The Autumn issue of 2026 is available now! The new issue begins with a regional report on Asia Pacific, looking at the region’s transition from building capacity to building systems. The issue also explores topics such as offshore wind foundations, solar maintenance, training the new workforce, inspection & maintenance, and more! With insights from experts such as Everllence, BW Ideol, EM&I, Watson Farley & Williams, and many more, make sure to check out this issue now.
Assistant Editor Abby joined Palladian after graduating with a degree in English Literature from the University of Warwick. She enjoys reading, listening to music, going to concerts, and hanging out with her dog, Cooper.
Chinese solar module manufacturer Risen Energy has unveiled a new heterojunction (HJT) solar module featuring a dual-layer optical design to reduce glare. The company said the new product is part of its Hyper-ion series and is designed for installations with stringent glare-control requirements, such as those near airports and residential areas, where reflected sunlight may cause visual disturbances. “Risen Energy’s capabilities in photovoltaic optical safety extend beyond product development. It is also the principal drafting organization behind T/CPIA0119-2025, the group standard for Photovoltaic Module Glare Testing Method,” the manufacturer said in a statement. “The launch of Hyper-ion anti-glare module represents the translation of this accumulated technical and standardization expertise into a commercial product.” According to Risen Energy, the module uses a dual-layer optical design combining a micron-scale matte glass surface, produced through a process it calls “nanocrystalline phase reconstruction,” with technology to suppress internal reflections. The company did not provide further technical details about the process. The manufacturer said tests conducted by Germany’s TÜV Rheinland showed a maximum daylight glare probability (DGP) of 0.30, below the Class AAA threshold of 0.35, and a maximum glare luminance of 3,463.94 cd/m², compared with a limit of 20,000 cd/m². The module also achieved a specular reflectance as low as 0.85%, according to the company. The RSM132-8-710-730BHDG module comes in five versions, with power outputs of 710 W, 715 W, 720 W, 725 W and 730 W. Their conversion efficiencies range from 22.9% to 23.5%, while open-circuit voltages range from 50.01 V to 50.33 V and short-circuit currents from 18.00 A to 18.38 A. The bifacial module features 132 HJT cells and measures 2,384 mm × 1,303 mm × 33 mm. It weighs 37.5 kg and features 2 mm anti-glare glass on the front and 2 mm heat-strengthened glass on the rear, along with an anodized aluminum alloy frame. Under bifacial nameplate irradiance conditions, with rear-side irradiance of 135 W/m², the module delivers between 796 W and 818 W, according to the manufacturer’s specifications. With a 10% rear-side power gain, its equivalent power output ranges from 781 W to 803 W. The panel has a temperature coefficient of -0.24%/C for maximum power, an operating temperature range of -40 C to 70 C, and a maximum system voltage of 1,500 V. It can withstand mechanical test loads of up to 5,400 Pa on the front and 2,400 Pa on the rear, depending on the installation method. Risen Energy offers a 15-year product warranty and a 30-year linear power output warranty. The company specifies an annual degradation rate of 0.3% over 30 years, with guaranteed power output of 90.3% at the end of the warranty period. This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected]. Comments Please login to comment Thursday, October 29, 2026 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Thursday, November 5, 2026 10:00 am – 11:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Friday, October 23, 2026 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Join pv magazine for an expert session exploring quality, technology and the challenges of scaling India’s solar industry. The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now! Available in print and digital – get your copy today!
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa – I get many questions about the solar panel sitting beside the tiny house, and it sparked my interest to learn more about it myself. I sat down with Dr. Helen Boylan-Funari to gather some information on the Tiny House Solar Panel. Q: “Was the solar panel constructed at the same time as the tiny house, or was it installed as a project after the tiny house was built?” A: “The solar panel was installed as an educational resource and sustainability project in 2019 about two years after the tiny house was constructed in 2017.” Q: “How does the solar panel operate and is there anything specific we should know?” A: “The system is made up of polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and thin film solar panels. The system feeds into the power grid, and not just to the tiny house itself.” Polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and thin film solar panels all have differences in uses, efficiencies, and lifetimes. Polycrystalline solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells made up of silicon crystals of different sizes. The solar panels convert sunlight energy at around a 15%-19% efficiency; the panels are best used for large residential roofs and have a lifetime of around 25-35 years. Monocrystalline solar panels contain photovoltaic cells that are made of silicon crystals of relatively the same size. These panels convert sunlight energy at a 20%-24% efficiency; they’re best used for limited roof space and have a lifetime of 25-30+ years. Thin film solar panels are made up of thin layers of microscopic layers of light absorbing materials. These are made by spraying layers of light absorbing materials rather than using solid silicon crystal wafters like what is used in monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. These panels convert energy around 10%-18% efficiency, however, they are more efficient at picking up solar rays on cloudy days. These panels are best used for RV or boat setups and have a lifetime of 10-20 years. The system beside the tiny house is made up of all three types, polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and thin-film panels. The solar panel stands to the left of the tiny house and is on pole mount with a manual tilting system. The panel tilts throughout the day to maximize the amount of sunlight energy available for the solar panel system. The power generated feeds into the surrounding power grid, not the tiny house itself. Even though the solar panel system beside the tiny house doesn’t power the tiny house directly, I do believe that areas that get more sunlight more often could use a solar power system to adequately provide electricity for a tiny home setup. The tiny house solar panel has its own data website that you can explore using this link:https://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/web/RnMR1593616/today/graph/hours?public=1 Solar panels are compact and prove to be efficient in areas that get a lot of sunlight yearly. This practice could bring more of a reality to a more self-sustainable way of living! Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks. We recommend switching to one of the following browsers:
With the Soltech portfolio, Alight’s solar and storage development pipeline in the Nordics grows to more than 5 GW. Alight, a leading Nordic solar developer and independent power producer, is taking over the utility-scale development portfolio of Soltech Energy Solutions, a subsidiary of Soltech Energy Sweden. The transaction has been completed following approval from the Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP). The portfolio spans across electricity price areas SE3 and SE4 in southern Sweden. “This acquisition further cements Alight’s position as one of the leading solar PV players in the Nordics” said Warren Campbell, CEO at Alight. “With over 5 GW now in our pipeline, we have the scale to keep growing in Sweden for years to come. A portfolio with secured land, permits in progress and room for battery storage lets us reach ready-to-build faster than greenfield development would allow.” Alight will lead the continued development of the projects through permitting and grid connection processes towards the next phase where they will be ready-to-build. The projects will be developed for long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), under which Alight builds, owns and operates the solar parks and sells the electricity to commercial and industrial customers at a fixed, long-term price. “We have spent several years building this portfolio and taking the projects from early development to today’s level of maturity” added Christoffer Caesar, CEO of Soltech Energy Solutions. “The projects are now entering a phase where a long-term investor is better placed to take them towards investment decision and construction. We look forward to continuing our good collaboration with Alight for many years to come.” The acquisition builds on Alight’s position as one of the leading solar players in the Nordics. Alight recently inaugurated the 215 MWp Lidsø Solar Park on Lolland in Denmark, one of the largest solar parks in the Nordics, and in September the 101 MWp Eurajoki Solar Park in Finland with Autoliv. In 2024, Alight also acquired the 11 MW Ramsjöholm solar park in Falkenberg, developed and commissioned by Soltech. For additional information: Alight
