Solar Now

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.
Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
On sale in Aldi stores nationwide, the device features four fold-out solar panels
Removed from bookmarks
The sun is shining, you’ve secured your Glastonbury Festival tickets and summer getaways are officially on the horizon. Arriving just in time for the warmer weather, Aldi has launched a new £30 portable solar panel, and it’s already selling out.
Solar panels are more popular than ever, and Aldi’s foldable solar panel charger costs far less than the best solar chargers we’ve tested at The Independent. Boasting four fold-out solar panels, you can charge several devices on the go thanks to its three USB-C ports. But the summer gadget is already flying off the shelves, with some local branches already selling out.
Retailers like Lidl, Iceland, Currys and Amazon are gearing up to sell £400 plug-in solar panels as part of a government push to bring cheaper home energy tech to the UK. Therefore it’ll soon be easier than ever to invest in renewables, without having to shell out for an entire solar panel roof. On sale now, Aldi’s portable solar panel is a specialbuy, so it won’t be restocked. Here’s everything you need to know
Read more: We’ve found the best solar panels in the UK
Designed for camping, hiking and all your outdoor adventures, Aldi’s £29.99 portable solar charger will help you out when you’re nowhere near a plug point. It has a foldable design, so it’s easy to pack away.
It features four solar panels, which can be spread out to capture more sunlight. There are also three handy USB-C ports, meaning you can charge multiple devices at the same time.
While we haven’t tested Aldi’s portable solar charger for ourselves, the supermarket chain says it has a 40W maximum output in strong sunlight, but you might get slower speeds if it’s a cloudier day.
Unlike a traditional power bank, solar chargers don’t store energy, but generate it on the go. Aldi’s portable solar charger landed in stores over the weekend as part of its specialbuys range. You don’t have long to snap it up. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

source

The iSkim Ultra utilizes a 24 W monocrystalline solar array and a 10,000 mAh battery to provide 24/7 surface cleaning through an autonomous dual-path navigation system.
Image: Beatbot
Beatbot has introduced the iSkim Ultra to the residential pool market, a device that aims to reduce filtration load by capturing surface debris before it sinks.
The unit is powered by a top-mounted 24 W solar panel that supports continuous operation, supplemented by a 10,000 mAh battery for overnight cleaning cycles. For environments with limited sunlight, the system includes a 24 W magnetic wireless charging dock.
The hardware is built around a seven-motor drive system and 20 sensors, including tri-ultrasonic sensors and a six-axis IMU, allowing the unit to navigate pool shapes and avoid obstacles. The cleaning mechanism features a 265 mm front roller brush that feeds a 9-liter debris basket. Beatbot states the basket can hold between 400 and 800 leaves depending on their size.
Beyond physical debris removal, the device integrates a pump system that dispenses a natural clarifying agent to manage oils and fine particles. This feature is controlled via a mobile app, which also handles manual steering and software updates. The iSkim Ultra is priced at $1,499 and is designed to handle daily surface maintenance without manual effort.
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: editors@pv-magazine.com.
More articles from Ryan Kennedy
Please be mindful of our community standards.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.


Δ
By submitting this form you agree to pv magazine using your data for the purposes of publishing your comment.
Your personal data will only be disclosed or otherwise transmitted to third parties for the purposes of spam filtering or if this is necessary for technical maintenance of the website. Any other transfer to third parties will not take place unless this is justified on the basis of applicable data protection regulations or if pv magazine is legally obliged to do so.
You may revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future, in which case your personal data will be deleted immediately. Otherwise, your data will be deleted if pv magazine has processed your request or the purpose of data storage is fulfilled.
Further information on data privacy can be found in our Data Protection Policy.
pv magazine USA offers daily updates of the latest photovoltaics news. We also offer comprehensive global coverage of the most important solar markets worldwide. Select one or more editions for targeted, up to date information delivered straight to your inbox.
Δ
Legal Notice Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy © pv magazine 2026
Δ
Welcome to pv magazine USA. This site uses cookies. Read our policy. ×
The cookie settings on this website are set to “allow cookies” to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click “Accept” below then you are consenting to this.
Close

source

A judicial review could be sought into the government's decision to approve proposals for the UK's largest solar farm.
The legal action is being considered by Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council after the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero approved Springwell Solar Farm on 8 April, with ministers saying it would help "bring down bills for good".
Developer EDF said it would cover an area the size of 1,700 football pitches – 1,280 hectares – and incorporate a battery storage facility, providing power for 180,000 homes.
The government said it could not comment on the possibility of a judicial review because it was "a live planning case".
The development, on land near villages between Lincoln and Sleaford, was approved following a public inquiry by the Planning Inspectorate.
But campaigners had raised concerns about the loss of farmland, the impact on the landscape and the safety of the lithium-ion batteries.
The county council said both authorities objected during the planning process because the proposals "did not properly assess" the impacts on rural communities, the landscape and agricultural land.
"Having carefully reviewed the examining authority's report and secretary of state's decision letter, the councils are concerned that the proper process was not followed and are now seeking to challenge the decision legally," a spokesperson said.
County council leader Sean Matthews said: "Following legal advice and a careful consideration of the potential costs and impact, we believe we may have grounds to challenge this decision."
North Kesteven District Council leader Richard Wright said the government's decision-making process was "flawed".
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the judicial review would be jointly funded between the two councils and could cost up to £500,000 if they were to lose.
The move is being backed by the Conservative MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, Dr Caroline Johnson, who said: "I am here because my constituents are very clear that they do not wish to have large scale ground-mounted solar farms blighting our countryside and impacting our food security."
Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, and watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
The developer says the plant will not affect local people but some nearby residents are worried.
The annual North Kesteven Walking Festival will comprise more than 70 walks for people of all ages.
The bank holiday event in Lincoln will feature Viking warriors, a Roman market and a Norman kitchen.
Residents are campaigning to prevent the site on fields near the rural village of Burnett.
University of Lincoln says dental care access is in crisis, particularly in rural and coastal areas.
Copyright 2026 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
 

source

Meta has taken a bold step toward securing future energy needs by signing a deal to access solar power beamed from space, marking a significant evolution in how major tech companies approach sustainability and infrastructure.

The company is increasingly focused on long-term energy resilience as its artificial intelligence operations expand. Data centers require vast amounts of electricity, and Meta is now exploring unconventional solutions to ensure consistent, carbon-free power. This agreement reflects a broader strategy to diversify beyond terrestrial renewable sources like wind and ground-based solar.
The concept relies on satellites positioned in orbit that capture sunlight without atmospheric interference. These satellites convert solar energy into infrared or microwave signals and transmit it to Earth. Ground stations then convert the signals back into usable electricity. This system promises higher efficiency compared to traditional solar panels, limited by weather and daylight cycles.
READ: Meta to surpass Google in digital ad revenue by 2027 (April 14, 2026)

One of the biggest advantages of space-based solar power is its ability to operate continuously. Unlike traditional solar systems, which stop generating electricity after sunset, orbital systems can harvest sunlight around the clock. This eliminates the need for large-scale battery storage and addresses one of renewable energy’s biggest limitations.
To make this vision viable, companies will need to deploy hundreds or even thousands of satellites. These systems must integrate with large receiving stations on Earth, forming a complex energy network. Meta’s long-term ambitions suggest a massive scaling effort, aligning with its goal to support expanding AI workloads and digital services.
READ: Meta builds AI Mark Zuckerberg for employee access (April 13, 2026)
The technology remains in its early stages. Initial demonstrations are expected within the next few years, with broader deployment targeted by the end of the decade. However, significant hurdles remain, including high costs, regulatory approvals, and the technical challenge of transmitting energy safely and efficiently across long distances.
Meta’s move underscores a growing intersection between energy innovation and artificial intelligence. As AI systems demand more computing power, reliable and sustainable energy sources will become critical. Space-based solar could play a transformative role, not just for Meta but for the entire tech industry, by redefining how energy is generated and delivered in a data-driven world. In pursuing this ambitious approach, Meta positions itself at the forefront of next-generation energy solutions, signaling that the future of clean power may extend far beyond Earth.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Please enter an answer in digits:

Δ
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Let’s connect on any of these social networks!


The American Bazaar is a publication of American Bazaar, Inc., based in Germantown, MD.
Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

source

Aluminum Extrusion in Solar PV: Market to Reach $9.5 Billion as  openPR.com
source

April 27, 2026
By AYURELLA HORN-MULLER of Grist and MELINA WALLING, JOSHUA A. BICKEL and M.K. WILDEMAN of The Associated Press
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is a collaboration between Grist and The Associated Press.
Over the past few years, Kentucky sheep farmer Daniel Bell has been expanding his flock, and that meant he needed to build a new barn. His land is far from the power lines he would need to heat it, so he figured rooftop solar would be ideal.

To help pay for it, he wanted to apply for a renewable-energy grant through the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP — only to find that the Trump administration had effectively halted grants through the program. Bell said that made it impossible to proceed with the idea on his land.
“For me, it’s just been about freedom. Freedom to lower bills, freedom to control my own assets,” he said.
Many farmers work on the thinnest margins, fighting to stay profitable. Some, looking to cut costs on electricity, turn to the federal government for a little extra cash to help them install solar panels on top of barns, grain elevators, or offices. Others turn to commercial renewable energy leases as both an alternative income stream and a way to put fallow land to work.
Within the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term, two federal programs critical to the growth of solar energy production — REAP and the clean energy tax credit — have been rolled back. To document how those policy changes are affecting farmers, The Associated Press and Grist analyzed data on both commercial-scale solar projects and small-scale rural energy development across the country. They found that, so far this fiscal year, the Department of Agriculture hasn’t awarded a dollar in rural energy grants or loan guarantees. Reporters contacted roughly a quarter of the nearly 300 developers that have proposed projects on agricultural land in the last two years and found that they are either preparing their businesses to do future projects without federal support or have already lost millions in investment because of the administration’s new tax credit policies.

Bell, for his part, decided to go a different route: Instead of building on his own property, he has asked to build two new temporary barns on land owned by a commercial solar operation where he is paid to graze his sheep beneath solar panels to keep the grass down. If the business approves his request, the barns could draw cheaper power from their operation. But not every farmer has that opportunity.
The effects of these policy shifts are uneven. Some solar projects are stalled because of permitting hang-ups. Some are right on schedule. And some are moving faster than anticipated, as developers race to break ground before tax credits expire. But, taken together, the findings reveal how the collapse of federal support for solar has spread across American agriculture from major corporations to family farms.

The abandoned solar projects

The Energy Policy Act of 2005, signed by President George W. Bush, enacted a 30% investment tax credit for large-scale clean energy projects, boosting the solar industry. The tax credit was extended for eight years under President Barack Obama and later extended under Trump in 2020.
When President Joe Biden signed the 2022 landmark climate bill, the tax credit was extended again through 2032 or when specific emissions targets were reached. Last July, when Congress passed Trump’s tax bill, the timeline for the clean energy tax credits were again reset — in reverse. Now commercial solar projects must be under construction by July 2026 or placed in service by the end of 2027 to remain eligible for the credit.
At least 126 solar projects proposed since the beginning of 2024 are awaiting regulatory approval, according to a Grist and AP analysis of the latest information developers supplied to the Energy Information Administration. Each is near or on agricultural land, with at least one-fifth of the surrounding area used for grazing fields or crops, and would together supply about 20 gigawatts of electricity if built. That’s enough renewable energy to power about 4.5 million homes, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
The new timeline, though, has prompted some developers to abandon projects after concluding they couldn’t move fast enough to meet the new tax credit cutoff.
Bogdan Micu, CEO of the German solar developer Alpin Sun, said it had to abandon projects representing about $6 million in investments in about 1,000 megawatts in the U.S. Northeast.
“Well. We lost our projects,” Micu said. The company simply couldn’t speed up its projects to meet the deadlines, he said.

A longstanding renewable energy program is gutted

Through REAP, the USDA issues grants and loans to farmers, ranchers, and rural businesses interested in renewable energy — like installing solar to lower utility costs. According to Richa Patel, a policy specialist at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, REAP has funded more than 19,000 grants totaling more than $1.8 billion since its inception nearly two decades ago, and backed tens of thousands of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across the country. The program was supercharged by funding from the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, and up until then, when some congressional Republicans began to question the grant structure of the program, was largely supported by both parties. But for many of the farmers whose awards or applications were affected as Trump took office again, the past year has made farm country’s already-dire economic landscape even more difficult to weather.
Elisa Lane, a flower and fruit farmer in Hampstead, Maryland, will never forget the anxiety she felt in February 2025 when she heard the Trump administration had frozen the $30,576 REAP grant she’d been awarded in 2024 to install solar panels — with no explanation.

“Man, was that so stressful,” said Lane, who spent months worried she’d be “on the hook” for the amount that she’d already contracted a solar company to install. It was supposed to alleviate the stress of her energy bills, which she says ran around $500 a month before getting solar.
In March 2025, the agency announced it would release already-awarded grants and loans — but there appeared to be some fine print. The USDA invited recipients to voluntarily revise their proposals to align with Trump’s executive order by “eliminating Biden-era DEIA and climate mandates embedded in previous proposals.”
Although she was anxiously waiting on the funds, Lane decided not to revise her proposal after a local USDA representative advised her to do that. (The representative assured her she would receive the payment, according to emails seen by Grist and the AP.) Later that spring, she heard from the USDA that the payment would be released and she could move forward with construction. So she did, putting up the full $70,000 it cost to install the panels. By August, they were up and running on her land. By September, she received her reimbursement check covering about half the project fee from USDA — more than half a year after the funding was first frozen.
In the span of roughly seven months, the USDA froze the program’s grant funding, invited grantees to reapply without climate and DEI language, imposed sweeping new restrictions on solar on farmland, and closed future application cycles.
“It was so disruptive,” she said. “I just want to have a farm and be able to focus on my business.”
Now, she’s doing just that. The panels, to Lane, represent a long-term investment into bringing down her farm’s enormous energy bill.
Although things eventually worked out for Lane and other recent REAP grantees, the Grist and AP analysis of USDA Rural Development data found the program has not committed a single dollar in renewable energy development since September. Even though the agency said it anticipated it would do so last October, USDA never reopened REAP’s grant application cycle. Its loan guarantee program — geared toward larger farm and rural business projects — has remained open, though the analysis found that the agency has awarded no new agreements this fiscal year.
Then, on March 31, the USDA announced a suspension of all REAP grant awards so the agency may update regulations within the program to comply with an executive order issued by Trump last July. The agency noted that it “will not be making further grant awards until the new regulations are in effect,” but added that REAP guaranteed loans “will continue to be awarded in this time.”
In response to a request for comment, a USDA spokesperson said the “suspension of REAP grant awards is temporary” but did not provide further details on how long grants will be paused. Asked why the USDA has not yet issued any loans this fiscal year through the program, the spokesperson said the agency “continues to administer REAP in accordance with current guidance” and is “prioritizing program integrity and alignment with Administration direction as it conducts its review.”
Robert Bonnie, who was undersecretary for farm production and conservation at the USDA under the Biden administration, said any loss in the program’s funding will be felt throughout rural America. Part of the USDA’s role over the long term, he said, has been to channel investment into rural parts of the country while making rural prosperity part of the climate agenda.

“In places like Iowa and Texas, renewables matter, not just for additional power, and lower power bills, and clean energy, but also matters for farmers’ pocketbooks,” said Bonnie. “Anything you do to pull back on that is hugely problematic.”

