could power around 115,000 homes.
While developers say the schemes will generate clean energy to power hundreds of thousands of homes, critics say valuable farmland will be lost and the countryside ruined.
Because the proposals are deemed by the government to be Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, they are not being considered by local decision-makers.
South West Norfolk Labour MP Terry Jermy said: “I think the government needs to do far more to recognise the cumulative impact.
“One of the reasons we are seeing so many at the moment is that, at some point, the rules will change and there will be much stricter policies on developers in terms of community funds and transport.
“But, in that vacuum, communities are going to suffer.”
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I recently accused the Carroll County Commissioners of “dereliction of duty” at a presentation for voters at the Gibson Center in Conway for failing to make a clear recommendation regarding installing a small solar array at the County Complex in Ossipee. That is a strong accusation and I’d like to defend it.
The solar array proposal was put together by me along with a team of four other volunteers as a service to Carroll County. It would have been a financial win for the county. Financially, the team’s proposal entailed two brief periods, in the first 12 years following installation of the array, when the county would have been “in the red.”
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Officials in a Prince Edward Island city say they have ended a voluntary advisory for people to shelter in response to a fire at a nearby solar farm.
A battery fire started Monday at Summerside's Sunbank solar farm, initially triggering a shelter-in-place order, a voluntary evacuation notice and road closures. Officials later downgraded the mandatory shelter-in-place order, making it voluntary.
Earlier on Wednesday, the police and fire departments said there were signs of improvement at the site after a change in wind conditions.
But the city said in an update late Wednesday afternoon that there is still a possibility of a flare-up or reignition over the coming days.
Emergency services and the city said they will continue to keep a close eye on the solar plant, using thermal imaging to measure temperatures and identify any potential hot spots.
The facility opened in 2024 with the capacity to supply Summerside with 21.6 megawatts of electricity, about a quarter of what the city needs.
Tanner Doiron, a city spokesperson, previously said the solar farm produced enough electricity to power the equivalent of 2,500 homes and has expanded since then.
Samsung Renewable Energy, which partnered with the city to build the solar plant, declined to comment when called by The Canadian Press on Wednesday.
The City of Summerside did not provide comments about the cause of the fire.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 9, 2026.
Eli Ridder, The Canadian Press
A tornado touched down in Winnipeg's River Heights neighbourhood during Sunday evening's storm, the Northern Tornadoes Project has confirmed.
Enhance Energy broke ground Wednesday on its Origins project hub near Clive, about 140 kilometres south of Edmonton.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy touched down in Calgary on Wednesday night ahead of meetings with Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal cabinet.
CALGARY — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy landed in Calgary on Wednesday night ahead of a scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Israel opened its first embassy in Slovenia on Wednesday, boosting relations with the small European Union nation even as ties go sour with some longtime allies over its policy in the occupied West Bank
Winnipeg has surpassed a target for creating new housing under a federal funding program nearly three months before the deadline.
A B.C. woman says she paid thousands of dollars for a mobility scooter that was never delivered, and the business initially refused to issue her a refund. However, a full resolution came less than 24 hours after Consumer Matters reporter Anne Drewa got involved.
We're getting a behind the scenes look at one of the oldest substations in the city that helps power downtown Vancouver and it is soon to be replaced. However, not everyone is happy with the change. Grace Ke reports.
The Canada – U.S. trade war is turning another corner. The American president abruptly issuing total bans on the importation of a number of Canadian products, while lifting tariffs on others. Ben O'hara-Byrne has the latest.
Winnipeg mayoral candidate Don Woodstock has proposed a plan to tackle vacant and derelict buildings, while Tracey Drexler is the first woman to register to run for the position in 2026.
A new report says online harms now constitute the top threat facing children in Canada, ahead of bullying, poverty and child abuse. As Angela Jung reports, a new campaign is using some graphic images to draw attention to the issue.
The European climate service Copernicus said the Earth just sweltered through its hottest month on record in August. Scientists said the heat surge is mostly due to human-caused climate change, with help from a strong El Nino.
