Solar Now

    
Source: TH  
Growing difficulty and rising costs of land acquisition for large-scale ground-mounted solar projects have renewed interest in Canal-Top Photovoltaics (CTPV) as a land-neutral renewable energy solution.  

1. What is Canal-Top Photovoltaics (CTPV)?
CTPV involves installing solar panels on elevated structures over existing irrigation or water-supply canals, generating electricity without requiring additional land. 
2. How is CTPV different from floating solar?
CTPV uses fixed elevated structures spanning canals, whereas floating solar panels are mounted on floating platforms on reservoirs or lakes. 
3. What is the potential of CTPV in India?
A 2024 CSTEP assessment estimated India’s CTPV and canal-bank solar potential at around 131 GW, with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab among the leading prospective States. 
4. What is the PM Surya Sarovar Yojana?
The PM-SSY aims to develop 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity by FY 2030–31, supported by ₹5,070 crore and integrated Energy Storage Systems. 
5. What are the major challenges of Canal-Top Photovoltaics?
Key challenges include high capital costs, difficult maintenance and canal desilting, and grid-connectivity constraints due to the linear nature of canal networks. 


Q. Consider the following statements about ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’: (2025)
Which of the statements given above are correct?  
(a) I and II only  
(b) I and III only  
(c) II and III only  
(d) I, II and III  
Ans: D  
Q. Consider the following statements: (2016)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?     
(a) 1 only      
(b) 2 only     
(c) Both 1 and 2     
(d) Neither 1 nor 2     
Ans: (a)
Q. India has immense potential for solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. (2020)

More Links
Archives by Date
Archives by Month & Year
What’s New
 

source

Many people wonder whether broken panels release harmful chemicals into the soil or groundwater. However, recent scientific research suggests that these concerns may be greater than the actual risk. 
According to a science-based fact sheet prepared by Taylor Curtis, National Laboratory of the Rockies, and Annick Anctil, Michigan State University, modern solar panels are designed to safely contain their internal materials, even when physical damage occurs. 
Most solar panels are made primarily of glass and contain smaller amounts of metals and specialized materials. These components are enclosed within durable protective polymer layers that shield them from rain, wind, moisture, hail, and temperature extremes. The design helps ensure that internal materials remain protected throughout a panel's lifespan, which can extend for decades. 
One commonly discussed concern involves the presence of lead in some crystalline silicon solar panels and cadmium compounds in certain thin-film panels. However, the researchers explain that these materials make up only a very small portion of the panel's total weight, typically around 0.1% or less. More importantly, they remain securely encapsulated within the panel structure under normal operating conditions. 
To better understand potential risks, scientists have conducted tests that go beyond typical real-world conditions. In one study, pieces of damaged solar panels were placed in a solution designed to simulate acid rain and left there for an entire year.  
The results showed that lead and cadmium levels remained below the screening thresholds established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These findings indicate no significant risk to either human health or the environment. 
Researchers also addressed concerns about other potentially harmful substances. The fact sheet notes that technical experts have found no evidence that commercially available solar panels contain arsenic, hexavalent chromium, or harmful PFAS "forever chemicals." 
As solar energy continues to expand across rural and agricultural communities, questions about panel safety and environmental impact are becoming increasingly common. Scientific evidence suggests that modern solar panels are built with durability and safety in mind, helping prevent exposure to internal materials even when damage occurs. 
The research does not dismiss public concerns but instead provides information based on testing and observation. The findings show that modern solar technology is designed to withstand challenging outdoor conditions while minimizing environmental risks. 
Photo Credit: istock-simplycreativephotography

source

By Zenon Christodoulou
Continuing her efforts to reduce energy prices in New Jersey, Governor Mikie Sherrill signed legislation that will help homeowners and renters reduce their electricity bills while decarbonizing the environment. When the law goes into effect, residents in the Garden State will be able to install solar panels on their property and generate free electricity. They won’t need cumbersome approvals from their local utility or special equipment. They will be able to simply place a few panels where the sun shines and plug them into an existing wall outlet.
New Jersey is one of a growing number of states that will allow residents to install up to 1,200 watts of solar panels without needing burdensome approvals or complex designs. When the sun shines, clean, renewable, and free electricity will flow directly into their homes or apartments – immediately lowering energy bills.
This is a good step towards democratizing solar energy, eliminating unnecessary red tape and lowering consumer costs.
As this program takes hold and expands across the country, we should consider what the mature market will look like and how we can maximize society-wide benefits.
If a homeowner surfs the web to buy a solar panel, they would be hard-pressed to find one that is domestically manufactured.
Chinese and Asian suppliers have flooded the U.S. market for years and now dominate the global trade of ready-to-install solar panels. This is not surprising. The vast majority of the world’s solar supply chain, from raw material to finished panels, resides in Asia. Fortunately, innovations and investments in U.S. manufacturing are catching up quickly. U.S. production of solar panels, for example, has doubled in 2025 and is up 440% over two years.
This is the result of widespread support for policies that wisely aim to bring solar manufacturing back to the U.S., a move that has already created thousands of jobs and billions in investment. In fact, one of the very few energy policies introduced by the Biden Administration that has received continued support from the Trump Administration is the 45x advanced manufacturing tax credits. These support U.S. manufacturing of solar energy and battery components.
Plug-in balcony solar is a great policy that can bring quick relief to increasing energy bills. But relying on foreign monopolies is an oversight we should not overlook. States like New Jersey, Colorado, Virginia, Maryland, and other states that want to lead on energy affordability should partner with domestic researchers and manufacturers to put American-made panels on American homes.
By supporting domestic solar panel manufacturing, the U.S. will expand investment in advanced manufacturing, secure supply chains that can withstand trade disputes and price fluctuations, and encourage clean, affordable, American energy production. It will also help America achieve energy independence, energy abundance, and deliver jobs.
Plug-in balcony solar programs will allow people to generate their own electricity, cut carbon emissions, and reduce their energy bills.
Bringing domestic manufacturing home will create a sustainable market that homeowners and renters can rely on while providing them with dependable pricing, consistent quality, and lower costs.
There are encouraging signs that a clean, affordable, and sustainable energy future is within our grasp. Responding to consumer markets by encouraging domestic innovation and production has always allowed America to create world-leading industries. It’s time for us to learn from our own lessons and support the local industries that will define America’s future and change the world.
Dr. Zenon Christodoulou
Commissioner Emeritus, NJ Board of Public Utilities
Senior Fellow, CESAC, Montclair State University
Click here for the full Insider Index
All fields are required

Email *
First Name *
Last Name *
Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Insider NJ. (You can unsubscribe anytime)

Read More

source

Searching for your content…
Telephone
+91 22-69790010 from 9 AM – 5:30 PM IST
Contact
+91 22-69790010
from 9 AM – 5:30 PM IST
24 Sep, 2026, 16:19 IST
Share this article
HYDERABAD, India, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In a landmark leap into renewable energy, Nava Limited today announced the commissioning of 100 MW solar power plant by its step-down subsidiary, Maamba Solar Energy Limited (MSEL), Zambia, marking a defining milestone in the group journey into renewables. Power evacuation from the plant to the Zambian grid has commenced.
20-Year Power Purchase Agreement
MSEL has a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with ZESCO Limited, Zambia’s national power utility, for the entire power generated by the 100 MW solar power plant.
Strategic Significance
This commissioning represents a strategic milestone for the group’s formal entry into utility-scale renewable energy and broadening its business portfolio beyond its traditional core sectors. It reflects a deliberate diversification strategy, positioning it to participate in the global shift toward clean energy, building a scalable platform for future renewable ventures across geographies.
Speaking of the milestone Mr. Ashwin Devineni, MD & CEO of Nava Limited, said, “The commissioning of our 100MW solar project in Zambia marks a defining step in Nava’s journey into renewable energy.”
“This milestone reflects our commitment to sustainable growth and reinforces our vision of building a diversified, future-ready energy portfolio across geographies,“ he added.
About MSEL
MSEL is a Zambia-based renewable energy company and a step-down subsidiary of Nava Limited, held through Nava Global, the Company’s international arm. MSEL’s shareholding is held 65% by Nava Global and 35% by ZCCM Investments Holdings PLC (ZCCM-IH), a Zambian investment holding company.
About Nava Limited
Nava Limited is a diversified Indian conglomerate with interests across power generation, mining, ferro alloys, and renewable energy. Through its international arm, Nava Global, the Company has been expanding its renewable energy footprint in Africa.
www.navalimited.com
Media Contact for Nava Limited:
Lisa Rufus G.
Phone: +91 91542 40656
Email: [email protected]
This document may contain forward-looking statements based on management’s beliefs, opinions and expectations as of the date of this release. Actual results may vary due to risks and uncertainties, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update such statements in response to future developments. Please refer to official disclosures for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Nava Limited today announced its financial results for the quarter-ended June 30, 2026, reporting its highest-ever quarterly total income, while…
Nava Limited today announced its financial results for the year ended March 31, 2026, reporting strong operational growth across businesses and a…
Alternative Energies
Electrical Utilities
Oil & Energy
Utilities
Do not sell or share my personal information:

source

Markets & Policy
Tenders & Auctions
Solar Projects
Large-Scale Projects
Rooftop
C&I
Manufacturing
Modules
Inverters & BOS
Technology
Finance and M&A
Markets & Policy
T&D
Utilities
Smart Grid
Microgrid
Events
Webinars
Interviews
 Top 10 manufacturers accounted for nearly 60% of module manufacturing capacity
September 24, 2026
Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights
India added 50.6 gigawatts (GW) of solar module and 9.7 GW of solar cell manufacturing capacity in the first half (1H) of 2026, according to Mercom India’s recently released research report, State of Solar PV Manufacturing in India 1H 2026.
Where clean energy's most influential leaders get their intelligence
Exclusive reporting, market intelligence, and insider access that shapes billion-dollar decisions in renewable energy and clean technology.
Already have an account? Sign In
Register for free
Melvin Mathew
RELATED POSTS
© 2026 by Mercom Capital Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

source

By Zenon Christodoulou
Continuing her efforts to reduce energy prices in New Jersey, Governor Mikie Sherrill signed legislation that will help homeowners and renters reduce their electricity bills while decarbonizing the environment. When the law goes into effect, residents in the Garden State will be able to install solar panels on their property and generate free electricity. They won’t need cumbersome approvals from their local utility or special equipment. They will be able to simply place a few panels where the sun shines and plug them into an existing wall outlet.
New Jersey is one of a growing number of states that will allow residents to install up to 1,200 watts of solar panels without needing burdensome approvals or complex designs. When the sun shines, clean, renewable, and free electricity will flow directly into their homes or apartments – immediately lowering energy bills.
This is a good step towards democratizing solar energy, eliminating unnecessary red tape and lowering consumer costs.
As this program takes hold and expands across the country, we should consider what the mature market will look like and how we can maximize society-wide benefits.
If a homeowner surfs the web to buy a solar panel, they would be hard-pressed to find one that is domestically manufactured.
Chinese and Asian suppliers have flooded the U.S. market for years and now dominate the global trade of ready-to-install solar panels. This is not surprising. The vast majority of the world’s solar supply chain, from raw material to finished panels, resides in Asia. Fortunately, innovations and investments in U.S. manufacturing are catching up quickly. U.S. production of solar panels, for example, has doubled in 2025 and is up 440% over two years.
This is the result of widespread support for policies that wisely aim to bring solar manufacturing back to the U.S., a move that has already created thousands of jobs and billions in investment. In fact, one of the very few energy policies introduced by the Biden Administration that has received continued support from the Trump Administration is the 45x advanced manufacturing tax credits. These support U.S. manufacturing of solar energy and battery components.
Plug-in balcony solar is a great policy that can bring quick relief to increasing energy bills. But relying on foreign monopolies is an oversight we should not overlook. States like New Jersey, Colorado, Virginia, Maryland, and other states that want to lead on energy affordability should partner with domestic researchers and manufacturers to put American-made panels on American homes.
By supporting domestic solar panel manufacturing, the U.S. will expand investment in advanced manufacturing, secure supply chains that can withstand trade disputes and price fluctuations, and encourage clean, affordable, American energy production. It will also help America achieve energy independence, energy abundance, and deliver jobs.
Plug-in balcony solar programs will allow people to generate their own electricity, cut carbon emissions, and reduce their energy bills.
Bringing domestic manufacturing home will create a sustainable market that homeowners and renters can rely on while providing them with dependable pricing, consistent quality, and lower costs.
There are encouraging signs that a clean, affordable, and sustainable energy future is within our grasp. Responding to consumer markets by encouraging domestic innovation and production has always allowed America to create world-leading industries. It’s time for us to learn from our own lessons and support the local industries that will define America’s future and change the world.
Dr. Zenon Christodoulou
Commissioner Emeritus, NJ Board of Public Utilities
Senior Fellow, CESAC, Montclair State University
Click here for the full Insider Index
All fields are required

Email *
First Name *
Last Name *
Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Insider NJ. (You can unsubscribe anytime)

Read More

source

We use cookies to improve your experience and for marketing. Read our cookie policy Manage cookies
Search across reports, market insights, and blog stories.
Tell us where to send the sample and whether you want this report customized.
Thank you. Our team will review your request and reply to your business email.
Our team will review your request and route it to support@indexbox.io.
According to the latest IndexBox report on the global Thermophotovoltaic Cells market, the market enters 2026 with broader demand fundamentals, more disciplined procurement behavior, and a more regionally diversified supply architecture.
The global thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cells market is transitioning from a specialized research domain to a commercially viable energy conversion technology with significant strategic potential. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the market landscape as of 2026, projecting trends and structural shifts through the forecast horizon to 2035. Core growth is driven by the intensifying global demand for high-efficiency waste heat recovery, the integration of TPV systems in advanced power generation cycles, and supportive regulatory frameworks aimed at industrial decarbonization.
While technological maturity and high initial costs remain barriers, ongoing R&D focused on cell materials, spectral control, and system integration is rapidly improving economic feasibility and opening new application pathways. The competitive environment is characterized by a mix of established semiconductor and photovoltaic firms, specialized technology startups, and significant involvement from academic and government research institutions. Supply chains are currently concentrated and sensitive to the availability of high-purity semiconductor materials, though diversification efforts are underway.
This analysis concludes that the TPV market is poised for accelerated adoption, particularly in industrial heat recovery and remote power generation, fundamentally altering energy efficiency paradigms across multiple heavy industries by 2035.
The baseline scenario for the thermophotovoltaic cells market from 2026 to 2035 envisions a transition from pilot-scale deployments to broader commercial adoption, primarily driven by the imperative to decarbonize industrial processes and enhance energy efficiency. In 2026, the market remains concentrated in high-value niches such as aerospace and defense, where reliability and power density outweigh cost considerations. However, the forecast period will witness a gradual shift as technological advancements reduce manufacturing costs and improve cell efficiencies.
Key to this outlook is the integration of TPV systems into industrial waste heat recovery, where waste heat from furnaces, kilns, and exhaust streams can be converted into electricity. This application is expected to gain traction, especially in energy-intensive industries like steel, cement, and glass, supported by tightening energy efficiency regulations and carbon pricing mechanisms. The market is also anticipated to benefit from the growing demand for remote power generation, particularly in off-grid locations where traditional power sources are impractical.
Geographically, Asia-Pacific is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing region, fueled by rapid industrialization and government initiatives promoting clean energy technologies. North America and Europe will maintain significant shares, driven by advanced research capabilities and early adoption in aerospace and defense. Despite these positive drivers, the market faces restraints such as high initial capital costs, competition from alternative waste heat recovery technologies, and the need for further standardization. Overall, the market is projected to grow at a robust CAGR, with the market index reaching new heights by 2035, reflecting a maturing ecosystem and expanding application base.
Waste heat recovery represents the largest and most promising end-use sector for thermophotovoltaic cells. Currently, industrial processes such as steel manufacturing, cement production, and glass melting generate vast amounts of high-temperature waste heat that is often released into the atmosphere. TPV cells offer a direct, solid-state method to convert this infrared radiation into electricity, which can be used on-site or fed back into the grid. The demand is driven by the dual imperative of reducing operational costs and meeting stringent environmental regulations. Through 2035, as carbon pricing mechanisms expand and energy efficiency standards tighten, the adoption of TPV-based waste heat recovery systems is expected to accelerate.
Key demand-side indicators include industrial energy consumption, waste heat availability, and the levelized cost of electricity from TPV systems compared to alternatives. The segment’s growth will be further supported by advancements in selective emitters and filters that enhance conversion efficiency for specific industrial heat sources. Current trend: Growing adoption in heavy industries.
Major trends: Integration of TPV systems with existing industrial furnaces and kilns, Development of modular TPV units for retrofitting, Increasing focus on high-temperature waste heat sources, Collaborations between TPV manufacturers and industrial end-users, and Government incentives for waste heat-to-power projects.
Representative participants: Cummins Inc, General Electric Company, Siemens Energy AG, Antora Energy, and MicroPower Global Limited.
Combined heat and power systems, also known as cogeneration, simultaneously produce electricity and useful heat from a single fuel source. TPV cells can be integrated into CHP systems to convert high-temperature heat into additional electricity, boosting overall system efficiency. In 2026, the adoption of TPV in CHP is still nascent but growing, particularly in industries with continuous heat demand such as chemicals, refining, and food processing. The demand is driven by the need to maximize fuel utilization and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Over the forecast period, as CHP systems become more prevalent due to their efficiency benefits, the integration of TPV cells is expected to increase.
Key indicators include the number of CHP installations, average system efficiencies, and the cost of natural gas. The segment will benefit from advancements in TPV cell durability and the ability to operate at the high temperatures typical of CHP exhaust streams. Current trend: Rising demand for efficient cogeneration.
Major trends: Increasing adoption of CHP in industrial and commercial facilities, Integration of TPV with micro-CHP systems for distributed generation, Focus on high-efficiency TPV cells for high-temperature CHP, Government incentives for CHP installations, and Partnerships between TPV developers and CHP system integrators.
Representative participants: Cummins Inc, General Electric Company, Siemens Energy AG, Electro Power Systems S.A, and Thermo PV, Inc.
Aerospace power systems require lightweight, reliable, and high-density power sources, making TPV cells an attractive option for converting heat from radioisotope sources or combustion into electricity. In 2026, the aerospace sector remains a key early adopter, particularly for military drones, satellites, and deep-space probes where solar power is insufficient or impractical. The demand is driven by the need for long-duration missions and the limitations of battery technology. Through 2035, as space exploration and defense spending increase, the demand for TPV cells in aerospace is expected to grow steadily. Key indicators include defense budgets, satellite launch rates, and the number of deep-space missions.
The segment will benefit from ongoing R&D to improve TPV cell efficiency and reduce weight, as well as from the development of novel heat sources such as advanced radioisotope generators. Current trend: Steady growth in defense and space applications.
Major trends: Increasing use of TPV in radioisotope power systems for space missions, Development of lightweight TPV modules for unmanned aerial vehicles, Growing demand for reliable power in remote aerospace applications, Advancements in high-temperature TPV materials, and Collaborations between aerospace firms and TPV technology providers.
Representative participants: Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, General Electric Company, Broadcom Inc, and II-VI Incorporated (Coherent Corp.).
Military portable power applications require silent, lightweight, and efficient power sources for dismounted soldiers and remote outposts. TPV cells can convert heat from combustion or other sources into electricity with no moving parts, offering a quiet and reliable alternative to traditional generators. In 2026, the adoption of TPV in military portable power is limited but growing, driven by the need to reduce logistical fuel supply chains and enhance operational stealth. Over the forecast period, as militaries seek to lighten the load for soldiers and extend mission durations, the demand for TPV-based portable power systems is expected to rise.
Key indicators include defense procurement budgets, soldier power requirements, and the adoption of wearable technologies. The segment will benefit from advancements in miniaturization and fuel-flexible TPV systems. Current trend: Increasing demand for silent, lightweight power.
Major trends: Development of man-portable TPV generators for dismounted soldiers, Integration of TPV with fuel cells for hybrid power systems, Focus on fuel flexibility and reduced logistical footprint, Increasing investment in soldier power programs, and Collaborations between defense contractors and TPV innovators.
Representative participants: Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, General Electric Company, MicroPower Global Limited, and Thermo PV, Inc.
Industrial process heat refers to the thermal energy used in manufacturing processes such as drying, curing, and melting. TPV cells can be integrated into these processes to recover waste heat and generate electricity, improving overall energy efficiency. In 2026, the application of TPV in industrial process heat is in early stages, with pilot projects in industries like metals, ceramics, and chemicals. The demand is driven by the need to reduce energy costs and comply with emissions regulations. Through 2035, as industries seek to decarbonize and improve competitiveness, the adoption of TPV for process heat recovery is expected to grow.
Key indicators include industrial energy prices, carbon regulations, and the availability of high-temperature heat sources. The segment will benefit from the development of TPV systems capable of operating in harsh industrial environments. Current trend: Emerging applications in high-temperature processes.
Major trends: Pilot projects integrating TPV with industrial furnaces and kilns, Development of high-temperature TPV cells for process heat, Increasing focus on energy efficiency in heavy industries, Government incentives for industrial decarbonization, and Partnerships between TPV manufacturers and industrial end-users.
Representative participants: Siemens Energy AG, General Electric Company, Cummins Inc, Antora Energy, and Electro Power Systems S.A.
Interactive table based on the Store Companies dataset for this report.
Asia-Pacific is poised to become the largest and fastest-growing market for TPV cells, driven by rapid industrialization, increasing energy costs, and government initiatives promoting clean energy. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are investing heavily in advanced energy technologies, including waste heat recovery and remote power generation. The region’s strong manufacturing base and growing aerospace and defense sectors further support demand. Direction: Fastest-growing region.
North America remains a key market for TPV cells, supported by advanced research capabilities, stringent energy efficiency regulations, and significant defense and aerospace spending. The United States leads in R&D and early adoption, with Canada also contributing through industrial waste heat recovery projects. The region’s growth will be driven by industrial decarbonization efforts and the need for reliable remote power. Direction: Mature market with steady growth.
Europe is expected to experience steady growth in the TPV market, driven by ambitious decarbonization targets and energy efficiency directives. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK are at the forefront of industrial waste heat recovery and CHP adoption. The region’s strong focus on renewable energy and carbon reduction will support the integration of TPV systems in various applications. Direction: Steady growth driven by decarbonization.
Latin America represents an emerging market for TPV cells, with potential in industrial waste heat recovery and remote power generation. Brazil and Mexico are key countries, with growing industrial sectors and increasing energy demands. However, limited awareness and high initial costs may hinder faster adoption. The region’s growth will depend on economic development and regulatory support. Direction: Emerging market with potential.
The Middle East & Africa region offers niche opportunities for TPV cells, particularly in remote power generation for oil and gas operations, mining, and off-grid communities. The harsh environments and lack of grid infrastructure make TPV an attractive solution. However, the market is still nascent, and growth will be contingent on investment and technology transfer. South Africa and the UAE are expected to lead adoption. Direction: Niche opportunities in remote power.
In the baseline scenario, IndexBox estimates a 12.0% compound annual growth rate for the global thermophotovoltaic cells market over 2026-2035, bringing the market index to roughly 285 by 2035 (2025=100).
Note: indexed curves are used to compare medium-term scenario trajectories when full absolute volumes are not publicly disclosed.
For full methodological details and benchmark tables, see the latest IndexBox Thermophotovoltaic Cells market report.
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the Thermophotovoltaic Cells market in the World, including market size, structure, key trends, and forecast. The study highlights demand drivers, supply constraints, and competitive dynamics across the value chain.
The analysis is designed for manufacturers, distributors, investors, and advisors who require a consistent, data-driven view of market dynamics and a transparent analytical definition of the product scope.
This report covers thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cells, semiconductor devices that convert infrared radiation from a heat source directly into electricity. The scope includes the core photovoltaic cells and modules designed for high-temperature operation, along with key components and integrated systems specific to TPV energy conversion. The analysis encompasses the entire value chain from specialized semiconductor manufacturing to final system integration for waste heat recovery and other applications.
Thermophotovoltaic cells are primarily classified under electronics and electrical machinery categories due to their function as photovoltaic devices. They intersect classifications for photovoltaic cells, diodes, and static converters. The relevant Harmonized System (HS) codes reflect their nature as photosensitive semiconductor devices and essential electrical components of power supply systems.
World
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Report Scope and Analytical Framing
Concise View of Market Direction
Market Size, Growth and Scenario Framing
Commercial and Technical Scope
How the Market Splits Into Decision-Relevant Buckets
Where Demand Comes From and How It Behaves
Supply Footprint, Trade and Value Capture
Trade Flows and External Dependence
Price Formation and Revenue Logic
Who Wins and Why
Where Growth and Supply Concentrate
Commercial Entry and Scaling Priorities
Where the Best Expansion Logic Sits
Leading Players and Strategic Archetypes
Detailed View of the Most Important National Markets
How the Report Was Built
Leading in industrial TPV applications
High-profile R&D project, status uncertain
Leading startup in TPV for industrial decarbonization
Specialized TPV company
Formerly Micropower, focused on semiconductor waste heat
Research focus on novel TPV materials
Materials expertise for high-temperature emitters
Significant academic research group
Key academic institution for advanced TPV concepts
Prominent academic research
Leading European research institute
Historical and ongoing TPV research
Explored TPV for cold storage applications
Historical work on space nuclear TPV
Explored TPV for portable power
Developed TPV for silent military generators
Instant access. No credit card needed.
Online access to 2M+ reports, dashboards, and tables. Trusted by Fortune 500 teams.
IndexBox, Inc.
2093 Philadelphia Pike #1441
Claymont, DE 19703, USA
Contact us
© 2026 IndexBox, Inc
Select the sections and data you need. Delivery by e-mail within 24 hours.
No sections selected yet
Minimum order: $99