Racing to beat the tax-credit deadline

For RIC Energy North America, a renewable energy developer based in New York City, the changes to the solar tax credits triggered an all-out sprint to advance every project in its pipeline, said CEO Jon Rappe. The company has about 150 solar projects in its North American portfolio with the bulk of those developments on fallow land, hayfields and former farmland.
“Now, some companies are probably going to go out and continue to sign sites, and take some risks, in case there’s an extension of tax credits or something like that,” Rappe said. “But the next generation of projects is not going to happen unless there’s some change at the federal level.”
One of RIC Energy’s projects is to develop 15 acres (6 hectares) of solar on Tim Covert’s land in the primarily agricultural town of Sheridan, New York. The community solar project, where small-scale arrays would allow low-income residents to subscribe to get monthly credits on their utility bill, offers a new source of steady revenue for Covert, a former dairy farmer who was treated for cancer in the last year and struggled to work as a result.
“I’m 100% cancer-free, but with the treatments, there’s some side effects that take a little while to get rid of,” he said, which includes brain fog, muscle soreness and depleted energy. “So it would be great if they did have it done by fall, and I started getting money.”
Under the agreement, the bigger payout, which Covert says equals roughly a quarter of his income as an electrical contractor, won’t start until the project is completed and online — and Covert isn’t sure when that will happen amid the shifting federal landscape. At the moment, he’s getting a small stipend simply for leasing his land. He’s been told construction could start as soon as the end of May, though “it seems to be changing a lot.” RIC Energy, for its part, told Grist and the AP that the construction is slated to begin late summer to early fall.
“I don’t think they’re going to stop now, because they have quite a bit of time and money invested in this thing already,” he said. “So I don’t see them pulling the plug.”
Even amid the shifting policies, some clean-energy developers say they are winning out. Solar energy is still one of the cheapest forms of energy, and energy is in higher demand than ever, partly due to artificial intelligence data center construction. What’s more, tax equity sometimes made financing projects more complicated, so in some ways losing the tax credit also broke down a barrier to getting things done, said Nick Cohen, president and CEO of Doral LLC, a large-scale solar energy and battery storage developer with about 450 megawatts in operation and about 16,000 more planned or in construction.
It’s “a very exciting time if you’re a large enough developer that was in the right place at the right time doing large projects,” he said.
“All the new rules really favor the big guys like us.”
___
This story has been corrected to show that new commercial solar projects can be eligible for a tax credit if they are under construction by July 2026 or in service by the end of 2027, not necessarily both.
___
The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

We don’t spam!
Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Thousands of farmers and small rural businesses remain in limbo as USDA demands grant rewrites favoring fossil fuels over renewables. Ames Alexander/Floodlight, Mario Alejandro Ariza/Floodlight, Joe Engleman/Barn Raiser…
June 19, 2025 Judith Ruiz-Branch – Public News Service A joint effort is helping Wisconsin farmers protect water quality in their communities by learning more about how to prevent manure and fertilizer spills and…
Many farmers who spent big on solar are finally getting reimbursed. But another climate program for agriculture is headed for the morgue. Ames Alexander/Floodlight June 1, 2025 Farmers who were left in limbo after the U…
Contact Information:
Red Dress Media Inc
VernonReporter.Com
P.O. Box 45
Viroqua, WI 54665
Got a story tip or idea?
888-909-NEWS (6397)
news@vernonreporter.com
Copyright © 2026 · Created by VernonReporter · Powered by WordPress
This site uses cookies for analytics and to improve your experience. By clicking Accept, you consent to our use of cookies. Learn more in our privacy policy.
Accept Decline
Cookie preferences

source

April 27, 2026
If you’ve followed my video bird feeder testing, you know I’ve tried plenty—Bird Buddy, Birdfy, you name it. Each has had something to love and something to groan about. But after spending time with the Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 4K AI Camera with Solar Panel (available at Amazon) , I’ll say something I haven’t before: this is the best smart bird feeder I’ve tested, full stop. It outperforms the competition in every category. Build quality is better than Bird Buddy’s, and bird identification accuracy is better than Birdfy’s. This doesn’t mean it’s perfect because nothing is, but if you’re serious about bird watching from your backyard (and your phone), this feeder is worth a look.
Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.
About the Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 4K AI Camera with Solar Panel
What we like
What we don’t like
Should you buy the Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 4K AI Camera with Solar Panel?
Related content
Durable build quality
Excellent AI identification
Built-in solar panels
4K HD camera quality
Notification overload
No hanging mechanism for mounting
The Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 is a solar-powered, AI-enabled smart bird feeder with a built-in ultra high-definition (4K) video camera. It automatically—and accurately—identifies bird species using artificial intelligence through the companion smartphone app and keeps a record of which species have visited over time.
Unlike some competitors, the solar panel is built into the feeder’s roof rather than set aside as a separate unit. The feeder features two compartments for birdseed, each with its own sliding mechanism, a roof that locks to secure the contents, and several mounting options.
I’ve set up enough feeders to know that “easy setup” is often marketing speak for “you’ll only want to throw it across the room once.” You could be too far from the router. Perhaps the feeder is incompatible with 5 GHz. Or maybe the pole mount opening is too tight for the pole. These are all common issues I’ve dealt with in the past.
The Kiwibit 2 is the real deal. Remove it from the box, screw on the mount and perch, download the app, and follow the step-by-step instructions. It took me all of 10 minutes to do. Here’s a tip: Set it up inside, near your router. You’ll be glad when it connects to Wi-Fi on the first try, not the fifth.
One great thing about the Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 is the solar-powered roof, which deters other animals from chewing on a wire.
I’ve repeatedly run into this problem with solar-powered bird feeders: The cable connecting the separate solar panel to the feeder is irresistible to squirrels, raccoons, and basically any other backyard troublemaker with teeth. Why? Who knows. But I’ve seen it happen with the previous Kiwibit model. I’ve seen it happen with other brands. The dangling cable is a serious design flaw that, when chewed through, renders the solar charger feature useless in short order.
On the Kiwibit 2, the solar panels are built into the feeder’s roof. There is no cable, no dangling wire, and therefore no snack for the local wildlife. It’s an elegant solution to a frustrating problem, and I’m glad to see more brands moving in this direction.
The Kiwbit Bird Feeder 2 has separate chambers to allow variety in feeding your bird friends.
I love the drawer slides at the bottom of each seed chamber. Being able to open or close each independently gives you much more flexibility. Want to try one type of seed in one and another in the second? Go for it. (I used black oil sunflower seeds and a shelled mix coated in hot pepper oil.) Need to close one off while it dries after rain? Easy. It’s the kind of detail that shows the designers actually use this thing.
The roof, too, earns points for security. You have to press a button to open it, and it doesn’t stay propped open on its own. If a squirrel or raccoon somehow manages to pry it up, the roof slams back down and locks as soon as it’s unsupported. I will say that the same feature makes filling the feeder a bit of an exercise in patience. You’ll want a third hand. But I’ll take a mildly inconvenient refill over a raided seed chamber any day.
The Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 has 4K-quality video that you can view right from your phone.
The jump in video and photo quality from the previous Kiwibit model is immediately obvious. The image is clearer, brighter, and sharper—and the field of view is noticeably wider, so you’re catching more of the action around the feeder. If you want to capture frame-worthy photos of your backyard visitors (and with a feeder this good, you will be), the camera’s quality won’t disappoint.
The app accompanying the Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 is easy to use and features a calendar view.
A smart bird feeder is only as good as its app, and Kiwibit’s is well-designed, clean, and intuitive. You can see which birds visited on any day and at what time in a simple calendar view.
Birds are also organized by species, so you can track visit frequency over time, molting, and migration patterns. You can also watch momma birds teaching their babies where to find food. Honestly, it can be addictive.
Got a friend who also loves birds but doesn’t have a backyard? Kiwibit allows you to share access to your feeder with them through the app.
The Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 offers pole mount, wall mount, and tree strap steups.
Unfortunately, this one stings a little. During the in-app setup process, the Kiwibit app shows a metal hanger as one of the mounting options. This is the same style of hanger that comes with the Bird Buddy feeder. The Kiwibit feeder itself has the necessary holes near the roof to accommodate the hanger, but when you open the box? No hanger.
The box offers pole mount, wall mount, and tree strap, but the hanger is not included as an option. I had been genuinely excited because, in my experience, hanging a feeder is the single best way to keep nuisance animals from accessing it. I ended up using the pole mount with a squirrel baffle of my own, and squirrels still managed to get into the feeder.
Showing customers a mounting option during setup and then not including it is, at minimum, confusing. I’d love to see Kiwibit either add the hanger to the box or, at the very least, offer it for sale separately. It does neither at the moment.
Over four days, I received 552 notifications on my phone. Let that sink in. Five hundred and fifty-two. The vast majority of them were alerting to squirrels, not the cardinal, chickadee, or downy woodpecker I was hoping to see. I love this feeder, but I do not love getting pinged every 30 seconds about a gray squirrel doing what gray squirrels do.
The fix here seems simple enough to me: Give users the ability to selectively turn off notifications by species or animal type. Let me keep bird alerts on while muting the nuisance animal alerts. That would go a very long way.
Before you buy, it’s worth noting that, out of the box, the free subscription tier offers 4K video and photo resolution (ultra high-definition), livestreaming, motion detection, and device sharing. However, some of the most compelling features, including AI bird species identification (automatic recognition of birds using artificial intelligence), the Bird Wiki, auto keyshot capture, and up to 60 days of cloud storage, require a Kiwibit Plus subscription at $4.49 per month (a recurring paid service). Free users also get only one day of rolling cloud history and recordings capped at 20 seconds.
Subscriptions are fairly standard in smart feeders, and $4.49 a month isn’t breaking the bank. Still, consider this in the total cost, especially since AI species ID is a key feature. For local storage, the feeder supports a microSD card (not included).
If you’re a serious birder or even a hobbyist, I recommend splurging on the subscription. It makes a big difference. But if cost matters or you just like seeing notifications and then not going back to them, the low-cost, one-time microSD card will store enough bird pics to satisfy your whimsy.
The Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 is a great choice for bird lovers who are looking for camera quality, ease of use, and more.
Having tested multiple Bird Buddy and Birdfy models, the previous Kiwibit, and several others, I can confidently say that the Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 4K AI Camera with Solar Panel (available at Amazon) is the best smart bird feeder I’ve come across. The 4K camera is exceptional, the solar panel integration is smart and durable, the seed chamber design shows genuine thoughtfulness, and the app makes it easy to actually enjoy the data it collects.
The missing hanger is a genuine frustration—especially since the app suggests one—and the notification system needs a settings overhaul before it drives anyone to silence their phone entirely. Factor in a subscription if you want the full AI experience. But these are fixable problems, and the core product is excellent.
If you’re in the market for a smart bird feeder and want the best available right now, this is it.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
Leigh Harrington
Executive Editor

Leigh Harrington has 25 years experience as a writer and editor for myriad print and digital publications.
At Reviewed, Harrington manages Reviewed’s overall content, including areas of focus like home improvement, cleaning, gardening, cooking, smart home, organization, and parenting. She focuses on developing and editing consumer ed content, product reviews and buying guides, but she also writes, too.
Harrington is also an experienced travel writer, and has authored books including Fodor’s Boston, 100 Things to Do in Boston Before You Die, and Colorful Cities Boston, an adult coloring book. She was a respected, longtime regional editorial director at Where travel guide, and has written for other publications including the US News & World Report, USA Today, Boston Herald, Newport Life, Exhale magazine, Huffington Post, and many more. www.leighharrington.com
Our team is here to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and experts obsess over the products we cover to make sure you’re confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we’ll compare notes.
Enter your email:
©2026 Reviewed, powered by StackCommerce. All rights reserved.

Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.
Enter your email:

source

Meta wants to get solar power from space  WGN Radio 720
source

The post said “Harrisburg” gave its approval to the project calling it a “minimal change in land use.”
The fact that it was fictional was not disclosed unless you clicked on comments.
Judging from those comments, more than a few people were sucked in by the made-up project.
Because the post did not mention what the REAL policies of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are, here’s a quick refresher.
DCNR spokesperson Wesley Robinson pointed PA Environment Digest to DCNR’s Solar Energy webpage for the real story.
“Grid-scale solar installations are not permitted on DCNR lands, nor on lands that have received DCNR grant funds.”
Solar Guidelines For Property Owners
The department does support advancing grid-scale solar on other properties while minimizing negative environmental impacts through informed planning and decision-making processes. 
DCNR has developed guidance for landowners, developers, planners, and local officials for the siting and construction of grid-scale solar projects.
The guidance outlines 10 considerations for siting best practices and eight for sustainable design. These include:
— Prioritize the conservation and protection of mature forests, recreational lands, plant and wildlife habitat, and vital ecosystems
— Prioritize siting on already disturbed lands
— Co-locate near existing energy infrastructure
— Avoid and minimize erosion and sedimentation
— Actively protect and restore wildlife habitat to include and support native species
— Include decommissioning that restores the land to the same condition as it was before
Solar Energy In State Parks & Forests
DCNR is building solar panels to power buildings, facilities, and even whole state parks and forest areas when possible. 
The agency looks for the best places to put solar panels. Some factors are:
— Facilities already being renovated or built
— Solar energy can meet the power needs
— Sunlight is available
— Site conditions are good
— Across state parks and forests, there are now 38 solar panel systems with a total capacity of 4,548 kW DC. 
100% Renewable By 2030
By 2030, DCNR plans to get 100 percent of its electricity from renewable energy. Some will come from solar power produced on DCNR park and forest land. 
The department also participates in the Project to Utilize Light and Solar Energy (PA PULSE) initiative. The rest is from other renewable sources.
Visit DCNR’s Solar Energy for the real story.
Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.
Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.
  For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website.  Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter.
[Posted: April 27, 2026]  PA Environment Digest

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

source

This market report is based on data and analysis from Infolink Consulting.
Cautious sentiment continues to dominate the global solar PV value chain, with limited signs of a sustained recovery in demand despite some stabilisation in upstream pricing.
In the polysilicon segment, buyers have largely delayed new contract negotiations amid persistent market uncertainty. Transaction activity remains focused on fulfilling existing orders, while procurement is being carried out in small batches as manufacturers work through elevated inventories and attempt to manage costs. Although granular polysilicon prices have edged higher in negotiations, only limited deals have been concluded, underscoring the ongoing imbalance between supply and demand.
Market discussions around anti price war measures and potential cost floors have re emerged, though concrete outcomes remain unclear. Average polysilicon prices are expected to rise modestly to RMB 33 to 35 per kg, with limited upside potential due to weak demand expectations for April and May.
Related news: JA Solar DeepBlue 5.0 preferred as developers seek bankable solar performance
Current price ranges indicate recycled mono grade polysilicon at RMB 35 to 36 per kg, with offers reaching RMB 37 per kg but no confirmed transactions. Mono grade mixed lots are trading at RMB 32 to 34 per kg, while granular polysilicon is priced between RMB 34 and 36 per kg, with negotiations ongoing at RMB 37 per kg. Outside China, average polysilicon prices remain stable at around US$ 18 per kg.
The wafer segment has shown early signs of stabilisation following an uptick in upstream polysilicon pricing and market speculation around potential industry coordination. Manufacturers have responded by raising quotes, with 183N wafers now at RMB 0.92 per piece, 210RN at RMB 1.02 per piece, and 210N at RMB 1.22 per piece.
However, actual transaction prices have yet to fully reflect these increases, with continued buyer resistance and negotiations at lower levels. Inventory build up ahead of recent price hikes has further dampened procurement activity, resulting in subdued trading volumes. While larger format wafers are seeing relatively stronger price support, overall momentum for a sustained rebound remains limited.
In the cell segment, price declines have begun to moderate. N type cell prices in China have stabilised, with 183N and 210N both averaging RMB 0.33 per W, while 210RN has edged down slightly to RMB 0.335 per W. As wafer prices rise, expectations for higher cell prices are emerging, particularly for 210N products.
If planned production cuts materialise between late April and early May, and cost support remains stable, cell prices are expected to stabilise with a potential upward bias. In export markets, prices have remained largely unchanged, with both P type and N type cells holding at around US$ 0.049 per W.
Module pricing continues to face headwinds, particularly in China. In the ground mounted segment, manufacturers have attempted modest price increases, but limited order volumes have constrained actual transaction gains. Prices are currently in the range of RMB 0.68 to 0.75 per W.
In contrast, the distributed generation segment has seen early signs of price softening, as competitive pressures force manufacturers to lower quotes. Transaction prices are currently between RMB 0.76 and 0.80 per W.
Internationally, module prices remain relatively stable at around US$ 0.11 to 0.12 per W. In the Middle East, logistical disruptions linked to regional instability are limiting price movement, while European prices are holding at US$ 0.12 to 0.125 per W on an FOB basis.
A notable divergence has emerged between ground mounted and distributed segments, with pricing trends moving in opposite directions. Distributed market prices in China have adjusted downward more rapidly, while ground mounted project pricing continues to reflect earlier contracts and slower renegotiation cycles.
Overall, solar PV manufacturers are increasingly shifting their pricing strategies. Rather than prioritising margins, companies are focusing on securing orders and maintaining production stability. This has led to more flexible pricing approaches and a gradual softening of previously firm pricing positions.
Despite short term price stability, the broader market remains constrained by weak end market demand and limited new order activity. As cost support continues to soften and demand recovery remains uncertain, downside risks are increasing. Market indicators suggest that a potential turning point may emerge in the latter part of April, with price pressures likely to persist in the near term.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal

 






Δ

April 18, 2026
April 23, 2026
March 18, 2026
March 16, 2026
March 16, 2026
March 23, 2026
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Returns Policy | Intellectual Property | Cookie Policy
© 2019 – 2026 GBA Digital Media Group. All Rights Reserved | Site Credit

Subscribe to our weekly Top 5 Stories
"*" indicates required fields
Δ

source

Data centres have emerged as the primary driver of electricity demand growth in Australia, with utility Origin Energy reporting that the sector propelled a 4% increase in sales volumes during the March 2026 quarter compared to the same period last year.
Detailed in the company’s quarterly report, electricity sales reached 9.4TWh in the quarter, with business volumes climbing 7% year-on-year to 0.4TWh.
Get Premium Subscription
Chief executive Frank Calabria said Origin had continued to grow its share of Australia’s data centre market.
“We’re well-positioned to support further growth in demand from this sector through grid connections, long-term renewable energy contracts, and on-site solar and batteries. Our generation fleet maintained good reliability, and we’ve secured most of the coal supply for Eraring for FY27,” Calabria said.
The results showcase the rapid transformation of Australia’s electricity demand profile as data centre operators establish facilities to serve cloud computing and artificial intelligence workloads.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) projects that data centre electricity consumption could reach approximately 6% of National Electricity Market (NEM) demand by 2030, up from around 2% currently, with further growth anticipated under higher-uptake scenarios.
The growth of data centre demand in Australia and how the solar PV and battery energy storage industries are poised to capture the opportunity will be explored in our next PV Tech Power journal.
The integration of renewable energy generation, such as solar PV, and battery storage systems into data centre infrastructure also creates opportunities for these assets to participate in wholesale electricity markets during periods when capacity is not required for facility operations.
This could potentially improve investment economics while providing grid flexibility services.
However, readers of PV Tech will be aware that concerns are mounting in Australia around data centre developers not contributing adequately to grid infrastructure costs, with industry voices warning that social backlash is inevitable if facilities are perceived as freeloading on Australia’s clean energy transition.
To help address this, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has started developing regulatory frameworks to accommodate what it terms “inverted baseloads”, defined as large, constant electricity consumers like data centres. 
As reported last month, draft access standards released by the AEMC propose different requirements based on facility size thresholds at 30MW and 100MW, reflecting the challenge of integrating substantial new baseload demand into a grid increasingly reliant on variable renewable energy.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that global electricity demand from data centres will more than double by 2030 to exceed 945TWh annually, driven substantially by AI-optimised facilities where demand is expected to more than quadruple over the same period.
Origin’s strategy to capture data centre demand includes deploying battery energy storage systems (BESS) that can serve multiple functions for these facilities.
The company began generating revenue in January 2026 from the first stage of its Eraring battery storage project, a 460MW/1,770MWh system with approximately 3.8 hours of discharge capability located at the site of Australia’s largest coal-fired power station.
A second stage is expected online in early 2027, bringing total capacity to 700MW/3,160MWh.
Battery storage is increasingly recognised as essential infrastructure for data centre operations, addressing three primary use cases according to Fluence chief growth officer Jeff Monday, who spoke exclusively to ESN Premium at the Energy Storage Summit Australia 2026 last month.
These include accelerating grid connection timelines by reducing firm power commitments, providing more efficient backup power to replace diesel generators, and smoothing power loads between facilities and the grid or on-site generation.
Monday predicted that once standardised battery storage blueprints are finalised with hyperscale customers in the US, deployment in Australia will experience rapid acceleration.
Origin’s broader quarterly results showed gas volumes declined 32% year-on-year, primarily due to lower trading volumes and reduced gas demand for power generation, driven by increased rooftop solar output and growing battery storage deployment.
The company has secured 75-85% of the anticipated coal consumption for its coal-fired Eraring Power Station for the 2027 financial year. Origin extended Eraring’s operational life to April 2029 in January 2026, citing the need to support a secure power supply as renewable energy, storage, and transmission projects are delivered.
The company is targeting up to 5GW of renewables and energy storage by 2030, including committed development of 1.7GW of owned and tolled battery storage capacity, representing approximately AU$1.7 billion (US$1.22 billion) in storage investment as it transitions from coal-dependent generation.

source

THINK ALUMINIUM THINK AL CIRCLE
Calculate Embedded Emissions for Unwrought Aluminium (HS7601)
CBAM is applicable to trade volumes starting from 50 metric tonnes. For trade volumes below 50 metric tonnes, CBAM does not apply.
The system will automatically calculate the payable
emissions and the total CBAM cost (€) based on the
inputs provided.
Also unlock other exclusive content

Stock image for referential purposes only
India’s power sector has entered a new phase of resilience, with solar energy emerging as a strong force in meeting record electricity demand. Prompted by intense summer consumption, the country successfully addressed an all-time high peak demand of 256 gigawatts (GW), highlighting the growing role of renewable energy in stabilising the Indian energy mix.
Accounting for around 22 per cent of total generation, solar industries contributed nearly 57 GW at the peak load recorded in the afternoon of April 24, which stood at 256.1 GW. Earlier that day, solar energy output surged even higher, reaching almost 81 GW and making up approximately one-third of the total electricity generation. 
Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain
This sharp rise throws light on the rapid scale-up of both utility-scale solar projects as well as rooftop installations across the country. Comparing year-on-year, a rise can be noted in renewable energy’s share of the contribution to meeting India’s peak power demand. In 2023, it stood at 10.9 per cent, which climbed to 15.1 per cent in 2024 and to 15.4 per cent in 2025.
The latest peak surpassed the previous high recorded just a day earlier, indicating a stable demand pressure amid rising temperatures. While, as of April 25, coal continues to anchor baseload supply, contributing 171.8 GW to the grid, the steadily increasing share of non-fossil fuel energy and renewable energy sources like solar with 60.5 GW, hydro with 11.2 GW, wind with 4.6 GW, and nuclear with 6.3 GW, is reshaping India’s energy mix.
Don’t miss out- Buyers are looking for your products on our B2B platform
Policy and operations continue to reinforce the solar industry
The policy framework has also been aligned with this transition. In his recent Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the strategic importance of renewable energy, referring to solar and wind energies as central to India’s long-term energy security amid global uncertainties.
Additionally, at the operational level, the government is also focusing on storage solutions with increased importance. Officials have noted that the expansion of battery energy storage systems is expected to further strengthen the solar industry’s role, especially in meeting peak demand in the evening.
With peak demand projected to climb further in the upcoming months, the integration of renewable energy, led by solar energy, is likely to remain critical in ensuring grid stability while advancing India’s clean energy ambitions.
Must read: Key industry individuals share their thoughts on the trending topics

Tagged with:
GAIL announces 600 MW solar project in Uttar Pradesh
Responses
This website uses cookies
We use cookies from our users to operate this website and to improve its usability. You can find details of what cookies are, why we use them and how you can manage them in our Cookies page. Please note that by using this site you are consenting to the use of cookies.
Necessary cookies help make a website usable by enabling basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website. The website cannot function properly without these cookies.
Preference cookies enable a website to remember information that changes the way the website behaves or looks, like your preferred language or the region that you are in.
Statistic cookies help website owners to understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and reporting information anonymously.
Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites. The intention is to display ads that are relevant and engaging for the individual user and thereby more valuable for publishers and third party advertisers.
Cookies are small text files that can be used by websites to make a user’s experience more efficient.
The law states that we can store cookies on your device if they are strictly necessary for the operation of this site. For all other types of cookies we need your permission.
This site uses different types of cookies. Some cookies are placed by third party services that appear on our pages.
Your consent applies to the following domains: google.com, youtube.com, doubleclick.net, zopim.com

source

Rights activists noted that solar projects are highly important for increasing agricultural production, ensuring food security, and modernising agriculture.

S Dilip Roy and Mostafa Shabuj

The Daily Star

View all posts by S Dilip Roy and Mostafa Shabuj →

The Daily Star
View all posts by S Dilip Roy and Mostafa Shabuj →
Bangladesh’s farmers face rising diesel costs and shortages, threatening irrigation and crops. Solar-powered pumps offer a reliable, cost-saving alternative, boosting yields and resilience, but expansion remains slow despite strong potential benefits. PHOTO: THE DAILY STAR
April 28, 2026
DHAKA – Times are bad for Bangladesh’s farmers. Right when they needed a steady diesel supply to irrigate vast swathes of cropland — Boro paddies, seasonal vegetables, maize — the world entered what the head of the International Energy Agency called “the biggest energy security threat in history.”
The fuel is in short supply. The government has just hiked its price by 15 percent. Many farmers are now fearing losses of both crops and investment. But not Afzal Hossain from Fulpukuria village in Gobindaganj of Gaibandha, who cultivated Boro paddy on six bighas this season and gets his water from a solar-powered pump.
“I am not really worried about irrigation,” he said.
“My neighbours who rely on diesel or electric pumps are suffering due to the fuel crisis and load-shedding.”
Bangladesh requires over 40 lakh tonnes of diesel a year, with a large chunk of it going towards the running of more than 12 lakh irrigation pumps, according to data from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and government agencies. Besides, there are more than 430,000 electric pumps that provide minor irrigation.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the country currently has 754 diesel-powered deep tube wells, 1,039,337 shallow tube wells, and 184,384 low-lift pumps in operation.
While this reliance could be a devastating blow for many farmers, those using solar-powered pumps are enjoying immunity from the whole crisis.
In Rangpur Division, across five districts, 509,095 hectares of Boro paddy have been planted this year. Around 35 percent to 40 percent of cultivable land in the region depends entirely on diesel-powered shallow machines. The recent price hike has pushed service providers to raise charges for irrigation, harvesting, and maize threshing.
According to Hussain Mohammad Altaf, executive engineer at Rangpur office of the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), 596 solar-powered irrigation machines were active during the last irrigation season in the division.
“If each generates an average of 10 kilowatts, total output comes to 5.9 megawatts, enough to run 80,000 to 85,000 fans daily,” he said. Over a four-month irrigation season, those machines save approximately 75 lakh litres of diesel.
In Lalmonirhat, Atiar Rahman manages a solar-powered deep tube-well run by the BADC at Doani village of Hatibandha upazila, supplying water to around 15 bighas of maize and vegetable land.
“Even if diesel is unavailable or its price rises, farmers no longer have to worry,” he said, “because this irrigation machine runs on solar power.”
He added that the panels sit idle for eight months after the irrigation season ends, and that connecting surplus electricity to the national grid through net metering could benefit farmers, institutions, and the government alike.
Further into the char lands of Kurigram, farmer Meher Jamal of Char Paschim Bajra at Ulipur upazila said vast areas surrounded by the Teesta River once sat uncultivated because irrigation was out, but it meant increased costs and labour.
“For the last few years, many char lands are now being cultivated regularly because of irrigation facilities through solar power,” he said. “Land that once remained unused is now producing crops.”
Sudhan Chandra Sen, a farmer from Madhupur village at Kaunia upazila of Rangpur, said the difference is simple.
“There is no worry about fuel. Electricity comes from solar power, and we get water. Crops are better, and costs are lower.”
He noted that while electricity is less reliable, as it often comes and goes, delaying irrigation, solar power is sustainable and consistent.
“Water is always available.”
In Bogura, Abdul Hamid from Kachua village at Shibganj upazila cultivated Boro on five and a half bighas. He said solar-powered pumps have reduced both his costs and stress.
“I planted Boro paddy after harvesting potatoes. So far, I haven’t had to worry about irrigation or the cost. I can pay the irrigation fees after harvesting the crop.”
Abu Hasan, another farmer from the same village, said crops under solar pumps yield better because the water supply is uninterrupted.
“I face no water shortages. I have to pay Tk 1,500 per bigha for irrigation after the harvest.”
Beyond individual farms and government initiatives, private operators have built businesses around solar irrigation. Abu Jafar Sujan, regional manager of Salek Solar Power Limited, said his company runs 122 solar pumps across Bogura, Gaibandha, Meherpur, and Panchagarh districts.
“Each pump has a lifting capacity of 5 to 20 horsepower. Smaller pumps cover 30 to 40 bighas, while the larger ones irrigate up to 120 bighas of Boro land, he added.
Abu Bakkar Siddique, who looks after a 20-horsepower irrigation pump owned by Salek Solar in Kachua, said 100 bighas of Boro land were irrigated under this pump this year.
Nationally, the state-run renewable project financer Infrastructure Development Company Limited (Idcol) has funded the installation of approximately 1,523 solar pumps through six companies, covering around 15,000 hectares.
“There are 152 such pumps in Bogura, Sirajganj, Gaibandha, and Naogaon. However, some remain inactive due to various complexities and a lack of technical spare parts,” an official of the organisation said on condition of anonymity.
“We plan to install 10,000 solar pumps across the country by 2030.”
The ADB, in a December 2023 report on scaling up solar irrigation pumps in Bangladesh, said irrigation costs in Bangladesh account for 43 percent of total agricultural costs.
It estimated that replacing diesel pumps with solar could displace consumption of 10 lakh tonnes of diesel annually, avoiding 30 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year.
But installation has slowed sharply. After peaking at 12.88 MWp in 2019, new installations had fallen to just 4.65 kWp by 2025, according to the state-owned Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (Sreda), responsible for increasing renewable energy production.
Rangpur BADC’s Altaf confirmed that no new solar irrigation projects have been launched in Rangpur division since 2022, and some existing pumps remain inactive due to technical problems and missing spare parts.
Mizanur Rahman, chief engineer (operation) of Northern Electricity Supply Company PLC (Nesco) in Rangpur, believes that if diesel-dependent irrigation can be quickly transformed into solar-powered irrigation, it would save foreign currency and reduce carbon emissions.
For climate-vulnerable Bangladesh, this could be an effective path toward sustainable agriculture, he added.
“Most solar-powered irrigation machines are located in areas under the Rural Electrification Board. Therefore, implementation would be possible if the relevant authorities take initiatives to introduce net metering at those installations.”
Rights activists noted that solar projects are highly important for increasing agricultural production, ensuring food security, and modernising agriculture.
“Government and private initiatives should further expand solar-powered irrigation projects to improve the fortunes of marginal farmers,” said Shafiqul Islam, president of the Lalmonirhat district unit of Nodi Bachao Teesta Bachao Sangram Parishad.
Double-click to read

source

A mass solar panel rollout has been floated as part of efforts to generate more energy in York, in part to protect against price shocks from global instability.
An assessment done as part of plans to achieve energy independence found 175 rooftops on City of York Council-owned buildings where panels could be installed, along with other renewable power projects.
A council report stated it came as demand for energy in York is forecast to more than double by 2050 which would cost an extra £100m to supply power for.
But it added only 2.24 per cent of York’s power needs were supplied from renewable energy sources as of 2023 and signficant developments in infrastructure would be required.
It comes as proposals outlining how the council could achieve energy independence are set to go before an executive decision meeting on Tuesday, May 5.
A report on the plans stated they came after energy costs had been significantly volatile in recent years due to global events such as the war in Ukraine.
It added generating more energy locally would help York be less reliant on outside power sources which would protect the council and households from price spikes and grid outages.
The council is also aiming to become net zero in carbon emissions by 2030, ahead of the national target date of 2050.
National Power Grid forecasts estimate York will reach net zero by 2050, falling short of the council’s goal according to the report.
York’s total demand for energy 703.29 gigawatt hours (GWh) as of 2023.
The total is forecast to rise to 869.13GWh by 2030 and 1,427GWh by 2050.
York and North Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority funding worth £430,000 has also been offered to support renewable energy schemes.
They include the Harewood Whin Green Energy Park which was approved to progress in September, a feasibility study into a city district heat network and assessments for other renewable opportunities.
An extra 139.16GWh is forecast to be generated once all renewable energy projects planned in York by the council and other businesses and organisations are completed.
The council has a pipeline of upcoming projects across a number of buildings it owns and runs which would generate around 4.5GWh of renewable energy a year.
It would be the equivalent of around 16 per cent of the forecast energy demand in 2030 and 9.75 per cent of 2050’s.
The council report stated a mass rollout of solar panels was one of the additional opportunities available to York to help achieve energy independence.
The installation of solar panels across all 175 buildings identified could potentially generate an extra 59.79GHw.
That would equate to 8.19 per cent of 2030’s forecast total energy demand and 4.64 per cent of 2050s.
Work under the Energy Generation Accelerator Programme (EGAP) is ongoing to find potential sites in York for large-scale renewable projects.
Future opportunities for ground-mounted solar panels in York would generate around 52 per cent of 2030’s forecast total energy demand and 29.5 per cent of 2050’s.
The council’s report stated that energy independence would reduce York’s reliance on outside power sources and keep more revenues in the local area.
But it added there were challenges including the cost of some projects, competing demand for land for food and housing and potentially making existing inequalities worse.
The report stated: “Energy Independence has the potential to provide financial savings for households by installing self-generation which can significantly reduce utility bills and insulate consumers from price spikes.
Localised energy also allows homes to maintain power during grid outages, providing protection against extreme weather.
“Producing our own energy reduces vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical instability.”

