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Stricter photovoltaic installation rules with fines up to €50,000 drive Germany to launch modular training for mid-career switchers and update safety regulations.
New liability risks and fines of up to €50,000 for unregistered photovoltaic work have forced Germany’s electrical trades to redesign their training pipeline – just as the country confronts a staggering 1.3 million adults in North Rhine-Westphalia alone who hold no vocational qualification.
Stricter rules for rooftop solar installations took effect at the start of 2025. Mounting photovoltaic panels now counts as a full craft trade, not a minor one. Companies that fail to register in the Handwerksrolle face fines as high as €50,000 and possible operating bans. Clients who commission unregistered firms can also be held liable. Limited legalisation routes exist – for example, through the Altgesellenregelung (old-journeyman provision) or by appointing a qualified technical manager.
The ZVEH (Central Association of German Electrical and Information Technology Trades) has launched a seven-module partial-qualification programme for people aged 25 and over who cannot complete a standard apprenticeship. Participants can study online or in a hybrid format. Those who finish all modules can take an external exam to obtain the journeyman’s certificate. The Federal Employment Agency covers up to 100 percent of costs under certain conditions.
The same risk-management thinking that drives Germany’s new compliance requirements applies wherever safety regulations are tightening – and many employers underestimate a dangerous gap in their documentation. Missing or outdated risk assessments leave businesses exposed to fines and liability. A free toolkit with 41 ready-to-use templates and checklists helps you document hazards, control measures, and training records in a legally sound format. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit
Free information webinars will run on 26 and 30 June 2026.
The chambers of industry and commerce in North Rhine-Westphalia are pursuing similar strategies. Bodies such as the IHK Cologne and IHK North Westphalia offer job-accompanying partial qualifications. After a competency assessment, participants receive nationally recognised certificates.
The Betriebssicherheitsverordnung (BetrSichV) remains the central legal framework for plant and equipment safety. It was last amended in December 2025. A comprehensive overhaul of the Arbeitsmittelbenutzungsverordnung (AMBV) is under discussion.
The core duty for every employer: a risk assessment under § 3. Violations of inspection deadlines can trigger fines of up to €20,000. Lifts and other systems requiring surveillance must be checked every two years by an authorised inspection body. For equipment such as ladders or forklifts, a competent internal person suffices.
The ZVEH is pushing wider use of the so-called E-Check, especially during renovations of properties with electrical installations older than 30 years. Typical defects include outdated wiring, missing circuit breakers, and too few circuits. A thorough inspection of the installation, protective conductor, and meter cabinets forms the planning base for modern technology – because heat pumps, wallboxes, and solar panels can only be integrated safely when the underlying wiring is sound.
Staying compliant across multiple safety domains – from workplace risk assessments to fire safety and hazardous substances – requires a comprehensive approach. A free Health & Safety Toolkit gives you ready-to-use risk assessments, checklists, and toolbox talks aligned with UK regulations, covering everything from COSHH to PUWER. Over 37,000 UK businesses already rely on it to protect employees and visitors. Get the free Health & Safety Toolkit
The need for niche expertise shows in concrete training offers. The Mannheim Chamber of Crafts will run airbag and seatbelt-pretensioner technical courses in October 2026, allowing automotive professionals to acquire the restricted specialist qualification. Registrations close mid-October.
Large inspection providers are expanding. DEKRA, after a strong 2025 financial year, reports growing assignments in industrial fire protection. The company plans appearances at trade fairs such as FeuerTrutz in Nuremberg at the end of June 2026.
Demand for technical inspections related to sustainability and cybersecurity is rising sharply, according to reports from the testing sector.
Antaisolar has unveiled an upgraded version of its TAI-Universal 2P multi-drive solar tracker at SNEC 2026 in Shanghai last week.
The system features reinforced main structures and joint points, supporting spans of up to 80 meters and wind resistance of up to 60 m/s.
Antaisolar said the longer span and higher structural strength are intended to reduce pile counts and lower project levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The design targets large ground-mounted solar plants, including projects in desert and other arid regions, where foundation requirements, wind performance and installation efficiency are key cost drivers.
The tracker uses a 2P multi-drive architecture with multiple drive points along each tracker row. According to the company, the design improves torque distribution and structural stability across longer rows, while supporting high-power modules and higher DC/AC ratios. It also said the system is designed to enhance bifacial gain by reducing rear-side shading. However, Antaisolar did not disclose a production ramp-up timeline for the upgraded TAI-Universal in its SNEC release.
Antaisolar also showcased its AT-Spark 1P flagship tracker and SmartTrail intelligent tracker control system. AT-Spark uses the company’s self-developed octagonal torque tube and dual spherical bearing design. The latest version delivers a 40% increase in structural stiffness and 50% higher strength, making it suitable for long-row layouts and complex terrain, the company said.
The SmartTrail control system is compatible across Antaisolar’s tracker portfolio. It uses multi-dimensional irradiance algorithms to optimize tracker angles and includes protection logic for extreme operating conditions, supporting stable performance under high wind, snow, hail and sandstorm events.
The SNEC launch came shortly after Antaisolar was ranked seventh in Wood Mackenzie’s 2026 global PV tracker manufacturer ranking and named a Global Grade A tracker manufacturer. Wood Mackenzie said its ranking assesses manufacturers across criteria including R&D, after-sales service, supply chain stability, certifications, financial health and ESG performance.
During the exhibition, Antaisolar also announced several certification and partnership updates. It signed a strategic agreement with TÜV Rheinland covering UK market access certification, and an ESG cooperation agreement with TÜV SÜD. Its Altra-Metals rooftop mounting system received UL 2703 certification, while AT-Spark obtained IEC 62817 certification.
Antaisolar also signed strategic agreements with Gebeng Energy and Raystech covering more than 800 MW of solar projects and cooperation across Southeast Asia and Australia. The company said its cumulative global shipments reached 50.1 GW across 21 countries by the end of 2025.
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JAKARTA – After dominating the solar panel industry on Earth, China is now directing its ambitions to outer space. Citing a report by Yicai Global, Friday, June 12, a number of Chinese photovoltaic giants have begun to push the development of space-based solar power plants with lighter and cheaper perovskite solar cells.
Photovoltaics is a technology that converts sunlight into electricity. Perovskite is a new generation of solar cell materials that are considered lightweight, flexible, and less expensive than a number of old technologies.
This step was seen when Trina Solar and Golden Concord Holdings or GCL Group formed a Space Energy Development Alliance. They partnered with aerospace companies and research institutions. The alliance was announced at the SNEC International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference & Exhibition in Shanghai.
For China, this project is part of the ambition to build solar power from orbit. Energy is harvested in space, then used for satellites, spacecraft, and in a later stage can potentially be sent back to Earth.
GCL is moving more concretely. Its subsidiary, Kunshan GCL Optoelectronic Material, together with Ziwei Network Technology, plans to launch its own “computing satellite” by the end of this year.
The satellite will use a perovskite GCL solar panel, a solid-state energy storage system, and Chinese-made GPUs. Solid-state refers to a solid-state energy storage technology. GPUs are graphics processing chips that are also widely used for heavy computing.
The satellite will be tested in Earth orbit for one year. The goal is to prove a complete system, from electricity generation, energy storage, to power consumption.
On paper, space solar power is tempting. Solar panels in orbit are not disturbed by night, clouds, rain, or pollution. Solar exposure is more stable and its energy density is higher than that of solar power plants on land.
According to a report by Yicai Global citing Central China Securities, space solar power can theoretically generate eight to 15 times more energy than systems on Earth. The global market is estimated to reach 56.9 billion yuan or about US$8.3 billion this year.
With more and more low-orbit satellite constellations, this market is projected to approach 1.1 trillion yuan or about US$162.3 billion by 2035. Low orbit is the orbit region of satellites that are relatively close to Earth and are widely used for satellite communication networks.
Until now, the space sector has relied heavily on gallium arsenide or GaAs solar cells. This technology is strong, efficient, and resistant to extreme conditions, so it is commonly used on satellites. The problem: it costs a lot.
Tian Qingyong, General Manager of GCL Optoelectronics, quoted Yicai Global, said that the unpackaged gallium arsenide space solar cell costs about 300 yuan or US$44 per watt. If it becomes a complete panel system, the cost can reach 500 yuan per watt. Per square meter, the value is around 100,000 yuan or US$14,750.
This is where perovskite comes in. According to Huajin Securities, perovskite cells can cut costs by as much as a tenth of traditional technology. The weight can also be reduced by half and the shape is more flexible.
For terrestrial use, the production cost of perovskite cells is around 0.50 yuan or 7 US cents per watt. The challenge for the space version still exists, especially on radiation-resistant coating glass. However, Tian said there is still a large room to reduce costs if the radiation resistance of the material can be improved.
The development of technology is also fast. On June 3, GCL announced that the conversion efficiency of a certified 2,042-square-centimeter perovskite-silicon tandem module cell reached 30.2 percent. This is the first time that the module has penetrated 30 percent.
In January, a single-junction perovskite solar cell made by SolaEon Technology recorded an efficiency of 27.8 percent, a world record for its category.
This step marks China’s solar industry’s efforts to expand the application of perovskite technology to the space sector.
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June 10, 2026
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Last month, for the first time in the U.S., solar generated more electricity than coal, a reflection of both the rapid adoption of renewable power and the declining fortunes of America’s aging fleet of coal power plants.
Solar output reached an all-time high last month, supplying 12.8 percent of U.S. electricity, with coal supplying 12.2 percent, according to an analysis from energy think tank Ember. As a share of the power supply, solar typically reaches a high in May, when longer days spur greater generation, but mild weather keeps demand in check.
Coal output continued to slump last month, reaching a new record low, according to Ember. Its decline comes despite a push by the Trump administration to extend the lives of aging coal plants. Just this week, Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued an emergency order to keep a coal power plant in Orlando, Florida, online. The plant had been scheduled to be retired last year under a plan by the local public utility to shift to renewable energy.
While solar is gaining ground on coal nationally, it still trails far behind natural gas. In some states, however, that is beginning to change. A massive buildout of renewables in California has led to a marked decline in gas power in that state. The Energy Information Administration projects that California will see solar generation surpass gas generation for the first time this year.
Globally, renewable generation overtook coal last year, according to Ember, which finds that countries are increasingly turning to solar to meet new demand. As a share of global generation, coal has been dropping for more than a decade, while gas has been in decline for five years running, the think tank found.
While natural gas had, until recently, been favored as a means of new generation, the think tank said, “gas power is losing momentum as a source of global growth and may be approaching a structural peak.”
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US independent power producer (IPP) MN8 Energy has reached commercial operations at two utility-scale solar PV plants totalling 260MW.
Both projects are under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with tech major Microsoft.
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The two solar PV projects are the 120MW Long Point Solar project, located in Brazoria County, Texas, and connected to ERCOT, and the 140MW American Beech project in Halifax County, North Carolina, which will generate electricity for the PJM grid.
Texas has been one of the leading states in solar PV additions, with more than 53GW of capacity in operation and is forecast to add the most new solar PV capacity over the next five years.
Tech giants, such as Microsoft, have been at the forefront of solar PV offtake agreements in Texas, with Meta signing a 180MW PPA with Spanish IPP Zelestra this month and Google recently acquiring renewables developer Intersect to develop a new data centre and energy complex powered by 1GW of solar PV, wind and energy storage.
