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Energiequelle, a German renewables developer, has sold its French subsidiary to H2air, a French independent power producer, according to pv-tech. The transaction transfers the subsidiary’s employees along with its existing project pipeline, which consists of nearly 500MW of solar PV and wind projects.
The deal also covers 60MW of operational projects and projects that are already in the pre-construction phase, all of which H2air will take over. The French subsidiary had been part of Energiequelle since 2010, and over that period it developed and commissioned more than 27 solar PV and wind parks with a combined capacity of 266MW.
Energiequelle described the sale as part of a strategic realignment in response to challenging market conditions in the renewables sector. The report pointed to German solar developer Enerparc filing for insolvency earlier in the month as a notable recent example of those difficulties.
Roy Mahfouz, Founder and President of H2air, commented that the acquisition supports the company’s strategy of strengthening its position in renewable energy in France, particularly in the wind energy sector.
Interactive table based on the Store Companies dataset for this report.
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 and Value Capture
Trade Flows and External Dependence
Price Formation and Revenue Logic
Who Wins and Why
How the Domestic Market Works
Commercial Entry and Scaling Priorities
Where the Best Expansion Logic Sits
Leading Players and Strategic Archetypes
How the Report Was Built
Specialist in hybrid and resilient systems
Subsidiary of EDF, industrial operator
Acquired by Shell, remains French HQ
Independent developer and operator
INCORRECT – HQ Canada, major ops in France
Now part of TotalEnergies Renouvelables
Manufacturer of 'Ventura' wind turbines
Trade federation, not a manufacturer
Developer, limited manufacturing
Developer and asset manager
Developer, specific details limited
Divested to GE, legacy French involvement
Project focus, not primary manufacturer
Subsidiary of German manufacturer Enercon
Developer and investor
Developer and operator (part of Groupe Foncière)
Independent power producer
Developer and consultancy
Service provider, not manufacturer
Developer, details limited
Historical developer
SPV for a specific project
Developer (part of Crédit Agricole Assurances)
Likely municipal or regional developer
Developer in Occitanie region
Generic name, details limited
Developer in eastern France
Wind and solar project developer
Subsidiary of German PNE AG
Developer, limited public information
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Solar farm construction to begin in November  aol.com
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The government of Albert is introducing a new recycling system for end-of-life solar panels.
Beginning October 1, the province will apply an environmental fee of CAN 14 to each new solar panel supplied in Alberta. The fee will not be applied retroactively to already-installed panels.
According to details on the government’s website, a typical residential installation of 20 panels would raise a fee of CAN 280, equivalent to less than 1.5% of the overall installation cost.
The fee will go towards ensuring money is available to collect, transport and recycle panels once they reach end of life. The provincial government has committed to working with the Alberta Recycling Management Authority and wider industry to build reuse and recycling capacity in Alberta as volumes of recycled panels increase.
Additional figures on the government’s website says Alberta has the second-largest installed solar capacity in Canada, with 95% of currently-installed panels expected to reach their end of life by 2045, generating as much as 72,700 tonnes of material.
The province says its solar panel recycling program is the first of its kind in North America.
Grant Hunter, Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, said the region is putting the system in place now to recover valuable materials, attract private investment and build a new recycling industry here in Alberta.
“Alberta has never been afraid to lead,” Hunter said. “We will not wait until mountains of dead solar panels are piling up in our landfills before acting.”
RJ Sigurdson, Alberta’s Minister of Affordability and Utilities, added that the program will protect taxpayers from future clean up costs.
Writing on LinkedIn, Radha Rajagopalan, Director of Policy for Alberta at the Canadian Renewable Energy Association, noted that the CAN 14 fee is more than five times the highest fee charged under Alberta’s electronics recycling program and more than three times the cost indicated by the association’s independent analysis.
“Alberta needs stable, predictable policy to attract investment and build the affordable, reliable electricity the province needs,” Rajagopalan commented. “Adding unnecessary costs to new renewable energy projects sends the wrong signal at a time when Alberta needs more electricity in the system.”
Alberta’s latest update says it is also ruling out solar panels being sent to landfill sites across the province. Research published earlier this year found recycling a utility-scale solar module in the United States currently costs between $15 and $45, while sending it to landfill costs between $1 and $5.
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A fence surrounded by landscaping shields hundreds of low-profile, flat-mounted solar panels at Cultivate Power’s Bowes Road facility.
Bowes Road is Elgin’s first solar farm, and it’s now fully operational.
City and company officials gathered Thursday for a ribbon-cutting event for the 30-acre enterprise at Bowes and Nolan roads.
“This is the first site we are both developing and operating. We’re really excited about the project,” said Kiera Gavin, director of development for Cultivate Power, based in Chicago.
The solar development company has been active in the state for four years. It’s been involved in close to 30 projects, said Noah Hyte, co-founder and managing director.
Bowes Road solar farm produces 11.2 megawatts of power to 500 commercial and residential customers. A solar farm captures sunlight, converts it to power and distributes the energy to the grid.
Customers subscribe to the farm to get electricity, which can save 10% to 20% over standard electricity rates, according to Gatby, a company that helps residents and business owners find ways to save on energy costs.
Bowes Road will provide “resilience to the local grid. If you have a big storm outage or other grid issues, this will continue to generate and provide power to the local area,” Hyte said.
The project started in 2022, but Cultivate Power took over a few years later. It’s the same footprint as originally planned, but they were able to add more capacity, he said.
“We were able to find the right approach,” Hyte said. “We found there were opportunities to directly engage and hear concerns and incorporate those in the design.”
Mayor Dave Kaptain, who attended the ribbon-cutting, said neighbors seem happy with the results.
There had been attempts to develop the property over the last two decades, including a residential subdivision. But a wetland area at the back of the site made it a challenging project.
“This is a good use of the land,” Kaptain said.
Elgin has been a leader in bringing solar to the community, with the city being among the first to have a community solar program, the mayor said. The program allows residents and small businesses to subscribe to local solar farms without the need for rooftop panels.
The city’s Sustainability Commission also has initiatives to encourage solar power usage.
“This is all starting to bear fruit,” Kaptain said.
As more people embrace solar power, he believes its use will grow, especially as the cost of electricity goes up, he said.
“Hopefully, Elgin will continue to be a leader,” Kaptain said.
Hyte said the farm “provides more than power and grid resilience; it provides support to communities.”
Its impact on the local community includes $575,000 in direct community investments, a fivefold increase in property tax revenues from the property and 75 construction jobs, company officials said.
The city will collect $64,000 in property taxes in the farm’s first year of operations, compared to the $12,000 collected in 2025.
Cultivate Power is also investing in the community through Elgin Community College, Food for Greater Elgin, Friends of the Fox River, Evolve Foundation and Sesenergy, which provides workforce training.
It also has a STEM program for local schools, Gavin said. Teachers have already visited the site and learned about the curriculum available surrounding solar power, she said.
“We are very focused on investing in local communities alongside the projects we develop,” Gavin said.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The (Elgin) Courier-News.

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More than 500 solar panels have been installed on the east side of Little Falls Community High School. The $700,000 project is expected to generate more than $3 million in energy savings over the panels’ 40-year lifespan, with a $421,000 state grant covering most of the installation cost.

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More than 500 solar panels have been installed on the east side of Little Falls Community High School. The $700,000 project is expected to generate more than $3 million in energy savings over the panels’ 40-year lifespan, with a $421,000 state grant covering most of the installation cost.
LITTLE FALLS — More than 500 solar panels now sit on the east side of Little Falls Community High School, and while they aren’t generating power yet, district officials say they’ll pay for themselves several times over.
Superintendent Greg Johnson briefed the school board on the project during the Sept. 21 business meeting, raising it unprompted to explain the new addition passersby may have noticed. “Not sure if you’ve had any questions about the new addition on the east side of the high school,” he told the board, confirming the array is “up, not functional yet”
The installation carries a total cost of just over $700,000. Of that, $421,000 comes from a Solar for Schools grant through the Minnesota Department of Commerce — a program Johnson said a number of other districts across the state have also tapped, though he did not have a count on hand. The remaining share is covered by the energy savings the panels themselves generate.
Those savings are the long game. With a 40-year lifespan on the panels, Johnson said the district anticipates just over $3 million in energy savings across their service life.
Meanwhile, the high school’s $17.5 million indoor air quality project received Minnesota Department of Education approval on Sept. 10, Johnson reported, and the board voted to formally accept that approval. Consultants said the project addresses the majority of the high school’s high-priority deficiencies
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India homeowner’s 5 kW solar makes 575 kWh a month, but power bill still passes $50 USD  tech.yahoo.com
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NSG Group reports that it has successfully manufactured float glass using cover glass recovered from photovoltaic (PV) modules.
The trial was carried out at its Chiba Plant in Ichihara City, Japan. Glass was separated at Tokuyama Corporation’s PV panel, recycling demonstration facility in Hokkaido, Japan.
Historically, PV cover glass has been difficult to recycle due to its composition, which uses strong adhesives to maintain long-term durability. Tokuyama’s low-temperature thermal decomposition process pyrolyses the resin binding the module components, enabling glass, cells and interconnectors to be separated more precisely.
NSG says the trial confirms that the recovered material could be used under defined conditions, supporting the feasibility of ‘horizontal’ recycling into float glass.
The companies say the approach could reduce demand for raw materials such as silica sand and soda ash, increase cullet use, and lower CO₂ emissions from glass manufacturing.
A clear vision for recycling glass more efficiently.
Global minerals producer Minerali Industriali will help ResponsibleGlass develop sustainability certifications and standards.
The Glass Futures team has rolled the first glass from the furnace, to deliver a R&D asset for the global glass industry.
Anti-reflective coatings combined with recycled solar glass could boost sustainability in global shipping.
 

The proposed company will not replace existing energy suppliers or directly set household electricity prices.
Algal blooms may hasten microplastic formation, according to research in South Korea.
Circular economy firm Reconomy urges the UK Government to support materials recovery hubs.
Ploughshare will work with Leonardo UK Ltd to commercialise the latter’s technology in civilian applications.
TransPennine Express (TPE) has signed €1.2bln contracts with Alstom for supply and long-term maintenance of the fleet.
The research found low levels of undesirable substances in phosphorus recovered from incinerated sewage sludge.

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Inside the vast Qcells factory in Cartersville, Georgia, workers — and a bevy of robots — move ultra-thin slices of polysilicon through a lengthy series of machines and chemical baths to get what are known as cells.
“The $2.5 billion, the 3.5 million gallons of water, the 90 megawatts of power, the 60 tons of chemicals on site, and all of the football fields’ worth of infrastructure you’ve seen is to arrive at this,” said Scott Bell of Qcells, holding up one of the paper-thin blue cells.
It’s the basic building block of a solar panel.
In June, the plant, about an hour northwest of Atlanta, began its expansion from assembling the major components of solar panels to bringing the whole production process under one roof. It’s a major milestone for the U.S. solar industry. China has dominated solar panel manufacturing since the 2010s, flooding the global market with far cheaper panels than anyone else could make. For a host of reasons — national security, labor practices, job creation — the U.S. is trying to bring back domestic production, Grist reports.
In its latest move, the Trump administration plans to levy new tariffs and impose minimum import prices on polysilicon, the key ingredient for solar cells. The new measures go into effect in December.
“Having the full supply chain is critical,” said solar manufacturing expert Ben Damiani, chief technology officer at Atlanta-based solar developer Cherry Street Energy. Moving that supply chain to the U.S., he said, hasn’t been a smooth road. “Probably the biggest hindrance has been the constant change of our own policies.”
The Biden administration took a carrot approach to attracting solar panel makers: The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act included tax credit bonuses for solar projects that used U.S.-made panels. Qcells, a South Korean firm, has said those incentives were a major reason they built their Cartersville plant.
The Trump administration, by contrast, is taking a stick approach. While last year’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” revoked most of the tax credits, it also made solar equipment from certain countries — including China — ineligible for the few tax credits that remain. That, along with the new tariffs, may help a U.S. manufacturer like Qcells compete with Chinese imports, which are now more expensive.
The two policy approaches have the same ultimate goal, according to researcher Coco Zhang of the banking and investment firm ING. But it’s been whiplash for companies.
Following Trump’s latest executive actions, Qcells is still likely able to find a way to be successful, Zhang said. But Qcells has already made a multibillion-dollar investment in its brand new facility that took more than three years to come online. For other companies with less capital and poorer timing, the supply-side incentives for domestic production may not be enough — especially when the policies could completely change again.
As a part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Trump administration closed the Inflation Reduction Act loophole that had left room for China-based solar companies to simply set up shop in the U.S., which, according to Zhang, may go further still toward rooting out Chinese competition. In the long run, she’s optimistic that the U.S. solar panel industry can complete its shift to domestic production. But because the rules discouraging foreign ownership cut deeper into the supply chain, those restrictions and the policy back-and-forth could make things harder to navigate in the short term, she said.
The short-term outlook is complicated for those buying solar panels, too. The phaseout of federal clean energy tax credits removed a major incentive to develop new solar projects, and the Trump administration has taken steps to cancel federal funding for clean energy projects and add new hurdles for solar and wind installations on federal land. The courts have blocked or reversed some of those actions, but the delays add costs and uncertainties even for projects that do ultimately move forward.
In the first quarter of this year, clean energy advocacy group E2 tracked nearly $13 billion in abandoned investments in solar, wind, and battery projects. But some $18 billion in new projects were announced as companies scrambled to meet the deadline of the expiring tax credits. While the new tariffs and price controls on polysilicon could help U.S. manufacturers compete to supply the solar developments that remain, they could also drive up costs for developers, Zhang said, and “limited U.S. supply means many will still depend on imports and face higher costs.”
But industry experts maintain that solar isn’t going anywhere. It’s still one of the cheapest sources of electricity at a time when energy demand is growing fast. Solar panels are also readily available, while gas turbines are backordered for years. Solar and storage made up 90 percent of new power added to the U.S. grid in the first quarter of the year, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
“We absolutely should make solar, right? Like, it is the fastest deployed, lowest cost foreseeable,” said Damiani. “Solar will be, for the next hundred years, a good portion of our energy.”
The questions, experts agreed, aren’t whether solar development will keep happening, but how quickly, how much it will cost, and who — and where — will make the solar panels.
This coverage is made possible through a partnership between Grist and WABE, Atlanta’s NPR station.​
This story was produced by Grist and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
Copyright 2026 Daily Press. All rights reserved. The use of any content on this website for the purpose of training artificial intelligence systems, algorithms, machine learning models, text and data mining, or similar use is strictly prohibited without explicit written consent.