General
01904 375 029
[email protected]
[email protected]
8A Tower St
York
YO1 9SA
Selby Superbowl
Bawtry Road
Selby
YO8 8NA
You can listen to YorkMix Radio using your DAB+ radio, Alexa or Google smart speaker, or online using the links below
Click here to listen to YorkMix Radio


YorkMix is a trading name of York Sound Ltd
Registered in England Company no: 12831940
VAT no: GB289462452
About | Public File | Competition Rules
Privacy | Corrections & Complaints | Contact

source

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

source

The Chinese customs data show a March surge as buyers rushed shipments ahead of April’s tax-rebate change.
Image: smartschwarz, Pixabay
China’s solar module exports surged sharply in March, with customs-based tracking pointing to one of the strongest monthly shipment increases in recent years.
According to data cited by Reuters from Chinese customs, solar panel exports reached a record high in March 2026, rising 125% month on month and 67% year on year in value terms to $3.61 billion. Reuters attributed the spike to a combination of factors, including the upcoming end of China’s PV export tax rebates on April 1, stronger demand from Southeast Asia and Africa, and temporarily lower silver prices that eased production costs.
InfoLink senior analyst Amy Fang told pv magazine that China exported about 37.32 GW of PV modules in March, up from 16.75 GW in February, an increase of roughly 123%, and up about 60% from 23.38 GW a year earlier. For the first quarter, she estimated total module exports at 71.42 GW, up around 15% from 61.89 GW in the same period of 2025.
Fang said the March figures “clearly reflect concentrated shipments ahead of the April policy switch,” with both modules and cells recording strong growth. She added that the regional distribution also shifted: Asia-Pacific imported about 13.82 GW in March, or 37% of total exports, overtaking Europe for the first time. Europe accounted for about 13.05 GW, or 35%, while the Americas and Africa each received roughly 4.4 GW. The Middle East trailed at about 1.62 GW.
Fang noted that the regional split suggests the March surge was not driven by a broad-based acceleration in end demand, but rather by front-loading ahead of the policy change. In her view, exports were supported primarily by Europe and Asia-Pacific, while Africa emerged as a notable incremental growth market. She added that attention is now shifting to whether second-quarter demand can absorb the early shipments, with focus moving from “rush exports” to pricing dynamics, cost pass-through, and inventory digestion.
This interpretation aligns with the broader market backdrop. China announced in January that it would eliminate VAT export rebates for PV products from April 1, 2026, a change widely expected to trigger front-loaded shipments in the first quarter.
A note of caution came from S&P Global analyst Jessica Jin, who said the March export surge was closely tied to the rebate removal and improved supplier margins from lower silver prices, but warned that export volumes do not necessarily reflect final downstream demand.
She added that some shipments may have been directed to overseas manufacturing bases or transit hubs rather than immediate end markets.
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: editors@pv-magazine.com.
More articles from Vincent Shaw
Please be mindful of our community standards.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.


Δ
By submitting this form you agree to pv magazine using your data for the purposes of publishing your comment.
Your personal data will only be disclosed or otherwise transmitted to third parties for the purposes of spam filtering or if this is necessary for technical maintenance of the website. Any other transfer to third parties will not take place unless this is justified on the basis of applicable data protection regulations or if pv magazine is legally obliged to do so.
You may revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future, in which case your personal data will be deleted immediately. Otherwise, your data will be deleted if pv magazine has processed your request or the purpose of data storage is fulfilled.
Further information on data privacy can be found in our Data Protection Policy.
Legal Notice Terms and Conditions Data Privacy © pv magazine 2026
Δ
This website uses cookies to anonymously count visitor numbers. View our privacy policy. ×
The cookie settings on this website are set to “allow cookies” to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click “Accept” below then you are consenting to this.
Close

source

EV, Latest Articles
Published on Apr 28, 2026 at 4:22 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Apr 28, 2026 at 4:22 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by Emma Matthews
A man has built one of the coolest cars we’ve ever seen, a solar-powered electric car, and traveled nearly 20 miles on it without needing to use the battery.
YouTuber Simon Sörensen used parts from an e-bike to create the car, which can be powered and charged via the solar panel.
It’s a small car, but thanks to the e-bike motors, it has four-wheel drive, giving it great torque despite its size.
While it does use a battery for most of its mileage, it can be fully driven on solar power alone.
Sörensen aimed to create a small but comfortable solar-powered car, while also getting decent speed from it.
Two e-bikes were sourced to provide most of the parts for the powertrain.
“What makes these e-bikes very special is that they have two-wheel drive, with a front and rear motor,” said Sörensen.
“This means we have four, so you can probably see where this is going,” he added.
To construct the chassis, Sörensen used 25mm steel tubing, which involved learning welding from scratch.
The steering mechanism was another custom design.
“For the steering, we’ll use a U-shaped piece of metal, and a cylinder on which the U-shape can pivot,” he said.
The implementation of an Ackermann steering geometry ensured the car had a great turning circle.
Three solar panels provided 300W of power in total, together with a 48-volt battery.
With the lightweight solar panels and lightweight body, Sörensen was able to keep the weight down as much as possible.
He Sörensen was even able to fit it out with a trunk, doors, and four motor controllers.
That meant he could select front, rear, or all-wheel drive.
Upon getting it on the road, the cute blue car performed exceptionally.
Sörensen showed off the four-wheel drive acceleration, and it was very impressive.
“I can’t believe it works, not this well at least,” exclaimed Sörensen in the video.
Even after being presented with a steep hill, the little electric car made it all the way to the top.
A hill start was no problem for the little EV.
Sörensen also tested how the car performed on solar power only, driving it 18 miles before the battery was needed.
So if you want your own solar-powered electric car, get yourself a couple of e-bikes, and you’re nearly there.
1839: Edmond Becquerel discovers the photovoltaic effect, observing that light can generate electricity in certain materials
1873: Willoughby Smith identifies the photoconductivity of selenium, proving that solid matter could convert light into an electrical current
1883: Charles Fritts builds the first functioning rooftop energy-generating array using selenium coated with a thin layer of gold
1954: Bell Labs creates the first practical silicon cell, capable of converting enough sunlight into power to run everyday electrical equipment
1958: The Vanguard I satellite launches, becoming the first spacecraft powered by these light-harvesting technologies
1970s: The global energy crisis drives extensive research and government funding into renewable alternatives to fossil fuels
1982: The first megawatt-scale power station built to harness energy from the sun goes online in Hesperia, California
2000: Germany passes the Renewable Energy Sources Act, introducing feed-in tariffs that massively accelerate global market growth
2012: Total global capacity for harnessing photovoltaic energy passes the 100-gigawatt milestone
2020: The International Energy Agency declares that the best-performing light-capturing projects now offer the cheapest electricity in history
# Tags – Electric cars, EV, Solar power, Solar-powered
Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a heritage steam railway.
Supercar Blondie finds and covers the coolest cars, tech, luxury and gaming in the world.
Copyrights ©2026 SB Media Holding Limited

source

The EBRD is lending $45 million to Energy RTB 2, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kernel, to finance the construction of a 106 MW solar power plant with a co-located battery energy storage system in Ukraine.
Once completed, the solar plant is expected to generate around 141 GWh of renewable electricity annually and to cut carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 82,500 tons per year. This will add significant new decentralized generation capacity in one of Ukraine’s most energy deficient regions, helping to stabilize the electricity system, reduce the frequency of outages and support economic activity.
At a time when power infrastructure continues to face severe disruption from targeted Russian attacks, decentralized renewable energy projects of this kind help to expand domestic energy generation and strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience. Over the longer term, the investment also supports Ukraine’s decarbonization goals by increasing the share of renewable energy in its electricity mix.
Alongside its energy security impact, the investment will also contribute to improving the livelihoods of more than 10,000 Kernel employees, many of whom are demobilized veterans. Kernel will work with the EBRD to implement workplace accessibility measures for staff affected by war related injuries and disabilities, as well as to expand training opportunities for young people by establishing modern engineering and energy laboratories at vocational education institutions.
The EBRD’s funding will be backed by partial financial guarantees from the European Union (EU) provided under the Ukraine Investment Framework through the HI-BAR guarantee program. HI‑BAR supports investments in next‑generation climate mitigation technologies and in businesses in the energy and energy‑intensive sectors, including new climate technologies, critical raw materials and the rollout of mature technologies such as wind and solar where market barriers persist.
Kernel is among Ukraine’s largest exporters and employers in the food and agribusiness sector, and a longstanding EBRD client. The project marks an important step in the group’s diversification into clean energy and supports the continuity of its operations and workforce under challenging conditions.
The EBRD is Ukraine’s largest institutional investor, having substantially increased its investment in the country since Russia launched a full scale invasion in 2022. Since the start of the war, the Bank has deployed billions of euros to support the real economy, with a focus on energy security, private-sector resilience and critical infrastructure.

source

Hildisrieden, LU – April 03, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
Oekoboiler Swiss AG, a Swiss manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient heat pump boilers, continues to expand its sustainable hot water solutions that seamlessly integrate with photovoltaic systems across Switzerland. The company’s advanced systems combine heat pump and solar technology to deliver significant energy savings while reducing CO2 emissions in residential and commercial buildings.
The company’s innovative approach addresses the growing demand for sustainable building technologies as Switzerland moves toward stricter energy-efficiency standards. Oekoboiler’s systems utilize a dual-energy approach that draws approximately 75 percent of the required energy from ambient air and only 25 percent from electricity, resulting in up to an 80 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional water-heating methods.

The company’s heat pump boilers operate independently from central heating systems, making them particularly suitable for both new construction and retrofitting existing buildings. This flexibility has positioned Oekoboiler as a key provider of sustainable hot water solutions throughout Switzerland, where the company plans, installs, and maintains systems tailored to individual building requirements. Learn more here: https://pressadvantage.com/organization/oekoboiler-swiss-ag.
As Switzerland prepares for the implementation of EnEV 2025 energy efficiency standards, Oekoboiler’s technology offers building owners a pathway to compliance while maintaining comfort and reliability. The systems feature smart controls that optimize energy usage based on demand patterns and available solar energy, ensuring maximum efficiency throughout the year.
The integration capabilities extend beyond basic functionality, with WiFi-enabled models allowing remote monitoring and control. This connectivity enables property owners and facility managers to track energy consumption, adjust settings, and receive maintenance alerts, contributing to long-term system efficiency and reliability.
Oekoboiler’s product range includes storage capacities from 150 to 450 liters, accommodating various building sizes and hot water demands. Each system undergoes rigorous testing in Switzerland, ensuring quality and performance standards that meet the country’s stringent building regulations.
The environmental benefits of Oekoboiler’s technology extend beyond energy savings. The heat pump operation naturally dehumidifies basement spaces where units are typically installed, preventing mold formation and eliminating the need for separate dehumidification equipment. This dual functionality adds value for property owners while contributing to healthier indoor environments.

Oekoboiler Swiss AG maintains its commitment to Swiss engineering excellence through continuous product development and comprehensive service support. The company’s focus on quality consultation and customized solutions has established its reputation as a trusted partner for sustainable building projects throughout Switzerland. Additional information about Oekoboiler Swiss AG can be found at https://oekoboiler-swiss-ag.localo.site.
###
For more information about Oekoboiler Swiss AG, contact the company here:
Oekoboiler Swiss AG
R. Heller
+41 41 511 21 77
info@oekoboiler.com
Mülacher 6
6024 Hildisrieden
Switzerland
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@xpr.media

source

Solar energy  International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
source

Hildisrieden, LU – April 03, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
Oekoboiler Swiss AG, a Swiss manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient heat pump boilers, continues to expand its sustainable hot water solutions that seamlessly integrate with photovoltaic systems across Switzerland. The company’s advanced systems combine heat pump and solar technology to deliver significant energy savings while reducing CO2 emissions in residential and commercial buildings.
The company’s innovative approach addresses the growing demand for sustainable building technologies as Switzerland moves toward stricter energy-efficiency standards. Oekoboiler’s systems utilize a dual-energy approach that draws approximately 75 percent of the required energy from ambient air and only 25 percent from electricity, resulting in up to an 80 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional water-heating methods.

The company’s heat pump boilers operate independently from central heating systems, making them particularly suitable for both new construction and retrofitting existing buildings. This flexibility has positioned Oekoboiler as a key provider of sustainable hot water solutions throughout Switzerland, where the company plans, installs, and maintains systems tailored to individual building requirements. Learn more here: https://pressadvantage.com/organization/oekoboiler-swiss-ag.
As Switzerland prepares for the implementation of EnEV 2025 energy efficiency standards, Oekoboiler’s technology offers building owners a pathway to compliance while maintaining comfort and reliability. The systems feature smart controls that optimize energy usage based on demand patterns and available solar energy, ensuring maximum efficiency throughout the year.
The integration capabilities extend beyond basic functionality, with WiFi-enabled models allowing remote monitoring and control. This connectivity enables property owners and facility managers to track energy consumption, adjust settings, and receive maintenance alerts, contributing to long-term system efficiency and reliability.
Oekoboiler’s product range includes storage capacities from 150 to 450 liters, accommodating various building sizes and hot water demands. Each system undergoes rigorous testing in Switzerland, ensuring quality and performance standards that meet the country’s stringent building regulations.
The environmental benefits of Oekoboiler’s technology extend beyond energy savings. The heat pump operation naturally dehumidifies basement spaces where units are typically installed, preventing mold formation and eliminating the need for separate dehumidification equipment. This dual functionality adds value for property owners while contributing to healthier indoor environments.