Meta alone has signed more than a dozen solar PV offtake agreements in Texas over the past two years, either to directly supply its operations or to offset other energy sources.
“As digital infrastructure scales across the US, energy solutions must scale with it,” said Moe Hanifi, senior vice president and head of revenue and commodities at MN8 Energy. “These projects deliver new solar capacity into two critical power markets and highlight MN8’s role as a partner to Microsoft in meeting their sustainability goals.”
The addition of 260MW of operational solar PV to MN8’s portfolio brings the total to nearly 4GW of operational and under-construction solar PV capacity, 1.5GWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and over 40 high-power EV charging stations across ten states. The IPP recently entered into a toll agreement with Californian utility San Jose Clean Energy for 40 direct-current fast-charging (DCFC) ports across five California cities, as covered by our colleagues at EV Infrastructure News.
Last month, the IPP raised US$300 million to extend a corporate credit facility aimed at helping build out its pipeline of solar PV and energy storage projects.
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MN8 Energy, an independent power producer based in the United States, has commenced commercial operations at two utility-scale solar photovoltaic installations with a combined capacity of 260 megawatts. Both facilities are covered by a long-term power purchase agreement with Microsoft, the technology giant.
The first site, the 120-megawatt Long Point Solar project, is situated in Brazoria County, Texas, and links to the ERCOT network. The second, the 140-megawatt American Beech project, is located in Halifax County, North Carolina, and will provide electricity to the PJM grid.
Texas has emerged as a frontrunner in solar PV expansion, with over 53 gigawatts of installed capacity and forecasts indicating it will lead in new solar PV additions over the coming five years. Major technology companies, including Microsoft, have been active in solar offtake deals in the state. Meta recently finalized a 180-megawatt PPA with Spanish IPP Zelestra, and Google recently purchased renewables developer Intersect to build a data center and energy complex powered by one gigawatt of solar PV, wind, and storage. Meta alone has executed more than a dozen solar offtake agreements in Texas over the last two years, either to directly power its operations or to compensate for other energy sources.
Moe Hanifi, senior vice president and head of revenue and commodities at MN8 Energy, stated that as digital infrastructure expands across the United States, energy solutions must keep pace. He noted that these projects introduce new solar capacity into two key power markets and underscore MN8’s role as a collaborator with Microsoft in achieving its sustainability objectives.
The addition of 260 megawatts of operational solar PV brings MN8’s total portfolio to nearly 4 gigawatts of operational and under-construction solar PV capacity, 1.5 gigawatt-hours of battery energy storage systems, and over 40 high-power EV charging stations across ten states. The IPP recently entered a toll agreement with California utility San Jose Clean Energy for 40 direct-current fast-charging ports across five California cities. Last month, the company raised $300 million to extend a corporate credit facility intended to support the development of its pipeline of solar PV and energy storage projects.
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Farmers switched from diesel to solar panels in Pakistan and started running irrigation pumps at a much lower cost. The relief on the wallet came quickly, especially for those who depended on expensive fuel or an unstable power grid to water their crops.
The information was published by Reuters, an international news agency with economic and environmental coverage, on October 2, 2025. The case shows an unexpected effect of solar energy in the field: the technology became more accessible, but it also facilitated the extraction of water hidden underground.
This water is called groundwater. It is stored below the soil and acts as a natural reserve. When many pumps draw this water for longer, the level can drop and put the field on alert.
Migrant workers left the world’s largest renewable energy park in India after extreme heat, 12-hour shifts, delayed wages, and poor accommodations at a site that still promises to supply 18 million homes.
Taiwanese fishermen accepted offshore wind turbines in the name of clean energy, but now they say that old routes have disappeared, fish have decreased, and income has become uncertain on the coast.
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The change appears in the routine of farmers like Karamat Ali, 61 years old, a rice producer in the Punjab province. He started using solar panels to operate a tube well, which is a system consisting of a well and a motorized pump to draw groundwater.
Previously, this type of irrigation relied more on diesel or grid electricity. With solar panels, the farmer can use sunlight to activate the pump and bring water to the crops.
In practice, irrigation becomes easier and cheaper. The producer spends less energy, has more freedom to water the crops, and reduces fuel dependency.
The problem arises exactly at this point. When pumping water becomes almost free, many farmers start irrigating for longer. What seems like a solution for the energy bill can turn into pressure on the groundwater reserve.
The advancement of solar pumps in the Pakistani countryside has gained scale. The country already had about 650,000 solar tube wells in 2025, a number that shows how solar energy has ceased to be a small alternative and has become part of rural irrigation.
These wells are important because they draw water from the underground. In agricultural regions, they help keep crops alive when surface water is not enough or when traditional irrigation does not meet the demand.
But the equation changes when thousands of pumps work for longer periods. An isolated farmer may not seem like a risk. Many wells operating simultaneously can lower the groundwater level in an entire region.
Therefore, the warning is not about the solar panels themselves. The central issue is the use of water without sufficient control, in a country where agriculture heavily depends on irrigation.
Rice is a crop that requires a lot of water. When irrigation becomes cheaper, planting rice can become more attractive for farmers seeking to improve production.
In Pakistan, rice areas grew 30% between 2023 and 2025. This growth increased the pressure on irrigation pumps and on the groundwater used to sustain the plantations.
Solar energy helped the farmer reduce expenses, but it also removed part of the natural limit imposed by the cost of diesel. If before the fuel weighed on the decision to irrigate, now the sun allows the pump to be activated with less immediate concern.
This is the point that draws attention: the same technology that reduces expenses can increase the consumption of a reserve that takes time to replenish.
Reuters, an international news agency with economic and environmental coverage, brought the central numbers about the pressure underground. Between 2020 and 2024, zones of severe groundwater depletion in parts of Punjab more than doubled in size.
Severe depletion means that water is getting lower in critical areas. For the farmer, this can mean less efficient wells, the need to seek water deeper, and greater risk for future production.
The alert is silent because groundwater does not appear on the surface. The field may seem productive for a while, while the reserve below the ground decreases.
When the problem appears strongly, recovery can be difficult. Rain and rivers can help replenish some of the water, but this process does not happen at the same speed as the withdrawal made by thousands of pumps.
The case of Pakistan does not place solar energy as an enemy of agriculture. Solar panels reduce costs, help rural producers, and can decrease dependence on expensive fuels.
The problem lies in water use. Without clear rules, sufficient measurement, and withdrawal control, the solar pump can function like an open tap over a reserve that is not infinite.
To understand simply, just imagine groundwater as a water tank hidden in the soil. If many people withdraw water every day and little water returns inside, at some point the level drops.
Therefore, the debate needs to unite clean energy and water management. The solar pump solves part of the cost, but it does not solve the natural limit of the underground reserve alone.
Solar energy entered the Pakistani field as an economic solution for farmers pressured by expensive diesel and unstable energy. The technology improved irrigation and made pumping more accessible.
At the same time, the expansion of rice crops and the increased use of solar tube wells have increased pressure on groundwater. The red alert arises from this combination of immediate economy and hidden environmental risk.
The lesson is clear: clean technology needs to go hand in hand with water use control. Without this, the economy in irrigation can demand a high price on the future of crops.
In Pakistan, the sun helped the farmer spend less, but also showed that the water underground needs to be treated as a limited resource, not as an endless reserve.
If solar energy makes irrigation cheaper, who should control the use of groundwater: the farmer, the government, or both together? Leave your opinion and share this discussion.
Flavia Marinho is a postgraduate engineer with extensive experience in the onshore and offshore shipbuilding industry. In recent years, she has dedicated herself to writing articles for news websites in the areas of military, security, industry, oil and gas, energy, shipbuilding, geopolitics, jobs, and courses. Contact flaviacamil@gmail.com or WhatsApp +55 21 973996379 for corrections, editorial suggestions, job vacancy postings, or advertising proposals on our portal.
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Qcells launches solar cell production in Georgia, advancing the US’ first fully integrated solar factory.
Qcells has begun manufacturing solar cells at its new facility in Cartersville, Georgia, bringing the company closer to operating what it says is the United States’ first and only fully vertically integrated solar manufacturing factory.
The company announced that the plant is now producing solar cells and expects all production lines to reach full capacity by the third quarter of 2026. Once fully operational, the facility will manufacture ingots, wafers, cells, and solar modules under one roof.
The start of cell production marks a significant milestone for domestic solar manufacturing, as most solar panels installed in the US still rely on imported components. Qcells said the Cartersville site will become the largest operating solar cell factory in US history.
Module assembly operations at the facility are already running at full capacity, producing about 16,700 solar panels every day.
When fully ramped up, the Cartersville factory will produce 3.3 gigawatts (GW) of annual capacity each for ingots, wafers, and cells, along with 3.5 GW of solar modules.
Combined with Qcells’ expanded manufacturing facility in Dalton, Georgia, the company’s total US module production capacity is expected to reach 8.6 GW annually by the end of the third quarter. According to the company, that output is enough to generate the equivalent annual electricity needs of roughly 1.3 million American homes.
“Producing the first solar cells at Cartersville is a milestone for Qcells and for American manufacturing,” said Andy Park, Global CEO of Qcells.
The company said producing key solar components domestically could provide customers with greater certainty around supply availability, pricing, and potential tariff-related disruptions.
Qcells said the Cartersville operation could also help project developers qualify for the federal Domestic Content Bonus tied to the Investment Tax Credit. Because major solar module components are produced in the US, developers may find it easier to meet domestic sourcing requirements.
The company added that its vertically integrated manufacturing approach allows it to claim production incentives under Section 45X of the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit across multiple stages of the solar supply chain, including ingots, wafers, cells, and modules.
The investment is also expected to support thousands of manufacturing jobs in Georgia. Together, the Cartersville and Dalton facilities are projected to employ nearly 4,000 workers, including about 3,800 direct jobs across Bartow and Whitfield counties.
Qcells said the Cartersville factory is the first US facility of its kind built in more than a decade and includes what it describes as the largest ingot and wafer production plant ever constructed in the country.
With over a decade-long career in journalism, Neetika Walter has worked with The Economic Times, ANI, and Hindustan Times, covering politics, business, technology, and the clean energy sector. Passionate about contemporary culture, books, poetry, and storytelling, she brings depth and insight to her writing. When she isn’t chasing stories, she’s likely lost in a book or enjoying the company of her dogs.
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Zurich-headquartered Galileo, a European renewable energy developer and independent power producer, has announced the sale of three PV projects in Northern Italy. The projects have a combined capacity of 19 MW. A renewable energy investment platform acquired the portfolio. Galileo said the transaction followed consent for more than 400 MW of solar and BESS projects in Italy over the last 18 months. The company is preparing a consented solar and BESS cluster in Campania for construction. Galileo is also advancing more than 3 GW of solar PV, BESS, onshore wind and offshore wind projects across Italy.
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CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — In an unexpected turn of events, Shasta Power has decided to pull the plug on its solar project in Crawford County.
In an email sent to the Crawford County Commission and to The Morning Sun, Shasta President John Copyak wrote, “Following an extensive evaluation and engagement with local stakeholders, Shasta Power has decided to discontinue the development of its proposed solar project in Crawford County, Kansas.”