U Mobile has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with HLGY Energy to explore smart solar farm solutions built on U Mobile’s ULTRA5G network. The idea is to combine private 5G connectivity, AI, and industrial automation to improve how solar farm operations are monitored and managed. HLGY Energy is a Malaysian renewable energy developer working on utility-scale solar and integrated energy solutions under Malaysia’s Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS), including the Kedah Rubber City Solar Power Plant. Under the MoU, the two companies will explore deploying a private 5G network as the digital backbone of the farm, with U Mobile acting as HLGY’s innovation, automation, and communications infrastructure provider. That dedicated, secure connection would support applications like autonomous drone inspections, AI-powered analytics, and smart CCTV surveillance. In practice, that should mean remote monitoring, earlier detection of problems, and faster responses when maintenance is needed. It also fits U Mobile’s enterprise growth strategy, applying ULTRA5G, which Ookla and Opensignal have independently recognised for speed and availability, to the renewable energy sector. Like our Facebook Page here at NasiLemakTech.com for more news and in-depth reviews! Also, join our Facebook Group for insightful information and memes! This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Three out of four eligible voters in Germany oppose cuts to subsidies for new rooftop solar photovoltaic installations, according to a representative YouGov survey commissioned by the German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar). The findings show that 75% of respondents support maintaining or increasing financial incentives for solar installations on buildings, while only 13% favor reducing them. Conducted between October 2 and 5, 2026, among 2,105 eligible voters, the survey highlights widespread support for rooftop solar incentives across Germany’s political spectrum, as lawmakers consider changes to the country’s renewable energy regulatory framework. Among voters of the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU), 74% support maintaining or increasing subsidies, compared with 77% among Social Democratic Party (SPD) voters. Support reaches 90% among Alliance 90/The Greens voters, 83% among supporters of The Left, and 63% among Alternative for Germany (AfD) voters. The survey comes as discussions over the 2027 reform of Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) and a legislative package addressing electricity grids enter a decisive phase in the Bundestag. Both legislative proposals were examined during two public hearings held by the Bundestag’s Economic Affairs Committee this week. BSW-Solar argues that the survey results demonstrate the importance of maintaining a stable support framework for rooftop photovoltaic installations. Carsten Körnig, Managing Director of BSW-Solar, said the findings send a clear message to lawmakers about the importance of reliable solar incentives. He also emphasized that additional solar installations could help Germany reduce its dependence on costly energy imports while contributing to lower electricity costs. According to the association, restricting one of the country’s most affordable domestic energy sources would undermine efforts to address energy security and climate challenges. BSW-Solar is urging lawmakers to revise three key aspects of the proposed regulatory changes. First, the association warns against reducing subsidies for rooftop photovoltaic installations and introducing additional electricity marketing obligations, arguing that such measures could discourage investment in distributed solar generation. Second, it calls for avoiding new regulatory requirements that could unnecessarily increase the costs of utility-scale solar projects. Third, BSW-Solar advocates accelerating the deployment of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and the digitalization of electricity grids to help reduce network expansion costs. The association argues that these measures would provide a more effective response to grid congestion than restrictions that could prevent renewable energy projects from being developed in constrained network areas for several years. Its proposals aim to support continued renewable energy deployment while improving grid flexibility and managing infrastructure costs. Meanwhile, companies, employees, industry associations and civil society organizations are preparing to demonstrate in Berlin on Friday, October 9, calling for policies that support renewable energy expansion. The rally, scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. on the lawn outside the Reichstag building, will take place under the slogan “Renewable Energy: Expand, Don’t Hold Back!” BSW-Solar has also called on its members and supporters to participate in the demonstration. Körnig stressed that the Bundestag now has an opportunity to establish reliable regulatory conditions for the next phase of Germany’s energy transition and facilitate investment in solar energy rather than creating additional barriers. The YouGov survey also found that 13% of respondents were undecided or did not provide an answer. Minor discrepancies in the percentages are due to rounding. Sé el primero en comentar…
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The federal government has backed away from plans to immediately ban solar panel importation. Kingsley Udeh, minister of innovation, science and technology, announced the position following concerns from business leaders and renewable energy advocates that an immediate ban could increase costs and undermine access to clean energy. In an X post on Saturday, Udeh said the government is committed to making solar technology more affordable and accessible across Nigeria. He said the government is also working to attract global solar technology companies to establish manufacturing operations in the country through technology transfer, skills development and the training of Nigerian professionals. “At the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, we are working to attract global leaders in solar technology to invest in Nigeria through technology transfer, local manufacturing, skills development and the training of Nigerian professionals,” he said. “These efforts will strengthen local capacity, create jobs and ensure that Nigerians have access to affordable solar solutions and reliable technical services.” In an interview with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on Friday, Udeh said the government wanted solar panels sold in Nigeria to meet quality standards, whether manufactured locally or imported. “Soon you will see that we only have in the Nigerian market standard solar panels, either manufactured in Nigeria or imported from reliable sources, and they’re all high standard to ensure that we have energy assets being supported by solar power or renewable energy,” he said. The latest position marks a shift from the government’s earlier plan to halt solar panel imports to promote domestic manufacturing. In March 2025, Uche Nnaji, Udeh’s predecessor, announcedplans to halt solar panel imports, saying the move would support local industries and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to clean energy. Nnaji had said the government would use the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and other domestic manufacturers to expand local production. However, the proposal raised concerns among energy experts and businesses on whether Nigeria had sufficient manufacturing capacity to replace imported panels without disrupting the market. INDUSTRY EXPERTS WARNED AGAINST IMPORT BAN In an interviewwith TheCable in May 2025, Deborah Fadeyi, an energy and sustainability expert and founder of Vectar Energy, warned that banning solar panel imports before expanding local production could increase prices, threaten businesses and make clean energy less accessible. Fadeyi said Nigeria’s domestic manufacturing capacity is inadequate, arguing that restricting imports could undermine the country’s efforts to expand solar power. “Nigeria needs to expand its solar capacity to 10 gigawatts by 2030, yet the only operational manufacturing plant in Lagos produces less than 20 megawatts — barely a fraction of what’s needed,” she said. She warned that an import ban could push up prices, encourage black-market alternatives and destabilise the renewable energy sector. Fadeyi also said local manufacturing faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited research capacity and unreliable electricity supply. She called for strategic international partnerships, investment in local capacity and gradual support for domestic manufacturing instead of abrupt import restrictions. “Pause the ban and start with proper stakeholder consultation,” she said. “Yes, support local manufacturing. But do it gradually, with the right incentives, infrastructure, and planning. Most importantly, don’t dismantle what is already working in the name of building something that is not ready.” The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise also warned in April 2025 that a ban could worsen Nigeria’s electricity access challenges by making solar solutions more expensive for households and businesses. The group called on the government to prioritise incentives for local manufacturers and ensure sufficient domestic production before considering import restrictions. NIGERIA’S RELIANCE ON IMPORTED SOLAR PANELS Nigeria continues to rely heavily on imported solar equipment to meet demand from households and businesses seeking alternatives to unreliable grid electricity. An Ember reportsaid 94 percent of solar panels installed across Africa were imported from China, underscoring the continent’s dependence on external manufacturing despite the rapid expansion of its solar market. The report projected that Nigeria would add 1.7 gigawatts of solar capacity as installations across Africa were expected to reach 17GW in 2026. Data from China’s General Administration of Customs cited by Ember showed that China exported 2.4GW of solar panels to Nigeria in the 12 months to August 2026, with the shipments valued at $269 million. Ember estimated that generating an equivalent amount of electricity using diesel generators would cost about $980 million annually at prevailing fuel prices. The figures suggest that solar could save users more than $700 million annually if it fully replaces diesel-generated electricity. Millions of Nigerians still lack access to electricity, while many connected to the grid experience unreliable supply, leaving households and businesses dependent on generators and off-grid energy solutions. Udeh said the government’s approach aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the combination of grid electricity and renewable energy would support industrialisation and expand electricity access. “Our goal is clear: to build local capacity, encourage investment and ensure that the benefits of solar technology are within the reach of ordinary Nigerians,” he said. Renewable energy advocates have welcomed the government’s decision not to impose an immediate ban but say it should publish a clear plan for developing local manufacturing. They have called for incentives for domestic producers, measurable production targets and a phased transition that would allow local manufacturers to expand capacity without disrupting access to affordable imported panels.