Oekoboiler Swiss AG maintains its commitment to Swiss engineering excellence through continuous product development and comprehensive service support. The company’s focus on quality consultation and customized solutions has established its reputation as a trusted partner for sustainable building projects throughout Switzerland. Additional information about Oekoboiler Swiss AG can be found at https://oekoboiler-swiss-ag.localo.site.
###
For more information about Oekoboiler Swiss AG, contact the company here:
Oekoboiler Swiss AG
R. Heller
+41 41 511 21 77
info@oekoboiler.com
Mülacher 6
6024 Hildisrieden
Switzerland
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@xpr.media

source

source

New solar farm goes live in Maryville, feeding power into local grid  WATE 6 On Your Side
source

© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.
“As we see our energy costs continuing to rise, that’s really the biggest argument for renewables.”
Photo Credit: iStock
Homeowners in Michigan are banding together to buy solar panels in bulk, cutting upfront costs while strengthening their home energy independence.
According to the Associated Press, the push for group solar is largely a grassroots effort driven by solar advocates across Michigan. 
The benefits of technology became clear to Woody Gontina after his home stayed powered during a five-day outage thanks solely to his solar and battery backup system. The experience served as a real-world proof of concept, prompting the Royal Oak City Commissioner to encourage neighbors to go solar through the Solarize Royal Oak initiative.
“Because of the solar and the battery, we had our whole house powered day and night throughout that outage,” Gontina told the AP.
Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area.
To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
Gontina isn’t alone. In the face of rising power bills and increasing outages, more and more homeowners are seeing the benefits of backup batteries and solar panels. 
If you’re curious about how much you can save by upgrading your home to cleaner solar energy, check out the free tools from EnergySage for quick solar installation estimates and to compare quotes. 
The Solarize program in Michigan has expanded to several other counties and is now overseen by the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association. Although federal tax incentives for solar panels were phased out in 2025, the Solarize initiative still encourages residents to take advantage of remaining incentives to take control of their own power generation. 
“As we see our energy costs continuing to rise, that’s really the biggest argument for renewables,” Gontina said. “Our electric provider, DTE, has demonstrated that they will not stop continuing to ask for increases at a regular pace until there’s something legislatively done to stop that.”
FROM OUR PARTNER
Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation.
To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
For some Michigan residents, the “group-buy” program through the Solarize movement has offered major discounts to entire communities. 
After learning about group buying, Michigan resident Julie Roth decided to bring the idea to her own neighborhood. She approached a local solar installer and asked whether homeowners could get discounted rates by organizing a group to install systems at the same time.
After striking a deal and snagging a discounted rate for homeowners who installed, Roth then invited her neighbors to gauge interest in solar.
“I thought that I would have three people sitting around my dining room table,” Roth said.
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
Surprisingly, about 40 people showed up to the first meeting. Roughly a dozen attendees had installed solar panels on their homes in just 12 months.
Now, as similar initiatives expand to new regions, groups of residents who purchase and install solar panels together can receive a bulk discount of 5% to 15% on purchases. 
If these homeowners have inspired you to consider solar panels, EnergySage has all of the information you need to get started. Homeowners who consult EnergySage’s experts can save up to $10,000 on installation costs. 
Even better, EnergySage also offers a free mapping tool that lets you compare, state-by-state, the average cost of solar panels in your region, and it provides details on available incentives. That means you can lock in the best price possible for your cleaner energy upgrade. 
If you want to protect your home from outages, lower your energy costs by avoiding peak rates, or even reduce your reliance on the grid, it may be worth pairing your solar panels with a battery backup system. EnergySage also offers free battery resources that can help you get competitive installation estimates. 
Get TCD’s free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.

source

Advertisement
Private equity has played a significant role in shaping Indi…
In today’s real estate landscape, fitness is often treated…
In this episode of Prop Personalities, we sit down with Hars…
Luxury real estate is one of the most talked-about segments …
Welcome to Prop Personalities by Prop News Time – a podcast …
TCL Solar presented its latest photovoltaic technologies at the Korea Green Energy Expo in Daegu during the past week, highlighting its focus on South Korea’s expanding solar market. The country is projected to reach a cumulative installed solar capacity of 55.7 GW by 2030, with over 5 GW expected annually. The company displayed high-efficiency modules, including TOPCon and Back Contact technologies, alongside lightweight solutions tailored for ageing industrial rooftops. These offerings are positioned to support distributed and floating solar segments, which are driving market growth. The showcase also reflects TCL Solar’s broader strategy to collaborate with local partners and strengthen its presence in the Korean renewable energy ecosystem.
Representative image
TCL Solar showcased its latest photovoltaic solutions at the Korea Green Energy Expo in Daegu during the past week, as the company expanded its engagement with South Korea’s growing renewable energy sector. The exhibition comes at a time when the country is targeting a cumulative installed solar capacity of 55.7 GW by 2030, with annual additions exceeding 5 GW, driven by increasing adoption of distributed and floating photovoltaic systems.

Advertisement

The company presented its T5 Pro TOPCon Multi-Cut product, which incorporates advanced Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) technology combined with overlapping cell architecture. The module is designed to deliver a maximum power output of up to 670W and 755W, positioning it within the high-efficiency segment of solar energy solutions.

In addition, TCL Solar introduced its C2 Back Contact module, which is engineered to deliver higher energy yields, particularly in complex installation environments. These include projects with high balance-of-system costs, limited land availability, low ground reflectivity, or partial shading conditions. The module’s design eliminates front metal lines and busbars, offering both improved performance and enhanced visual integration with architectural requirements in urban settings.

The Back Contact module also provides a higher power output, exceeding comparable TOPCon modules by approximately 20W, while maintaining improved resistance to hot spots and a lower degradation rate of around 0.35%. Such features are intended to improve long-term efficiency and operational reliability in varied deployment conditions.

The company further highlighted its lightweight module range, weighing approximately 5.4 kg per square metre, which reduces structural load by nearly half. These modules are particularly suited for installation on ageing industrial rooftops, a segment gaining traction in South Korea as part of distributed solar deployment strategies.

Alongside product showcases, TCL Solar acknowledged its local partner, Prana Solution Co., Ltd., for achieving strong sales performance, underscoring the company’s collaborative approach in the Korean market. The firm also pointed to its manufacturing capabilities through its parent, TCL Zhonghuan, including the development of an advanced silicon wafer production facility.

The exhibition participation reflects TCL Solar’s strategy to align with South Korea’s renewable energy targets by offering localised solutions and strengthening partnerships. The company indicated that it would continue working with regional stakeholders to support solar capacity expansion while advancing its international footprint through the Korean market.

Source – PTI
Advertisement
Have something to say? Post your comment
29th Apr, 2025
1st Oct, 2024
26th Apr, 2024

Advertisement
Enter the email ID used to register with us
This disclaimer (“Disclaimer”) is applicable to the entire Site. Upon entering the Site it is recommended that you immediately read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy listed therein. Your continued usage of this Site will indicate your unconditional acceptance of the said Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. You hereby agree that Prop News Time reserves the right to modify at any time, the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy governing this Site without prior notification. Your usage of the Site implies that you will be bound by any such modification. You agree and acknowledge that it is your responsibility to periodically visit the Site and stay updated with the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy of the Website.
The information contained in this Site has been provided by Prop News Time for information purposes only. This information does not constitute legal, professional or commercial advice. Communication, content and material within the Site may include photographs and conceptual representations of projects under development. All computer-generated images shown on the Site are only indicative of actual designs and are sourced from third party sites.
The information on this Site may contain certain technical inaccuracies and typographical errors. Any errors or omissions brought to the attention of Prop News Time will be corrected as soon as possible. The content of this Site is being constantly modified to meet the terms, stipulations and recommendations of the Real Estate Regulation Act, 2016 (“RERA”) and rules made thereunder and may vary from the content available as of date. All content may be updated from time to time and may at times be out of date. Prop News Time accepts no responsibility for keeping the information on this website up to date or any liability whatsoever for any failure to do so.
While every care has been taken to ensure that the content is useful, reliable and accurate, all content and information on the Site is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Prop News Time does not accept any responsibility or liability with regard to the content, accuracy, legality and reliability of the information provided herein, or, for any loss or damage caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with reliance on the use of such information. No information given under this Site creates a warranty or expands the scope of any warranty that cannot be disclaimed under applicable law.
This Site provides links to other websites owned by third parties. Any reference or mention of third-party websites, projects or services is for purely informational purposes only. This information does not constitute either an endorsement or a recommendation.  Prop News Time accepts no responsibility for the content, reliability and information provided on these third-party websites. Prop News Time will not be held liable for any personal information or data collected by these third parties or for any virus or destructive properties that may be present on these third-party sites.
Your use of the Site is solely at your own risk. You agree and acknowledge that you are solely responsible for any action you take based upon this content and that Prop News Time is not liable for the same. All details in the form of news stories, photos and videos provided on this Site are updated on the basis of information available from the respective developers/owners/promoters. All such information will not be construed as an advertisement. This Site is for guidance only. Your use of this Site – including any suggestions set out in the Site and or any use of the resources available on this Site, do not create any professional–client relationship between you and Prop News Time. Prop News Time cannot accept you as a client until certain formalities and requirements are met.
Cookie Disclaimer
We use cookies to give you the best possible service while using our website, please accept it and continue browsing if you’re happy with this. For more information see our Privacy Policy
 
PropNewsTime is a dedicated property news website that covers the latest events, stories, updates and occurrences in the industry. We are an unbiased entity not affiliated with any builder, broking firm and banking institution.

source

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.
Advertisement
Perovskite solar cells (example pictured), which convert sunlight to electricity with high efficiency, are made using a toxic compound called lead iodide. Credit: Dennis Schroeder/NREL/US Department of Energy/SPL
A two-step process transforms hazardous lead waste into a useful material for solar panels¹.
Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals
Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription
$32.99 / 30 days
cancel any time
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Rent or buy this article
Prices vary by article type
from$1.95
to$39.95
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Nature 652, 277 (2026)
doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-026-01001-0
Sytnyk, M. et al. Cell Rep. Phys. Sci. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2026.103207 (2026).
Article  Google Scholar 
Download references
Ceramic-like strength and metallic toughness in a bulk metallic glass
Article 22 APR 26
Symmetry classification of magnetic orders using oriented spin space groups
Analysis 22 APR 26
Electronic origin of reorganization energy in interfacial electron transfer
Article 22 APR 26
Founded in 2018, Westlake University is a new type of non-profit research-oriented university in Hangzhou, China, supported by public a…
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Westlake University
Build your own independent research group with long-term support at the Xuemin Institute, Fudan University!
Shanghai (CN)
Xuemin Institute of Advanced Studies, Fudan University
Beijing (CN)
Center for Life Sciences
Beijing (CN)
Center for Life Sciences
Join HZAU's global faculty team to advance research with competitive benefits.
Wuhan, Hubei (CN)
Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU)
An essential round-up of science news, opinion and analysis, delivered to your inbox every weekday.
Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.
Nature (Nature)
ISSN 1476-4687 (online)
ISSN 0028-0836 (print)
© 2026 Springer Nature Limited

source

The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued preliminary anti-dumping determinations for three key solar-exporting nations, establishing duties of up to 123% on crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and modules.
Image: bernswaelz/Pixabay
The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced preliminary affirmative determinations in its anti-dumping (AD) duty investigations into solar imports from India, Indonesia, and Laos.
According to a fact sheet released by Commerce, the agency determined preliminary dumping margins of 123.04% for India, 35.17% for Indonesia, and 22.46% for Laos.
These investigations were initiated last August following a petition by the Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing and Trade, a coalition of domestic manufacturers including First Solar, Hanwha Qcells, and Mission Solar. The group argued that a surge of low-priced imports from these nations was undercutting the U.S. manufacturing sector at a critical period of domestic expansion.
These new AD duties are in addition to the preliminary countervailing duties (CVD) announced by the Commerce Department in February 2026, which targeted government subsidies. When combined, the total preliminary duty exposure for many exporters from these countries has risen sharply. For India, total duties now reach approximately 234% for most manufacturers. In Indonesia, combined rates range between 121% and 178%, while in Laos, the total preliminary rate stands at roughly 103%.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will now require importers to post cash deposits based on these preliminary rates. The targeted nations represent a massive portion of the U.S. supply chain; according to government data, India, Indonesia, and Laos accounted for $4.5 billion in solar imports in 2025—roughly two-thirds of the total volume entering the country.
While these rates take effect immediately as cash deposit requirements, they remain preliminary until final determinations are issued later this year. Final decisions for India and Indonesia are scheduled for July 13, 2026, while Laos is expected to receive a final determination on or around September 9, 2026.
The final step in the process rests with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), which must determine if these imports have caused material injury to the domestic industry. The ITC’s final injury determination is currently scheduled for October 19, 2026. If the ITC issues a negative determination, the investigations will be terminated, and all collected deposits will be refunded. If affirmative, final duty orders will be issued on October 26, 2026.
The U.S. government ha also announced preliminary affirmative determinations in these countervailing duty (CVD) investigations in late February.
 
 
 
 
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: editors@pv-magazine.com.
More articles from Ryan Kennedy
Please be mindful of our community standards.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.


Δ
By submitting this form you agree to pv magazine using your data for the purposes of publishing your comment.
Your personal data will only be disclosed or otherwise transmitted to third parties for the purposes of spam filtering or if this is necessary for technical maintenance of the website. Any other transfer to third parties will not take place unless this is justified on the basis of applicable data protection regulations or if pv magazine is legally obliged to do so.
You may revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future, in which case your personal data will be deleted immediately. Otherwise, your data will be deleted if pv magazine has processed your request or the purpose of data storage is fulfilled.
Further information on data privacy can be found in our Data Protection Policy.
Legal Notice Terms and Conditions Data Privacy © pv magazine 2026
Δ
This website uses cookies to anonymously count visitor numbers. View our privacy policy. ×
The cookie settings on this website are set to “allow cookies” to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click “Accept” below then you are consenting to this.
Close