Copyak goes on to lay out the benefits the county, local communities, and stakeholders would have received had the project been completed. According to Copyak, the project represented an anticipated investment of approximately $500 million, with county taxes estimated at $77 million and an additional $20 million offered to project neighbors, the fire department, and the City of Mulberry over the project’s 30-year life.
“The project would have generated substantial economic benefits for the workforce, local businesses, schools, and the community at large,” Copyak wrote.
Copyak said Shasta Power has worked in good faith to address community questions, provide project information, and incorporate stakeholder feedback over the past four years, but cites actions and positions taken by the Crawford County Commission and the Zoning Board created a regulatory environment that has blocked a reasonable or predictable path forward for the project.
“Despite significant efforts to advance a responsible energy project and respond to local concerns, the County Commission and Zoning Board's ongoing lack of support ultimately prevented the project from moving forward,” Copyak said. “As a result, Shasta Power has determined that continued investment of time and resources in the project is not justified.”
Copyak says that he and Shasta Power are disappointed that Crawford County residents will not realize the economic benefits associated with this investment, they will respect the authority of local elected officials to determine the future of development within their jurisdiction.
“We remain grateful to the landowners, residents, and community members who supported the solar-energy-plus-battery-storage project and participated constructively throughout the process,” Copyak concluded.
Upon receiving this email, The Morning Sun immediately reached out to all three county commissioners for their reaction to this surprise development.
“There are several aspects of the email we received that I find relevant,” responded Commissioner Bruce Blair. “First, I feel that the county, along with several residents, dedicated a lot of time and energy discussing the project.”
Blair continued, pointing out that the commission and zoning board worked to encourage input from both sides of the issue from the very beginning, and that during these sessions, the commission used surveys, forums, and countless meeting hours to allow all the stakeholders an opportunity to respond to the project.
“I would like for the people to remember that this project was in the zoned area of the county and zoning and land use is used to see how projects like this fit within an area,” Blair concluded, adding, “Likewise, our current zoning didn’t cover projects of this scope. I can’t help but read the ‘blame’ within this email, but everyone needs to realize we are doing our best to figure out these issues in a reasonable and responsible way.”
Commissioner Tom Moody said he hates that it turned out the way it did, but there is a protocol to follow when making these kinds of decisions.
“I’m not for or against alternative energy, or any new business that comes into Crawford County; I’m open to hear any case,” Moody said, “but when deciding where that business should go, there is a right fit and a wrong fit.”
Commissioner Carl Wood had not responded by the time of publication.
This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews
With My Power, Engie bundles rooftop solar panels, installation, and digital monitoring into a single self-consumption service aimed at homeowners who want to cut grid dependence and stabilize their electricity bills.
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Engie is pushing deeper into residential energy-as-a-service with its My Power solar self-consumption offer, which bundles rooftop panels, inverters, installation, and a digital monitoring solution into a single package for homeowners. The program is designed to let households generate and consume their own electricity locally, reducing dependence on the grid and helping to stabilize energy bills over the long term. Instead of buyers piecing together hardware, installers, and software on their own, Engie positions My Power as a turnkey service that combines engineering, installation, and ongoing support under one contract. For consumers who feel overwhelmed by the technical and regulatory complexity of rooftop solar, this kind of bundled approach can significantly lower the barrier to entry.
At its core, Engie My Power is a residential rooftop solar package focused on self-consumption, meaning the system is optimized so that as much solar electricity as possible is used directly in the home rather than exported to the grid. The service typically includes design and sizing of the photovoltaic system, supply of solar panels and inverters, professional installation, and connection to the local grid where applicable. Engie also integrates a digital monitoring platform that lets users track real-time solar production and household consumption via an app or web interface, making it easier to adjust usage patterns to match solar output and maximize savings. While system details vary by country, the underlying concept is consistent: households receive a complete, managed solution rather than a collection of standalone components.
Engie markets My Power primarily in selected European retail markets where it already serves residential energy customers. Exact launch timing and commercial terms differ by country, but the offer has been rolled out progressively across the mid-2020s as rooftop solar economics and policy frameworks have become more favorable. Instead of a single list price, Engie typically structures My Power either as an all-in installed system cost or as a financed monthly payment, with pricing dependent on system size, roof characteristics, and available national support schemes such as tax credits or feed-in mechanisms. That flexibility allows the company to tailor offers to different regulatory environments and household budgets, while still emphasizing predictable, long-term energy costs.
Because self-consumption is the guiding principle, My Power targets homeowners with enough roof or ground space to accommodate solar arrays that cover a meaningful share of their annual electricity needs. In practice, that usually means detached or semi-detached houses rather than apartments, and customers who plan to stay in their property long enough to benefit from multi-year payback periods. Engie highlights My Power for households that want a turnkey way to install solar, use most of the electricity on site, and potentially hedge against future volatility in retail power prices. For many customers, the appeal is less about exporting power for income and more about gaining a measure of energy autonomy within a managed, service-based framework.
My Power also fits into Engie’s broader strategy to grow in distributed and low-carbon energy solutions, complementing its utility-scale renewables portfolio with services that reach directly into consumer homes. By owning the customer relationship at the residential level, Engie not only sells electricity but also positions itself as an energy partner that helps households plan and manage their consumption. That could open the door to future add-ons such as home batteries, electric-vehicle charging integration, or demand-response services, even if these are not core elements of the current My Power offer in every market. For consumers evaluating rooftop solar, one practical takeaway is that a service-backed package from a large energy provider may feel more familiar than dealing with a small installer, especially when it comes to long-term support and app-based monitoring.
From an internal perspective, Engie My Power gives the company another lever to deepen engagement with retail customers while advancing its decarbonization agenda, as each installed system contributes incremental rooftop solar capacity across its markets. Since financial reporting for individual products is not broken out in detail, the direct revenue contribution of My Power is not publicly quantified, but the offer aligns with Engie’s stated focus on renewable generation and energy services. Shares of Engie S.A. (FR0010208488, ticker ENGIY) traded at $31.88 on OTC Markets on June 12, 2026.
Readers who follow Engie S.A. and its consumer-facing energy solutions can find additional company and capital-market information via the following links.
This article was created with a.i. assistance and editorially reviewed. Product information is provided without warranty; prices and availability may change at any time. Not investment advice, not a buy or sell recommendation. Trading in securities carries risks up to the total loss of capital.
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New York school districts are increasingly converting unused property into solar farms, finding a way to reduce energy costs while putting more money toward student programs.
Schoharie Central School District recently transformed a former hayfield behind its campus into a one-acre solar installation, funded through a $2.4 million voter-approved capital project, with most of the money coming from state aid.
"The solar field will pay for our power, which right now our energy is about $19,000 a month," said Dave Blanchard, superintendent of Schoharie Central School District. "Now that’s getting paid for entirely by the solar field."
The New York State School Boards Association says the trend has gained significant traction statewide, driven in part by students pushing for greener campuses.
"School districts are looking at it more actively from an environmental stewardship position," said Brian Fessler, chief advocacy officer for the association. "A lot of that is coming from our students."
Districts are identifying underused spaces — from land beside bus garages to the edges of athletic fields — as viable solar sites.
"Maybe a solar farm next to a bus garage that otherwise really isn’t used, or on the edges of athletic fields when there’s big open spaces," Fessler said. "A lot of companies and school leaders recognize that’s kind of a good fit."
The Schoharie project was more than a decade in the making, requiring state approvals through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and coordination with National Grid. Blanchard says the lengthy process was worth it.
"The money that we’re saving by not having to put toward electricity, we can put toward opportunities for students," Blanchard said. "This kind of insulates us from further taxation locally, or if there are state cuts to the budget."
The School Boards Association says its focus now is on lowering the barriers for other districts looking to follow suit.
"Our role is to help facilitate that as much as possible, remove barriers that exist when it’s appropriate to do so, and encourage the state to allow and perhaps even incentivize some of these actions, to help school districts get over what can be meaningful short-term cost increases," Fessler said.
Blanchard says the Schoharie array is expected to power the district for at least the next 20 years, giving administrators long-term financial flexibility.
"We’re here to educate kids," Blanchard said. "Now we have to find ways to creatively fund that education. And the solar field allows for that."
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Meta has entered into another power purchase agreement with RWE, this time for a solar project located in Texas, according to a report published on June 12, 2026.
Under the terms of the agreement, Meta will purchase the electricity generated by RWE’s 298MW Rabbits Foot solar facility in Bowie County, in the northeastern part of the state. Construction on the project started earlier this year, and commercial operations are scheduled to begin by the end of 2027.
RWE stated that the power purchase agreement supports Meta’s objective of matching its operations with 100% clean energy. Those operations are primarily driven by the company’s extensive data center expansion in the United States and the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure.
This marks the fourth corporate PPA that Meta and RWE have signed in the U.S. The previous agreements include two projects in Illinois and Louisiana, signed in 2024, which together have a combined capacity of 274MW, as well as a 200MW PPA for another Texas project that was finalized last year.
Including the Rabbits Foot project, the two companies have now contracted for a total of 827MW of solar photovoltaic capacity.
Meta has made significant investments in Texas energy infrastructure, particularly to support its planned data center expansions and other operations in the state. In July 2025, Canadian energy developer Enbridge announced plans to build a 600MW solar PV project near San Antonio, Texas, backed by a PPA with Meta. Additionally, Spanish independent power producer Zelestra signed a 200MW offtake agreement with Meta for a Texas PV plant earlier this week.
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Cypress Creek Energy has reached financial close on phase 1 and phase 2 of its Steel River Energy Center development in Mississippi County, Arkansas – one of the largest solar and battery storage projects in the United States.
The $3.5 billion of project financing will support construction of 1.63 GW of solar and 1.9 GWh of battery storage. An anticipated third phase is expected to bring the project’s total capacity to 2.45 GW of solar and 2.9 GWh of battery storage by 2029.
Steel River Energy Center has been backed by leading global banks, with financing fully underwritten by initial coordinating lead arrangers Barclays, BNP Paribas, Santander and Wells Fargo. At the same time as raising construction financing, Cypress Creek closed tax equity financing for the project.
Kevin Smith, CEO of Cypress Creek Energy said the project financing showed the strong support the developer is seeing from capital markets for “high-quality energy infrastructure backed by experienced sponsors.”
Revenue for the grid-scale solar and energy storage project has also been secured. The developer announced it had signed a virtual power purchase agreement with an “investor-grade corporate counterparty.”
Cypress Creek Renewables has reached financial close on the first two phases of Steel River shortly after acquiring the project. The developer purchased the Steel River Energy Center from Swift Current Energy in early 2026, doubling the developer’s operating and under-construction portfolio in the process.
Steel River will make use of American-made structural steel and domestically manufactured solar panels, according to the developer. Construction is expected to create around 700 full-time jobs, along with 19 permanent positions once the facility is fully operational.
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Hanwha Qcells is moving its next-generation solar technology from terrestrial markets to a lunar test platform, while also bringing a major US manufacturing site into production. The two developments underscore the company’s push to link high-efficiency solar…
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The CPUC voted to advance a community solar program that solar industry members are calling “unworkable.” The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) says “virtually ensures” that no new community solar projects will be developed in the state under current structure.