CORALVILLE, IA, Oct. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SunHydrogen, Inc. (OTCQB: HYSR), the developer of a breakthrough technology to produce renewable hydrogen using sunlight and water, today provided an update on field testing at its Austin pilot plant, its participation in UT Austin Hydrogen Days, and new efficiency results from its work with CTF Solar. New Modules Delivered to Austin Pilot Plant SunHydrogen recently shipped four new modules to its pilot plant at the Hydrogen ProtoHub, which is co-managed by The University of Texas at Austin Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) and GTI Energy. Since installation, the modules have shown two weeks of consistent performance under real outdoor conditions. The new modules incorporate improvements the SunHydrogen team made after initial commissioning, and the data collected in Austin continues to guide the Company's engineering work as it moves its technology from controlled laboratory testing to outdoor operation. UT Austin Hydrogen Days at the Hydrogen ProtoHub On October 9, 2026, SunHydrogen President and CEO Tim Young spoke at UT Austin Hydrogen Days, held at the Hydrogen ProtoHub. Following his remarks, Mr. Young and Hans Peter Klein, US Managing Director, answered questions from attendees and led demonstrations of SunHydrogen modules producing hydrogen on site. “Hydrogen Days gave us the chance to show people our technology working outside the lab,” said Mr. Young. “Seeing the modules produce hydrogen in person, and answering direct questions about how they work, is the best way to explain what we are building. I want to thank Michael Lewis, Director of the Center for Electromechanics at The University of Texas at Austin, and Austin Mabrey, Research Engineer and lead operator of the Hydrogen ProtoHub, for hosting us and for their continued support of our pilot plant. I also want to thank GTI Energy for its safety review and on site systems integration support.” “The questions we received were practical and thoughtful,” said Mr. Klein. “People wanted to understand cost, durability and where this technology fits. Those are the same questions guiding our work in Austin.” 12.3% Solar to Hydrogen Efficiency Results In collaboration with CTF Solar GmbH, SunHydrogen has developed small scale modules using a new cell layout with improved solar cell output, a key metric for water splitting. In laboratory testing, these modules reached an active-area solar to hydrogen (STH) efficiency of 12.3%, measured at the Honda R&D Co., Ltd. research facility in Japan. This is up from the 10.8% STH efficiency Honda R&D previously validated for SunHydrogen. “This result is evidence that our cell design work with CTF Solar can deliver higher efficiencies, and higher efficiency is a critical part of the path toward more economical hydrogen,” said Mr. Young. “Our next step is to carry these gains to larger prototypes, with the goal of eventually bringing them to the full size panels we are testing in Austin, which are designed to be manufactured commercially using existing manufacturing infrastructure.” A Message to Shareholders “I want to again thank our investors for their patience and support,” Mr. Young continued. “Moving from the lab to real world testing in Austin has brought challenges, which is expected for any new technology. Our team, together with our partners at The University of Texas at Austin, GTI Energy, CTF Solar and Honda R&D, is working through those challenges one by one. I am grateful for the commitment of our employees and partners, and I look forward to sharing further progress.” About SunHydrogen, Inc. SunHydrogen is developing breakthrough technologies to produce renewable hydrogen in a market that Goldman Sachs estimates to be worth $1 trillion+ per year by 2050. Our patented SunHydrogen Panel technology, currently in development, uses sunlight and water to produce low-cost renewable hydrogen. Like solar panels that produce electricity, our SunHydrogen Panels will produce renewable hydrogen. Our vision is to become a major technology supplier in the new hydrogen economy. By developing, acquiring and partnering with other critical technologies, we intend to enable a future of emission-free hydrogen production for all industrial applications such as fertilizer and petroleum refining as well as fuel cell applications for mobility and data centers. To learn more about SunHydrogen, please visit our website at www.SunHydrogen.com. Safe Harbor Statement Matters discussed in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “may,” “intend,” “expect” and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and other factors, known and unknown, including the risk factors described from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained herein are applicable only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable law. Press Contact:[email protected]
Between April and September, TP Solar manufactured 2 GW of modules and 1.8 GW of cells. The modules comply with Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) norms and are approved under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), supporting their use in projects requiring domestically produced equipment. TP Solar operates a 4.3 GW single-location solar cell and module manufacturing facility in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. The plant is among India’s largest such facilities and has a workforce in which women account for nearly 80 per cent, according to the company. Tata Power, through its subsidiary Tata Power Renewable Energy (TPREL), has invested nearly Rs. 43 bn in establishing the facility. The investment is intended to strengthen domestic manufacturing across the solar value chain and support the company’s aim of building greater self-sufficiency in cell and module production. The plant uses advanced Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) and Mono PERC technologies. It produces ALMM-certified modules as well as DCR modules using cells manufactured at the facility. Its systems also include artificial intelligence and machine learning-based controls and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), which the company said improve automation and operational efficiency. The facility is part of Tata Power’s wider effort to expand local solar manufacturing capacity and support India’s transition towards a net-zero carbon future. The company’s production update highlights the growing role of integrated domestic facilities in supplying cells and modules for the country’s renewable energy expansion. TP Solar, the solar manufacturing arm of Tata Power, produced 1 GW of modules and 0.9 GW of solar cells during the second quarter of FY27, according to a company statement. The production performance formed part of the company’s broader manufacturing activity during the first half of the financial year. Between April and September, TP Solar manufactured 2 GW of modules and 1.8 GW of cells. The modules comply with Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) norms and are approved under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), supporting their use in projects requiring domestically produced equipment. TP Solar operates a 4.3 GW single-location solar cell and module manufacturing facility in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. The plant is among India’s largest such facilities and has a workforce in which women account for nearly 80 per cent, according to the company. Tata Power, through its subsidiary Tata Power Renewable Energy (TPREL), has invested nearly Rs. 43 bn in establishing the facility. The investment is intended to strengthen domestic manufacturing across the solar value chain and support the company’s aim of building greater self-sufficiency in cell and module production. The plant uses advanced Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) and Mono PERC technologies. It produces ALMM-certified modules as well as DCR modules using cells manufactured at the facility. Its systems also include artificial intelligence and machine learning-based controls and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), which the company said improve automation and operational efficiency. The facility is part of Tata Power’s wider effort to expand local solar manufacturing capacity and support India’s transition towards a net-zero carbon future. The company’s production update highlights the growing role of integrated domestic facilities in supplying cells and modules for the country’s renewable energy expansion. Construction of rehabilitation homes for eligible Dharavi residents has commenced at the 22-acre Matunga railway site, following a Bhoomi Poojan ceremony performed by Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Enterprises (AEL). The project, being implemented by Adani Navbharat Developers (ANDPL), envisages 10 towers comprising 10,432 rehabilitation apartments and 1,379 commercial and industrial units.Under the in-situ rehabilitation scheme, eligible residents will receive homes measuring 350 sq ft. Residents from Sectors 6 and 1 will be accommodated at Matunga first, followed by nearly 4,500 apartments fo.. Construction of rehabilitation homes for eligible Dharavi residents has commenced at the 22-acre Matunga railway site, following a Bhoomi Poojan ceremony performed by Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Enterprises (AEL). The project, being implemented by Adani Navbharat Developers (ANDPL), envisages 10 towers comprising 10,432 rehabilitation apartments and 1,379 commercial and industrial units.Under the in-situ rehabilitation scheme, eligible residents will receive homes measuring 350 sq ft. Residents from Sectors 6 and 1 will be accommodated at Matunga first, followed by nearly 4,500 apartments fo.. Propel EV, the electric mobility division of Propel Industries and India’s No. 1 electric tipper brand, has deployed seven 470 HEV electric trucks with a leading coal-haulage contractor at one of India’s largest opencast coal mines in Chhattisgarh. The trucks are in daily operation, moving coal on continuous haul cycles in one of the most demanding applications in Indian mining.Why Electric – and Why CoalCoal haulage runs round the clock: heavy loads, long haul cycles, steep ramps and abrasive dust. It is also where diesel hurts most. Engines run continuously, fuel is the largest single operat.. Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world. Don’t miss out on valuable insights and opportunities to connect with like minded professionals A-303, Navbharat Estates, Zakaria Bunder Road, Sewri (West), Mumbai – 400 015, Maharashtra, India By creating an account, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and have read and acknowledge the Privacy Policy
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GH2 Solar has signed a PPA with the Solar Energy Corporation of India for a 50 MW solar power project integrated with a 25 MW/100 MWh battery energy storage system. October 13, 2026. By Mrinmoy Dey Tunwal E-Motors’ Jhumarmal Tunwal Eyes Expansion in Emerging EV Markets GPI Targets 45 CBG Projects in Three Years, Says GPI Business Head Vipin Malhotra India’s Domestic Solar Cell Base to Mature by 2028–29: Ishver Dholakiya, Goldi Solar EVERTA’s Manasvi Sharma Says Uptime, Utilisation Matter More Than Charger Deployment Numbers India’s Grid Needs to Become More Intelligent and Responsive: AVEVA
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The UK government has granted development consent for the Steeple Renewables Project, developed by RES in Nottinghamshire and combining approximately 450 MW of solar generation with 150 MW of battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero granted the project a Development Consent Order (DCO) on 9 October, following the completion of the examination process led by the Planning Inspectorate. RES has been developing the project, located near Sturton-le-Steeple, since 2023. Once operational, it will have a total grid connection capacity of up to 600 MW, combining the solar farm and battery storage system. According to the company, the solar facility could generate enough electricity each year to meet the needs of approximately 180,000 homes, equivalent to around half of the households in Nottinghamshire. The battery system will allow electricity to be stored when supply is higher and released back to the grid when demand increases. RES estimates that Steeple Renewables will generate around £224 million of investment in the local economy during the construction and operational phases. The company expects the project to support approximately 400 jobs, while also generating spending with local businesses and business rates revenue over its operational lifetime. The development will also include a community benefits package valued at approximately £13 million over the lifetime of the project. RES said the programme could include its Local Electricity Discounts Scheme (LEDS), aimed at providing electricity bill discounts to residents in nearby communities. In addition, the project will incorporate biodiversity net gain measures designed to improve the natural environment across the development area. Karl O’Mullan, Solar Development Director at RES, said: “This area in Nottinghamshire has a proud energy history and Steeple Renewables Project will build on that legacy by connecting the new technologies supporting the country’s clean energy future. Today’s decision puts the county back at the centre of power generation in Britain alongside economic benefits that come with it. “We thank everyone who has engaged with us and helped shape the project over the past few years, including local residents, landowners, parish councils, and statutory bodies. We look forward to building the project with the support of local businesses and supply chain.” The application was formally submitted by Steeple Solar Farm Limited to the Planning Inspectorate on 14 May 2025 and accepted for examination on 11 June of the same year. The project then underwent a six-month examination process, during which local communities, authorities, statutory bodies and other interested parties were able to submit evidence and representations. The Examining Authority submitted its recommendations to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on 10 July 2026. The Planning Inspectorate said Steeple Renewables was the 115th energy infrastructure application to complete the examination process, out of 183 applications examined at that point. RES said that during the Development Consent Order process, the company and other interested parties submitted nearly 700 documents, following several years of project development, environmental assessment and consultation with local authorities, statutory bodies and communities. Following the approval, the next steps will include progressing the detailed design, meeting the requirements attached to the consent and preparing for project delivery.
