Solar Now

Suggested articles
October 20, 2026
0 min read
Share this article:
Related Articles
October 20, 2026
October 20, 2026
October 20, 2026
October 20, 2026

source

South Australia advances almost 13GW of solar and wind in Whyalla West tender  PV Tech
source

Chinese PV module maker JinkoSolar unveiled its TOPCon-based Amorphous-Si Passivating Cell (TAC) technology at its Global Tech Day event in Shanghai on Oct. 17. According to a technical white paper published by the company, the architecture combines TOPCon electron-selective contacts with heterojunction (HJT) hole-selective contacts and a rear-electrode layout.
The design uses an n-type crystalline silicon wafer with two alternating carrier-selective contact regions on the rear surface. Both positive and negative electrodes are located on the rear, eliminating front-side metallisation and the associated optical shading losses.
The electron-collecting n-type region retains the contact structure used in TOPCon cells, consisting of an approximately 1 nm to 2 nm silicon oxide tunneling layer and heavily doped polycrystalline silicon. This structure enables selective electron transport with low contact resistance while suppressing carrier recombination.
The hole-collecting p-type region uses intrinsic and doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si), drawing on HJT cell technology. JinkoSolar said the configuration improves surface passivation and open-circuit voltage. A transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer facilitates lateral carrier transport, while the amorphous silicon passivation process takes place at temperatures below 200 C.
High-precision laser patterning and dielectric isolation separate the two contact regions. JinkoSolar describes the architecture as a “2+1” design, combining TOPCon electron contacts, HJT hole contacts and a rear-electrode structure.
TAC belongs to the broader back-contact (BC) cell category, which includes architectures using different passivation and carrier-selective contact technologies. Unlike conventional front-contact TOPCon cells, TAC eliminates front-side metal contacts to reduce shading losses. Its distinguishing feature among BC technologies is the integration of TOPCon and amorphous silicon heterojunction contacts on the same wafer.
JinkoSolar has also developed a full-area passivation approach, called the Global Passivation Process (GPP), to reduce recombination losses across the contact regions. Another process, Multi-Dimensional Charge Passivation (MCP 2.0), targets carrier recombination at cut-cell edges. It uses a cut-before-passivation sequence, followed by chemical, field-effect and hydrogen passivation of the exposed surfaces.
Other cell-level features include high-purity, low-oxygen n-type silicon wafers and a light-trapping structure combining surface texturing, antireflection coatings and rear reflection. The white paper specifies a bulk minority-carrier lifetime exceeding 2 ms and a bulk recombination current density below 5 fA/cm² for the silicon substrate.
JinkoSolar said TAC production cell efficiency has exceeded 27%, with a peak efficiency of 28%. The company’s Oct. 17 announcement identifies the 28% figure as peak cell efficiency. However, the white paper does not specify a third-party certification, test area or average production-line efficiency for the result.
In its first-half 2026 financial report, JinkoSolar separately reported a third-party-certified conversion efficiency of 27.2% for an n-type BC research cell. The company, however, did not identify that result as a TAC measurement.
JinkoSolar identified low-temperature metallisation, copper-containing contact materials and the potential use of TAC as a bottom-cell platform for perovskite-silicon tandem devices as areas for further development.
From pv magazine Global

This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
Comments
Please login to comment
Thursday, November 5, 2026
10:00 am – 11:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Thursday, October 29, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Friday, October 23, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!

You have no items in your basket.

source

Solar rush: Why Filipino households are turning to the sun  Inquirer.net
source

Nationwide, electric utility providers are in a bind. Surging demand driven by electric vehicles, massive data center expansions and severe weather events is pushing aging power infrastructure to its limits. Utilities routinely pass massive capital investment costs straight to rate payers, squeezing household budgets at a time when families can least afford it.
When every dollar counts, waiting for energy prices to magically drop simply isn’t a strategy. That urgency is why many states are looking at how Minnesota became the nation’s premier model for localized, affordable clean energy.
 Minnesota Built the Framework to Help Community Solar Programs Nationwide
Rather than waiting on regional grid updates, thousands of Minnesota households are taking advantage of the state’s pioneering Community Solar Garden program. Originally created in 2013 and subsequently updated, Minnesota’s community solar program is now named in honor of Melissa Hortman. The program serves as a policy blueprint for lawmakers across the country.
Minnesota consistently ranks as one of the largest community solar markets in the nation, boasting more than 800 megawatts of active community solar capacity. The modern legislation ensures that everyday families, not just corporations, directly benefit from grid transformation through guaranteed, income-qualified savings.
“Solar energy isn’t an expensive luxury anymore. It’s now one of the most affordable sources of new electricity generation in the country,” explained Eric Pasi, CEO of Enterprise Energy, a Minneapolis-based community solar developer. “Thanks to Minnesota’s modern energy policy, accessing those lower costs doesn’t require thousands of dollars in rooftop panels.”
Subscribers to local solar gardens can reduce energy costs by up to 15% with no upfront fees and zero equipment installations. Homeowners and renters simply subscribe to a nearby solar farm and receive savings credit on their energy statement beginning this fall.
Scaling a Local Fix Into a National Playbook
The strategy isn’t just cutting bills; it’s proving how local communities can modernize the power supply from the ground up.
“We are a locally owned company, based in Minneapolis, created to give local families direct relief from rising utility bills,” Pasi added. “Our community solar projects now power approximately 10,000 households while helping us build a cleaner, stronger power grid for our communities.”
The rapid growth underlines how hungry consumers are for alternatives. Named the #1 fastest-growing company in Minnesota on Inc.com’s 2026 5000 list, and #4 nationally within the energy sector category, Enterprise Energy projects it will power approximately 30,000 households within the next year alone.
The company is expanding its service into Illinois, where a similar state program exists. “We are providing a scalable blueprint for how the rest of the country can expand access to affordable electricity,” commented Pasi.
How Minnesota’s Solar Gardens Lower Electricity Bills
●      Local solar farms generate clean, affordable electricity for the power grid.
●      Households simply need to subscribe. Minnesota households served by Xcel Energy can subscribe, subject to program requirements and available capacity. There are no setup fees, credit checks or hidden costs.
●      With consolidated billing, subscription charges and solar credits appear together on the household’s Xcel Energy bill. There are no second invoices to manage. 
 
Community Solar Gardens are Better for the Environment and the Economy
Pasi estimated that the company’s community solar gardens currently offset close to 100 million pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
“We also go to great lengths to make each garden as beneficial environmentally as possible. Pollinator-friendly seed mixes are planted in all of our projects. This helps restore the health of the soil. Depending on the project, we may also plant low-growing crops below the solar panels to maximize use of the space. Some of our gardens are even used for sheep grazing.”
 Enterprise Energy also prioritizes American-made equipment for its projects. “It’s important to us to support the U.S. economy. In addition to sourcing from American vendors, we are committed to growing the overall solar energy industry because it will support many high-paying local green jobs.” 

source

Power cables weave through palm trees high above Fiji's Rukurukulevu Village, linking residents to the national grid and a select few to solar panels.
The settlement of about 400 people finally electrified its last building this year — a kindergarten, just metres from the sea.
But residents are struggling to keep the lights on as the Middle East war and other factors push up energy bills in this Pacific paradise.
It is challenging Fiji's reliance on imported fossil fuels and driving a push towards renewables in the resource-scarce island nation.
"The prices of electricity here in Fiji (are) very high," village spokesman Vereniki Nalio told AFP.
"Some houses, they got FJ$100 (US$44) and over. The church, community halls and church minister's house, they've got about FJ$200, nearly FJ$300, for a month."
Nalio said he paid about FJ$60 per month for electricity — "very, very high".
Opposite his home stands another small house with one big difference: past the clothes hanging on the washing line lies a small array of solar panels.
Another home across the road boasts an even larger installation, showing how some in the village are seeking to move away from dependence on the grid.
Since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in February, fuel shipments from the Gulf have slowed.
Nalio said the subsequent global energy squeeze had led villagers to consider switching to renewables.
A basic solar power system costs around FJ$3,000, a higher up-front cost but an increasingly reasonable price to pay for theoretically unlimited, free electricity.
"They said we had no more fuel, no more petrol would come to Fiji. So at that time we think about solar," Nalio said.
He added that the village hoped to install solar panels on communal buildings to reduce the shared cost of powering them.
Pointing to the sky, Nalio said Rukurukulevu should not have to import its energy.
"Solar is already here."
– Rush for renewables –
Fiji hosted this month's "pre-COP" United Nations climate summit, where Pacific Island nations pressed for faster access to climate financing for projects such as renewable energy.
The event was a precursor to next month's main COP event in Turkey, where organisers will push for member states to commit to electrification — replacing technologies that burn fossil fuels directly, like diesel cars and gas heating, with electric alternatives.
Symbolising the challenges the Pacific faces, a major power outage on the second day of the event plunged the 4,000 attendees into darkness.
Government minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau blamed Fiji's rising energy prices on overreliance on fossil fuels and El Nino.
The cyclical climate phenomenon is particularly strong this year and has brought weather patterns that are drying up Fiji's hydroelectric dams.
They "will face a critical situation" if rainfall does not increase by mid-November, Tuisawau, whose remit covers public works, weather services and transport, told AFP.
"We would probably go into water rationing and power rationing in the next, maybe, four weeks if the situation doesn't change," he said.
"The hotels can enjoy (it) now, but we will cut off their water to the pool."
Fiji spends as much as 12 percent of its GDP on importing fossil fuels — "a huge drain on our resources", Tuisawau said.
The country is aiming for 90 percent renewable energy generation by 2035 and plans to spend FJ$2 billion on solar and hydropower development in the next decade.
That includes investing at least FJ$460 million in solar farms in the next four years, as well as FJ$650 million on two new dams and more than FJ$700 million to expand its main transmission lines.
For now, though, many islanders are still facing the sharp end of Fiji's energy crisis, Tuisawau acknowledged.
"With the price, with geopolitical issues, and in addition El Nino right now, it's a very difficult situation," he said.
bes/oho/mjw
By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, Oct 19 (Reuters) – The US State Department said on Monday it has asked Americans to reconsider any travel to Kenya and raised its travel advisory for the African nation
By Kyu-seok Shim SEOUL, Oct 20 (Reuters) – South Korea on Tuesday vowed a stern response if North Korea acts on threats to strengthen its military posture along the border, which have fueled tensions
The Democratic pundit predicted a major purge if Republicans fall short in next month’s midterm elections.
Tech firms led heavy losses across Asian markets Tuesday as investors brushed off a rebound on Wall Street amid growing fears about the AI investment boom ahead of crunch earnings releases.Focus is now on the release of earnings results, with Meta and Tesla due this week.
By Christine Chen SYDNEY, Oct 20 (Reuters) – Australian barber Ricky Jefferies has been hailed as a hero for running out of his store to detain a man who authorities allege deliberately drove a car
Australian lawmaker Helen Haines has lost a leg after being struck by a car in a deliberate attack, local media said Tuesday.Australian media reported that he was known to police and that his name is Brendan Nugent.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu basked in Donald Trump's endorsement on Monday ahead of close-fought elections, airing a phone call in which the US president predicted he would win and suggested they may again attack Iran together.- 'Polarising figure' – Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, had waited for years for a US president who would agree to attack Iran.
A disturbing video shows agents pinning down a Long Beach man, who is screaming in pain.
French officials are imposing localized curfews — including in parts of Paris — as the country reels from its worst rioting in years.
By Bo Erickson and Kanishka Singh PARK CITY, Kansas, Oct 19 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump said on Monday the US Department of Agriculture will launch what he called a new "harvest fuel relief
A 6-year-old boy and 35-year-old man were killed and 10 others were injured when a truck drove onto a field during a youth soccer game in Wichita, Kansas, on Saturday, authorities said.
WASHINGTON, Oct 19 () – US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an unannounced ‌visit to Israel on Monday, Axios reported, citing two ‌sources with knowledge. could not immediately confirm the meeting, but Hegseth said in ​a social media post that he had visited US service members in the Central Command area of responsibility, which covers the Middle East, northeast Africa and parts of Asia.
A Japanese spacecraft was on its way to one of Mars's moons on Tuesday on a world-first mission to retrieve samples, potentially helping unlock the origins of the Solar System and life on Earth.China's Tianwen-3 spacecraft is scheduled for launch around 2028 and hopes to return Mars samples to Earth as early as 2031 — potentially before the Japanese mission's return. aph-kh/abs
By Bo Erickson and Steve Holland PARK CITY, Kansas, Oct 19 (Reuters) – US President Donald Trump on Monday used violent unrest in France as an argument against Democrats in his battle to defend a
A rural Australian town felt a mix of horror and disbelief on Tuesday after a highly respected lawmaker was gravely injured in what looked to be a targeted attack.Haines entered parliament as an independent lawmaker in 2019, representing the sprawling seat of Indi.
A presidential runoff between Brazil's incumbent leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his right-wing challenger Flavio Bolsonaro will decide the fate of Latin America's largest democracy on Sunday.The runoff victor will either preserve the vast country of 214 million people as a left-wing stronghold in Latin America, or usher it into the ranks of right-wing administrations loyal to US President Donald Trump.
Hardly a day goes by now in Ukraine without news of another Russian air strike on the country's energy sector, causing widespread blackouts, including in the capital, Kyiv.Last winter, Russian strikes knocked out power and heating in sub-zero temperatures.
By Steve Gorman LOS ANGELES, Oct 19 (Reuters) – US-based explorers who voyaged to a tiny South Pacific island seeking to solve conclusively the 1937 disappearance of famed aviator Amelia Earhart have
The EU is to unveil plans to bolster its foothold in the Arctic Tuesday, as it grapples with pressure from Russia and the United States in the key strategic region.-   Only recently a key ally in the region, the United States is listed among those who could participate, but the country is otherwise more noticeable for its absence from the remainder of the document.
"Nobody appreciates how great a president I am!’” Trump said at a Kanas rally.

source

REG – Zenith Energy Ltd – Acquisition of 10 MWp PV & Production Update  TradingView
source