Rather than creating a viable path for new, independent projects, the commission chose to implement portions of its community solar program using an existing, utility-controlled pricing structure. According to solar industry advocates and the advocacy group Californians for Local, Affordable Solar and Storage (CLASS), the regulatory decision essentially hands the keys back to the state’s investor-owned utility monopolies, the same utilities that have spent years working to ensure community solar never gets built.
The CPUC’s decision relies on the existing Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT) pricing structure to determine grid export compensation rates, rejecting the solar industry-backed Net Value Billing Tariff model. SEIA and other industry advocates argue the rate structure makes building community solar a losing proposition for any business, ensuring projects won’t be built.
In most U.S. community solar programs, subscribers, including homeowners and businesses, pay a discounted monthly fee for a share of a remote solar farm’s energy and receive larger credits on their standard utility bill for the electricity that share produces, typically resulting in a net savings of 5% to 20%. However, in California’s approved program, the rate paid by utilities to solar developers is too low, which stifles the creation of projects and ultimately leaves subscribers with nothing to sign up for
Commission officials, including CPUC President John Reynolds, stated the move ensures the program grows responsibly by balancing affordability, equity, and grid reliability so non-participating customers do not pay more than the avoided wholesale cost of the generated electricity. However, clean energy groups argue the baseline wholesale metrics are far too low, destroying the predictable market economics needed to secure private capital and make new project construction viable for developers.
The approved framework also relies on one-time federal funding, specifically the $250 million federal Solar for All grant money awarded to California. Advocates state that by packaging this federal money into an utility-led model rather than a scalable market-based program, the CPUC is effectively forfeiting the funding’s potential and dooming future deployment.
“Today’s vote is a doubling down on failure,” said Derek Chernow, Executive Director of CLASS. “In the midst of an affordability crisis and rising utility rates, the CPUC has once again handed the keys to the utilities and called it a program. California ratepayers are drowning in electricity bills. The Legislature passed AB 2316 four years ago with clear direction to deliver a workable community solar and storage program. Instead, the CPUC produced a program that got zero projects built, forfeited $250 million in federal Solar for All funding, and is now being voted through again in essentially the same packaging.”
The regulatory gridlock leaves California ratepayers completely cut off from bill relief during a period of record-high energy prices. While families, renters, and small businesses across the Central Valley continue to face soaring electricity costs, more than 20 other states have successfully deployed market-based community solar programs that actively save consumers money.
With the CPUC maintaining its focus on utility-backed positions to avoid cost-shifting to non-participating customers, solar advocates argue the regulatory route through the commission is officially a dead end.
Clean energy advocates are redirecting their efforts to the state legislature, pushing for the immediate passage of AB 1813 in the Senate to bypass the CPUC’s framework entirely and establish a functional, financeable community solar program by law.
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From pv magazine USA
Trinasolar has launched its Vertex N Shield photovoltaic module in North America, expanding its n-type portfolio with a product aimed at commercial and industrial (C&I) as well as utility-scale solar projects increasingly exposed to extreme weather risks.
The new module arrives at a time when hail, high wind, and uneven snow loads are becoming key design constraints for developers and asset owners, not only from an engineering perspective but also due to their growing influence on insurance premiums and long-term project bankability. Against this backdrop, Trinasolar has positioned the Vertex N Shield as a mechanically reinforced solution intended to improve resilience in climate-challenging regions.
At the core of the design is a dual-glass architecture paired with reinforced glass that achieves surface compression stress above 69 MPa. According to the manufacturer, this translates into an impact resistance approximately 2.5 times higher than conventional PV modules. The system has been engineered to withstand direct strikes from 55 mm hailstones at terminal velocities of 33.9 m/s, while also surviving 75 mm hail impacts at a 45-degree angle—specifications that place it among the more hail-resistant products currently targeting the utility-scale segment.
Mechanical robustness extends beyond hail protection. The module has been designed to address increasingly complex structural loading scenarios seen across diverse geographies. It is certified for static wind loads of +7,000 Pa downward pressure and -5,000 Pa uplift, enabling deployment in high-wind and hurricane-prone coastal areas. It also supports asymmetrical snow loading up to +6,600 Pa, which roughly corresponds to uneven accumulation approaching 7.2 feet, a parameter particularly relevant for mountainous or high-latitude installations. When deployed on tracker systems, the module retains certified structural performance at +3,600 Pa and -3,000 Pa, even with a reduced 790 mm purlin support configuration, reflecting its adaptation to modern single-axis tracker architectures.
While mechanical resilience is the headline feature, the electrical design remains consistent with Trinasolar’s established medium-format n-type platform. The Vertex N Shield is built around a 210R rectangular cell architecture using a 132 half-cut cell layout on an i-TOPCon monocrystalline platform. The module delivers a peak output of 620 W with a maximum efficiency of 23.0%, supported by a temperature coefficient of -0.29%/C. Its low-voltage design further enables longer string configurations, an approach commonly used to reduce balance-of-system costs in large-scale PV plants.
Dimensionally, the module measures 2382 mm × 1134 mm × 30 mm and weighs 39.7 kg. Electrically, it offers an open-circuit voltage of 49.6 V and a short-circuit current of 15.91 A, aligning with high-power utility-scale string design requirements.
On the reliability side, the module has undergone environmental stress testing with Kiwa PVEL, with reported validation against a range of long-term degradation mechanisms. These include potential-induced degradation (PID), light-induced degradation (LID), and light- and elevated temperature-induced degradation (LeTID), along with accelerated exposure testing for salt mist, ammonia, and high-dust conditions—factors that collectively define performance in harsh operating environments.
The module also carries UL 61730 Fire Type 30 certification and achieves Class A performance in standard fire safety evaluations, supporting compliance in regulated North American deployment environments. Trinasolar further backs the Vertex N Shield with a 30-year performance warranty, reinforcing its positioning in a segment where durability, risk mitigation, and lifecycle yield are increasingly central to project economics.
With the launch of Vertex N Shield, Trinasolar is clearly aiming to align higher mechanical robustness with the efficiency and power density expectations of modern utility-scale PV, as developers continue to prioritize survivability alongside energy yield in an increasingly volatile climate landscape.
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CHANGZHI, China – Shanxi Lu’an Photovoltaic Technology Co., Ltd. (“Lu’an Solar”), a core renewable energy enterprise under Jinneng Holding Group, is advancing its long-term growth strategy by strengthening photovoltaic manufacturing capabilities, expanding international markets, and accelerating the development of integrated energy solutions.
Guided by Jinneng Holding Group’s strategic objectives for operational stability, efficiency improvement, and sustainable growth, Lu’an Solar continues to focus on balancing business expansion with quality development, technological innovation with operational excellence, and market growth with risk management. Through its dual-engine strategy of photovoltaic manufacturing and integrated energy services, the company is positioning itself for a new phase of high-quality development in China’s rapidly evolving renewable energy sector.
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Solar energy Generates More Electricity Than Coal in The U.S. for First Time Ever International Business Times
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The Port of Valencia is currently installing vertical solar panels on its breakwaters under the umbrella of the European project Renewport – Harnessing RENEWable energy potential for clean energy transition of MED PORTs, which aims to support the clean energy transition of Mediterranean ports.
The contract for the project was awarded to Pavener Servicios Energéticos S.L. for €169,314.55 (around $195,000), with installation expected to be completed and operational by September 2026. The work includes the installation of the solar panels and the placement of the project’s official signage.
Launched in January 2024, the project is co-financed at 80% by the European Union through the Interreg Euro-MED programme under the Greener MED initiative. Its goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of Mediterranean ports by identifying, demonstrating, and validating innovative solutions based on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power. The project not only seeks to deploy new renewable energy systems but also to assess their technical, economic, and environmental feasibility in real port infrastructure.
To this end, the port tested vertically installed solar panels on a section of the North Breakwater wall in 2023 to verify the installation’s feasibility and efficiency, paving the way for the development of Spain’s first large-scale vertical photovoltaic park.
For this purpose, the Valencian startup SunnerBox developed the IT3, a proprietary solution consisting of a matrix system of photovoltaic panels mounted on a mesh structure secured with stays and tensioners anchored directly to the breakwater. According to the company, this system leverages existing infrastructure while reducing structural costs, speeding up installation, simplifying maintenance, and improving the overall viability of the project.
The pilot system consists of 21 photovoltaic modules rated at 410 W each, representing an installed capacity of 8.6 kW. The pilot is being conducted by the Port Authority of Valencia (APV) in collaboration with the Research Center for Project Management, Innovation, and Sustainability (PRINS) at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV). Over a two-month period, energy generation and the structure’s dynamic behaviour will be monitored in real time using various types of sensors. The energy produced will be used to power the sensor system itself.
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Controversial plans for a huge solar farm on land in Doncaster and Rotherham have taken a step forward.
A formal application has been made by Whitestone Net Zero for a solar farm covering areas near Conisbrough, Ulley and Harthill with Woodall.
It was originally projected to cover 3,500 acres (5.5sq miles) but Whitestone said it had made "significant changes to the project design" following two rounds of consultation.
Doncaster and Rotherham councils have both objected and Rother Valley MP Jake Richards said he would fight the application "tooth and nail" on behalf his constituents.
The Planning Inspectorate has until 8 July to decide on the application, which could be accepted for examination, not accepted, or withdrawn by the applicant.
There is no opportunity to make comments on the application at this stage.
If it is accepted, it will progress to the pre-examination stage as part of a lengthy planning process.
Labour MP Richards said: "The vast majority of my constituents are not against renewable energy but the sheer scale of this project will be a scar across the gorgeous countryside that we all enjoy in South Yorkshire.
"A lot of communities are really worried about these plans.
"What has essentially started now is the formal process.
"During those first two rounds of consultation, I always objected to the proposal but I was also trying to work with the developer to make sure the proposal was as good as it could be.
"However, we've reached a new stage now because this is the formal application and the clock is ticking for a decision in the next 18 months or so.
"My attitude has hardened as the plans I've seen are nowhere near appropriate for the area and I'll be fighting it tooth and nail from now on."
Whitestone said the area it was looking to develop was now 37% smaller than the original proposals.
It said: "We presented our initial proposals in autumn 2024 during the first consultation.
"This original masterplan presented all of the land that we were considering to include in the project and those areas that could be used for solar panels and other infrastructure, known as the developable area.
"In response to feedback from that consultation, we reduced these areas by a quarter to create offsets around homes, villages and public rights of way.
"After the second consultation in autumn 2025, we responded to feedback and further reduced these areas around homes, villages and environmentally sensitive locations."
Whitestone said new energy projects could only connect into the National Grid at locations where there was available capacity, such as Brinsworth.
Once it had secured the grid connection agreement, it looked for land nearby that would be suitable for solar.
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Residential solar systems can lose functionality without a backup battery for several reasons. For starters, most grid-tied solar arrays will go offline when the grid goes down during a major outage. Even if they continue to generate power, you’ll still lose power in your home. Also, they actively generate power but have no way to store it to compensate for efficiency losses or for use at night, when they’re not generating electricity at all. You can still leverage a solar panel array without batteries, and they’re often cheaper and more accessible. That’s mainly because backup battery solutions are expensive — you need $10,000 to $20,000 upfront to install a battery, and that’s on top of what you’ll pay for the solar panels and additional hardware. A German retailer, Lidl, may help combat high costs thanks to a more affordable yet capable battery.