source

Nachrichten, Termine, Experten

24.09.2026 14:23
Agri-photovoltaics combines electricity generation and agriculture on the same land – to ensure this works well in the long term, it is worth taking a closer look at the soil. Researchers at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) have, for the first time, measured how the construction phase of agri-photovoltaic installations affects soil structure. Their study, published in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’, shows that heavy construction machinery can compact the soil in places to such an extent that plant roots subsequently struggle to grow. The good news is that such compaction can be largely avoided through targeted soil protection measures during construction.
The researchers investigated a newly built agri-photovoltaic plant on the ZALF research site in Müncheberg, Brandenburg. This plant combines agriculture with solar power generation on the same plot of land. Once construction work was completed in autumn 2024, they took soil samples and assessed, directly in the field, the extent to which the predominantly sandy soil had been compacted.

The result: in the areas where construction had taken place, the soil density in the subsoil ranged from 1.67 to 1.69 grams per cubic centimetre. Individual measurement points even reached values of 1.86 to 1.99 grams per cubic centimetre. By way of comparison: on an uncompacted control plot, the values were only 1.14 to 1.34 grams per cubic centimetre. The resistance offered by the soil to root penetration was also significantly higher – with soil pressure of 3.7 to 4.1 megapascals at medium depths.

Kathrin Grahmann, lead author of the study from ZALF, explains: “These values are well above the thresholds known for these soil types, beyond which plant root growth is restricted. In the case of sandy soils, such as those examined in our study, this is particularly problematic because they find it difficult to recover on their own.”

Why sandy soils are particularly at risk

Sandy soils have a weak soil structure, low carbon content and are barely able to regenerate on their own once compacted. Unlike clayey soils, they lack the ability to swell through natural processes such as freezing and thawing, or to become looser again through the action of soil organisms.

Heavy machinery was used during the construction phase. The construction work took place in damp soil conditions in the autumn, which further contributed to compaction. Within the three weeks prior to the start of construction, 32 millimetres of rain fell, with a further 83 millimetres during the construction phase.

The study shows that compaction did not only occur directly around the solar panel supports, but extended across the entire agricultural area between the rows of panels. This is due to frequent passage of construction machinery during installation.

Consequences for agriculture and recommendations for action

Soil compaction can have several negative consequences: roots grow less effectively, water seeps in more slowly and crop yields may ultimately decline. Studies show that, at similar levels of compaction, winter rye yields can fall by 22 to 43 per cent.

The researchers recommend that soil science supervision during construction should become standard practice in future agri-photovoltaic projects. This means that qualified specialists monitor the construction work and ensure that protective measures are implemented. These include, for example, restricting vehicle traffic to designated tracks, using ground protection plates and avoiding construction work when the ground is damp.

In the current study, such measures were not implemented. The reasons for this were the high cost of soil protection mats, delays in installation and tight deadlines imposed by the funding bodies. Following installation, mechanical and biological measures to aerate the soil were carried out on the study site, including the cultivation of alfalfa over a period of two to three years.

What does this mean for the future?

Agri-photovoltaic systems are being built with increasing frequency in Europe, as they are intended to help drive the energy transition whilst continuing to use agricultural land for food production. However, the study shows that, without suitable protective measures, soil fertility may suffer in the long term.

Future research should investigate whether the results are also transferable to other soil types and system configurations. Furthermore, long-term monitoring of soil recovery following installation is important. The costs of soil-conserving construction measures are difficult to quantify in general terms, but are estimated to be in the region of several thousand euros per hectare for soil protection slabs and specialised machinery. These costs would have to be borne by the project operators.

Avoiding agri-photovoltaics and using separate land for agriculture and energy production would prevent soil compaction, but would result in greater land use. Lighter construction machinery or the use of agricultural robots following installation could also help to protect the soil.

Project partners:

Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) e. V., Müncheberg
State University of South-West Bahia – UESB, Brazil
Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE)
Leibniz University Hannover
​Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Sweden

Funding acknowledgement:

Funding for this open-access project was facilitated and organised by Project DEAL. The authors Kathrin Grahmann and Lina Rohlmann would like to thank the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) for its support of the SoilRob early-career research group (project ID 031B1391). This work was partly funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) as part of the Federal and State Excellence Strategy, project EXC2070–390732324 – PhenoRob.​
Dr. Kathrin​ Grahmann
Research Area 2 „Land Use and Governance“
kathrin.grahmann@zalf.de
Grahmann, K., Bastos, T.R.S., Donat, M., Rohlmann, L. & Reckling, M. (2026). Construction-induced soil compaction in agri-photovoltaic systems: evidence from an Arenosol. Scientific Reports, 16, 25529. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-65268-z, published Open Access under the CC BY 4.0 licence https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/​.
https://www.zalf.de/en/aktuelles/Pages/PB2/Bodenschutzmassnahmen_Agri-Photovolta...

<
Researchers at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) have, for the first tim ...

Copyright: Lars Richter / ZALF
Merkmale dieser Pressemitteilung:
Journalisten, Studierende, Wirtschaftsvertreter, Wissenschaftler
Energie, Tier / Land / Forst, Umwelt / Ökologie
überregional
Forschungsergebnisse
Englisch
erstellt mit KI-UnterstützungThis is a summary of the original text generated using artificial intelligence (AI-generated, expert-reviewed under AITS · [AI] Text-Assisted / Qwen3.5). The text has been carefully reviewed and revised in accordance with ZALF’s AI guidelines​:
https://www.zalf.de/de/aktuelles/downloads/Documents/Imagebroschuere/AI-Handout....
<
Researchers at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) have, for the first tim ...

Copyright: Lars Richter / ZALF
Zum Download
Suche in Pressemitteilungen Suche in Terminen

Anfangsdatum

Enddatum



Sie können Suchbegriffe mit und, oder und / oder nicht verknüpfen, z. B. Philo nicht logie.
Verknüpfungen können Sie mit Klammern voneinander trennen, z. B. (Philo nicht logie) oder (Psycho und logie).
Zusammenhängende Worte werden als Wortgruppe gesucht, wenn Sie sie in Anführungsstriche setzen, z. B. „Bundesrepublik Deutschland“.
Die Erweiterte Suche können Sie auch nutzen, ohne Suchbegriffe einzugeben. Sie orientiert sich dann an den Kriterien, die Sie ausgewählt haben (z. B. nach dem Land oder dem Sachgebiet).
Haben Sie in einer Kategorie kein Kriterium ausgewählt, wird die gesamte Kategorie durchsucht (z.B. alle Sachgebiete oder alle Länder).

source

Rakesh Ranjan
Editor-in-chief
CEO- New Media Network
[+91-9818277308]
+91-9818277308
[email protected]
New Media Network E-164 (2nd Floor) Pandav Nagar New Delhi 110091
Rakesh Ranjan
Editor-in-chief
CEO- New Media Network
[+91-9818277308]
Indianmandarins.com, an initiative of New Media Network, is a multi-media initiative for the fast and real-time dissemination of news and information related to civil services, central PSUs and other institutions that play a critical role in governance, administration, corporate governance, and public life in India. We aspire to provide our esteemed readers with news breaks and situation analysis in the above-mentioned domain of operations. Currently, we are available at http://www.indianmandarins.com. We are now planning to branch off into print publication and few other related business initiatives.
Copyright © 2015 – 2020. Design By UE Developer

source

Renewables Now is a leading business news source for renewable energy professionals globally. Trust us for comprehensive coverage of major deals, projects and industry trends. We’ve done this since 2009.
Stay on top of sector news with with Renewables Now. Get access to extra articles and insights with our subscription plans and set up your own focused newsletters and alerts.

source

Norfund, the Norwegian government’s development finance vehicle, has invested US$100 million into Indian renewable energy company Ampin Energy Transition.
The investment, made through Norfund’s Climate Investment Fund, will support Ampin’s deployments of roughly 2GW of utility-scale and commercial and industrial (C&I) solar PV and wind power projects across India, alongside supportive energy storage developments.
Get Premium Subscription
The money will also help to expand Ampin’s solar PV manufacturing operations in India, according to Norfund, which the firm is backwardly integrating from its main C&I and utility-scale deployment business. In April, the company opened a 1.3GW solar cell production facility in Odisha alongside fellow Indian solar firm Jupiter International.
Pinaki Bhattacharyya, founder, managing director, and chief executive officer of Ampin Energy Transition said the investment “reaffirms” Ampin’s business model and place in the Indian energy industry.
“Notably, [Ampin] is now the only energy transition company in India to attract leading investors from Europe, North America and Asia,” he said. “Besides capital, Norfund also brings to Ampin a range of strategic advantages, being a global leader in energy investments, making them an ideal partner for our long-term growth.”
Norfund framed its investment around the volatile global energy market and the impact of the ongoing war in Iran. It said the issues in the Strait of Hormuz were pushing up global power prices and incentivising some governments to bet on new cheap coal generation. It said that India had 43GW of new coal power under construction.
“At a time of high gas prices, the use of cheap coal is increasing in several places around the world. That is why it is crucial that countries in economic growth gain access to capital that makes investments in renewable energy possible,” said Åsmund Aukrust, Norway’s minister of development.
Bjørnar Baugerud, executive vice president for renewable energy and head of the Climate Investment Fund at Norfund, said: “If coal power wins, it will lock the world into enormous emissions. This can be avoided if countries such as India gain access to enough risk-willing capital for profitable investments in solar and wind energy, as the Climate Investment Fund is helping to provide through this investment.”
Norfund invests in developing countries, with a focus on climate, energy infrastructure and economic growth. It is owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It has previously invested in projects alongside Norwegian independent power producer (IPP) Scatec in Colombia and Egypt.

source

Nava Limited's subsidiary has operationalised a 100 MW solar project in Zambia, initiating active power distribution. The project is backed by a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement with ZESCO Limited, with total capital investment reaching approximately $90 million.
Market snapshot: Nava Limited has successfully commissioned a 100 MW solar power plant in Zambia through its step-down subsidiary, Maamba Solar Energy Limited. Grid power evacuation has commenced under a long-term agreement with the state-owned utility, ZESCO Limited, reinforcing the group's global diversification into utility-scale clean energy operations.
Nava's successful commissioning of the Zambian solar plant is a strategic victory. Historically associated with thermal coal operations and margin-sensitive metals manufacturing, the company is effectively utilizing its deep operational infrastructure in Africa to build a predictable renewable energy vertical. Leveraging its 65% stake in Maamba Solar Energy Limited allows Nava to construct a highly defensive cash-flow model backed by long-term sovereign agreements.
The commercial launch of the 100 MW plant will immediately begin reflecting in Nava's consolidated utility segment earnings. By locking in a 20-year cash generator, Nava reduces its vulnerability to volatile commodity cycles in its standalone metals and ferroalloys division. The successful project execution also elevates Nava's credit profile, creating a replicable framework for prospective green energy bids in surrounding Sub-Saharan nations.
Market Bias: Bullish
The commissioning of the 100 MW facility operationalises a highly visible revenue stream under a 20-year agreement. This contract strengthens consolidated cash flows, which are already robust following a record quarterly total income of ₹1,269 crore in Q1 FY27.
Overweight: Electric Utilities, Renewable Energy
Trigger Factors:
Time Horizon: Medium-term (3-12 months)
Zambia has actively scaled solar and hydroelectric generation infrastructure to resolve chronic mining sector and municipal power deficits. State utility ZESCO has expanded local transmission networks to accommodate utility-scale independent power producers. Extending its existing 300 MW coal-fired footprint in Sinazongwe, Nava's entry into the local solar segment aligns cleanly with regional decarbonisation policies.
Nava's Q1 FY27 consolidated total income reached an all-time quarterly high of ₹1,269 crore, driven by robust performance across its power and mining operations. Additionally, in June 2026, Nava's board approved the corporate amalgamation of its wholly owned Singapore subsidiaries, Nava Healthcare and Nava Global, as part of an internal restructuring.
By successfully transitioning its first utility-scale solar asset from development to commercial generation, Nava has systematically upgraded its global energy profile. This milestone establishes a reliable revenue foundation in Africa and provides a solid operational blueprint for sustainable expansion.
High Performance Trading with SAHI.
Disclaimer: This news section may include AI-generated or AI-assisted news, summaries, drafts, or insights. All content is subject to human review before publication. While we aim for accuracy, readers should independently verify information before relying on it.
Related
JPMorgan Downgrades Apollo Tyres: Navigating Commodity Headwinds and Sector Re-rating
JPMorgan Bullish on TVS Motor: Target Price Hiked to ₹4,440 as Resilience Outshines Sector Risks
JPMorgan Shifts Stance on Escorts Kubota: Upgrade to Neutral Amid Sector Recalibration
Geopolitical Friction in Hormuz: Oil Majors Flag Costs of Proposed Tolls and India’s Readiness Gaps
Recent
Greaves Cotton Set to Participate in Investor Meeting on September 29
Mastek To Host Analyst And Investor Meeting On September 25
KRN Heat Exchanger Schedules 9th AGM For September 25
Max Estates Signs Binding MoU for ~9.76-Acre Ghaziabad Project with ₹2,500-3,000 Crore GDV Potential
Vishnu Chemicals Interacts with Analysts Following 23% Rise in Q1 Net Profit
Click the link, confirm the box next to sahi.com is checked — ignore any other results.
Built by
experienced traders & technologists
Backed by
the investors of world leading companies
“India’s trading ecosystem is evolving rapidly, driven by the rise of mobile-native, high-frequency investors. Sahi is helping shape this shift, reimagining what a modern broking experience should look like with AI.”
– Accel India
Fintech Startup of the Year
India FinTech Awards 2025
Ready to Trade the Sahi Way?
Click the link, confirm the box next to sahi.com is checked — ignore any other results.
Risk disclosures on derivatives –
Those making net trading profits, incurred between 15% to 50% of such profits as transaction cost. ATTENTION – A note from the Regulators for Investors
SEBI Stock Broker Registration No: INZ000317632 | Depository Participant (CDSL) ID: IN-DP-780-2024 | Registration Number of the Research Analyst: INH000022172
Exchange Membership No: NSE: 90375 | BSE: 6867 | MCX: 57630
Registered Office: Aaritya Broking Private Limited, 11th Floor, Brigade Metropolis, Summit A, Whitefield, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560048, Contact Number – 18004107244.
In case of grievances for any of the services rendered by Aaritya Broking Private Limited, please write to grievance@aaritya.com (for NSE and BSE) or dpgrievance@aaritya.com (for CDSL Participant). Please ensure that you carefully read the Risk Disclosure Document as prescribed by SEBI, our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Compliance Officer: Mr. Vaibhav Satalkar and Contact Number: 18004107244

Important Links: SEBI | BSE | NSE | CDSL | SCORES | ODR Portal | ODR Circular| Investor Charter for Stock Brokers | Investor Charter for DP | UCC Advisory – KYC Compliance | e-Voting for Shareholders | KYC document in Vernacular Language – NSE | BSE | Account Opening Procedure | Account Closing Procedure | Voluntarily Freeze Policy | Filing a complaint | Opting out of Nomination | Research Disclaimer
Attention Investors
 KYC is a one-time exercise while dealing in securities markets — once KYC is completed through a SEBI registered intermediary (Broker, DP, Mutual Fund, etc.), you need not undergo the same process again when approaching another intermediary. | No need to issue cheques while subscribing to an IPO — simply write your bank account number and sign the application form to authorize payment in case of allotment. No worries about refunds as the money remains in your account. | Prevent unauthorized transactions in your demat account — update your mobile number with your Depository Participant and receive alerts on your registered mobile for all debit and important transactions directly from CDSL on the same day
Important Information: Policies and Procedures | Terms & Conditions | Anti Money Laundering Policy | RMS Policy | Filing complaints on SCORES – Easy & quick | Complaints Disclosure | Bank A/c Disclosure | Key Managerial Personnel | Saarthi 2.0 Mobile | Surveillance Policy | GTT and GTC order facility | Most Important Terms and Conditions (MITC) | Research Analyst Most Important Terms and Conditions (RA MITC)