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© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.
The photos drew swift concern from other users on the subreddit.
Photo Credit: Reddit
After inspecting a vent, a renter found what appeared to be heavy growth and began to suspect their worsening allergies were not just a seasonal issue after all.
The photos drew swift concern from other users on the r/hvacadvice subreddit, who urged the renter to get the material tested and push the landlord to respond quickly.
The renter posted images of a floor register with substantial visible buildup in a Reddit thread. 
They wrote that their “allergies have been bothering me sooooo much lately, but I thought it was just the changing of the season.” After looking at the vent, they added: “Holy Moldy.” Responses in the thread ranged from worried to outright horrified. 
“That is, move out immediately amounts of mold,” one user wrote.  
Another said: “Yes in fact cooked. You need to get that tested asap. That is a lot of growth for a floor register.” 
The original poster said the filter appeared normal, which is why they had not thought to inspect the vent. But even when an HVAC filter looks clean, that does not mean the rest of the system is free of problems, since filters are designed mainly to protect the equipment.
For homeowners, this is also a reminder that upgrading heating and cooling equipment is one of the best ways to save money on utility bills and protect against rising energy prices. If you’re exploring options, Palmetto’s Comfort Plan network can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect you with vetted installers.
FROM OUR PARTNER
Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area.
To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
Solar panels can save you more than $50k over their 25-year lifespan, and EnergySage can help you save as much as $10k on installation. Which begs the question — isn’t that worth an email or two?
When visible buildup appears around a vent, it can indicate a broader issue, such as high humidity, a leak, or HVAC equipment that isn’t functioning correctly.
Indoor air problems can seriously affect day-to-day life, especially for people already dealing with allergies or asthma. Even if the exact substance hasn’t been lab-tested, heavy buildup around an air register signals that something in the home environment needs attention.
Renters often have limited control over solutions like duct replacement, mold remediation, or HVAC upgrades, and many depend on landlords to act.
Efficient heating and cooling systems can make a major difference, not only for comfort but also for energy costs. In many homes, older or poorly maintained HVAC systems waste power, struggle with humidity, and leave residents paying more for worse performance.
For renters who spot suspicious buildup, the most practical first steps are to document it, notify the landlord in writing, and request a professional inspection and test. Users in the thread also recommended checking for leaks and excess moisture.
For homeowners, upgrading to an efficient HVAC or heat pump can reduce both energy waste and indoor comfort issues. Palmetto can help here, too. If you’re not ready to spend up front, the Comfort Plan includes $0-down options that can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 50%, and Palmetto Comfort Plans include 12 years of free maintenance.
Homeowners can also pair solar panels with electric appliances, like efficient HVACs, to drive their utility costs even lower. EnergySage makes it easy to find the best solar system and installer for your home and budget, saving you up to $10,000 on installations.
That vent discovery reminds us that indoor air and HVAC problems can escalate quickly for renters and homeowners.
• One tenant found black mold spreading inside a neglected air conditioner after a landlord ignored complaints.
• In a 30-year-old house, one homeowner pulled a vent cover and uncovered decades of dust, hair, and grime.
• One renter kept having asthma symptoms after a landlord relied on concerning wildfire smoke mitigation indoors.
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.

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An unlikely power player in the fight over solar on farmland  politico.com
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ClearVue tests solar window glaze in Macau  The Australian
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By LUSA
Macau-based infrastructure and investment company CESL Asia has announced plans to launch large-scale pilot projects in agro-photovoltaic (AgroPV) technology across Portugal, aiming to position the country’s agricultural regions at the forefront of the green and digital transition.
The intention was expressed during a visit by a high-level delegation from the Intermunicipal Council of the West Region of Portugal (OesteCIM) to the group’s Macau headquarters. The delegation was led by Hermínio José da Cruz Augusto Rodrigues, President of the Alcobaça Municipal Council and of the OesteCIM Intermunicipal Council.
The visiting delegation also included several regional mayors, the President of the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR), Teresa Almeida, and Bernardo Pinho, representing AICEP Macau.
According to a press release issued by the company, the meeting focused on opportunities for cooperation in regional development, sustainable agriculture and energy. Group management highlighted the “transformative economic impact that AgroPV can bring to the Portuguese agricultural sector when accompanied by forward-looking policies”.
Agro-photovoltaic technology allows the dual use of land, combining agricultural or livestock production with photovoltaic solar power generation on the same site.
During the discussions, CESL Asia presented details of its AgroPV Demonstration Facility in the Alentejo region, emphasising that land-use optimisation “helps protect national food sovereignty while promoting the development of rural areas”.
The company noted that, given appropriate regulatory frameworks, the technology is estimated to “generate additional revenue of €1,500 to €3,000 per hectare per year for farmers, effectively more than doubling the economic value of rural land”.
To translate this vision into implementation, the group advocated the “urgent need to create a National Programme for AgroPV Pilot Projects within a regulatory sandbox environment”. This framework would allow public and private entities to jointly define “agri-tech models, operations and regulatory best practices suited to Portugal’s reality”.
Integrating AgroPV directly into national strategies for agriculture, energy and digitalisation represents a “strategic lever”, the company stated. Alignment with ongoing investments in the national power grid and data centre infrastructure will “boost regional development, particularly in agricultural regions like the West”.
Founded in 1987, CESL Asia specialises in consultancy services and the management and operation of critical public and private infrastructure.
While UNESCO strongly recommends banning smartphones in schools, not all scientific studies point in the same direction
A recent surge in juvenile delinquency across Macau is being closely linked by authorities to prolonged exposure to unmonitored online content.
A body was pulled from the rubble of a collapsed building on Saturday following an explosion in Athens’ historic Plaka district, the Greek press agency ANA reported, as rescuers searched for the missing.
For two years after he first arrived in Austria, Iraqi pupil Abdlrahman Aljanabi didn’t follow maths, science and other subjects like the rest of his peers.
Wellbeing is not an optional benefit added after business objectives are achieved. In a people-centred industry, it is part of the operating model. For Macao’s large resorts, independent restaurants and other tourism businesses, caring for employees is also a way of protecting service quality, reputation and long-term competitiveness.
As consumers spend more of their lives online, retailers are rethinking how they attract, engage, and retain customers
 UTM Comments is a partnership between Macau News Agency and Macao University of Tourism  By Marieta Wong, Lecturer Macau’s evolution into a global gastronomy powerhouse is the result of deliberate strategy, not chance. In fact, being designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy recognises that the city has built a distinctive culinary identity – one shaped by creativity, […]
n a time of an inflection point for how this industry will change, we need to re-set our understanding of AI. AI can mimic techniques, but it cannot counterfeit the human soul.
Leading business news and insights from Macau, covering gaming, finance, tourism, and economic developments.
© 2026 Macau Business. All rights reserved.

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Indian solar manufacturer Waaree Energies will merge group company Indosolar with itself in a transaction valued at about INR9.5 billion (US$99 million).
Indosolar, the solar manufacturer and subsidiary of Indian solar company Waaree Energies, will be fully amalgamated into Waaree Energies under the proposed merger, after which Indosolar will cease to exist as a separate corporate entity.
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According to the filing, Indosolar shareholders will receive one Waaree Energies share for every 11 Indosolar shares held. The transaction remains subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.
The merger will consolidate Waaree’s solar cell and module manufacturing operations with Indosolar’s module business. Indosolar operates a manufacturing facility in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, with an annual module capacity of 1.3GW. The company is listed under India’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), with an aggregate listed capacity of 1.5GW.
However, it currently has no active cell manufacturing capacity and relies on Waaree Energies or third-party suppliers for cells used in its modules.
Waaree said the merger will create a backward-integrated manufacturing business, enabling consolidated production planning, inventory optimisation and improved domestic-content traceability. It will also eliminate ongoing related-party transactions linked to cell supplies.
The companies said the merger will simplify Waaree’s group structure and remove duplicate compliance and administrative costs. Indosolar’s public shareholders will receive shares in Waaree, providing exposure to the larger listed entity.
As of 30 June 2026, Indosolar had total assets of INR4.05 billion, net worth of INR3.24 billion and turnover of INR683.6 million.
Originally incorporated as Robin Garments Private Limited in 2005, the company shifted its focus to solar cells and was renamed Indosolar in 2009. After enduring financial challenges and halting operations in 2018, Indosolar was acquired by Waaree Energies through insolvency resolution proceedings in April 2022 and resumed commercial operations in July 2024.
The Indosolar merger is the latest in a series of acquisitions and investments by Waaree Energies as it expands beyond solar manufacturing.
In June 2026, Waaree acquired a 55% stake in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firm Associated Power Structures (APSPL) for INR12.25 billion, strengthening its position in power infrastructure as part of its Waaree 2.0 strategy to become “a fully integrated energy transition company”.
Then in January 2025, Waaree agreed to acquire Enel Green Power India, the Indian renewable energy subsidiary of Italy’s Enel, for up to INR7.92 billion. The deal was intended to expand Waaree’s independent power producer (IPP) business and diversify its revenue base.
Waaree also acquired a 64% stake in Indian transformer manufacturer Kotsons in September 2025, adding transformer manufacturing to its portfolio and targeting expansion into higher-voltage products in India and North America.