August 2026 was the world’s joint hottest month ever recorded, according to Copernicus, pushing global temperatures back above 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels. In Italy, glaciologists say that heat is accelerating the retreat of Alpine glaciers, with one Lombardy glacier losing 31 metres this year and some monitoring delayed because the melt season hasn’t yet ended.
More developments in the investigation into suspended VPD officer and Kidsplay founder, Kal Dosanjh. Last week, Vancouver police identified 19 alleged victims, but as Catherine Urquhart reports, we are learning that number is climbing as others come forward.
Two-term Vancouver councillor Rebecca Bligh has unveiled the platform for her campaign to become Vancouver's new mayor. As Aaron McArthur reports, Bligh says she's not worried about splitting the so-called 'progressive' vote.
It’s been two months since people started living in Regina’s Pepsi Park. About 70 tents now cover the grass. The City of Regina has brought in portable toilets for people living there. But a nearby business owner wants it shut down. He says crime is up and it’s scaring his customers off.
CBC News investigated the cause of a surge that led to an outage in Yellowknife in July, which raises questions about whether the city has the infrastructure for major, energy-intensive projects.
The program is hoping to offer cultural healing, skills development and help people navigate how to find and keep a home. Jessica Davey-Quantick has more.
There is a more than 10 per cent chance that AI could kill all humans within the next decade, a researcher at Anthropic estimated in a post, hours after social media posts went viral from someone saying they had just quit Anthropic over concerns that AI companies are “gambling with our lives” in the AI development race.
0910 Today in History
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“Used correctly, storage brings cheap solar power from midday into the more expensive evening hours.”
Photo Credit: iStock
Austria is reworking its solar incentive system after the latest photovoltaic-and-battery grant round ran through its entire budget in just 33 seconds.
The scramble shut out thousands of applicants and has intensified calls for policymakers to rebuild a program meant to help more households and businesses benefit from clean energy savings.
Before the final funding round opens in October, the Austrian government is putting together a revised subsidy framework. As reported by PV Magazine, the Austrian Ministry of Economy and Energy on Aug. 21, 2026, outlined a storage-centered strategy that is expected to influence support programs beginning in 2027.
Under the proposed shift, storage would take on a bigger role in future solar support. Officials also said battery projects should count for more in grid planning and that permitting for battery storage is expected to speed up.
The ministry is also preparing a separate subsidy option for intelligent energy management systems, or EMS, in residential and commercial settings. Those systems can increase how much self-generated electricity people use themselves instead of feeding it back into an already stressed grid during peak solar production hours.
From 2027, the government also plans to abandon the current speed-driven application system.
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The ministry stated, “Funding applications should in future be able to be submitted after installation and invoicing — based on the principle of the craftsman bonus,” per PV Magazine.
Officials are looking to phase down broad support for standard rooftop solar and redirect funding toward storage and energy management upgrades that raise self-consumption and ease pressure on the grid.
Solar power often floods the system in the middle of the day, when supply is high and demand is lower. Without storage, households and businesses can miss out on some of the financial value of the electricity they generate, while the grid is left to manage sudden surges.
Aid would still remain available for more specialized solar categories, including building-integrated photovoltaics, agri-PV, solar carports, floating solar, and barrier-based installations. Austria’s “Made in Europe” bonus is also expected to stay in place.
Letting people apply after installation and invoicing, instead of forcing a race for limited funds, could make the subsidy process more predictable and much less dependent on split-second timing.
Austria also wants to let existing solar installations qualify for subsidies when adding batteries and EMS later on. That would allow households and businesses that already paid for panels to get support for those upgrades, too.
Giving storage a larger role in infrastructure planning while also speeding up battery storage permitting could help the country make better use of the solar electricity it already produces.
Pairing solar with storage and smart energy management may become more central to future savings than panels alone. As incentive programs evolve, households that can store midday electricity for evening use may be in a stronger position to cut bills and rely less on the grid.