All Rights Reserved | © Copyright 2026

source

PV and energy storage manufacturer Risen Energy has produced the first batch of pHJT CIC (Coverglass-Interconnected Space Solar Cell) products under its RisenFlex Nova series. The cells use 70 μm ultra-thin p-type HJT technology and can be customized in sizes ranging from 30×40 mm to 210×105 mm for space PV applications, including satellite solar arrays. According to company data, under the AM0 space solar spectrum, the 40×80 mm CIC product has a beginning-of-life (BOL) efficiency above 20%, an areal power density exceeding 272 W/m² and a specific power above 565 W/kg, while its end-of-life (EOL) efficiency remains above 16%.
State Grid East Inner Mongolia Electric Power Co., Ltd. and a Tsinghua University research team have commissioned China’s “first” fixed-frequency grid-forming wind-solar-storage microgrid designed to secure power supply at the end of the grid in pastoral areas. Located in Chen Barag Banner, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, the project provides electricity to 122 herder households through a multi-energy system combining wind power, solar PV and battery storage. The storage system can stabilize voltage and frequency and smooth fluctuations in renewable generation and electricity demand while operating in grid-connected mode. If the external grid fails, the system can switch seamlessly to independent grid-forming operation and maintain stable electricity supply for at least three days.
GoodWe’s subsidiary, Huidian Technology, has launched Megatron, an autonomous power trading agent that has completed live, end-to-end trading validation at a power retailer in Anhui province. Megatron is designed to support end-to-end automated trading in spot power markets with frequent clearing cycles. For electricity retailing, the system can operate without human intervention across market analysis, strategy generation, risk checks, bid submission and execution, and post-trade attribution, according to Huidian Technology.
Megatron uses a “1+6” multi-agent architecture comprising 1 central commander and 6 domain-specific expert agents. This is supported by a knowledge base of power trading rules across multiple Chinese provinces. It offers 4 operating modes ranging from L1 assisted recommendations to L4 automated execution, with pre-submission compliance checks, automated risk controls and manual takeover capabilities. GoodWe says it has more than 100 GW of cumulative installations globally, providing Huidian Technology with access to a large pool of real-world energy asset operating data.
Display technology company, BOE, plans to define within the next year its investment plans for mass-production lines for glass-based perovskite devices and glass-based packaging substrates, Chairman Yanshun Chen said at the BOE Global Innovation Partner Conference 2026.
According to financial media, XINHUA FINANCE, the company aims to advance optoelectronic integration products toward large-scale applications. BOE has established a full-process perovskite PV R&D platform spanning laboratory research to pilot production and has set 4 world records for module efficiency, according to Chen. In glass-based packaging substrates, it has produced and submitted large-size, high-layer-count samples for customer evaluation and expects to meet the conditions for a mass-production investment decision in H1 2027.
As per a procurement notice, Chinese power and energy developer, POWERCHINA, plans to procure energy storage systems (ESS) and integrated installation services for the Ningxia Xiangteng No. 2 and No. 3 energy storage power stations from JDEnergy. Located in the Ningdong Energy and Chemical Industry Base in Ningxia, both projects have a combined capacity of 1 GW/4 GWh. Each project comprises a 500 MW/2 GWh energy storage power station and a 330 kV step-up substation.
TaiyangNews 2024

source

Vikram Solar has retained the Top Brand PV India recognition in modules for the second consecutive year.
September 24, 2026. By EI News Network
Vikram Solar Ltd. has been recognised as a Top Brand PV India 2026 in the modules category by Germany-based EUPD Research Sustainable Management GmbH, marking the second consecutive year the company has received the recognition.
The Top Brand PV Seal is based on an independent survey of solar installers conducted by EUPD Research, covering customer relationships, customer satisfaction and distribution. Vikram Solar was also recognised as a Top Brand PV India in 2025.
Vikram Solar CMD Gyanesh Chaudhary said thar the recognition for the second consecutive year reflects the trust of installers and partners and the company’s commitment to quality, performance and service.

EUPD Research Chief Customer Officer Daniel Fuchs congratulated Vikram Solar, saying that the Top Brand PV Seal reflects installers’ assessment of the brands they work with and recognises the standing the company has established in India’s solar market and clean energy transition..
EUPD Research has been analysing perceptions of PV market intermediaries and end customers for more than two decades. Its Top Brand PV Seal is based on independent installer surveys, market analysis and brand performance indicators.
Vikram Solar was also awarded the EcoVadis Platinum Medal at the group level for the second consecutive year. Vikram Solar has an international presence across 39 countries. The company has a network of more than 110 authorised distributors and over 550 dealers in India.

Mahindra Susten’s MD Avinash Rao Says India Needs Balanced Energy Mix for Reliable Transition

Solar Industry Must Adapt to Integrated Manufacturing Ecosystem: ISMA’s Amit Manohar

India on Way to Become RE Superpower over the Next Decade: SunBridge Group Chairman

Deep-Tech Startups Must Bridge Commercialisation Gap, Says Shell India’s Debasis Goswami

Renewable Procurement Must Become More Flexible, Scalable, Says Dhananjay Kumar, ENGIE

source

© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.
“Even with dielectric unions that area will still corrode over a period of time.”
Photo Credit: Reddit
After noticing corrosion at the top of a five-year-old water heater, one homeowner went to the r/askaplumber subreddit to find out whether the damage was minor or a warning sign of a bigger problem. Plumbers in the thread said it could point to more than ordinary surface rust.
The homeowner posted the question on Reddit with an image of the damage.
“Had this AO Smith water heater installed 5 years ago,” they wrote. “It has a 9 year warranty. Noticed this corrosion last night. Can just this portion be replaced? Or does the whole heater need to be replaced?”
Several commenters pointed to the same general issue. The corroded spot was at a joint plumbers often see deteriorate over time where different metals come together. 
“That is a common failure point,” one commenter wrote. “Even with dielectric unions that area will still corrode over a period of time.”
Other replies put more blame on how the unit was installed. 
One poster countered: “Bad install. They should have used a dielectric press fitting. The contractor should warranty it…..”
If a water heater does need to be replaced, there can be a financial upside to choosing a more efficient model. Upgrading to a heat pump water heater can cut water-heating costs substantially, and some households may save around $550 per year compared with a standard electric resistance unit.
FROM OUR PARTNER
Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area.
To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
Solar panels can save you more than $50k over their 25-year lifespan, and EnergySage can help you save as much as $10k on installation. Which begs the question — isn’t that worth an email or two?
A small drip at the top fitting can stain pipes, wear away components, and eventually cause costly water damage, especially in a finished basement or utility closet near stored belongings.
The discussion included a range of possible causes. Some commenters mentioned electrolysis or an installation problem, while others raised condensation or hot flue gases spilling onto the cold-water line. 
“Check your sacrificial anode, the reason they are in water heaters is to keep this from happening,” another commenter suggested/ 
That kind of issue may also fall outside what homeowners assume a warranty will cover. A nine-year warranty can sound reassuring at the time of purchase, but fittings, nipples, unions, and installation choices can fail sooner and may not qualify as a tank failure.
Even when the repair is relatively minor, waiting too long can turn a simple part replacement into a flooded room and a much larger bill.
A plumber can inspect the corroded nipple, fitting, and dip tube connection to confirm whether the leak is coming from the joint, the pipe above it, or the tank opening itself. If it’s actively dripping, moving quickly can help prevent structural damage and mold issues.
If the tank itself is still in good shape, the repairs suggested in the thread focused on replacing the corroded part and improving the connection hardware. 
If a full replacement makes more sense, Cala offers a more efficient alternative. Its customizable smart heat pump water heaters help homeowners decrease their energy bills by heating water exactly when it’s needed. That can reduce wasted energy while still delivering hot water when the household actually uses it.
Cala‘s approach also gives homeowners more control over timing and demand, which can be especially useful in homes trying to lower utility costs. For anyone already facing a water-heater decision, learning about Cala could turn an annoying repair into a longer-term money-saving upgrade.
Other homeowners have encountered similar water-heater problems and the repair-or-replace decisions that come with them. There are some simple ways to preserve your water heater and ward off issues as long as possible.
• A failing anode and whole-house softeners can kill tanks faster than many homeowners realize.
• Simple flushing and inspection habits can keep your water heater running longer.
• An outdated unit sputtering during renovations drew plumbers who sounded off on the setup.
Get TCD’s free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.

source

Renewables Now is a leading business news source for renewable energy professionals globally. Trust us for comprehensive coverage of major deals, projects and industry trends. We’ve done this since 2009.
Stay on top of sector news with with Renewables Now. Get access to extra articles and insights with our subscription plans and set up your own focused newsletters and alerts.

source

The proposed APECO and Huge Energy project is planned to reach 1 GW across three development phases
The initial 100 MW phase will combine solar, battery storage and a substation
Later phases will add solar and waste-to-energy generation, subject to further studies and approvals
The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) and Huge Energy Co., Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore a renewable energy and energy storage project with up to 1 GW of generation capacity in the Philippines. 
Casiguran-based ecozone in Aurora province of the Philippines will host the project which will include solar PV generation, battery energy storage system (BESS) and a high-capacity substation.
Huge Energy, a solar panel manufacturer, will undertake the project with South Korean EPC firm Dong-A Global Co., Ltd.
APECO is allocating 90 hectares of land for the proposed development. The authority said the project is part of its efforts to strengthen energy infrastructure within the ecozone and support future industrial and manufacturing activity.
The proposed project will be developed in three phases, with the first phase targeting about 100 MW. In the initial phase, the project will combine solar PV, battery energy storage system (BESS) and a substation.
Under phase II, it will add 350 MW of generation capacity using a mix of solar and waste-to-energy technologies. The third phase is expected to add another 550 MW, bringing the planned total to 1 GW.
“Power precedes progress. Before industries can operate, businesses can expand, and investments can come in, we need reliable and sustainable power,” said APECO President and CEO Gil G. Taway IV. He added that the project is intended to accelerate energy infrastructure development within APECO, including substations and potentially transmission facilities.
According to Taway, the initiative is also aimed at improving power availability and affordability in the ecozone, Aurora province and the country.
The partnership will cover several stages of project development, including planning and engineering, feasibility studies, permits and government approvals, grid interconnection, equipment procurement, power offtake arrangements and financing, among others. APECO said each phase will remain subject to technical and financial feasibility studies, due diligence, grid requirements and applicable government approvals.
The Philippines government is advancing renewable energy deployment in the country, including solar as the country faces soaring electricity prices, and fuel supply constraints. The government targets 35% renewable energy share by 2030 and 50% by 2050, with solar expected to contribute around 21 GW and 50 GW, respectively. TaiyangNews Solar Market Intelligence Brief for the Philippines market is available for free download here.
TaiyangNews 2024

source

PV and energy storage manufacturer Risen Energy has produced the first batch of pHJT CIC (Coverglass-Interconnected Space Solar Cell) products under its RisenFlex Nova series. The cells use 70 μm ultra-thin p-type HJT technology and can be customized in sizes ranging from 30×40 mm to 210×105 mm for space PV applications, including satellite solar arrays. According to company data, under the AM0 space solar spectrum, the 40×80 mm CIC product has a beginning-of-life (BOL) efficiency above 20%, an areal power density exceeding 272 W/m² and a specific power above 565 W/kg, while its end-of-life (EOL) efficiency remains above 16%.
State Grid East Inner Mongolia Electric Power Co., Ltd. and a Tsinghua University research team have commissioned China’s “first” fixed-frequency grid-forming wind-solar-storage microgrid designed to secure power supply at the end of the grid in pastoral areas. Located in Chen Barag Banner, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, the project provides electricity to 122 herder households through a multi-energy system combining wind power, solar PV and battery storage. The storage system can stabilize voltage and frequency and smooth fluctuations in renewable generation and electricity demand while operating in grid-connected mode. If the external grid fails, the system can switch seamlessly to independent grid-forming operation and maintain stable electricity supply for at least three days.
GoodWe’s subsidiary, Huidian Technology, has launched Megatron, an autonomous power trading agent that has completed live, end-to-end trading validation at a power retailer in Anhui province. Megatron is designed to support end-to-end automated trading in spot power markets with frequent clearing cycles. For electricity retailing, the system can operate without human intervention across market analysis, strategy generation, risk checks, bid submission and execution, and post-trade attribution, according to Huidian Technology.
Megatron uses a “1+6” multi-agent architecture comprising 1 central commander and 6 domain-specific expert agents. This is supported by a knowledge base of power trading rules across multiple Chinese provinces. It offers 4 operating modes ranging from L1 assisted recommendations to L4 automated execution, with pre-submission compliance checks, automated risk controls and manual takeover capabilities. GoodWe says it has more than 100 GW of cumulative installations globally, providing Huidian Technology with access to a large pool of real-world energy asset operating data.
Display technology company, BOE, plans to define within the next year its investment plans for mass-production lines for glass-based perovskite devices and glass-based packaging substrates, Chairman Yanshun Chen said at the BOE Global Innovation Partner Conference 2026.
According to financial media, XINHUA FINANCE, the company aims to advance optoelectronic integration products toward large-scale applications. BOE has established a full-process perovskite PV R&D platform spanning laboratory research to pilot production and has set 4 world records for module efficiency, according to Chen. In glass-based packaging substrates, it has produced and submitted large-size, high-layer-count samples for customer evaluation and expects to meet the conditions for a mass-production investment decision in H1 2027.
As per a procurement notice, Chinese power and energy developer, POWERCHINA, plans to procure energy storage systems (ESS) and integrated installation services for the Ningxia Xiangteng No. 2 and No. 3 energy storage power stations from JDEnergy. Located in the Ningdong Energy and Chemical Industry Base in Ningxia, both projects have a combined capacity of 1 GW/4 GWh. Each project comprises a 500 MW/2 GWh energy storage power station and a 330 kV step-up substation.
TaiyangNews 2024

source

Qair Renewables UK, operating through Green Switch Capital, has secured consent for the Rogerhill solar and battery energy storage project in South Lanarkshire.
The company said Scottish Ministers granted consent through the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit on 30 July 2026.
Qair added that the 98MW solar development is understood to be the largest solar farm to receive planning consent in Scotland to date.
The project will also incorporate a 100MW battery energy storage system to store electricity and release it when it is most valuable to the grid.
Rogerhill will be located on approximately 136 hectares of non-prime agricultural land at Rogerhill Farm, near Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill.
Once operational, the project is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to meet the equivalent annual needs of approximately 28,675 homes and avoid over 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
“Securing consent for Rogerhill is a significant milestone for Qair and for the continued development of solar energy in Scotland,” said Qair UK head of Scottish development Pete McLaren.
“As the largest solar project to receive planning approval in the country to date, Rogerhill demonstrates the increasingly important role that solar and battery storage can play in creating a more flexible, secure and low-carbon energy system.
“We recognise the scale of the development and the strength of local interest around the project.”
Technical and environmental matters assessed during the consenting process included landscape and visual impact, ecology and biodiversity, archaeology and cultural heritage, flood risk and drainage, transport, noise, BESS safety, and glint and glare.
Qair will continue to engage with local residents, community representatives and other stakeholders as Rogerhill moves into its next stage of development.
Further detailed plans, including measures relating to construction traffic and site management, will be developed and agreed ahead of construction.
The company said it is committed to prioritising local contractors where possible and providing a community benefits and enhancements package.
Qair worked with specialist advisers including SLR Consulting and Natural Power throughout the development and consenting process.
Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

source

Data center technology startup Rune has launched its RELIC (Renewable Energy Linked Intelligent Compute) system alongside a $40 million Series A funding round to construct modular micro data centers directly on-site at operating solar farms.
The funding round was led by Spark Capital, with participation from Union Square Ventures, Lowercarbon Capital, Activate Capital, Committed Capital, Timeless Partners, and Logos Fund. The Series A brings Rune’s total funding to $53.5 million.
San Francisco-based Rune addresses critical AI power shortages by physically placing data center infrastructure inside existing solar installations. By installing hardware behind the meter, the modular units tap clipped and curtailed electricity straight from the array, bypassing utility grid connections, substations, and multi-year interconnection queues entirely.
Grid bottlenecks force utility-scale solar facilities across the United States to waste or curtail more than 50 TWh of generation annually, representing up to 20% of an operating plant’s output. Rune’s on-site RELIC enclosures connect directly to the solar field’s native DC power, eliminating AC conversion losses, using zero water cooling, and reducing non-compute capital costs by 85% compared to constructing traditional off-site facility builds.
Rune said its modular, on-site units take 60 minutes to physically deploy on location, bringing GPU clusters online in as little as six weeks. The company has already placed an active RELIC installation inside a 200 MW operating solar farm in Texas, running off-grid directly alongside the solar hardware without modifying the existing site footprint or transmission equipment.
“Every solar plant is a latent data center. The power is already there, sitting idle while AI labs wait years for grid connections that may never come,” said William Layden, Co-Founder and CEO of Rune. “We built RELIC to close that gap with compute that’s online in days, powered by energy the grid was throwing away.”
Rune was co-founded by Layden, a former clean energy executive at SoftBank Energy and Cube Hydro, and CTO Varun Palivela, a semiconductor architect formerly with NUVIA, Qualcomm, and Arm. The startup will use the new capital to secure additional host agreements with solar asset owners and scale its on-site compute footprint for enterprise AI clients.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
Comments
Please login to comment
The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!
Monday, October 26, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Thursday, October 7, 2026
11:00 am – 12:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
pv magazine USA hosts its multi-day virtual event on U.S. solar and energy storage, covering domestic manufacturing, distributed energy and the growing role of solar-plus-storage in meeting AI-driven power demand.