ARENA opens $250m solar manufacturing round  Manufacturers’ Monthly
source

[Ed: Though Sichuan as a whole has a poor solar resource for CSP, Aba County itself has excellent DNI. It is located in the northwestern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau with a thin and clean atmosphere, and a high number of cloud-free days.]
Source: From CSTA
Sichuan Province is set to get its first concentrated solar power plant. The Aba Prefecture Ecological Environment Bureau has approved Phase I of the Aba Maikun “CSP + PV” Integrated Power Generation Demonstration Project (Azhou Environmental Approval No. 42 of 2026).
Across two phases, the project will total 2 GW: 200 MW of CSP and 1,800 MW of PV, with a total investment of about 9.2 billion yuan.
It is Sichuan’s first tower CSP project and its first large-scale CSP demonstration project. It is also the province’s first CSP + PV hybrid. Aba sits high on the plateau in northwestern Sichuan, where direct normal irradiance (DNI) is strong, unlike most of the province.
Phase I totals 1 GW: a 100 MW molten salt tower CSP plant with thermal storage and 900 MW of PV. The PV uses a “grass-solar complementary” approach, sharing the land with grassland. Phase I will cost about 4.425 billion yuan, excluding the outgoing transmission line and grid-side upgrades. It is located in Maierma Town, Anqiang Town and Maikun Township in Aba County, at an altitude of roughly 3,600 to 3,900 meters.
The CSP plant will have a 255-meter receiver tower and a heliostat field of about 400,000 square meters. Its molten salt thermal storage will provide both peak-shaving and stable output. Shouhang Energy Saving Solar Technology Co., Ltd. won the contract for the solar field and receiver system, worth 187 million yuan.
Phase I also includes a 110 kV step-up substation for the CSP plant, two 220 kV step-up substations for the PV, and energy storage facilities. A connection for centralized clean energy heating is built in. Once complete, it can heat about 500,000 square meters of buildings in Aba County town.
Sichuan Shudao Clean Energy Group Co., Ltd. leads the project, with CGN Wind Power and PowerChina’s Chengdu Engineering Corporation Limited. In September, two PV EPC contracts were awarded. One went to Chengdu Engineering Corporation Limited. The other went to The IT Electronics Eleventh Design & Research Institute Scientific and Technological Engineering Corporation Limited, in a consortium with Highland Build Co., Ltd.
The bureau said the site is in a highly ecologically sensitive area. Prefecture environmental officials worked with other departments to assess and refine the plans for grassland protection, impacts on wild plants and animals, and fit with the landscape. The bureau said this let it shorten the approval process while holding to its ecological protection limits.
The bureau said the project’s model of “CSP peak-shaving + PV generation + urban heating” will build practical experience for combining renewable energy sources in Sichuan’s high-altitude alpine regions. It added that the project will support the low-carbon transition of the Aba Plateau.
Latest In:
CSP News & Analysis
Solar fuels are made using thermochemistry driven by direct heat from the sun In this process, solar thermal energy provides the heat for thermochemical reactions to produce new compounds such as green hydrogen or sustainable aviation fuel. Highly concentrated solar…
Here’s what dispatchable solar looks like. This gigantic solar thermal energy storage tank holds enough stored sunlight to generate 1,100 MWh/day from stored solar power. The cheapest way to store solar energy over many hours, such as the five to seven hour evening…
About SolarPACES
Tasks
Copyright © 2026 SolarPACES. All Rights Reserved.

source

Expanding renewable energy is not necessarily at odds with the economic interests of countries that depend heavily on oil and gas exports. On the contrary, replacing fossil fuels in domestic energy consumption with renewable electricity could allow these countries to increase export revenues while developing cleaner and more efficient energy systems at home.
These are the findings of a new study conducted by researchers at LUT University in Finland, who identified Norway as a particularly successful example of this approach. The country has combined substantial oil and gas production with extensive renewable electricity generation, widespread electric vehicle adoption, and increasing electrification of heating.
“The most clever oil and gas producing countries do so, see Norway,” Christian Breyer, professor for Solar Economy at Finland’s LUT University, told pv magazine, referring to investments in renewable energy and electrification.
He explained that reducing domestic fossil fuel consumption allows exporting countries to retain more of their oil and gas production for international markets. At the same time, electrification can improve the efficiency of domestic energy use and reduce emissions. “This allows them to export more fossil fuels whereas domestically they have a highly efficient and clean energy system,” he said, describing the strategy as economically advantageous.
However, Breyer argued that Norway remains an exception rather than the rule. Many fossil fuel exporters have yet to fully exploit the economic opportunities associated with their energy resources, particularly when it comes to developing renewable electricity generation and electrifying domestic demand.
The development of renewable energy in fossil fuel-exporting economies does not necessarily send contradictory signals to importing countries, according to Breyer. He noted that several Middle Eastern countries have begun investing in large-scale solar PV projects without undermining their oil and gas export businesses.
In his view, the continued demand for fossil fuels is largely independent of whether producing countries accelerate their own energy transitions. He compared fossil fuel dependence to other forms of addiction, arguing that consumers may continue purchasing products despite being aware of their long-term economic and environmental costs.
The situation in Russia presents a markedly different picture. Although the country has developed some solar and wind power capacity, renewable energy deployment has remained relatively limited compared with its resource potential. The expansion of the sector has also stalled since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Breyer suggested that Russia could, in principle, benefit from the same strategy pursued by Norway and increasingly considered by other fossil fuel-producing economies, including countries in the Middle East, the United States, and Canada.
Such a transition could reduce domestic fossil fuel consumption and create additional economic value from the country’s energy resources. Greater deployment of distributed renewable energy systems could also contribute to electricity supply diversification and, with appropriate grid design and storage, improve resilience against disruptions.
However, Breyer sees the main obstacles as political rather than technological or economic. He is skeptical that international sanctions or Russia’s increasing technological dependence on China would, by themselves, fundamentally change the country’s renewable energy prospects. Instead, he argued that progress would depend on policy decisions prioritizing long-term national economic interests.
“It would require clever policy making to the advantage of the country and its people,” he said.
Breyer was particularly critical of the economic and human consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, arguing that the destruction of economic value, loss of life, and damage to the country’s international reputation illustrate the consequences of political decisions that run counter to long-term national interests.
“Rational advantageous choice are often not considered if irrational ruling is prevailing,” he said.
For Breyer, the contrast between Norway and Russia illustrates a broader challenge facing fossil fuel-exporting countries. Their resource wealth provides an opportunity to finance renewable energy deployment, electrify domestic energy systems, and improve economic efficiency. Whether that opportunity is realized ultimately depends on political priorities and the willingness of governments to pursue long-term economic benefits.
Breyer and his colleagues presented the results of their research in the paper “Sustainable energy transition options for Russia,” published in Energy Reports.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
Comments
Please login to comment
Thursday, October 29, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Thursday, November 5, 2026
10:00 am – 11:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!
pv magazine USA hosts its multi-day virtual event on U.S. solar and energy storage, covering domestic manufacturing, distributed energy and the growing role of solar-plus-storage in meeting AI-driven power demand.
pv magazine hosts its four-day virtual event on European solar and energy storage, exploring market opportunities, solar-plus-storage business cases, technical quality, and cybersecurity in the years ahead.
pv magazine Session returns to NetZero Milan as Knowledge Partner, organizing and moderating a two-hour conference on the evolving global solar supply chain.
Get your ticket at a discounted rate with pv magazine.
Join pv magazine for an expert session exploring quality, technology and the challenges of scaling India’s solar industry.
Friday, October 23, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Monday, October 26, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid

You have no items in your basket.

source

© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.
“During Hurricane Helene (no power for 14 days), we saved several neighbors big chest freezers full of venison.”
Photo Credit: YouTube
A YouTube video from a homesteading creator shows the last outbuilding on his property going off-grid, with enough capacity from a new battery backup system to keep 240-volt shop tools running.
His biggest flex: When grid power drops, he said the switch happens so fast that “the modem doesn’t even reset.”
He presented the project as a roughly $10,000 setup built around EcoFlow hardware. In the sponsored video, the creator behind the YouTube channel Wranglerstar (@wranglerstar) said his shop’s Titan Plus arrangement delivers 15 kilowatt-hours of backup power and can handle 40-amp 240V tools such as welders and plasma cutters. The package uses a smart panel, the Titan Plus itself, and batteries that stack onto the system.
Most of the work, he said, was designed to be handled by the owner; the only part he outsourced was the smart panel, which he said took an electrician about two hours to install. From there, the system can refill either with solar power or by drawing from the grid during lower-cost periods, and he said a Wi-Fi connection isn’t required for operation.
With energy prices through the roof, there’s never been a better time to go solar — and EasyHome can help you find the best prices from the best installers in your area.
EasyHome takes the guesswork and headaches out of energy upgrades by showing you estimated savings from a network of vetted local partners. To get started, just enter your ZIP and share a few details about your home — seeing your estimate is really that easy.
Because the Titan Plus can recharge from solar, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy. Homeowners who want to compare options can try EnergySage to get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes.
Unlike fixed home batteries, he said this one is meant to be moved. The main unit can be disconnected from the house and used on a job site, lent to a friend, used for camping, or relocated for other tasks while still serving as home backup when it’s plugged in.
On cost, he compared it to a Tesla Powerwall. Wranglerstar said his own math put a Powerwall installation at about $30,000, versus roughly one-third of that for the EcoFlow system, presenting the latter as the lower-cost and more adaptable option — though that comparison was his, not an independent test.
One commenter wrote: “During Hurricane Helene (no power for 14 days), we saved several neighbors big chest freezers full of venison.” Still, a $10,000 battery system is a major purchase, and a full off-grid lifestyle will not make sense for every household.
Wranglerstar said the system also has a more everyday role than emergency backup or total grid independence. Through the Titan Plus app, users can schedule it to store grid electricity when rates are low and then use that stored power for the home or shop during higher-priced daytime periods.
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. Homeowners who want to compare home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates, can explore EnergySage.
That kind of comparison-shopping can make a major difference. With EnergySage’s help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. EnergySage’s solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with details on solar panel incentives for each state.
Together, those resources can help homeowners get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives. For shoppers weighing batteries, panels, and installation costs at the same time, that can make a complicated project much easier to navigate.
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
Wranglerstar summed up the appeal, saying: “This is something that is not just sitting there not being used and just waiting for an emergency. This is something that is working with the grid, working with your system to automate and to actively buy power at a lower cost and feed that into your home or shop and save you money.”
For a closer look at what battery backup can do in real homes, these stories follow homeowners using batteries and solar to ride through outages and cut grid costs.
• One solar homeowner said power outages became invisible after adding whole-home battery backup.
• In Tennessee, an off-grid family said they may never need a generator again.
• Homeowners are installing game-changing home tech to keep lights on and bills lower.
• Appliance experts say next-gen backup batteries are replacing noisy generators in more homes.
• More homeowners are ditching aging generators for battery-backed power during blackouts.
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

source

China proposes export controls for 12 technologies used in photovoltaic equipment, citing national security  Informat.ro
source

Joplin
Pittsburg
Live updates all day, breaking news as it happens and weather every 10 minutes
Resize:

COPYRIGHT 2026 BY KOAM NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.
We recommend switching to one of the following browsers:

source

© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.
“Hook them up to an AC Outlet and start charging them right away to 100% charge.”
Photo Credit: iStock
A Florida Redditor bought a Jackery backup battery setup for hurricane season, left it in the box, and got an urgent warning that they needed to get it out of the box right away. 
Posting in r/jackery, the buyer said they had limited experience with “electricity, home projects, etc.” and explained that a Jackery 2000 with an extra battery, bought on sale, had stayed unopened. They were trying to determine which adapter would connect the two units for use at home.
A commenter responded with urgency, saying, “You need to unpack it and hope it’s not dead.” They also said power stations are “charged at about 30% in the box” and told the owner to get both units onto an AC outlet immediately.
Once they checked, the original poster reported, “The explorer 2000 plus has 28%, the battery pack 2000 plus has 30%.” They then added, “I have it plugged in the wall, and it’s charging. Woohoooo! Thank you for the input.”
The commenter was concerned that if the battery drained to 0% while sitting in the box, it would be dead forever. However, batteries are often shipped with between 40% and 60% charge, and only lose 1-5% per month, according to the manufacturer. So it should easily last eight months or more before draining completely. Jackery suggests charging it every three to six months. 
The problem for the original poster was not buying backup power. It was becoming comfortable enough to set it up. They described DIY work as “a limited option at best” and said they would “pay for a handyman when needed.”
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Starting at $50
Starting at $99
Starting at $60
Starting at $80
Their questions focused on three basics: connecting the Jackery 2000 to the added battery, using two folding solar panels for daytime charging, and figuring out whether a covered outlet by the porch could help without leaving the unit outside.
A battery setup like this can make blackout preparedness more manageable for households that do not want a whole-home installation.
The commenter’s instruction was direct: “Hook them up to an AC Outlet and start charging them right away to 100% charge.” While the battery can be used right out of the box, Jackery suggests charging it to 100% before any heavy or prolonged use.
These stories look at the same challenge of keeping power on when storms or outages hit.
• In Florida, a teen built a 282-pound battery that rivaled Tesla Powerwall at half the price.
• BioLite’s system offers backup power during outages in an ultra-thin package.
• A tech expert tested solutions for homes that want to be ready for the next outage.
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

China proposes ban on export of 12 solar manufacturing technologies  Business Standard
source

Despite abundant sunshine, fossil fuels have long dominated the Philippines’ power grid. Now, soaring electricity costs and global supply shocks are driving a rooftop solar boom across the country.