Our solutions provide accurate, reliable financial data and cutting-edge analytical tools to help you harness the complexities of financial markets. Our purpose is to enhance the efficiency of Pakistan’s financial markets by expanding accessibility to data, real-time news, and analytical tools for all, through technologically innovative and cost-effective solutions. Our passionate team works diligently to continuously improve our offerings. Address: 46-C, Mezzanine Floor, Bukhari Commercial, Lane 1, DHA Phase VI, Karachi-75500, Pakistan Phone: +92-21-35241304-8 Email:support@mettisglobal.com Find Us Find Us MG News | October 13, 2026 at 03:16 PM GMT+05:00 October 13, 2026 (MLN): The remaining 3.0-megawatt (MW) renewable energy system has been commissioned at Kohinoor Mills Limited (PSX: KML), taking the company’s total solar energy generation capacity at its manufacturing facility to 10.2MW, according to a notice sent to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). More than 20% of the company’s operational electricity needs are now being met through the solar photovoltaic system. The expansion is expected to reduce unit energy costs, lower exposure to government-related grid tariff volatility, and support national objectives by decreasing reliance on imported fuels and associated carbon emissions. The latest commissioning follows the company’s update of December 10, 2025, when the remaining 2.7MW solar photovoltaic system was completed at the facility. That addition lifted total solar capacity to 7.2MW, also meeting more than 20% of operational electricity needs through renewable energy. At that time, management had approved the installation of an additional 3MW solar system by the end of the current financial year, to advance the company’s sustainability and efficiency goals. Date Capacity commissioned Total solar capacity 10-Dec-25 2.7MW 7.2MW Latest 3.0MW 10.2MW Copyright Mettis Link News
ARENA has approved AUD 31.1 million funding under round 3 of Solar Sunshot program Luminous Robotics has secured AUD 17.8 million to establish a Melbourne manufacturing facility for 100 autonomous LUMI robots by 2029 Built Robotics Australia will set up its Brisbane manufacturing hub and operations center for autonomous piling systems The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced up to AUD 31.1 million funding to support two solar robotics manufacturing facilities under the government’s Solar Sunshot program. These projects will automate solar panel installations for large-scale solar farms. ARENA opened the AUD 1 billion Solar Sunshot Round 2 with an AUD 150 million budget in September 2025. The program aims to support the development of solar PV manufacturing industry in Australia (see Australia’ ARENA Opens Solar Sunshot Funding Round 2). Of the winning projects, Luminous Robotics has secured AUD 17.8 million to establish a manufacturing facility in Melbourne. It will produce autonomous solar panel installation robots called LUMIs. It targets to manufacture and deploy about 100 LUMI robots by 2029. The company previously secured AUD 4.9 million from ARENA under the Solar ScaleUp Challenge to deploy its LUMI robots for large-scale solar installations (see Luminous Wins AUD 4.9M In ARENA’s Solar ScaleUp Challenge). “We’ve proven LUMI on real solar farms in Australia, in the heat and dust, doing some of the hardest work on site. With ARENA’s support, the next step is to turn that into scale,” said Tenzin Crouch, Luminous Robotics Australia General Manager. The other winner of this round is Built Robotics Australia. It has secured up to AUD 13.3 million to establish a manufacturing hub and operations center for autonomous piling systems for utility-scale solar, in Brisbane. The target is to manufacture and deploy 12 robotic piling systems that will automate labor-intensive stage of solar farm construction. Built Robotics was one of the winners of ARENA’s AUD 3.2 million funding in 2024 for robotics and software projects (see ARENA Commits AUD 3.2 Million To Drive Down Solar Costs With Software Solutions). ARENA CEO Darren Miller said, “Australia needs to install large volumes of solar quickly and cost-effectively. Local manufacturing and automation can improve the way solar farms are built by reducing construction costs and making installation faster, safer and more efficient; an important part of ARENA’s ultra low-cost solar vision.” As part of the vision to achieve 30-30-30 goal—30% solar module efficiency, installed cost of 30 cents/W by 2030—to deliver solar electricity at less than AUD 20/MWh, ARENA is backing new approaches to accelerating utility-scale solar deployment through automation and integrated demonstrations (see ARENA: Lower Solar Module Prices Not Enough For 30-30-30 Goal). TaiyangNews 2024
Burgenland Energie is Austria’s largest wind and solar PV company and has doubled its renewable energy generation capacity over the past five years. To achieve energy independence for Burgenland by 2030, the company plans to expand capacity by up to a further 2,000 megawatts (MW), equivalent to around 20 percent of Austria’s current wind and solar capacity. In addition to directly financing Burgenland Energie, the EIB has supported loans from Erste Bank and Landesbank Baden-Württemberg totalling 100 million euros for the project. “Investments like these are making Europe’s energy independence a reality while strengthening our industrial base and the fight against climate change” said EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer. “Energy is now a question of security and competitiveness. Burgenland shows what can be achieved when ambitious regional projects, long-term finance and European support come together.” The EIB financing is supported under the European Union’s InvestEU programme. The project also advances the REPowerEU plan to reduce Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy. “Austria and Europe need more renewable energy produced domestically” added Stephan Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of Burgenland Energie. “Five years ago, Burgenland was 50 percent energy-independent. Today, that figure has already reached 75 percent. This success demonstrates what is possible when you consistently believe in a vision and turn it into reality, step by step. Our goal remains unchanged: 100 percent energy independence and climate neutrality by 2030. The additional financing from the European Investment Bank sends a strong signal that Europe believes in this path and shares this vision. Together, we are demonstrating that the answer to the energy crisis, the climate crisis and dependence on fossil fuel imports lies in Europe’s renewable energy sources. Burgenland can show what Europe’s energy future could look like.” The ambition to make Burgenland one of the world’s first climate-neutral and energy-independent regions by 2030 encompasses around 40 sites across the region. The total investment is estimated at approximately 1.5 billion euros. Other financing partners include the Austrian banks UniCredit Bank Austria and Raiffeisen Bank International, the Austrian insurer Wiener Städtische, and the German financial services group Talanx Group. For additional information: European Investment Bank (EIB)
Sign up for the wires and see archived wires Browse experts available to comment on breaking news Request an expert contact, get responses directly to your inbox Find an expert by topic in a comprehensive database A team of researchers from Empa, the Helmholtz Center for Materials and Energy in Berlin, and other partners was able to experimentally determine the light output in chalcogenide perovskites for the first time. Insights: Researcher Mirjana Dimitrievska is conducting in-depth investigations of the new materials using a variety of methods. Potential applications may change as the material is developed. Materials for solar cells are also of interest for other optoelectronic applications, such as photodetectors. Newswise — A typical solar cell is made of crystalline silicon and converts about 20 percent of the incoming sunlight into energy. This is the most common way to manufacture a solar cell – but not the only one. Other materials can, for example, enable lightweight and flexible cells, require less energy during manufacturing, or increase their efficiency. Perovskite solar cells are a promising alternative. In materials science, the term “perovskite” does not refer to a specific chemical compound, but rather to a type of material structure. The best-known representatives are halide perovskites, which are the subject of active research at Empa and elsewhere and are being commercialized by the Empa spin-off Perovskia Solar. However, other materials can also adopt this crystalline perovskite structure. A rising star in the world of perovskites are the so-called chalcogenide perovskites. Chalcogenides are stable, consist of non-toxic elements that are abundant in the Earth’s crust, and have the necessary optical and electronic properties for solar cells and similar applications – at least in theory. This is because, until now, one of the most important properties – the efficiency of light emission – had not been experimentally demonstrated in these materials. A team of Empa researchers led by Mirjana Dimitrievska, in collaboration with Susan Schorr from the Helmholtz-Zentrum for Materials and Energy in Berlin and other partners, has now shown light emission efficiency in chalcogenide perovskites for the first time. The researchers have published the results of their study in the journal Advanced Optical Materials. To tease photoluminescence – the ability to «light up», so to speak – from the material, Empa researchers investigated a crystal of barium zirconium sulfide, a chalcogenide perovskite, which was produced at the Helmholtz Center. To do so, they employed advanced spectroscopic methods, a specialty of Mirjana Dimitrievska’s research group. “We have demonstrated that the material exhibits relatively strong photoluminescence. However, when it is produced as a thin film, this photoluminescence is strongly quenched by defects introduced during synthesis and processing,” explains the researcher. “Our results on single crystals though match the theory very well.” The discrepancy between theory and practice is a fundamental aspect of materials science. “Material development usually begins with theory,” says Dimitrievska. “Computational materials scientists use theoretical models and calculations to identify which materials might be suitable for a specific application. These materials are then synthesized and processed into initial prototype components, as parts of devices such as solar cells or photodetectors, to see how they perform and if they meet expectations.” When practice deviates from theory, it is up to spectroscopy experts like Dimitrievska to determine the why. “We can establish, for example, whether the synthesis process was suboptimal and the material has too many defects, or whether the electrical connections in the prototype device are the issue,” she explains. Based on these findings, both the synthesis and the processing of the material are further refined – until it is ready for application. There is still a great deal of development work to be done before chalcogenide perovskites can be used in practice. However: “Our study has shown that these materials have great potential and that further research into them is worthwhile,” Dimitrievska concludes. Potential applications may change as the material is developed. Materials for solar cells are also of interest for other optoelectronic applications, such as photodetectors. And sometimes, entirely unexpected applications emerge. During the synthesis of chalcogenide perovskites from their constituent elements, a byproduct is formed. Instead of the crystalline perovskite lattice, tiny needle-like structures with a hexagonal cross-section are formed. This previously undesirable phase has astonishing properties. The chalcogenide needles polarize, refract and conduct light in unique ways, as well as showing potential as superconductors as well as quantum materials. In a project supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) as part of its international Weave program, Dimitrievska and her team, in collaboration with Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg in Germany, now aim to investigate these “quantum needles,” further develop their synthesis, better understand their unique properties, and integrate them into the first photonic and electronic components.