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Solar grants to be extended to newer builds in bid to slash crippling energy bills  Irish Independent
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“I just went ahead and jumped in …”
Photo Credit: TikTok
Footage of a dumpster-diving session outside of Bath & Body Works is getting attention not just for its allegedly discarded goods, but for what was found mixed in with them. 
One seasoned diver, who goes by GlamourDDive online, said some of the tossed bags held seemingly new products alongside hair, dirt, mystery liquid, and even roaches.
In the recent, now-viral TikTok video, the diver showed herself retrieving bags and boxes of candles from a Bath & Body Works dumpster and saying, “Wait until you see what they left hiding for me to find….”
The video quickly drew nearly 700,000 views and almost 15,000 likes.
She described the dumpster as “loaded” and showed stacks of what appeared to be intact Christmas candles along with several mystery bags, adding, “So I just went ahead and jumped in…. I started grabbing and there were so many of these unbroken, brand-new Christmas candles.”
Not everything she found looked usable; she said some broken candles were mixed with hair, dirt, detergent, food, cockroaches, and a “bunch of mystery liquid.” She also found “food and crackers” alongside some broken goods.
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The comments section was mainly focused on the diver’s attire. The top comment pointed out that she completed the dive “in sandals.” Another commenter similarly advised, “Please wear gloves and closed shoes.” A third user wrote, “Please please please wear enclosed shoes next time. People throw away glass, needles, sharp things. All the time.”
One commenter, who claimed that they used to work at Bath & Body Works, wrote, “The best time to dumpster dive is during candle day weekend and Christmas eve. Have fun.”
Another user even suggested that the footage was staged, adding, “The majority of these people are setting up these finds! They usually buy items beforehand and then stage it so it looks as if they found it.”
For more on similar dumpster-diving finds and retail waste at Bath & Body Works and other chains, check out these stories. 
• One dumpster diver pulled a mystery bag from a Bath & Body Works dumpster.
• Behind Sephora, a diver found thousands of dollars’ worth of discarded beauty products.
• At HomeGoods, one shopper made an upsetting discovery in a store dumpster.
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Underwater solar cells reach new depths  theportugalnews.com
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Inside the vast Qcells factory in Cartersville, Georgia, workers — and a bevy of robots — move ultra-thin slices of polysilicon through a lengthy series of machines and chemical baths to get what are known as cells.
“The $2.5 billion, the 3.5 million gallons of water, the 90 megawatts of power, the 60 tons of chemicals on site, and all of the football fields’ worth of infrastructure you’ve seen is to arrive at this,” said Scott Bell of Qcells, holding up one of the paper-thin blue cells.
It’s the basic building block of a solar panel.
In June, the plant, about an hour northwest of Atlanta, began its expansion from assembling the major components of solar panels to bringing the whole production process under one roof. It’s a major milestone for the U.S. solar industry. China has dominated solar panel manufacturing since the 2010s, flooding the global market with far cheaper panels than anyone else could make. For a host of reasons — national security, labor practices, job creation — the U.S. is trying to bring back domestic production, Grist reports.
In its latest move, the Trump administration plans to levy new tariffs and impose minimum import prices on polysilicon, the key ingredient for solar cells. The new measures go into effect in December.
“Having the full supply chain is critical,” said solar manufacturing expert Ben Damiani, chief technology officer at Atlanta-based solar developer Cherry Street Energy. Moving that supply chain to the U.S., he said, hasn’t been a smooth road. “Probably the biggest hindrance has been the constant change of our own policies.”
The Biden administration took a carrot approach to attracting solar panel makers: The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act included tax credit bonuses for solar projects that used U.S.-made panels. Qcells, a South Korean firm, has said those incentives were a major reason they built their Cartersville plant.
The Trump administration, by contrast, is taking a stick approach. While last year’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” revoked most of the tax credits, it also made solar equipment from certain countries — including China — ineligible for the few tax credits that remain. That, along with the new tariffs, may help a U.S. manufacturer like Qcells compete with Chinese imports, which are now more expensive.
The two policy approaches have the same ultimate goal, according to researcher Coco Zhang of the banking and investment firm ING. But it’s been whiplash for companies.
Following Trump’s latest executive actions, Qcells is still likely able to find a way to be successful, Zhang said. But Qcells has already made a multibillion-dollar investment in its brand new facility that took more than three years to come online. For other companies with less capital and poorer timing, the supply-side incentives for domestic production may not be enough — especially when the policies could completely change again.
As a part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Trump administration closed the Inflation Reduction Act loophole that had left room for China-based solar companies to simply set up shop in the U.S., which, according to Zhang, may go further still toward rooting out Chinese competition. In the long run, she’s optimistic that the U.S. solar panel industry can complete its shift to domestic production. But because the rules discouraging foreign ownership cut deeper into the supply chain, those restrictions and the policy back-and-forth could make things harder to navigate in the short term, she said.
The short-term outlook is complicated for those buying solar panels, too. The phaseout of federal clean energy tax credits removed a major incentive to develop new solar projects, and the Trump administration has taken steps to cancel federal funding for clean energy projects and add new hurdles for solar and wind installations on federal land. The courts have blocked or reversed some of those actions, but the delays add costs and uncertainties even for projects that do ultimately move forward.
In the first quarter of this year, clean energy advocacy group E2 tracked nearly $13 billion in abandoned investments in solar, wind, and battery projects. But some $18 billion in new projects were announced as companies scrambled to meet the deadline of the expiring tax credits. While the new tariffs and price controls on polysilicon could help U.S. manufacturers compete to supply the solar developments that remain, they could also drive up costs for developers, Zhang said, and “limited U.S. supply means many will still depend on imports and face higher costs.”
But industry experts maintain that solar isn’t going anywhere. It’s still one of the cheapest sources of electricity at a time when energy demand is growing fast. Solar panels are also readily available, while gas turbines are backordered for years. Solar and storage made up 90 percent of new power added to the U.S. grid in the first quarter of the year, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
“We absolutely should make solar, right? Like, it is the fastest deployed, lowest cost foreseeable,” said Damiani. “Solar will be, for the next hundred years, a good portion of our energy.”
The questions, experts agreed, aren’t whether solar development will keep happening, but how quickly, how much it will cost, and who — and where — will make the solar panels.
This coverage is made possible through a partnership between Grist and WABE, Atlanta’s NPR station.​
This story was produced by Grist and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
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“The boring stuff is gonna matter most once you move.”
Photo Credit: Reddit
For one Pennsylvania family, stepping away from utility hookups and into a simpler, lower-cost setup is no longer just a daydream.
Their plan is to move onto 10 wooded acres, fix up a small shack, and rely on their hard-earned off-grid skills while they work toward something more permanent.
In a post on Reddit’s r/OffGrid forum, the original poster said their family’s offer on a 10-acre mountain property in Pennsylvania had been accepted, with financing still pending. 
Instead of fully outfitting the existing structure, they plan to handle a few leaks, make cosmetic improvements, and hold off on bringing in electricity.
Some basics are already in place, like clean water from a hand-pump well, a wood stove, and an insulated cabin. The OP said their husband grew up in an especially strict Amish community, giving him experience living with fewer modern tools and amenities. They also said the family has spent years collecting supplies they can use without electricity.
Yet, the family would not be learning everything from scratch. They already garden, can food, raise chickens, and do much of their own butchering on less than half an acre. The OP also noted that the property would be about 20 minutes from town, so it would not be as isolated as some off-grid setups.
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Commenters in the off-grid community were largely supportive, though they also raised practical concerns. 
One warned, “Rafters appear to be bowing, definitely check that out.” Another reminded the family that “the boring stuff is gonna matter most once you move tho. have you got water and winter heat figured out yet?”
The OP said that the move would give them time to build the house they actually want while also giving their three girls more room to roam, play in the woods, and grow up closer to nature. Still, bathroom logistics, safe bathing, winter readiness, structural repairs, and financing remain major hurdles. 
For anyone considering a similar move, the commenters’ advice offers a practical starting point. Always focus on necessities before aesthetics. That means checking structural integrity, confirming year-round water access, planning safe winter heat, and understanding local rules for sewage, outhouses, and gray water.
These stories explore many of the same off-grid questions this Pennsylvania family is weighing. 
• For would-be homesteaders, a real-world home inspection can reveal problems before moving off-grid.
• One off-grid homeowner learned solar sizing questions get complicated fast when every watt matters.
• In a dry cabin, living without a water connection quickly turns into a daily logistical issue.
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Replacement and expansion of decommissioned solar photovoltaic projects will represent 23% of new solar capacity additions during the 2040s, according to a report from Wood Mackenzie. The research, published by the energy consultancy, examines how the decommissioning of solar and wind projects will shape the clean energy transition.
The report, titled Renewing renewables: The next chapter in the energy transition, uses wind as its primary example of how projects reach the ends of their operational lives and require replacement, though many of the identified trends apply to solar as well. Wood Mackenzie estimates that during the 2040s, projects accounting for more than 2.5 terawatts of combined wind and solar capacity will reach the ends of their operational lives, requiring project owners to decide on the future of those assets.
Using the European wind industry as an illustration, the report notes that meeting European Commission deployment targets requires 37 gigawatts of new wind additions annually between 2023 and 2030. The industry is already falling short of that target, and a further 17 gigawatts of capacity will be decommissioned during the same period, meaning Europe must effectively add 39 gigawatts per year to reach the 2030 goal.
The report indicates that solar and wind decommissioning will remove a significant volume of generation from the grid, particularly from 2040 onward. As power demand continues to grow, close to 8,000 terawatt-hours of new generation will be needed by 2050 to account for rising demand and the reduction in output from existing solar and wind assets.
Earlier in the year, speakers at the Solar Media Clean Power 2030 Summit said project developers must actively consider end-of-life activities when building an asset, and that simply dismantling a project at the end of its life would be an unwise decision. Asset owners typically aim to revamp a project by replacing parts and components with new versions to restore original output, or repower it by adding new components to improve capacity or output.
Wood Mackenzie reports that solar has seen greater technological advancements than other renewable energy industries such as wind, estimating that a new technology has entered the solar sector every other year over the past decade. In a repowering context, this means solar assets have a shorter operational lifetime than they are designed for, as asset owners look to capitalise on new technological advancements rather than repair existing assets, according to the report, which was written by Soren Lassen, Chris Seiple and Charles Coppins.
Despite the scale of the challenge, the report notes that the solar PV industry could be well-positioned to capitalise on the need to replace operating capacity, because the speed at which new technological innovations are deployed means repowered solar projects could see significant improvements in generation. Module efficiencies increased by 69% between 2005 and 2025, and technology is already available that could increase cell efficiency by more than 50% by 2045. Project sites are also becoming smaller, with average project sites today as much as 30% smaller than projects of the same capacity in 2010.
The report concludes that decommissioning work will drive more than 70% of installations of new renewable energy projects across Europe. However, the authors note that this trend will not be universal, with decommissioning work contributing to just 1% of new capacity additions in Asia.
Interactive table based on the Store Companies dataset for this report.
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Largest solar cell & module producer globally.
World's largest monocrystalline wafer & module maker.
Major integrated solar manufacturer.
Leading producer of high-performance PV products.
Global manufacturer with production in Americas & Asia.
Major cell/module maker with US & Asian production.
Top-tier PV module and cell manufacturer.
Largest thin-film solar manufacturer globally.
Major LED chip & packaging for displays/lighting.
Pioneer and leading supplier of LED phosphors & chips.
Historically leading innovator in LED chips.
Major European LED & opto-semiconductor producer.
Producer of high-efficiency IBC solar cells.
World's largest producer of solar cell wafers.
Leading ABC cell (N-type) technology producer.
Rapidly growing solar cell and module manufacturer.
Integrated PV manufacturer under Chint Group.
Major global LED packaging and component supplier.
Leading supplier of LED components for automotive/lighting.
One of world's largest LED epitaxial wafer & chip makers.
Innovator in LED packaging (WICOP) and chip technology.
Major LED component supplier, part of LG Group.
Key LED epitaxy and chip manufacturer.
Historically significant in both PV and LED production.
Major PV manufacturer part of GCL Group.
Specialist in N-type TOPCon solar cells and modules.
Historic PV leader, continues manufacturing.
Leading LED chip manufacturer, part of Ennostar.
Major LED packaging company for lighting & display.
Leading Chinese LED packaging and component supplier.
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‘Am I reading things wrong?’: Florida homeowner questions solar bill over missing discount  Yahoo Finance
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Nevada Is Making Surprising Gains on Solar Energy  WSJ
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National
ETV Bharat / opinion
By Milind Kumar Sharma
Published : September 27, 2026 at 7:02 AM IST
India’s solar energy expansion has become one of the defining features of its clean energy transition. Solar parks now stretch across large parts of the country; rooftop systems are becoming increasingly common and domestic manufacturing of photovoltaic modules is expanding rapidly. This growth is essential for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and meeting India’s renewable energy ambitions.
Yet behind this success lies a challenge that has received considerably less attention: what happens to millions of solar panels when they reach the end of their useful life?
Solar photovoltaic modules are generally designed to operate for around 25 years, although some may be retired earlier because of degradation, physical damage, manufacturing defects, extreme weather or replacement with newer technology. The rapid expansion of solar installations during the past decade therefore represents not only an addition to India’s clean electricity capacity but also the creation of a future waste stream. The issue is not an argument against expanding solar power, but a reminder that the life cycle of a solar panel does not end when electricity generation stops.
According to Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), India’s solar waste was estimated at 100 kilotons from the installed capacity existing up to FY2023. Waste from this existing capacity alone could increase to around 340 kilotons by 2030. When solar capacity added during the current decade is included, cumulative waste could reach approximately 600 kilotons by 2030. Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are expected to account for a major share, with Rajasthan alone estimated to contribute around 24 per cent. This is particularly significant for Rajasthan, which has emerged as one of India’s largest solar power centres and could also become an important centre for solar waste management.
The increase after 2030 could be much sharper. Estimates indicate that cumulative solar waste could reach approximately 4.98 million tonnes by 2040 and around 19 million tonnes by 2050 under the assumptions used in the projection. These are projections rather than fixed predictions, as the actual quantity will depend on future solar capacity additions, module lifetimes, replacement rates, technological changes and reuse.
Nevertheless, the trend is clear. The relatively modest quantities of solar waste being generated today could develop into a major industrial and environmental challenge as the large solar fleet installed during the early years of India’s expansion begins to age.
The challenge is also a significant resource opportunity. Solar modules contain large quantities of glass and aluminium along with silicon, copper, silver and other materials. Recovering these resources can reduce dependence on virgin raw materials and strengthen domestic supply chains for clean energy technologies.
A recent assessment estimates that India could generate around 11.22 million tonnes of solar module waste by 2047 and may require nearly 299 recycling facilities, each with a processing capacity of about 3,600 tonnes per year. The estimated investment required for such infrastructure is around ₹4,274 crore. This suggests that solar waste management could itself become an important industrial sector.
NITI Aayog’s work on the circular economy reinforces the need to prepare for this transition. Its recent assessment of critical minerals identifies end of life solar photovoltaic modules as an emerging source of recoverable materials, particularly silicon, and highlights the importance of dedicated collection channels, reverse logistics and specialised processing facilities. Its modelling considers processing around 70 per cent of solar panels under the current policy scenario, with the potential to increase this to 90 per cent under a reform scenario. NITI Aayog has also identified solar panels as a priority area requiring a circular economy strategy, with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy as the concerned ministry. The broader message is that future solar waste should be treated as a source of secondary resources rather than simply discarded material.
India has already brought solar photovoltaic panels, modules, and cells within the framework of the E-Waste Management Rules, 2022. However, effective implementation will require infrastructure on the ground. Solar projects are spread across large geographical areas, while retired modules are bulky and costly to transport. Collection and aggregation centres near major solar clusters could therefore improve the economics of recycling. States such as Rajasthan and Gujarat, with large concentrations of solar projects, could take the lead in developing dedicated solar waste management networks.
Another important requirement is traceability. India could establish a national digital system recording the manufacturer, module technology, installation date, location, capacity and eventual retirement of solar modules. Such information would help governments and recyclers estimate where and when waste will emerge and plan processing capacity in advance. It could also strengthen producer responsibility and reduce the possibility of valuable modules entering informal waste channels.
The design of solar modules should also gradually take recycling into account. Easier disassembly, greater standardisation and improved separation of glass, aluminium, polymers, silicon and metals could reduce recycling costs. Manufacturers and project developers should have a clearly defined role in managing the end of a module’s life, while suitable economic incentives can help make recycling commercially viable.
Recycling should not always be the first option. Some modules that are no longer suitable for large utility scale projects may still be useful in less demanding applications after proper testing and certification. Reuse and refurbishment can extend their useful life, followed by material recovery when the module is no longer technically suitable. International experience offers useful lessons. The European Union has incorporated photovoltaic panels into its waste management framework, while countries such as China and the United States are developing dedicated recycling and material recovery systems as their solar fleets mature. Their experience shows that successful recycling requires regulation, producer responsibility, collection infrastructure, technology and markets for recovered materials to develop together.
For Rajasthan, the emerging challenge could become an economic opportunity. The state already has extensive solar generation, large solar parks and an industrial and technical ecosystem that could support module testing, refurbishment, collection and recycling. Developing such facilities could create employment, recover valuable materials and reduce the need to transport bulky waste over long distances.
India still has time to prepare. The largest wave of solar waste will emerge gradually, but the decisions taken today will determine how effectively the country manages it. Building recycling infrastructure only after waste volumes have become enormous would be costly and inefficient. Collection networks, traceability systems, recycling technologies and markets for recovered materials should be developed while the solar industry is still expanding.
India’s solar revolution has created an opportunity to build a cleaner energy system. The next step is to ensure that this transition remains sustainable throughout the entire life cycle of technology. Solar panels installed today should not simply be viewed as future waste, but as future sources of glass, aluminium, silicon, copper, silver and other valuable resources. If India prepares before the waste curve rises sharply, a potential environmental burden can instead become a new circular economy industry.
Khushboo Shah and Lalit Jyani also contributed to this story.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writers. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of ETV Bharat)
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Smoother perovskite films lift three-layer solar cell efficiency to 30.1%  techxplore.com
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Are rural areas prepared for Data Center expansion?  Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald
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“The interesting finding for us was not that silicon is cheaper but where the remaining cost sits.”
Photo Credit: Getty Images
A new study led by the University of Surrey in England suggests one of the best ways to make satellites cheaper may come from a familiar material much closer to home: silicon. 
Researchers estimated that replacing the solar cells now standard in space with newer silicon versions could cut satellite power costs by up to 90% and reduce the amount of solar-cell weight a spacecraft needs by about half, Phys.org reported.
The review in the journal Acta Astronautica found that silicon solar cells could provide a far cheaper option than the triple-junction cells that have long been the norm for spacecraft.
For decades, space hardware has depended on triple-junction cells made with materials such as gallium, indium, and germanium, and those cells cost about $250 to $450 per watt. 
Silicon, by contrast, is priced in the tens of cents per watt. 
As of November 2025, the three main silicon designs — PERC, TOPCon, and heterojunction — averaged $0.275, $0.285, and $0.39 per watt.
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Performance has improved, too. Silicon heterostructure cells have reached 27.8% efficiency, while perovskite/silicon tandems have hit 34.85%.
To test what that could mean in realistic use, the Surrey team modeled two spacecraft setups: one side of a 3U CubeSat and a Micro Sat from Surrey Satellite Technology Limited. 
Even with protective space-qualified glass included, the study found savings of about 85% to 90%.
Silicon has been used in space before. From 1958 to 1977, it was the standard solar-cell material for spacecraft, until gallium arsenide cells took over because they delivered better efficiency and radiation resistance.
What is different now is how far silicon technology has advanced. Today’s designs are much more sophisticated, suggesting that a once-left-behind material could be positioned for a return to orbit.
Lighter, cheaper satellites can ripple through the aerospace sector and beyond. Lower launch mass can free up room for fuel or instruments, while lower hardware costs can make it more affordable for companies and governments to expand services people rely on every day, such as weather forecasting, communications, navigation, and Earth monitoring.
Those services can help cities respond to extreme weather, support agriculture, and improve emergency planning — all while easing the cost pressures that often limit satellite deployment.
The study suggests the next challenge isn’t simply proving that silicon is inexpensive, but figuring out how to shield it in space without adding too much cost and weight.
For silicon arrays, researchers found that the biggest expense comes from the protective coverglass. If engineers can improve radiation tolerance, they may be able to use thinner glass or substrates.
That could create a double benefit: lower costs for satellite operators and lighter spacecraft that are cheaper to launch. For companies building space-based networks or scientific missions, that may open the door to more frequent launches and more affordable systems.
Tommy Richards, a Ph.D. student focused on future space solar cell technology and the review’s first author, discussed the study’s findings.
“The interesting finding for us was not that silicon is cheaper but where the remaining cost sits,” he began. “Once you put silicon cells behind space-qualified glass, the glass is what you are paying for. That changes what we should be working on.” 
“If we can make the cell itself tougher against radiation, we can use thinner glass or substrates, and we cut cost and weight at the same time. It reframes the problem from a materials contest into an engineering one we know how to attack.”
Advanced developments are changing the face of space technology, bringing benefits that can be seen on Earth. 
• NASA and Ascent Solar are testing ultralight solar film for satellites and the space station.
• NASA may be turning perovskite solar cells into a lighter power option for spacecraft.
• At King’s College London, engineers said space-based solar power could supply electricity at continental scale.
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The global solar photovoltaic (PV) market size was calculated at USD 216.04 billion in 2026 and is predicted to reach around USD 484.85 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 9.43% from 2026 to 2035. The solar photovoltaic (PV) market is driven by government incentives and policies, such as tax credits, subsidies, and renewable energy mandates. AI-powered forecasting, energy management platforms, and smart grid integration are improving solar generation efficiency and accelerating adoption worldwide.
The global solar photovoltaic (PV) market size was estimated at USD 196.94 billion in 2025 and is projected to increase from USD 216.04 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 484.85 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 9.43% from 2026 to 2035. The expansion of gigawatt-scale manufacturing and rapid shift toward renewable energy are driving the market. Government incentives and technological advancements are also contributing to market growth.