Johanna L. Añes-dela Cruz, News Editor

Asia News Network

View all posts by Johanna L. Añes-dela Cruz, News Editor →

Asia News Network
View all posts by Johanna L. Añes-dela Cruz, News Editor →
A maintenance worker cuts grass next to solar panels at a solar energy farm owned and operated by Valenzuela Solar Energy Inc. in Valenzuela, suburban Metro Manila, on May 28, 2022. PHOTO: AFP
October 20, 2026
MANILA – Situated squarely within the tropical solar belt, the Philippines receives an average of 4.5 to 5.5 kilowatt-hours of solar radiation per square meter per day. Yet, fossil fuels continue to dominate the nation’s power grid, with coal alone generating roughly 62% of its electricity, according to Department of Energy data cited by engineering firm REURASIA.
Structural, financial, and policy bottlenecks kept solar on the margins, and it still accounts for under 4 percent of national power consumption, according to government data.
Then the US-Iran war, which began in late February, disrupted global fuel supplies and pushed up electricity prices. Meralco, the country’s largest distributor, has raised its rates by 10 percent since the conflict began. Filipinos responded by installing solar panels on their roofs.
A June 28 Reuters report, citing Chinese trade data, found that the Philippines has been the world’s biggest spender on solar panels since the war started. Panel imports reached $407 million in the three months through May, up 145 percent from a year earlier.
Why solar took so long
The sluggish pivot to solar was not due to a lack of sunshine or advocacy. It stemmed from how the power sector is built. The Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 largely privatised the industry and split it into generation, transmission, distribution, and supply. The law aimed to encourage competition, but it also created a fragmented system. Clean energy advocates must negotiate with dozens of private power producers, grid operators, and more than 120 electric cooperatives and other distribution utilities.
Renewable energy advocate Philline van der Wolk-Donggay tells  Asia News Network (ANN) that local governments supported early roadmaps, such as the 2012 Renewable Energy Pathways. The privatised market, however, was not yet ready for a full-scale clean energy transition.
Regional gaps persisted. Mindanao, for instance, has historically had among the country’s lowest electrification rates. Mindanao Goes Solar, which van der Wolk-Donggay leads, was formed to address this by organising local solar providers and teaching consumers about systems that can be installed quickly. With the rush underway, she says, “Mindanao is ready.”
Mindanao Goes Solar’s caravan in SM City Davao, Davao City, Philippines.
PHOTO FROM MINDANAO SOLAR
Persistent hurdles
Beyond market fragmentation, the main hurdle for households and small businesses is the high upfront cost of panels, inverters, and batteries. While conglomerates easily secure corporate financing for utility-scale developments, average Filipino families have few green loan options. Van der Wolk-Donggay notes that an equitable transition requires financing tailored to those unable to bear high initial costs.
“Imagine if the Philippines had loan products targeting the average Filipino to purchase solar as much as we have loan products targeting Filipinos to purchase motorcycles and scooters. That is the dream,” she tells ANN, noting that recent finance-sector developments reflect growing interest in solar.
Meanwhile, rooftop solar economics are rapidly improving. A report by global energy think tank Ember reveals that loan payback periods have dropped from four years to 3.1 years. Ember argues that shorter payback times, volatile electricity prices, and recent policy shifts make mass adoption increasingly viable—envisioning rooftop solar scaling up to 3,500 MW with batteries within 24 months, matching the scale of Meralco’s flagship Terra Solar project.
To achieve this, the report outlines three key policy moves: accessible loan schemes, simplified rules for plug-and-play systems, and government-backed battery infrastructure. Together, these measures would lower consumer costs, bolster grid reliability, and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. While faster renewable energy auctions will help avert future energy crises, rooftop solar offers a far quicker path to security.
Energy democracy
Filipino households pay some of the highest electricity rates in Southeast Asia, driven by dependence on imported coal and gas and compounded by a weakening peso. In June 2026, the nationwide average reached P12.43 (about US$0.20) per kWh, the highest in ASEAN and slightly above Singapore’s, according to the DOE. The DOE attributed the June spike largely to tight supply in the Visayas, which forced the grid to rely on costlier plants. It also warned that renewed Middle East hostilities could push fuel prices and bills even higher.
Solar photovoltaic technology reduces this exposure by decoupling electricity generation from volatile global commodity markets. Van der Wolk-Donggay says the best thing about solar, and what mainstream media should discuss more, is “energy democracy”: the ability to produce your own electricity without relying on imported fossil fuels whose supply and prices swing. Paired with storage, she says, solar offers freedom from ever-rising rates.
She adds that solar also builds resilience against geopolitical shocks, extreme weather, and natural disasters. This independence extends from households and small businesses to cities, municipalities, and nations, and ultimately to the global scale.
Mindanao Goes Solar’s caravan in SM Downtown, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.
PHOTO FROM MINDANAO SOLAR
Promoting and sustaining the rush
Turning emergency adoption into lasting energy independence will take policy reform. The “Sayang Ang Araw: Gawing Mura ang Solar” campaign (roughly translated to “The sun is going to waste: Make solar affordable”) is calling on the national government to exempt solar equipment from value-added tax. That includes panels, batteries, and inverters for homes and small businesses. Cheaper equipment for installers means lower installation costs for consumers.
Mindanao Goes Solar also continues to promote solar power across the region through Bisaya-language campaigns, broadcasts, and remote community outreach, alongside city expos connecting consumers directly with providers. The organisation, for instance, has slated roadshows from October 23 to 25 at SM City Mindpro and SM City Zamboanga in Zamboanga City, as well as SM City Butuan in Butuan City.
Beyond public outreach, the initiative helps emerging local solar businesses professionalise, maintains a directory of verified installers, and collaborates with banks and policymakers to streamline solar financing and net metering.
At the national level, van der Wolk-Donggay argues the government should prioritise indigenous energy by pairing solar with wind, hydro, and geothermal. “Combinations of these renewable energy sources for electricity production can dramatically reduce electricity prices for Filipinos,” she says.
“Right now we have some of the highest electricity rates in Asia—easing the burden of households and businesses on something so basic as energy will reap great economic and societal rewards for the country moving forward.”
Double-click to read

source

Chinese PV module maker JinkoSolar unveiled its TOPCon-based Amorphous-Si Passivating Cell (TAC) technology at its Global Tech Day event in Shanghai on Oct. 17. According to a technical white paper published by the company, the architecture combines TOPCon electron-selective contacts with heterojunction (HJT) hole-selective contacts and a rear-electrode layout.
The design uses an n-type crystalline silicon wafer with two alternating carrier-selective contact regions on the rear surface. Both positive and negative electrodes are located on the rear, eliminating front-side metallization and the associated optical shading losses.
The electron-collecting n-type region retains the contact structure used in TOPCon cells, consisting of an approximately 1 nm to 2 nm silicon oxide tunneling layer and heavily doped polycrystalline silicon. This structure enables selective electron transport with low contact resistance while suppressing carrier recombination.
The hole-collecting p-type region uses intrinsic and doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si), drawing on HJT cell technology. JinkoSolar said the configuration improves surface passivation and open-circuit voltage. A transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer facilitates lateral carrier transport, while the amorphous silicon passivation process takes place at temperatures below 200 C.
High-precision laser patterning and dielectric isolation separate the two contact regions. JinkoSolar describes the architecture as a “2+1” design, combining TOPCon electron contacts, HJT hole contacts and a rear-electrode structure.
TAC belongs to the broader back-contact (BC) cell category, which includes architectures using different passivation and carrier-selective contact technologies. Unlike conventional front-contact TOPCon cells, TAC eliminates front-side metal contacts to reduce shading losses. Its distinguishing feature among BC technologies is the integration of TOPCon and amorphous silicon heterojunction contacts on the same wafer.
JinkoSolar has also developed a full-area passivation approach, called the Global Passivation Process (GPP), to reduce recombination losses across the contact regions. Another process, Multi-Dimensional Charge Passivation (MCP 2.0), targets carrier recombination at cut-cell edges. It uses a cut-before-passivation sequence, followed by chemical, field-effect and hydrogen passivation of the exposed surfaces.
Other cell-level features include high-purity, low-oxygen n-type silicon wafers and a light-trapping structure combining surface texturing, antireflection coatings and rear reflection. The white paper specifies a bulk minority-carrier lifetime exceeding 2 ms and a bulk recombination current density below 5 fA/cm² for the silicon substrate.
JinkoSolar said TAC production cell efficiency has exceeded 27%, with a peak efficiency of 28%. The company’s Oct. 17 announcement identifies the 28% figure as peak cell efficiency. However, the white paper does not specify a third-party certification, test area or average production-line efficiency for the result.
In its first-half 2026 financial report, JinkoSolar separately reported a third-party-certified conversion efficiency of 27.2% for an n-type BC research cell. The company, however, did not identify that result as a TAC measurement.
JinkoSolar identified low-temperature metallization, copper-containing contact materials and the potential use of TAC as a bottom-cell platform for perovskite-silicon tandem devices as areas for further development.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
Comments
Please login to comment
Thursday, October 29, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Thursday, November 5, 2026
10:00 am – 11:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!
pv magazine USA hosts its multi-day virtual event on U.S. solar and energy storage, covering domestic manufacturing, distributed energy and the growing role of solar-plus-storage in meeting AI-driven power demand.
pv magazine hosts its four-day virtual event on European solar and energy storage, exploring market opportunities, solar-plus-storage business cases, technical quality, and cybersecurity in the years ahead.
pv magazine Session returns to NetZero Milan as Knowledge Partner, organizing and moderating a two-hour conference on the evolving global solar supply chain.
Get your ticket at a discounted rate with pv magazine.
Join pv magazine for an expert session exploring quality, technology and the challenges of scaling India’s solar industry.
Friday, October 23, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Monday, October 26, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid

You have no items in your basket.

source

Oct 19, 2026
Jim Warren is a recovering academic as retired adjunct professor and lecturer in environmental sociology at the University of Regina.
Solar panels. Storyblocks image.
 
When debating with emissions cutting environmental zealots, fans of fossil fuels frequently use China as a bad example to compare against Canadian emissions. Canada’s 1.5 percent share of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pales in comparison with the CO2 belched from China’s huge fleet of coal-fired electrical power plants.
In 2023, China generated 13.260 billion tonnes of CO2 making it the world’s largest emitter accounting for 34 percent of global emissions. Canada emitted just 575 million tonnes of CO2 in 2023. That’s 23 times less than China.
Canada doesn’t even make the top 10 list for emitters. First place China is followed by the US with 4.78 billion tonnes. Our one-half billion tonnes puts us way back in 12^th place.
The environmentally virtuous are irritated that supporters of conventional energy use China as a handy whipping-boy. They believe China has provided the friends of oil with an excuse for not getting on the green transition bandwagon. Our counterargument goes like this: “Our emissions are extremely low when compared with China’s, even if we cut them in half tomorrow it wouldn’t make much of a dent in climate change.”
 
Late this summer climate crusaders were taking a victory lap. They claimed China’s capacity to produce electricity using solar energy has exceeded the capacity of its coal-fired electrical generating plants. Therefore China’s role, as an excuse for our lack of emissions cutting enthusiasm, has presumably come to an end.
Not so fast tree huggers. It turns out that China’s alleged solar success is a statistical trick—a mirage based on a misleading interpretation of what “power generating capacity” means in relation to actual production.
It is possible that some environmentalists and climate crusaders were misled into thinking solar power had passed coal given a Reuters headline that ran on September 1 that reads: “Solar overtakes coal as China’s largest source of power capacity.”
The South China Morning Post ran a similar headline on September 2, “Beyond Coal: China’s installed solar capacity crosses historic threshold.” Albeit the following story includes a qualifying line of fine print stating it will require a multi-trillion yuan investment to actually make all that solar work. But, the article fails to explain why this is the case.
Climate crusaders want people to believe a solar generating installation’s nameplate capacity is the same thing as the total amount of electricity it produces in a given period.
According to climate alarmist math, if the total nameplate “capacity” of  China’s entire inventory of solar power generating installations is X, it means China is generating X times 365.25 days’ worth of solar power.
 
The calculation is faulty because it assumes that solar generating stations operate 24/7. It assumes the systems work in the dark of night. The total is additionally incorrect because it fails to account for China’s grid management problems.
A story identifying the calculation errors/deceptions being made by environmentalists and environmentally-sympathetic journalists appeared last week in the online weekly newsletter published by the Corporate Knights organization. According to the article, China’s electrical grid lacks the system switching technology and battery storage capacity required to balance the ups and downs of on-and-off-again solar and wind power generation. As noted, solar stations don’t produce at night. Similarly wind farms don’t produce when the wind doesn’t blow, and the windmills have to be shut down when winds become too strong. Renewables simply do not provided steady and reliable electricity on a year round 24/7 basis.
According to Corporate Knights, during the first six months of 2026 this meant that over one-quarter of China’s wind and solar power facilities went unused. That translates to 360 terawatt-hours of potential wind and solar power which could not be plugged into the grid. The amount of power that went unused in just six months is more “than the U.K.’s entire electricity use last year.”
The reality is that coal is still king in the competition with solar power. China’s coal-fired electrical generating plants beat solar power by miles. The burning of coal accounts for nearly 50 percent of the electricity consumed in China. Less than 13 percent of the electricity consumed in China is produced using solar power.
 
We’ve seen this before
Remember back in the 2010s when central planners from China’s Communist government decided China was in need of a housing boom? There were huge incentives for municipalities that facilitated new construction and easy credit was made available to real estate developers.
There was indeed a national housing shortage, but the problem was largely limited to China’s large fast-growing cities. Nevertheless, the incentive programs were extended to mid-sized communities on the Tibetan plateau and to entire new cities created by developers in locations that included the wilds of the Gobi Desert.
Thousands of apartment buildings that were built in places nobody wants to live have sat empty for years. The busted boom left a legacy of massive financial losses and a fiscal crisis for the government. Clearly, the builders had overbuilt.
We don’t know if the Communist government central planners who launched the real estate boom still have their jobs. However, Hui Ka Yan, founder of Evergrande, a bankrupt company that was formerly China’s biggest real estate development business, was sentenced to life in prison in 2025 for doing what the government told him to do.
Obviously, the planners did the same thing when it came to adopting green energy. The overbuilding of solar and wind facilities means the wasting of approximately 720 terawatts of potential electrical power annually. Presumably the losses will decline in conjunction with improved grid management and battery storage technology. But how long will that take? And what will be the condition of solar and wind installations that have gone unused for what may be decades?
 
One of the takeaways for supporters of conventional energy production on the Prairies is that we’ve been correct to suspect that climate crusaders will knowingly or unknowingly make use of weakly supported claims to attack conventional energy. The Chinese solar capacity fantasy is similarly employed in their assault on emissions. The misinformation has already appeared in analysts assessments of the crude oil supply shortfall caused by the US war with Iran.
There are energy market analysts who claim that one of the principal reasons the world prices for crude has not yet risen to the $120 per barrel range is because China has been able to reduce its crude imports by 40 percent. Some of oil’s environmentally-friendly detractors have claimed that China’s recently increased solar and wind power electrical generation has helped make its reduction in crude imports possible. That might be correct were it not for the fact China is unable to plug its unused solar and wind potential into the power grid.
China has been able to reduce its imports because it had large oil reserves in place prior to the war in the Persian Gulf and also because it has been able to amp up its coal-fired electrical production capacity.
The claim that Chinese renewables have saved us from higher gas and diesel prices contributes to another bit of mythical hyperbole—the claim that wind and solar are supporting permanent demand destruction for crude oil. That argument doesn’t ring true given the time and expense required to build wind, solar or nuclear capacity. An additional challenge would be the electrification of enough of the country’s electrical vehicle fleet to significantly reduce long-term demand for oil in the short-term.
No less challenging is trying to sort out what is actually happening with energy production in a country like China which is liable to fudge the numbers. It is difficult to put much faith in the data supplied by a country that jails journalists for writing reports that embarrass the government.
 