You have no items in your basket.

source

Leading Chinese PV manufacturer LONGi has unveiled a hybrid interdigitated back contact (HIBC) solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 28.29%, a record for the company.
The new cell builds on a previous record of 28.13%, set in April, and marks the third time this year that the company has broken its record for HIBC cell efficiency. As was the case in April, the latest efficiency record was certified by the Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH) in Germany.
Get Premium Subscription
LONGi showcased the new cells at an industry event this week in Romania, alongside 700W modules into which the new cells will be integrated. The company added that it has reached “successful mass production” of these modules, but did not specify if they have been made available for sale yet; PV Tech has asked the company for more information on these modules.
The news follows advances across a number of solar technologies in LONGi’s portfolio, as part of its plans to invest in “multiple mainstream cell technologies”. Earlier this year, the company developed a silicon-perovskite tandem solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 35.5%, marking an efficiency improvement of almost two percentage points in the last three years.
LONGi’s latest announcement comes following a challenging few months for the company and a number of other leading Chinese firms. In the first half of the year, LONGi Green posed net losses of as much as RMB4.2 billion (US$630 million), which would be on pace to exceed the RMB6.5 billion in losses endured in the entirety of 2025.
Crucially, back contact (BC) has emerged as an important technology to navigate through this challenging period, with LONGi Green posting a rise in the share of its BC module sales in the first half of this year, and fellow industry leader GCL-SI retrofitting existing lines for BC production. New rules in China could help eliminate “low-cost, outdated technology,” according to a report from PV Tech Research, and could encourage greater investment in higher-efficiency technologies such as BC.

source

© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.
“I can’t imagine a whole monobloc install would be cost effective compared to just a HPHW tank.”
Photo Credit: iStock
A U.K. cabin builder caught in a conundrum while choosing a domestic hot water system for a small, well-insulated cabin took to Reddit for answers.
The debate in the Reddit thread about whether a ducted heat pump water heater or a split system made more sense offers a useful lesson for homeowners comparing a heat pump water heater with a simpler tank-based option.
On the Reddit forum r/ukheatpumps, the poster described a “small, well insulated cabin” that already relied on two air-to-air heat pumps for space heating.
For homeowners replacing electric resistance hot water, the appeal of a heat pump water heater is fairly simple. A heat pump can use far less electricity to deliver the same amount of hot water, helping reduce energy bills over time. In the Reddit discussion, the original poster put that logic plainly, saying it “pains me to turn electricity directly into heat when I could be getting 3x the heat with a pump.”
They were trying to decide whether a ducted Vaillant aroSTOR 71-gallon (270-liter) hot water unit costing about £2,500 (around $3,300) made the most sense, or whether a split setup with an outdoor condenser could deliver a better coefficient of performance (COP).
Most of the feedback framed the pursuit of a better hot-water COP as not worth the added hassle. Commenters said a split system would likely add expense and complexity without producing enough real-world savings to justify it.
One commenter wrote: “Hot water COPs are poor because of the high temps involved. I can’t imagine a whole monobloc install would be cost effective compared to just a HPHW tank.” 
Another point raised repeatedly was that dishwashers and washing machines often contribute less to hot water demand than buyers expect. Commenters also warned that a large tank can become a drawback when use is light or irregular, citing oversized cylinders and the need for legionella cycles if hot water sits unused for extended periods.
FROM OUR PARTNER
Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area.
To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
Solar panels can save you more than $50k over their 25-year lifespan, and EnergySage can help you save as much as $10k on installation. Which begs the question — isn’t that worth an email or two?
Producing hot water is an entirely different job for a heat pump than space heating. Because these systems usually operate most efficiently at lower temperatures, making hotter water for taps and showers typically reduces efficiency compared with normal heating use.
With only two occupants in the cabin, some commenters suggested simpler options such as a smaller unvented cylinder or an immersion-based setup. Others said that if the cabin will only be occupied occasionally, easier maintenance and lower upfront cost may matter more than a marginally better COP on paper.
More storage is not automatically better if a household’s hot water use is relatively low. A larger tank can mean extra wasted energy, more floor space devoted to equipment, and more oversight than the system actually needs.
By the end of the thread, the original poster appeared to be leaning toward the simpler route, with ducting for a dedicated hot water unit looking easier than a more elaborate installation.
For shoppers weighing water-heating options, it often makes more sense to start with real-life usage than with headline efficiency claims. Map out occupant count, number of showers, occupancy patterns, pipe runs, electricity rates, and whether solar or batteries are part of the setup. Those details can matter more than marketing claims about peak efficiency.
For households that do want a smarter heat-pump-based option, Cala is one company worth knowing. Cala makes smart heat pump water heaters designed to respond to household demand patterns rather than heating a big tank the same way all day. Its customizable smart heat pump water heaters help homeowners decrease their energy bills by heating water exactly when it’s needed.
That kind of control could be especially helpful for people trying to balance hot water production with rooftop solar, battery storage, or time-of-use electricity pricing. Buyers looking for that kind of approach may want to keep an eye on Cala alongside more conventional tank and split-system options.
The original poster seemed to reach a similar conclusion: “Yeah I think the cost/complexity of a split system vs cutting two vent holes makes it an easy choice.”
If you’re weighing similar options, the articles below look at the same tradeoffs around water-heating efficiency, upfront cost, and installation complexity. They cover heat pump water heater pricing, a U.K. heat pump journey, and the benefits of tankless systems.
• For homeowners weighing upgrades, heat pump water heater costs often decide whether efficiency pays off.
• In the U.K., one homeowner chased a 400%-efficient heat pump before the installation tradeoffs piled up.
• For some households, a tankless water heater can cut standby losses and trim bills.
Get TCD’s free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.

source

Spotlight Delaware
Empowering Delawareans with Independent Local News
Why Should Delaware Care?
Gov. Matt Meyer has pushed for more solar projects as an environmentally friendly way for the state to generate more energy. But some feel the projects are covering too much farmland and could harm local ecosystems. 
The debate over whether solar panels are fit for farmland has reached rural New Castle County. 
More than 400 people have signed petitions calling on county officials to stop a proposed 60-acre solar development on a piece of leased farmland in Port Penn, a small, unincorporated village just below the C&D canal. 
Know what’s happening today, so you know what to do tomorrow. Get our free newsletter delivered right to your inbox – six days a week.
The project is allowed on the land under the county’s existing zoning rules and will not require a public hearing. New Castle County Councilman Kevin Caneco, who represents the area, hosted a town meeting about the project in July. 
About 200 people attended, according to Donna Laws, an area resident who lives next to the land proposed for the project. It was held the night of a tornado warning in the county, and she said no one left when they got the warning.
“They were all up in arms,” Laws said. “Nobody wants it here.” 
The backlash to solar projects on farms is not new to Delaware. Kent County lawmakers banned large-scale solar projects in agricultural zones in 2022. Smaller “community solar” projects are an exception. 
Some farmers argue that solar projects can make farmland more expensive and also reduce the number of acres available for crops. While the land covered by solar panels could theoretically go back to being farmed after a project lease ends, it can be difficult to restore the health of the soil.  
TurningPoint Energy, the company behind the Port Penn project, said in an emailed statement that it will help the state meet its green energy goals. 
Gov. Matt Meyer has encouraged similar projects in the past. Earlier this year, he fast-tracked permits for some solar projects. He also signed a bill that guarantees power bill discounts for those who sign up for community solar projects. 
Meyer and other solar proponents have said generating more power in-state could help lower the rising energy costs that are leading to high electric bills. The cost to build solar has dropped to about a third of what it was in 2011, and it is also the fastest resource to build. 
In 2025, about 8% of Delaware’s total in-state electricity generation came from renewable sources, mostly solar, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. 
State law calls for that figure to reach 40% by 2035.
Caneco said he will discuss the project, among other topics, at a town hall meeting on Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Odessa Fire Hall at 304 Main St. in Odessa.  
Laws, who neighbors the proposed solar field, said she has many concerns about the project, especially its impact on the environment. 
The field where the panels would go is not far from Thousand Acre Marsh, a sprawling coastal habitat nestled along the Delaware River and C&D Canal. Since the solar panels would be built on either side of wetlands on the property, the builders will have to make a temporary 20-foot path through sensitive habitats during construction. 
Laws worries that power-related infrastructure could increase the risk of fires, among other concerns. The local volunteer fire company has requested the solar company provide additional equipment and training in case of any solar-specific hazards. 
Drew Slater, executive director of Energize Delaware, said with the many smaller-scale solar projects he has helped build on farmland, he has never seen the safety concerns Laws raised. 
“[Solar panels] are extraordinarily safe,” he said. 
Laws said she also feels that if one solar project is built nearby, more will follow, changing the character of her rural neighborhood. 
TurningPoint Energy representatives said they have added additional landscaping buffers to address her concerns and “welcome any further specific feedback and remain committed to ongoing dialogue with community members.”  
Laws does not oppose solar, she said, but thinks it should be built in more developed areas, like on rooftops or over parking lots. 
Caneco, the county councilman who represents the area, said he agrees. While he acknowledged that building solar panels in developed areas can be more expensive, he said it is also important to preserve farmland. 
Delaware’s environmental agency added a new grant program last month that provides rebates of up to $100,000 for constructing “solar canopies,” or raised structures with solar panels that are typically built over parking lots. 
Some of the opponents are calling for the county to prohibit large-scale solar projects on farms. Caneco said he and at least two other council members are exploring potential changes to local laws involving solar projects. 
When asked for details about Laws’ opposition, she had a packet of information ready. 
She said it came from a new website, called Delaware Spending. The blog, which does not have any information about who runs it, has posted multiple articles about the project. 
Laws said she has worked with the person behind the blog, but that he does not want to be named.
“He’s my Batman,” she said. 
Some of the videos on the blog’s Facebook page have over 100,000 views. Facebook previously labeled some of its content as AI generated. 
When asked via email about the project, the person behind Delaware Spending responded,   “I’m not part of this story and don’t want to be.” 
Spotlight Delaware exists to serve the people of this state, not political parties, corporations, or special interests.
As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on readers like you to fund this work. When you become a member of Spotlight Delaware, you help keep our reporting free, independent and accessible to all Delawareans.

Olivia Marble comes to Spotlight Delaware from Lehigh Valley Public Media, where she covered residential and industrial development in the booming suburbs of the region. As Spotlight Delaware’s land… More by Olivia Marble
Empowering Delawareans with Local News and Information

Enter the code sent to your email
Email address

Enter your password
Sign in by entering the code we sent to , or clicking the magic link in the email.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
We'll send a verification code to %EMAIL%.
Link Copy link

source

Renewables Now is a leading business news source for renewable energy professionals globally. Trust us for comprehensive coverage of major deals, projects and industry trends. We’ve done this since 2009.
Stay on top of sector news with with Renewables Now. Get access to extra articles and insights with our subscription plans and set up your own focused newsletters and alerts.

source

© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.
“That’s like $8,000-$10,000 high at California prices, and you’re in Louisiana.”
Photo Credit: Tesla
A Louisiana homeowner looking to expand a home battery backup setup got a jarring estimate when they were quoted $24,000 to add a Tesla Powerwall 3 to an existing Powerwall 2. 
The homeowner took to Reddit’s r/solar community to “get some opinions.”
The original poster explained: “I was looking at adding a PW3 to an existing PW2 system since they are now compatible. I was quoted at $24,000 which seems quite high to me, but I could be wrong.”
Most replies in the Reddit thread treated that figure as unusually expensive.
The top comment read: “First off, $24,000 for a 13.5kwh powerwall3 is highway robbery. That’s like $8,000-$10,000 high at California prices, and you’re in Louisiana.” 
“Seems quite high because it is high,” another user added.
A third commenter put it this way: “I would think no more than 10k. There’s more to that price, like does a car come with it?”
Whether the two Powerwall generations can actually be paired became its own point of debate in the thread.
FROM OUR PARTNER
Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area.
To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
Solar panels can save you more than $50k over their 25-year lifespan, and EnergySage can help you save as much as $10k on installation. Which begs the question — isn’t that worth an email or two?
One commenter initially insisted: “You [also] cannot integrate a powerwall3 into a powerwall2. They are not compatible.”
The OP then linked to Tesla‘s Backward Compatibility page, and another commenter replied: “Check with your installers for detail[s]. Tesla released the training for this via the portal last month. There are limitations.”
For homeowners considering a battery upgrade, the safest move is to always get multiple bids and ask for a fully itemized quote covering hardware, labor, permitting, and any electrical or gateway upgrades. It is also wise to ask installers to confirm in writing that the exact battery combination is supported for your system.
Still, battery storage is also one of the most practical upgrades for households that already have solar. It can help keep essential devices running during outages, store excess daytime solar power for later use, and reduce how much expensive electricity a household needs to draw from the grid.
Homeowners who want to compare options can explore EnergySage for information on home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates, and EnergySage has teamed up with the electrification brand Qmerit to help guarantee you get the best price on home battery storage solutions.
For people who do not need a full Powerwall-style installation, Pila offers another strong backup option. Its plug-and-play batteries are priced at a fraction of what a whole-home backup system would cost, which could make them a better fit for renters or anyone who only needs to power a few essentials.
For more context on Powerwall 3 and the broader home battery market, start with these stories. They cover the battery’s features, its overseas rollout, and how quickly Powerwall installations are growing.
• Tesla confirmed several game-changing details about Powerwall 3, including a higher-power home energy design.
• Tesla started its European launch of Powerwall 3 in the U.K. and Germany.
• Tesla’s home battery business passed half a million installations worldwide as Powerwall adoption kept climbing.
Get TCD’s free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.

source

A photovoltaic reuse initiative in Kassel, Germany, has repurposed 300 used solar modules to create 150 balcony PV systems.
The panels, which had operated for 13 years on the roof of an industrial building, were inspected, refurbished and distributed to participants in an upcycling project organized by ClimateHub Kassel and solar collective SoLocal Energy.
The project began with inspections of the 300 recovered modules. Twelve panels showed minor defects and were discarded, while the remaining modules were cleaned and fitted with new connectors for use in balcony PV systems. The recovered modules represent around 6 metric tons of material that would otherwise have entered recycling streams, where only certain material fractions can be recovered.
The organizers introduced a tiered pricing model to make the systems accessible to households with different budgets. Complete packages include modules, an inverter, mounting equipment, cabling and accessories, as well as electrical connection, system registration and monitoring setup.
A system comprising two 325 W CSW Excellent modules, for a total capacity of 650 W, costs €825 ($937) under the subsidized tariff, €1,000 at the standard rate and €1,175 under the solidarity tariff. A single-module system costs €650, €775 and €900, respectively. A four-module configuration using CSW Diamond panels has a combined capacity of 1.78 kW and costs €2,025 under the highest pricing tier specified by the organizers.
Participants can also collect the equipment and install the systems themselves. Two-module systems are supplied with a Hoymiles HMS-800W-2T microinverter. Three- and four-module systems use either two SUN-M80 units or one Hoymiles HMS-1600-4WB inverter, with dynamic power control limiting total output to 800 W.
An optional storage package, comprising a Zendure SolarFlow 800 Pro 2 battery and an energy meter, costs an additional €600 to €700, depending on the pricing tier. Professional-grade modules are also available for €30 more per panel than the Diamond modules.
Several local organizations provided logistical and technical support. Bauteilbörse handled 13 pallets of modules, while BürgerSolarBeratung and energy cooperative Bürgerenergiegenossenschaft Kassel & Söhre provided technical assistance. Cargo bikes were made available to help participants transport the modules.
German nonprofit organization Deutsche Gesellschaft für Sonnenenergie (DGS) also made a donation to reduce the cost of inverters and mounting equipment for some low-income households.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
Comments
Please login to comment
The new ESS News magazine is here!
Download your free digital copy today.
The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!
Saudi Arabia is accelerating its clean energy transition—join the SunRise Arabia Clean Energy Conference 2026 in Riyadh to explore how solar PV and energy storage are powering its digital economy.
pv magazine USA hosts its multi-day virtual event on U.S. solar and energy storage, covering domestic manufacturing, distributed energy and the growing role of solar-plus-storage in meeting AI-driven power demand.
Monday, October 26, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Giovedì, 1 ottobre 2026
14:30 – 15:30 CEST, Roma

You have no items in your basket.

source

Spotlight Delaware
Empowering Delawareans with Independent Local News
Why Should Delaware Care?
Gov. Matt Meyer has pushed for more solar projects as an environmentally friendly way for the state to generate more energy. But some feel the projects are covering too much farmland and could harm local ecosystems. 
The debate over whether solar panels are fit for farmland has reached rural New Castle County. 
More than 400 people have signed petitions calling on county officials to stop a proposed 60-acre solar development on a piece of leased farmland in Port Penn, a small, unincorporated village just below the C&D canal. 
Know what’s happening today, so you know what to do tomorrow. Get our free newsletter delivered right to your inbox – six days a week.
The project is allowed on the land under the county’s existing zoning rules and will not require a public hearing. New Castle County Councilman Kevin Caneco, who represents the area, hosted a town meeting about the project in July. 
About 200 people attended, according to Donna Laws, an area resident who lives next to the land proposed for the project. It was held the night of a tornado warning in the county, and she said no one left when they got the warning.
“They were all up in arms,” Laws said. “Nobody wants it here.” 
The backlash to solar projects on farms is not new to Delaware. Kent County lawmakers banned large-scale solar projects in agricultural zones in 2022. Smaller “community solar” projects are an exception. 
Some farmers argue that solar projects can make farmland more expensive and also reduce the number of acres available for crops. While the land covered by solar panels could theoretically go back to being farmed after a project lease ends, it can be difficult to restore the health of the soil.  
TurningPoint Energy, the company behind the Port Penn project, said in an emailed statement that it will help the state meet its green energy goals. 
Gov. Matt Meyer has encouraged similar projects in the past. Earlier this year, he fast-tracked permits for some solar projects. He also signed a bill that guarantees power bill discounts for those who sign up for community solar projects. 
Meyer and other solar proponents have said generating more power in-state could help lower the rising energy costs that are leading to high electric bills. The cost to build solar has dropped to about a third of what it was in 2011, and it is also the fastest resource to build. 
In 2025, about 8% of Delaware’s total in-state electricity generation came from renewable sources, mostly solar, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. 
State law calls for that figure to reach 40% by 2035.
Caneco said he will discuss the project, among other topics, at a town hall meeting on Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Odessa Fire Hall at 304 Main St. in Odessa.  
Laws, who neighbors the proposed solar field, said she has many concerns about the project, especially its impact on the environment. 
The field where the panels would go is not far from Thousand Acre Marsh, a sprawling coastal habitat nestled along the Delaware River and C&D Canal. Since the solar panels would be built on either side of wetlands on the property, the builders will have to make a temporary 20-foot path through sensitive habitats during construction. 
Laws worries that power-related infrastructure could increase the risk of fires, among other concerns. The local volunteer fire company has requested the solar company provide additional equipment and training in case of any solar-specific hazards. 
Drew Slater, executive director of Energize Delaware, said with the many smaller-scale solar projects he has helped build on farmland, he has never seen the safety concerns Laws raised. 
“[Solar panels] are extraordinarily safe,” he said. 
Laws said she also feels that if one solar project is built nearby, more will follow, changing the character of her rural neighborhood. 
TurningPoint Energy representatives said they have added additional landscaping buffers to address her concerns and “welcome any further specific feedback and remain committed to ongoing dialogue with community members.”  
Laws does not oppose solar, she said, but thinks it should be built in more developed areas, like on rooftops or over parking lots. 
Caneco, the county councilman who represents the area, said he agrees. While he acknowledged that building solar panels in developed areas can be more expensive, he said it is also important to preserve farmland. 
Delaware’s environmental agency added a new grant program last month that provides rebates of up to $100,000 for constructing “solar canopies,” or raised structures with solar panels that are typically built over parking lots. 
Some of the opponents are calling for the county to prohibit large-scale solar projects on farms. Caneco said he and at least two other council members are exploring potential changes to local laws involving solar projects. 
When asked for details about Laws’ opposition, she had a packet of information ready. 
She said it came from a new website, called Delaware Spending. The blog, which does not have any information about who runs it, has posted multiple articles about the project. 
Laws said she has worked with the person behind the blog, but that he does not want to be named.
“He’s my Batman,” she said. 
Some of the videos on the blog’s Facebook page have over 100,000 views. Facebook previously labeled some of its content as AI generated. 
When asked via email about the project, the person behind Delaware Spending responded,   “I’m not part of this story and don’t want to be.” 
Spotlight Delaware exists to serve the people of this state, not political parties, corporations, or special interests.
As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on readers like you to fund this work. When you become a member of Spotlight Delaware, you help keep our reporting free, independent and accessible to all Delawareans.