As reported by PV Magazine, Lidl is now offering a 2.24-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery, compatible with balcony solar systems, under its Tronic brand. The battery has a 1,000-watt input and an 800-watt output, and costs around €299 in Germany, roughly $350 USD. A premium version, for $100 more, adds smart connectivity via Lidl’s Home app. Alongside the battery, you’ll need compatible panels and a microinverter to convert and send the power from the system to your home electronics.
In short, Lidl’s Tronic battery offers a relatively low-cost, residential-friendly home backup option for customers who want to DIY their own solar solution. The fact it’s designed to be small enough for a balcony is great, too, because anyone living in smaller spaces like apartments or condos can still benefit.
Before you go installing solar panels, even smaller panels or balcony-mounted ones, there are some important things you should know. They’re a long-term investment and may have high upfront costs. You’ll also want to consider storage solutions and assess your home and family’s energy needs before choosing the system size and number of panels. Moreover, something you should know before installing panels is that not all roofs are suitable for them. In which case, a smaller system or balcony-based setup might be a viable alternative. And that’s where Lidl’s new battery comes into play. There are reports the retailer may start selling solar panels in the UK, as well. But even if not, you should be able to find compatible panels from third parties.
These piecemeal systems, even solar power generators and power stations that plug into solar, are referred to as balcony solar, plug-in solar, and plug-and-play solar systems — yes, there are quite a few terms for it. They’re meant to be DIY-friendly, with options to personalize where they’re installed, like a balcony or backyard, how big they are, and what you use them for. You don’t have to tie them to your home’s grid; you can use them as a backup or a separate power source. Places like California and New York have plans to restrict balcony-installed systems, with a cap on total output. It keeps them safe while ensuring they’re compliant with local regulations.
Plug-and-play and DIY solar can be much more affordable. Case in point, Lidl’s new battery. As per Plug-In Solar, the Lidl Tronic battery may even be a Marstek model in disguise.
The unfortunate reality is that Lidl is currently bringing the battery to European customers, including in the UK, with no word on a U.S. release. While this particular battery model may not be available, you should know there are plenty of alternatives. Solar power generators and solar power stations are an excellent start. They’re engineered as LiFePO4 batteries, with large capacities, reliable storage support, and a number of safety features, and many can plug directly into solar panels to charge from sunlight.
Examples include the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus for around $700, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 for $800, the Bluetti AC180 or Elite 100 V2 for $500 to $700, respectively or the Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2. All are within the same price range, at full price, let alone at a discount, and all are compatible with solar panels. You will have to identify which panel wattage works best per station, however.
In some cases, there are panels you can buy that will directly power devices via USB, such as charging a smartphone. If you didn’t know, there are quite a few devices you can power with portable solar panels with the right setup. Ultimately, the good news is that there are other solutions if the Lidl battery isn’t available in your area.
Bangladesh, home to 175 million people, depends on imports for roughly 95% of its energy requirements. This reliance has become increasingly costly due to price increases linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
To reduce its dependence on imported energy, the country is seeking to expand renewable energy sources as part of a broader effort to diversify its energy mix.
Solar is by far the biggest source of renewable energy in Bangladesh, but only accounts for about 4.5% of its total generating capacity.
The problem is that solar panels are either installed on rooftops or on the ground, but roof space is limited and ground systems take up land that could be used for farming or housing.
“For land-scarce Bangladesh, balancing the needs of food and energy is critical,” said Sohanur Rahman, executive coordinator of YouthNet Global, a climate justice campaign group.
Researchers are now looking at the emerging technology of “agrivoltaics” where crops and livestock share space with solar panels.
The Bangladeshi development organisation BRAC and research organisation the Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) this year launched a research project to mount solar panels above farmland in Manikganj, some 50 km (30 miles) west of the capital Dhaka. The project is funded by the H&M Foundation, a non-profit linked to the Swedish clothing brand H&M.
Shade Good For Workers, But Rice Needs Sunshine
Unlike India and Pakistan, which have built large photovoltaic power parks in arid regions, Bangladesh has little non-agricultural land available for utility-scale solar.
Previous proposals for solar parks have been scrapped due to concerns over loss of land and livelihoods.
But at Manikganj, solar panels are mounted more than 2 metres above the ground, allowing varying amounts of sunlight to filter through to the crops below.
Researchers are monitoring rainfall, wind speed, and other microclimate factors to compare crop yields with nearby control plots and identify the most effective solar panel and crop configurations. Farm workers earn about $7 a day to cultivate rice and other crops beneath the panels.
According to farm worker Dilip Kumar Biswas, the shade helps retain soil moisture and provides relief from summer heat. Previous agrivoltaic trials in Bangladesh have shown promising results for shade-tolerant crops such as ginger and turmeric, while some projects have also tested livestock rearing under solar installations.
The current project focuses on rice, Bangladesh’s staple crop, to determine how it can be grown successfully under solar panels. Researchers are also exploring flood-tolerant rice varieties and durable solar structures capable of withstanding seasonal flooding and severe storms.
Will The Sums Add Up?
The success of agrivoltaic systems depends on balancing installation costs with returns from both crops and electricity.
A 2024 pilot study in Chuadanga found that combining farm and energy income could reduce the solar payback period from five or six years to around three years under favorable conditions.
Researchers say rice yields appear promising, but more data is needed. Currently, the electricity generated powers local irrigation, though regulatory changes would be required to allow farmers to earn directly from surplus power sold to the grid.
Experts stress that clear agreements on land use, payments, and profit-sharing are essential to ensure local communities benefit.
If the model proves successful, the main challenge will be scaling it up while fairly distributing benefits among farmers, landowners, workers, and solar developers.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Controversial plans for a huge solar farm on land in Doncaster and Rotherham have taken a step forward.
A formal application has been made by Whitestone Net Zero for a solar farm covering areas near Conisbrough, Ulley and Harthill with Woodall.
It was originally projected to cover 3,500 acres (5.5sq miles) but Whitestone said it had made "significant changes to the project design" following two rounds of consultation.
Doncaster and Rotherham councils have both objected and Rother Valley MP Jake Richards said he would fight the application "tooth and nail" on behalf his constituents.
The Planning Inspectorate has until 8 July to decide on the application, which could be accepted for examination, not accepted, or withdrawn by the applicant.
There is no opportunity to make comments on the application at this stage.
If it is accepted, it will progress to the pre-examination stage as part of a lengthy planning process.
Labour MP Richards said: "The vast majority of my constituents are not against renewable energy but the sheer scale of this project will be a scar across the gorgeous countryside that we all enjoy in South Yorkshire.
"A lot of communities are really worried about these plans.
"What has essentially started now is the formal process.
"During those first two rounds of consultation, I always objected to the proposal but I was also trying to work with the developer to make sure the proposal was as good as it could be.
"However, we've reached a new stage now because this is the formal application and the clock is ticking for a decision in the next 18 months or so.
"My attitude has hardened as the plans I've seen are nowhere near appropriate for the area and I'll be fighting it tooth and nail from now on."
Whitestone said the area it was looking to develop was now 37% smaller than the original proposals.
It said: "We presented our initial proposals in autumn 2024 during the first consultation.
"This original masterplan presented all of the land that we were considering to include in the project and those areas that could be used for solar panels and other infrastructure, known as the developable area.
"In response to feedback from that consultation, we reduced these areas by a quarter to create offsets around homes, villages and public rights of way.
"After the second consultation in autumn 2025, we responded to feedback and further reduced these areas around homes, villages and environmentally sensitive locations."
Whitestone said new energy projects could only connect into the National Grid at locations where there was available capacity, such as Brinsworth.
Once it had secured the grid connection agreement, it looked for land nearby that would be suitable for solar.
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Council publicly opposes solar farm plans
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Enphase Energy, a US-based energy technology company, has launched IQ9N Microinverters for residential solar across Europe. The new microinverters use GaN technology and pair with the latest high-power residential solar panels across key markets. IQ9N Microinverters support 16 A continuous DC current and 427 VA continuous output power. The product has 97.44% EU weighted efficiency, peak efficiency of up to 97.95%, and a 25-year warranty. It is backward compatible with IQ7 and IQ8 Series Microinverters and is also compatible with IQ Batteries. Enphase said its GaN architecture lowers conduction losses and heat generation while supporting cooler operation. The IQ9N Microinverters convert DC electricity into AC at the panel level, supporting continued generation when a panel is affected by shade, dirt, or downtime. The product became available from June 5, 2026, through Enphase distribution partners across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, Germany, and Luxembourg.
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ONGC announces winner of 250 MW wind auction
June 12, 2026
Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) assessed India’s floating solar potential at over 102.18 GW and said it is working on a dedicated program to promote floating solar deployment nationwide. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, released the Report on Floating Solar PV Potential Assessment of India on June 10, 2026
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) announced the winner of the auction for 250 MW captive interstate transmission system-connected wind power projects.
Renewable energy industry associations have filed a writ petition before the Karnataka High Court to set aside the MNRE mandate requiring solar cells to be sourced from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers List-II (ALMM-II) from June 1, 2026. The petitioners sought that enforcement of the ALMM List-II be deferred until India’s installed solar cell manufacturing capacity is sufficient to meet demand for projects covered by the ALMM framework.
The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission allowed distribution companies in the national capital to recover fuel and power purchase adjustment surcharges (FPPAS) above the 10% ceiling for April 2026. The Commission permitted BSES Rajdhani Power to recover the total FPPAS of 17.94% and BSES Yamuna Power to recover 17.43% for April 2026.
The Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission issued the draft Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission (State Grid Code) Regulations, 2026, which set out guidelines for the planning, operation, scheduling, and protection of the state power grid. Stakeholders can submit their feedback until June 29, 2026.
The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission issued draft regulations to create a comprehensive framework for battery energy storage systems in the state. The draft Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (Battery Energy Storage Systems) Regulations, 2026, aim to promote the deployment of battery energy storage systems to support grid stability, peak load management, congestion management, frequency management, voltage control, reactive power services, and the integration of renewable energy.
Facing high electricity costs and unreliable power supply, a leading pharmaceutical company in Himachal Pradesh’s Baddi saw a way out with a customized 1.122 MW rooftop solar leasing solution. Developed by Two Point O Capital, the solution had the potential to reduce costs with cheaper power and more reliability.
The Kerala State Electricity Board invited bids to select a consultant to conduct technical feasibility and commercial viability studies for setting up utility-scale battery energy storage systems in the state over the next 10 years. The studies will assess the state’s battery energy storage requirements, optimal sizing and siting, and economic viability, and prepare an implementation roadmap.
NTPC Green Energy invited bids for the engineering, procurement, and construction of a 50 MW/200 MWh grid-connected battery energy storage system in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The project will be connected to a solar project, which is being developed separately. Bids must be submitted by July 10, 2026. Bids will be opened on the same day.
The U.S. added several solar and energy storage companies to its list of designated “Chinese military companies,” which will face defense-contracting restrictions effective June 30, 2026. Among Chinese companies added to the blacklist by the U.S. Department of Defense across various sectors are eight companies, including JA Solar and Trina Solar in the clean energy sector.