Editor’s note: SaskPower’s system map webpage lists 30 megawatts of grid-scale nameplate solar capacity for this province. SaskPower’s Where Your Power Comes From webpage shows the 24 hour average output for each type of power generation. On Oct. 7, a very sunny day in southern Saskatchewan, that average was 13 megawatts. If you go to X account @SkElectricity, you can find a log of these reports, including a regular summary on “Solar Saturday” of solar output. Here’s Sept 5 edition. It shows a solar capacity factor over the last year of 22.5 per cent.
Solar Saturday 🌞
(Only grid-scale facilities, not self-gen solar) pic.twitter.com/raxIhoEO3b
— Saskatchewan Electricity Mix (@SkElectricity) September 5, 2026

 
 
 
Details on that Korean/US deal for the same model of Westinghouse reactors Sask is considering

source

Qcells plans to launch residential solar panels with US-made aluminum frames by the end of 2026
ALUKO Group’s Tennessee facility is expected to produce frames for 4 GW of solar modules annually
Qcells said these frames will help installers and TPOs qualify for domestic content bonus under US ITC
Solar PV manufacturer Qcells plans to launch new versions of its residential solar panels featuring aluminum frames manufactured in the US by the end of 2026, expanding its portfolio of US-made products.
Qcells said the products are designed to support projects meeting the 55% domestic content requirement applicable to projects beginning construction in 2027. 
The new panels are intended to help residential solar installers and third-party ownership (TPO) providers qualify for the domestic content bonus under the US investment tax credit (ITC).
“By keeping all three major stages of frame manufacturing in the U.S., Qcells is taking a rigorous, transparent approach to incorporating domestically manufactured components into its products,” stated Qcells.
The new versions of its Q.TRON AC and Q.PEAK DUO AC panels will use frames produced at the Tennessee facilities of aluminum manufacturer and Qcells’ supplier partner ALUKO Group. Qcells says these are the only facilities to carry out these processes in the US.
The frames will undergo extrusion, anodizing, and fabrication at ALUKO Group’s facility in Halls, Lauderdale County, Tennessee. The facility is expected to begin full production by the end of 2026, with an annual capacity to produce enough frames for 4 GW of solar modules.
ALUKO Group plans to invest more than $107 million in Tennessee over five years and create 285 full-time jobs as part of the manufacturing expansion.
Qcells has also invested in manufacturing facilities in Dalton and Cartersville, Georgia, as it expands its US solar manufacturing footprint. Its total solar PV module production capacity at these locations is expected to reach 8.6 GW annually by the end of September 2026. In June this year, it launched solar cell production at Cartersville (see Qcells Launches US Solar Cell Manufacturing At Georgia).
TaiyangNews 2024

source

The global photovoltaic market could experience an unexpected decline in new installations in 2026, according to BloombergNEF forecasts. The slowdown is largely associated with China, while solar capacity additions across the rest of the world are expected to continue expanding. Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, examines how these developments could reshape the geographical balance of the global solar industry.
Key takeaway: BloombergNEF expects worldwide solar installations to fall from 655 GW in 2025 to 584 GW in 2026. China's projected contraction is large enough to outweigh continued growth across other markets.
Why Could Global Solar Installations Decline in 2026?
The expected decline in global photovoltaic installations is primarily connected to developments in China, which has dominated the expansion of solar capacity for several years. According to BloombergNEF, worldwide additions could decrease by approximately 10.8% in 2026, marking a reversal after a period of exceptional growth.
The forecast highlights an unusual contrast between China and the rest of the world. While Chinese installations are expected to fall sharply, other countries could collectively register another year of expansion.
The figures illustrate this divergence:
Global installations: 655 GW in 2025, compared with a projected 584 GW in 2026.
China: 383 GW in 2025, compared with approximately 271 GW in 2026.
Rest of the world: 272 GW in 2025, compared with a projected 313 GW in 2026.
Expected global decline: Approximately 10.8%.
These numbers suggest that the global photovoltaic industry is entering a period of geographical adjustment rather than experiencing a uniform decline in demand.
"The direction of the global solar market cannot be understood by looking at worldwide figures alone. China's extraordinary weight means that changes within a single national market can conceal continued expansion across dozens of other countries," says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG.
China's Photovoltaic Market Enters a Different Phase
China's projected slowdown follows several years of exceptional growth in photovoltaic installations. The country added approximately 383 GW of solar capacity in 2025, reinforcing its position as the world's largest market for new solar installations.
Maintaining such extraordinary expansion rates indefinitely presents practical and economic challenges. As installed capacity increases, questions surrounding electricity demand, grid integration, project profitability, and energy storage become increasingly relevant.
BloombergNEF's projections suggest that China could add approximately 271 GW in 2026. Although considerably below the previous year's figure, this would still represent an enormous volume of new photovoltaic infrastructure.
What Explains the Slowdown in Chinese Solar Installations?
Several interconnected developments could help explain the expected contraction.
One concerns the maturity of the Chinese photovoltaic market. After years of rapid construction, the country's electricity system must accommodate an increasingly large volume of solar generation.
Another factor involves changes to electricity pricing mechanisms. Reforms affecting how renewable electricity is sold and remunerated can influence the economics of new projects, potentially encouraging developers to reassess investment decisions.
The figures for the first half of 2026 already indicate a pronounced slowdown. China reportedly installed approximately 71.8 GW of new photovoltaic capacity during this period, around 66% less than in the corresponding months of 2025.
Such a comparison must nevertheless be interpreted carefully. Exceptional installation levels in the previous year can make subsequent declines appear particularly dramatic.
"After a period of accelerated construction, the challenge increasingly concerns how effectively new and existing solar assets can operate within the electricity system. Installed capacity is only one dimension of a much broader energy transformation," explains Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG.
Solar Expansion Outside China Could Reach a New Milestone
Perhaps the most revealing aspect of BloombergNEF's forecast concerns developments beyond China.
Solar installations across the rest of the world are projected to increase from 272 GW in 2025 to approximately 313 GW in 2026. This would represent growth of around 15%, despite the anticipated contraction in the global total.
The geographical distribution of new photovoltaic capacity could therefore undergo an important change.
For the first time under these projections, countries outside China would collectively install more solar capacity than China itself in a single year.
This does not mean that another individual country is approaching China's scale. Rather, the combined expansion of numerous photovoltaic markets could begin to outweigh the contribution of the industry's longstanding leader.
How Could This Shift Affect the Global Solar Industry?
A more geographically distributed installation market could have implications for solar equipment manufacturers, project developers, electricity networks, and investment strategies.
Growing demand outside China may encourage companies to reconsider where future projects are developed and which regional markets offer the strongest opportunities.
At the same time, the distinction between manufacturing and installation remains important. China continues to occupy a central position in photovoltaic manufacturing and supply chains, regardless of changes in domestic deployment.
The evolution of installation figures should therefore not be confused with a comparable redistribution of industrial production.
Energy Storage and Grid Integration Gain Importance
As photovoltaic capacity expands, electricity systems face an increasingly complex challenge: matching variable solar generation with demand throughout the day.
Solar panels produce electricity according to sunlight availability, while consumption follows different daily and seasonal patterns. Without sufficient flexibility, periods of high renewable generation can place pressure on electricity networks and reduce the economic value of additional production.
Energy storage systems can help address some of these difficulties by absorbing electricity when generation is abundant and releasing it when demand increases.
Grid modernization, improved forecasting, flexible consumption, and stronger transmission infrastructure can also support the integration of renewable electricity.
China's growing interest in these solutions could reflect a broader evolution in the country's energy priorities. However, investment in storage should not automatically be interpreted as the direct cause of declining photovoltaic installations.
"The next stage of solar development will increasingly depend on the relationship between generation, storage, and electricity networks. Expanding photovoltaic capacity remains important, but the ability to use that electricity efficiently will shape the sector's long-term development," says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG.
What Do BloombergNEF's Forecasts Mean for Solar Energy?
Is the global solar industry entering a prolonged decline?
Not necessarily. The projected contraction concerns new capacity additions during 2026, rather than the total amount of solar capacity already installed worldwide. A decline in annual additions does not imply that existing photovoltaic capacity is shrinking.
Will China remain the world's largest solar installation market?
Under BloombergNEF's projections, China would retain its position as the largest individual national market, with approximately 271 GW of new installations in 2026.
Why is growth outside China particularly noteworthy?
The projected increase to 313 GW suggests that photovoltaic deployment is becoming more geographically diversified. Expansion across other markets could continue even when Chinese installations decline.
A More Complex Phase for the Global Energy Transition
BloombergNEF's forecasts offer a useful reminder that the development of renewable energy rarely follows a perfectly linear trajectory.
The global photovoltaic industry could experience a contraction in annual installations while simultaneously recording continued growth across much of the world.
China remains central to this picture. Its domestic market is sufficiently large to influence worldwide figures, even when other countries move in the opposite direction.
The projected changes also point toward a broader transformation in the solar sector. Alongside the construction of new photovoltaic facilities, greater attention is being directed toward electricity networks, energy storage, and the efficient integration of renewable generation.
The figures for 2026 may therefore reveal more than a temporary slowdown. They could mark a period in which the geography of solar deployment becomes increasingly diversified and the industry's priorities extend beyond the simple addition of generating capacity.
 
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed.
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.
© 2026

Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

source

Shaker Heights celebrates solar energy milestone at Public Works facility  Cleveland.com
source

China’s Leapting, a developer of robotic automation solutions for the PV industry, has unveiled a new autonomous forklift for utility-scale solar construction sites.
Dubbed Auto-Navigation Forklift Robot (AFR), the system can transport pallets of solar modules weighing up to 3,000 kg from laydown yards to installation rows without a human operator.
“The AFR combines GPS-RTK, laser-based simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM), and 3D computer vision to locate pallets, identify fork-hole coordinates in real time, and auto-plan insertion paths,” the company said in a statement. “It further features 360-degree multi-line LiDAR, intelligent obstacle avoidance, and a three-tier braking system.”
The navigation system combines high-precision GNSS-RTK positioning with SLAM for local perception and positioning corrections. According to the manufacturer, the system can identify pallet locations, orientation angles and the three-dimensional coordinates of fork openings in real time. It then automatically calculates insertion and extraction paths and adjusts the mast and forks for pallet handling.
The company said the system can also detect whether pallets contain materials and recognise common pallet standards, including European EUR/EPAL and Japanese JIS specifications.
The AFR measures 4.8 m × 1.8 m × 2.15 m and weighs 5,500 kg. It has a standard load centre distance of 600 mm and a maximum lifting height of three metres. Its two-stage, full-free-lift mast features laterally adjustable forks for precise pallet alignment, the company said.
The forklift uses a tracked chassis with two independently driven 4 kW motors. It reaches a maximum speed of 3 km/h when fully loaded and 4 km/h when unloaded, with adjustable driving speeds. Differential track steering allows the machine to rotate on the spot.
“High-strength engineering-grade steel tracks, with low ground contact pressure, are suitable for diverse complex road conditions and provide stable loads,” the company said.
According to the technical datasheet, the AFR can negotiate gradients of at least 30 degrees on hard surfaces and has a maximum wading depth of 0.3 m. It also supports a maximum forward inclination angle of 4 degrees and a maximum pitch angle of 11 degrees. The manufacturer said the machine is suitable for hard roads, desert terrain, gravel surfaces and lightly uneven or muddy ground.
The AFR is powered by a 48 V, 400 Ah lithium battery, providing a nominal energy capacity of 19.2 kWh and at least eight hours of operation under standard conditions. It supports automatic charging and manual fast charging, with AC 220 V and AC 380 V charging connections. In addition to fully autonomous operation, users can select semi-automatic or manual remote-control modes.
For safety, the forklift incorporates multi-line LiDAR sensors for 360-degree obstacle detection, along with audible and visual warnings. Its three-tier braking system combines electronic, mechanical and parking brakes. Emergency stop buttons are installed at several points on the vehicle exterior.
An integrated inertial measurement unit (IMU) continuously monitors the vehicle’s tilt angle and triggers an alarm and automatic stop if a preset threshold is exceeded.
The AFR offers an IP67 ingress protection rating, depending on the configuration. The company specifies an operating temperature range of -10 C to 50 C and a storage temperature range of -20 C to 60 C.
From pv magazine Global
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
Comments
Please login to comment
Thursday, November 5, 2026
10:00 am – 11:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Thursday, October 29, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Friday, October 23, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!

You have no items in your basket.

source

0
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 :
Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO), a state owned PSU and the nodal agency has sought bids for undertaking an impact study for developing floating solar projects across the states, seeking Expression of Interests (EoIs) till November 17, 2026  
Through this tender, the developers are required to select solar developers to develop, operate and maintain three units of grid-connected floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) projects of 75 MW each, collectively, aggregating to 225 MW. Combined with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), together this project aims to supply power to GRIDCO.
GRIDCO through the latest consultancy tender requires the bidders to act as the solar park developer for developing solar park over the Upper Indravati reservoir (Upper Indravati Solar Park) under its renewable energy Renewable Energy Policy.   
Under the scope of work, the developer is expected to undertake the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), and prepare E&S with IFC’s Environmental and Social Performance Standards (2012). 
The deliverables include the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), Occupational Health Safety (OHS) plan and associated management instruments including the Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP), Indigenous Peoples Development Plan (IPDP), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), and Grievance Mechanism (GM). 
A Livelihood Restoration Framework (LRF) and Stakeholder Engagement Framework (SEF) have been prepared at the scoping stage. The ESIA Consultant would be based on detailed impact assessment and identification of affected persons, prepare a Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP) as part of the ESIA/ESMP documentation in accordance with the LRF  
The core AOI includes all areas directly occupied or physically disturbed by the Project components and associated facilities: 
The Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) project would be installed over the Indravati Reservoir (~6.5 sq. km) with a 33 kV transmission line and associated buffer. Launching pad, temporary storage areas.
The developer would also have to build a Power Substation (PSS), Right of Way (RoW) for the 220 kV transmission line up to Mukhiguda Grid Substation. The Reservoir area within Floating solar project area, where direct aquatic ecological impacts are anticipated. The scope of work covers 15 villages comprising of 8 project villages and 7
AoI villages)
These areas are anticipated to experience direct environmental and social interactions associated with the Project. Project footprint included within the following villages. The floating solar project is at Padepadar, Gaura Kurumuli and Paraja Kurumuli. The transmission Line would connect Padepadar, Uparchobari, Podapadar, Tikilipadar, Mahulpatna, Kamaridhi 
The developer is required ti review all existing project information and establish a baseline for climate and hydrological conditions. This includes an initial narrative review of all available documents and datasets to understand the project context, technical design considerations, and reservoir-dam operating environment. 
The following key documents and datasets will be collected and reviewed. The Project design reports and layout plans. It would be required to manage Bathymetry data, reservoir characteristics, and dam technical information and also develop Hydrological studies prepared as part of the project’s technical design.  
The tender also laid down rules for developing dam operation rules, including Full Reservoir Level, Minimum Drawdown Level, flood routing procedures, spillway operation and release protocols Based on this review, develop a baseline climate and hydrological profile, capturing trends and conditions related to: 
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

How India is charting a new path into the electric age  World Economic Forum
source