Credit: Empa Caption: A team of researchers from Empa, the Helmholtz Center for Materials and Energy in Berlin, and other partners was able to experimentally determine the light output in chalcogenide perovskites for the first time. Credit: Empa Caption: Insights: Researcher Mirjana Dimitrievska is conducting in-depth investigations of the new materials using a variety of methods. Credit: Empa Caption: Potential applications may change as the material is developed. Materials for solar cells are also of interest for other optoelectronic applications, such as photodetectors. Connecting Research and Experts with Journalists Unlock Your Access to Newswise Research News including Embargoed News and Expert Pitches Used only to deliver research news. Unsubscribe anytime. Journalists use Newswise as a source for research news, experts, ready-to-use content and story ideas. Media relations professionals can connect with reporters and share their organization’s news with a wider audience. Public readers discover the latest research news in science, medicine, social sciences, environment, technology, factchecks and business news from the world’s most credible universities and research organizations. More than 7,000 email wires go to journalists from more than 2,400 media outlets around the globe. 2026 Newswise, Inc
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By Canary Media Canary Media
Qcells, one of the most prolific solar manufacturers operating in the U.S., is staking a claim on the next generation of solar power.
Laboratory scientists have established that solar panels convert sunlight to electricity with much higher efficiency if traditional silicon cells are paired with layers of perovskites, a type of crystal that can be synthesized with a wide range of ingredients. These constructions have set stunning efficiency records in the lab, but break down far too quickly out in the real world.
A number of startups — including Tandem PV, Oxford PV, and Caelux — have been trying to solve this problem and commercialize these so-called tandem perovskite panels. But none of them are mass producing and selling tandem panels with a commercial warranty akin to conventional solar.
Qcells aims to be among the first to make that leap. Qcells is testing full-size tandem panels in the field and plans to open a gigawatt-scale factory to produce them in 2029, Global Chief Technology Officer Danielle Merfeld told Canary Media.
That means competition is heating up in the race to build large-scale perovskite solar factories, even as the contenders still must prove that their tandem products survive long enough to be commercially viable.
Chinese company GCL said it opened a 1-GW factory last year in Kunshan, near Shanghai; that said, factory developers in China can avail themselves of many types of direct public support that aren’t available to companies in other countries, making it hard to extrapolate lessons about perovskites’ commercial readiness. In the U.S., Tandem PV is targeting 2028 for building a gigawatt-scale factory, CEO Scott Wharton told Canary Media. “I think we’ve seen enough on the product side. It’s more you’ve got to raise money,” he said.
Qcells, originally a German firm that was acquired by South Korea’s Hanwha in 2012, has been developing tandem cells since 2016. It opened a pilot R&D line to make tandem prototypes in Germany in 2022, then, in 2024, launched a 40-megawatt pilot line in South Korea that produces full-size tandem panels. That sizing is notable in itself, as the competing perovskite startups are still transitioning from smaller test cells to bigger systems.
Current high-performance solar panels convert the sunlight with around 24% efficiency. That number has been inching higher as manufacturers hone their craft, Merfeld said: Over the last decade, the rate has improved by half a percentage point each year.
Qcells set a tandem efficiency record in 2024, when an independent body confirmed a rate of 28.6% for a standard-size silicon cell layered with perovskites. That’s like gaining eight years of incremental progress, instantly. Conventional panels will have narrowed the gap a bit by 2029, but Merfeld expects another cycle of process improvements once tandem hits mass production.
Should Qcells or any competitors succeed in bringing perovskites to market, that could profoundly accelerate the adoption of solar power, which has already become the top new power source getting built in the U.S. and around the world.
Tandem panels produce more energy in the same size package as conventional panels. That means installers could turn rooftops or fields into more productive clean power plants in the same footprint. Or they could generate the same amount of electricity in a smaller space, with compounded savings on all the non-panel costs, like wiring, auxiliary equipment, land, and labor.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. This signup form requires necessary cookies. Allow marketing cookies to load the newsletter signup form. Leapfrogging clean energy hardware is painstaking work fraught with setbacks — just ask anyone hoping to bring solid-state batteries to market, or actually install a small modular nuclear reactor. Silicon Valley has invested billions of dollars in the belief that nimble, venture-backed startups are best suited to invent these new climate solutions, rather than the ossified incumbent energy companies. Qcells proposes a different theory of the case.
“We’re not a startup, unlike a lot of the Western tandem developers,” Merfeld said. “We don’t need to raise money. We don’t need to excite investors, except for our own internal owners. We’re only working on commercial scale.”
In other words, setting new records with tiny sample cells might make sense if the goal is to generate headlines and stimulate venture capitalists, but that is a separate pursuit from honing a product for mass manufacturing.
Qcells has spent years studying the “killer issues” that degrade silicon cells over time, such as light, heat, and dampness. “We have the right muscles to solve those problems,” Merfeld said.
To that end, in July Qcells announced its tandem panel passed testing against the solar panel quality standards set by UL and the International Electrotechnical Commission. The panels had to withstand a barrage of highly calibrated physical stresses and still produce power reliably. Since no tandem panel has actually operated for 20-plus years, these third-party accelerated degradation tests offer a necessary proof point for the banks that will ultimately need to finance installations of the technology.
There’s more to do to keep building that confidence. Qcells declined to share the ingredients it chose for its perovskites, or to share degradation data from early field testing. But Merfeld said the company installed tandem panels at its own test sites over the last year, and is also getting them to potential customers so they can see for themselves how they work. Waiting until 2029 to launch the gigascale factory allows time to convince large buyers of solar panels that they should make the jump to perovskites.
The location of that proposed factory has not been decided yet (though a company presentation in Seoul last week seemed to indicate that Jincheon, South Korea, was the pick). Qcells designed its new, vertically integrated solar factory in Cartersville, Georgia, to easily upgrade to tandem fabrication when the time comes, Merfeld noted.
But Merfeld argued that supportive industrial policy will be a determining factor in where the tandem factory goes. Qcells has previously advocated for domestic manufacturing incentives and trade protections against cheap imports from China-linked firms, to bolster U.S. solar manufacturing as a strategic industry. The company suffered from the absence of such policies in Germany, which let that country’s “Solar Valley” get wiped out by competition from state-backed Chinese manufacturers in the early 2010s. (Qcells survived that episode because Hanwha bought it out of bankruptcy for nearly $45 million.)
“We learn by doing,” Merfeld said. “If you support the innovation here, you build that cycle that you need to build more and learn more.”
Qcells has far more experience scaling gigawatts of solar production than the rival perovskite startups. It just has to demonstrate that an incumbent multinational corporation can beat its smaller, singularly focused competitors in the innovation game.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. This signup form requires necessary cookies. Allow marketing cookies to load the newsletter signup form. Julian Spector is a senior reporter at Canary Media. He reports on batteries, long-duration energy storage, low-carbon hydrogen, and clean energy breakthroughs around the world. Electrification Climatetech finance Politics Heat pumps U.S. regions This video requires marketing cookies. Update your cookie preferences to watch the video.