The U.S. solar industry installed 7.8 GW of capacity in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, a 27% decline from Q1 2025 and a 42% decline from Q4 2025, according to a report by Wood Mackenzie and the Solar Energy Industries Association. Solar and storage accounted for 91% of all new electricity-generating capacity additions in the U.S. during the quarter, with solar contributing 60%.
Mercom Staff
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For anyone who has followed SNEC for more than a few years, the basic rhythm of the show is familiar: bigger booths, louder launches, higher module wattages and increasingly confident claims about the next phase of solar. SNEC 2026 felt slightly different.
The solar segment was still vast. Major Chinese manufacturers showcased new modules, efficiency gains, cell roadmaps and carefully staged glass displays. TOPCon remained ubiquitous, and high-power modules continued to dominate headlines and booth graphics. Yet the underlying message was no longer simply that modules are getting more powerful. That narrative is now largely established.
Instead, PV was increasingly framed as part of a broader system conversation: storage, dispatchability, AI, grid stability, differentiated applications and, at the margins, even space-based use cases. In short, SNEC 2026 reflected an industry still focused on efficiency gains, but increasingly aware that efficiency alone will not define the next cycle.
Here are five trends that stood out.
Storage has shifted from the periphery of PV discussions to a core design element. This does not diminish solar’s role; it redefines it.
For years, the industry’s central promise was simple: cheaper electricity. That promise has largely been delivered on the generation side. The challenge now is less about cost and more about value — how electricity is absorbed, shifted, dispatched and integrated into constrained grids.
This was evident across SNEC, where many PV players no longer positioned themselves as module suppliers alone.
Longi highlighted this shift with its Longi ONE platform, positioning it as an integrated solar-plus-storage system spanning utility-scale, C&I, microgrids, power conversion systems and intelligent dispatch. Founder and CTO Li Zhenguo described the move into storage not as diversification, but as an “extension of capability” — framing storage as the next layer of value beyond high-efficiency PV.
JinkoSolar took a similar approach, pairing its Tiger Neo 5.0 module with scenario-specific PV products and the SunTera G5 storage system. The message was clear: module supply alone is no longer sufficient for customer needs.
Across markets, buyers are increasingly asking for more than low module prices. They want higher self-consumption, reduced curtailment, grid compliance, output smoothing and improved long-term project returns. That shifts procurement logic: modules remain essential, but system value is becoming decisive.
Back-contact (BC) technology was one of the most visible themes at SNEC. It is still not a mass-market replacement for TOPCon, which remains the dominant volume platform, but BC is clearly moving beyond niche status.
Companies including Longi, Aiko, TCL Zhonghuan, Skyworth PV and SolarSpace all used SNEC to expand BC-related product narratives.
BC removes front-side metallization, reducing shading and improving aesthetics — a key factor in residential and C&I rooftop markets. But positioning at SNEC went beyond appearance, emphasizing higher current density, improved shading response and greater design flexibility.
Aiko’s G4 INFINITE Ultra module was among the most prominent examples, with reported peak efficiency of up to 26% and a 690 W format. Skyworth PV showcased an 825 W BC module, while TCL Zhonghuan presented a BC platform exceeding 710 W and 26% efficiency.
Longi framed BC more broadly as a scalable platform technology, compatible with multiple cell architectures and differentiated module designs, including anti-dust, lightweight and anti-glare variants.
The key takeaway is not a near-term replacement of TOPCon, but the emergence of BC as a premium platform for distributed and high-value applications, while TOPCon remains the industry’s volume backbone.
AI was omnipresent at SNEC, though not all claims carried equal technical weight. Still, beneath the marketing layer, a clear direction is emerging: AI is becoming a functional layer across design, manufacturing, operations and energy management.
Huawei Digital Power offered one of the clearest articulations of this shift. At its SNEC launch, the company emphasized grid-forming technologies and AI as “pervasive” system elements. It also introduced FusionSolar Agent, an AI-driven system designed for lifecycle management of renewable assets.
The relevance for PV lies in increasing system complexity. A solar plant is no longer just modules and inverters, but a multi-variable system involving forecasting, dispatch, grid compliance, maintenance and increasingly energy trading — especially as storage penetration rises.
AI applications also extended into manufacturing and O&M, including defect detection, yield forecasting, predictive maintenance and carbon asset management tools.
The next phase will depend less on AI positioning and more on measurable outcomes: higher availability, improved yield prediction, lower O&M costs and better dispatch accuracy. Differentiation will come from integration depth, not branding frequency.
The one-size-fits-all module concept is steadily fading. SNEC 2026 featured a wide range of application-specific designs targeting data centers, desert environments, offshore installations, transport corridors, C&I rooftops and low-load structures.
JinkoSolar illustrated this shift with a diversified product matrix, including anti-glare, dust-resistant, lightweight and high-safety modules, alongside its AIDC and desert-focused designs.
Industry observers such as EnergyTrend noted a broader shift: module differentiation is no longer only about peak wattage, but about application fit and lifecycle performance.
Tongwei’s TNC 3.0 platform reflected similar priorities, with emphasis on temperature coefficients, bifaciality, low-light performance and degradation control. CTO Xing Guoqiang also pointed to weaker demand conditions ahead, driven by policy changes in China, trade restrictions and grid constraints in overseas markets — reinforcing the need for higher system value per project.
The industry narrative is shifting from “more watts” to “better fit and lower risk,” with increasing focus on LCOE optimization under specific operating conditions.
One of the more unexpected themes at SNEC was the visibility of space and aerospace PV concepts. This remains far from a commercial mainstream segment, but its presence signals the industry’s search for higher-value frontiers.
Risen Energy presented Risen Flex Nova, a lightweight, ultra-thin heterojunction-based concept targeting satellite and low-Earth orbit applications. Reported features included ultra-thin wafers, flexible structures and radiation resistance.
While volumes will remain limited, the technology direction overlaps with terrestrial trends: thinner wafers, material reduction, lightweight modules and high-efficiency architectures such as HJT and tandem concepts.
Space PV is best understood as a long-horizon exploration rather than a near-term market. Its significance at SNEC is less commercial and more symbolic: it reflects how far PV companies are pushing the boundaries of application environments.
SNEC 2026 did not suggest that the industry’s structural challenges are easing. Overcapacity, pricing pressure, trade barriers and grid constraints remain firmly in place. If anything, they were more visible, as companies sought to justify value beyond cost reductions.
But the direction of travel was clear.
Solar is still a manufacturing industry, but it is increasingly becoming a systems industry: integrated with storage, enabled by software, shaped by applications and constrained by grid realities. Future competition will still depend on efficiency and cost, but also on dispatchability, system integration, service capability and lifecycle performance.
That shift makes the industry more complex to describe — and more interesting to follow.
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SHANGHAI, June 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Highjoule's self-developed foldable solar container and supporting energy storage system are currently undergoing orderly production and preparation for shipment to the United States, marking the company's innovative mobile solar-storage integrated solution's successful entry into the North American high-end market for the first time.
The system features a 5kWp framed foldable photovoltaic (PV) system as its power generation core. Designed specifically for the diverse terrain and windy conditions commonly found across the United States, the solution incorporates an innovative ground-anchor fixation system and has undergone rigorous wind-resistance testing to ensure operational stability under extreme weather conditions.
Built around the key advantages of rapid deployment and superior wind resistance, the system combines a modular folding structure with integrated solar generation and energy storage capabilities. It is well suited for emergency power supply, remote operations, temporary project sites, and distributed energy applications, providing U.S. users with a safe, efficient, and portable clean energy solution.
The successful completion of this order follows several months of comprehensive global supplier evaluations and stringent due diligence conducted by the U.S. customer. Ultimately, highjoule was selected for its strong in-house research and development capabilities, advanced manufacturing expertise in new energy equipment, proven project execution experience, and outstanding value proposition.
Following multiple rounds of technical assessments and on-site factory inspections, the customer concluded that highjoule possesses end-to-end in-house capabilities spanning structural design, electrical system integration, and final assembly testing. This vertically integrated manufacturing model enables greater quality control, competitive lead times, and cost efficiency, aligning closely with the customer's supplier requirements.
In terms of export compliance, both the foldable solar container and the accompanying energy storage cabinet have successfully passed relevant market access and certification requirements for the United States. The complete system complies with North American standards covering product safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and international transportation requirements, providing customers with confidence throughout the deployment process.
Four Core Advantages of the highjoule Foldable Solar Container Series
Rapid Deployment
Once delivered to the project site, the system can be unfolded and begin generating power within just a few hours. No extensive civil construction or permanent power station infrastructure is required, enabling immediate operation upon deployment.
Significant Reduction in Installation Costs
The system adopts a fully pre-assembled and pre-configured design, minimizing the need for specialized installation teams or heavy lifting equipment. This plug-and-play approach substantially reduces installation time, labor requirements, and overall project costs.
Modular Scalability
The solution supports parallel operation of multiple units and flexible capacity expansion. Customers can freely configure photovoltaic generation capacity and energy storage capacity based on project requirements, enabling scalable deployments ranging from tens of kilowatts to multi-megawatt systems.
Adaptability to Harsh Environments
Both the container structure and folding mechanism are specially engineered with enhanced weather-resistant protection. The system can operate reliably for extended periods in high-temperature, high-humidity, salt-spray, dusty, and other challenging environments, making it particularly suitable for off-grid locations and regions with weak or unstable grid infrastructure.
“This foldable solar-storage system destined for the United States embodies our vision of making green energy more accessible,” said Mr. Xu, Project Manager at highjoule. “By integrating power generation, energy storage, and power distribution into a standard shipping container, the system offers exceptional mobility, ease of deployment, and environmental adaptability. It is particularly well suited to the North American market's growing demand for mobile emergency power and temporary construction-site electricity. Our customers value not only our certifications and technologies, but also highjoule's ability to deliver comprehensive, one-stop solutions from system design to final product delivery.”
As global demand for flexible, reliable, and sustainable power solutions continues to grow, highjoule remains committed to innovation through independent research and development. Supported by advanced manufacturing capabilities and extensive international project experience, the company will continue to advance integrated solar-storage technologies and provide customers worldwide with high-performance, cost-effective clean energy solutions, contributing to a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future.
Contact Information:
HighJoule (HJ Group)
Hui Jue
[email protected]
Whatsapp/Tel: + 8613636462359
https://www.highjoule.com/
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Saatvik Green Energy Limited, one of India’s leading solar PV module manufacturers, has been ranked among the Top 25 Global Solar PV Module Manufacturers in the latest 2026 assessment released by Wood Mackenzie, one of the world’s leading energy research and analytics firms.
The company has also secured its position within the top 4 rank amongst Indian solar PV module manufacturers, placing it alongside some of the country’s largest solar manufacturing companies and reinforcing its growing position within India’s rapidly expanding renewable energy ecosystem.
The ranking evaluates manufacturers across multiple parameters, including manufacturing scale, technological capabilities, supply chain integration, financial strength, product quality, ESG performance, and market competitiveness.
The recognition comes at a time when Saatvik is accelerating its growth ambitions through capacity expansion, technology enhancement, and investments across the solar value chain. The company currently operates approximately 4.8 GW of solar PV module manufacturing capacity and is pursuing strategic investments aimed at strengthening its position in both domestic and international markets.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Prashant Mathur, Chief Executive Officer, Saatvik Green Energy Limited, said, “Being recognised among the Top 25 global solar PV module manufacturers and among the leading manufacturers in India is a significant milestone for Saatvik. The ranking reflects our continued focus on manufacturing excellence, quality, innovation, and building a resilient solar supply chain. As India strengthens its position as a global renewable energy manufacturing hub, we remain committed to supporting the country’s clean energy ambitions through world-class products and sustainable growth.”