According to PV Magazine, Austria’s economy minister, Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, said, “The challenge is not that we generate too little cheap domestic electricity in summer. We have to make it available when we need it. Used correctly, storage brings cheap solar power from midday into the more expensive evening hours.”
Elsewhere, similar questions are reshaping solar policy and adoption. Funding rules, easier installation options, and broader energy planning can affect who gets access to solar savings and how well those systems work for the grid.
• In the United States, $7 billion in solar incentives reopened access last year for households seeking rooftop savings.
• In Germany, apartment dwellers plug in balcony solar, and demand has surged toward three million systems.
• Morocco’s Noor complex is helping Europe free itself from Russian energy as reliability concerns reshape power choices.
Each of these stories points to the same challenge: increasing solar capacity and access. That puts the focus on incentives, storage, and other supporting technology that can turn rising demand into dependable savings.
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Halifax
By Eli Ridder, The Canadian Press
Posted Sep 9, 2026 03:35:01 PM.
Last Updated Sep 9, 2026 06:15:03 PM.
Officials in a Prince Edward Island city say they have ended a voluntary advisory for people to shelter in response to a fire at a nearby solar farm.
A battery fire started Monday at Summerside’s Sunbank solar farm, initially triggering a shelter-in-place order, a voluntary evacuation notice and road closures. Officials later downgraded the mandatory shelter-in-place order, making it voluntary.
Earlier on Wednesday, the police and fire departments said there were signs of improvement at the site after a change in wind conditions.
But the city said in an update late Wednesday afternoon that there is still a possibility of a flare-up or reignition over the coming days.
Emergency services and the city said they will continue to keep a close eye on the solar plant, using thermal imaging to measure temperatures and identify any potential hot spots.
The facility opened in 2024 with the capacity to supply Summerside with 21.6 megawatts of electricity, about a quarter of what the city needs.
Tanner Doiron, a city spokesperson, previously said the solar farm produced enough electricity to power the equivalent of 2,500 homes and has expanded since then.
Samsung Renewable Energy, which partnered with the city to build the solar plant, declined to comment when called by The Canadian Press on Wednesday.
The City of Summerside did not provide comments about the cause of the fire.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 9, 2026.
Eli Ridder, The Canadian Press
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Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to cloudy skies and rain overnight. Low around 70F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..
Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to cloudy skies and rain overnight. Low around 70F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Updated: September 9, 2026 @ 10:15 pm
Rows of solar panels charge Nov. 16 in a field outside Germantown.
Digital Editor
Rows of solar panels charge Nov. 16 in a field outside Germantown.
CUMBERLAND — In addition to a solar project planned for Cash Valley Road, which many area residents have spoken against, three other proposals for the state’s Power Plant Research Program are under review.
According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the PPRP aims for the state to meet its electricity demands and protect environmental assets in a cost- efficient manner.
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Teresa McMinn is a reporter for the Cumberland Times-News. She can be reached at 304-639-2371 or tmcminn@times-news.com.
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The Fraser Coast project is Naturgy’s second hybrid solar and battery storage project in Australia.
FTC Solar has started shipments of its solar tracker systems for the Fraser Coast project, a large-scale renewable energy initiative in Queensland, Australia.
The Fraser Coast development is led by Global Power Generation (GPG), a subsidiary of energy company Naturgy. It comprises 330MW of solar capacity along with 180MW of battery storage.
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The project is Naturgy’s largest renewable energy undertaking in Australia to date, and its second hybrid solar and battery storage project in the country.
Located in the Fraser Coast region, the project is expected to begin operations in 2028.
GPG Australia chief development officer Shaq Mohajerani said: “This project will represent the largest solar hybrid battery project ever built by GPG in Australia, providing another proof of our long-term commitment to the country.
“With 1.3GW of renewable energy capacity in operation, 0.5GW under construction and a 2GW development pipeline across Australia, GPG has become one of the largest renewable investors in the country, supporting the energy transition and the ambitious and world-admired 2030 renewable energy goals established by the federal and state governments.”