The solar photovoltaic (PV) market is experiencing significant growth driven by the growing need for clean and renewable energy around the world, the falling cost of solar modules, and government initiatives that support the production of sustainable power. Market expansion is being accelerated in both developed and emerging economies by growing investments in distributed rooftop installations, utility-scale solar projects, and energy transition programs. The performance and uptake of photovoltaic systems are being further improved by technological developments in smart grid infrastructure, energy storage integration, and high-efficiency solar cells.
Furthermore, governments, companies, and consumers are being encouraged to invest in solar energy solutions due to growing concerns about carbon emissions, energy security, and climate change. As a result, solar PV is one of the renewable energy industry’s fastest-growing segments. The demand for eco-friendly energy is encouraging clean energy developers to promote the market.
By enabling predictive maintenance, optimizing solar panel performance, and enhancing energy forecasting, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the solar photovoltaic industry. AI-powered systems improve the efficiency of solar power generation and grid integration, maximizing energy output the lower operating costs. By identifying possible equipment failures before they happen, sophisticated machine learning algorithms can reduce maintenance costs and downtime. Additionally, AI helps utilities and solar operators enhance grid stability and overall system reliability by evaluating weather patterns and electricity demand. The rapid transformation in the market is driven by the integrated AI features and other tech-influenced approaches.
Demand for Green Energy
The growing need for clean and renewable energy sources to lower carbon emissions and fight climate change is the main factor propelling the growth of the solar photovoltaic (PV) market. Solar PV systems are being widely adopted in residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications due to favorable government policies, tax incentives, renewable energy targets, and falling solar panel costs. Further propelling market expansion are rising investments in energy security programs and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Unfavorable Weather and High Cost
The intermittent nature of solar power generation, which depends on weather and sunlight availability, presents challenges for the solar photovoltaic (PV) market. Adoption may also be hampered by high initial installation costs for large-scale projects and energy storage systems, especially in developing nations. Additionally, in some regions, grid integration issues and land availability restrictions for utility-scale solar projects may impede market growth.
Tech Expansion/Integration
The integration of solar photovoltaic systems with smart grids, artificial intelligence-based energy management solutions, and cutting-edge energy storage technologies presents significant opportunities. New growth opportunities for the market are being created by the increasing use of electric vehicles, the growing need for decentralized energy systems, and the growing investments in green hydrogen production. Solar PV deployment is anticipated to present significant opportunities in emerging economies with growing electricity demand and supportive renewable energy policies.
The Monocrystalline Silicon Segment Dominate the Market in 2025
The monocrystalline silicon segment dominated the solar photovoltaic (PV) market with a major share in 2025 due to its high efficiency, superior purity, better electron mobility, and strong temperature tolerance compared with other PV technologies. The technology’s space efficiency, improved power output, and compatibility with advanced solar solutions such as bifacial panels have supported its widespread adoption across utility, commercial, and residential applications. This form of solar panel is more prevalent in solar rooftop systems and is frequently utilized for large-scale installations, whether they are residential, commercial, or industrial.
The thin film segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the projection period. This is mainly due to its lightweight design, flexibility, and favorable temperature performance. Increasing adoption in applications such as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), portable solar systems, and vehicle-integrated solar solutions is driving demand for thin film technologies.
Why Did the Ground-Mounted Segment Held the Largest Share in 2025?
The ground-mounted segment held the largest market share in 2025 because of its suitability for large-scale solar farms and utility projects requiring high electricity generation capacity. These systems enable optimized solar tracking, better airflow, flexible tilt adjustments, and higher energy yields, making them preferred for large renewable energy installations.
The rooftop segment is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, rising adoption among residential, commercial, and industrial users seeking energy independence and lower electricity costs. Integration with battery storage systems and reduced transmission losses are further increasing the attractiveness of rooftop solar installations.
The On-grid Segment Held the Largest Share of the Market in 2025
The on-grid segment dominated the solar photovoltaic (PV) market by holding the largest share in 2025. This is mainly due to its affordability, simple installation process, and ability to supply electricity directly to existing utility networks. Increasing deployment across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, supported by net metering policies and grid-connected renewable energy initiatives, strengthened its market position.
The off-grid segment is expected to grow at a rapid pace in the coming years, owing to increasing demand for decentralized energy solutions in remote areas, rural electrification projects, and industrial locations without reliable grid access. Growing adoption in telecom towers, mining sites, agriculture, and remote infrastructure is accelerating demand for standalone solar systems with battery storage.
What Made Utility the Dominant Segment in the Market in 2025?
The utility segment dominated the solar photovoltaic (PV) market with a major share in 2025, driven by the large-scale solar farm development, rising clean energy targets, and increasing investments in renewable power generation. Utility-scale PV projects benefit from power purchase agreements (PPAs), advanced grid management systems, and intelligent inverters that improve electricity reliability and grid stability.
The residential segment is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR in the upcoming period due to increasing homeowner interest in reducing electricity costs and adopting sustainable energy solutions. The integration of rooftop solar panels with battery storage systems, smart energy management, and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is expected to accelerate residential solar adoption.
The Asia Pacific solar photovoltaic (PV) market was exhibited at USD 74.84 billion in 2025 and is projected to be worth around USD 181.58 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 9.27% from 2026 to 2035

What Made Asia Pacific the Dominant Region in the Market in 2025?
Asia Pacific dominated the solar photovoltaic (PV) market by holding the largest share in 2025 due to rapid renewable energy expansion, large-scale solar farm development, supportive government policies, and strong manufacturing capabilities. The region benefits from the presence of major solar manufacturers such as JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. and LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd., which are accelerating innovation in technologies such as n-type TOPCon and heterojunction solar cells. Increasing investments in energy storage, smart grid integration, AI-based monitoring, agrivoltaics, and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are further strengthening regional market growth.
India Market Trends
India is becoming a major contributor to the Asia Pacific market due to strong government renewable energy targets, growing solar park development, and increasing investments in domestic solar manufacturing. Expansion of rooftop solar, utility-scale projects, and initiatives supporting energy independence are accelerating solar adoption. The country’s growing focus on solar manufacturing capacity, storage integration, and decentralized energy systems is expected to support long-term market growth.

Why is North America the Fastest-Growing Region in the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Market?
North America is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period due to supportive government policies, domestic solar manufacturing initiatives, and increasing adoption of rooftop and utility-scale solar systems. Programs such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), manufacturing incentives, and tax credits are encouraging investments across the solar value chain, including domestic production of cells, wafers, and modules.
The region is also witnessing rapid adoption of advanced technologies such as thin-film solar, perovskite solar cells, bifacial modules, virtual power plants, and AI-driven energy management systems. Increasing integration of solar PV with battery storage and smart grids is enhancing energy resilience and supporting market expansion.
U.S. Market Trends
The U.S. leads the North American solar photovoltaic (PV) market due to strong utility-scale solar deployment, expanding residential rooftop installations, and growing adoption of behind-the-meter battery storage systems. Increasing demand for grid resilience, renewable energy independence, and clean electricity solutions is accelerating solar adoption across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Europe is expected to grow at a considerable CAGR in the solar photovoltaic (PV) market in the coming period. The growth is supported by increasing renewable energy targets, investments in domestic solar manufacturing, and rising demand for energy security. Countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain and France are increasingly installing and expanding rooftop solar adoption due to large utility scale projects. The region is advancing next-generation solar technologies such as tandem perovskite cells while promoting sustainable building solutions through BIPV integration. Favourable government incentives are further supporting growth of the market.
Germany Market Trends
Germany is a key contributor to the European solar photovoltaic (PV) market due to strong residential solar adoption, supportive incentive programs, and increasing demand for decentralized energy solutions. The growing popularity of balcony solar systems and rooftop PV installations is enabling urban households and renters to participate in renewable energy generation. Government support and simplified registration processes are further encouraging residential solar deployment.
How is the Middle East & Africa Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Market Gaining Momentum?
The market within the Middle East & Africa (MEA) is gaining momentum due to high solar irradiation levels, government-led renewable energy investments, and diversification strategies focused on reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Large-scale solar projects, domestic manufacturing initiatives, floating photovoltaic systems, and robotic solar panel cleaning technologies are supporting regional growth.
Saudi Arabia Market Trends
Saudi Arabia is emerging as a major market due to large-scale solar park developments, strong government investment, and efforts to build domestic renewable energy supply chains. The country’s favorable solar conditions and focus on gigawatt-scale projects are accelerating solar deployment. Increasing localization initiatives are also encouraging the development of domestic solar manufacturing capabilities.
Latin America held a considerable share of the solar photovoltaic (PV) market in 2025, supported by abundant solar resources, growing renewable energy investments, and rising demand for clean electricity generation. Countries across the region, such as Brazil, Mexico, and Chile, are expanding utility-scale solar projects and distributed solar systems to improve energy security, reduce emissions, and diversify power generation sources. The governments in the region and private sectors are increasingly investing, which results in accelerated new installations of solar modules.
Brazil Market Trends
Brazil is leading the Latin American market due to strong solar potential, expanding distributed generation, and increasing investments in renewable energy infrastructure. Growth in residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar installations is supported by rising electricity demand and efforts to increase renewable energy penetration. The expansion of solar farms and the adoption of decentralized energy solutions are expected to continue driving Brazil’s solar PV market growth.
The global solar photovoltaic (PV) market is highly competitive, with leading companies focusing on manufacturing expansion, technology innovation, strategic partnerships, and vertical integration to strengthen their market position. Market participants are investing heavily in advanced PV technologies, including TOPCon, heterojunction (HJT), bifacial modules, and thin-film solar solutions, to improve energy conversion efficiency, reduce production costs, and meet rising global renewable energy demand.
Major companies shaping the solar PV market include JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Trina Solar Co., Ltd., Canadian Solar Inc., JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd., First Solar, Inc., Hanwha Solutions Corporation, Risen Energy Co., Ltd., Astronergy, and Adani Solar. These players are expanding production capacities, strengthening supply chains, and improving research and development capabilities to capture increasing demand for solar power worldwide.
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Laxmi Narayan is a strategic research analyst with five years of hands-on experience in market intelligence, encompassing primary research, secondary research, and consulting engagements. He specializes in the semiconductor, automotive, transport & logistics, and machinery & equipment sectors, providing actionable insights on evolving industry trends,technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and competitive landscapes. Laxmi’s research helps global clients identify growth opportunities, optimize operational strategies, and make informed investment decisions. Known for his analytical rigor and strategic foresight, he translates complex market data into practical recommendations that drive business impact and long-term value.
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“It’s actually been proven time and time again that cattle and solar can coexist peacefully.”
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One TikTok creator is challenging an AI-generated meme that contrasts “real farms rebuild the earth” with “vegan solar farms” that supposedly “wreck ecosystems,” saying it leaves out the resource burden of cattle production and solar’s potential to share land with agriculture.
In a TikTok video, renewable-energy content creator bonusmoles (@bonusmoles) argued that memes like this can be brushed aside because “it is not based in reality at all.”
At the center of the response was a simple argument that farmland and solar development are not automatically at odds.
Rather than excluding grazing, some solar sites can include cattle, with the panels providing shade and the animals helping manage the grass beneath and around them.
The creator also pushed back on the idea that cattle operations are inherently restorative, arguing that many modern cattle farms put enormous pressure on land and water resources.
“Cattle are the biggest source of water usage in the United States by an insanely huge margin and are actively draining the Colorado River dry,” bonusmoles declared.
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Some commenters also pointed to the appeal of solar infrastructure that works with existing spaces and landscapes. 
One commenter wrote: “Those elevated solar panels are so cool I want them everywhere.”
The debate touches on a growing area often described as agrivoltaics, where solar panels and farming or grazing share the same land.
Bonusmoles noted, “it’s actually been proven time and time again that cattle and solar can coexist peacefully.” The video added that the same has been shown with other livestock, not just cows.
The creator also pointed to places where cattle are not especially practical, such as deserts, as settings where solar can still be useful. In those environments, panel shade can help smaller animals by giving them protection from predators and harsh conditions.
That framing can also distract from larger questions about how land and water are actually being used.
Several commenters took that point a step further, noting that built environments could host more clean energy without competing with farmland at all.
At the community level, one clear opportunity is to expand solar in places people already use every day.
A commenter captured that frustration clearly. 
“Every warehouse, parking lot, and large retail store should be covered in panels and we’d be gucci,” they wrote.
Solar does not have to mean clearing untouched land or choosing energy over food production. It can also mean using parking lots and dual-use agricultural sites more effectively.
Solar projects can fit into working farms, as many stories around the country show. 
• Ranchers are finding that cows and solar panels can thrive on the same acres.
• On grazing sites, sheep raised beside panels are showing unexpected gains in wool quality.
• Across working farms, solar panels on cropland are helping fields stay productive.
• Vegetable growers are uncovering the groundbreaking potential of solar to support food production.
• At a Texas solar farm, pairing sheep with panels is cutting mowing needs.
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Indian energy company Nava Limited has commissioned a 100MW solar PV project in Zambia through its step-down subsidiary Maamba Solar Energy Limited (MSEL), with power evacuation to the Zambian grid now underway.
The project has a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with ZESCO, Zambia’s national power utility, covering the plant’s entire generation.
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The commissioning marks Nava’s entry into utility-scale renewable energy as it seeks to diversify beyond its existing interests in power generation, mining and ferro alloys.
Ashwin Devineni, CEO of Nava Limited said, “The commissioning of our 100MW solar project in Zambia marks a defining step in Nava’s journey into renewable energy. This milestone reflects our commitment to sustainable growth and reinforces our vision of building a diversified, future-ready energy portfolio across geographies.”
The energy firm does not currently operate commercial utility-scale solar capacity in India. The Hyderabad-based conglomerate’s energy division manages 434MW of generation capacity across Telangana and Odisha, primarily comprising thermal power and captive generation assets, making the 100MW Zambia project the company’s first utility-scale solar project.
MSEL is owned 65% by Nava Global, Nava’s international arm, and 35% by ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH), a Zambian investment holding company. Nava said the project forms part of its strategy to develop a broader renewable energy portfolio across geographies.
Indian solar companies are increasingly taking their PV expertise and investment into Africa. In July 2026, Navitas Solar, an Indian solar module manufacturer, announced that its engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) arm, Navitas Planet, had secured a US$ 20 million contract for a 54MW utility-scale solar project in Zambia’s Serenje Province.
Additionally, in February 2026, Inox Clean Energy, the independent power producer (IPP) arm of India’s INOXGFL Group, partnered with RJ Corp through a 50:50 joint venture to expand into African renewable energy markets. The venture acquired SkyPower Services MENA and is targeting 570MW in its initial phase and 2.5GW of operational renewable capacity in Africa by FY29, across markets including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zambia and Zimbabwe.