Olivia Marble comes to Spotlight Delaware from Lehigh Valley Public Media, where she covered residential and industrial development in the booming suburbs of the region. As Spotlight Delaware’s land… More by Olivia Marble
Empowering Delawareans with Local News and Information

Enter the code sent to your email
Email address

Enter your password
Sign in by entering the code we sent to , or clicking the magic link in the email.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
We'll send a verification code to %EMAIL%.
Link Copy link

source

Websol Energy System Ltd has secured 21.9 hectares of land at Falta Industrial Park in the Indian state of West Bengal for a planned solar manufacturing facility.
The factory will have 4 GW of annual solar cell production capacity and 4 GW of module capacity. Websol plans to develop the project in two phases of 2 GW each.
The land allotment forms part of Websol’s plans to expand its manufacturing operations in West Bengal, where it already operates a solar cell and module factory in the Falta Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Websol said its existing presence in the state provides access to skilled workers, established supplier relationships and familiarity with the local manufacturing ecosystem, which it expects will support the development of the new facility.
The project will expand Websol’s manufacturing footprint in eastern India.
“When Websol entered solar manufacturing in the mid-1990s, the industry in India was still at a very early stage. Today, solar is becoming an increasingly important part of the country’s energy infrastructure, and the need for strong domestic manufacturing has never been clearer,” said Sohan Lal Agarwal, chairman and managing director of Websol Energy System.
“For us, this land allotment represents the next phase of a journey that began more than three decades ago in West Bengal,” Agarwal added. “It allows us to build at a significantly larger scale while remaining close to an ecosystem, workforce and operating base we know well. As India expands its solar capacity, we believe manufacturing must grow alongside it, across regions and closer to demand.”
Sanjana Khaitan, executive director of Websol Energy System, said the company will now focus on moving the project from land allotment to construction, commissioning and production.
Founded in 1990, Websol manufactures solar cells and modules. It primarily supplies cells to the Indian market, including module manufacturers seeking to comply with domestic content requirement (DCR) rules. The company sells its modules in India and overseas.
Websol’s existing Falta SEZ facility has 1.2 GW of annual solar cell production capacity and 550 MW of module capacity. Its production lines can process wafers up to 210 mm.
Websol is among the manufacturers included on India’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar cells.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
Comments
Please login to comment
The new ESS News magazine is here!
Download your free digital copy today.
The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!
Saudi Arabia is accelerating its clean energy transition—join the SunRise Arabia Clean Energy Conference 2026 in Riyadh to explore how solar PV and energy storage are powering its digital economy.
pv magazine USA hosts its multi-day virtual event on U.S. solar and energy storage, covering domestic manufacturing, distributed energy and the growing role of solar-plus-storage in meeting AI-driven power demand.
Monday, October 26, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Giovedì, 1 ottobre 2026
14:30 – 15:30 CEST, Roma

You have no items in your basket.

source

0
By clicking the button, I accept the Terms of Use of the service and its Privacy Policy, as well as consent to the processing of personal data.
Don’t have an account? Signup
Powered by :
Navitas Solar Plans ₹10,000 Crore Investment Across Gujarat, Maharashtra Photograph: (AI)
Navitas Solar plans to invest ₹10,000 crore over the next five years to expand its presence across the renewable energy value chain in Gujarat and Maharashtra, with investments spanning solar manufacturing, battery energy storage and renewable power generation.
The company said the investment will support expansion into ingots, wafers, high-efficiency solar cells and modules, alongside battery energy storage systems (BESS) and renewable power projects. The plan marks an expansion of Navitas Solar beyond its existing module manufacturing operations, with the company looking to build capabilities across both upstream and downstream segments of the solar value chain.
As part of the roadmap, Navitas Solar is developing a 2.4 GW solar cell manufacturing facility at Sisodara in Gujarat. The first phase of the project involves an investment of around ₹1,200 crore and is targeted to become operational by July 2027. The company is also developing pilot lines for ingot and wafer manufacturing, which it said will help build technical capabilities and provide a base for future capacity expansion.
Beyond manufacturing, Navitas Solar is expanding into renewable power generation in Maharashtra. The company is developing two solar parks with capacities of 200 MW and 25 MW under EPC and independent power producer (IPP) models. In Gujarat, the company plans to enter the energy storage segment with a 5 GWh battery energy storage facility in Vadodara.
“India’s renewable energy journey is entering a phase where scale, technology and supply-chain depth will increasingly determine the competitiveness of the sector. At Navitas Solar, we want to participate across the value chain and build capabilities that enable us to contribute meaningfully to India’s clean energy transition,” Ankit Singhania, Director, Navitas Solar, said.
“Our planned ₹10,000 crore investment over the next five years is a reflection of this ambition. We are investing not only in manufacturing capacity, but also in the technologies and infrastructure that will shape the next phase of India’s renewable energy ecosystem,” he added.
The proposed investments build on Navitas Solar’s existing manufacturing base. The company currently has 3 GW of annual solar module manufacturing capacity and produces high-efficiency modules based on TOPCon and bifacial Mono PERC technologies. The company is also pursuing backward integration through its solar encapsulant business, Navitas Alpha, while its renewable energy portfolio is being expanded through subsidiaries such as Navitas Planet.
Navitas Solar said its EPC business is also expanding into the Southern African region, focusing on utility- and IPP-scale projects. The investment plan comes as solar manufacturers in India increasingly look to expand beyond module assembly into upstream manufacturing and adjacent segments such as energy storage and renewable power generation. For Navitas Solar, the proposed expansion would create a platform spanning ingot and wafer manufacturing, solar cells and modules, energy storage, EPC execution and renewable power generation.
We are India’s leading B2B media house, reporting full-time on solar energy, wind, battery storage, solar inverters, and electric vehicle (EV)
Quick Links
© 2025 Saur Energy. All Rights Reserved.

source

Renewables Now is a leading business news source for renewable energy professionals globally. Trust us for comprehensive coverage of major deals, projects and industry trends. We’ve done this since 2009.
Stay on top of sector news with with Renewables Now. Get access to extra articles and insights with our subscription plans and set up your own focused newsletters and alerts.

source

Rows of solar panels similar to those found in Chile’s Atacama Desert.
On February 25, 2025, a 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line disconnected between Vallenar and Coquimbo, Northern Chile. The Coordinador Eléctrico Nacional reported loss of supply from Arica in the far north to Los Lagos region in the south; the distance spanning over 3,100 km. The largest blackout in the country’s history affected 98.5% of its population.
The event demonstrates the key structural element of the Chilean electricity system. The country’s strongest solar resource is the Atacama Desert, its best wind resource in the far south, and its principal demand centre sits in the middle. Italy’s transmission geography shares similarities, at a smaller scale. Most Italian solar and wind potential is in the continental south and the islands, with the heaviest demand over a thousand kilometres to the north. A single dominant axis moving bulk power over long distances is common to both countries.
Both countries are committed to net zero emissions by 2050. Chile’s target is set in national legislation, and the International Energy Agency (IEA) treats it as a legally binding obligation, whilst Italy’s commitment derives from European law rather than a national climate statute.
The two economies differ in scale. Italy is several times larger in population, energy demand and GDP, and operates inside the EU single market. Though there are important distinctions to be made, there are also useful parallels to be drawn in the outcome drivers of the energy sector: resource quality, market design, and climate policy.
Chile restructured its electricity market in 1982, decades before the climate question was widely considered. Generation, transmission and supply were separated, and generators were dispatched in order of short-run marginal cost. Two rules shaped the sector from this point: first, the cheapest available generation is dispatched first, and second, long-term supply contracts are allocated to the lowest bidders at regular auctions.
The Atacama Desert in Northern Chile is recognised as one of the very first places in the world where utility-scale, unsubsidised solar energy began winning on price, outcompeting fossil fuels.
Solar and wind together now supply more than a third of Chilean electricity, with hydropower contributing close to another third, while the share generated from coal has fallen from 43.6% in 2016 to below 16%.
Chile, with its unique natural conditions, did not generate this shift towards renewable sources through subsidies. Instead, these changes have been enabled by favourable economic fundamentals; strategic policies implemented to allow the emerging technologies to develop and to compete. However, this is not the case across all sectors; the decarbonisation of the energy grid has proceeded alongside continued fossil fuel dependence in transport and heating, costing the country around $14 billion in 2024.
Throughout the 2010s, most of Europe, including Italy, relied heavily on imported natural gas, and the renewable share of generation remained flat; this reliance continues. In 2022, energy prices spiked, exposing the vulnerability of external dependence. For Italy, with three-quarters of energy imported, price volatility fed immediately into industrial and household costs. This coincided with binding EU climate objectives under Fit for 55, and the combination accelerated renewable deployment.
Italian policy reflects dual drivers with equal weight: energy security and EU decarbonisation mandates. The mechanism differs from Chile, which built machinery to find the lowest price. Comparatively, Italy built machinery to stabilise prices and improve project bankability, with the intention of making renewable investments more attractive to financing institutions.
The resulting volumes are substantial. In December 2025, the energy agency GSE awarded 7.7 GW of solar and 940 MW of wind under FER X, the first major competitive auction round. The scale was partly due to pent-up pipeline capacity that had accumulated.
Wholesale power markets settle at marginal cost, so every generator running in a given hour receives the price set by the most expensive plant dispatched. In Italy, that plant is, for most of the 24-hour cycle, gas-fired.
Paradoxically, Italy’s low renewable generation costs do not reduce consumer prices. The country maintains Europe’s most expensive retail electricity market despite massive renewable deployment. This pricing dynamic is evident across Europe: the larger the gas share of generation, the higher the average wholesale price. Electrification lags behind because gas-linked prices weaken the economics of replacing gas boilers and internal-combustion vehicles. Italy’s automotive manufacturing sector is still locked into internal combustion engine (ICE) production and slow to move toward electric vehicles, which creates industrial and political resistance to the broader shift away from gas.
Chile uses the same mechanism, with remarkably different results. Zero-marginal-cost solar generation entering a marginal-cost dispatch lowered the clearing price directly, and the IEA projects household energy bills will fall substantially by mid-century. 
Where renewable entry reduces consumer bills, public support is self-sustaining. Where it does not, as in Italy, policy faces an additional challenge: the absence of visible consumer benefit drives local opposition to new projects. NIMBY, or “not in my backyard,”  resistance to both transmission infrastructure and distributed generation has become a binding constraint on deployment, requiring intensive stakeholder engagement. 
In February 2026, the Italian government issued Law Decree 21, known as the Decreto Bollette. Article 6 provided for reimbursing gas-fired generators for their compliance costs under the EU Emissions Trading System, with the intention of reducing the marginal price paid by consumers. The measure was conditional on European Commission approval under state aid rules.
That authorisation did not follow. The Commission’s temporary state aid framework of April 29, 2026 set conditions incompatible with the measure, so Article 6 will not enter into force. Renewable and storage investors were identified as the parties most exposed had it taken effect.
The Chilean total net effective carbon rate, priced roughly at $36/tonne, is among the lowest effective rates compared to other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations, but the country is focused on decarbonising the energy sector regardless. Italy, operating inside the most developed emissions trading system globally, met 41% of its power demand from renewable sources in 2024, the resulting carbon cost offset by the power price.
Carbon pricing was neither necessary for Chile’s outcome nor sufficient for Italy’s, and relative technology costs and market structure explain considerably more of the difference. This is the case specifically for electricity; carbon pricing remains the principal available instrument in transport, heating and heavy industry, where no lower-cost substitute has emerged.
Both countries deployed generation, but neither has solved the infrastructure and consent challenges that follow. The binding constraint has shifted from generation capacity to transmission and storage. In Italy, there’s an additional problem embedded in this: despite deploying 40 GW of renewables, the country still maintains Europe’s most expensive retail electricity market.
Chile’s principal response is the Kimal–Lo Aguirre link, a 600 kV transmission line of approximately 1,500 kilometres running from Antofagasta towards the metropolitan area of Santiago, due in service in 2029. The 2024 Energy Transition Law additionally allows fast-track priority for transmission works with a simplified permitting process.
Italy’s response is a €23 billion, ten-year programme from Terna, whose 2025 development plan targets an increase in exchange capacity between market zones from around 16 to 39 gigawatts. 
Here is a list of articles selected by our Editorial Board that have gained significant interest from the public:
Permitting presents an important constraint in both markets, with no efficient mechanism in sight to address permitting timeframes for individual solar photovoltaic (PV) or battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects, nor for transmission lines. Both Chile and Italy are exposed to uncertainty around the timing and viability of large-scale projects and the transmission capacity necessary for their operation. While individual projects utilise a limited, carefully selected plot of land, transmission lines can traverse hundreds or even thousands of kilometres, and create a different set of challenges.          
Italy’s northern demand centre neighbours France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia; their electrical systems are mutually interconnected. As of 2026, Chile has no operating cross-border interconnection. Chilean adequacy must therefore be secured domestically.
Both countries are in vital need of BESS storage; the most recent technological innovation and the key to unlocking continued decarbonisation. Italy treats it as regulated grid infrastructure. Under MACSE, the capacity market for electricity storage, Terna procured 10 GWh of battery capacity in 2025 across southern Italy and the islands under fifteen-year fixed-premium contracts for 2028 delivery, oversubscribed four times and priced well below reserve premium. Chile is currently operating around 1 GW of batteries, most of them added to existing PV plants. A smaller portion operates as stand-alone systems, relieving a congested grid at peak solar hours and reinjecting electricity at night when spot prices peak. 
The remaining asymmetry is financial. Chile has historically demonstrated high fiscal discipline but pays emerging-market prices for capital. Italy’s deep capital markets and EU support compensate for a high sovereign debt relative to GDP. 
The renewable energy assets are financed over 15- to 20-year horizons. The assumptions that applicable rules will remain in force present an ongoing risk. While banks and investors value stable, predictable cost and revenue flows typically associated with mature industries, the dynamically evolving renewable energy/BESS market innovates at a much faster pace. 
The differences set out above are differences of method rather than of destination. Chile and Italy play with different cards — each has advantages the other lacks, whether created by nature, historical context, institutional support or economic realities. What transcends the comparison is the shared objective: carbon neutrality by 2050. It may seem a distant future; however, it will be achieved within the operating life of the assets both countries are financing today.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: K.
Cristiano Spillati is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Limes Renewable Energy, an international developer of solar, wind, and battery storage projects. He brings nearly 30 years of executive experience across consulting, telecoms, and clean energy, with the past two decades dedicated entirely to renewables. Before founding Limes, Cristiano was Managing Partner at Koralion Partners, advising major renewable energy investors, and helped expand global solar PV projects at SkyPower Global. Since 2004, he has played a key role in advancing clean energy initiatives across 17 countries on four continents. Cristiano holds a law degree from the University of Bologna and an MSc in Economics from the University of Warwick. He has lived and worked internationally, bringing a global perspective to renewable energy development.
Martin Libra is Managing Director for LATAM at Limes, an international renewable energy developer active across Latin America, Europe, and Asia, focusing on solar and energy storage. Previously, he has held senior operational and commercial roles in Chile’s photovoltaic sector and served as Commercial Attaché at the Czech-Chilean Chamber of Commerce. Martin holds an MSc in Financial Risk Management from The University of Glasgow and is a Certified Expert in Climate & Renewable Energy Finance from Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.


Impakter informs you through the ESG news site and empowers your business CSRD compliance and ESG compliance with its Klimado SaaS ESG assessment tool marketplace that can be found on: http://www.klimado.com
Registered Office Address
Klimado GmbH
Niddastrasse 63,
60329, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
IMPAKTER is a Klimado GmbH website
Impakter is a publication that is identified by the following International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is the following 2515-9569 (Printed) and 2515-9577 (online – Website).
Office Hours – Monday to Friday
9.30am – 5.00pm CEST
Email
stories [at] impakter.com
© 2026 IMPAKTER. All rights reserved.
© 2026 IMPAKTER. All rights reserved.

source

The leading B2B Content publishing platform
Further information or support
Share across 30+ relevant Industries
Take advantage of a wealth of insight
Search our network
The global rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) market is entering a period of sustained expansion as households, businesses, and industrial facilities increasingly turn to decentralized renewable energy generation. According to the market assessment, the global rooftop solar PV market was valued at approximately US$ 57.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 172.4 billion by the end of 2035. The market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 10.5% between 2025 and 2035. Declining solar technology costs, improving module efficiency, supportive government policies, growing electricity demand, and increasing corporate sustainability commitments are expected to support market growth throughout the forecast period.
Discover essential conclusions and data from our Report in this sample –
https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=3160 
Market Overview
Rooftop solar PV systems enable residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to generate electricity directly from sunlight. The electricity produced can be consumed on-site or supplied to the grid through applicable net-metering, feed-in, or other distributed-generation arrangements. By enabling consumers to generate a portion of their own electricity, rooftop solar can reduce dependence on conventional grid power while supporting renewable energy and emissions-reduction objectives.
The market is benefiting from the broader shift toward decentralized energy systems. Rising electricity prices, growing awareness of energy security, and increasing interest in clean-energy solutions are encouraging property owners and businesses to evaluate rooftop solar installations. Technological improvements are also strengthening the value proposition of rooftop PV systems through higher-efficiency modules, smarter inverters, digital monitoring, energy storage integration, and improved system management.
Adoption is particularly significant across Asia Pacific and Europe, while the U.S. market continues to benefit from supportive clean-energy investment frameworks. The increasing availability of financing mechanisms, third-party ownership models, leasing arrangements, and power purchase agreements is also helping reduce the upfront financial barriers associated with rooftop solar deployment.
Key Market Growth Drivers
Declining solar technology costs and improved financing options are among the most important factors driving rooftop solar PV adoption. Solar module prices have fallen substantially over the past decade, while module efficiency has continued to improve. Advances in manufacturing scale, supply-chain optimization, and photovoltaic technologies have contributed to improved economics for both residential and commercial installations. Reductions in the cost of balance-of-system components, including inverters and mounting structures, have further supported system affordability.
Alternative financing structures are also expanding market accessibility. Third-party ownership models, leasing arrangements, renewable energy service company structures, and power purchase agreements can allow customers to adopt rooftop solar without bearing the entire upfront capital expenditure. These models are particularly relevant for commercial and industrial users seeking greater predictability in energy costs while minimizing direct responsibility for system ownership and maintenance.
Government policies and corporate sustainability targets represent another major growth catalyst. Governments in various markets have introduced net-metering programs, feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, subsidies, renewable-energy targets, and other mechanisms designed to encourage distributed solar generation. Corporate commitments to environmental, social, and governance objectives and net-zero targets are also driving businesses to deploy rooftop solar at factories, warehouses, offices, retail facilities, and other properties to reduce electricity costs and emissions associated with purchased power.
Analysis of Key Players and Key Player Strategies
The rooftop solar PV market features competition among global solar module manufacturers, integrated energy companies, inverter suppliers, EPC providers, and distributed-energy specialists. Major companies identified in the market include LONGi, JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., Trina Solar Limited, Canadian Solar Inc., First Solar, Inc., Tata Power Solar, Hanwha Qcells, SolarEdge Technologies Inc., SunPower Corporation, Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd., Sunrun, JA Solar Co. Ltd., Kyocera Corporation, and other participants.
Leading companies are concentrating on increasing module efficiency, expanding production capabilities, improving system reliability, and developing integrated rooftop energy solutions. Advanced monocrystalline technologies, including PERC, TOPCon, and heterojunction technologies, are receiving significant attention because of their potential to increase power generation from limited rooftop space. Companies are also integrating smart monitoring systems, intelligent inverters, energy storage, and digital management tools to improve system performance and provide customers with greater visibility into energy generation and consumption.
Recent industry developments illustrate this focus on technological advancement and market expansion. In October 2024, JinkoSolar introduced its Tiger Neo 3.0 series based on next-generation TOPCon technology, including a residential-oriented module with power output of up to 495 W. Tata Power Solar reported more than 150,000 rooftop installations representing approximately 3 GW of capacity in March 2025 and highlighted its expanded presence across more than 700 cities, together with financing initiatives designed to support residential adoption.
Access our report for a comprehensive look at key insights –
https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/rooftop-solar-pv-market.html 
Market Challenges and Opportunities
The rooftop solar PV industry continues to face challenges involving upfront installation costs, financing accessibility, grid-connection procedures, permitting requirements, rooftop suitability, intermittency, and the availability of adequate grid infrastructure. In some markets, regulatory changes or variations in net-metering policies can influence project economics and customer investment decisions. Residential consumers may also encounter difficulties related to roof ownership, structural conditions, installation complexity, and access to affordable financing.
Nevertheless, these challenges are generating opportunities for innovation across the distributed-energy ecosystem. Battery storage can enable customers to retain excess solar generation for use when sunlight is unavailable, while smart energy-management platforms can optimize consumption, storage, and grid interaction. Digital monitoring, artificial intelligence-based predictive maintenance, smart inverters, virtual power plants, and peer-to-peer energy trading technologies could further enhance the value of distributed solar systems. Increasing electricity demand from commercial facilities, warehouses, data-intensive operations, and industrial sites is also creating opportunities for larger rooftop installations.
Key Player Strategies
Companies operating in the rooftop solar PV market are increasingly pursuing strategies focused on high-efficiency modules, vertically integrated supply chains, expanded installation networks, digital services, and financing solutions. Manufacturers are investing in advanced cell architectures and production capacity to improve energy output while reducing the cost per watt. Solar companies are also expanding their presence across residential, commercial, and industrial markets through partnerships with installers, energy providers, financing institutions, and technology companies.
Integrated solutions are becoming increasingly important as customers seek more than photovoltaic modules. Companies are combining solar generation with energy storage, smart inverters, monitoring software, financing packages, and maintenance services. This integrated approach can improve customer convenience while creating recurring revenue opportunities for system providers and enabling more efficient management of distributed energy assets.
Investment Landscape and ROI Outlook
Investment in rooftop solar PV is being supported by declining technology costs, growing electricity demand, government incentives, corporate sustainability commitments, and the long-term potential for reduced dependence on grid electricity. Investment opportunities extend across solar module manufacturing, inverters, mounting systems, installation services, energy storage, digital energy-management platforms, financing, and operation and maintenance services.
The return on investment for rooftop solar projects varies according to electricity prices, solar irradiation, system size, installation costs, financing conditions, incentives, grid-export arrangements, and electricity consumption patterns. Commercial and industrial facilities with substantial daytime electricity demand can potentially improve project economics by consuming a larger proportion of generated solar power on-site. Financing models such as power purchase agreements and leasing can also enable customers to access solar generation while reducing upfront capital requirements. As technology improves and system costs decline, the addressable investment opportunity is expected to expand across both developed and emerging markets.
Market Segmentation and Regional Outlook
The rooftop solar PV market is segmented by technology type into monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, and other technologies. Monocrystalline modules represent a prominent segment because of their relatively high conversion efficiency and ability to generate more electricity from limited rooftop space. By capacity, the market includes systems up to 100 kW, 100–500 kW, 500–1,000 kW, and above 1,000 kW. Connectivity categories include grid-connected, off-grid, and hybrid systems, while installation types comprise new and retrofit installations.
By end user, the market covers residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Commercial applications include educational institutions, office buildings, retail spaces, agricultural facilities, warehouses, and other properties, while industrial applications include manufacturing facilities, processing plants, and other industrial sites. Regionally, the market encompasses North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.
Asia Pacific is the leading regional market, accounting for approximately 56.4% of the global rooftop solar PV market. China, India, and Japan are major contributors to regional growth, supported by government policies, solar manufacturing capabilities, declining module prices, and increasing demand for decentralized power generation. Europe remains another important market, supported by ambitious climate targets, renewable-energy policies, relatively high retail electricity prices, and increasing consumer and corporate interest in distributed generation.
Why Buy This Report?
The rooftop solar PV market report provides an in-depth assessment of market size, growth trends, technological developments, competitive dynamics, regional opportunities, and emerging investment areas through 2035. The study examines the market across technology types, capacity ranges, connectivity, installation types, end-user categories, and major geographic markets. It also provides analysis of market drivers, restraints, opportunities, key trends, value-chain developments, competitive positioning, and company strategies, helping solar manufacturers, investors, energy companies, project developers, technology providers, and other stakeholders evaluate market opportunities and formulate growth strategies.
FAQs
The global rooftop solar PV market was valued at approximately US$ 57.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 172.4 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 10.5% during the 2025–2035 forecast period.
Key growth factors include declining solar module and system costs, improving module efficiency, supportive government policies, financing innovations, increasing electricity costs, corporate sustainability commitments, and growing interest in decentralized energy generation.
Monocrystalline solar modules represent a prominent technology segment because their higher efficiency allows greater electricity generation from limited rooftop space. Continued improvements in technologies such as PERC and TOPCon are further supporting their adoption.
Asia Pacific leads the global market and accounted for approximately 56.4% of market share. China, India, and Japan are among the region’s major contributors, supported by government initiatives, expanding solar deployment, and strong manufacturing capabilities.
Major companies include First Solar, JinkoSolar, LONGi, Hanwha Qcells, Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, Tata Power Solar, SolarEdge Technologies, SunPower, Maxeon Solar Technologies, Sunrun, JA Solar, Kyocera, and other industry participants.
Buy this Premium Research Report to access comprehensive analysis –
https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=3160&ltype=S 
More Trending Reports by Transparency Market Research –
Anti-Acne Dermal Patch Market
GCC Countries Vertical Lift Module Market
Folding Cartons Market
Influenza Vaccine Market
Computed Tomography (CT) Market
U.S. Nicotine Pouches Market
Cancer Biomarkers Market
Acetylene Market
Sleep Apnea Devices Market
Digital Signage Market
Skin Care Market
Autoinjectors Market
Activated Carbon Market
Propane Market
Neodymium Market
Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM) Market
Lithium-ion Battery Market
Fencing Market
Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market
Base Oil Market
About Transparency Market Research
Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered at Wilmington, Delaware, United States, provides custom research and consulting services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insights for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools & techniques to gather and analyses information.
Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.
Media Contact:
Abhishek Budholiya
Transparency Market Research Inc.
State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700,
Albany NY – 12207, United States
Tel: +1-518-618-1030
USA – Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453
Website: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com 
Sales Inquiries: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com 
Media Inquiries: media@transparencymarketresearch.com
Abhishek Budholiya
Transparency Market Research Inc.
State Tower, 90 State Street,
Suite 700
Albany NY
New York
12207
+1-518-618-1030
Ready to start publishing
Sign Up today!
A B2B Content publishing and distribution platform allowing users to share content across 30+ relevant Industries as and when it happens. We publish news Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm and all news items are published within 24 hours.
Useful
Company
Legal
© 2026 Industry Today. All rights reserved | Registered office: Warwick Business Centre Hawkes Drive, Heathcote Industrial Estate, Warwick, England, CV34 6LX | support@industrytoday.co.uk
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, analyse site traffic and serve tailored advertisements. By continuing to browse or closing this banner, you consent to our use of cookies. Read more about how we use cookies and how you can control them by clicking “Cookie Settings.”
Are you sure? This will redirect you away from the site
Cookies are essential for this site to function.