FTC Solar first announced the award of the Fraser Coast contract in March 2025.
Initial plans anticipated tracker production beginning in mid-2025, but the project’s timetable was revised with a notice to proceed issued in the second quarter of 2026.
The project’s aggregate value was added to FTC Solar’s backlog in 2025.
FTC Solar CEO Anthony Carroll said: “We are excited to work on another great project with GPG. It is rewarding to see the fruits of our research and development (R&D) and engineering efforts contribute so nicely to a project design, with our stow capabilities enabling shorter foundations and reduced embedment depth for material and labour cost savings, while our terrain following design adapts to natural site contours and reduces land work and preserves site integrity.”
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There’s a flurry of activity above our heads, and it will be powered, as it has been for more than 70 years, by solar energy. Working in the high-tech solar segment, it’s hard to look past the surge in investment and the scaling of both public and private sector activity in the emerging space industries. The funding really does appear to represent a new opportunity for the solar industry to expand into a high-value market – although its ultimate scale and significance are only beginning to come into focus.
While much of the media attention and discussion has been focused on IPOs and lofty ambitions, an interesting dynamic is emerging among the solar technology providers that are looking to power the growing fleet of satellites and other space-based operations. And what seems really interesting is that, buoyed by strong investor interest, satellite developers, space companies, and specialized solar manufacturers are pursuing new technologies and capabilities that could enable economic activity high above the clouds to scale and thrive.
This heightened level of activity and energy has been evident at three US events in 2026 that Eternal Sun has attended: the Space Power Workshop in Torrance, Los Angeles in April; and in just the past month, the Space Photovoltaics Research and Technology Conference (SPRAT) in Cleveland, and the Small Satellite Conference in Salt Lake City.
All three events have been running for decades, which shows both the longstanding importance of power systems to space operations and the depth of expertise that has developed around them.
When I attended the Space Power Workshop it was clear that there was a strong sense of familiarity among representatives from both the space technology sector and the solar companies with long histories of supplying it. And with the event celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, that shouldn’t really be a surprise. But along with the segment veterans and established players, there was a group of newcomers looking to bring innovative approaches to space operations and power systems.
Many of the established space organizations represented at the Workshop are well known, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the nonprofit Aerospace Corporation, which has a history dating back to 1960. Looking to their in-orbit power needs, these organizations often have longstanding relationships with specialized space-solar suppliers, many of which base their PV technologies on III-V semiconductors, including gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells.
You don’t need to have a PhD in photovoltaics to understand the benefits of III-V semiconductors. With conversion efficiencies of more than 30% and a strong resistance to the high-energy protons and electrons that are prevalent in high-orbit space, they have long been a no-brainer for space applications.
However, production capacities for III-V solar devices remain quite limited. It was mentioned at the Space Power Workshop suggested that annual production capacity remains below 5 MW and that lead times can be lengthy – a significant constraint on deployment.
Reliable data on the space-solar supply chain remain sparse. As one experienced solar analyst told me that while “space solar is very interesting, it’s at the frontier of our research at present.” But despite this limited visibility it’s clear that activity across the space-solar supply chain is accelerating.
It’s worthwhile to run through some of the recent developments on the business-side of space solar. On May 20, Denver-based York Space Systems announced its acquisition of space-solar developer Solestial for $67 million in cash and stock. Rather than using III-V semiconductors, Solestial produces crystalline-silicon (c-Si) cells and modules for space applications. The company uses ultra-thin, 60-micron c-Si substrates to produce heterojunction cells and modules using low-temperature manufacturing processes. The acquisition follows York Space Systems’ IPO that raised $4.75 billion on the New York Stock Exchange in January.
When looking beyond solar, it’s clear that right across the emerging space sector funds are flowing. The nonprofit Space Foundation reports that in April 2026 alone $28.7 billion in private investment flowed to space enterprises. The foundation notes that while traditional venture capital investors are inking deals, corporate strategic investors like Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Google are allocating funds to space, along with sovereign wealth funds, pension schemes, and family offices. And satellite constellations are proving particularly attractive to investors, the report says.