A new 5,000-panel solar energy facility covering about 37 acres in northwest Peoria is now online.
Ameren Illinois has activated the $20 million Peoria Renewable Energy Center, more than a year after breaking ground on the site just west of Pottstown along Prichard Road.
The site serves 2.5 megawatts of clean power onto Ameren’s electricity distribution grid. It is Ameren’s third solar generation facility constructed under the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act [CEJA], joining two sites in East St. Louis.
“At a time when electricity prices are rising nationwide due to increased demand and supply constraints, projects like this one can help reduce local energy costs by bringing much needed power to the grid,” said Ameren Illinois chairman and president Patrick Smith.
“We’re pleased to demonstrate to state policy makers and our customers that Ameren Illinois can build it better, stronger and faster.”
Under CEJA, signed by Gov. JB Pritzker in 2021, Illinois has established a goal of 100% clean energy use by 2050. Ameren said the Peoria facility will produce enough electricity to power 420 homes and businesses.
The facility also features a 1.5-megawatt battery energy storage system from ELM MicroGrid, a Texas firm that grew out of a Peoria-headquartered family of companies founded by native Peorian Lee C. Graves.
The system stores excess solar energy generated during peak production, making it available to the grid during periods of higher-than-normal demand.
“By integrating battery storage with solar generation, the Peoria Solar Energy Center is better managing energy production which supports grid stability and maximizes the benefits of renewable resources,” said ELM MicroGrid president Aron Bowman.
“This is especially meaningful to our team because we had the opportunity to work with [commercial solar installation company] Azimuth Energy and Ameren Illinois to bring this technology back home to Peoria, where ELM’s story began.”
Ameren said the Peoria solar facility continues the company’s commitment to strengthening the region’s electric grid, with more than $112.4 million invested in the Peoria metro area over the past seven years.
That includes new substations, high-voltage transmission infrastructure improvements, and technology to help detect outages and restore power faster. 
Become a WCBU sponsor

source

Nachrichten, Termine, Experten

10/19/2026 15:52
Solar glass is used as a transparent weather shield and substrate for photovoltaic modules. A coating technology developed by EXXERGY aims to increase the strength of solar glass to such an extent that significantly thinner panes become possible. While maintaining the mechanical properties, the glass mass could be reduced by up to 40%. In collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, the process is being further scaled up. At Glasstec 2026, the EXXERGY subsidiary EXXOSQEL will present a demonstrator from this joint development in Hall 11 at Booth E12.
The expansion of photovoltaics is a key component of the energy transition. At the same time, the production of PV modules also requires significant amounts of raw materials and energy. Low-iron solar glass plays a major role in this; it protects the cells and the electrically conductive components in the module from the elements while also ensuring high light transmission. The stability requirements for large-area PV modules are also demanding. Depending on the design and mechanical requirements, the mass per unit area of today’s PV modules typically ranges from about 11 to 13 kg/m²; modules designed for particularly high durability can reach values of up to about 16 kg/m². This consumes resources, incurs transportation costs, and requires correspondingly massive substructures for installation. Less glass therefore means less material usage and process energy, as well as reduced weight during transport and installation.

Thin, but stable?

One possible solution is to use thinner glass for solar modules. Accounting for 70 to 80% of the weight, glass is one of the most important factors in today’s PV modules in terms of material usage and module weight. Reducing the glass thickness accordingly saves weight and resources during manufacturing, as well as during transportation and installation. In addition, less energy is consumed during production. The challenge lies in increasing the glass’s strength to the point where even thin glass panes are stable enough to withstand hail, snow, and wind loads.

Thermal tempering reaches its limits with thin glass

A standard method for increasing the stability and fracture resistance of flat glass is thermal tempering. Controlled cooling during the production process, achieved by blowing cold air onto the glass, results in a defined thermal stress. This creates compressive stresses on the surface that inhibit the propagation of cracks. The glass becomes more break-resistant. Glass toughened in this way is used, for example, as single-pane safety glass in architectural applications, automotive manufacturing, or the furniture industry. For solar glass, 3.2 mm is a common nominal thickness; however, further reduction to 2 mm and below can only be achieved to a limited extent—if at all—using conventional thermal tempering.

Another treatment, which is particularly suitable for thin glass, is so-called chemical toughening. Here, surface tension is achieved chemically through ion exchange at the glass surface, in which sodium ions are replaced by potassium ions. This generates high compressive stresses in the layer of glass near the surface. One advantage of this method is that it produces less optical distortion than thermal tempering. However, the process is relatively complex, energy-intensive, and time-consuming, and its application on a large scale is limited.

Crack Healing Through a New Coating

Since manufacturing-related microcracks in flat glass play a decisive role in the glass’s strength, this is where the new process from EXXERGY and EXXOSQEL comes into play. With a combination of a new coating material and an adapted application method, surface defects can not only be covered over but, in part, as it were, healed. “Specifically, we create a three-dimensionally cross-linked composite from several components, whose matrix forms covalent bridges within the microcracks at the molecular level after the coating is applied,” explains Thomas Sauer, CEO of EXXOSQEL. This significantly increases the energy required to break the glass. Laboratory tests have already shown significant improvements in glass strength: After several iterative improvements to the formulations and processes, the strength of 2-mm-thick glass samples was increased by a factor of up to 4, and that of 1-mm-thick glass samples by a factor of up to 7, in each case compared to a non-tempered reference. The company estimates that thinner glass substrates could significantly reduce material usage, energy consumption, and CO₂ emissions. A reduction in glass mass of up to 40% could, depending on the module design, reduce the total mass of the module by around 30%. For a heavy module weighing, for example, 16 kg/m², this would correspond to a reduction to around 11 kg/m². The supporting structures could also be designed to be correspondingly lighter due to the lower static loads.

From the laboratory scale to the prototype

The next steps in development aim to transfer the technology from small glass samples to larger formats and ultimately to commercial-scale solar modules. To date, material and coating development has been carried out primarily by EXXERGY in close collaboration with Fraunhofer ISC. “The steps from a laboratory prototype to a large solar module require a great deal of expertise in scaling up material synthesis, application technology, and module manufacturing,” says Thomas Sauer. Fraunhofer ISC contributes its experience in syntheses up to the 100-liter scale and in coating application. Here, both partners are working closely together on material formulation and technology development. The researchers in Würzburg are also supporting the automation of the coating process: “We want to design the application of the new coating so that it can be easily integrated into existing manufacturing processes,” says Dr. Ferdinand Somorowsky, head of coating technology at Fraunhofer ISC, emphasizing the application aspect. EXXERGY is also collaborating with the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics (CSP) in Halle to adapt the technology to module formats and test larger formats. Together, the partners are now driving forward the next step in scaling up the technology. Thomas Sauer explains what this means: “With our coating development for flat glass, we are now moving toward TRL 6 on the internationally accepted Technology Readiness Level scale. This means we have already successfully produced the first prototypes in standard dimensions under real-world conditions, and stress tests are currently underway. With the next development step, we are aiming for TRL 7 and thus for the actual operating environment.” EXXOSQEL is now preparing the next steps regarding industrialization and marketing.

Project Information
—
The work to date has been funded, among other sources, by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy through the projects Green Solar Modules (grant number 03EE1161E) and Green Solar Modules Glass II (grant number 03EEM1003), as well as financed by EXXERGY, a company affiliated with EXXOSQEL.
Ferdinand Somorowsky
Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC
Head of Chemical Coating Technology
ferdinand.somorowsky@isc.fraunhofer.de

Thomas C. Sauer
EXXOSQEL GmbH
Management
info@exxosqel.com
<
Fig.1 A coating for healing microcracks—EXXOSQEL and Fraunhofer ISC aim to enable light-er, shatter- ...
Source: istock
Copyright: © EXXOSQEL
<
Fig.2 Fraunhofer expertise for upscaling material synthesis and application

Copyright: © EXXOSQEL
Criteria of this press release:
Business and commerce, Journalists, Scientists and scholars
Chemistry, Energy, Environment / ecology, Materials sciences, Mechanical engineering
transregional, national
Research projects, Transfer of Science or Research
English
<
Fig.1 A coating for healing microcracks—EXXOSQEL and Fraunhofer ISC aim to enable light-er, shatter- ...
Source: istock
Copyright: © EXXOSQEL
<
Fig.2 Fraunhofer expertise for upscaling material synthesis and application

Copyright: © EXXOSQEL
For download
For download
Search in Press Releases Search in Events

Start date

End date



You can combine search terms with and, or and/or not, e.g. Philo not logy.
You can use brackets to separate combinations from each other, e.g. (Philo not logy) or (Psycho and logy).
Coherent groups of words will be located as complete phrases if you put them into quotation marks, e.g. “Federal Republic of Germany”.
You can also use the advanced search without entering search terms. It will then follow the criteria you have selected (e.g. country or subject area).
If you have not selected any criteria in a given category, the entire category will be searched (e.g. all subject areas or all countries).

source

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.
Notice: By accessing this site you agree that you will not copy or reproduce any part of its contents (including, but not limited to, single prices, graphs or news content) in any form or for any purpose whatsoever without the prior written consent of the publisher.

source

Members of Norway’s Green Party (MDG) have put forward a proposal to legalise and facilitate plug-in solar and batteries. The six politicians were each elected to the Norwegian parliament, known as the Storting, for the 2025-2029 term.
Their proposal, published on the Storting’s website, calls on the government to remove “unnecessary restrictions and bureaucratic obstacles” to plug-in solar and batteries, which are currently prohibited in Norway.
It says the move would make it easier for consumers to choose safe and compliant facilities, strengthen the rights of landlords who want to produce their own electricity and remove taxes on clean energy production.
Their statement says plug-in solar and batteries would be able to reduce household electricity bills, remove power peaks from the power grid and reduce the need for the development of other renewable energy.
It adds the technology would also be useful for emergency preparedness purposes, estimating that an 800 W pluggable solar system, valued at around NOK 5,000 ($532), would produce enough electricity to provide a household with hot food and water in a crisis situation.
The group’s proposal introduces a series of recommendations for the Norwegian government, each with a deadline of the end of 2027, including making it possible to connect plug-in solar and batteries that meet established safety requirements directly to ordinary grounded sockets and preparing a national guide for the safe purchase and use of plug-in solar and batteries.
The measures also include establishing a digital registration scheme for plug-in solar and batteries and developing a Norwegian specification or similar national technical standard for plug-in solar and batteries with requirements that ensure electrical safety, fire safety, grid conformity and safe use for end users.
The proposal also calls on the government to investigate, with a view to introducing, an exemption from VAT for solar cell systems and batteries aimed at private households by Oct. 1, 2027.
The centre-left MDG does not form part of Norway’s current government coalition. Their proposal adds that Norway could look to build on the experience of European countries that currently permit balcony solar, naming Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland.
Norway’s cumulative solar capacity surpassed 1 GW last month but the rate of deployment has been declining, with 2026 set to see the lowest annual figure since 2021. Growth has been particularly slow in the residential market, which analysts attribute in part to an optional fixed electricity price for households known as the Norgepris that has removed most of the financial incentive for rooftop solar.
The Norwegian Energy Regulatory Authority (NVE) recently proposed a simplified connection process for small renewable generation facilities it says is designed to make it easier for households, housing associations and other end customers to use PV systems.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
Comments
Please login to comment
Thursday, October 29, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Thursday, November 5, 2026
10:00 am – 11:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!
pv magazine USA hosts its multi-day virtual event on U.S. solar and energy storage, covering domestic manufacturing, distributed energy and the growing role of solar-plus-storage in meeting AI-driven power demand.
pv magazine hosts its four-day virtual event on European solar and energy storage, exploring market opportunities, solar-plus-storage business cases, technical quality, and cybersecurity in the years ahead.
pv magazine Session returns to NetZero Milan as Knowledge Partner, organizing and moderating a two-hour conference on the evolving global solar supply chain.
Get your ticket at a discounted rate with pv magazine.
Join pv magazine for an expert session exploring quality, technology and the challenges of scaling India’s solar industry.
Friday, October 23, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Monday, October 26, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid

You have no items in your basket.

source

This farmer was about to get a $20,000 grant to go solar. Then the USDA changed the rules.  Marketplace.org
source

ACME Solar signs 300MW/1,200MWh PPA in latest SECI FDRE tender  PV Tech
source

Reserve EcoFlow’s new Titan 5000 home battery systems for $50 and get free solar panels  TechRadar
source

Glasgow International Airport (GLA) has opened a new solar farm on its site that is expected to produce around a quarter of the airport’s electricity. This project forms a major part of AGS Airports’ sustainability strategy, known as Horizons, which is aimed at eventually achieving net zero across the group’s sites. The completion of this project means the group has met its sustainability target for 2026 by generating 25% of renewable energy for Glasgow Airport.
Located on airport land near Barnsfield Road, Glasgow International Airport (GLA) has opened a new solar farm that marks a significant milestone in the airport’s journey to improving its sustainability.
The solar farm is expected to be capable of generating enough renewable energy to meet a quarter of the airport’s on-site electricity demand. The multi-million-pound project was developed by the airport’s operator, AGS Airports, in partnership with energy transition advisor Ikiagi Group.
The project was funded and delivered by Zestec Renewable Energy, a supplier of renewable energy technology, who will also be responsible for managing and optimising infrastructure of the project over the long term.
AGS Airports is a private airport operator responsible for Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Southampton airports. The project is part of the group’s Horizons initiative, a sustainability and environmental, social and governance (EGS) strategy.
The solar farm is expected to save 1100 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year through the energy it produces from the 14,300 photovoltaic panels on the site.
The project is underpinned by its collaboration with SP Energy Network (SPEN), the electricity operator for southern and central Scotland. Martin Maxwell, the SPEN District General Manager for Ayrshire and Clyde South, celebrated the opening of the farm:
“It’s fantastic to see this new solar farm now up and running – powering a cleaner and greener future for AGS and Glasgow Airport and kickstarting a new era for this thriving transport hub. We’re proud to have played our part in bringing this project to life and working with AGS to ‘look ahead and act together’.”
The successful development of the solar panel farm means that AGS Airports has met its 2026 target of generating 25% of on-site energy for its Glasgow site through renewable sources by the end of this year.
The Executive Director of ESG and Sustainability at AGS Airports made a statement regarding the opening of the solar panel:
“The launch of Horizons marks an important moment for AGS Airports as we set out a clear vision for building a more sustainable future for our airports. Looking ahead, acting together captures our belief that meaningful progress can only be achieved through collaboration. The solar farm is an example of that approach in action and a major milestone on our sustainability journey.”
Following the success of the project, assuming it is able to maintain generating a quarter of Glasgow Airport’s electricity, AGS have said that they are interested in looking at how the solar farm can be replicated at its other airport sites in Aberdeen and Southampton.
AGS Airports have also stated they are interested in being part of launching the UK’s first zero-emission passenger route. Trials completed earlier this year focused on how zero-emission aircraft could operate from existing and future aviation infrastructure in the years to come.
What do you think of this sustainability development at Glasgow Airport? Let us know in the comments below.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website