source

Amazfit has unveiled the T-Rex Dual Solar, a rugged smartwatch that takes solar charging a little further by putting solar panels on both the front and rear of the watch. The setup is designed to extend battery life when the watch is exposed to sunlight, potentially cutting down how often you need to reach for the charger.
The T-Rex Dual Solar has a 660mAh battery rated for up to 21 days of typical use. But Amazfit says that figure can stretch considerably depending on how much sunlight the watch gets.
Worn on the wrist and exposed to three hours of direct sunlight each day, typical battery life can increase to 34 days. Put the larger solar panel on the rear under three hours of direct sunlight daily instead, and that figure rises to 51 days.
That dual-panel setup is the main attraction here, but the T-Rex Dual Solar isn’t just about battery life. It has a 1.32-inch AMOLED display with up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, while Sapphire Glass provides protection over the screen.
For fitness tracking, Amazfit says the watch supports more than 180 workout modes, giving it plenty of scope for different types of training. There’s also Bluetooth calling for taking calls from the wrist, along with 10 ATM water resistance for more demanding conditions. A built-in LED flashlight is another handy addition, particularly for a watch designed with outdoor use in mind.
The T-Rex Dual Solar comes in a Basalt Black colourway with a silicone strap. It’s priced at $650 in the US, putting it firmly into the premium smartwatch bracket.
How useful that dual-solar approach will be in everyday wear will depend on how much sun the watch actually gets, but it’s an unusual approach to solving one of the perennial smartwatch problems: keeping the thing charged.
Diane is a News Writer for Trusted Reviews, covering daily goings on in the tech world. She holds a degree in creative writing and mainly crafts fictions with a passion for novel storytelling. Her work delves into different genres, now with writing reviews for gadgets and home appliances. Outside of work, Diane enjoys immersing herself in active lifestyle such as dancing and running.
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

source

Trinasolar sees extreme weather lifting demand for tougher solar panels  BNamericas
source

Green hydrogen outlook uncertain for 2030, but long-term potential strong: NTPC official
West Bengal allots 54.20 acres to Websol for 4 GW solar cell and module plant
Chinese EV makers race to cut charging time to just a few minutes
Namibia green hydrogen project secures second AfDB grant
EU ethanol industry produces more food and feed than fuel, audit shows
California clears regulatory hurdle for E15 fuel sales
Chile considers E10 ethanol blend to lower fuel costs and reduce oil price exposure
Indonesia doubles 2028 ethanol blending target to 20%, plans 2 million ha of sugarcane
IRFA welcomes Senate progress on permanent, year-round E15 access
Chennai sewage plants may turn sludge into compressed biogas
Punjab to deploy drones to monitor stubble burning, targets zero burning by 2030
Kenya facility converts 45,000 tonnes of vegetable waste into biogas for farm operations
Dairy waste and cattle manure power cheese production in Colombia
Emirates Biotech, UAE University partner on food waste plant for biogas, compost
Karnataka explores biodiesel route to curb repeated use of cooking oil
Prices of marine biodiesel at record low, fall below fossil fuels
US biofuel sector’s soyabean oil use hits record 707,604 tonnes in June
Marine biodiesel becomes cheaper than conventional fuels amid surge in diesel prices
Indonesia’s B50 biodiesel push expands as government targets higher biofuel use
US densified biomass fuel production reaches 950,000 tonnes in June
Findability Sciences launches Lacta Insight™ for dairy processors in India
NB Power advances Belledune coal-to-biomass conversion with fuel supply agreements
Malaysia’s oil palm biomass opportunity needs to move from potential to commercial scale
Bamboo Economy Summit 2026: Maharashtra to showcase Rs 50,000 crore plans for investment, jobs and green energy
Green hydrogen outlook uncertain for 2030, but long-term potential strong: NTPC official
Namibia green hydrogen project secures second AfDB grant
Egypt, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia accelerate green energy investments
Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy-2026 may attract Rs 16,000 crore investment, create 12,000 jobs
Moeve begins construction of Europe’s largest renewable hydrogen project in Spain
Singapore defers SAF levy for air cargo by one year
EU SAF supply reaches 1.1 million tonnes in 2025, exceeds ReFuelEU target
FedEx expands SAF procurement across five US airports
FedEx expands SAF procurement with 20 million gallons planned through 2027
XCF Global, DevvStream and Southern Energy revise SAF business combination terms
Websol Energy System Limited announced on September 23, 2026 that the Government of West Bengal has allotted about 54.20 acres of land to the company at Falta Industrial Park in Kolkata for a planned greenfield solar manufacturing facility.
According to a press release the company filed with the stock exchanges, the new unit is planned with 4 GW of solar cell capacity and 4 GW of solar module capacity. It will be built in two phases of 2 GW each.
The company said the allotment came after it evaluated sites near its existing manufacturing operations at the Falta Special Economic Zone (SEZ). It said expanding within West Bengal would let it draw on more than three decades of operating experience in the state. That experience gives it access to skilled workers, established supplier relationships and close knowledge of the local ecosystem, which the company expects to support faster execution than a plant in an entirely new location.
Websol said the project would also give it a larger integrated manufacturing base in eastern India. It noted that domestic solar manufacturing capacity is expanding to meet India’s growing renewable energy needs.
Sohan Lal Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of Websol Energy System Limited, said the solar industry in India was at a very early stage when the company entered manufacturing in the mid-1990s. Solar is now becoming an increasingly important part of the country’s energy infrastructure, he said, and the need for strong domestic manufacturing has never been clearer.
Agarwal described the allotment as the next phase of a journey that began in West Bengal more than three decades ago. He said it would allow the company to build at a much larger scale while staying close to a workforce and operating base it knows well. He added that manufacturing must grow alongside India’s solar capacity, across regions and closer to demand, and called the project Websol’s contribution to a deeper domestic manufacturing base.
Sanjana Khaitan, Executive Director of the company, said the focus now is execution, moving from land allotment to construction, commissioning and utilisation. She said the company has always measured growth by how efficiently installed capacity translates into production, delivery and revenue, not by the capacity alone. The company will keep following that approach as it works towards its 2028 targets, she added.
Founded in 1990, Websol makes solar cells and modules using Mono PERC technology. Its Falta SEZ facility currently has a solar cell capacity of 1,200 MW and a module capacity of 550 MW, and it can process wafers of up to 210 mm. The company supplies cells mainly within India, helping module makers meet Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) norms, and sells its modules in India and overseas.
According to the company, it is one of only 14 solar cell manufacturers in India on the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), and the only one based in eastern India.
JOIN OUR MAIL LIST
I agree to get email updates
Please Select “I agree to get email updates” options.
Email field is required to subscribe.

You Have Successfully Subscribed to the Newsletter
JOIN OUR MAIL LIST
I agree to get email updates
Please Select “I agree to get email updates” options.
Email field is required to subscribe.

You Have Successfully Subscribed to the Newsletter

BioEnergy Times brings the latest News & Information from India & around the world related to the BioFuels and BioEnergy.
Contact us: news@bioenergytimes.com

© Copyright 2026 BioEnergy Times

source

Developer eyes new 150-acre solar farm project in Effingham County  Savannah Morning News
source

Steve Cargil's family has farmed the flat, dry land around Uvalde, a small city in southwest Texas, since 1953.
Cargil, 67, had always assumed that one of his three children would eventually take it over, the way he had from his father.
But that assumption took a hit one night in 2018 after a violent hailstorm.
Cargil and his son, Ryan, had spent months nursing crops of cabbage and onions to harvest. Then a storm rolled through and destroyed them overnight.
"I remember my son saying, 'Dad, I just don't know if I can do this. You do everything right, and we work so hard, and you come out one morning and it's all gone'," Cargil says.
Cargil's farm was at risk of ending with him, he says, with none of his three children wanting to farm full time. For years, that left him wondering what would happen to the land, and to his own retirement, since farmers rarely have a pension to fall back on.
Then in 2001 Cargil signed a deal to lease 600 acres of his land, about a quarter of the total, to a company called OCI Energy which built a vast solar farm.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think that a solar project would be on my farm," Cargil says. Looking back now, he calls it a blessing.
The lease, which pays Cargil $200,000 (£150,000) a year, has let him keep his farm running through a punishing drought. He has been able to concentrate his water irrigation allowance on the land he still farms, and he has stopped losing sleep over rises in the price of things such as diesel and fertiliser. "It's changed my life."
Texas, which remains the largest oil producer in the US, earlier this year overtook California to become the country's biggest generator of electricity from solar farms.
And in March of last year, more electricity was produced by solar in Texas than from coal for the first time, according to the US Energy Information Administration.
Solar farms can stretch out across the flat lands of Texas [AFP via Getty Images]
On hot afternoons, when demand for power peaks, solar is now regularly supplying around a third of the electricity used across Texas, says Mark Stover, executive director of the Texas Solar and Storage Association.
He says that the solar boom is being driven by two main things. Firstly, it is cheap and quick to connect solar farms to Texas' power grid, which is separate to the rest of the US. Secondly, Texas has a huge and growing appetite for electricity, driven by a burgeoning population.
Between 2015 and 2025, Texas's population increased by 15.8%, making it one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.
"We need a whole lot of power in Texas, and we need it quickly," Stover says.
Solar has also become inexpensive. James Scott, vice president of project development at OCI, says the technology has had years of small manufacturing gains that brought the price down to the point where it is now the cheapest way to generate power in the state.
"No one would have believed that 20 years ago," Scott says.
Once a project is built, he says, the price of the electricity it produces can be fixed for decades, since the fuel, sunlight, is free.
"We'll charge you $40 a megawatt hour for the next 25 years," Scott says, adding that large buyers such as Amazon and Apple value being able to lock in a price for that long.
By contrast, new coal plants in the US produce power at nearly $90 megawatts per hour, says the Energy Information Administration.
Farmers have become central to that growth because solar developers need large stretches of flat land.
Stover says the industry is now paying out multigenerational income to families through leases that typically run 25 to 30 years and rise in value each year, letting some retire, set up family trusts, or simply keep a farm solvent.
Stover argues solar's footprint is smaller than critics assume. "The industry is utilizing less than 0.15% of Texas land," he says.
Texas is now the largest producer of solar farm power in the US [AFP via Getty Images]
Yet solar has its opponents. In Franklin County, in northeast Texas, a small group of residents has spent the past few years fighting its growth.
BF Hicks, a local lawyer whose family has owned land in the county since the 1800s, says he watched neighbours sign 30-year leases with solar companies and bulldozers clear centuries-old oak trees near his property.
He describes a summer when smoke from burning cleared land hung over his town for weeks. "It got real personal," he says, when a solar farm was built next to his family's cemetery. His relatives have been buried here dating back two centuries.
David Truesdale, a retired federal law enforcement agent who moved to the county to get away from city life, says he became involved after learning that a neighbouring solar project would sit near his home. And that under Texan law no environmental review was required.
"We're destroying the world as we're trying to save it," Truesdale says of the land clearing he has seen. He also points to the large lithium-ion battery units installed alongside many solar farms, drawing a comparison to fires that have occasionally engulfed similar batteries in electric bikes.
"If one of those things catches fire, they go off in series, so each one will progressively cause another one to go off," he says.
Lawyer BF Hicks fights the building of new solar farms [BF Hicks]
Both men say their objections are not about politics. Franklin County is solidly conservative, but its residents helped push through one of the state's first county-level moratoriums on new solar construction, before it was later rescinded under legal pressure from developers.
Their complaints echo a broader unease that has followed solar's expansion into rural Texas – worries about visual impact, water runoff after land is cleared, and battery storage units that scorch their land.
President Trump has called solar and wind power "farmer destroying" and moved to unwind tax credits for renewable projects.
Yet Fabrizio Lee and Associates, the polling firm used by President Trump, found back in February that 68% of Republican voters believe the country needs "all forms of electricity generation, including utility solar" to keep costs down.
Stover says he has found broad support in the Republican-controlled Texas state legislature. "There is an acceptance that these technologies bring reliability benefits to the grid," he says.
Back in Uvalde, Steve Cargil says that while he has no plans to retire any time soon, he is more positive that the farm might make it to a fifth generation after all, now that the solar farm has put a floor under its finances.
"You're better off being lucky than being smart," Cargil says, echoing something his father used to tell him. "And this was one of those cases where I was just lucky."
Spain battles climate change on several fronts
Would you buy branded clothing from your favourite tech firm?
Why wait? Business grads buying firms to install themselves as CEO
President Donald Trump’s nominee to take over the Food and Drug Administration is set to answer questions Thursday
Hampshire police say 37-year-old arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and intent to endanger life
A new online course covers charging, running costs and everyday questions as more electric cars reach the second-hand market
TikTok user defended her post from backlash by arguing ‘no-one was gassed’ at the cafe
Claudia Winkleman is hosting another group of stars at the show’s castle, from Richard E Grant to Maya Jama
ANALYSIS: The YouGov MRP poll points to a leftwing coalition and an end to Brexit Britain – and all the Tories and Reform can do is blame each other from the sidelines, writes political editor David Maddox
The event needed to meet strict measures to protect against terrorist attacks
Company has established biology lab to allow AI to lead experiments in real life
The former UFC title challengers will clash in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
Forest fires have blanketed parts of Indonesia, as well as neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore, in toxic smog for weeks now, pushing air quality indices into "unhealthy" territory
The CEO of Dollar General has said that high income shoppers are acting like they are lower income
Late country star’s estate has been granted a temporary restraining order after filing a lawsuit against her nephew and former head of security
The seven-time world champion has fallen out of title contention as he now trails Kimi Antonelli by 101 points
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) intends to build a bench of 21,000 volunteers by 2029
This probably didn’t go the way they hoped.
Japanese teenager Shin Ohashi set a world record in the 200-meter breaststroke on Thursday at the Asian Games, swimming a time of 2 minutes, 4.83 seconds. The old record was 2:05.48 set by Qin Haiyang of China at the 2023 swimming world championships in Fukuoka, Japan. Denis Petrashov of Kyrgystan was second in 2:08.67 and Cho Sung-jae of South Korea took bronze in 2:08.76.
Over 80 percent of Canadians said Trump was wrong to impose his tariffs, while just 26 percent of Americans thought it was the right move
“I slept on whether to share this publicly, because I don’t want to cause anyone to black pill,” said Steve Deace.
The family of Nolan Wells is continuing to release pieces of their independent investigation, as they push for transparency from local investigators and for federal authorities to investigate
Two contestants are not happy

source

Chinese PV module manufacturer Longi announced today that it has achieved a power conversion efficiency of 28.29% for a hybrid interdigitated-back-contact (HIBC) solar cell.
The result was verified by Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH).
The achievement represents a world record for single-junction crystalline silicon solar cells and surpasses Longi’s previous record of 28.13%, which it achieved in May.
“Longi has broken the world records three times this year, pushing cell efficiency to 28.04%, 28.13% and 28.29%. The crystalline silicon solar cell efficiency is now approaching its technical ceiling, reaching 96.2% of the theoretical limit,” the company said, without providing further details about the cell technology.
Longi, however, outlined details of its HIBC solar cell architecture in a scientific paper published in November. The company said the device combines passivated tunneling contacts, dielectric passivation layers, and both n-type and p-type contacts.
The cell is built on a high-resistivity, half-cut M10 wafer featuring edge passivation and optimized n-type contacts produced through a combination of high- and low-temperature processes. An indium tin oxide (ITO) layer improves lateral transport, while multilayer aluminum oxide (AlOx) and silicon nitride (SiNx) coatings reduce surface recombination.
The researchers also reduced phosphorus doping in the n-type polycrystalline silicon layer to limit dopant diffusion into the wafer. The company’s in situ passivated-edge technology enables edge passivation during fabrication. In addition, deep-trenched metal fingers and selective ITO etching help prevent leakage between the n-type and p-type contacts, while a thicker amorphous silicon layer improves junction coverage and sidewall encapsulation. To reduce contact resistivity without compromising passivation, the amorphous silicon layer is crystallized using a pulsed green nanosecond laser.
Longi said the technology could be scaled for heterojunction solar cell manufacturing, although further improvements are needed to reduce resistive losses in the p-type contact.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
Comments
Please login to comment
The new ESS News magazine is here!
Download your free digital copy today.
The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!
Saudi Arabia is accelerating its clean energy transition—join the SunRise Arabia Clean Energy Conference 2026 in Riyadh to explore how solar PV and energy storage are powering its digital economy.
pv magazine USA hosts its multi-day virtual event on U.S. solar and energy storage, covering domestic manufacturing, distributed energy and the growing role of solar-plus-storage in meeting AI-driven power demand.
Monday, October 26, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Giovedì, 1 ottobre 2026
14:30 – 15:30 CEST, Roma

You have no items in your basket.