Technology evolution
Growing demand for low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, including applications such as Starlink, appears to be driving a rethink of space-solar semiconductors. LEO generally extends from approximately 160 km to 2,000 km above Earth. With lower exposure to degradation-inducing radiation than in higher orbits, and generally shorter expected satellite lifetimes, more conventional crystalline-silicon cells may be better suited to this next phase of space industrialization.
Falling launch costs are also making lower-cost c-Si space solar systems more feasible. A PwC space-industry report published in April 2025 notes that while “deploying heavy materials into orbit remains a logistical hurdle,” increased launch frequency and innovations such as reusable rockets could reduce the importance of the power-to-weight ratio for space solar systems. According to the report, LEO launch costs have “fallen steeply” over the past 15 years, reaching approximately $2,000/kg or less.
In what seems to be an acknowledgement of the importance of ongoing space-solar laboratory and manufacturing innovation, the U.S. Department of Energy has launched a $12 million grant opportunity. It’s not only satellites being launched, it seems. Information about the Space Photovoltaic Research and Development Program was published on August 31 and looks to accelerate technical innovation and expand domestic manufacturing capabilities for space solar. The grant process is being managed by TechWerx and is open until October 8.
Just like it is on Earth, perovskite PV is showing enormous promise as a next-generation solar-cell technology for space applications. At the SPRAT conference earlier this month, held at NASA’s Glenn Research Center, perovskite developers featured prominently in the proceedings.
Teams from perovskite developer Swift Solar, and researchers from the University of Rochester, New York, and the University of North Texas delivered presentations at the event – and the Eternal Sun team caught up with perovskite companies Oxford PV and Beyond Silicon during the coffee breaks.
In these discussions it emerged that while space applications may not have been a top priority for PV perovskite research and commercialization in the past, it’s being seen as a significant business opportunity for the perovskite developers today. And for the space companies, efficiencies above 30% at costs far below those of III-V semiconductors represents a tantalizing prospect.
To fulfill that promise, however, perovskite PV must demonstrate long-term durability and reliability. Space companies cannot afford unexpected degradation or device failures after incurring the massive expense of launching them into orbit. It‘s a challenge similar to that facing terrestrial perovskite deployment, but with much higher stakes.
Given the need to thoroughly test and accurately characterize perovskite and c-Si solar cells and modules for space deployment, including tandem devices, it is encouraging to see strong demand for advanced solar simulators from this expanding niche. In December 2025, Eternal Sun revealed that it was actively supplying equipment featuring light-emitting diode (LED) boards pre-calibrated for air mass zero (AM0) testing, enabling the accurate characterization of solar technologies designed for use in space.
The Space Foundation estimates that the global space economy reached $686 billion in 2025, representing annual growth of 12%. The report describes space solar as a “foundational technology” for the continued expansion of orbital operations. As the economy grows and new PV technologies emerge, rigorous product testing, characterization, and validation will be critical to ensuring solar can meet this future industry’s needs. And I think I can speak for the wider Eternal Sun team when I say that we’re proud to play a role in enabling this exciting area of economic development.
About the author
Pepijn Veling has served as the Sales Director at Eternal Sun | WAVELABS since 2019. He is responsible for sales across Europe, India, the Middle-East, and LATAM, and Sales Engineer managing accounts in Latin America and Europe. Previous experience includes positions as New Business Developer at Kimberly-Clark and Innovice, where significant clients included Apple Benelux and Rabobank Utrecht. Pepijn holds a Bachelor of Science in Innovation Management and a Master’s degree in Innovation Science and Management from Utrecht University and additional qualifications in Sustainable Business.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own, and do not necessarily reflect those held by pv magazine.
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HALIFAX COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – Two men were charged with possession of stolen goods/property after about 2,000 feet of copper wire was taken from the solar panels at Roanoke Rapids Solar Farm, according to deputies.