London Stadium has generated more than 1 million kWh of clean energy since its solar panels went live in July 2025. This output provides enough electricity to match the annual power demand of more than 350 family homes while cutting 177 tonnes of carbon emissions. The milestone comes as the multi-purpose Olympic venue marks its first 14 months of generating renewable energy on-site. The on-site renewable energy has generated the equivalent energy needed to power all the venue’s major events including Metallica and Take That concerts, international athletics and West Ham United fixtures. London Stadium’s defining strength is flexibility, but that versatility comes with cost and complexity. This portrait examines the decisions, investments and governance changes shaping the venue and its next chapter. Click here to read the article. In June 2026 alone, over 140,000 kWh of energy was produced, meeting 21% of the venue’s demand for that month. Powered by Ameresco UK, the 6,500m² membrane system features 3,350 solar panels integrated directly into the roof of London Stadium, creating one of the largest stadium solar installations in Europe. The solar panels form part of a wider 4.35m British pounds (approx. 5.1m EUR / 25.8m USD) climate action investment supported by the Mayor of London’s Green Finance Fund, designed to accelerate the capital’s transition to net zero.
The solar panel system on the roof of the London Stadium has been generating electricity since July 2025. Image: London Stadium
Sacha Giovannoni, Sustainability Manager at London Stadium, said: “This landmark of 1 million kWh of energy generated is a significant one as we aim to make London Stadium one of the UK’s most sustainable venues. It is extremely exciting to be one of the venues leading the way in sustainable venue management, achieving remarkable environmental milestones through innovative technology and strategic partnerships.” Justin Jacober, Managing Director at Ameresco UK, said: “Reaching 1 million kWh of clean energy generation is a fantastic milestone for London Stadium and a powerful example of what can be achieved when major venues invest in practical, long-term solutions to reduce carbon emissions.” (stadiaworld, 13.10.2026) Continue reading with Your benefits with stadiaworld+ Register now Do you already have a Stadionwelt+ or stadiaworld+ subscription? Log in here Join the industry network
India added 50.6 GW of solar module and 9.7 GW of cell manufacturing capacity in the first half (1H) of 2026, taking its cumulative solar module manufacturing capacity to 261.7 GW and cell manufacturing capacity to 36.6 GW as of June 2026, according to Mercom India’s recently released report, State of Solar PV Manufacturing in India 1H 2026. As of the report’s release, cumulative module capacity under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-I stood at 225.5 GW, against nearly 35.5 GW of cumulative cell capacity under ALMM List-II. “Domestic cell shortages have become the biggest near-term challenge for India’s solar market. Module capacity has expanded rapidly, but cell supply has not kept pace, tightening availability and pushing up prices for compliant modules and sharply slowing project activity. Many module manufacturers are struggling to maintain production because of limited domestic cell availability,” said Raj Prabhu, CEO at Mercom Capital Group. Prabhu said that the installed cell capacity overstates actual availability, as new lines take months to reach stable commercial production. ALMM List-II has intensified the pressure by increasing dependence on domestic cell supply before enough capacity was commercially available. Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) accounted for 80% of the total ALMM-listed module manufacturing capacity as of June 2026, followed by monocrystalline PERC/TOPCon at 11% and mono PERC at 4%. HJT accounted for 3%, while thin-film technology represented 2% of the total ALMM-listed capacity. “Until commercially available cell supply catches up with demand, the entire industry will remain under pressure, with manufacturers facing production constraints and developers facing commissioning delays,” added Prabhu. Gujarat remained the most favorable destination for solar module manufacturing, accounting for nearly 45% of the cumulative capacity as of June 2026. Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu followed with module production capacities of 26.1 GW and 23.4 GW. Gujarat also held the largest annual solar cell production capacity at 37%. Tamil Nadu and Telangana were other top states, with capacities of 4.3 GW and 4.2 GW, respectively. In 1H 2026, India’s imports of solar cells and modules increased 18% compared to 1H 2025. Cells accounted for 81% of total imports, while modules accounted for 19%. The U.S. remained India’s largest solar export destination in 1H 2026, accounting for 92% of total exports. This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected]. Comments Please login to comment Friday, October 23, 2026 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Join pv magazine for an expert session exploring quality, technology and the challenges of scaling India’s solar industry. The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now! Available in print and digital – get your copy today!
At the federal, state, and local levels, SEIA works to advocate for an equitable transition to a clean energy economy. SEIA produces variety of research and supporting resources for the solar industry, ranging from full reports to short factsheets. Download the SEIA app The Energy Storage Market Outlook (ESMO) is a quarterly publication produced by the Solar Energy Industries Association and Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. ESMO draws on Benchmark’s proprietary grid and behind the meter data on… Download the SEIA app Download the SEIA app Solar energy is an American success story. Since the creation of the first silicon solar cell 70 years ago, solar leaders have been innovating, improving efficiency, lowering costs, and growing this American-born technology… Following statement on California legislative updates is attributable to Stephanie Doyle, California state affairs director for the Solar Energy Industries Association: “The solar and storage industry is pleased to see Governor Newsom sign… Download the SEIA app The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy. SEIA works with its 1,200 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is the national trade association for the solar and solar + storage industries, building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Download the SEIA app Minimal changes to our outlook indicate structural and policy challenges to continued growth Trade actions and tariffs continue to challenge portions of the US solar manufacturing industry Strong pipelines will ensure average additions of 43 GW in the next five years, but market challenges constrain growth Residential solar slowly starts growing again in 2027, fueled by continued third-party ownership project tax credit eligibility and higher retail energy prices 1,179 MWdc installed in Q1 2026, up 6% from Q1 2025, down 15% from Q4 2025 The residential solar market grew 6% year-over-year in Q1, marking one of its strongest quarters in the past two years other than Q4 2025 After a significant contraction in 2026, the segment will begin recovery and grow at an average annual rate of 6% between 2027 and 2031 523 MWdc installed in Q1 2026, down 4% from Q1 2025, down 25% from Q4 2025 New commercial solar capacity additions driven by California, with Illinois and Pennsylvania gaining ground Following a 2026 contraction, safe harbored project buildout and rising retail rates will drive sustained market growth through 2031 247 MWdc installed in Q1 2026, down 4% from Q1 2025, down 67% from Q4 2025 Strong project pipelines and improving queue efficiency bolster near-term outlook ahead of ITC expiration National market growth will decline beginning in 2028 in the absence of new state programs 5.9 GWdc installed in Q1 2026, down 34% from Q1 2025, 211 GWdc of utility-scale solar will be added between 2026 and 2031 Slow Q1 installs mask strong underlying momentum, supported by on-schedule project execution and a 15% increase in contracting activity We expect the utility-scale segment to add 211 GWdc between 2026 and 2031 Note: We employ a bottoms-up modeling methodology to capture, track and report national average PV system pricing by segment. Prices are reflective of ‘overnight’ pricing incurred in the year in which the project is being contracted, and no procurement or construction lags are being factored into modelling assumptions. The methodology is based on the tracked wholesale pricing of major solar components and data collected from industry interviews. Wood Mackenzie’s supply chain data and models are leveraged to enhance and bolster our pricing outlooks. PV system prices fell for all segments except commercial in Q1 2026 The decline was driven by module prices decreasing across all segments and lower residential customer acquisition costs Who buys US Solar Market Insight? 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The UK energy price cap has now risen to 4 percent and recent reports even suggest that household energy bills could increase by £276 in January, it seems household energy bills are unlikely to decrease any time soon. The Eco Experts’ findings show that UK households are turning to green technology to help lower their household energy bills, showing that homeowners are dissatisfied with government efforts to lower energy bills. When asked if they agree that the government is doing enough to cut energy bills, the majority of respondents (65 percent) said they disagree, with just 15 percent of respondents saying they agree that enough is being done to cut bills, revealing a clear disappointment in the government to lower energy bills in UK homes. However, UK households appear to be finding their own solution to energy bill costs, as 85 percent of UK homeowners say they believe renewable tech can help lower energy bills. With so many respondents backing renewable energy sources, perhaps the government might invest in more green technology. According to The Eco Experts’ latest survey data, a staggering majority (78 percent) of UK homeowners said that the primary reason they purchased solar panels was to lower their household energy bills. This stood out as the most popular reason for purchasing domestic solar panels, shedding light on the demand for green technology as a means of reducing household energy costs. Primary reasons for purchasing solar panels: To reduce household energy bills: 78 percent To lower a home’s carbon footprint: 49 percent To improve a home’s EPC rating: 27 percent To gain independence from the National Grid: 24 percent To make their home more valuable: 23 percent To take advantage of government grants: 20 percent Recommendation from friends, family of neighbours: 3 percent “The government is clearly struggling to bring down bills, despite doing useful things like VAT off electricity” added The Eco Experts’ Deputy Editor, Maximilian Schwerdtfeger. “The reality is that the UK is too dependent on wholesale gas to generate electricity. The only way to get away from that is to improve renewable energy generation, storage, and capacity. Ministers also need to help more UK households get the technology that will protect them from shocks in the fossil fuel market, namely solar panels, both rooftop and plug in. The government should see this as an opportunity. There is clearly huge momentum behind clean technology, households still need help getting it. How can Andy Burnham do that? Remove VAT from plug-in solar panels, keep VAT off rooftop solar panels beyond 31st March 2027, and include plug-in solar panels in the Warm Homes later in the year. Another thing it should look at is legalising plug-in batteries. There is already work going in that direction, but we think the government should get new legislation through as soon as possible.” For additional information: The Eco Experts
Quarter 4 2026 Update Almost all of the modules are installed on the storage building and the GreenPower crew will be complete with all rooftop work in October. The crew will continue to work on installing the balance of the system inside of the building with an intent to have everything completed by the end of the year. This project will install 1,200 kW of solar electric (PV) panels on two buildings at the Metro Hanson Road Satellite Bus Facility. When complete the arrays will generate ~1,530,000 kWh of electricity per year reducing operational costs for Metro. The array will be installed by the Engineering Division’s GreenPower program where trainees with little to no electrical skills are provided on-the-job training through solar installations on City buildings. City User Agency: Madison Metro Planning and Design: Quarter 2 2025 through Quarter 1 2026 Construction Start Date: Quarter 2 2026 Expected Completion Date: Quarter 4 2026 Quarter 4 2026 Update Almost all of the modules are installed on the storage building and the GreenPower crew will be complete with all rooftop work in October. The crew will continue to work on installing the balance of the system inside of the building with an intent to have everything completed by the end of the year. Quarter 3 2026 Update Construction has started on the PV arrays. All modules have been installed on the maintenance building roof (3829) and the GreenPower crew is working on wiring the system. The roof replacement for the storage building (3901) is complete and the GreenPower crew will start installing racking and modules this month.