source

Sungrow has brought its all-in-one residential energy storage system to its first European markets. PowerHarbor, which made its debut at Intersolar Europe 2026, is now available in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Under the theme “All in Harbor”, PowerHarbor brings the inverter, battery, backup, and energy management together in one system. Built around the “Triple W” value proposition – Win More, Waste Less, Work Faster – it is designed to help households get more value from their solar energy while taking up less space, requiring fewer additional devices, and enabling faster installation.
With up to 160% PV-to-battery charging capability, the system allows the battery to absorb more solar generation during peak production periods, while its 0.66P discharge rate can release the full stored capacity in around 1.5 hours when household demand or energy value rises. Together with its VPP-optimized design, these capabilities allow PowerHarbor to respond to intensive dispatch while sustaining performance.
PowerHarbor comes standard with iHomeManager Mini, the industry’s first Mini AI solution. Activated with a single tap, its AI Mode combines weather forecasts, household consumption patterns, and electricity prices to help determine when energy should be stored, held, or discharged. With Shelly integration, the approach can extend to connected appliances across the home.
Where a home already has a working PV system, PowerHarbor can be deployed as separate inverter and battery units, adding storage without replacing existing equipment. Where an existing inverter is being swapped for the all-in-one system, startup voltage is a common consideration: a higher threshold may rule out shorter strings, which can mean adding panels or rewiring. PowerHarbor’s 100 V startup voltage and wide MPPT range support more string layouts, so existing strings can often be retained, subject to voltage and current compatibility.
Built with high-energy-density 314 Ah cells, the unit is just 25.5 cm deep. With 6, 9, and 10 kWh battery modules and 83 possible combinations within a single unit, the system’s capacity can be configured flexibly.
PowerHarbor’s battery modules stack without external cables, with the blind-mate connection taking around 10 seconds per module. All external terminals sit on the right-hand side, matching how most installers work. PowerHarbor also pairs with EnergyBridge, the industry’s first Mini backup solution, which integrates five functions into a single DIN-rail-mounted device. Up to 99% smaller by volume than a conventional gateway, the device fits inside a standard distribution box and installs in around 20 seconds with no wall damage. For energy management, iHomeManager Mini plugs in as standard, with no separate EMS control box to install.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
Comments
Please login to comment
The new ESS News magazine is here!
Download your free digital copy today.
The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!
Saudi Arabia is accelerating its clean energy transition—join the SunRise Arabia Clean Energy Conference 2026 in Riyadh to explore how solar PV and energy storage are powering its digital economy.
pv magazine USA hosts its multi-day virtual event on U.S. solar and energy storage, covering domestic manufacturing, distributed energy and the growing role of solar-plus-storage in meeting AI-driven power demand.
Monday, October 26, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Giovedì, 1 ottobre 2026
14:30 – 15:30 CEST, Roma

You have no items in your basket.

source

0
By clicking the button, I accept the Terms of Use of the service and its Privacy Policy, as well as consent to the processing of personal data.
Don’t have an account? Signup
Powered by :
Follow Us
The MoA for implementation of grid-connected rooftop solar PV systems across 76 ICAR institutes was signed in the presence of Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR; Shri Sandeep Sarkar, Additional Secretary, DARE and Financial Advisor, ICAR; Shri Gyanendra D. Tripathi, IAS, Additional Secretary, DARE and Secretary, ICAR; and Shri Prince Dhawan, IAS, CEO, RECPDCL. The MoA was signed by Shri Jaspal Singh Kushwaha, General Manager, Renewable Division, RECPDCL, and Shri Kumar Rajesh, Director (GAC), ICAR.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the apex organisation for coordinating agricultural research and education in India under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, for the implementation of grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across 76 ICAR institutes spanning 24 States and Union Territories.
Under the agreement, rooftop solar PV systems with an aggregate capacity of 11,109.87 kW (11.1 MW) will be implemented on a turnkey basis. The project is expected to generate approximately 1.73 crore units of clean electricity annually, contributing to reduced dependence on conventional energy and promoting sustainable energy use across India’s agricultural research infrastructure.
The projects will be funded by ICAR, while RECPDCL will serve as the designated Turnkey Implementation Partner. RECPDCL will undertake end-to-end implementation through its empanelled EPC-cum-O&M agencies, covering design, engineering, supply, installation, testing and commissioning, followed by five years of comprehensive Operation & Maintenance (O&M).
The MoA was signed in the presence of Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR; Shri Sandeep Sarkar, Additional Secretary, DARE and Financial Advisor, ICAR; Shri Gyanendra D. Tripathi, IAS, Additional Secretary, DARE and Secretary, ICAR; and Shri Prince Dhawan, IAS, CEO, RECPDCL. The MoA was signed by Shri Jaspal Singh Kushwaha, General Manager, Renewable Division, RECPDCL, and Shri Kumar Rajesh, Director (GAC), ICAR.
RECPDCL’s role in the initiative stems from its designation by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) as the Scheme Implementation Partner (SIP) for Government Building Solarisation under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. 
The initiative marks a significant step towards accelerating the adoption of renewable energy across government institutions and supporting the Government of India’s broader objectives of clean energy transition, energy efficiency and sustainable development.

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Share this article
If you liked this article share it with your friends.
they will thank you later

source

The Sopris Sun
Your community connector
The Garfield Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) were urged to sign a pledge to protect elections on Monday. Heather Exby, former dean and vice-president of Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley campus, explained that “pro-democracy groups” have said that Garfield County is an area of concern for the midterms, stating that a small group of Garfield County residents came together to offer the pledge throughout the county.
“I never thought I’d be here talking about election integrity, but it is an issue that we see weekly, daily out there,” said former state Rep. Gregg Rippy, who is also a member of the group. “The freedom to vote and have our votes counted is the foundation of our democracy.” 
Before he read the short pledge, he pointed out that there is no problem with election integrity in Garfield County. “But if we have people watching this and thinking, ‘My vote doesn’t count’ and they don’t show up because they believe that their vote is not going to be counted, there’s [a problem],” he said. “So that’s why I’m on board with this election pledge.” 
Commissioner Perry Will said that the Garfield County Clerk’s office just went through an audit without issue. “This is just our attempt to recognize that,” Rippy responded. “We really want people to feel comfortable that their vote is counted and important.” 
The GarCo citizens group pledge encourages people to register to vote and go to the polls in November.
Commission Chair Tom Jankovsky gave a shout out to past county clerks Mildred Alsdorf and Jean Alberico, thanking Alberico for choosing Clear Ballot voting machines in 2018 instead of Dominion, which was at the heart of false election fraud allegations in 2020.
County Clerk and Recorder Jackie Harmon told the BOCC that ballots go in the mail Oct. 6; early voting centers open Oct. 19. “The ballot is two pages and four sides so we highly encourage people to return them to the ballot drop boxes,” Harmon explained, adding that it will cost two stamps to return by mail. All election information is available at the Garfield County website.
The BOCC then approved the consent agenda and heard from local nonprofits High Country Volunteers and Literacy Outreach, which has been in operation for 40 years. The Glenwood Springs Salvation Army has started a winter coat drive and is getting ready for the annual Red Kettle fundraising campaign. Kings and Priests Ministry, home of Jesus Saves homeless day shelter, Discovery Cafe and sober living houses in Rifle for men also provided an update. Becca Schild of Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers was given a letter of support for a $43,000 Colorado Parks and Wildlife grant. 
County public assistance benefits for August totaled  over $1.088 million.
The BOCC approved a letter of support for a request from the Sopris Mountain Collective, a resident-owned cooperative at Cavern Springs Mobile Home Park, to enter into a special limited partnership (SLP) with the county housing authority. The SLP would qualify the mobile home park for a property tax exemption. The letter also requests that the resulting savings be passed to residents.
The BOCC chose not to contribute financially to the residents’ efforts to purchase the mobile home park. Commissioner Mike Samson said this would be a way to help.
The BOCC renewed a five-year lease for communication towers at Anvil Points and Harvey Gap, approved fee waivers for upcoming events at the county fairgrounds and gave the nod to a major impact review for a solar farm near Parachute.
Commissioners discussed comments on the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the proposed Sweetwater Lake Recreation Management and Development Project. The DEIS is required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and proposes three action alternatives or management options, and one no-action option.
“The three action alternatives vary in their scope and their intensity,” said County Manager Fred Jarman, who helped prepare the comment packet. 
The BOCC has been involved in the project as a cooperating agency for seven years. Jarman presented the 146-page comment packet, including county involvement history and concerns plus letters from locals and media coverage. Major concerns include how the land was purchased, state and federal government involvement and development impacts on the land, wildlife and rural lifestyle.   
The county is against the creation of a state park at Sweetwater Lake but urged the USFS to choose Alternative 3 — the least invasive and impactful action option. 
The entire comment packet is available at tinyurl.com/commentpacket2026

The Sopris Sun is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — powered by people, not profit.
Our mission is simple: to keep our community informed, connected, and inspired through independent, bilingual journalism.
Your support makes this possible.
When you give, you help:
Local news is a public service — and it exists because of you.
Thank you for helping it thrive.
Features
Community Calendar
Letters
Columns
Rates
Specifications
Event
Letter
Mission
Board
Staff
Contact Us
Shop
Locations
Become a SUNscriber/Donor
Link Copy link

source

September 24, 2026
Desk Report:
The power sector has faced the greatest strain due to adverse global conditions. Prime Minister Tareq Rahman’s government has not remained idle in addressing this challenge; they have already undertaken various initiatives.
As part of this effort, the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives has taken a unique and groundbreaking step. They have launched a project to promote eco-friendly green energy—specifically, renewable electricity. A massive action plan has been adopted to generate 300 megawatts of electricity by installing solar panels on the rooftops of 6,544 institutions across the country under the Local Government Division. State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mir Shahe Alam, is the driving force behind this timely and visionary program.
State Minister Mir Shahe Alam outlined the details of this flagship project at a crowded press conference held at the Secretariat on Wednesday. He stated that his ministry is committed to strengthening the country’s energy security and generating eco-friendly electricity by utilizing the unused rooftops of government buildings. An initial government allocation of Tk 370 crore has already been released to ensure the project’s rapid and smooth implementation.
This visionary initiative by State Minister Mir Shahe Alam encompasses key local government offices ranging from the grassroots level to divisional cities. These include:
Zila Parishad, Municipality, and Union Parishad buildings;
Field-level offices of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED);
WASA offices in various regions;
Buildings of the Department of Public Health Engineering;
Commercial centers, hat-bazars (local markets), and growth centers across the country.
At the press conference, the State Minister said, “Our primary goal is to ensure the optimal use of government infrastructure. By installing modern solar panels on the vacant rooftops of these institutions, we will be able to add approximately 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid and for the institutions’ own consumption. Letters containing administrative directives have already been sent to each institution regarding the discharge of their respective responsibilities.” Minister of State Mir Shahe Alam’s remarks also revealed a clear deadline for the initiative, aimed at environmental protection and the reduction of power shortages. Demonstrating a mindset focused on rapid execution, he announced that the goal is to successfully implement the entire program by January 27 of next year.
According to analysts, this swift and well-planned initiative by Minister Mir Shahe Alam will serve as a model for reducing the country’s reliance on conventional power, easing the strain on the national grid, and establishing a sustainable energy model within the public sector. This new frontier in grassroots-level power supply is expected to significantly enhance the administrative efficiency of the local administration.
Desk Report: The long-awaited foot-over bridge connecting Aftabnagar and Banasree, constructed over the Rampura Canal under the funding…
Desk Report: Md. Nurul Karim Bhuiyan, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Gazipur, has set a unique example in…
Diplomatic Desk: A grand reception was organized by the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka at the capital’s Hotel Sheraton…
Editor: Engr. Md. Sajibul-al-Rajib
Corporate Office: 210/1 Tejkunipara, Tejgaon, Dhaka 1215
Phone: 01901327200
Email: infobusinessinbangladesh@gmail.com

source

As the United States builds a more resilient solar supply chain, the industry’s attention and data collection has primarily focused on factory capacity: how many gigawatts have been announced, how quickly facilities can begin production and where new manufacturing operations are located.
There is an often overlooked aspect of this process, however: What material enters the factory before the cells are produced? The answer can reveal whether a facility is performing the core processes, specifically P/N Junction, required to manufacture a solar cell or completing a limited number of steps on a product that has already undergone its most important transformation overseas.
This distinction is at the center of the growing discussion surrounding “gray wafers” and “blue wafers.” While the terms may sound highly esoteric, the issue has significant implications for domestic manufacturing policy, tax-credit eligibility, trade compliance and the credibility of the U.S. solar supply chain.
When does a wafer become a cell?
A gray wafer is an unprocessed silicon wafer, meaning it cannot generate electricity on its own. Turning it into a functioning solar cell requires a series of highly controlled manufacturing processes that alter its surface, electrical properties and performance.
Although specific production sequences vary by cell architecture, these processes typically include texturing and cleaning the wafer, junction formation, edge isolation, passivation, anti-reflective coating application, metallization and testing.
Among these steps, formation of the photovoltaic junction is particularly significant. The starting crystalline-silicon wafer may be either p-type or n-type. During cell manufacturing, a layer of the opposite conductivity type is introduced to form the junction necessary for photovoltaic operation. Depending on the cell architecture, this may be achieved through high-temperature dopant diffusion or through deposition of doped semiconductor layers. The junction creates the electric field that allows the device to separate charge carriers and convert sunlight into electricity. It is one of the defining technical transformations in solar cell manufacturing.
A blue wafer has its P/N junction already formed by the time it reaches the factory, and it has typically received the anti-reflective coating that gives it its blue appearance. While metallization and other finishing processes may still be required, the wafer already has the fundamental semiconductor structure that enables photovoltaic conversion.
This is why describing both materials simply as “wafers” can obscure an important difference. A gray wafer is a raw input to solar-cell manufacturing. A blue wafer is much closer to a partially completed solar cell.
Why process location matters
The current debate is about identifying where substantive manufacturing occurred.
A facility that imports gray wafers and performs the critical cell-making processes domestically is carrying out a different scope of manufacturing than a facility that imports blue wafers and completes only the remaining downstream steps.
Both operations may require equipment, workers and quality controls. However, they do not necessarily represent the same level of technical transformation, manufacturing value or domestic capability.
Policymakers have started evaluating whether federal incentives are supporting the development of an enduring U.S. solar manufacturing base. Incentives designed to encourage domestic solar cell production are most effective when they support the processes, equipment, engineering expertise and workforce required to transform a gray wafer into a functioning cell.
If nearly completed cells can enter the country as wafers and receive the same treatment as cells manufactured domestically from their initial stage, the market may reward finishing operations the same way it rewards more comprehensive manufacturing. Over time, that could weaken the incentive to invest in the full range of capabilities the United States offers.
Different rules may produce different answers
One reason the issue is complex is that “domestic” can mean different things under different regulatory frameworks.
Tax incentives, customs classifications, domestic content requirements, and antidumping and countervailing duty rules are governed by different statutes and administrative standards. A product’s treatment under one framework does not automatically determine its treatment under another.
For example, domestic content calculations examine where specific manufactured products and components are produced and how their costs are accounted for. Customs and trade authorities may apply separate standards when determining a product’s country of origin or whether duties apply.
In solar trade proceedings, the location where the P/N junction is formed has historically been an important factor in determining a solar cell’s origin. That reflects the technical significance of junction formation in creating a device capable of photovoltaic conversion.
The industry should therefore be careful not to rely on a single broad claim, such as “U.S.-made,” as a substitute for a process-specific compliance analysis. The relevant question is which manufacturing steps occurred in each country and how those steps are treated under the particular rule being applied.
Why this matters beyond the manufacturer
Questions about wafer processing can create risk throughout the solar value chain.
Module manufacturers rely on cell suppliers’ representations to determine product origin and calculate domestic content levels. Developers may use that information to model project economics and support eligibility for federal incentives. Tax-credit investors, lenders and insurers may evaluate the same documentation as part of project diligence.
If the underlying manufacturing process has been inaccurately described, the consequences may extend beyond the original supplier. Domestic content calculations could be challenged, expected incentives could be reduced and contracts could become the subject of disputes over pricing, indemnification or responsibility for inaccurate representations.
This does not mean every product involving imported blue wafers is necessarily noncompliant. The treatment will depend on the applicable law, the specific production process and the facts surrounding the transaction. It does mean that buyers and other stakeholders should understand precisely what they are purchasing and avoid treating all U.S.-finished cells as technically or legally equivalent.
Documentation must follow the manufacturing process
As the market matures, traceability will become as important as production capacity. A credible chain of documentation should identify the material entering the U.S. facility, where the P/N junction was formed, and which manufacturing processes were performed domestically. It should also connect those records to the finished cells and modules being supplied.
Useful diligence questions include:
These questions should become part of routine procurement rather than an exceptional audit exercise. Clear documentation protects responsible manufacturers while giving customers greater confidence in their sourcing and incentive calculations.
The industry needs process-based definitions
The blue wafer debate highlights a broader challenge for U.S. clean energy policy: Manufacturing cannot be measured solely by a factory’s address or the location of its final production step.
Effective policy must recognize where meaningful technical transformations occur. For solar cells, that requires examining the manufacturing sequence and determining where a silicon wafer acquires the characteristics that make it a photovoltaic device.
Clear, consistently applied definitions would benefit the entire market. Manufacturers would have greater certainty when making capital investments. Buyers would be better able to compare suppliers. Developers and investors could make more defensible incentive claims. Policymakers could more accurately evaluate whether public support is producing the domestic capabilities it was intended to create.
The U.S. has an opportunity to build a solar manufacturing base grounded in technical depth, operational transparency and long-term credibility. Achieving that goal requires the industry to look beyond where a product is finished and ask a more fundamental question: Where did the wafer actually become a solar cell?
The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own, and do not necessarily reflect those held by pv magazine.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
Comments
Please login to comment
The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!

You have no items in your basket.

source

0
Powered by :
A parcel of about 54.2 acres at Falta Industrial Park now belongs to Websol Energy System, an India-based solar cell and module manufacturer. The West Bengal government allotted the land for a greenfield manufacturing facility. Plans there call for 4 GW of solar cells and 4 GW of solar modules. Construction is to run in two phases of 2 GW each. Its existing plant sits nearby in the Falta Special Economic Zone. That plant runs 1.2 GW of cells and 550 MW of modules today. Staying close gives the company skilled manpower and suppliers it already knows. As per the release, Websol is one of 14 ALMM-approved cell makers in India and the only one based in the east.
SOLARbytes brings you the latest news in solar world in bite size; essentially a gist of important solar news in few sentences.
Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Quick Links
© 2026 SOLARbytes | SOLARbytes is a publication of Wat(t) Bytes Media Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.

source

Websol Energy System Ltd has been allotted a 54.20-acre land parcel at Falta Industrial Park in West Bengal by the state government for its planned greenfield solar manufacturing facility.
The proposed facility will have 4 GW each of solar cell and module manufacturing capacity, to be developed in two phases of 2 GW each.
The land allotment follows Websol’s plans to expand its manufacturing operations in West Bengal, where the company already operates a facility at the Falta Special Economic Zone.
Websol said its existing presence in West Bengal provide access to a readily available base of skilled manpower, established supplier relationships, and deep familiarity with the local ecosystem—factors expected to support faster execution than a facility built in an entirely new location.  
The proposed facility will also create a larger integrated manufacturing base for Websol in eastern India.
“When Websol entered solar manufacturing in the mid-1990s, the industry in India was still at a very early stage. Today, solar is becoming an increasingly important part of the country’s energy infrastructure, and the need for strong domestic manufacturing has never been clearer,” said Sohan Lal Agarwal, Chairman & Managing Director, Websol Energy System Ltd.
“For us, this land allotment represents the next phase of a journey that began more than three decades ago in West Bengal. It allows us to build at a significantly larger scale while remaining close to an ecosystem, workforce and operating base we know well. As India expands its solar capacity, we believe manufacturing must grow alongside it, across regions and closer to demand. This project is Websol’s contribution to building that deeper domestic manufacturing base.”  
Sanjana Khaitan, Executive Director, Websol Energy System Ltd,  said the company’s focus now is execution — moving from land allotment to construction, commissioning and utilisation.
Founded in 1990, Websol Energy System produces high-efficiency solar cells and modules. The company supplies solar cells primarily within India, supporting module manufacturers in complying with Domestic Content Requirement norms, while its modules are marketed both in India and internationally.  
Its manufacturing facility, located at the Falta Special Economic Zone in West Bengal, operates with a current solar cell capacity of 1,200 MW and module capacity of 550 MW. The facility is designed to process wafers up to 210 mm, offering higher energy output and optimized land use for rooftop installations. Websol’s integrated production model, manufacturing both cells and modules in house, enhances supply chain control and flexibility to address market dynamics.  
Websol is one of only 14 ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers)-approved solar cell manufacturers in India, and the only such manufacturer based in eastern India.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
Comments
Please login to comment
The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!