source

Home → Environment → Renewable Energy
Across the U.S., critics are pressuring public officials to stop or stall new solar projects, often citing unfounded health concerns.
This story was originally published by ProPublica.
Kevin Heath had hoped there would be solar panels by now on his family farm in southeastern Michigan, roughly 50 miles outside Detroit.
About six years ago, he agreed to lease part of his land for a solar project. It would help him pay off debt and keep the farm in the family, he said. But the opportunity was thwarted when, in 2023, following pushback from some local residents, his township passed an ordinance that banned large solar projects from land zoned for agriculture.
In the fight over solar development, Heath said he was bombarded by just about every argument from critics — including claims that solar fields are a health hazard. “I’ve heard them say that, but I’ve never heard anybody prove that,” Heath said.
“The health and safety issue,” he added, “that is just a joke.”
Michigan has big prospects in solar farming — measured by the expected growth in the capacity of its farms to add electricity directly to the grid. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, most of the nation’s new capacity from this type of solar farm is planned this year for four states, including Michigan. The others, with their hot deserts and big-sky plains, seem more obvious: Texas, Arizona and California.
To some, in Michigan and beyond, this growth feels dangerous. They pressure public officials to stop, stall or otherwise complicate new solar projects with an array of arguments that now go beyond just land use to include public health.
There is little reputable evidence to back their claims. But health concerns have helped power a solar backlash that undercuts efforts to broaden energy sources even as customer costs are rising.
Stay ahead with ZME Science and subscribe.
Please check your inbox and confirm your subscription.
Restrictions on solar development are proliferating nationwide, “often rooted in misinformation or unfounded fears,” including ones that involve “potential environmental and human safety risks,” according to an article published late last year in the Brigham Young University Law Review.
To generate electricity, solar projects harvest energy from the sun. “And that’s really not that different from what a field of corn or alfalfa does,” said Troy Rule, the Arizona State University law professor who authored the article. “In fact, arguably, it’s even more environmentally friendly.”
Still, a state board in Ohio rejected an application for a solar project last month, citing local opposition, even though its staff initially said it met all requirements. Along with other concerns, according to the board, opponents “testified about the potential impacts on the health of residents.”
A bill in Missouri would halt commercial solar projects in the state, including those under construction, through at least 2027, as a state agency develops new regulations. The bill’s emergency clause says this is “deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, welfare, peace, and safety.”
And, on the eastern edge of Michigan, St. Clair County adopted a novel public health regulation last year that set limits on solar development and battery storage. The move was encouraged by the county’s medical director who, in a memo, warned of the threat of noise, visual pollution and potential sources of contamination. Some local residents have long pressed leaders to act, saying that intrusive noise could worsen post-traumatic stress disorder and other ailments.
Public officials don’t always examine the validity of health claims, according to Rule. And local deliberations rarely compare the impact of solar farms to common agricultural practices, which can lead to runoff from fertilizers and herbicides, for example, or waste lagoons from concentrated animal feeding operations.
People have many reasons for taking issue with large-scale solar development, said Michael Gerrard, an environmental lawyer and founder of Columbia University’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law. But as for the feared health impact, he said, “there’s no basis for that.”
“People try to come up with a rationale to justify their dislike of things they dislike for other reasons,” Gerrard added.
President Donald Trump’s administration, meanwhile, is adding to the skepticism that renewable energy is worthwhile. Among other moves, it’s phasing out federal tax credits for the solar and wind industries.
It all takes a toll on the effort to build out solar infrastructure. Last year, new solar installations in the U.S. dropped by 14%.
Large solar developments can transform hundreds, or even thousands, of acres of rural land, paneling them with crystalline silicon and tempered glass.
It’s a big change, and people have questions.
Locals worry that electromagnetism and even glare can pose a health risk. They wonder if toxic materials could leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater, if not while the solar site is operational, then some decades in the future, when it reaches the end of its life. That certainly has been the case with orphaned oil wells, which also were built with promises of safety.
But researchers point out that the most common types of panels have only small amounts of such materials, if any. They are encased and unlikely to leach into the soil. Rather than sitting in landfills when a site is decommissioned, most of the materials used in solar panels can be recycled (though the process can be costly).
Craig Adair, vice president of development at Open Road Renewables, which has pursued renewable energy projects in several states, has fielded a range of concerns over the years — from how soil could be contaminated to the possibility of electromagnetic fields causing cancer.
“Those questions, in just about every case, have an answer,” Adair said. “There is rigorous academic study, and there are examples of projects that have been operating.”
While the future farmability of the land is often a concern, many researchers — and farmers — say that a solar lease will help preserve it.
With proper planning on the front end, equipment can be removed from a decommissioned solar site and green space restored, said Steve Kalland, executive director of the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, which, along with its partners, provides technical assistance to local governments in the Carolinas.
And a person’s exposure to the electromagnetic field, or EMF, from a solar farm is roughly the same as what they would encounter from ordinary household appliances, according to researchers. EMF levels also decrease rapidly with distance.
Chronic exposure to noise is also a recurring complaint from critics. In challenging a proposed project from Adair’s company in Morrow County, Ohio, one woman said in a brief to the state siting board that she was troubled about how noise from the facility might affect people with neurological noise sensitivities, including her daughter.
A piece of equipment called an inverter is usually the source of noise on a solar site. It converts the current into the form that’s used on the grid.
But noise, as well as glare, are typically buffered with vegetative landscaping and setbacks, or the distance between the property line and the nearest structure. Inverters can also be placed far from the ears of neighbors.
Noise modeling for the Morrow County project showed that its inverter “will basically be inaudible to the public,” Adair said, and if it ever generated noise above a certain limit, the permit would require the company to bring it back into compliance.
The problem, Adair said, is that evidence-based answers and solutions can get lost in the fervor. They can be drowned out by “opposition activists wanting to try to scare local politicians into opposing a project, even if the concerns that they’re raising are not legitimate concerns,” he said.
Last month, the Ohio Power Siting Board denied a permit to Adair’s Morrow County project. Its order acknowledged that the proposal offered positive benefits, but, it said, “these benefits are outweighed by the consistent and substantial opposition.”
It didn’t specifically cite health concerns as the reason for the denial, but rather, “the varied and numerous concerns raised by both the local government entities and public in the project area.”
But, Adair said in an email, those local governments “cited (unfounded) public health concerns as a reason for their opposition to the project.”
Open Road Renewables plans to apply for a rehearing from the board, Adair said. The company has eight permitted solar projects in Ohio, but because of a siting process that he said is subject to “manipulation and misinformation,” Adair said it won’t initiate any more.
In Michigan’s St. Clair County, it isn’t just a number of residents who are worried about large solar facilities. The Health Department’s medical director echoed their concerns.
In two memos to other county officials, Dr. Remington Nevin said that large solar sites are a public health risk for the area’s predominantly rural residents. The state’s solar standards, he wrote, weren’t enough to protect them from “environmental health hazards, the spread of sources of contamination, nuisance potentially injurious to the public health, health problems, and other conditions or practices which could reasonably be expected to cause disease.”
Any detectable tonal noise, he added, must be considered an unreasonable threat to public health. He recommended new regulations.
The county administrator at the time, Karry Hepting, noted that Nevin’s initial memo “does not address the question or provide support for what are the potential health/environmental risks,” according to internal emails provided to ProPublica. “It appears we will need to hire an outside expert to get the level of detail and supporting data necessary to consider potential next steps,” she added. Hepting said that she’d begun researching prospects.
But County Commissioner Steven Simasko — now the county board’s chair — wrote in an internal email that he accepted Nevin’s medical opinion “as a good standard for the protection of the public health of our citizens” and disagreed with the need for outside input.
Simasko told ProPublica in an email that he believed it wasn’t the role of the administrator to get involved in a public health matter, and that he objected “to essentially paying for a second public health medical opinion” more to Hepting’s liking. 
Hepting, who has since retired from her post at the county, disputed Simasko’s depiction of her motivations in a message to ProPublica. “Nothing could be farther from the truth,” she wrote. “It had nothing to do with shopping for a different opinion. Mr. Nevin’s initial memo did not address the initial question posed by the Board. It did not state what the health risks were and what negative health impacts exist. It basically said it’s a risk because he said so.”
To legally justify the adoption of health regulations, Nevin said in his second memo, it wasn’t necessary for his department “to prove, with a precise scientific or medical rationale, that eligible facilities pose an unreasonable threat to the public’s health.” Instead, expert opinion, public comment and the consent of the local government were reason enough, he wrote.
In the end, county officials were persuaded to act. The commissioners approved the Health Department’s new policy for solar energy and battery facilities, including a nonrefundable $25,000 fee to cover the cost of reviewing a proposed project. It also said that policy violations were punishable by up to six months in prison.
An electric utility promptly sued, and a solar company joined the case. The Health Department, they argued, has no authority to issue what are, in effect, zoning regulations. What’s more, they said in legal filings, the county can’t override the solar standards established by the state.
In its legal filings, the county said the health regulations were adopted properly and supported by “substantial, competent, and material evidence.” Facilities that don’t meet its standards “pose a threat to public health,” the county argued.
In response to ProPublica’s detailed queries, a public information officer said that the Health Department would not comment due to litigation.
Nevin said in a podcast interview last year that he wasn’t opposed to solar projects. “The purpose,” he said, “is to identify risks, unreasonable risks, to the public’s health posed by the construction or operation of the facilities, and then take reasonable, measured steps to attempt to mitigate those risks, ideally in a fashion that would continue to allow the facility to be constructed and to operate.”
Solar capacity in Michigan continues to grow, despite local pushback, but so far, only 2.55% of the state’s electricity comes from solar. In Ohio, it’s nearly 6%, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, a trade group. In Texas, it’s nearly 11%. Michigan is requiring electricity providers to reach an 80% clean energy portfolio by 2035, and 100% by 2040.
Michigan has more local restrictions on renewable energy than any other state, according to the Sabin Center. “Practically nowhere in the country has seen more conflict” about where to allow large solar farms that add electricity directly to the grid than rural Michigan, according to a 2024 article in the Case Western Reserve Law Review authored by a Sabin Center senior fellow.
That includes the conflict in Milan Township, where Heath grew up on an 1,100-acre farm. “I always wanted to farm,” Heath said. He saw leasing part of his land to a solar company as a way to stay afloat and keep the land in the family.
In 2020, Milan Township passed an ordinance that would allow the project to go forward, with Heath’s brother, the township supervisor, abstaining.
But opposition mounted. Critics built a website that argued, among other things, that the project would unleash dangerous electromagnetic radiation. Heath and his siblings were rebuked by their neighbors, Heath said, to the point that his brother, Phil, told the township attorney he was thinking about resigning as supervisor. That same night, he died of a heart attack at age 67.
A few months later, with a new supervisor in place, the township board banned large solar development from land that’s zoned for agriculture. The terms were restrictive enough to effectively ban such a project not only from land owned by Heath and his sister, but from all but the small portion of the township that’s zoned for industry.
Stephanie Kozar, Milan Township’s clerk, said in an email to ProPublica that most residents opposed solar projects on agricultural land, and that the initial ordinance passed during the coronavirus pandemic, before officials had adequately informed residents about potential changes. The updated policy, she said, would “protect the township and allow for responsible development of clean energy in the area.”
To overcome severe local restrictions, the state set standards in 2023 for noise, height, fencing, setbacks and other elements of a large solar project. It also created a pathway where developers, in certain cases, can get a permit from the Michigan Public Service Commission, the state’s regulating authority, rather than from local governments. 
In an order, the commission laid out details for how the process would work. But nearly 80 local and county governments, including Milan Township, challenged it in court, arguing the commission was overstepping its authority. 
In support of the state, Heath and his sister are represented in a friend-of-the-court brief filed by a legal team affiliated with the Sabin Center, along with local attorneys.
Also part of that brief is Clara Ostrander, who had hoped a solar project would help protect two farmsteads in Milan Township that have been in her family for over 150 years. “We need a responsible neutral party like the Michigan Public Service Commission to review these projects based on facts, not fear or falsehoods,” she testified to state officials ahead of the bill’s passage.
Even with the state process, rising energy demand and eye-popping electricity costs, no new large solar installation has yet been built in Milan Township.
And in February, as snow melted around the “No Industrial Solar” signs that stud the long country roads, a circuit court judge ruled that St. Clair County’s health regulation is “invalid, null, and void.”
But county officials soon opted to appeal, unanimously. “This is very important for the health of St. Clair County and the residents,” said one commissioner before casting his vote.

I focus on stories rooted in Michigan and the Midwest that have national resonance.
© 2007-2025 ZME Science – Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.
© 2007-2025 ZME Science – Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

source

0
By clicking the button, I accept the Terms of Use of the service and its Privacy Policy, as well as consent to the processing of personal data.
Don’t have an account? Signup
Powered by :
NTPC Green Energy Limited has commissioned 90 MW of solar power capacity under its Khavda-II Solar PV Project in Gujarat, marking steady progress in its renewable energy expansion.
The development was disclosed in line with SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, reflecting the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its clean energy portfolio.
The company stated that the newly added capacity became operational from 00:00 hours on April 25, 2026. This installation forms part of the larger 1,200 MW Khavda-II Solar PV Project and represents the seventh operational phase of the project.
The project has been executed by NTPC Renewable Energy Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Green Energy Limited. The phased commissioning highlights a structured approach to expanding renewable capacity.
Following the addition, the company’s total operational capacity has risen from 10,363.90 MW to 10,453.90 MW. The increase underlines its growing presence in India’s renewable energy sector.
The update has been submitted to both the National Stock Exchange and BSE Limited, ensuring compliance with SEBI regulations. Such disclosures are aimed at maintaining transparency and keeping stakeholders informed.
NTPC Green Energy Limited, a subsidiary of NTPC Limited, focuses on renewable energy development, including solar and wind projects, and plays a role in advancing India’s clean energy goals.
We are India’s leading B2B media house, reporting full-time on solar energy, wind, battery storage, solar inverters, and electric vehicle (EV)
Quick Links
© 2025 Saur Energy. All Rights Reserved.

source

$600 million solar, battery storage facility proposed near Wichita to power regional growth  The Business Journals
source

New solar power panels on rooftop in Dover keeping pressure off power grid  NBC10 Philadelphia
source

A two-year field study in a 100 MW photovoltaic plant in semi-arid Inner Mongolia combined ground-based sensors, radiation measurements, and UAV thermal imaging to quantify how large-scale PV installations alter local air temperature, surface temperature, and energy balance compared with nearby non-PV areas. Results show consistent site-scale warming of 0.8 C.
Inner Mongolia, China
Image: Svdmole, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
A research team from China conducted a two-year field study to assess how large-scale photovoltaic (PV) farms influence local climate conditions, with a focus on air temperature, surface temperature, and surface radiation balance. The observation campaign took place from 2022 to 2024 at a 100 MW solar PV facility located in a semi-arid desert region of Inner Mongolia.
The researchers combined in situ meteorological measurements, surface radiation observations, and uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV)-based thermal infrared imaging to quantify changes in air temperature, land surface temperature, and the surface energy balance. By comparing conditions within the PV installation and in nearby non-PV reference areas, they assessed how PV infrastructure alters radiative fluxes and heat exchange processes in dryland environments.
The dataset provided high-resolution evidence of how utility-scale PV deployment can modify local thermal regimes and energy partitioning in arid and semi-arid landscapes, offering insight into the broader environmental impacts of rapid solar energy expansion.
“Our study aims to quantify the seasonal and diurnal impacts of PV deployment on near-surface air temperature; to characterize the fine-scale spatial heterogeneity of land surface temperature (LST) within and around PV arrays using UAV-based thermal imaging; and to diagnose the radiative and thermodynamic mechanisms underlying PV-induced warming by combining ground-based and aerial observations,” explained the researchers.
During the study period, a network of temperature sensors was deployed both within the PV plant and at a nearby reference site located approximately 10 km away to capture background conditions unaffected by solar infrastructure. These instruments were installed at a standard height of 2 m above ground level and recorded air temperature at 15-minute intervals, enabling high-temporal-resolution comparisons between the PV and non-PV environments.
In addition to the long-term temperature monitoring, targeted radiation measurements were conducted during an intensive field campaign in July 2023. This campaign used instrumented observation towers positioned inside the PV field and at a reference location about 2 km away, allowing the researchers to directly compare radiative fluxes under similar meteorological conditions.
To complement the point-based measurements, land surface temperature patterns were further examined using UAV-based thermal infrared imaging on July 29, 2023. This approach provided high-resolution spatial mapping of surface thermal conditions across both the PV installation and adjacent non-PV areas, capturing fine-scale heterogeneity that ground sensors alone could not resolve, according to the research group.
The results showed a statistically robust warming signal associated with the PV installation. Over the two-year observation period, the PV farm exhibited a mean air temperature increase of 0.8 C relative to the reference site, with warming observed consistently across all seasons. The study further found an asymmetry in diurnal temperature changes: increases in daily minimum air temperatures were greater than those in daily maximum temperatures, leading to a 1.9 C reduction in the daily temperature range compared with non-PV areas.
Consistent with these findings, UAV-based thermal mapping revealed elevated land surface temperatures within the PV field, ranging from 0.3 C to 4.1 C above adjacent non-PV regions. The radiation measurements also indicated a positive perturbation in surface energy balance, with mean daily net radiation increasing by 8.3 W m² in the PV area. This enhancement was particularly pronounced during daytime hours, when net radiation rose by up to 18.5 W m², highlighting the role of PV infrastructure in modifying local radiative and thermal dynamics.
“This increase in net radiation was primarily due to a decrease in albedo, which resulted in 24.6 W m2 more net shortwave radiation,” the team said. “The PV farm increased the outgoing longwave radiation by 6.1 W m2 during the daytime and 4.6 W m2 at night, which was considerably lower than the increased net shortwave radiation.”
The research was presented in “Persistent site-scale warming associated with solar photovoltaic installations,” published in the Journal of Environmental Management.“These findings underscore the need to consider potential environmental trade-offs in future PV deployment strategies,” the scientists concluded.
Researchers from China’s Inner Mongolia University of Finance and Economics, Peking University, Inner Mongolia Institute of Water Resources Research, and Inner Mongolia Agricultural University.
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: editors@pv-magazine.com.
More articles from Lior Kahana
Please be mindful of our community standards.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.