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National
ETV Bharat / opinion
By Milind Kumar Sharma
Published : September 27, 2026 at 7:02 AM IST
India’s solar energy expansion has become one of the defining features of its clean energy transition. Solar parks now stretch across large parts of the country; rooftop systems are becoming increasingly common and domestic manufacturing of photovoltaic modules is expanding rapidly. This growth is essential for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and meeting India’s renewable energy ambitions.
Yet behind this success lies a challenge that has received considerably less attention: what happens to millions of solar panels when they reach the end of their useful life?
Solar photovoltaic modules are generally designed to operate for around 25 years, although some may be retired earlier because of degradation, physical damage, manufacturing defects, extreme weather or replacement with newer technology. The rapid expansion of solar installations during the past decade therefore represents not only an addition to India’s clean electricity capacity but also the creation of a future waste stream. The issue is not an argument against expanding solar power, but a reminder that the life cycle of a solar panel does not end when electricity generation stops.
According to Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), India’s solar waste was estimated at 100 kilotons from the installed capacity existing up to FY2023. Waste from this existing capacity alone could increase to around 340 kilotons by 2030. When solar capacity added during the current decade is included, cumulative waste could reach approximately 600 kilotons by 2030. Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are expected to account for a major share, with Rajasthan alone estimated to contribute around 24 per cent. This is particularly significant for Rajasthan, which has emerged as one of India’s largest solar power centres and could also become an important centre for solar waste management.
The increase after 2030 could be much sharper. Estimates indicate that cumulative solar waste could reach approximately 4.98 million tonnes by 2040 and around 19 million tonnes by 2050 under the assumptions used in the projection. These are projections rather than fixed predictions, as the actual quantity will depend on future solar capacity additions, module lifetimes, replacement rates, technological changes and reuse.
Nevertheless, the trend is clear. The relatively modest quantities of solar waste being generated today could develop into a major industrial and environmental challenge as the large solar fleet installed during the early years of India’s expansion begins to age.
The challenge is also a significant resource opportunity. Solar modules contain large quantities of glass and aluminium along with silicon, copper, silver and other materials. Recovering these resources can reduce dependence on virgin raw materials and strengthen domestic supply chains for clean energy technologies.
A recent assessment estimates that India could generate around 11.22 million tonnes of solar module waste by 2047 and may require nearly 299 recycling facilities, each with a processing capacity of about 3,600 tonnes per year. The estimated investment required for such infrastructure is around ₹4,274 crore. This suggests that solar waste management could itself become an important industrial sector.
NITI Aayog’s work on the circular economy reinforces the need to prepare for this transition. Its recent assessment of critical minerals identifies end of life solar photovoltaic modules as an emerging source of recoverable materials, particularly silicon, and highlights the importance of dedicated collection channels, reverse logistics and specialised processing facilities. Its modelling considers processing around 70 per cent of solar panels under the current policy scenario, with the potential to increase this to 90 per cent under a reform scenario. NITI Aayog has also identified solar panels as a priority area requiring a circular economy strategy, with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy as the concerned ministry. The broader message is that future solar waste should be treated as a source of secondary resources rather than simply discarded material.
India has already brought solar photovoltaic panels, modules, and cells within the framework of the E-Waste Management Rules, 2022. However, effective implementation will require infrastructure on the ground. Solar projects are spread across large geographical areas, while retired modules are bulky and costly to transport. Collection and aggregation centres near major solar clusters could therefore improve the economics of recycling. States such as Rajasthan and Gujarat, with large concentrations of solar projects, could take the lead in developing dedicated solar waste management networks.
Another important requirement is traceability. India could establish a national digital system recording the manufacturer, module technology, installation date, location, capacity and eventual retirement of solar modules. Such information would help governments and recyclers estimate where and when waste will emerge and plan processing capacity in advance. It could also strengthen producer responsibility and reduce the possibility of valuable modules entering informal waste channels.
The design of solar modules should also gradually take recycling into account. Easier disassembly, greater standardisation and improved separation of glass, aluminium, polymers, silicon and metals could reduce recycling costs. Manufacturers and project developers should have a clearly defined role in managing the end of a module’s life, while suitable economic incentives can help make recycling commercially viable.
Recycling should not always be the first option. Some modules that are no longer suitable for large utility scale projects may still be useful in less demanding applications after proper testing and certification. Reuse and refurbishment can extend their useful life, followed by material recovery when the module is no longer technically suitable. International experience offers useful lessons. The European Union has incorporated photovoltaic panels into its waste management framework, while countries such as China and the United States are developing dedicated recycling and material recovery systems as their solar fleets mature. Their experience shows that successful recycling requires regulation, producer responsibility, collection infrastructure, technology and markets for recovered materials to develop together.
For Rajasthan, the emerging challenge could become an economic opportunity. The state already has extensive solar generation, large solar parks and an industrial and technical ecosystem that could support module testing, refurbishment, collection and recycling. Developing such facilities could create employment, recover valuable materials and reduce the need to transport bulky waste over long distances.
India still has time to prepare. The largest wave of solar waste will emerge gradually, but the decisions taken today will determine how effectively the country manages it. Building recycling infrastructure only after waste volumes have become enormous would be costly and inefficient. Collection networks, traceability systems, recycling technologies and markets for recovered materials should be developed while the solar industry is still expanding.
India’s solar revolution has created an opportunity to build a cleaner energy system. The next step is to ensure that this transition remains sustainable throughout the entire life cycle of technology. Solar panels installed today should not simply be viewed as future waste, but as future sources of glass, aluminium, silicon, copper, silver and other valuable resources. If India prepares before the waste curve rises sharply, a potential environmental burden can instead become a new circular economy industry.
Khushboo Shah and Lalit Jyani also contributed to this story.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writers. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of ETV Bharat)
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Funding Opportunities
On August 31, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Integrated Energy Systems Office (IESO) announced the Space Photovoltaics Research and Development Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) opportunity which will award up to $12 million for research and development (R&D) projects that support growing demand through lowering the cost of and expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities for solar panels in space applications. The PIA opportunity is designed to accelerate United States leadership in next-generation space-based PV and support growing demand through lowering the cost of and expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities for solar panels in space applications. University and industry research laboratories developing advanced space-applicable photovoltaic (PV) technologies or specializing in PV characterization and stress testing, as well as industry teams advancing near-commercial pilot-scale space PV solutions with testing partnerships and the capability to fly PV prototypes or panels in space, are encouraged to apply. Expected individual awards are up to $1,500,000 for Topic 1 and up to $2,000,000 for Topic 2. 
Topic Area 1: Projects will focus on the advancement of state-of-the-art, low-cost fabrication methods and the improvement of performance and durability in lab-scale PV cells. 
Topic Area 2: Projects will focus on advancing innovative manufacturing processes capable of scaling to high-volume production and demonstrating third party-validated performance of module prototypes in space or near-space environments. 
IESO and TechWerx will host an informational webinar on September 15, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET to discuss the funding opportunity and the areas of focus. Register for the webinar. 
The Space PV R&D initiative is managed by TECHWERX in partnership with DOE, a collaboration made possible through an innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement set up by DOE’s Office of Technology Commercialization. This agreement enables TECHWERX to broaden DOE’s engagement with innovative organizations and non-traditional partners, facilitating the rapid development, scaling, and deployment of energy solutions. 
Learn more about the Integrated Energy Systems Office and sign up for the IESO newsletter to stay current on the latest IESO news and funding opportunities.  
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UK study says silicon solar cells could cut satellite power costs by up to 90%  Yahoo Tech
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Wind turbines and photovoltaic panels in Yancheng, East China’s Jiangsu Province deliver reliable green energy on August 15, 2024. According to data from the National Energy Administration, as of July, China’s installed renewable energy power generation capacity reached 1.65 billion kilowatts, up 25 percent year-on-year. Photo: VCG

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Consumer demand for balcony solar in the US is growing faster than the regulatory frameworks needed to support its widespread deployment.
As demand for plug-in solar grows in the US, state-by-state legislation is creating a fragmented market. Cora Stryker, co-founder of rooftop solar non-profit Bright Saver, tells PV Tech Premium why interconnection reform, tenant rights and regulatory coordination will determine how quickly balcony solar can scale.
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For Stryker, the case for balcony solar in the US begins with affordability and energy security. Rising energy costs, she argues, have made consumers increasingly eager to generate their own electricity and reduce their dependence on volatile energy markets.
“Folks are eager to be empowered to produce their own energy,” she says. “It is not just an energy affordability issue; it is an energy security issue.”
Bright Saver’s experience appears to demonstrate that demand is already present. According to Stryker, the nonprofit launched a plug-in solar system costing less than US$300 and received thousands of orders within weeks, despite customers facing delays in receiving the products.
“It’s sold out within days and we know people want it and the regulatory framework really is lagging behind,” she says.
The challenge, however, is not simply whether Americans want balcony solar. It is whether the country’s regulatory framework can allow manufacturers to supply the technology consistently across state borders.
Unlike the UK, where Stryker says government coordination helped establish a clearer pathway for plug-in solar, the US relies heavily on state-level interconnection rules and enforcement.
“First of all, we have a very fragmented policy landscape,” she says. “This makes interconnection rules and enforcement are determined at the state level.”
This fragmentation means that manufacturers must navigate different requirements in different jurisdictions. Stryker argues that the resulting uncertainty affects product development, costs and the speed of deployment.
As of September 2026, 11 US states have moved to support balcony, or plug-in, solar, although the legislative status varies between enacted laws and measures awaiting final enactment. Nine states—Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Maine, Utah, Vermont and Virginia—have signed balcony solar legislation into law, with provisions generally establishing a pathway for small plug-in systems and, in some cases, limiting the ability of utilities, landlords and homeowners’ associations to impose blanket restrictions.
Utah pioneered the movement in 2025 with a 1,200W limit, while several states followed in 2026. Colorado’s law, for example, is due to take effect on 1 January 2027, while New Jersey’s Garden State Balcony Solar Act is scheduled to take effect on 1 March 2027.
Meanwhile, California’s SB 868 and the Solar Up Now New York (SUNNY) Act in New York have cleared their respective state legislatures and are awaiting final enactment. The expanding list highlights the increasingly state-by-state nature of the US balcony solar market, with significant differences in system limits, interconnection rules, tenant protections and implementation timelines.
Stryker says the US had reached a point where “11 states have passed legislation legalising plug-in solar technology.”
PV Tech Premium spoke to Joseph Shangraw, research analyst for solar supply chains at Wood Mackenzie, to discuss the development of the US plug-in solar market [subscription required], the regulatory challenges facing deployment and its prospects for further growth.
For Stryker, legislation that addresses interconnection alone does not go far enough. The ability of tenants to install systems is equally important, particularly because renters and residents without suitable rooftops may otherwise be excluded from the market.
“New Jersey and Virginia and Colorado did that this year in one fell swoop,” she says, referring to tenant protections and interconnection reform.
She identifies these three states as particularly relevant models, adding: “And so I would consider those, those three states, the pieces that are closest to the model legislation that we need everywhere.”
The distinction is significant. A policy can permit plug-in solar while leaving landlords or building restrictions capable of preventing installation. For Stryker, tenant rights determine whether balcony solar can expand beyond homeowners and reach a wider section of the population.
“Because without renters’ rights, this remains restricted to a population that frankly can already get solar, already get rooftop, right?”
Stryker outlines three priorities for legislation. First is interconnection reform. She argues that small plug-in systems should not be subject to requirements designed for substantially larger rooftop installations.
“We can’t allow utilities to impose restrictions that are appropriate to large systems, but simply inappropriate to these local systems,” she says.
Second is tenant protection, including exemptions from building rewiring requirements below a defined system-size threshold. Stryker identifies a threshold of approximately 391W in several states discussed during the interview, although the exact limits and legal provisions must be assessed against individual legislation.
Third is the treatment of certification standards. Stryker cautions against embedding a specific private certification company or listing into legislation, arguing that standards can change and that laws need to remain adaptable.
“We cannot put a private company in statute,” she says.
This issue adds another layer to the US regulatory debate: policymakers must establish safety requirements without creating unnecessary rigidity or dependence on a single certification provider.
Stryker rejects the assumption that all utilities oppose balcony solar. She points to Con Edison in New York as an example of a utility that, according to her account, engaged with Bright Saver on safety questions and supported the legislation.
“I wouldn’t say that all utilities oppose this,” she says.
Her broader argument is that utilities, public utility commissions, certification organisations and manufacturers have different interests and responsibilities. Without coordination, each state must negotiate its own approach.
Safety is a central part of that discussion. Stryker disputes concerns about plug-in solar systems feeding electricity into the grid during an outage, explaining that the inverter is designed to shut down when power is lost.
“The reason why is because the technology itself, the inverter, shuts down within milliseconds of a power outage,” she says.
That claim should be assessed against relevant electrical-safety standards and independent technical evidence. The safety requirements for plug-in systems remain a critical consideration as states establish their legal frameworks.
PV Tech Premium spoke to Ken Boyce, vice president and principal engineer at UL Solutions, to examine the organisation’s assessment of the safety considerations surrounding plug-in photovoltaic (PIPV) systems in the US [subscription required].
The consequences of state-level differences extend beyond regulatory complexity. Stryker argues that manufacturers may need to adapt products for individual markets, increasing research and development costs.
“And in the worst case, a manufacturer might have to have a different system in New York than they sell right across the line in New Jersey,” she says.
She adds: “The market is fragmented, and that is a really bad thing for all Americans.”
The concern is that different technical, certification and interconnection requirements could limit economies of scale. Instead of developing one product for a broad national market, manufacturers may need to accommodate multiple regulatory environments.
Stryker expects the states with established legislation to influence the next stage of market development. She identifies Colorado, New Jersey and Virginia as states to watch, while also mentioning Maryland and New York in the broader policy discussion.
“We’re going to have it state by state. There are going to be states that lead the pack,” she says.
Whether those policies accelerate wider adoption will depend on implementation, manufacturer participation, consumer access and the development of consistent safety standards. For now, the US balcony solar market is expanding through a collection of state-level decisions rather than a single national framework.
Stryker’s concluding assessment is clear: the experience of early-moving states could demonstrate both the opportunities and the limitations of fragmented regulation.
“The more that happens, the more obvious it will be to lawmakers that this fragmented policy landscape, it just doesn’t serve the people.”
This is PV Tech Premium’s third deep dive into the US plug-in solar market, forming the final part of a three-part series. Read our first and second features in the series here.