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0 Powered by : Elgin, an Ireland-based independent power producer, has acquired the 40 MW Kilderry Solar Farm in County Kilkenny in Ireland from BayWa r.e. The solar farm will stand approximately 1 km south of Johnswell village, where it is to cover more than 45 hectares. Planning permission is already in place, because Kilkenny County Council granted it to BayWa r.e. in October 2024. Elgin holds several development assets in close proximity to the project. The purchase follows the recent acquisition by Elgin of the approximately 200 MW Blackhall Solar Farm in County Meath, Ireland. Dermot Kelleher, the chief executive officer of Elgin, said that the two purchases reflect a strategy in which the company combines selective acquisitions with its own development pipeline. Gemma Hamilton, the managing director of BayWa r.e. UK, said that the transaction creates an opportunity to accelerate the delivery of Kilderry under the ownership of Elgin. SOLARbytes brings you the latest news in solar world in bite size; essentially a gist of important solar news in few sentences. Subscribe to our Newsletter!
India’s electricity generation increased 11% year-on-year to 536 billion units (BU) in the second quarter of FY2026-27, while peak electricity demand reached a record 270 GW, 18% higher than the peak recorded in Q2 FY2025-26. Amidst this growing demand, renewable electricity generation (excluding large hydro) crossed 100 BU for the first time, reaching 101 BU, as combined non-fossil generation reached a record 177 BU, up from 163 BU in Q2 FY2025-26. Solar remained the fastest-growing major power source, with generation increasing 39% year-on-year to 51 BU, while wind generation rose 29% year-on-year to 45 BU. Solar accounted for 10% of total electricity generation in Q2 FY2026-27 for the first time and reached a new daily record of 705 MU on Sept. 30. Non-fossil sources, including renewables, hydropower, and nuclear, accounted for around 33% of total generation in Q2 FY2026-27. Large hydropower generation rose from 39 BU in Q1 FY2026-27 to 60 BU in Q2 FY2026-27, a 53% quarter-on-quarter increase, but remained 20% below Q2 FY2025-26. The increase in hydropower between Q1 and Q2, together with strong year-on-year growth in solar and wind, contributed to renewable generation crossing 100 BU in Q2 FY2026-27. Coal accounted for around 64% of total generation, broadly unchanged from Q2 FY2025-26. Even as national peak demand reached a record 270 GW in Q2 FY 2026–27, coal power plant utilisation remained at just 68%, down from 73% in Q1. This indicates that the coal fleet had substantial unused capacity even during periods of record electricity demand. Coal consumption remained broadly stable at around 79 million tonnes per month from May through September, but coal dispatch to power plants declined from 74 million tonnes in May to 66 million tonnes in August, the lowest level in 2026. Average freight train rake loading also fell from around 290 rakes of coal per day in June to 280 in August, indicating a weakening flow of coal to power plants despite continued coal consumption. Rake loading was subsequently ramped up sharply in early September, reaching 444 rakes on 6 September. Despite these efforts, coal stocks at power plants fell to 21 million tonnes by 30 September, just 36% of the normative requirement of 58 million tonnes, while the number of plants with stocks below 25% of their normative requirement rose sharply from 32 on 22 August to 91 on 6 October. India’s installed power capacity reached 555 GW by August 2026, with non-fossil sources accounting for around 55% of installed capacity. Renewable energy excluding large hydro increased to 243 GW, including 168 GW of solar capacity. Renewable capacity additions also outpaced thermal additions in Q2 FY2026-27, with around 7 GW of renewable capacity added compared with 0.8 GW of thermal capacity. India’s energy storage pipeline is also expanding, with around 290 GWh of storage capacity tendered by August 2026, including pumped storage and battery energy storage systems. Around 9.1 GWh of battery storage was operational, with storage contributing up to 5.5 GW during nighttime peak demand. Even with national peak demand reaching a record 270 GW, India’s coal power plants only reached 68% of their utilisation rate in Q2 FY2026-27. As solar increasingly meets daytime electricity demand and storage helps meet evening and nighttime peaks, new thermal capacity should be assessed against expected demand, renewable generation, and storage availability. This will help avoid building capacity that could remain underutilised as India’s power system evolves–Manoj Kumar, India Analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)
The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own, and do not necessarily reflect those held by pv magazine. This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected]. Comments Please login to comment Friday, October 23, 2026 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Join pv magazine for an expert session exploring quality, technology and the challenges of scaling India’s solar industry. The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now! Available in print and digital – get your copy today!
Researchers at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia have investigated whether luminescent ultraviolet down-shifting (UVDS) layers could replace conventional UV absorbers to reduce UV-induced degradation in solar cells based on tunnel oxide passivating contact (TOPCon) technology and have found that the small initial performance penalty associated with UVDS layers could be offset by higher long-term energy yields if UV-induced degradation is effectively suppressed. Both UVDS layers and conventional UV absorbers are designed to protect solar cells from harmful UV radiation. However, while conventional UV absorbers primarily dissipate the absorbed energy as heat, UVDS layers convert UV radiation into visible light by absorbing high-energy UV photons and re-emitting them at longer wavelengths. The main advantage of UVDS layers is their ability to make part of the absorbed UV radiation available for electricity generation while protecting solar cells from UV-induced degradation, potentially improving long-term energy yields. “UVDS integration shifts part of the incident photon flux from the ultraviolet region into a spectral range where the external quantum efficiency of silicon solar cells is typically higher,” the scientists explained. “While UVDS concepts have been studied for several decades and across various photovoltaic technologies, their practical implementation remains challenging due to the complex interplay between absorption, photoluminescence, reabsorption, optical trapping, device geometry, and outdoor operating conditions.” Against this backdrop, the research team developed an optical modeling framework for UVDS layers integrated into realistic photovoltaic devices. “Throughout this work, the investigated UVDS materials are treated as experimentally characterized optical systems defined by their measured absorption, emission, and photoluminescence properties, which constitute the relevant inputs for the proposed modelling approach,” they stressed. The researchers developed UVDS encapsulant layers using organic photoluminescent dyes dispersed in a polyolefin elastomer (POE) matrix. The layers were fabricated through a twin-screw cast extrusion process, producing films approximately 400 μm thick. The films had thicknesses ranging from 350 μm to 450 μm and a surface roughness of approximately 105 nm. The team also prepared formulations with dye concentrations up to 100 times higher than the reference concentration. Measurements of reflectance, transmittance, and absorptance were used to calibrate and validate the numerical model. The researchers estimated a photoluminescence quantum yield of approximately 95%, indicating efficient conversion of absorbed photons into emitted light. The UVDS layers were subsequently incorporated into mini-modules based on commercially available TOPCon solar cells. Current-voltage and external quantum efficiency measurements were performed to validate the model’s predictions at the device level. The model was designed to track incident photons as they pass through the UVDS layer, calculating their absorption and subsequent emission at longer wavelengths. It also simulated the direction of emitted light and the possibility of multiple reabsorption and re-emission events before photons escape or are absorbed elsewhere in the device. The simulations accounted for textured surfaces, material optical properties, and realistic layer thicknesses. Simulations showed that increasing dye concentration enhanced UV absorption but also increased optical losses, which were partially offset by photoluminescent emission. For a UVDS layer absorbing more than 90% of incident UV photons, the short-circuit current density decreased by 1.77% without photoluminescence, compared with just 0.20% when photon conversion was included. Even the most strongly absorbing UVDS layer limited current losses to 0.34%. “Furthermore, comparison with hypothetical UV-blocking layers without photoluminescence demonstrated that appropriately designed UVDS layers can recover a substantial fraction of the absorbed UV photon flux, resulting in photocurrent gains exceeding 2% relative to conventional UV-protection approaches with comparable absorption characteristics,” the academics explained. To assess long-term performance, the team simulated energy production over 10 years in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Phoenix, Arizona, assuming a 6% voltage loss in unprotected TOPCon cells due to UV-induced degradation. Assuming that UVDS layers completely prevent this degradation, the simulations showed that an initial performance penalty of approximately 1% could be offset by more than 4% additional cumulative energy production over the decade. The team noted that commercial implementation will depend on manufacturing compatibility, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and the long-term stability of the luminescent materials. The predicted energy-yield gains remain conditional on effective UV protection and