India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing solar manufacturing markets globally, supported by strong policy initiatives, increasing domestic demand, and growing global interest in diversified supply chains. As the sector continues to evolve, manufacturers with robust manufacturing capabilities, quality-driven operations, and long-term investment strategies are expected to play a critical role in meeting both domestic and international demand.
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Friday, 12 June 2026 15:57
Wills Bros Group are taking home the Judges Silver Award for their work on the Timahoe North Solar Farm.
The builders behind a Midlands solar farm have scored success at the Irish Construction Excellence Awards.
Wills Bros Group scooped the Judges Silver Award for its work on the Timahoe North Solar Farm.
The site has been operational since its official launch last year and is currently generating 15 mega watts of its planned 108 mega watt capacity, with the potential to power approximately 25,000 homes.
Winners by region:
MIDLANDS
Timahoe North Solar Farm
Winner: Judges' Silver Award
Lead Contractor: Wills Bros
Media Angle: Renewable energy project recognised nationally.
GALWAY
Doughiska Skatepark Upgrade
Winner: Judges' Silver Award
Project Team: Galway City Council, Browne Brothers and Vulcano
Media Angle: Popular community facility recognised nationally after €400,000 redevelopment.
Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey
Winner: Judges' Silver Award
Lead Contractor: Carey Building Contractors
Media Angle: Major heritage and tourism project at one of Ireland's best-known visitor destinations.
Clai Mór Housing Development
Winner: Residential Social & Affordable Housing (€5m-€25m)
Lead Contractor: OCC Construction
Media Angle: Galway social housing project recognised as one of Ireland's best residential developments.
Crokers Hill Social Housing
Winner: Architectural Design Excellence (Over €20m)
Lead Architect: van Dijk Architects
Media Angle: National recognition for innovative social housing design.
CORK
Fíor Uisce, Mitchelstown
Winner: Judges' Silver Award
Project Team: Michael M Lyons Building Contractors and Cork County Council
Media Angle: Cork housing project receives national construction excellence recognition.
Ballycotton Pumping Station and Wastewater Treatment Plant
Winner: Civil Engineering (€10m-€20m)
Lead Contractor: Glanua
Media Angle: Critical water infrastructure project wins national award.
Glounthane-Midleton Twin Track
Winner: Innovation Award (Over €200m)
Project Team: BAM and Iarnród Éireann
Media Angle: Rail infrastructure project recognised for innovation.
Treasury Annex Building
Winner: Commercial Project Award
Lead Contractor: PJ Hegarty
Media Angle: Cork city commercial development wins national recognition.
LIMERICK / CLARE
Killaloe Bypass and Shannon Bridge Crossing
Winner: Civil Engineering (€20m-€50m)
Lead Contractor: John Sisk & Son
Media Angle: One of Ireland's most significant transport projects recognised nationally.
University Hospital Limerick Acute Hospital Block
Winner: Healthcare Project Award
Lead Contractor: John Sisk & Son
Media Angle: Major healthcare investment recognised for construction excellence.
Tom Johnson House, Limerick
Winner: Fitout and Refurbishment (Over €10m)
Lead Contractor: Duggan Brothers
Media Angle: Landmark city-centre redevelopment receives national award.
2-3 Mallow Street, Limerick
Winner: Fitout and Refurbishment (€1.5m-€5m)
Lead Contractor: C&N Higgins
Media Angle: Historic city-centre restoration recognised nationally.
WEXFORD
Rosslare Europort Terminal 7
Winner: Civil Engineering (Over €50m)
Lead Contractor: John Paul Construction
Media Angle: One of Ireland's largest port infrastructure projects wins national award
DUBLIN
Project Connect, RCSI
Winner: Overall Project of the Year
Lead Contractor: Bennett Construction
Media Angle: Overall winner of the Irish Construction Excellence Awards 2026.
UCD Centre for Future Learning
Winner: Education Project (Over €20m)
Lead Contractor: Walls Construction
Media Angle: National recognition for major university investment.
Trinity Portal
Winner: Education Project (Up to €20m)
Lead Contractor: Flynn
Media Angle: Award-winning university development.
Barrow Street Public Realm Scheme
Winner: Public Realm Project
Project Team: Dublin City Council and Actavo
Media Angle: Urban regeneration project recognised nationally.
Magazine Fort, Phoenix Park
Winner: Heritage and Restoration Project
Lead Contractor: Kelbuild
Media Angle: Important historic structure restored and recognised nationally.
MEATH
Enfield Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
Winner: Engineering Design Award
Lead Consultant: AM Consulting Engineers
Media Angle: Water infrastructure project recognised for engineering excellence.
Enfield Wastewater Treatment Plant Innovation Project
Winner: Innovation Award (€20m-€200m)
Lead Contractor: Coffey
Media Angle: National award for innovation in wastewater treatment
NORTHERN IRELAND
Pennyburn-Culmore Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation Scheme
Winner: Innovation Award (Up to €20m)
Project Team: GRAHAM and Blockbusters Environmental Services
Media Angle: Northern Ireland project wins national innovation award.
Ballyliffin Beach Houses
Winner: Judges' Silver Award
Lead Contractor: Newtownstewart McKinney
Media Angle: Residential coastal development receives national recognition.
Shane Murray is succeeding Councillor Declan Harvey in the role.
Independent rep John Leahy is taking up the role in Birr.
It comes from analysis by the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland.
The developer is appealing a planning condition to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
Festivals claim they'll lose thousands as a result.
Independent rep Brian Stanley highlighted the case of a young Portlaoise woman in the Dail.
It's part of a €6m investment.
He is sharing his own experience to raise awareness.
Thousands queued this morning for a chance to get tickets.
It comes after a wash out week of rain and wind.
SIPTU say transparency is needed around the phased closure of Carlow College.
Women's Community Projects Mullingar is launching their plan from 2026 to 2030 today.
Interactive breathalysers called ‘FlineBox’ machines will be in place.
Muintir na Tíre works to develop community safety solutions.
The trial will resume on Friday.
Event organisers wasnt to help businesses develop stronger relationships across the county.
He is being charged with cultivating cannabis.
Laois Leisure in Portlaoise is withdrawing is offer of complimentary access to students sitting exams.
Offaly's Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel says the worst we can expect here is localised flooding.
The Offaly TD wants the county's work to be considered in new targets set by the Housing and Energy Ministers.
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Storms are tearing apart India’s rooftop solar panels while the steel frames holding them up stay perfectly intact Energies Media
source
As the world’s biggest producer and consumer of PV modules, China is well placed to become a global leader in sustainable PV recycling and circular manufacturing, writes Huan Li, a Research Fellow at Curtin University.
Over the past two decades, China’s photovoltaic (PV) sector has undergone unprecedented expansion, ranking first worldwide in PV module production for 17 consecutive years and in installed capacity for nine consecutive years.
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In the first quarter of 2025, China’s combined installed capacity of solar PV (946GW) and wind power (536GW) surpassed thermal power capacity for the first time, marking a major milestone in the country’s energy transition and signalling what is likely to become a long-term structural trend. By the end of March 2026, China’s cumulative installed PV capacity had further increased to approximately 1.24TW.
Under carbon-neutral development scenarios, projections suggest that China’s cumulative PV capacity could exceed 2.8TW by 2035 and potentially approach 6TW by 2050.
This rapid deployment is expected to result in a parallel surge in end-of-life (EoL) PV modules. Crystalline silicon (c-Si) modules, which constitute 85-95% of the market, typically have a design lifetime of 25-30 years. However, real-world lifetimes may be shortened to15-20 years or less due to failures and early replacements.
Model-based predictions indicate that China will experience its first major wave of PV decommissioning around 2030. However, substantial quantities of PV waste are already being generated during manufacturing, from weather-related damage, and through replacement under renewal initiatives. Estimates suggest PV waste could reach approximately 1.5 million tonnes by 2030 and increase to nearly 20 million tonnes by 2050.
More comprehensive projections indicate cumulative decommissioned capacity could reach 675-752GW by the end of 2045, corresponding to 50-60 million tonnes of waste modules.
Importantly, this waste stream represents a significant secondary resource. Typical PV modules contain aluminium (~16%), glass (~67%) and smaller but high-value fractions such as silver (~300g/t), copper and high-purity silicon (6N purity). In particular, the silver grade in solar cells, which accounts for more than 60% of the economic value of a PV module, is approximately 24,100 g/t, enormously higher than that found in virgin ores.
Therefore, the EoL surge presents both an environmental challenge and a strategic opportunity for resource recovery.
To date, China has proactively established a regulatory framework to manage PV waste (Table 1). The system is anchored in overarching legislation such as the Law on Environmental Protection and the Law on the Promotion of Circular Economy, forming a top-down governance structure.
A key milestone is the 2023 policy, ‘Guidance on Promoting the Recycling of Retired Wind Power and PV Equipment’, issued by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), which represents China’s first dedicated national directive on PV recycling. The policy outlines phased targets:
A game changer was the ‘Solid Waste Classification and Code Catalogue’, issued by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) in 2024, which for the first time defined PV waste as recyclable waste rather than hazardous waste. This provides recyclers and processors with a more flexible regulatory environment for handling PV waste. Subsequent policy updates in 2024, ‘Action Plan for Large-scale Equipment Upgrading in Key Energy Sectors’, jointly issued by NDRC and the National Energy Administration (NEA), further emphasise equipment renewal, recycling technologies and financial incentives.
China’s approach can be characterised as a hybrid governance model. It incorporates elements like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework used in the EU, where producers bear responsibility for EoL products, while adapting to China’s utility-scale PV deployment structure. Large power generation enterprises are expected to take responsibility for decommissioned equipment, supported by strong central coordination.
In parallel, China has rapidly developed a standardisation system for PV recycling since 2020, covering recycling processes, technical requirements, environmental management and material recovery. To date, approximately 15 standards (excluding local government standards) have been issued by entities at different levels, including industry groups, professional associations and central government authorities with varying degrees of regulatory authority.
A recent standard, ‘Technical Specification for Pollution Control of Waste Photovoltaic Equipment Recycling and Treatment’ (HJ 1463-2026), issued by MEE, is the first ministerial-level standard regulating pollution control requirements for PV recycling. These standards aim to ensure consistency, scalability and environmental compliance across the industry. In addition, a number of new standards are currently under preparation, review, or approval.
The recycling of c-Si PV modules is technically challenging due to their laminated “sandwich” structure, in which materials such as glass, silicon cells and metals are encapsulated within ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) layers. Effective recycling therefore relies on efficient delamination, followed by material recovery.
Three main approaches are being developed:
After delamination, physical processes such as vibration screening, electrostatic separation, eddy current separation, density separation and froth flotation (physicochemical) are used to recover materials. Electrostatic separation, for example, has demonstrated effectiveness in recovering silicon powders. It should be noted that no single separation process can achieve complete purification of all materials; consequently, subsequent metallurgical processes are essential to obtain high-purity materials and enhance overall recovery value.