The copper was recovered and returned to the farm.
Halifax County deputies first responded on Tuesday at around 7 a.m., where they reported the theft.
Deputies went back to the scene the next day at around 8 a.m. in response to two men on the property.
Timothy Joyner and Johnny Miller both admitted to the crime after being caught on cameras set up on the property, according to deputies. They were identified by their clothing and tattoos.
Joyner was also charged with breaking and entering, injury to personal property, and larceny. He received no bond.
Miller was also charged with conspiracy and received a $15,000 secured bond.
The two men will appear in court on Sept. 23.
Copyright 2026 WITN. All rights reserved.
The City of Danville is acquiring the site for the old Quaker Oats plant on East Voorhees Street in Danville as shown here in 2024. City leaders are hoping to turn it into a ‘shovel-ready’ industrial site.
The City of Danville is acquiring the site for the old Quaker Oats plant on East Voorhees Street in Danville as shown here in 2024. City leaders are hoping to turn it into a ‘shovel-ready’ industrial site.
DANVILLE — The City of Danville received approval from the public works committee to acquire the former Quaker Oats factory site from PepsiCo on Tuesday.
Committee members backed an ordinance to take ownership of around 35-40 acres at 1703 E. Voorhees St. The former Quaker Oats plant was demolished in September of 2024 after its permanent closure was announced in June of 2024.
Logan Cronk, Danville’s Community Development Administrator, says the acquisition will create a ‘mega-site’ for economic development.
The city will also take ownership of an 8-acre solar farm on the property and is expected to pay around $500 in closing costs. PepsiCo is donating the land to the city.
“This has been a long time coming on this one,” Cronk said. “We have been working with PepsiCo feels like years now. It probably is years for the donation of this land.”
Around half of the property sits in a floodplain, he says.
“We have identified this site as what we’re calling a mega site, and with the state of Illinois’ assistance, we are going to attempt to remediate this floodplain,” said Danville Director of Public Works Dave Ruwe. “We’re trying to assemble 100 acres of development‑ready greenfield. With this property we’ll be pretty close to 100 acres, if not more.”
The city will work with the state to get floodplain remediation efforts underway to make it a ‘shovel-ready’ industrial site.
“We’re not buying it to sit on it,” Cronk said. “We’re getting this ready to sell right now.”
Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. agreed with Cronk.
“One of the reasons we included the long-term forecast of revenue was also as part of marketing,” Williams said. “So that when we attempt to sell this… they would see that… there is recoverable money and ongoing revenue for whoever should acquire the property from us.”
The solar field is projected to bring in between $1.7 and $2.6 million for the life (28 years) of the project, depending on maintenance and service to the panels.
“Essentially, we wanted to weigh in: what’s the revenue and what’s the liability of an 8‑acre solar farm before taking acquisition of this,” Cronk added.
The solar panels on the 8-acre site feed back into Ameren, Cronk says. He said they were serving PepsiCo.
“We had an initial concern of liability for decommissioning that if needed in the long‑term future,” Cronk said. “After speaking with a consultant, those substations should not be considered a liability. They are more of an asset than anything.”
Cronk did say that until the remediation is done to the floodplain, there will likely not be a buyer.
“We are working very, very diligently to get this site ready and marketed,” Cronk said. “I don’t think we will have a buyer that will develop on this until [the floodplain] occurs.”
Alderman Ed Butler said the city may need to get more staff to take care of the land.
“I mean, as we’re buying up all this land,” Butler said. “With the small crew we have now, I mean, if we’re gonna have to make some kind of money.”
But for just paying $500 in closing costs, Cronk says this endeavor will be financially wise for the city.
“It is going to be very simple for us to make the decision to maintain it,” Cronk said of the solar and land package. “It should be a very profitable venture, we hope.”
The acquisition will still have to be fully approved by council at next Tuesday’s meeting for remediation efforts to be continued.
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