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For much of the past decade, India’s manufacturing conversation has focused on capacity — how many factories are built, how much investment is committed and how quickly production can be scaled. These are important measures of progress, but they don’t tell us the whole story, where India is moving towards creating a manufacturing ecosphere capable of competing globally and withstanding external disruption. The next phase of Make in India, in my view, will move from capacity creation to capability ownership.
A country is not self-reliant merely because a product is made within its borders. If critical materials, production equipment, process knowledge and troubleshooting expertise still come from elsewhere, it means external dependence has simply moved from the port to the factory floor. Building a complete manufacturing infrastructure must, therefore, be recognised as the central objective of India’s PLI and Industrial strategy that includes domestic suppliers, reliable access to raw materials, stronger logistics and testing infrastructure, a technically capable workforce, and closer collaboration among manufacturers, equipment providers, research institutions and policymakers.
The employment factor matters just as much. India needs productive manufacturing jobs that absorb workers transitioning from agriculture and give young people with skills, career mobility and rising incomes. Organised manufacturing added over a million jobs in FY2023-24, according to the Economic Survey. The challenge now is to ensure that industrial growth produces not just more jobs, but more skilled and productive employment.
The purpose of manufacturing, however, cannot be limited to meeting domestic demand. India must build for exports from the outset as they expose manufacturers to demanding customers, international quality standards and intense cost competition, forcing companies to improve productivity, reliability and delivery. In that sense, exports are not merely rewards for achieving scale, they are the discipline that makes scale competitive. The World Bank has similarly pointed to deeper participation in global value chains as an important key to greater productivity, innovation and trade-linked employment for India.
Solar manufacturing adds an additional strategic dimension. For India, solar energy is not only a climate or electricity-generation opportunity, but also closely connected to energy security and the country’s ability to make independent economic choices. Swapping dependence on imported fossil fuels for dependence on imported clean-energy equipment would leave the underlying strategic vulnerability unresolved.
This matters more because the global solar supply chain remains highly concentrated.  China holds around 85% of global solar manufacturing capacity and about 95% of photovoltaic wafer capacity. India’s opportunity extends well beyond its own market – by building competitive capabilities across materials, ingots, wafers, cells, modules, batteries and energy storage, it can become a trusted alternative supplier for countries seeking more diversified clean-energy chains. But scale alone will not secure that position. Indian products must compete on efficiency, quality and cost. PLI and additional Policy support will help establish an industry, with operational excellence to  sustain it.
The government has laid the groundwork through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for high-efficiency solar modules. The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers for Solar cells and Modules, under ALMM and ALCM regime and the proposed National Manufacturing Mission with its emphasis on technology, will push the Industry to build capabilities that can eventually compete without permanent protection.
 The next stage takes Indian manufacturing into advanced engineering, robotics, electronics, semiconductors and advanced materials. They are interconnected fields where progress in one strengthens others. This is why manufacturing must lead to research and development (R&D), rather than stay separated from it. The factory floor should generate the questions that researchers solve as every recurring defect or bottleneck is a starting point for applied research. Industry-academia partnerships will drive this movement and turn research into commercially viable production improvements.
 Atmanirbhar Bharat shouldn’t mean manufacturing every product domestically at any cost, nor withdrawing from global trade. It should mean not only having the technological, industrial and financial strength to make independent strategic choices, but also the competitiveness to participate in global markets on merit. In the context of Renewable energy, this is driven by, MNRE’s policies covering PLI, Quality control orders and funding of R & D initiatives
If India succeeds, it will do more than strengthen its own economy and energy security. It can also become a dependable manufacturing and clean-energy partner for the world, contributing to a more diversified supply chain, greater global resilience and shared prosperity.

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China’s mainstream TOPCon modules stayed flat for a second consecutive week, with trading activity remaining subdued before the Golden Week break, as market players hesitated to finalize deals given unclear price trends heading into the end of the year.
Per the OPIS Global Solar Markets Report issued Sept. 22, the Chinese Module Marker, OPIS’s benchmark for TOPCon modules under 645W from China, held at $0.108/W Free-On-Board China.
Offers from manufacturers continued to span a broad range, mirroring divergent views on pricing over the next several months. Industry participants also noted that ongoing supply of cheaper, lower-efficiency modules was dragging on the wider module market.
Sluggish domestic installations since January have added further pressure on module demand and pricing. China’s cumulative solar installations reached 97.19 GW across January-August, a drop of more than 57.9% versus the same period in 2025. August additions came to 11.04 GW, a 21.6% decline month-on-month.
According to some industry participants, soft domestic module demand has made local module prices more responsive to wider market swings, pushing manufacturers to prioritize overseas sales. Sources said this pivot may account for the comparative steadiness of export module prices.
From the beginning of August, domestic ex-works China mainstream TOPCon module prices climbed roughly 3.4%, whereas FOB China prices stayed level.
The forward curve has likewise softened in recent months. OPIS put FOB China TOPCon module prices for Q1 2027 loading at a $0.02/W discount to spot prices this week, versus a modest $0.01/W premium in late June.
In the U.S., imported module spot prices were unchanged as market participants kept evaluating the consequences of Section 232 minimum import prices, due to begin Dec. 4.
Delivered duty paid U.S. prices for TOPCon modules 645W and below stayed at $0.290/W, with Southeast Asian cargo quotes at $0.277/W and Indian cargo quotes at $0.332/W.
Prices for U.S.-assembled TOPCon modules using imported cells, delivered on a domestic DDP U.S. basis, gained 0.63% to $0.321/W.
The Section 232 proclamation issued in early August remained visible in the U.S. forward curve. DDP indications for TOPCon modules in the first two quarters of 2027 were assessed at $0.345/W, up from $0.29/W in July.
Supplier pricing after December was still unresolved, though, with a distributor noting the company had not yet obtained firm prices as suppliers waited to observe how rivals set their own prices.
Questions persisted over whether the proclamation’s first arms-length sale provision would bring U.S.-assembled modules that use imported cells under the $0.38/W module minimum import price. In OPIS’s Sept. 15 report, a source at a U.S. manufacturer raised doubts about whether U.S. Customs and Border Protection would accept imported-cell transactions priced at the $0.22/W cell minimum import price plus the 15% tariff. The source said that if such treatment were accepted, U.S.-assembled modules could be sold beneath the module minimum import price.
A policy source at a major supplier, by contrast, expected the new price controls to be enforced strictly and contended that workarounds would defeat the mandate’s purpose.
Opinions also diverged on whether enforcement would wipe out import demand. The distributor anticipated that import demand would vanish, reasoning that officials would push tariff rates higher still if the announced controls did not deter imports.
The policy source, on the other hand, maintained that imports could preserve some cost competitiveness even if U.S. assemblers sold modules built with imported cells at $0.38/W, pointing to thin assembly margins.
At present, an early-stage project developer said U.S. customers were still in touch with overseas suppliers and expected those conversations to carry on so long as import prices remained near U.S.-assembled levels.
Separate from trade policy, the developer anticipated the industry would pause for a period following the last safe-harbor push for investment tax credit eligibility, noting that developers had ceased offering new projects once they doubted they could finish them before eligibility lapsed.
OPIS supplies energy prices, news, data, and analysis covering gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, LPG/NGL, coal, metals, and chemicals, along with renewable fuels and environmental commodities. It bought pricing data assets from Singapore Solar Exchange in 2022 and currently publishes the OPIS APAC Solar Weekly Report.
Interactive table based on the Store Companies dataset for this report.
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 and Value Capture
Trade Flows and External Dependence
Price Formation and Revenue Logic
Who Wins and Why
How the Domestic Market Works
Commercial Entry and Scaling Priorities
Where the Best Expansion Logic Sits
Leading Players and Strategic Archetypes
How the Report Was Built
World's largest monocrystalline silicon producer
Major PV manufacturer, high-efficiency cells
One of world's largest solar module producers
Leading PV module and cell manufacturer
Major LED chip and compound semiconductor producer
Global HQ in Canada, major ops in China
Major PV product manufacturer
Solar cell and module division
HJT solar cell specialist
Solar cell manufacturer
Major polysilicon and solar cell producer
Solar cell and module manufacturer
Solar cell and module producer
LED packaging and components
LED chip manufacturer
LED packaging and lighting solutions
LED packaging and components
Solar cell and module manufacturer
Solar cell producer
Crystal growth equipment and materials
Integrated circuits and LED chips
LED packaging and lighting
LED packaging and components
LED packaging and smart lighting
LED packaging and display products
LED chip technology company
LED packaging
PV manufacturing equipment
LED driver ICs and chips
LED packaging and components
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ClearVue tests solar window glaze in Macau  theaustralian.com.au
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Argophilia
Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.
Iorgos Pappas – September 24th, 2026 10:55 am

Halkiadakis partners with Aenaos Energy Systems for a 915 kW Virtual Net Billing solar project to power its Cretan supermarket network.
2026-09-24
Crete-based supermarket chain Halkiadakis is expanding its renewable energy investment with a new 915 kW photovoltaic project designed to generate around 1.525 million kWh of clean electricity each year.
The project, reported by CretaLive, is being implemented by AENAOS Energy Systems through an Energy Community using Virtual Net Billing, allowing the photovoltaic installation’s output to offset consumption across multiple Halkiadakis facilities.
The company does not have to consume electricity at the exact location where the solar panels produce it. Through Virtual Net Billing, the generated energy can offset electricity consumption at different company facilities, regardless of location.
The new photovoltaic installation has an installed capacity of 915 kW and is expected to produce approximately 1,525,000 kWh of clean electricity annually.
That gives Halkiadakis another tool for dealing with one of the less glamorous realities of running large supermarkets: electricity consumption.
Refrigeration, freezers, lighting, air conditioning and other equipment keep supermarkets operating around the clock, making energy costs a significant part of the business.
The new investment aims to reduce energy expenditure and make the company less exposed to fluctuations in electricity-market prices.
Halkiadakis says the project forms part of its broader energy transformation strategy, with renewable generation and self-consumption becoming increasingly important to the company’s long-term operations.
The partnership with AENAOS Energy Systems is also continuing, with the energy company selected again to implement another major self-consumption project for the supermarket chain.
AENAOS describes the project as another example of its work with large businesses on Net Billing, Virtual Net Billing and energy-storage solutions.
This offers a practical lesson for businesses across Crete. Solar power is no longer simply about putting panels on the roof and hoping the electricity bill looks nicer at the end of the month. Systems such as Virtual Net Billing allow companies with multiple facilities to manage renewable energy production more flexibly.
For a supermarket chain, that can translate into lower operating costs, greater energy security and less exposure to unpredictable electricity prices.
And there is an environmental benefit too: producing around 1.5 million kWh of electricity from a renewable source every year means a substantial amount of the company’s electricity demand can be covered by clean generation rather than conventional power.

Iorgos Pappas is the Travel and Lifestyle Co-Editor at Argophilia, where he dives deep into the rhythms, flavors, and hidden corners of Greece—with a special focus on Crete. Though he’s lived in cultural hubs like Paris, Amsterdam, and Budapest, his heart beats to the Mediterranean tempo. Whether tracing village traditions or uncovering coastal gems, Iorgos brings a seasoned traveler’s eye—and a local’s affection—to every story.

At Argophilia, we believe in using every tool at our disposal to bring you the stories that matter. You may notice a certain precision in our data analysis, a specific flair in our visuals, or a rapid turnaround on complex topics. That is no accident—it is the result of our rampant use of artificial intelligence.
We use Gemini to help synthesize data, structure our reporting, and ensure our news remains as sharp as the reality we cover. When it comes to our imagery, we rely on the creative power of Midjourney and NightCafe, unless otherwise noted in our editorial credits.
We are not apologetic for this. In a fast-moving world, these tools allow us to focus on what really counts: investigating the issues, giving a voice to the marginalized, and maintaining the journalistic integrity you expect from us. We see AI not as a replacement for human judgment, but as an engine that amplifies our ability to inform, analyze, and tell the truth about our island and beyond.
We are writers and journalists first—but we are proud to be tech-enabled ones, too.