You have no items in your basket.

source

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
This signup form requires necessary cookies.
Allow marketing cookies to load the newsletter signup form.
Next Upcoming

By Canary Media
Canary Media
24 September 2026
Denise Abdul-Rahman, founder and CEO of nonprofit Black Sun Light Sustainability, can list in detail the harms that the Trump administration’s shutdown of the $7 billion Solar for All program has caused the Indiana communities she serves.
About 1,000 low-income households have been denied access to low-cost solar that would have cut their electric bills by at least 20%, she said. About 200 jobs installing solar and batteries at homes, community centers, and city buildings, representing roughly $9 million a year in wages, haven’t been created. And residents of Gary, Indiana, have been denied solar-and-battery-equipped resiliency centers that could have helped them recover from a nearly two-week-long grid outage in August.
That’s why Abdul-Rahman joined a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to kill the program. Last week, a Trump-appointed federal judge with the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island upheld that challenge, ruling that the EPA acted illegally and must let the money flow.
“We just want the Trump Administration to comply with the law,” Abdul-Rahman said. ​“We would like them to resume what has started. We’re committed to this because we truly believe it will save lives and change lives.”
Black Sun Light is one of many organizations and companies that have had to cancel work and absorb costs after the EPA terminated the $7 billion in Solar for All program in August 2025. The sweeping initiative was created by the Inflation Reduction Act to deliver more than $350 million in annual electric bill savings to more than 900,000 low-income and disadvantaged households over five years.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s decision to withhold the money has disrupted work by groups like Abdul-Rahman’s and other lawsuit plaintiffs to supply low-cost solar to low-income residents in Southern states, energy-burdened Native American communities, and state and local governments.
Zeldin claimed that the megabill passed by Republicans in Congress in July 2025 allowed the EPA to cancel Solar for All. But in last week’s order, U.S. District Judge Mary S. McElroy rebuffed that claim.
“Congress’s clear intent was that EPA continue to administer the already obligated SFA grants,” she wrote. The agency’s termination of the program is ​“contrary to law and in excess of its statutory authority.”
The order upheld demands from plaintiffs to vacate the EPA’s termination of the program and reinstate funding. The EPA is ​“reviewing the decision and considering options for appeal,” agency spokesperson Carolyn Holran told Canary Media in a Friday email.
Last week’s court order comes shortly after another federal court ruled that the EPA acted illegally in canceling $20 billion in funds from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, another Biden-era program. That initiative was meant to inject large-scale federal funding into financing for climate and clean-energy projects. The EPA is seeking a stay of that decision.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
This signup form requires necessary cookies.
Allow marketing cookies to load the newsletter signup form.
Nick Torrey, senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, which represented plaintiffs in the Solar for All lawsuit, said that last week’s order ​“means this $7 billion needs to flow out to communities that are struggling with skyrocketing electricity bills.”
“This is a very clear smackdown of an obviously illegal decision to cut off a very important program,” he said. ​“We want to ensure it gets up and running as quickly as possible.”
The groups represented in this lawsuit aren’t direct Solar for All grant recipients, Torrey emphasized. A U.S. Supreme Court decision last year has forced those grantees to pursue efforts to recover funding through the Court of Federal Claims, which handles contractual disputes with the federal government.
Instead, the plaintiffs in the Rhode Island case, including Black Sun Light, the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, the Rhode Island Center for Justice, Solar United Neighbors, and Sunpath Solar, argue that they have been harmed by being unable to continue work and pay costs undertaken on the good faith that their grant-winning partners would have access to federal funding to reimburse them, Torrey explained.
McElroy highlighted this distinction in her order, noting that the plaintiffs in this case ​“lack any contractual relationship” with the EPA. Instead, she wrote, “[t]he sources of the rights upon which they base their claims are the APA [the federal Administrative Procedure Act] and the Constitution.”
Sunpath Solar has had to absorb burdensome costs since the EPA cut off funds the company was counting on receiving, its CEO Seth Gunning said. Sunpath has 25 employees and has installed about 500 solar systems since 2023. When the Georgia-based coalition his company is a part of was awarded a $156 million Solar for All grant, ​“we scaled our operations in preparation to do that same work for 10,000 households,” he said. ​“That meant moving our operations to a new facility, bringing on more capacity, more employees, more trucks.”
All his would-be clients have suffered too, Gunning said, by being denied the low-cost solar and battery installations they were promised. ​“Thousands of households paying $300 to $400 a month in utility bills don’t have the resources to install these systems,” he said. ​“There could be thousands of households saving hundreds of dollars a month, at a time when energy costs are inflating.”
Abdul-Rahman highlighted similar damage done in Gary, where a third of residents live below the federal poverty line, and aging housing stock and rising utility rates are squeezing household energy budgets.
“We are in an electricity affordability crisis in Indiana,” she said. Utility Northern Indiana Public Service Co., which serves Gary, is raising rates to cover rising costs to maintain aging grids and serve booming data center load, she said. New solar systems and batteries ​“could be an opportunity to strengthen our grid and make energy affordable for more people.” 

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
This signup form requires necessary cookies.
Allow marketing cookies to load the newsletter signup form.
Jeff St. John is chief reporter and policy specialist at Canary Media. He covers innovative grid technologies, rooftop solar and batteries, clean hydrogen, EV charging, and more.
Offshore wind
Virtual power plants
Nuclear
Electric vehicles
U.S. regions
This video requires marketing cookies.
Update your cookie preferences to watch the video.

source

The United States passed a special solar manufacturing landmark during the second quarter of 2026; cumulative domestic production of solar PV modules reached 100 GWp-dc.
While this production landmark seemed like a distant dream just a few years ago, it now serves as a sharp wake-up call to the U.S. solar industry, with domestic solar manufacturing officially shifting from optional to essential status.
The announcement here is also in stark contrast to years of hype surrounding factories that were never built, meaningless capacity metrics being added up, and a fixation on imported data.
And it is a reminder that the U.S. solar sector should stop referring to misleading third-party capacity graphs or PR-driven ‘map pins’ – and start tracking actual production numbers to see the real market.
The 100 GW number represents modules physically produced at factories in the United States, with the analysis covering more than five decades and linked directly to bottom-up company and site-level data across hundreds of factories through to today.
This research project was done in the months leading up to the inaugural Solar Manufacturing USA 2026 conference in Austin, Texas on 22-23 September 2026, forming much of the background content for the event itself, including my opening talk at the start of the first day.
Since the early 1970’s, U.S. solar PV manufacturing has gone through repeated cycles of investment, expansion, retrenchment and reinvention. Many factories were announced but never built. Others were built but operated at very low utilization rates, changed ownership or closed before producing any meaningful volume.
The 100 GW module-production crossing therefore provides a useful point to look backwards before attention turns to the next phase of the domestic U.S. solar manufacturing build-out – tracking production metrics for ingots, wafer and cells with a similar level of scrutiny from the factory-floor level.
Figure 1: Cumulative U.S. solar PV module production reached 100 GW during Q2 2026, with more than 70% added since the introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act late in 2022.
Looking back on my two-decades-plus as a solar PV market analyst, this is an article I never imagined I would write. Still less did I expect that by 2026, I would be diving deep into the factory-floor metrics of more than fifty companies across the United States—uncovering site-specific output in a furious nationwide rush to onshore an entire solar ecosystem.
Twenty years ago, during my early days at Solarbuzz, the landscape looked entirely different.Back then, my research was consumed by the entire thin-film phenomenon. I often spent my days mapping the nuances of fifteen-plus process-flow variants of CIGS panel manufacturing, an era when the U.S. was the undisputed driver of that technology.For years, U.S. solar manufacturing felt like a fascinating playground for technological learning – but not a force of global commercial significance.
My U.S. solar journey began with factory visits to the likes of Frederick and Fremont. In the intervening decades, the geographical center of manufacturing ownership radically shifted, taking me on an endless loop of flights across India, Taiwan, China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia to track the industry’s massive wave of global commoditization.
Now, the story seems to have come full-circle, and I find myself right back where I started: returning my research focus to U.S. soil, hunting down capital expenditures, process flow variants, and true production volumes at the company level.
To be the one tracking this data, at this exact moment in history, makes the announcement of this landmark milestone all the more personal and rewarding.
The origins of U.S. PV manufacturing go back to the earliest commercial years of the solar industry in the 1970’s. Until 1985, the United States had produced and shipped about 100 MW of PV modules, accounting for almost all global sales over that period. At the peak, companies like Arco Solar and Solarex had annual production volumes in the mid-megawatt range – tiny numbers by today’s standards, but global solar production leadership status at the time.
During the 1990’s, Japan became the first country to build PV manufacturing plants at scale and with a supporting government/industry infrastructure that included companies with deep electronics and manufacturing experience. Linked directly to the first subsidized domestic solar end-market, this allowed Japanese PV module production to grow quickly, ultimately exceeding annual domestic U.S. production volumes by the end of the decade.
To capitalize on the growing U.S. market, these leading Japanese solar manufacturers began establishing localized module assembly plants directly within the United States. This overseas manufacturing strategy allowed them to minimize the logistical costs of shipping modules while navigating evolving local content preferences. This move ignited a broader trend, drawing a wave of foreign-owned companies eager to invest in and supply the expanding U.S. solar infrastructure.
Sharp established module manufacturing in Memphis, Tennessee, while Kyocera later assembled modules in San Diego. Sanyo invested upstream in ingot and wafer production in Salem, Oregon. However, U.S.-specific production volumes were modest compared with the manufacturing scale being created then across Asia as a whole.
This same theme was repeated with other international entrants. Chinese company Suntech opened a module factory in Arizona, while China Sunergy later established production in Sacramento.
Korean companies eventually became visible in the United States, with LG Electronics manufacturing modules in Huntsville, Alabama and Qcells (then branding/trading globally as Hanwha Q CELLS) beginning production in Dalton, Georgia.
Some of these operations lasted, but most were short-lived and of minimal long-term significance.
The most dramatic U.S. manufacturing cycle (before the introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act at the end of 2022) came between roughly 2007 and 2012.
SolarWorld expanded its U.S. c-Si operations in Oregon, Evergreen Solar built out string ribbon production in Massachusetts, and a large group of thin-film companies attracted substantial amounts of capital.
Unisolar, Solyndra, Global Solar, MiaSole, Stion, Abound Solar and others collectively made the United States unusually thin-film-heavy during this period. The investment footprint was large, but significant production volumes failed to materialize.
Indeed, this period forms one of the most useful lessons from our 100 GW story. Capacity announcements and factory spending in the United States can dominate headlines for years without translating into sustained output.
First Solar is the major exception. Its CdTe manufacturing base in Ohio provided continuity through periods when much of the rest of U.S. module manufacturing was contracting, while recent factory builds in Alabama and Louisiana have taken domestic production volumes to significantly higher levels.
Adding up First Solar’s domestic production volumes from each of its factories in the United States, through to the end of Q2 2026, shows that approximately 39% of all solar modules ever manufactured in the United States have come from this one company.
This is an astonishing statistic—and all the more commendable given that First Solar single-handedly forged a viable thin-film alternative to the mountainous silicon-based capacity being amassed in China during this period.
Figure 2: By the end of Q2 2026, First Solar had accounted for almost 40% of all solar module production volumes accumulated since the U.S. entry into solar module manufacturing in the early 1970’s. South Korean Hanwha Solutions/Chemical’s U.S. manufacturing operations, Qcells/Q_CELLS, is the second major solar module manufacturing entity by production volumes.
For crystalline-silicon (c-Si) modules, the modern U.S. recovery began before the Inflation Reduction Act. U.S. c-Si production remained small and volatile through much of the 2010’s. The Section 201 safeguard period then encouraged a new group of module factories, including Qcells in Georgia and JinkoSolar in Florida, alongside LG Electronics, Silfab and Heliene.
The much larger paradigm shift arrived with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022 and its Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit. The lucrative 7 cents-per-watt module credit provided an immediate economic windfall for domestic assembly, while First Solar’s vertically integrated thin-film operations stood uniquely positioned to sweep up the additional, highly lucrative upstream credits available
From 2023 onward, the ranks of meaningful U.S. c-Si producers expanded rapidly. Qcells aggressively scaled its Georgia platform; T1 Energy successfully ramped its newly acquired 5 GW facility (originally built by Trina Solar) in Wilmer, Texas; and Canadian Solar established a major multi-gigawatt footprint in Mesquite.
A wave of further capacity from SEG Solar, Waaree, Illuminate, Imperial Star, JinkoSolar, Silfab, and Heliene rapidly injected volume into the market, even as First Solar pushed domestic output to historic levels with its new builds in Alabama and Louisiana
It took the U.S. solar industry roughly half a century to achieve its first cumulative 100 GW of module production, yet global output is now measured in hundreds of gigawatts every single year. While this disparity emphasizes how far the dominance of global manufacturing hasbshifted away from the United States, it also highlights why the domestic expansion since 2023 is fundamentally different from the smaller, volatile cycles that preceded it.
Going forward, the true test of this expansion lies entirely in factory execution: what these new facilities will actually produce, at what utilization rates, and using which technologies and supply chains. Crucially, the ultimate question is whether the wave of capital currently being deployed into domestic cells, wafers, ingots, and upstream materials can successfully coalesce into a durable, self-sustaining manufacturing ecosystem.
Given that U.S. capacity figures have lacked any real correlation to actual manufactured products since the early 2000’s, the sector must urgently move past misleading, headline-driven ‘capacity-mismatch’ metrics across the c-Si value chain. True domestic progress can only be measured by focusing on verified production metrics within an integrated ecosystem.
I will return to these critical questions in much greater detail on September 22, when I deliver the opening address at Solar Manufacturing USA 2026 in Austin, Texas.
For now, the 100 GW milestone deserves to stand on its own. It is a landmark forged over decades of U.S. solar manufacturing history – stretching from the early days of Arco Solar and Solarex, through the thin-film boom, the Section 201 restart, and the current post-IRA surge. While the next 100 GW of domestic module production is likely to materialize within just three years, long-term success will be determined by the health of the entire ecosystem, not simply module production alone.
If the silicon-based ecosystem fails to integrate as an effective, functional unit, it will simply open the door for the next major landmark in U.S. solar history: the day First Solar reaches the 100 GW milestone entirely on its own, driven purely by its independent, domestic production volumes.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
Comments
Please login to comment
Wow, reaching 100 GW in solar module production is a massive milestone for the U.S.! This truly highlights the strides we’re making in renewable energy. I wonder how this achievement will impact global supply chains and technology advancements in solar efficiency. Are there specific innovations you’re seeing that might emerge from this growth? wordle today
The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!

You have no items in your basket.

source

Home » Projects » Islington Rooftop Solar Energy Scheme
London Borough of Islington
2023-2024
Economics, Energy consulting
The strategy focused on helping the borough identify the most effective ways to support local businesses in cutting costs by installing rooftop solar panels, with funding provided wholly or partially by the council.
The project was delivered as a feasibility study, providing Islington Council with an evidence base, delivery options and strategic recommendations to support future decision-making around borough-wide solar deployment. While the scheme did not progress to implementation at that stage, the work has helped inform the council’s ongoing approach to solar rollout.
The project methodology included a screening assessment to identify suitable commercial building roof spaces, stakeholder engagement activities, a techno-economic model used to assess the viability of different scheme design options including calculation of socio-economic benefits and carbon reduction impacts. The outcome was the prioritised list of viable deployment scenarios and sites that the local authority could then use to approach owners.
The screening and prioritisation process would need to consider scheme size, yield, potential off-take arrangement and scheme financial return (balancing value both to local businesses and the local authority).
Initial challenges such as mapping approach, setting criteria and KPIs for selection, and performing a thorough techno-economic evaluation were addressed. Both technical and commercial aspects were overseen, ensuring the project aligned with the client’s goals and supported a just transition for the community.
These efforts established a robust evidence base and delivery model that could support future solar deployment initiatives for the council and local businesses.
Two stakeholder engagement exercises were undertaken. The first, was a business survey to map existing energy supply characteristics and gauge interest in the scheme, and a second was a workshop designed to capture local businesses’ opinions and requirements for participation.
Site analysis was conducted along with PV array sizing, energy balance assessments, and the development of a techno-economic model to evaluate feasibility. Additionally, socio-economic and carbon impacts were assessed to support the business case.
To enable the mapping of the properties within the borough, a Geographical Information System (GIS) was used. The GIS software captured all commercial properties that had been selected based on agreed criteria. The tool kit was then used to calculate the potential array sizes for each of the buildings.
The potential array size was calculated using the available rooftop area and this was coupled with the LiDAR data to calculate the solar irradiance levels.
Energy use in buildings and PV generation are both transient as they can vary depending on factors such as time of day, weather, location, building type and working practices. In our study we highlighted how the energy balance of the system works and includes aspects such as annual consumption, annual generation, alongside energy imports and exports.
We also developed the considerations that form the business case for the Islington solar scheme split into considerations around ownership, procurement, energy sales, carbon accounting and socio-economic impacts. Our experts developed a techno-economic model, using the annual yield of the systems coupled with their capital expenditure costs, operation and replacement costs over the system’s lifespan. The modelling then calculated the cash flow for the project considering investment interest payable over the loan term and establishing the payback period for the project. A version of the TEM was delivered to the client to allow the local authority to also undertake its own assessment and adjust parameters.
We created a tool to analyse 1,198 non-council rooftops for ~25MWp solar potential in Islington, to support the development of an effective business plan that highlights savings and revenue opportunities for the local authority, while benefiting the community and building climate resilience and adaptation.
The stakeholder engagement provided valuable insight into the community’s perspectives. The business community responded positively to the proposals. Further analysis would need to determine how much of a discount on the energy bill would be required to attract building owners to participate in the scheme. The levels of discount provided by the council to local building owners will need to balance commercial viability and consumer attractiveness for the scheme.
Although the project was delivered as a feasibility study rather than progressing immediately to implementation, it provided the council with a robust evidence base, a detailed understanding of borough-wide solar potential, and clear strategic recommendations that continue to inform future renewable energy initiatives and solar rollout planning.

© 2026 Buro Happold
Buro Happold is an international, integrated consultancy of engineers, designers and advisors. For nearly 50 years, we have built an unrivalled reputation by delivering creative, value-led solutions for the benefit of people, places and planet.

source

by AnnGardner Eubank
KILMARNOCK—The Kilmarnock Town Council on Monday, September 21, unanimously adopted a resolution to enter a purchase agreement with Dimension Energy for the sale of 48.4 acres behind Technology Park Drive for a solar plant facility.
According to zoning administrator Marshall Sebra, the property had been owned by the town and marketed for sale for some 20 years with no real interest from potential buyers until now. Sebra added that the negotiated price is $1,211,750.
According to Sebra, the land is zoned industrial and the buyers must adhere to….

There’s more to this story…
Are you a subscriber? 

Many more news articles, photos and ads are available only to those
who subscribe to our printed newspaper or our online e-Edition.

 Log in

Pick up a copy or Subscribe today!

Mailing address: P.O. Box 400
Physical address: 27 North Main Street
Kilmarnock, VA 22482
804-435-1701
Contact us: mail@rapprecord.com
© Rappahannock Record 2024

source

Share
A business is powering up its green ambitions with a new solar project.
BPC Energy Ltd in Romsey has installed a 48-panel solar PV array at its headquarters with a £3,900 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Test Valley Borough Council.
Malcolm Henley, managing director at BPC Energy Ltd, said: “Our plan is to build an integrated system which uses the solar power to both power our facility and charge batteries for storage.
READ MORE: Southampton exhibition turns air pollution data into immersive art
BPC Energy Ltd has installed a 48-panel solar PV array at its headquarters. (Image: Test Valley Borough Council)
“We’ll then use a multi-power management station to optimise the usage of the solar and battery power.”
The company, which has operated in Romsey for 30 years, specialises in uninterrupted power systems.
It is now developing an integrated solar, battery and energy management system.
Alison Johnston, councillor responsible for climate emergency and countryside at Test Valley Borough Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see a long-standing Romsey company at the forefront of technology.”
Share
This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation’s Editors’ Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here
© 2001-2026. The Daily Echo is owned and operated by Newsquest Media Group Ltd, an audited local newspaper network.
Visit newsquest.co.uk to view our policies, terms and legal agreements.
The Echo Building, 18 Albert Road, Bournemouth, England BH1 1BZ. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637
Data returned from the Piano ‘meterActive/meterExpired’ callback event.
As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.
Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.
These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.
It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.

source