Δ
 


And get the latest aviation news via our weekly news digest!
Sign in to your account
Username or Email Address
Password
Remember Me

source

Nationwide, electric utility providers are in a bind. Surging demand driven by electric vehicles, massive data center expansions and severe weather events is pushing aging power infrastructure to its limits. Utilities routinely pass massive capital investment costs straight to rate payers, squeezing household budgets at a time when families can least afford it.
When every dollar counts, waiting for energy prices to magically drop simply isn’t a strategy. That urgency is why many states are looking at how Minnesota became the nation’s premier model for localized, affordable clean energy.
 Minnesota Built the Framework to Help Community Solar Programs Nationwide
Rather than waiting on regional grid updates, thousands of Minnesota households are taking advantage of the state’s pioneering Community Solar Garden program. Originally created in 2013 and subsequently updated, Minnesota’s community solar program is now named in honor of Melissa Hortman. The program serves as a policy blueprint for lawmakers across the country.
Minnesota consistently ranks as one of the largest community solar markets in the nation, boasting more than 800 megawatts of active community solar capacity. The modern legislation ensures that everyday families, not just corporations, directly benefit from grid transformation through guaranteed, income-qualified savings.
“Solar energy isn’t an expensive luxury anymore. It’s now one of the most affordable sources of new electricity generation in the country,” explained Eric Pasi, CEO of Enterprise Energy, a Minneapolis-based community solar developer. “Thanks to Minnesota’s modern energy policy, accessing those lower costs doesn’t require thousands of dollars in rooftop panels.”
Subscribers to local solar gardens can reduce energy costs by up to 15% with no upfront fees and zero equipment installations. Homeowners and renters simply subscribe to a nearby solar farm and receive savings credit on their energy statement beginning this fall.
Scaling a Local Fix Into a National Playbook
The strategy isn’t just cutting bills; it’s proving how local communities can modernize the power supply from the ground up.
“We are a locally owned company, based in Minneapolis, created to give local families direct relief from rising utility bills,” Pasi added. “Our community solar projects now power approximately 10,000 households while helping us build a cleaner, stronger power grid for our communities.”
The rapid growth underlines how hungry consumers are for alternatives. Named the #1 fastest-growing company in Minnesota on Inc.com’s 2026 5000 list, and #4 nationally within the energy sector category, Enterprise Energy projects it will power approximately 30,000 households within the next year alone.
The company is expanding its service into Illinois, where a similar state program exists. “We are providing a scalable blueprint for how the rest of the country can expand access to affordable electricity,” commented Pasi.
How Minnesota’s Solar Gardens Lower Electricity Bills
●      Local solar farms generate clean, affordable electricity for the power grid.
●      Households simply need to subscribe. Minnesota households served by Xcel Energy can subscribe, subject to program requirements and available capacity. There are no setup fees, credit checks or hidden costs.
●      With consolidated billing, subscription charges and solar credits appear together on the household’s Xcel Energy bill. There are no second invoices to manage. 
 
Community Solar Gardens are Better for the Environment and the Economy
Pasi estimated that the company’s community solar gardens currently offset close to 100 million pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
“We also go to great lengths to make each garden as beneficial environmentally as possible. Pollinator-friendly seed mixes are planted in all of our projects. This helps restore the health of the soil. Depending on the project, we may also plant low-growing crops below the solar panels to maximize use of the space. Some of our gardens are even used for sheep grazing.”
 Enterprise Energy also prioritizes American-made equipment for its projects. “It’s important to us to support the U.S. economy. In addition to sourcing from American vendors, we are committed to growing the overall solar energy industry because it will support many high-paying local green jobs.” 

source

Searching for your content…
In-Language News
Contact Us
888-776-0942
from 8 AM – 10 PM ET
Oct 19, 2026, 08:05 ET
Share this article
Available to SunPower Partners in residential and commercial formats, with first deliveries expected before the end of 2026.
LYON, France, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TCL SunPower Global, a global leader in solar energy solutions, today opened orders across Europe for SunPower Origin, a new solar panel line built on the eighth generation of SunPower’s back-contact cell. SunPower pioneered its back-contact technology four decades ago and has been mass-producing it for more than twenty years. It holds more than 1,600 solar patents and has deployed more than 15 GW of back-contact panels worldwide. SunPower Partners can order Origin now. First deliveries are expected before the end of 2026.
“Back-contact is where solar mass market is heading, but very few companies can manufacture it at scale. We were the first to put it into commercial production, in 2004, and Origin is our eighth generation,” said Steven Zhang, General Manager, TCL SunPower Global. “Previous generations went onto real roofs and taught us something: about micro-cracks, about behaviour in shade, about what happens to a solder joint after twenty summers. That’s what you can’t buy by switching a production line over. Because we know how these cells age, we can put a 40-year warranty on the panel, and the TCL Group’s vertically integrated supply chain and financial strength stand behind it.”
Origin places all electrical contacts on the back of the cell, leaving the front free to collect light. The cells are patterned using lithography rather than laser processing, a method that TCL SunPower says reduces micro-cracks, and are joined by solder that withstands temperatures of up to 220°C. Shade is the hardest test for any panel: a chimney, a vent or a layer of leaves forces current through the shaded cell and heats it. A 54-cell Origin panel behaves as if it had more than 16,000 bypass diodes, so the shaded cell stays below 100°C and the rest of the panel keeps producing. Origin is certified Class A+ for shading resistance by TÜV Rheinland, and its broader spectral response helps output in the morning, the evening and under cloud.
“We describe SunPower Origin as the original, the safest, and the strongest,” said Karin Alberto-Burkhardt, Director PV Product Management, TCL SunPower Global. “Original, because SunPower was the first to industrialize back-contact cell technology in 2004 and has since built one of the industry’s broadest IP portfolios. Origin represents the eighth generation of this technology platform. Safest, because its back-contact architecture is engineered for superior thermal and mechanical reliability, minimizing hot-spot risk under partial shading while maintaining robust cell interconnections over time. Strongest, because the technology is backed by a 40-year warranty from a company with the scale, heritage, and financial strength to stand behind it. With Origin, installers deploy technology proven over decades, not an experiment.”
Across its 15 GW of installed capacity, SunPower reports a warranty return rate of 0.005%, based on an internal claims analysis conducted in June 2026. A study presented at the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, drawing on 3.2 million module-years of field data, supports the company’s reported average degradation of less than 0.25% per year. Origin is warranted at that same level, with degradation not exceeding 0.25% per year, and has a temperature coefficient of -0.26%/°C.
Origin carries a complete 40-year warranty covering the product, its power output and service. The warranty is supported by SunPower’s legal entities in its main European markets, as well as by the company’s long track record of installing back-contact panels and monitoring their degradation and return rates. It is also backed by the financial strength of the TCL Group. TCL SunPower is recognized as a Tier 1 module manufacturer by BloombergNEF (Q3 2026).
The residential panel has 54 cells in a 1,800 × 1,134 mm frame and delivers up to 505 W at up to 24.7% efficiency, fully black. The commercial panel has 66 cells, measures 2,192 × 1,134 mm and delivers up to 615 W. It is bifacial, with up to 80% bifaciality, collecting reflected light on its rear side, and suits commercial roofs where vents, HVAC units, and corners limit how many panels fit.
SunPower Origin is available now to SunPower Partners across Europe. For more information about SunPower Origin, visit https://www.sunpowerglobal.com/uk/homeowners/products/sunpower-origin-back-contact-solar-panels.
Installers who want to become SunPower Partners can apply at https://www.sunpowerglobal.com/uk/become-sunpower-solar-partner.
About TCL SunPower Global
Backed by the global strength, financial stability, and technological leadership of the TCL Group, TCL SunPower Global is a leading solar energy provider committed to delivering high‑performance, reliable, and accessible solar solutions worldwide. The company combines advanced technology, vertically integrated manufacturing, and a strong focus on sustainability to drive the global energy transition. TCL SunPower Global brings together two complementary brands: SunPower, delivering premium, fully integrated residential energy solutions, and TCL-TCL Solar, providing high-performance, cost-effective solar and energy solutions. Together, they meet the diverse needs of the global solar market – from residential rooftop installations to commercial projects and utility‑scale developments.
More information: sunpowerglobal.com and LinkedIn.
Press Contact
Anna Valeria Porta
[email protected]
+39 345 7706205
 
TCL SunPower Global, a global leader in solar energy solutions, today opened orders across Europe for SunPower Origin, a new solar panel line built…
TCL SunPower, líder mundial en soluciones de energía solar, ha anunciado hoy que su sistema híbrido de almacenamiento energético para aplicaciones…
Alternative Energies
Green Technology
Oil & Energy
Utilities
Do not sell or share my personal information:

source

© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.
“Storing it, moving it, and delivering it reliably every second of every day.”
Photo Credit: YouTube
At the center of Elon Musk‘s proposal is a single massive installation. It would cover a sunny 100-mile-by-100-mile section of Nevada with solar panels, and in theory it could supply all the electricity the United States uses.
An EcoBits (@EcoBitsOfficial) explainer says that scale is more believable on paper than it first sounds. The idea becomes much harder, however, once the feasibility of it is put under the microscope.
In a YouTube video, the concept is sized at roughly 4 billion panels over about 10,000 square miles. That is essentially a 100-by-100-mile field in a very sunny place like Nevada.
The argument begins with the sheer amount of incoming solar energy. EcoBits confirms that Elon’s math isn’t wrong in favorable conditions.
That is why utility-scale solar keeps attracting interest. If enough of that incoming energy were captured, it could help run the electric systems people depend on in homes, workplaces, and city services every day.
But the video treats generation as only the opening step, not the full solution. There is the matter of matching the grid to that generation, so you avoid blackouts and overloading the system.
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Starting at $50
Starting at $99
Starting at $60
Starting at $80
That day-night mismatch comes up first. Electricity demand does not stop after sunset, so any plan built around daytime solar production has to answer how to deliver energy at night. Battery storage is the potential answer to this dilemma.
EcoBits reveals that matching the necessary storage would also require a huge amount of land to house all the battery packs for a night, let alone all the other disturbances that could arise.
Geography complicates the proposal too. Even if Nevada hosted a huge concentration of panels and batteries, national use would still depend on solving the transmission problems raised in the video. Long story short, the logistics are quite complicated given America’s dated grid, and the various upgrades are immense to deliver energy everywhere.
Output would also vary with conditions on the ground and in the sky. A system this large would need both consistency and scale. There’s also the issue of securing all the land, solar panels, and associated raw materials.
Taken together, those points shift the argument away from whether sunshine is plentiful enough and toward whether the U.S. can assemble the batteries, grid links, and backup capacity required to make solar power dependable.
The video’s broader conclusion is that panels alone would not make Musk’s concept workable in the real world.
One requirement would be storage large enough to carry excess daytime generation into the evening, because the one-farm scenario breaks down if after-dark demand cannot be covered.
It would also require long-distance transmission. With an adequate network to move electricity efficiently from sunny regions to the rest of the country, cities and companies would not need to depend only on power produced nearby. And it would need safeguards against changing weather and other disruptions.
So while Elon’s premise that the sun could power the U.S. with a huge installation isn’t wrong, the truth is that there’s a reason it simply can’t realistically do so anytime soon, or maybe ever.
“The real difficulty is everything else that follows,” EcoBits concludes. “Storing it, moving it, and delivering it reliably every second of every day.”
The solar build-out looks different in practice than Musk’s lofty project.
• In Nevada, NV Energy’s Gemini project is now the largest solar and battery system in the United States.
• In Utah, Green River Energy Center pairs nearly a million panels with 484 Tesla Megapacks for after-dark demand.
• In Wyoming, the Cowboy-Solar project moved closer to reality with battery-backed power for homes.
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

Solar Power World
By Kelly Pickerel | October 14, 2026
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has found that the domestic solar panel manufacturing industry has been harmed by unfairly priced imports from India, Indonesia and Laos. The affirmative final determination by the ITC means that antidumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) will be placed on silicon solar cells and modules imported from the three countries.
The Dept. of Commerce issued its final tariff calculations in this AD/CVD investigation last month. Now with the ITC’s affirmative final decision, Commerce will issue its final orders on November 2, and then Customs and Border Protection will continue to collect these cash deposits on imports of subject solar cells and modules from India, Indonesia and Laos. Tariffs on these imports have been in place since the preliminary determinations were issued earlier this year. 
The Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing and Trade, a group of domestic solar manufacturers, petitioned the government in July 2025 for the AD/CVD investigation, alleging that solar panel manufacturers had relocated their operations to India, Indonesia and Laos to avoid existing tariffs placed on imports from other locations. Today’s ITC vote brings a conclusion to the 15-month investigation.
“Today’s vote confirms that U.S. solar manufacturers and workers have been harmed by dumped and subsidized imports from India, Indonesia and Laos. With these orders, fair competition is strengthened just as America needs more domestic energy production to power AI and data centers, secure its energy independence, and keep electricity reliable and affordable. U.S. manufacturers are ready to compete, and now they can,” said Tim Brightbill, co-chair of Wiley Rein’s International Trade Practice and lead counsel to the Alliance.
There are now AD/CVD orders placed on solar imports from a range of countries: China, Taiwan, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Indonesia and Laos. Commerce is also considering tariffs on solar imports from Ethiopia and South Korea, and those investigations are ongoing.
Kelly Pickerel has more than 15 years of experience reporting on the U.S. solar industry and is currently editor in chief of Solar Power World.

Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website


Δ
Copyright © 2026 Arrowfly LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Arrowfly LLC
Privacy Policy | RSS

source

If you’re in need of a super portable power station that can power your mobile electronics for days instead of hours – and then charge itself – then check out this deal. For a limited time, Amazon is offering a Daran 288Wh 600W Power Station with 80W Solar Panel Kit for $186.98 after 50% off coupon code: “L6DDL5D6“. You don’t need to be an Amazon Prime member. The kit weighs less than 20 pounds and can provide you with renewable energy when the sun’s out.

50% Off the Daran 288Wh LiFePO4 Power Station and Solar Panel

The Daran power station isn’t a tiny pocket-sized power bank that you’d tote around every day and you can’t bring it on the airplane as a carry-on (the limit is 27,000mAh). However, at just 8.9 pounds, it’s lighter than most power stations and has enough juice to charge your laptop and mobile devices several times over with its generous 288Wh battery capacity.
It has a total of six charging ports, including two 120V AC outlets (600W sustained, 1200W surge), two USB-C ports (100W/30W), one USB-A port (18W), two DC5521 port (120W), and even a 12V DC charging port (aka cigarette lighter).

The power station uses LiFePO4 cells instead of lithium-ion cells you’d find in some other budget power stations and nearly all power banks. LiFePO4 cells have inherently safer chemistry, longer lifespan, and slower calendar aging than NCM cells. They are widely regarded as the best battery option for power stations.