Δ
By submitting this form you agree to pv magazine using your data for the purposes of publishing your comment.
Your personal data will only be disclosed or otherwise transmitted to third parties for the purposes of spam filtering or if this is necessary for technical maintenance of the website. Any other transfer to third parties will not take place unless this is justified on the basis of applicable data protection regulations or if pv magazine is legally obliged to do so.
You may revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future, in which case your personal data will be deleted immediately. Otherwise, your data will be deleted if pv magazine has processed your request or the purpose of data storage is fulfilled.
Further information on data privacy can be found in our Data Protection Policy.
Legal Notice Terms and Conditions Data Privacy © pv magazine 2026
Δ
This website uses cookies to anonymously count visitor numbers. View our privacy policy. ×
The cookie settings on this website are set to “allow cookies” to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click “Accept” below then you are consenting to this.
Close

source

Following the signing of the contract for the construction of the Jacmel photovoltaic solar power plant at the Mont Fleury site (https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46650-haiti-technology-construction-of-a-major-solar-power-plant-in-jacmel.html), Joseph Almathe Pierre Louis, the Minister of Public Works (MTPTC), instructed the teams to expedite the development work on certain road sections with the technical support of the Southeast Departmental Directorate (DDSE-Jacmel). This breakthrough not only benefits the energy project but also represents a major improvement in access for the local population of Mont Fleury (6th communal section of Jacmel).
It is worth noting that the Ministry of Public Works (MTPTC) is acting as the project owner and is ensuring the rigorous supervision and monitoring of the progress of the photovoltaic solar power plant, which is being built with over $17 million in funding from the World Bank through the Renewable Energy for All in Haiti (SREP) program.
The contractor, the Dominican international firm ESD Engineering Service S.R.L., is responsible for delivering a state-of-the-art, turnkey solution. The installations will include:
• A 4 MW solar power generation capacity (minimum output of 3.35 MW);
• A 6 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) using lithium-ion technology;
• Grid expansion with the installation of approximately 4 km of low-voltage lines and 7 km of medium-voltage (23 kV) lines.
Thanks to its grid-forming technology, this power plant will guarantee the stability of the electrical grid, even in the event of a shutdown of the current thermal power plant or during periods of low sunlight.
Construction of this power plant is expected to take 13 months, from February 2026 to March 2027.
See also :
https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46650-haiti-technology-construction-of-a-major-solar-power-plant-in-jacmel.html
HL/ HaitiLibre

source

Enter your password
Published on 04/27/2026 at 04:57 pm EDT
EGing Photovoltaic Technology Co.,Ltd. reported earnings results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. For the first quarter, the company reported sales was CNY 169.99 million compared to CNY 608.16 million a year ago. Net loss was CNY 65.48 million compared to CNY 53.14 million a year ago.
Basic loss per share from continuing operations was CNY 0.06 compared to CNY 0.04 a year ago. Diluted loss per share from continuing operations was CNY 0.06 compared to CNY 0.04 a year ago.
Currency / Forex
Commodities
Cryptocurrencies
Interest Rates
Best financial
portal
More than 20 years
at your side
+ 1,300,000
members
Quick & easy
cancellation
Our Experts
are here for you
OUR EXPERTS ARE HERE FOR YOU
Monday – Friday 9am-12pm / 2pm-6pm GMT + 1
Select your edition
All financial news and data tailored to specific country editions
NORTH AMERICA
MIDDLE EAST
EUROPE
APAC

source

Student-led climate project aims to spread awareness of renewable energy  CBC
source

The new photovoltaic system on the roof of  Borussia Dortmund’s SIGNAL IDUNA PARK has been completed. With an output of more than 5 megawatts (MWp), the club is now proud to have the world’s most powerful PV system ever installed on a stadium roof.
With 11,132 modules and an output of more than 5 megawatts (MWp), Germany’s largest stadium now boasts the world’s most powerful PV installation on a stadium roof. In the future, BVB will cover up to half of the stadium’s electricity needs using solar energy. The world record has been officially confirmed by the German Record Institute. Compared to the previous power supply, the system saves approximately 1,700 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

The new photovoltaic system of the roof of SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. Image: BVB

By the beginning of 2026, a battery storage facility with a capacity of 3.7 megawatt hours will also have been built. Once it has been connected to the new PV system, climate-friendly electricity can also be used when the sun is not shining.
PV System and Battery at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK

– Installed PV capacity: 5.009 MWp (previous system: 0.924 MWp)
– Most powerful stadium-roof PV system worldwide
– 11,132 JA Solar Fullblack modules (450 Wp/module)
– 11 Sungrow inverters
– Self-consumption rate approx. 45%
– Completion of the battery storage system (stationary battery): Q1/2026
– Installed storage output: 3.7 MW
– Approx. 4.1 GWh/year savings
Back in April 2024, BVB and RWE installed a PV system with around 200 solar modules on the roof of the BVB FanWelt next to the stadium. As “Premium & Sustainability Partner,” RWE supports BVB in its ambitious decarbonization plans.
The Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam is also relying on a battery storage solution at the stadium. Entire matchdays can already be powered exclusively by green energy. stadiaworld visited the venue to see how the system works and how those in charge are already planning the next steps.

Hans-Joachim Watzke, Chairman of the Management Board BVB: “SIGNAL IDUNA PARK symbolizes our integrated efforts to ensure Borussia Dortmund’s future viability. We are delighted that our iconic home can now be associated with a record-breaking flagship project for climate protection.” (stadiaworld, 24.11.2025)


Continue reading with
Your benefits with stadiaworld+
Register now

Do you already have a Stadionwelt+ or stadiaworld+ subscription? Log in here

source

Let Utility Dive’s free newsletter keep you informed, straight from your inbox.

In partnership with
In partnership with
The American Energy Dominance Act would remove the accelerated deadlines that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act placed on the renewable energy 45Y production tax credit and 48E investment tax credit.
Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives are trying to restore clean tax credits for wind, solar and other clean energy technologies that were curtailed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The American Energy Dominance Act, introduced Thursday, would remove the accelerated deadlines that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act placed on the renewable energy 45Y production tax credit and 48E investment tax credit, and make similar changes to other impacted credits, like the 45V clean hydrogen production credit. 
The bill was introduced by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, Rep. Mike Carey, R-Ohio, and Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y.  A release from Fitzpatrick’s office said the legislation was “developed in direct partnership with the North America’s Building Trades Unions.”
“Under current law, key incentives such as 179D and 45L are scheduled to expire on June 30, 2026,” said the release. The legislation would “fully restore” the 179D, or Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction credit, without a scheduled expiration. 
“For capital-intensive sectors, a shortened policy horizon does more than disrupt planning — it raises the risk that critical projects are delayed, scaled back, or never built at all,” the release said. “When that happens, it is American workers, American employers, and American families who pay the price through slower growth, tighter energy supply, and continued cost pressure.”
E2 estimated that $34.8 billion in clean energy investments were canceled in 2025, outnumbering new investments three to one. In a Friday release, E2 executive director Bob Keefe called the legislation a “modest – but smart – step back in the right direction.” 
Capstone analyst Andrew Lascaleia said in a Saturday research note that the firm does “not expect [Fitzpatrick’s] bill that would reverse many of the changes made to energy tax credits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to gain traction in this Congress.”
“However,” Lascaleia added, “we believe the bill, which would restore clean electricity, hydrogen, and energy efficiency tax credits, may find support if Democrats win the House or Senate in the 2026 elections. This would benefit renewables developers and manufacturers.”
Democratic lawmakers in March introduced a clean electricity bill that would, among other measures, restore clean energy tax credits that were eliminated by the OBBBA.
Fitzpatrick’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts
Gas power M&A valuations have doubled since 2024, but new generation remains a risky investment, analysts say.
DOE’s colocation proposal and transmission planning reforms will set FERC’s agenda this year against a backdrop of rising concern over affordability, former commission chairmen and experts say in our 2026 outlook.
Subscribe to Utility Dive for top news, trends & analysis
Sign up for the free newsletter.
Interested? Explore more of what has to offer.
Thanks for signing up! Please keep an eye out for a confirmation email from [email protected] To ensure we make it into your inbox regularly, add us to your allow list, mark us as a safe sender, or add us to your address book. Check out more from
Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts
Gas power M&A valuations have doubled since 2024, but new generation remains a risky investment, analysts say.
DOE’s colocation proposal and transmission planning reforms will set FERC’s agenda this year against a backdrop of rising concern over affordability, former commission chairmen and experts say in our 2026 outlook.
The free newsletter covering the top industry headlines

source

We have a number of email newsletter options that you can choose to subscribe to, including a topic with news and updates for waste and recycling.
You can sign up for updates or access your subscriber preferences on our email updates system.
On Wednesday, April 8, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero approved plans for Springwell Solar Farm, which would be the UK’s largest solar farm. The site would cover around 1,280 hectares of land near Scopwick in North Kesteven.

During the planning process, Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council argued strongly against the development, citing that the application did not properly assess the impacts on our rural villages and landscapes, or adequately take into account the cumulative impact of developments in Lincolnshire, which continue to use large amounts of the best and most versatile agricultural land – of which there is limited in the country.
Having carefully reviewed the Examining Authority’s report and Secretary of State’s decision letter, the councils are concerned that the proper process was not followed and are now seeking to challenge the decision legally.

Cllr Sean Matthews, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Following legal advice and a careful consideration of the potential costs and impact, we believe we may have grounds to challenge this decision.

“With Lincolnshire bearing the brunt of NSIP applications, it’s important we take a stand, and use the appropriate means to try and stop these developments where possible. If the courts agree that we have grounds to challenge, we’d be in a position to launch a judicial review into this decision.” 

Cllr Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, also raised concerns, saying that: “In any planning decision, weighing and balancing competing issues is fundamental to coming to a decision. In this case, it appears that because of process and procedural flaws, the wrong weight has been applied leading to a decision that is arguably unsound”.
For the latest news on North Kesteven District Council visit our council news pages
Follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter), find us on Facebook, or sign up to our newsletter
Find and talk with us online, or contact us directly by online form or email

source

Science and Technology
The resistance comes at a time when Michigan ranks among the top four states with the largest share of new capacity planned for solar farms directly connected to the U.S. power grid. Texas, Arizona, and California are also part of this group, while local communities pressure authorities to halt or complicate new ventures.
The case of Kevin Heath, in southeast Michigan, illustrates the direct impact of this reaction. About six years ago, he agreed to lease part of his family’s farm for a solar project, but the opportunity was blocked in 2023 when his municipality approved a rule prohibiting large solar projects on agricultural land after pressure from residents.
Criticism of solar energy has gone beyond land use and entered the realm of public health. Residents and opponents raise concerns about possible effects of electromagnetic fields, glare, noise, toxic materials, and future contamination when projects reach the end of their lifespan.
Workers were building a metro line when they found over 300,000 artifacts that transformed stations into an underground museum under a 2,300-year-old city in Greece.
Antiviral nanospikes create an antiviral surface that destroys 96% of viruses in 6 hours without chemicals and targets hospitals, transportation, and daily-use screens.
Greenland is already losing 30 million tons of ice per hour; scientists see a risk of an irreversible tipping point and warn that sea levels could still rise for centuries even if emissions stop today.
Scientists are studying GJ 1214 b, a planet 40 light-years away that may concentrate water on a much larger scale than Earth, and this “ocean world” helps to understand how to store, protect, and maintain the planet’s most valuable resource under extreme conditions.
The reaction has fueled restrictions in various parts of the country. An article published late last year in the Brigham Young University Law Review pointed out that limitations on solar development have been spreading nationally, often associated with misinformation or unfounded fears, including about environmental and human risks.
In Ohio, a state authority rejected a solar project proposal last month, even though its team had initially indicated that it met all requirements. Among the concerns cited by opponents were possible impacts on residents’ health, in an episode that reinforced the political weight of solar fear.
In Missouri, a bill seeks to halt commercial solar projects, including those already under construction, at least until 2027, while a state agency prepares new regulations. The emergency clause of the proposal states that the measure would be necessary to preserve public health, welfare, peace, and safety.
Large solar projects can occupy hundreds or thousands of acres of rural areas with crystalline silicon and tempered glass structures. The visual transformation of the territory helps explain part of the resistance, but researchers indicate that the most common types of panels contain small amounts of potentially toxic materials, if they do, and are encapsulated, with a low likelihood of leaking into the soil.
A person’s exposure to the electromagnetic field of a solar farm is described as similar to that found in common household appliances, and it decreases rapidly with distance. Noise and glare are also often reduced with vegetation, setbacks between structures and neighboring properties, as well as positioning inverters away from homes.
Inverters, equipment that converts current for use in the power grid, are seen as one of the main sources of noise in solar installations. In a project in Morrow County, Ohio, noise modeling indicated that the equipment would be virtually inaudible to the public, with a requirement for correction if it exceeded a certain limit.
In St. Clair County, in eastern Michigan, the debate gained momentum when the medical director of the Health Department, Dr. Remington Nevin, stated in memos that large solar installations could pose a health risk to rural residents. He also argued that state standards would not be sufficient to protect them from environmental hazards, sources of contamination, and conditions that could cause diseases.
The county adopted a public health regulation last year with limits on solar development and battery storage. The measure became the center of a legal dispute, and a circuit judge ruled in February that the rule was invalid, null, and of no effect, but local authorities chose to appeal unanimously.
Michigan requires electricity suppliers to achieve a portfolio of 80% clean energy by 2035 and 100% by 2040. Despite this, only 2.55% of the state’s electricity comes from solar energy, while the rate is nearly 6% in Ohio and almost 11% in Texas.
The rise of solar fear occurs as new solar installations in the United States fell 14% last year. Local pressure against solar panels complicates the expansion of renewable infrastructure precisely at a time of rising costs for consumers.
The resistance also affects companies trying to develop projects. Open Road Renewables, which has eight solar projects permitted in Ohio, reported that it will not start new projects in the state due to a licensing process described as subject to manipulation and misinformation.
At the center of the dispute, solar panels remain associated with local fears that researchers and experts contest. The solar fear has gained political strength, stalled projects, and turned a power generation technology into a target of municipal battles over health, rural landscape, property, and energy future.
The solar fear has led cities and counties in the United States to ban, block, or complicate new projects with solar panels, even in the face of a lack of solid evidence that large solar installations harm health. The backlash involves claims about noise, glare, soil contamination, groundwater, and electromagnetic fields, in a movement that is already affecting projects in states like Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri.
The resistance occurs at a time when Michigan ranks among the four states with the largest share of new capacity planned for solar farms directly connected to the U.S. power grid. Texas, Arizona, and California are also part of this group, while local communities pressure authorities to halt or complicate new ventures.
The case of Kevin Heath, in southeastern Michigan, illustrates the direct impact of this backlash. About six years ago, he agreed to lease part of his family’s farm for a solar project, but the opportunity was blocked in 2023 when his municipality approved a rule prohibiting large solar projects on agricultural land after pressure from residents.
Criticism of solar panels has gone beyond land use and entered the realm of public health. Residents and opponents raise concerns about potential effects of electromagnetic fields, glare, noise, toxic materials, and future contamination when projects reach the end of their lifespan.
The backlash has fueled restrictions in various parts of the country. An article published late last year in the Brigham Young University Law Review pointed out that limitations on solar development have been spreading nationally, often associated with misinformation or unfounded fears, including about environmental and human risks.
In Ohio, a state authority rejected a request for a solar project last month, although its team had initially indicated that it met all requirements. Among the concerns cited by opponents were potential impacts on residents’ health, in an episode that reinforced the political weight of solar fear.
In Missouri, a bill seeks to halt commercial solar ventures, including those already under construction, at least until 2027, while a state agency prepares new regulations. The emergency clause of the proposal states that the measure would be necessary to preserve public health, welfare, peace, and safety.
Large solar projects can occupy hundreds or thousands of acres of rural areas with crystalline silicon and tempered glass structures. The visual transformation of the territory helps explain part of the resistance, but researchers indicate that the most common types of panels contain small amounts of potentially toxic materials, if any, and are encapsulated, with a low likelihood of leaking into the soil.
A person’s exposure to the electromagnetic field of a solar farm is described as similar to that found in common household appliances, and decreases rapidly with distance. Noise and glare are also often reduced with vegetation, setbacks between structures and neighboring properties, as well as positioning inverters away from homes.
Inverters, equipment that converts current for use in the power grid, appear as one of the main sources of noise in solar installations. In a project in Morrow County, Ohio, noise modeling indicated that the equipment would be virtually inaudible to the public, with a requirement for correction if it exceeded a certain limit.
In St. Clair County, in eastern Michigan, the debate gained momentum when the medical director of the Health Department, Dr. Remington Nevin, stated in memos that large solar installations could pose health risks to rural residents. He also argued that state standards would not be sufficient to protect them from environmental hazards, sources of contamination, and conditions that could cause illness.
The county adopted a public health regulation last year with limits on solar development and battery storage. The measure became the center of a legal dispute, and a circuit judge ruled in February that the rule was invalid, null, and void, but local authorities unanimously chose to appeal.
Michigan requires electricity suppliers to achieve a portfolio of 80% clean energy by 2035 and 100% by 2040. Despite this, only 2.55% of the state’s electricity comes from solar energy, while the rate is nearly 6% in Ohio and almost 11% in Texas.
The rise of solar fear comes as new solar installations in the United States fell 14% last year. Local pressure against solar panels complicates the expansion of renewable infrastructure precisely at a time of rising costs for consumers.
Resistance also affects companies trying to develop projects. Open Road Renewables, which has eight permitted solar projects in Ohio, reported that it will not initiate new projects in the state due to a licensing process described as subject to manipulation and misinformation.
At the center of the dispute, solar panels remain associated with local fears that researchers and experts contest. The solar fear has gained political strength, stalled projects, and turned a power generation technology into a target of municipal battles over health, rural landscape, property, and energy future.
With information from Zme Science
Jornalista especializado em uma ampla variedade de temas, como carros, tecnologia, política, indústria naval, geopolítica, energia renovável e economia. Atuo desde 2015 com publicações de destaque em grandes portais de notícias. Minha formação em Gestão em Tecnologia da Informação pela Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) agrega uma perspectiva técnica única às minhas análises e reportagens. Com mais de 10 mil artigos publicados em veículos de renome, busco sempre trazer informações detalhadas e percepções relevantes para o leitor.
© 2026 Click Petróleo e Gás – All rights reserved

source

Y Branch MC4 Solar Connector – Parallel Adapter For Solar Panels, Waterproof Plug & Play Branch Adapter  ruhrkanal.news
source

IMPARTIAL NEWS + INTELLIGENT DEBATE
Account
Germany has emerged as a global leader in 'plug-in' solar power
On arrival in Berlin it doesn’t take long to spot a solar panel. They adorn the roofs and balconies of many of the homes that sit along the main train route from the airport into the city.
Germany has emerged as a global leader in “plug-in solar”, with more than one million systems now registered.
These are a type of lightweight panel that can be plugged into the mains without an electrician, providing a cheaper and easier entry option for households interested in benefitting from free energy from the sun.
POLITICS

Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, has said he would much rather see left-leaning figures like Angela Rayner or Andy Burnham leading the rival party than Sir Keir Starmer.
Polanski told Sky News: “It is no secret that Burnham and Rayner would be much closer to my politics”.
He suggested that under different leadership, he could reassess a potential election pact.
However, he caveated that he did have “reservations about their policies”.
The Green Party leader admitted he would prefer a Government led by one of the more progessive Labour politicians.