Hydrometallurgy plays a critical role in high-value PV recycling, particularly for solar cells, which typically account for more than 60% of the economic value recovered from end-of-life PV modules and largely determine the overall economic feasibility of the recycling process. Hydrometallurgical process is widely applied for recovering valuable metals such as silver and copper through selective dissolution and separation processes. These include:
These methods enable selective metal recovery but must balance extraction efficiency, operating cost, reagent recyclability and environmental impact.
Among them, nitric acid leaching remains one of the most conventional and efficient methods for silver recovery. Nitric acid is also extensively used in the manufacturing of PV silver electrodes, where silver is dissolved and processed into conductive pastes. However, despite its high efficiency, nitric acid is highly corrosive, generates NOx gases and is difficult to regenerate and reuse sustainably. Several hydrometallurgical systems originally developed for precious metal extraction in the mining industry, such as iodine-iodide and thiosulfate leaching, have also demonstrated feasibility.
Recent research has increasingly focused on developing more sustainable alternatives: for example, the use of non-toxic amino acids, including glutamate and histidine, for silver recovery from PV waste. These systems offer significant advantages, including reduced toxicity, improved environmental compatibility, and enhanced reagent recyclability.
Current research trends focus on integrating physical, thermal and hydrometallurgical processes into hybrid systems to maximise recovery efficiency. High-value recovery of silicon (≥6N purity) and silver is critical for achieving economic viability and industrial scalability.
China’s PV recycling industry is currently at an early but rapidly evolving stage. Several trends are emerging, including the entry of both established PV manufacturers and specialised recycling companies, the development of pilot and demonstration-scale recycling plants and increasing policy-driven industrial activity.
In 2017, Huanghe Hydropower Development initiated pioneering research on the industrialisation of PV module recycling and the localisation of major equipment. This effort resulted in the development of an indigenous “high-quality integrated recycling” process with proprietary IP. By December 2021, the company established China’s first pilot recycling line in Xining, Qinghai, with an annual capacity of 30MW.
China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Solar Energy has established a modular and container-based PV module recycling system centred on physical separation technologies. The platform integrates intelligent recognition and positioning of module components with automated process regulation and operational optimisation, resulting in enhanced dismantling performance and improved material recovery quality.
The pilot facility, deployed in Jianli, Hubei Province, is regarded as China’s first containerised PV module recycling line, with an annual processing capacity of approximately 10,000 tonnes.
Nantong Riyixin Environmental Technology has introduced a combined physical-chemical recycling process for retired PV modules, supported by dedicated processing equipment and integrated recovery technologies. The system can recover major module materials with high efficiency and resource utilisation performance. According to reported data, the company’s first commercial-scale line can process around 15,000 tonnes of PV waste per year, achieving overall recovery rates above 92%.
In addition, a number of major enterprises and research organisations, such as Changzhou Ruisai Environmental Protection Technology, Yicheng Zhizao Technology, Changsha Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Inner Mongolia Runmeng Energy and Jerie Environmental Technology have also been actively involved in developing PV recycling technologies and establishing pilot or demonstration-scale processing lines.
Overall, mechanical recycling technologies in China have advanced from pilot-scale demonstrations toward near-commercial or commercial deployment (TRL 7-9). In contrast, chemical and hybrid recycling technologies are generally still under development or at intermediate demonstration stages (TRL 4-6). Supported by growing market demand and an increasingly supportive policy environment, China’s PV recycling industry is currently undergoing rapid expansion.
Various technological routes, including physical, chemical and integrated hybrid processes, are being explored simultaneously. The emergence of modular and high-efficiency recycling systems is expected to further promote the large-scale industrialisation of PV recycling in China.
Despite the rapid progress in PV recycling technologies and policy development in China, several critical challenges remain before a fully mature, economically sustainable recycling ecosystem can be established.
China is well positioned to lead global PV recycling development due to its unparalleled installation and retirement scales, integrated industrial ecosystem and strong policy support. The convergence of regulation, technology and market forces is expected to drive the sector towards large-scale industrialisation.
In the future, PV recycling in China is expected to move toward industrial scale, high-value and low-carbon recycling systems, integrating mechanical, thermal and chemical technologies. Distributed recycling networks combined with centralised high-value recovery facilities may become an important industrial model to reduce transportation costs and improve economic feasibility.
In the long term, the establishment of closed-loop recycling systems, where recovered materials are directly reintroduced into PV manufacturing, will be critical for achieving a circular PV economy. Supported by strong policy incentives, large market demand and continuous technological innovation, China is well placed to emerge as a global leader in sustainable PV recycling and circular manufacturing.
China’s experience in policy and regulatory frameworks, technological development and market pathways can provide valuable references for other regions, particularly for relatively densely populated regions such as the EU. However, local conditions, such as those in Australia, including labour costs, geographic dispersion, environmental regulations and market capacity, may constrain the depth of participation along the PV value chain.
For instance, similar to conventional e-waste management, Australia has been primarily focusing on collection, dismantling and pre-processing, while downstream high value chemical and metallurgical recovery remains limited due to unfavourable capex and opex conditions. Future R&D efforts should therefore be closely aligned with local market structures and industrial conditions.
China's mandatory national standard "Energy Efficiency Limits and Grades for Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Modules and Inverters" is currently in the "under approval" stage, the final phase before official release, according to information from the National Standards Information Public Service Platform cited by The Beijing News.
Several institutions involved in drafting the standard indicated that it is expected to be formally issued in the near future.
Against the backdrop of the industry as a whole not yet returning to profitability and leading enterprises still facing earnings pressure, analysts believed this supply-side adjustment driven by standards upgrades is becoming an important force reshaping the competitive landscape of the photovoltaic sector.
AASTOCKS Financial News
India has an estimated 102.18 GWp of floating solar photovoltaic (PV) potential across its water bodies, according to a report released by Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi. The assessment, prepared by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), identified approximately 1,946 square kilometres of water surface area as suitable for floating solar installations.
Methodology
The study assessed reservoirs, lakes, and other inland water bodies using hydrological and topographical parameters. Water bodies smaller than 10 hectares were excluded from the assessment. The study assumed that up to 20% of a water body’s total surface area could be utilised for floating solar deployment.
According to NISE, around 0.019 km² of water surface area is required to install 1 MW of floating PV capacity at a tilt angle of 5 degrees. The estimate is based on solar modules with a capacity of 545 Wp and 21% efficiency.
State-wise potential
Maharashtra recorded the highest floating solar potential at 16.28 GW, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 14.89 GW, Karnataka at 13.69 GW, Odisha at 12.81 GW, and Telangana at 10.72 GW. Gujarat was assessed at 6.32 GW.
The report also included a second data set based on different feasibility criteria. Under this assessment, Maharashtra’s potential was estimated at 40.70 GW, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 40.13 GW, Karnataka at 33.22 GW, Odisha at 31.00 GW, and Telangana at 17.53 GW.
Policy and total solar potential
With the inclusion of floating solar resources, India’s total assessed solar potential, combined with previously assessed ground-mounted solar resources, now stands at around 3,445 GWp.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) stated that it is working on a dedicated scheme to accelerate floating solar deployment across the country. MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi said the ministry is in discussions with the finance ministry regarding support for floating solar and agri-photovoltaics.
Related announcements
At the same event, MNRE launched an online portal for small hydropower (SHP) projects. Applications and disbursement will be processed through the portal, and projects will be required to adhere to a four-year completion timeline.
The Military Engineering Services (MES) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NISE for solarisation initiatives in the defence sector.
Sarangi also stated that the Border Security Force (BSF) has approached the ministry for support in solarising its border camps using solar power integrated with battery energy storage systems.
The featured photograph (Source: NTPC) is for representation only.
Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) has sold its remaining 26% stake in four associate companies to Power Grid Infrastructure Investment Trust (PGInvIT) for Rs 5.07 billion. The transfer, completed on December 30, 2024, aligns with share purchase agreements involving PGCIL, IDBI Trusteeship Services Ltd, PUTL (Powergrid Unchahar Transmission Ltd), and the concerned entities….
Read More PGCIL sells residual stake in four entities to PGInvIT
Adani Power Limited (APL) has completed the acquisition of Vidarbha Industries Power Limited (VIPL) for an estimated Rs 40 billion. The deal, finalised on July 7, 2025, gives APL ownership of the Butibori Thermal Power Project in Nagpur district, Maharashtra. VIPL was a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Power Limited (RPL). It had developed the…
Read More Adani Power acquires Reliance’s Butibori thermal project
The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has blacklisted a Prayagraj-based rooftop solar vendor empanelled under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, signalling tighter enforcement of the flagship solar scheme in the state. The agency barred the firm and forfeited its bank guarantee of Rs 2.5 lakh following complaints of non-compliance…
Read More UPNEDA blacklists rooftop solar vendor under PM Surya Ghar scheme
Avista has signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding to take a 10% ownership stake in the North Plains Connector, a 3 GW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line by Grid United’s subsidiary. This 420-mile line will connect the US eastern and western electric grids between Montana and North Dakota, enabling bi-directional power transport from various…
Read More Avista to acquire 10% stake in 3 GW North Plains Connector transmission project
Waaree Energies Limited has commissioned a 950 MW solar module manufacturing line at its plant in Degam, Chikli taluka, Navsari district, Gujarat. The facility began operations on 30 September 2025. In September 2025, the company also added four subsidiaries under Waaree Forever Energies Private Limited, including Waaree Forever Energies Three Private Limited incorporated on 24…
Read More Waaree Energies starts 950 MW solar module line in Gujarat
NHPC Limited has commenced construction activities for the 240 MW Uri-I Stage-II Hydro Electric (HE) Project in Uri, Baramulla district of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Shri Bhupender Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), NHPC, inaugurated the construction works on May 31, 2026, by initiating the first blast for Adit-3A to the Head…
Read More NHPC begins construction work for 240 MW Uri-I Stage-II project
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by FOX56 NEWSROOM
DAMASCUS TWP., WAYNE CO. (WOLF) — A controversial proposal to build a large-scale solar farm in Wayne County has been withdrawn, at least for now, after township officials determined the developer's application was incomplete.
During a special meeting Wednesday night, Damascus Township supervisors were considering a conditional use application submitted by Ampliform for a utility-scale solar facility spanning portions of Damascus and Oregon townships.
However, township solicitor Jeffrey Treat advised supervisors that the application did not include a lease agreement from the property owner demonstrating that the developer had legal authority to build on the site.
Following that determination, Ampliform withdrew its application before any vote was taken.
The proposed project would have included more than 36,000 solar panels and, according to the developer, generated enough electricity to power approximately 3,000 homes.
The proposal has drawn significant public interest and debate in recent months, with residents packing township meetings.
Opponents have raised concerns about the project's size and its potential impact on the area's rural character, wildlife habitat and forested land.
According to application documents, construction of the facility would have disturbed approximately 103 acres and required substantial tree clearing. Critics argued the proposed clearing exceeded township limits.
The withdrawal leaves the project's future uncertain, though it does not prevent the developer from submitting a revised application in the future.
The proposal had been the subject of a conditional use hearing on May 20 before Wednesday night's special meeting at the Equinunk Fire Station.
No timeline has been announced for whether Ampliform intends to refile its application.
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