The IGN Deals team has over 30 years of combined experience finding the best discounts and preorders available online. If you want the latest updates from our trusted team, here’s how to follow our coverage:

• Sign up for our IGN Deals Newsletter
• Set IGN as a preferred source in Google
• Shop on our Amazon Storefront
• Follow us on social media
  • IGN Finds on X
  • IGN Finds on Instagram
  • IGN Finds on Facebook
  • IGN Deals on Tiktok

Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn’t hunting for deals for other people at work, he’s hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

source

Something went wrong
A California Bay Area homeowner exploring rooftop solar received a costly warning before signing a contract: PG&E might replace a neighborhood transformer for free but still charge thousands for related engineering work.
The customer said the shared transformer was already at 96% capacity across 21 households and was told extra costs could range from $1,000 to $5,000.
In a Reddit post, the homeowner said the utility told them it would pay for a transformer replacement if it decided one was needed. At the same time, the utility said the customer could still be charged for engineering drawings and other installation-related work, and the poster wanted to know whether a new solar system would set off those expenses.
A commenter from the same region who had already gone through interconnection said, “The only way you will find out exactly what will happen is for your installer to fill in an Interconnect Application,” adding that the utility would then determine whether engineering work was needed.
That commenter said the utility presented two options: keep exports below the system’s nameplate capacity or pursue full export, which would mean a transformer upgrade and a new service line to the house.
They said the utility paid for the transformer, while they paid for a new power line costing “just under $2,000.” The commenter also said the process could take up to six months and that their service remained at 200 amps, with no main-panel change, before and after the upgrade.
Going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy, and interested homeowners can try EnergySage to get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes.
The thread highlighted how hard it can be for homeowners to get a clear answer on possible upgrade costs before the utility completes a formal review.
The poster was trying to avoid agreeing to an installation without first knowing whether they could end up paying for work on a transformer shared by multiple homes.
Several commenters said the issue isn’t just whether solar cuts a home’s use of grid power. One commenter said the bigger limit can be backfeed, writing that the key concern is “peak EXPORT,” which is “probably around 12-1. They upgrade the transformer if it can’t handle total export.”
Another commenter said a solar project can trigger utility-side upgrades because of “peak kVA, uneven loading, phase imbalance, voltage rise/AVR regulation and other protections.”
One more said the utility didn’t charge them and described the process as a “crapshoot.”
Commenters said the process begins when the installer submits the interconnection application and the utility starts its engineering review.
Based on the discussion, that review is when homeowners find out whether they need a full upgrade, can accept a lower export limit instead, and whether the utility will pass any costs on to them.
With EnergySage’s help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. Homeowners can also use EnergySage’s solar map to see the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with details on solar panel incentives for each state. Together, these resources can help homeowners get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives.
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. Batteries can also help homeowners keep more of their solar power on site instead of sending it back through a constrained local transformer. Homeowners interested in storage can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
For a fuller look at how utility rules can reshape the math on rooftop solar, these stories offer more examples.
• In California, utilities face multi-million-dollar fines amid a fight with solar homeowners.
• After buying a home, one owner’s first bill hit $420 despite rooftop solar.
• In Ohio, a homeowner learned that half the bill untouched was still possible after solar.
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.
Sign in to access your portfolio

source

FIMER showcased its PVM-75/125-TL string inverter with a rated power output range of 75, 100, 110, and 125 kW at the show 
The company also showcased its cabinet-based PVX-241 C&I ESS, featuring a 140 kW PCS and a 241 kWh storage section  
Together, these products can convert an existing PV capacity to an AC-coupled PV-plus-storage system  
Italy-based PV inverter and energy storage system (ESS) maker FIMER showcased its latest commercial & industrial (C&I), utility, and residential product lineup at Solar & Storage Live UK 2026.  
The company displayed the PVM-75/125-TL string inverter and PVX-241 ESS for C&I consumers. The inverter features up to 12 built-in MPPTs, each rated at 32 A, and supports a maximum PV capacity range of 76.5 to 127.5 kW. It then inverts the DC power to AC in four maximum full-load (3-phase) categories: 75, 100, 110, and 125 kW. It has a maximum conversion efficiency of 98.8% and operates at temperatures between -25°C and +60°C, with derating starting at 30°C. 
Measuring 965 × 380 × 715 mm (W × D × H), the inverter also supports pairing with an existing string combiner box for a revamping project. It can be installed horizontally or vertically relative to the ground or roof level. For safety, this inverter includes DC and AC surge protection devices on its DC and AC sides, respectively, which protect the inverter from transient overvoltage in the event of lightning. The inverter also provides protection against DC reverse polarity and arc-fault current.  
In comparison, PVX-241 combines a storage section and a bidirectional converter or power conversion system (PCS) (instead of a standalone inverter) in a 1,150 × 1,800 × 2,100 mm cabinet. The storage section places four vertically stacked battery packs, each rated at 60.25 kWh and 314 Ah, for a total storage capacity of 241 kWh. This capacity corresponds to a full-load charging/discharging power (DC) of 107.52 kW. It features a liquid-cooling-based thermal regulation mechanism. The built-in PCS inverts the discharge power to up to 140.4 kW (3-phase, 415 V) at 150.3 A and vice versa when charging from the grid. The product datasheet specifies a lower maximum conversion efficiency of 91.3% at system level (PCS + battery) relative to the string inverter. 
This ESS can be paired with an existing PV array via the PVM-75/125-TL inverter through a common main distribution panel. This configuration creates an AC-coupled PV-plus storage system with the grid. 
In addition, FIMER showcased its 300 kW PVS-330-TL string inverter, 2 MVA PVS-990 central inverter, and 2.5 MVA PVS980 bidirectional converter for the utility applications. 
For residential applications, the company featured its FIMER Power Platform, including PowerUNO, PowerTRIO, and PowerX. 
TaiyangNews 2024

source

This article is translated automatically.
VSB is implementing a ground-mounted photovoltaic system with 8 megawatt peak on the premises of thyssenkrupp Rasselstein GmbH. VSB Integrated Energy Solutions, the VSB Group’s subsidiary specializing in energy solutions for trade and industry, is responsible for the implementation. The long-term on-site PPA includes financing, planning, construction and operation.
Around 12,000 solar modules are being built on two previously undeveloped areas with a total of 5.2 hectares. After planned completion in mid-2027, the plant is expected to generate around 8 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity annually. This will be used entirely on site and will cover part of thyssenkrupp Rasselstein’s needs in the future. The on-site PPA will initially run for 20 years.
Construction is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2026. CO₂-reduced bluemint® Steel from thyssenkrupp Steel with the ZM EcoProtect® Solar coating is used for the steel substructure.
VSB Integrated Energy Solutions bears the investment costs and is responsible for the construction and operation of the plant. For thyssenkrupp Rasselstein, this means renewable electricity directly from the factory premises, less grid consumption and more predictable energy costs. At the same time, the project supports thyssenkrupp Steel’s green electricity and decarbonization strategy.
“With the project in Andernach, thyssenkrupp Rasselstein is demonstrating the potential of renewable energies directly at the industrial site. As an implementation partner, we take care of planning, financing, construction and operation and create a reliable solution with long-term planning security,” explains Frederic Wagner, Managing Director of VSB Integrated Energy Solutions GmbH.
Dr. Thorsten Krenke, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and member of the Executive Board of thyssenkrupp Rasselstein GmbH, adds: “Our goal was to cover part of our green electricity needs locally. The result is the construction of an on-site PV system that shows that this is also possible in a grown industrial environment.”
The model enables companies to purchase renewable electricity directly on site without tying up their own capital for the plant – with long-term calculable conditions. Depending on the design, grid fees, levies and other cost components may also fall.
The project for thyssenkrupp Rasselstein joins the PPA projects that VSB has already implemented for commercial and industrial customers – including Carrefour, Hutchinson, Lhyfe, Mercedes-Benz, METRO and Sealed Air.
Colliers has brokered the lease of around 18,400 m² of logistics space for the Waldteich commercial and industrial project in Oberhausen. A leading Asian e-commerce company will move to Im Waldteich 10 in October; DGNB gold is being sought.
GlobalData forecasts strong growth for the global market for high-voltage switchgear until 2030, led by Asia-Pacific. The drivers are grid expansion, digitalization and SF6-free technologies. EMEA remains number two, America is growing solidly; OEMs are scaling capacity.
The Nordex Group has received orders from UKA for around 700 MW in Germany. Nordex will supply a total of 100 N175/6.X and N163/6.X wind turbines and will take on multi-year service and maintenance contracts.
On 03.09.2026, FGW e.V. published the final document of the Working Group on Component-Based Unit Certification. It describes a procedure with early component validation and an integrated, cost-efficient measurement and validation process for generation units and storage systems.
Sign up for our newsletter and receive regular updates on the latest topics.

source

China Proposes Export Curbs On 12 Solar Technologies, Raising Concerns For India’s Manufacturing Ambitions  SolarQuarter
source

Markets & Policy
Tenders & Auctions
Solar Projects
Large-Scale Projects
Rooftop
C&I
Manufacturing
Modules
Inverters & BOS
Technology
Finance and M&A
Markets & Policy
T&D
Utilities
Smart Grid
Microgrid
Events
Webinars
Interviews
The 200-kW rooftop solar system is expected to deliver annual electricity savings of ₹2.5 million
October 19, 2026
Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights
Rising electricity costs are pushing industrial consumers to adopt rooftop solar systems to cut operating expenses and reduce dependence on grid power.
Manufacturing facilities with available rooftop space can use solar energy to meet a part of their electricity requirements and achieve long-term savings.
Bengal Pipe, a PVC pipe manufacturer in Amta, Howrah, West Bengal, has installed a 200-kW rooftop solar system at its manufacturing facility.
The system, installed by Fender Energy, can generate up to 25,500 units of electricity per month, with estimated annual electricity cost savings of ₹2.5 million (~$26,379).
The project was commissioned last year. The installation process, from procurement to completion, took approximately 30 days.
The rooftop solar system comprises RenewSys 590 Wp TOPCon bifacial solar modules and two Solis inverters, each rated at 100 kW.
The project has generated a cumulative 306.8 MWh of electricity.
Although the project was commissioned in August 2025, delays in the net metering approval process meant the installer installed the net meter only in September 2026.
During this period, the company operated the rooftop solar system with a zero-export device to prevent surplus solar electricity from entering the grid.
According to Fender Energy, the installation and commissioning were completed without any major difficulties. However, the company encountered a maintenance-related challenge after the system became operational.
The PVC pipe manufacturing process releases sticky substances through the factory’s ventilation system, which settle on the solar modules.
These substances can accumulate on the module surfaces, affecting performance and reducing electricity generation.
To address this issue, Bengal Pipe’s maintenance team regularly cleans the solar modules to prevent deposits from accumulating and minimize their impact on electricity generation.
According to Mercom’s Q2 and 1H 2026 India Rooftop Solar Market Report, India added 6.6 GW of rooftop solar capacity in the first half (1H) of calendar year 2026, up 131% from the 2.8 GW installed in 1H 2025.
Residential installations accounted for 84% of total additions. Industrial installations accounted for 10%, followed by commercial installations at 5%, and government installations at 1%.
Mercom India hosts a multi-city Clean Energy Meet series to bring renewable energy developers, vendors, and C&I energy consumers to the same platform, helping them share insights on rooftop solar, open access, and other modes of clean energy procurement. The next event in the series will be held in Pune, Maharashtra, in November 2026.
Rakesh Ranjan
RELATED POSTS
© 2026 by Mercom Capital Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

source

© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.
Researchers are still trying to pin down the health implications.
Photo Credit: YouTube
That “credit card a week” claim about plastic consumption is catchy, but the math behind it may be far less solid than many people realize. 
In a video analysis for EcoBits (@EcoBitsOfficial), content creator Justin Pack argues that while people are still ingesting microplastics, the amount is likely nowhere near that often-repeated estimate.
In Pack’s YouTube investigation, he reviewed studies that have found plastic particles in water, seafood, meats, fruits and vegetables, salt, milk, and beer. 
Researchers generally define microplastics as particles up to about 5 millimeters, while nanoplastics are smaller than roughly 1 micrometer, and those tiniest particles are the hardest to measure consistently.
Pack highlighted a 2024 study that analyzed 111 samples from 16 protein products sold in the United States, including steak, pork chops, chicken breast, shrimp, tofu, chicken nuggets, and fish sticks. In that study, researchers reported microplastics in 88% of the individual samples and in every protein category they examined.
Using food consumption data from nearly 2,000 U.S. adults, the researchers estimated yearly intake from 13 protein products at about 11,000 microplastic particles on average, with a median of roughly 4,300, Pack said. 
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Starting at $50
Starting at $99
Starting at $60
Starting at $80
He argues that converting counts like those into a credit card comparison depends on particle size and weight assumptions that newer analyses do not support.
Exposure can begin long before food reaches the table. Pack said farm soil may already contain plastic from degraded mulch, irrigation equipment, litter, sewage sludge, and compost. He noted experiments that traced nanoplastics through crops including tomatoes.
The kitchen can add more. Pack cited an experiment in which some plastic containers, after three minutes in the microwave, released millions of microplastics and billions of nanoplastics from each 0.16 square inch (1 square centimeter), and he said plastic cutting boards can shed fragments as repeated knife use wears down their surfaces.
Beverages can change the totals significantly. Pack cited a 2019 estimate that drinking the recommended daily amount of water entirely from bottled water could add about 90,000 detectable microplastic particles per year to 4,000 from tap water. 
Researchers are still trying to pin down the health implications. Pack noted that micro- and nanoplastics have been found all over the body, and he pointed to an observational study in which patients whose arterial plaques contained plastic were about 4.5 times more likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or death over about three years.
For the most avoidable sources of exposure, Pack recommends focusing on household habits like avoiding heating food in plastic, using glass or ceramic when possible, skipping pouring boiling liquids into plastic containers, and swapping plastic cutting boards for wooden ones.
He also advises washing produce, choosing tap water when safe, and favoring foods with fewer processing and packaging steps. 
Even so, Pack emphasized that this is not something consumers can solve simply by shopping differently. He pointed to broader fixes such as reducing unnecessary plastic production, keeping plastic out of compost and sewage sludge, filtering microfibers from wastewater, and redesigning food-processing equipment and packaging.
“You can’t completely eliminate microplastics from your diet, but you could reduce some of the most avoidable sources,” Pack suggested.
Here’s a closer look at where microplastics come from and why estimates of human exposure keep changing. 
• Scientists are still debating how worried we should be as plastics reach blood and organs.
• Researchers estimate plastic packaging sheds roughly 1,000 tons of microplastics into food and drinks yearly.
• Swapping bottled water for tap water may lower blood pressure in days by reducing plastic exposure.
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

Judge upholds Webster approval of Xerox solar farm | Exclusive  Democrat and Chronicle
source