“I do think it’d be a significant improvement to remove Starmer and make sure that the party as leaning more towards the left,” he said.

He added he wants to see an end to “rip-off Britain”.
Over the past decade, the
amount of time we are expected
to remain healthy for has fallen
by two years, with experts
warning the country is “going backwards”.
73%
The proportion of life a woman spends in good health declined from 77 per cent to 73 per cent between 2012 and 2014.

For men, it declined from 79 per cent to 77 per cent.

51 years
In Blackpool, the healthy life expectancy (HLE) was just 51 years old for men.

Women in Hartlepool had the same shockingly low HLE.
Unlike other comparable countries seeing steady improvement, the Health Foundation’s research found the British population’s health is poor and worsening.

In more than 90 per cent of the UK, the HLE was now lower than the state pension age, the study found.
LIFESTYLE
7 min read
These findings reveal a stark truth – the UK’s health is going backwards. The lights on the dashboard are flashing red. More people than ever before are living with chronic health conditions.
FILM

Audiences were undeterred by widespread critical panning, turning out in their droves for the opening weekend of the controversial Michael Jackson biopic.

This comes seven years after Leaving Neverland, the documentary about Jackson’s alleged sexual abuse of children.
FILM
5 min read
The singer’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, plays the titular role alongside Colman Domingo as his father, Joe.

Despite recent high-profile allegations of child sexual abuse, Jackson’s popularity endures.
The i Paper‘s film critic, Francesca Steele, argued the flick should never have been made.
Steele’s review characterised the film as an obvious attempt to rehabilitate the star’s reputation.
She added that the film was not only “misrepresentative” but also “wildly incendiary”.
More than 30 children’s toys have been recalled from major UK retailers including M&S and Primark since the beginning of the year.
Dozens of children’s sand-based toys have now been recalled over fears they may be contaminated with asbestos.
In January, Hobbycraft withdrew its Giant Box of Craft kits after a customer alerted it to asbestos traces in the bottles of sand. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued new guidance on the most reliable tests, which has led to an increase in contamination concerns.
The OPSS needs to take action and ensure proper checks are being carried out to keep dangerous products off the shelves. It should also examine whether toys containing asbestos are being sold on online marketplaces
strikes

The council and union are close to striking a deal after a breakthrough in the bitter year-long dispute over jobs and pay.
Members of the Unite union walked out in a dispute over pay in March 2025. They argued council plans to remove a role in its waste recycling and collection service would lead to pay cuts.
Rubbish piled high on the streets of Birmingham, causing frustrated residents to complain of rodents, strong smells and other health hazards.
Council leader John Cotton said he is hopeful the deal will be agreed.

“I want our workforce to be able to return to work and help us deliver the quality refuse and recycling services the people of this city deserve,” Cotton said.
NEWS
5 min read
The UK Government is hoping to replicate the success of the technology in the UK. Ministers recently announced changes to safety regulations, which could see plug-in solar available in supermarkets and online retailers in time for this summer.
Berlin resident Paul describes plug-in solar as a “gateway drug into the solar life”. He now pays just €12 (£10) per month on his electricity bill due to the system he has installed in his home.
Paul and his wife Ute started by installing two plug-in solar panels on their garage roof in 2023, which he said saves him around €70 (£60) per month.
This is far more than most experts say can be saved with plug-in solar, which is less powerful than more traditional panels. The UK Government estimates a household can save up to £110 per year with plug-in.
“I know the statistics say differently, but I’d like to emphasise we did take great care about what times we were using devices and things like that,” said Paul, a self-proclaimed “statistics nerd”.
“I think getting the solar panels made us look at how we were using [electricity],” he said. “When the sun was at its highest point, we’d switch on the washing machine or set the timer….I’ve got my own robot lawn mower so that was put to good use as well.”
The plug-in solar panels inspired Paul and Ute to invest in a larger system on the south side of their roof, which has now reduced their energy bills down to an average of just £10 a month.
“We store a lot more than we actually use during the day and we use that at night so for most of the year we’ve got free electricity and it’s only in the winter months that we actually pay our electricity bill,” he said.
“It’s been great. It’s completely changed our life. I know that might sound strange, but we really didn’t think previously about how much electricity we were using until we got it.”
Plug-in solar is not new in Germany. For over 20 years people have been installing DIY-systems, according to Oliver Long, owner of Sonnenrepublik, which sells plug-in panels in Berlin.
He said what started as a “guerrilla” movement has gained pace thanks to several law changes introduced by the German government.
Roughly six years ago, changes to safety regulations meant plug-in solar systems with a maximum capacity of 600W could be installed in homes. This capacity was increased to 800W in 2024.
In 2024, the government introduced new rights for tenants and flat owners to make it significantly harder for landlords and building owners to refuse permission for solar installs.
Long said these changes have led to a steady increase in sales, but the biggest “boom” came in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the impact on energy bills.
“I think we had double turnover that year,” Long said.
The shop is currently noticing a “slight increase” following the US-Israeli war on Iran as Germans once again become worried about the impact of war on their bills.
“Everybody’s talking about the energy crisis, increasing energy prices and people are afraid of power cuts and things like that,” he said.
The UK is years behind Germany in changing its safety regulations to allow plug-in solar, but the Government has vowed to catch up quickly.
Ministers have captured the attention of the public by promising plug-in solar panels will be available in the middle aisle of Lidl by the summer, with several other retailers also now signed on.
However, questions remain over whether plug-in solar will be as popular as in Germany, particularly given the fact that UK tenants and leaseholders do not have the same rights as Germans when it comes to installing solar on their home.
The climate minister, Katie White, told The i Paper the Government will smooth out any “friction” points, suggesting further reform could come down the line.
Impartial news + intelligent debate
All rights reserved. © 2026 Associated Newspapers Limited.

source

Find, save and share Public Notices that affect you in the area.
The Public Notice Portal carries statutory public notices published in local newspapers and is the fastest and most effective way of finding out what is happening in YOUR neighbourhood.
TWO Aldi stores in Halton are looking to boost their green credentials by installing hundreds of rooftop solar panels.
The German supermarket giant has submitted two applications to Halton Council for the work on its stores on off  Derby Road in Widnes, and Jack Search Way in Murdishaw, Runcorn.
The Widnes plan would see 268 solar panels put on the roof, with 270 on the Runcorn store.
Each would produce a maximum power output of 140KW – enough to power around 40 houses.
An application submitted by the firm said it was part of broader company efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
It said: “The proposals form part of a wider programme of solar PV installations across the Aldi estate in both the UK and Ireland, which is seeking to significantly reduce Aldi’s carbon footprint and contribute towards mitigating climate change.”
One factor which can scupper planning applications is ‘visual amenity’, essentially what a development looks like to neighbours and the impact it has on the wider area.
Both applications said the roof-mounted solar panels are proposed to be positioned in a number of locations on the roof.
It added: “Due to the height of the building, the proposed solar panels will be limited in visual sightlines from public viewpoints and are therefore considered to form acceptable additions in such locations from a visual amenity perspective.”
It said that as there were no directly adjacent residential buildings, it was considered that there would not be any loss of residential amenity or resulting glare from the panels for neighbours.
The application concluded: “As outlined within the planning assessment, will not cause any negative cumulative effects on either the building on which it is sited or the surrounding areas’ amenity, and the solar PVs (panels) will be removed as soon as reasonably practicable when no longer needed.”
This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation’s Editors’ Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here
© 2001-2026. The Runcorn and Widnes World is owned and operated by Newsquest Media Group Ltd, an audited local newspaper network.
Visit newsquest.co.uk to view our policies, terms and legal agreements.
The Echo Building, 18 Albert Road, Bournemouth, England BH1 1BZ. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637
Data returned from the Piano ‘meterActive/meterExpired’ callback event.
As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.
Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.
These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.
It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.

source

A view of the solar farm site at Duckinfield House Farm, on Hurst Lane(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Controversial plans for a new solar farm in Glazebury have been approved.
Duckinfield Solar Ltd's application proposing the development of an up to 10mw solar farm and associated infrastructure on land at Duckinfield House Farm, on Hurst Lane, came before Warrington Borough Council's development management committee on Thursday.
The site is located in the green belt. According to a report to the committee, the application site consists of two parcels of agricultural land which are approximately 16ha in size, with the fields bisected by a public right of way (PROW) which cuts across the site and runs along its northern boundary.
The report said: "This application proposes a 10 megawatt solar farm with associated infrastructure. The solar panels would be located in both of the fields forming the site either side of the PROW and would have a maximum height of 3.2m.
"An access track would be created from the farm into the larger field via the existing level crossing to provide access to the solar installation. To the north-eastern corner of this field there would be a customer substation, a district network operator substation, a storage container and office/welfare facility, as well as a weather station.
"Four transformer stations would be positioned along the proposed access track running along the eastern boundary of the site. The solar installation would be enclosed with 2.1m high deer fencing with CCTV towers at a maximum of 3m in height. A temporary construction compound is also proposed to the north-west of the existing farm buildings to the northern side of the railway line."
The application was publicised by 29 neighbour notification letters, by site notice and by press notice.
According to the report, one letter of support was received with no reasons given in the response.
And objections were received from 43 addresses, as a result of the publicity given to the application.
The concerns raised, as summarised in the report, included inappropriate development in the green belt, loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, harm to outlook from nearby dwellings and the impact of glint and glare.
Ward councillor Matt Smith, ward councillor Cllr Neil Johnson and Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council also objected to the application.
But in the planning officer's report, it said subject to conditions there would be 'no unacceptable impacts' on the local highway network, residential amenity and flood risk.
One of the conditions is that the planning permission will be limited to a period of 40 years.
Cllr Smith, speaking against the plans, expressed 'strong concerns' over the application.
He said: "While I understand the importance of renewable energy, this specific location for a sizeable solar farm will have a significant adverse impact along the valued and well-used public right of way that bisects the site."
Cllr Smith also stated the period of 40 years is 'not temporary in the context of a human lifetime, or the enjoyment of our local landscape'.
"We should not sacrifice Glazebury's rural character and the quality of our public rights of way for a project that even the case officer admits causes significant landscape harm," he added.
"There are undoubtedly more appropriate locations that would have less impact, or less than a substantial adverse impact, on the openness and amenity of our green spaces."
Cllr Steve Parish, deputy chair of the development management committee, said: "I think it's fairly obviously Government policy that we need solar energy, and that's before the Middle East was set on fire."
He also stated 'we do have a climate emergency'.
Furthermore, Cllr Parish described the application as a 'delicate one because of the planning balance'.
"But given the emphasis on the need and the idea that 40 years is temporary, and from what I know of other mitigations and other cases, I think we'd have little chance at appeal, frankly," he added.
As recommended, the application was approved subject to conditions.
To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.

source

Standard Chartered Backs UK Solar and Energy Storage Systems  Energy Digital Magazine
source

Please enable JavaScript to proceed.

source

A fire involving rooftop solar panels was reported Monday at a single-family home on Conrad Court in Damascus.

Crews from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service responded to smoke coming from the roof and quickly extinguished the fire with no extension into the home.
Firefighters successfully deployed a recently acquired tool called “PVStop,” a handheld device that applies a liquid tarp to deactivate solar (photovoltaic) panels, improving safety during suppression efforts.
According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer,  the fire is believed to have started accidentally, possibly due to a bird’s nest under or near the panels igniting from accumulated heat, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Update – Conrad Ct, Damascus, SFH, solar panel ignited, fire extinguished, no extension, @mcfrs successfully utilized recently acquired ‘PVStop’ a handheld unit to safely apply deactivating liquid (liquid tarp) onto damaged photovoltaic (PV) arrays (solar panels) https://t.co/1EI48eJGsq pic.twitter.com/VWJxu5hPzU
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) April 27, 2026

Rebuilding Together Montgomery County Fundraising Event! Come out for a night of fun, networking, food, drink, silent auction and casino tables to support an amazing local non-profit.
Read More
Healthy at the Harbor is a free, family-friendly health and wellness event hosted by Kaiser Permanente at the National Harbor on June 6, from 11 am – 4 pm
Read More
Healthy at the Harbor is a free, family-friendly health and wellness event hosted by Kaiser Permanente at the National Harbor on June 6, from 11 am – 4 pm
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Montgomery County, MD
©2026 Copyright The MoCo Show. All Rights Reserved.

source

Delaware’s largest rooftop solar project is now online with state leaders hoping it marks a turning point for renewable energy across the state.
The massive rooftop installation at Delmarva Corrugated Packaging in Kent County is expected to generate about 30% of the company’s daily power needs, reducing costs and easing demand on the regional power grid.
Stream Philadelphia News for free, 24/7, wherever you are with NBC10.
The project comes as solar energy continues to grow nationwide.
Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows solar generation increasing year over year while costs have dropped significantly over the past few decades.
Combined with improvements in battery storage, wind and solar now generate more than 17% of the country’s electricity.
In Dover, the nonprofit Energize Delaware is helping drive that momentum.
The group also operates solar-powered electric vehicle chargers that offer free and clean energy to drivers.
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
“It’s actually our largest investment in Kent County and it’s phenomenal work they’re doing,” Drew Slater of Energize Delaware said. “They built the building 30% more efficient than what a standard building would be and now they’ve added solar on top of it. It’s just furthering their own sustainability goals.”
The rooftop array itself spans about 10 acres — space that otherwise would have gone unused.
Advocates say rooftop solar offers an alternative to building arrays on open land, though challenges remain.
Large buildings often need to be constructed or retrofitted to support the weight of solar panels which has limited widespread adoption so far.
Still, as technology improves and costs continue to fall, more businesses and property owners may follow suit.
“I think it’s a great sign of things to come,” Slater said.
While projects like this won’t solve all of Delaware’s energy challenges, supporters say every addition helps — and this one is already making an impact.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.

source

source

ENGIE South Africa and Pele Green Energy officially inaugurated the Graspan photovoltaic plant in the Northern Cape on 21 April 2026. The 75 MW facility has been supplying the national grid for several months.
Each week:
40 curated articles via our newsletters + a selection of your choice.
Sector alerts and personalized feed.
Just your email — that's all it takes.

source

Maelorso Solar Panel Y Branch Connectors Parallel Adapter Cable, MC4 Connector 1 To  portalcantagalo.com.br
source