2026-09-24 By Victoria Udrea
Sitia Mayor Giorgos Zervakis discusses island infrastructure, water management, and inter-municipal cooperation at the Smart Islands conference in Gavdos.
2026-09-24 By Argophilia Travel News
The Ierapetra Port Authority enacts a temporary parking ban around Kales Fortress and the waterfront for World Tourism Day 2026 events.
2026-09-24 By Argophilia Travel News
Rethymno promoted autumn, winter and 2027 travel at IFTM Top Resa in Paris, highlighting walking, cycling, gastronomy and authentic Cretan experiences.
2026-09-24 By Iorgos Pappas
Italian Ambassador Paolo Cuculi confirms plans to restore the historic Italian Archaeological School on Albert Street during talks in Heraklion.
2026-09-24 By Iorgos Pappas
Halkiadakis partners with Aenaos Energy Systems for a 915 kW Virtual Net Billing solar project to power its Cretan supermarket network.
More Crete travel news
COPYRIGHT © 2026 · ARGOPHILIA TRAVEL NEWS

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Caelux Signs Supply Agreements with Navitas Solar and Rayzon Solar for Advanced Photovoltaic Module Manufacturing in India – Global Legal Chronicle  globallegalchronicle.com
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According to the latest IndexBox report on the global Residential Battery Storage market, the market enters 2026 with broader demand fundamentals, more disciplined procurement behavior, and a more regionally diversified supply architecture.
The global residential battery storage market is undergoing a profound transformation, evolving from a niche solution for energy independence to a mainstream component of modern household energy management. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the market landscape as of 2026, projecting trends, competitive dynamics, and strategic implications through to 2035. The convergence of declining technology costs, supportive policy frameworks, and rising consumer demand for resilience and self-sufficiency is creating a robust growth trajectory for the sector. At its core, the market is being reshaped by the synergistic relationship with distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Residential batteries are increasingly viewed not merely as backup power sources but as intelligent assets that optimize self-consumption of solar energy, provide grid services, and enhance overall household energy economics. This shift is catalyzing new business models and value propositions, moving beyond hardware sales to integrated energy solutions. The competitive landscape is characterized by the presence of established battery manufacturers, specialized energy storage firms, and vertically integrated solar companies.
Market leadership is contingent upon technological innovation in battery chemistry, software capabilities for energy management, and the strength of distribution and installation networks. The outlook to 2035 points towards further market consolidation, technological diversification beyond dominant lithium-ion chemistries, and the deepening integration of storage into virtual power plants and decentralized energy markets.
The baseline scenario for the world residential battery storage market from 2026 to 2035 anticipates robust expansion, with global installations growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2%, reaching a market index of 410 by 2035 (2025=100). This growth is underpinned by the accelerating adoption of residential solar PV, which serves as the primary entry point for storage systems, and by increasing consumer demand for energy resilience amid rising grid instability and extreme weather events.
Declining lithium-ion battery pack prices, though moderating, continue to improve the economics of residential storage, while policy incentives such as investment tax credits in the United States, feed-in tariff reforms in Europe, and subsidies in Australia and Japan further stimulate demand. The market is expected to diversify geographically, with Asia-Pacific emerging as the largest regional market by 2035, driven by rapid solar deployment in China, Japan, and Australia. North America and Europe will remain key markets, supported by favorable regulatory frameworks and high retail electricity prices.
Technological advancements, including the commercialization of sodium-ion and solid-state batteries, will gradually reduce reliance on lithium and enhance safety and performance. The integration of storage with EV charging and participation in virtual power plants will create new revenue streams, transforming residential batteries into multi-functional energy assets. However, supply chain constraints, permitting hurdles, and the intermittency of policy support pose risks to the baseline outlook.
Overall, the market is poised for sustained growth, with cumulative installed capacity expected to more than quadruple by 2035, driven by the dual imperatives of decarbonization and energy independence.
Solar self-consumption is the dominant application for residential battery storage, as homeowners seek to maximize the use of their solar generation. Currently, with declining feed-in tariffs and net metering changes, excess solar energy exported to the grid yields lower returns, making storage an attractive option to store surplus power for evening use. Through 2035, as solar PV penetration continues to rise, the demand for storage to enhance self-consumption will accelerate. Key demand-side indicators include the ratio of solar generation to household consumption, retail electricity prices, and the level of export compensation.
The mechanism is straightforward: higher self-consumption reduces electricity bills and improves the payback period of the solar-plus-storage system. This segment is expected to maintain its leading share, driven by the global energy transition and the increasing affordability of battery systems. Current trend: Growing rapidly as solar PV adoption increases and net metering reforms reduce export credits..
Major trends: Integration of smart energy management systems to optimize self-consumption, Growth in retrofitting batteries to existing solar installations, Policy shifts from net metering to self-consumption incentives, Rising adoption of time-of-use tariffs to encourage storage use, and Increasing bundling of solar and storage by installers.
Representative participants: Tesla, Inc, Enphase Energy, LG Energy Solution, Sungrow Power Supply, and Sonnen GmbH.
Backup power remains a critical driver for residential battery storage, particularly in regions prone to grid outages from extreme weather, aging infrastructure, or wildfire risks. Homeowners increasingly view batteries as a reliable alternative to diesel generators, offering silent, emission-free operation and seamless integration with solar. Through 2035, the frequency and intensity of outages are expected to rise due to climate change, further boosting demand. Demand-side indicators include outage frequency and duration, household critical load requirements, and the availability of subsidies for resilience.
The mechanism is resilience: batteries provide uninterrupted power for essential appliances during grid failures, enhancing safety and comfort. This segment will see sustained growth, especially in the U.S., Australia, and Japan, where grid reliability is a growing concern. Current trend: Steady growth driven by grid reliability concerns and extreme weather events..
Major trends: Increasing duration of backup power with higher capacity batteries, Integration with home energy management systems for prioritized loads, Rising adoption in wildfire-prone areas for power shutoff events, Government incentives for resilient energy systems, and Growing consumer preference for silent, emission-free backup over generators.
Representative participants: Tesla, Inc, Generac Power Systems, LG Energy Solution, Panasonic Corporation, and VARTA AG.
Time-of-use (TOU) optimization involves charging batteries when electricity prices are low and discharging during peak periods to reduce costs. This application is gaining traction as utilities implement TOU tariffs to manage grid demand and integrate renewable energy. Currently, homeowners with TOU rates can achieve significant savings by arbitraging price differences, and batteries enable this without changing consumption habits. Through 2035, the proliferation of TOU rates and real-time pricing will expand this segment. Demand-side indicators include the price differential between peak and off-peak periods, the availability of dynamic pricing, and the level of automation in energy management systems.
The mechanism is economic: batteries shift consumption to cheaper periods, lowering bills and providing grid benefits. This segment is expected to grow robustly, particularly in deregulated markets like Texas and parts of Europe. Current trend: Accelerating as utilities increasingly adopt time-of-use rates and demand charges..
Major trends: Expansion of TOU rates and demand charges by utilities, Advanced software algorithms for automated arbitrage, Integration with smart thermostats and appliances for load shifting, Participation in demand response programs for additional revenue, and Growing adoption in commercial and industrial settings, influencing residential.
Representative participants: Tesla, Inc, Sonnen GmbH, Enphase Energy, Huawei Technologies, and AlphaESS.
Off-grid residential battery storage systems are essential for homes not connected to the electrical grid, providing independence and reliability. Currently, this segment is prominent in remote areas, developing countries, and for homeowners seeking complete energy self-sufficiency. Through 2035, as battery costs decline and renewable energy becomes more accessible, off-grid systems will become more affordable and efficient, expanding their reach. Demand-side indicators include the cost of grid extension, reliability of local grids, and government programs for rural electrification. The mechanism is necessity: for off-grid homes, batteries store energy from solar or wind for use when generation is unavailable.
This segment will grow steadily, particularly in Africa, parts of Asia, and remote regions of developed countries, supported by declining costs and sustainability goals. Current trend: Niche but growing, driven by rural electrification and remote locations..
Major trends: Falling costs of solar-plus-storage making off-grid more viable, Government initiatives for rural electrification, Advancements in battery durability for harsh environments, Integration with microgrids for community resilience, and Growing demand for energy independence in remote areas.
Representative participants: Tesla, Inc, BYD Company, Sungrow Power Supply, AlphaESS, and LG Energy Solution.
EV charging support is an emerging application for residential battery storage, as homeowners with electric vehicles seek to manage increased electricity demand and avoid costly grid upgrades. Currently, batteries can buffer EV charging loads, reducing peak demand and enabling charging during off-peak hours. Through 2035, as EV adoption surges, this segment will expand significantly. Demand-side indicators include household EV ownership, electricity rate structures, and the capacity of home electrical panels. The mechanism is load management: batteries store energy during low-demand periods and discharge to support EV charging, avoiding peak charges and reducing strain on the grid.
This segment is expected to grow from a small base, driven by the synergistic relationship between EVs and home energy storage, particularly in regions with high EV penetration like California and Europe. Current trend: Emerging rapidly as EV adoption grows and home charging demands increase..
Major trends: Integration of EV chargers with home battery systems, Smart charging algorithms to optimize battery and EV charging, Utility programs incentivizing off-peak EV charging, Growing adoption of bidirectional charging (V2H) enabled by batteries, and Rising demand for home energy management systems that coordinate EV and battery.
Representative participants: Tesla, Inc, Enphase Energy, LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and Huawei Technologies.
Interactive table based on the Store Companies dataset for this report.
Asia-Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing market, driven by rapid solar deployment in China, Japan, and Australia, supportive policies, and declining battery costs. Australia leads in per-capita adoption, while China’s market is expanding due to government targets and grid reforms. Direction: Growing.
North America remains a key market, with the U.S. accounting for the majority of installations. Growth is supported by the Investment Tax Credit, rising grid outages, and high retail electricity prices. Canada shows potential with declining costs and provincial incentives. Direction: Growing.
Europe is a mature market, with Germany, the UK, and Italy leading. Growth is driven by high electricity prices, feed-in tariff reforms, and EU decarbonization targets. Eastern Europe is emerging as a new growth frontier with improving economics. Direction: Growing.
Latin America is an emerging market, with Brazil and Mexico showing potential. Growth is driven by unreliable grids, rising electricity costs, and increasing solar adoption. However, economic volatility and limited financing options restrain faster expansion. Direction: Growing.
The Middle East & Africa region is nascent but promising, with South Africa and the UAE leading. Demand is driven by off-grid needs, grid instability, and solar potential. Falling battery costs and government initiatives are expected to accelerate adoption. Direction: Growing.
In the baseline scenario, IndexBox estimates a 12.0% compound annual growth rate for the global residential battery storage market over 2026-2035, bringing the market index to roughly 410 by 2035 (2025=100).
Note: indexed curves are used to compare medium-term scenario trajectories when full absolute volumes are not publicly disclosed.
For full methodological details and benchmark tables, see the latest IndexBox Residential Battery Storage market report.
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the Residential Battery Storage 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 residential battery storage systems, defined as rechargeable electrochemical energy storage devices designed for installation in single-family or multi-unit dwellings. The scope encompasses complete systems and their core components intended to store electricity for later use within a residential setting, supporting applications such as load shifting, backup power, and renewable energy integration.
The market is analyzed under international trade classifications for electric accumulators (batteries). The primary coverage falls within HS Headings 8507 for lead-acid and other storage batteries, and 8543 for electrical machines and apparatus with individual functions. These codes capture complete batteries, parts, and related power conversion/control units central to residential storage systems.
World
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Report Scope and Analytical Framing
Concise View of Market Direction
Market Size, Growth and Scenario Framing
Commercial and Technical Scope
How the Market Splits Into Decision-Relevant Buckets
Where Demand Comes From and How It Behaves
Supply Footprint, Trade and Value Capture
Trade Flows and External Dependence
Price Formation and Revenue Logic
Who Wins and Why
Where Growth and Supply Concentrate
Commercial Entry and Scaling Priorities
Where the Best Expansion Logic Sits
Leading Players and Strategic Archetypes
Detailed View of the Most Important National Markets
How the Report Was Built
Strong brand, ecosystem integration
Vertically integrated, major in LFP cells
LG Chem batteries, strong in premium markets
Pioneer in community/VPP features
IQ Battery integrates with microinverters
Often paired with own solar modules
Major inverter player with storage solutions
Integrates with its solar optimizer systems
Strong in backup, expanding storage portfolio
Growing international presence
Established brand in European market
Known for DC-coupled systems
Sunny Boy Storage, established inverter brand
Major battery supplier to installers/integrators
Strong in APAC and Europe
Luna battery, integrated digital power
Strong in DIY/boating, professional installs
Strong in Australian residential market
Long-duration, niche residential applications
aPower battery & Franklin Home Power controller
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© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.
“I just went ahead and jumped in …”
Photo Credit: TikTok
Footage of a dumpster-diving session outside of Bath & Body Works is getting attention not just for its allegedly discarded goods, but for what was found mixed in with them. 
One seasoned diver, who goes by GlamourDDive online, said some of the tossed bags held seemingly new products alongside hair, dirt, mystery liquid, and even roaches.
In the recent, now-viral TikTok video, the diver showed herself retrieving bags and boxes of candles from a Bath & Body Works dumpster and saying, “Wait until you see what they left hiding for me to find….”
The video quickly drew nearly 700,000 views and almost 15,000 likes.
She described the dumpster as “loaded” and showed stacks of what appeared to be intact Christmas candles along with several mystery bags, adding, “So I just went ahead and jumped in…. I started grabbing and there were so many of these unbroken, brand-new Christmas candles.”
Not everything she found looked usable; she said some broken candles were mixed with hair, dirt, detergent, food, cockroaches, and a “bunch of mystery liquid.” She also found “food and crackers” alongside some broken goods.
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The comments section was mainly focused on the diver’s attire. The top comment pointed out that she completed the dive “in sandals.” Another commenter similarly advised, “Please wear gloves and closed shoes.” A third user wrote, “Please please please wear enclosed shoes next time. People throw away glass, needles, sharp things. All the time.”
One commenter, who claimed that they used to work at Bath & Body Works, wrote, “The best time to dumpster dive is during candle day weekend and Christmas eve. Have fun.”
Another user even suggested that the footage was staged, adding, “The majority of these people are setting up these finds! They usually buy items beforehand and then stage it so it looks as if they found it.”
For more on similar dumpster-diving finds and retail waste at Bath & Body Works and other chains, check out these stories. 
• One dumpster diver pulled a mystery bag from a Bath & Body Works dumpster.
• Behind Sephora, a diver found thousands of dollars’ worth of discarded beauty products.
• At HomeGoods, one shopper made an upsetting discovery in a store dumpster.
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ML System stock gained 1.20 percent to PLN 13.46 on September 24, 2026, with 4,141 shares traded. Two storage projects add 10 MW of power capacity.
ML System stock gained 1.20 percent to PLN 13.46 on September 24, 2026, while 4,141 shares changed hands on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The company has also added two energy storage projects, each rated at 5 MW and 10 MWh, extending its activity beyond building-integrated photovoltaics.
ML System subsidiary ML System+ signed two contracts with BESS-Group for turnkey storage facilities in Warzyce and Nieg?owice in southeastern Poland. As WNP reports, each installation will combine 5 MW of power with 10 MWh of storage capacity.
The projects use ML System’s NexuView SCADA energy management system, linking the new storage business with the group’s existing solar and BIPV expertise. WNP also reports that ML System completed a 2025 project for a regional hospital involving a 2 MW solar farm and storage, while a PLN 45 million order for MPK Swidnica remains in its final implementation phase.
The storage contracts add an operating reference point to the company’s technology profile. BIZNES24 reported on September 23, 2026, that ML System received a Polish patent for a textured photovoltaic construction element and recorded PLN 122.85 million in consolidated revenue in fiscal year 2025.
The patent combines a photovoltaic cell with textured glass and a durable ceramic coating designed to imitate wood, concrete, granite or marble. That product direction supports the company’s positioning in construction materials that also generate electricity, while the new storage contracts broaden the project mix.
ML System shares stood at PLN 13.46 on September 24, 2026, up PLN 0.16, or 1.20 percent, from the previous reference level. The session high was PLN 13.48 and the session low was PLN 13.30, giving the move a narrow intraday spread alongside the new contract announcement.