Keep independent journalism alive
Support us
Asia Times
Covering geo-political news and current affairs across Asia
Beijing has proposed banning exports of the technology used to make next-generation solar cells, a move that could complicate United States technology guru Elon Musk’s plan to expand into space solar power.
The ban, which covers production technology for perovskite and tandem solar cell modules, is part of a proposal by China’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology to control exports of 40 technologies in artificial intelligence, biomedicine and solar manufacturing. Fourteen would face outright bans, while 26 would require licenses. Products made with the controlled technologies could still be exported. The public can comment until November 15.
Musk said on a Tesla earnings call in late January that the company would work toward producing 100 gigawatts of solar cells a year in the US. Media reports said part of that capacity would power SpaceX satellites.
Perovskite cells, often stacked on silicon in tandem designs, are efficient, light and flexible. On Earth, they degrade quickly when exposed to moisture and oxygen, but space has almost none of either. The cells can also heal themselves after radiation damage, making them a leading option for satellites.
Besides perovskite and tandem cell module production technology, the 14 technologies proposed for a ban include AI-driven malicious code generation and mutation, and proprietary cell and gene therapy process platforms. Those requiring a license include AI-assisted vulnerability discovery and engineering technology for polysilicon lines with an annual capacity of 30,000 tons or more.
The 40 technologies span three fields:
“In recent years, AI, biomedical and solar technologies have been increasingly applied in sensitive fields, and all major economies have imposed export controls to varying degrees. China has drawn on common international practice and imposed necessary controls in accordance with the law,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce.
“The aim is to guard against the risks of technology getting out of control and spreading improperly, while safeguarding normal international technology exchanges and cooperation. This will help ensure that science and technology remain a force for good that is safe, controllable and beneficial to humanity,” he said.
The spokesperson described the revision as a routine update to China’s catalog of technologies prohibited or restricted from export, which the two ministries have adjusted periodically since 2001. He added that it does not target any specific country, region or entity.
He said most AI and biotech activity would not be affected, adding that offering AI models to overseas users through application programming interfaces (APIs), apps, websites, software-as-a-service (SaaS) or lightweight on-device versions would not count as an export.
Downloading an open-source Chinese model to run on computers outside China would not be affected, but a Chinese firm would need a license to install a controlled model on an overseas client’s servers.
The proposal follows a September 21 agreement in New York between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to notify each other of AI incidents that could threaten national security, with Bessent citing non-state actors in cyberattacks and bioweapons as examples.
Musk announced the 100-gigawatt plan on a Tesla earnings call in late January, saying the company would cover the entire supply chain from raw materials to finished solar panels. Days later, he sent a team to visit Chinese solar firms involved in equipment, silicon wafers, cell modules and perovskite technology. GCL Group confirmed the visit, while JinkoSolar said it had signed no agreements.
In early February, SpaceX acquired Musk’s AI firm xAI. The trillionaire said space would become the cheapest place to generate AI computing within two to three years, using satellites with near-constant solar power. On February 8, Musk wrote on X that SpaceX’s overriding priority was a Moon city, possibly achievable in under 10 years.
In March, Reuters reported that Tesla was in talks to buy about US$2.9 billion of Chinese solar manufacturing equipment, some of it needing Chinese export approval.
Citing an industry expert, the 21st Century Business Herald, a state-owned newspaper, said on October 17 that China would allow foreign firms to buy its perovskite cells, but not the related manufacturing equipment.
“Space photovoltaics is the core energy source for strategic industries such as commercial spaceflight, space stations, space computing and deep-space exploration. It serves both civilian and defense needs and bears on the security of China’s space energy strategy,” Zhao Lei, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Electrical Engineering and director of its solar cell technology research department, told the newspaper.
“Western countries have long imposed a technology blockade on China in traditional multi-junction III-V compound space solar cells (costly gallium arsenide-based satellite cells), tightly controlling exports of high-performance epitaxy equipment to hold back our space solar development through an equipment gap,” he said. “The situation has now changed.”
The restrictions date back to 1989, when the US imposed an arms embargo on China after the Tiananmen crackdown. The embargo barred exports of defense items and space technology to China, including III-V space solar cells controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
Zhao said that while China has been shut out of III-V cell technology, it leads in the two cheaper routes, crystalline silicon cells and perovskite cells, including tandem designs, and has the world’s most complete solar supply chain, making space solar one of the few high-end sectors where it is strong from end to end.
He said export controls would let China keep selling its products abroad while stopping foreign firms from using its best production equipment to quickly build their own factories and win orders from Chinese suppliers.
In other words, Musk could still use perovskite cells in his satellites, but he would need to buy them from China instead of producing them in the US.
Chinese firms held 96% of global polysilicon capacity and 91.3% of solar cell capacity at the end of 2025, according to the newspaper.
Perovskite solar cells were first developed in Japan in 2009, but Chinese firms have led the push to mass-produce them. Microquanta Semiconductor began producing perovskite modules in 2023 and GCL Group is building a 2-gigawatt line. LONGi Green Energy Technology set a 35.5% efficiency record for tandem cells in July.
Meanwhile, across the strait, Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin told Bloomberg in an October 12 interview that the island would add AI servers and cutting-edge semiconductors to its controlled-export list, aligning with US export-control requirements.
Once the rules take effect, unlicensed shipments to China would become a criminal offense under Taiwan’s Foreign Trade Act.
“Going forward, some of our measures on controlled items will correspond to American ones,” Kung said, citing Taiwan’s commitments under the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade it signed with the United States this year.
He declined to say when the new measures would take effect. He added that Taiwan plans to raise billions of dollars for US industrial parks to support a local supply chain for Nvidia and other AI hardware makers.
Read: US-China open hotline to rein in runaway AI
Follow Jeff Pao on X at @jeffpao3

Thank you for registering!
You must be logged in to post a comment.

Keep free journalism alive
Sign up here

Thank you for registering!

Enter the code sent to your email
Email address

Enter your password
Sign in by entering the code we sent to , or clicking the magic link in the email.
We'll send a verification code to %EMAIL%.

Link Copy link

source

We use cookies to improve your experience and for marketing. Read our cookie policy Manage cookies
Search across reports, market insights, and blog stories.
Pepco has approved ConnectDER’s meter collar products for solar, battery storage and electric vehicle charging installations across its service territory in Washington, D.C., according to a report by Billy Ludt. The approval extends ConnectDER’s reach to a national footprint of 54 utilities serving nearly 40 million households, with additional utility expansion underway.
ConnectDER’s adapters connect directly to the existing meter socket on the exterior of a home. By creating a safe connection point at the meter, the devices remove the need for main panel upgrades, service upsizing, circuit relocations or added backup load panels and system controllers, which the company says can raise labor costs and extend project timelines.
Ivo Steklac, ConnectDER’s president and chief executive, said demand for residential solar, battery backup and electric vehicles in the District continues to grow, while older electrical infrastructure poses a physical obstacle that slows installations. He said approval of the adapters for exterior meter-socket installation means installers can avoid re-engineering entire panels and home wiring, allowing them to deliver clean energy resilience more efficiently while saving homeowners thousands of dollars in total costs and days of labor. Steklac added that this translates into greater installation capacity and fewer barriers, which he described as important for the District’s electrification goals.
The District’s clean energy market is driven by its Clean Energy DC mandates, which include a renewable portfolio standard with a dedicated 15% local solar carve-out. Its urban building stock, largely historic row homes with aging electrical infrastructure, often has 100-ampere electrical panels that require main service upgrades costing thousands of dollars before solar, battery storage or EV charging equipment can be interconnected.
Robin Dutta, executive director of the Chesapeake Solar and Storage Association, said the approval by Pepco DC is a significant win for District residents and installation companies, following dedicated work by several association members to pass enabling regulations. Dutta said the change makes solar and battery storage more accessible for everyday homeowners.
ConnectDER’s IslandDER MSA is designed specifically for whole-home backup and battery storage. It integrates a Microgrid Interconnect Device, current transformers, voltage sensing and real-time grid disconnect capability into a single compact device mounted outside at the meter. IslandDER is installed without reconfiguring panels or rerouting household circuits.
Interactive table based on the Store Companies dataset for this report.
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the Solar Panels market in the World, including market size, structure, key trends, and forecast. The study highlights demand drivers, supply constraints, and competitive dynamics across the value chain.
The analysis is designed for manufacturers, distributors, investors, and advisors who require a consistent, data-driven view of market dynamics and a transparent analytical definition of the product scope.
This report covers photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, which are devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity. It encompasses the global market for finished modules, including all major product technologies and form factors designed for a wide range of end-use applications.
The market data is classified and analyzed according to international trade codes, primarily under the Harmonized System (HS) headings for photovoltaic cells and electric generating sets. This ensures consistent tracking of trade flows for assembled solar modules and relevant apparatus across global markets.
World
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Report Scope and Analytical Framing
Concise View of Market Direction
Market Size, Growth and Scenario Framing
Commercial and Technical Scope
How the Market Splits Into Decision-Relevant Buckets
Where Demand Comes From and How It Behaves
Supply Footprint, Trade and Value Capture
Trade Flows and External Dependence
Price Formation and Revenue Logic
Who Wins and Why
Where Growth and Supply Concentrate
Commercial Entry and Scaling Priorities
Where the Best Expansion Logic Sits
Leading Players and Strategic Archetypes
Detailed View of the Most Important National Markets
How the Report Was Built
World's largest solar wafer manufacturer
Consistently top module shipper globally
Major producer of cells and modules
Pioneer in module technology and Vertex series
Vertically integrated, strong in project pipeline
Largest US-based manufacturer, unique technology
Major investment in US manufacturing
Significant producer with heterojunction focus
World's largest solar cell producer
Maxeon manufactures SunPower's legacy technology
Pioneer in heterojunction technology
Part of GCL Group, large-scale manufacturer
Vertically integrated under Chint Group
Significant global shipments
Major Indian manufacturer with global presence
Part of Adani Group, large integrated capacity
Exited solar business in 2022 but legacy remains
Historic leader, now smaller scale
Largest US residential solar company
Former industry leader, still significant
Tell us where to send the sample and whether you want this report customized.
Thank you. Our team will review your request and reply to your business email.
Our team will review your request and route it to support@indexbox.io.
IndexBox, Inc.
2093 Philadelphia Pike #1441
Claymont, DE 19703, USA
Contact us
© 2026 IndexBox, Inc
Instant access. No credit card needed.
Online access to 2M+ reports, dashboards, and tables. Trusted by Fortune 500 teams.
Free market data on the IndexBox platform
Instant access. No credit card needed.

source

Searching for your content…
In-Language News
Contact Us
888-776-0942
from 8 AM – 10 PM ET
Oct 19, 2026, 05:41 ET
Share this article
Manufacturing in China and Indonesia, combined with dedicated local support in India, strengthens partnerships with module manufacturers
GREATER NOIDA, India, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — YINGFA will showcase its TOPCon multi-cut and XBC solar cells at Renewable Energy India Expo 2026, taking place October 22–24 at India Expo Mart. At Hall 14, Booth C33, the company will present cell technologies designed to help module manufacturers achieve higher efficiency and greater design flexibility, supported by production facilities in China and Indonesia and dedicated local customer support in India.
Cell Innovation for Module Design

YINGFA’s TOPCon 3.0 solar cells deliver a measured cell efficiency of 27.3% and are available in full-cell, half-cut, third-cut and quarter-cut formats to accommodate different module designs. Visitors can view physical samples and discuss cell selection, product configurations and manufacturing compatibility with the YINGFA team.
YINGFA’s XBC 2.0 solar cells deliver efficiencies of up to 28.4%, combining a pure black appearance with a front surface free of metal gridlines. These characteristics make them suitable for module designs where both performance and aesthetics matter.
Both efficiency figures apply to individual solar cells. Actual finished-module performance will vary depending on module design, materials and manufacturing processes.
Global Manufacturing, Local Support
With manufacturing operations in China and Indonesia, including PT. Bintan Cellular Indonesia (BCI), YINGFA combines international production capacity with dedicated customer support in India.
Its India-based team provides customers with access to sales, technical and customer service specialists, helping address product requirements, quality considerations and after-sales needs. By combining manufacturing capabilities across Asia with local market expertise, YINGFA aims to strengthen long-term partnerships with Indian module manufacturers.
At REI 2026, YINGFA invites customers and industry partners to visit Hall 14, Booth C33 to learn more about its solar cell portfolio, discuss next-generation module designs and explore potential areas of collaboration.
About YINGFA
YINGFA is a solar cell manufacturer with operations in China and Indonesia, serving customers in international markets. Its portfolio includes TOPCon and XBC solar cells in multiple formats. With a commitment to “We Only Make Better Solar Cells,” YINGFA focuses on cell innovation, manufacturing quality and customer service.
SOURCE YINGFA
Do not sell or share my personal information:

source

© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.
“This project shows what’s possible when a community looks at land it already owns in a new way.”
Photo Credit: Encore Renewable Energy
Derry, New Hampshire, has turned a retired landfill into an energy source. A 2.25-megawatt solar project at the site is now operating, and Encore Renewable Energy says it could cut taxpayer-funded electricity costs by about $4 million over the next 25 years.
Built on a closed, capped municipal landfill, the installation is already generating power, Solar Power World Online reported. Encore Renewable Energy developed the project.
“Landfills like this one are often untapped resources in the clean energy transition,” said Chad Farrell, founder and president of Encore Renewable Energy.
The push for the project began with the all-volunteer Derry NetZero Task Force, which spent six years working on the plan, measuring energy use in 40 town and school buildings and building support for the needed state legislative action. 
With energy prices through the roof, there’s never been a better time to go solar — and EasyHome can help you find the best prices from the best installers in your area.
EasyHome takes the guesswork and headaches out of energy upgrades by showing you estimated savings from a network of vetted local partners. To get started, just enter your ZIP and share a few details about your home — seeing your estimate is really that easy.
Derry’s solar field traces back as much to a local political goal as to an engineering one. Jeff Moulton, chair of the Derry NetZero Task Force, said the effort was backed by the Derry Town Council under the leadership of Josh Bourdon. “The Derry Town Council set forth an aggressive goal of being net zero by 2025 but with a caveat of saving money for the residents of Derry.”
Moulton said, “I am pleased to have led a dedicated group of volunteers who were able to put together a design and project that will provide 100% of the town’s electricity needs for the next 25 years, while saving the town $5-10 million over the life of the project.”
Farrell said the project gives a site with limited post-closure options a productive new purpose while delivering “cost savings and increased energy security for local Eversource NH ratepayers.”
The Town of Derry selected Encore in 2021 after a competitive bidding process involving seven firms.
Farrell said, “Rather than continuing to sit idle, this property will now be generating power for the local community, offering both cost savings and increased energy security for local Eversource NH ratepayers. This project shows what’s possible when a community looks at land it already owns in a new way.”
For homeowners who want Derry-style savings, EnergySage’s solar map shows average system costs by state and solar panel incentives, helping people get the best price for rooftop panels and access available incentives. With EnergySage‘s help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. 
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. Homeowners can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
Derry isn’t the only place putting hard-to-use land to work for solar while aiming to lower electricity costs.
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
• In Mansfield, Ohio, officials greenlit solar farms on old landfills while seeking local power buyers.
• In Rivesville, West Virginia, companies are turning a coal ash landfill into a solar farm.
• At Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, a solar expansion could save island households $550,000 on power.
• New Hampshire signed plug-in solar into law, blocking utilities from demanding fees or approval.
• In Illinois, park districts are getting solar projects at no cost to taxpayers.
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

FCW Team

source