the assumed degradation behavior, which has not yet been experimentally validated over the simulated operating period. “By quantifying the sensitivity of photovoltaic performance to key material properties, including absorption, emission, photoluminescence quantum yield, and degradation, the framework can guide the development and assessment of future UVDS concepts,” the researchers concluded. Their findings are presented in the paper “Optical modelling and energy-yield assessment of UV down-shifting layers for high-efficiency TOPCon solar modules,” published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells. This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected]. This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected]. Comments Please login to comment The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now! Available in print and digital – get your copy today! pv magazine USA hosts its multi-day virtual event on U.S. solar and energy storage, covering domestic manufacturing, distributed energy and the growing role of solar-plus-storage in meeting AI-driven power demand. pv magazine hosts its four-day virtual event on European solar and energy storage, exploring market opportunities, solar-plus-storage business cases, technical quality, and cybersecurity in the years ahead. pv magazine Session returns to NetZero Milan as Knowledge Partner, organizing and moderating a two-hour conference on the evolving global solar supply chain. Get your ticket at a discounted rate with pv magazine. Join pv magazine for an expert session exploring quality, technology and the challenges of scaling India’s solar industry. Lunes, 19 de octubre de 2026 16:00 – 17:00 CEST, Berlín, París, Madrid Friday, October 23, 2026 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Monday, October 26, 2026 10:30 am – 11:30 am CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
The Minns Labor Government is consulting on Australia’s first mandatory solar panel recycling scheme to ensure valuable solar panel materials are recovered, reused and recycled rather than sent to landfill. The proposed regulation will help drive investment and jobs in the solar recycling industry and support the potential development of a solar panel remanufacturing industry in NSW. NSW leads the nation in solar uptake, with more than 1.18 million rooftop solar systems across homes, businesses, schools and community facilities. As these systems age, increasing numbers of solar panels are ending up in landfill. Around 14,000 tonnes of solar panel waste is generated in NSW each year. This is predicted to increase to 89,000 tonnes by 2045. The proposed mandatory product stewardship scheme would require solar panel brand owners to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products, helping fund collection, recycling and resource recovery across NSW. Recycling solar panels is not simply about reducing waste. It is also about capturing valuable resources and creating new economic opportunities. Valuable materials such as aluminium, glass, silicon, copper and silver can be recovered and reused in new products and manufacturing industries. As larger volumes of materials are recovered, NSW will be better placed to build local supply chains, strengthen manufacturing capability, encourage innovation and create skilled jobs across the state. To help shape this opportunity, the NSW Government has released an issues paper alongside the draft regulation, seeking feedback on how the state can support the growth of solar panel recycling, remanufacturing and manufacturing industries. Consultation will seek views from unions, industry, recyclers, manufacturers, researchers, local government, workers and the community on the opportunities, challenges and investment needed to build a circular economy for solar panels in NSW. Feedback will inform the design of the mandatory product stewardship scheme with the aim of establishing a system that reduces waste, recovers valuable resources and positions NSW as a leader in solar panel recycling and circular manufacturing. Submissions on the draft regulation and issues paper are now open. For more information and to have your say, visit https://yoursay.epa.nsw.gov.au/solar. Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said: “NSW has embraced rooftop solar, and now we’re making sure those panels don’t become tomorrow’s landfill problem. Solar panels contain valuable materials that can be recovered and put back to work. “A mandatory product stewardship scheme can help build a circular economy for solar panels, while supporting new recycling and manufacturing opportunities here in NSW.” We pay respect to the Traditional Custodians and First Peoples of NSW, and acknowledge their continued connection to their country and culture.
Home>News>Australian-made solar robots move towards commercial scale with $31.1 million in ARENA funding The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing up to $31.1 million to establish solar robotics manufacturing facilities in Melbourne and Brisbane, supporting faster, safer and more efficient construction of large-scale solar farms across Australia. Funded under Round 2 of ARENA’s Solar Sunshot Program, the projects will manufacture two complementary technologies in Australia; robots that install solar panels and autonomous systems that drive foundation piles. The new facilities in Victoria and Queensland will help improve productivity, reduce construction costs and ease workforce constraints as large-scale solar deployment grows, supporting Australia’s goal of ultra low-cost solar. ARENA CEO Darren Miller said these projects will advance the development of technologies previously demonstrated in Australian conditions into locally manufactured products that can be deployed at scale. “Installing foundations and placing panels are two of the most labour-intensive parts of solar farm construction. It’s hard work in the hot sun,” Mr Miller said. “Australia needs to install large volumes of solar quickly and cost-effectively. Local manufacturing and automation can improve the way solar farms are built by reducing construction costs and making installation faster, safer and more efficient; an important part of ARENA’s ultra low-cost solar vision. “Manufacturing these technologies in Australia will help to strengthen local supply chains, develop specialist skills and give solar projects better access to advanced construction equipment when and where it is needed.” ARENA is providing up to $17.8 million to Luminous Robotics to establish a Melbourne manufacturing facility for its autonomous solar panel installation robots, called LUMIs. The facility is expected to support the manufacture and deployment of around 100 LUMI robots by 2029, helping automate solar panel installation on large-scale solar farms. Luminous Robotics came through ARENA’s 2024 Solar Challenge, an initiative designed to supercharge innovation and crowdsource ideas from across the world on how to reduce the cost of large-scale solar. ARENA supported demonstrations of LUMI robots at solar farms in Victoria and New South Wales, where the technology was tested under Australian construction and environmental conditions. The new funding will enable moving the technology from field demonstration to industrial-scale manufacturing in Australia. “We’ve proven LUMI on real solar farms in Australia, in the heat and dust, doing some of the hardest work on site. With ARENA’s support, the next step is to turn that into scale,” Tenzin Crouch, General Manager, Luminous Robotics Australia said. “Building a production line in Melbourne, delivering our first hundred robots, and then growing from there. If Australia is going to build renewable energy at the scale and speed we need, robotics will have an important role to play and we are building it.” Built Robotics Australia will receive up to $13.3 million to establish a Brisbane manufacturing hub and operations centre for autonomous piling systems used in utility-scale solar construction. The facility will manufacture and deploy 12 robotic piling systems, helping automate one of the most labour-intensive stages of solar farm construction. The project builds on previous ARENA-supported deployments of Built Robotics’ autonomous piling technology in Australia, establishing domestic capability to manufacture, integrate and test piling systems for solar projects. “Australia has shown the world that construction robotics and physical AI work in the field. Now we’re going to build that technology here,” Paul Kelly, Vice President of Business Development, Built Robotics, said. “Our Brisbane hub will make Queensland a home for autonomous solar construction, creating skilled local jobs and a supply chain that serves projects in Australia, building on nearly a decade of work we’ve done here.” Together, the projects will build Australian manufacturing capability at two critical stages of solar farm construction. By moving proven robotics into larger-scale production and deployment, they can help create a domestic equipment supply chain for Australia’s growing large-scale solar industry. About Solar Sunshot The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is delivering the $850 million Solar Sunshot Program to support innovation in Australia’s solar PV manufacturing industry. Solar Sunshot was announced by the Australian Government in March 2024 and aims to uncover and support innovation to drive scale and diversity in a critical industry. Australia benefits from strong renewable energy potential, high-quality, abundant raw materials and a long track record of excellence in research and development. Solar Sunshot aims to harness these advantages so that Australia can strengthen and diversify its supply chains and create economic opportunities. For more information, visit ARENA’s website. We support global emissions reduction by accelerating innovation and the deployment of renewable energy, electrification and energy efficiency technologies, to the benefit of all Australians. We present knowledge sharing from experts in energy technology, innovation and business. Stay up to date with this valuable knowledge by following us on social, or by signing up to ARENAWIRE or the ARENA Insights newsletter.
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