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PUBLISHED : 27 Sep 2026 at 04:39
NEWSPAPER SECTION: News
WRITER: Post Reporters
The government has defended the domestic solar industry after figures showed China supplied 99.3% of solar-panel imports in the first seven months of 2026.
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DOE cuts red tape for small solar system  business.inquirer.net
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The transformation of EL POLI by meii estudio gives La Unión’s municipal sports center in Murcia, Spain, a new architectural and energetic identity. The intervention at La Unión’s municipal sports center, locally known as EL POLI, is structured around two complementary elements that redefine a beloved local landmark, with a primary focus on both energy production and consumption. 
 
A vivid lime-green entrance creates a clear and welcoming gateway to the complex, while a folded photovoltaic canopy rises above the stands, its geometry shaped by the sun. Together, these two interventions generate renewable energy, improve comfort, and establish a bold new presence within La Unión’s distinctive mining landscape.
 
Serving as a welcoming gateway between the city and the sports complex, the renovated entrance building unifies essential programs, like changing rooms, offices, and the cafeteria, under a strong horizontal identity. Clad in a ventilated ceramic facade of vivid lime-green ribbed tiles, it contrasts with the local mining landscape. A fully foldable metal facade at its entrance dissolves the boundary between the town and the facilities, creating a versatile public threshold. The design team at meii estudio refers to these two elements as EL POLI Y LA PERGOLA.

all images ©meii estudio
 
 
 
The centrepiece of the project transforms a pure energy infrastructure into a striking architectural element. Designed by Murcia-based architectural practice meii estudio, to maximise solar energy production, its form is driven entirely by function: the optimal south-facing orientation and inclination of the photovoltaic panels, calculated precisely to the latitude of La Unión, generate a sequence of folded planes with a distinctive sawtooth profile.
 
Constructed using a robust three-dimensional steel structure and clad in blue metal sheeting, LA PÉRGOLA constantly shifts in appearance as natural light evolves. This creates a vibrant visual dialogue with the green ceramic entrance building while providing essential shade for the existing football stands.
 
Together, the lime-green entrance and the dynamic blue solar canopy succeed on multiple levels: they supply clean, renewable energy to the complex, improve user comfort, and forge a powerful new architectural identity for La Unión.

EL POLI is La Unión’s municipal sports center in Murcia, Spain

lime-green ribbed ceramic tiles clad the entrance building’s ventilated facade
the green ceramic facade contrasts with La Unión’s mining landscape

LA PÉRGOLA rises above the existing football stands as a photovoltaic canopy

the canopy’s folded geometry is shaped by the optimal orientation of its solar panels

blue metal sheeting gives LA PÉRGOLA its changing visual character
a sequence of folded planes creates LA PÉRGOLA’s distinctive sawtooth profile

a three-dimensional steel structure supports the photovoltaic canopy

LA PÉRGOLA provides shade for the existing football stands

the project combines energy production with improvements to user comfort
 
project info:
 
name: EL POLI Y LA PERGOLA
architect: meii estudio | @meii_estudio
location: Murcia, Spain
 
 
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. See more project submissions from our readers here.
 
edited by: Christina Vergopoulou | designboom

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A floating solar system installed at a tomato farm in Suffolk is already notching up considerable savings – 10 months after it was installed.
Family-run green energy firm East Green Energy fitted the array at Suffolk Fresh’s water reservoir at Blakenham Nursery, Bramford, near Ipswich, in November last year.
The 1,250 panel structure – built over a few weeks – was the fourth installed in the UK and one of the largest.
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Robbie Gawthrop, centre, with sons George, left, and Jack at East Green Energy
So far, it has produced around 500 megawatt hours of energy.
Based on its performance to date, it is on course to cut imported energy to the producer’s glasshouses by more than a fifth.
More: Baron Bigod farmer prepares to chair first Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival
The amount of energy produced equates to around the yearly consumption of 45 to 50 average UK homes.
East Green Energy is owned by the Gawthrop family – which was involved in pig farming over generations before launching the green energy business around 20 years ago.
It now employs around 20 people from its base in Melton, near Woodbridge, and specialises in solar PV, battery storage, heat pumps and EV charging.
East Green Energy installing a floating solar array at Suffolk Fresh tomato growers at Blakenham Nursery, Brantham, Ipswich
The firm is run by managing director Robbie Gawthrop supported by his sons George and Jack who are commercial director and commercial manager respectively.
Jack Gawthrop said the concept of the floating solar array was already popular in Europe as it has a dual use in stopping evaporation and erosion as well as producing energy.
More: Sugar beet yields ‘could halve’ as growers battle for higher crop price
The company designed, installed and now maintains the array, having imported the parts from a manufacturer in Germany.
“East Green Energy’s floating solar project at Suffolk Fresh has now been running for 10 months, and it’s already proving its worth,” he said.
“The system has generated 499,015 kWh of clean energy, making good use of the reservoir and giving the site a steady, low-carbon power supply.
“Floating solar performs well thanks to the natural cooling effect of the water, and this project shows how well it can work for a busy rural site.
East Green Energy installing a floating solar array at Suffolk Fresh tomato growers at Blakenham Nursery, Brantham, Ipswich
“Around 95% of the energy produced has been used directly on site, which means the system is closely matched to Suffolk Fresh’s daily demand.
“Based on the way it’s performing, we are expecting it to cut their import rates by at least 20%, helping to keep costs down while reducing their environmental impact.”
Over a 10-month period, the new installation generated 499,015 kWh of electricity, 95% of which was used on site and the rest was exported to the grid.
More: St Edmundsbury Cathedral to host star-studded farming heritage festival
More: Mendlesham company sells floating reservoir covers
Mark Pearson of tomato growers Suffolk Fresh said: “The floating solar system is already delivering clear benefits, from cutting our energy bills to giving us far more control over our power use during peak periods.
“For a site like ours, where refrigeration, irrigation and processing equipment run constantly, the savings and stability this project brings are hugely valuable.”
East Green Energy partnered with National Pontoon on the 750 kWp project, one of the UK’s largest floating solar schemes.
East Green Energy installing a floating solar array at Suffolk Fresh tomato growers at Blakenham Nursery, Brantham, Ipswich
The vast nursery it serves is one of the UK’s first semi-closed hydroponic glasshouses and covers 8.4 hectares.
The energy produced is used mainly for Suffolk Fresh’s refrigeration systems.
More: Mendlesham company sells floating reservoir covers
The solar panels are mounted on floating pontoons which are anchored to the reservoir bund and fixed at an optimum angle for solar generation.
East Green Energy specialists in commercial and utility‑scale work and has several multi‑megawatt schemes progressing through development.
Floating solar is gaining interest in the UK because reservoirs, lakes and lagoons are seen as having practical advantages.
These include that it’s space-efficient and panels tend to run cooler over water which helps with output.
Many water bodies already sit close to grid connections or industrial areas.
If the UK keeps pace with international development, studies suggest floating solar could reach more than 40 gigawatts of capacity by 2050 – and around 3.6 gigawatts by 2030, said the firm.
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Alex Honnold’s Honnold Foundation Brings Solar Power To Remote Areas  Forbes
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Muscat – A grade 10 student in Muscat is exploring the possibilities of transforming windows – the most ordinary feature of modern buildings – into a source of renewable energy without losing its primary function.
Gaurish Metha of Indian School Muscat is developing AETHER, a student-led engineering concept that aims to turn architectural glass into an electricity-generating surface. The project uses Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs), derived from carbon-rich agricultural waste, and is designed to direct captured sunlight towards photovoltaic cells positioned around the edges of the glass.
“What makes AETHER different is that we are not simply trying to make another solar panel,” Gaurish said. “The core idea is to make the glass itself an energy-generating surface, while keeping the photovoltaic components largely outside the main viewing area.”
The concept emerged from research into transparent and semi-transparent solar technologies. Gaurish said the challenge is finding a practical balance between transparency, efficiency and cost, particularly when the technology is considered for large architectural surfaces.
AETHER aims to keep more than 92% of the main window area transparent, with the photovoltaic cells moved to the perimeter. The project currently targets more than 35% conversion efficiency for its specialised edge cells, although Gaurish stressed that these figures remain targets requiring experimental validation.
“A same-sized conventional solar panel would generate much more electricity because its entire surface is used for photovoltaic conversion,” he said. “But AETHER is solving a different problem – using the large glass surfaces of buildings and skyscrapers, where conventional rooftop solar cannot utilise most of that area.”
The CQD technology is central to the concept. Gaurish said the team initially explored organic luminescent pigments made from agricultural waste but moved towards CQDs after finding concerns over long-term UV degradation.
The proposed system would use CQDs to absorb sunlight, particularly ultraviolet radiation, and re-emit it as deep red light at around 690 nanometres. The light would then travel through the glass by total internal reflection towards photovoltaic cells along its edges.
However, Gaurish is clear that AETHER remains at the research and development stage.
“The CQD system has not been experimentally validated yet,” he said. “We have developed the technical architecture and research direction, but as students, we do not have access to the specialised facilities needed to fabricate and test the material ourselves.”
Oman presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the project. Gaurish points to the country’s strong sunlight and extensive use of glass in modern buildings, while acknowledging that heat, UV exposure, dust and humidity could test the technology’s durability. The team is targeting a potential lifespan of 20 to 25 years, subject to future testing under UV exposure, thermal cycling and humidity. “Our next major milestone is a physical proof of concept that demonstrates the complete optical-to-electrical chain,” Gaurish said.
The next stage will involve fabricating the CQD layer, testing its optical properties, verifying light transmission through the glass and measuring the resulting electrical output.
Gaurish is working with his friend and presentation partner Kaveesh Rayhan on the project.
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FE ONLINE DESK
Published:
Sep 26, 2026, 12:37
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FE ONLINE DESK
Published:
Sep 26, 2026, 12:37
The government has directed authorities concerned to ensure installation of solar panels in market places across the country and supply the surplus power to the national grid by January 31, next year, officials said on Saturday.
Local government division officials said the directive was issued two days ago saying every hats bazaars up to the union level must install the solar systems to meet their own requirement.
“The surplus electricity, generated by the solar panels, will be supplied to the national grid through the net metering system,” the local government division circular issued on Thursday, said.
It said the solar power systems must have a minimum battery backup of two hours while the marketplaces, reports BSS.
The existing offices and other buildings under departments, agencies and institutions of the local government division across the country must also install the solar systems on their rooftops.
According to the circular the government appointed upazila parishad administrators and upazila executive chiefs of UNOs would have to implement the order by the first month of 2027 taking required measures.
It said the solar panels could be installed using funds allocated from lease revenues of haats and markets in accordance with sub-rules (3) and (5) of Rule 10 of the Haat and Bazar (Establishment and Management) Rules, 2025.
The officials said the order issued to reduce dependence on fossil fuel crunch and it was part of the government plan to promote renewable energy to ensure sustainable energy security.
They said the arrangement would also create an opportunity for increased revenue earnings for local government institutions since the Net Metering Guideline, 2025, suggested the solar system installers would receive Tk 10.50 for each unit of electricity supplied to the national grid.
The circular instructed authorities to take initiatives to commercially expand solar power systems using 10 percent of the lease revenue allocated for maintenance or development of the respective haats and markets.
The directive also instructed the authorities to sign agreements on non-judicial stamps with the companies installing the solar panels for repair and maintenance for the next 20 years, ensuring long-term maintenance of the installed systems.
FE ONLINE DESK
Published:
Sep 26, 2026, 12:37
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Arunachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge on Wednesday, September 23 inaugurated the state-level launch of the Energy for Health initiative, under which solar power systems will be provided to 393 healthcare centres across the state.
The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the SELCO Foundation, aims to improve the reliability of power supply at public health facilities, particularly in remote and resource-constrained areas.
The inauguration programme was held at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Itafort in Itanagar and was attended by Commissioner of Health Pawan Kumar Saini and Secretary, Health Department, Vivek H.P.
During the event, Wahge released the photo book ‘Energy for Health – Arunachal Pradesh’ and launched the Saura e-Mitra App, a digital incident management system aimed at strengthening the monitoring and management of incidents related to health facilities.
A Health Facility and Human Resource Mapping System, a web-based application, was also launched during the programme. The system is intended to provide digital mapping of healthcare facilities and human resources across the state.
Dr Harish Hande, Chief Executive Officer of the SELCO Foundation, briefed the gathering on the organisation’s Energy for Health initiative and its work in strengthening energy access for healthcare facilities.
The SELCO Foundation’s Energy for Health programme is a nationwide initiative focused on providing reliable solar energy and energy-efficient medical technology to public health facilities in remote and underserved areas.
Under the programme, decentralised solar photovoltaic systems ranging from 3 kWp to 15 kWp, along with battery backup systems, are installed at healthcare facilities to ensure a more reliable power supply.
The foundation plans to provide solar energy solutions to 25,000 public health facilities across 12 states by the end of 2026. The initiative is expected to strengthen healthcare delivery and climate resilience for more than 170 million people and support over 160,000 frontline health workers.
The programme has been developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, state health missions and funding partners, including the IKEA Foundation.
In Arunachal Pradesh, the initiative is expected to support healthcare centres in addressing power-related challenges and improving the availability of essential medical services.
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Creator rebuts anti-solar meme, says US cattle farms drain water, and can share land with panels  Yahoo
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