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“The interesting finding for us was not that silicon is cheaper but where the remaining cost sits.”
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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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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.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own, and do not necessarily reflect those held by pv magazine.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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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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.
Copyright©2026 Living Media India Limited. For reprint rights: Syndications Today
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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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An unlikely power player in the fight over solar on farmland  Politico
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Most users thought the general approach could work, but many said the specific equipment was overpriced.
Photo Credit: iStock
A Reddit user near Atlanta was looking for a modest solar backup plan to keep refrigerated food safe during a blackout, rather than jumping straight to a whole-house setup.
The central question was simple: could a portable power station and a single 400-watt panel realistically cover a refrigerator and maybe a chest freezer too?
On Reddit, the OP, who has accessible south-facing roof space and lives in sunny Atlanta, said they were “toying with the idea” of using an Anker Solix S2000 with a 400-watt panel to back up a fridge and ideally a chest freezer. Most users thought the general approach could work, but many said the specific equipment was overpriced.
One user said, “Look for cheap used solar on fb marketplace. I bought used 3pcs 400w for $60 each.” 
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.
Others echoed that advice, though several noted that secondhand supply can vary widely by location, making strong deals easier to find in some areas than in others.
Several users said the panel is only one part of the equation, and battery size may matter even more for appliances that cycle on and off throughout the day. Going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy. Homeowners curious about what a larger rooftop setup might cost can try EnergySage to get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes.
A 400-watt panel may help recharge a battery station, but whether that setup can keep a fridge and freezer running for long depends on sun exposure, appliance efficiency, battery capacity, and startup power demands.
One user said they use a 2,048-watt-hour power station to “peak shave most of my kitchen on it full time.” Another advised the OP to “consider a larger battery if you have the budget if you have a power hungry fridge/freezer.” Together, those replies suggested that small-scale solar-plus-storage can work when it is matched to actual household usage.
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Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation.
To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
Measuring actual electricity use is the first step. A fridge and chest freezer may sound modest, but their power draw can vary significantly, and users urged the OP to compare panel voltage, battery size, and local panel prices before making a purchase.
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save on energy costs, and go off-grid. It can also make a smaller solar array more useful by storing daytime power for nighttime use. Homeowners can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
With EnergySage’s help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. EnergySage’s solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with solar incentives for each state, which can help homeowners get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives.
If you’re weighing a small solar backup system, these stories take a closer look at batteries, panels, and what it really takes to keep essentials powered. They cover real-world fridge backup setups, home batteries, utility programs, and homeowner experiences with solar costs.
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
• One household found a backup solar setup could keep a fridge running 24 hours.
• Across U.S. homes, next-gen backup batteries are replacing noisy gas generators.
• VillaGrid said its home energy storage appliance can keep fridges cold through blackouts.
• In Utah, Rocky Mountain Power’s grid-connected home batteries showed promise during outages.
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September 27, 2026

Solar panel imports are surging across Africa, but the global shift away from fossil fuels remains too slow. Meanwhile, Australian environmental groups unite behind ten principles to protect native forests, and a tiny wallaby makes a rare appearance.
African countries buying into solar
It’s difficult to know whether this story provides evidence that African countries are getting serious about installing solar energy or that their energy systems are so woefully underdeveloped because wealthy developed nations (most of which pillaged human, natural and financial resources from the continent during the last five centuries) have done little to help them take advantage of the rapid developments in renewable energy technologies. Both probably.
First the good news. Imports of solar panels to Africa from China (which produces 80 per cent of the world’s solar panels) have been increasing rapidly in recent years, with a 60 per cent increase in the 12 months to June 2025.
South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria and Egypt imported the most solar panel capacity but 27 countries set new records for their panel imports. It seems likely that most of the solar panels will be installed on the rooves of homes, shops, offices, factories and government buildings rather than in utility-scale facilities.
Twenty-five countries imported panels with electricity generating capacity of 100 MW or more. This will provide a considerable boost to electricity generation in many countries – over 10 per cent of current capacity in seven countries. Diesel imports will also be reduced and the savings can repay the cost of the solar panels in around six months (and improve people’s health).
Now the caveats:
With solar energy currently providing about 3 per cent of Africa’s electricity (and wind around 1 per cent), it’s going to be a while before Africa gets off fossil fuels.
Ten fastest evolving renewable energy countries
The ten countries shown in the graph below are the countries that are currently increasing the percentage of wind and solar energy in their electricity system at the world’s fastest rates – good to see an African country in there. Seven of them are well above the current global penetration of wind and solar of 17.4 per cent, which is almost equally split between the two.
While the performance of these ten is impressive and shows that things can change quickly, unfortunately their relatively rapid deployment of renewable energy isn’t going to make much difference to the global average – their combined populations constitute approximately 1 per cent of the global population.
These 10 are not, of course, the countries with the most wind and solar energy capacity. Only 22 per cent of China’s electricity is generated by wind and solar but it’s a massive 2,300 terawatt-hours; even the US’s 19 per cent wind and solar produces 850 terawatt-hours. In addition, there are several large countries with higher percentages of wind and solar in their energy mix that have followed the tortoise’s winning strategy rather than the hare’s burn out (Spain and Germany are both over 40 per cent).
The simple fact is that the transition to renewable energy is gathering speed around the world because wind, solar and batteries are cheaper, cleaner and more flexible for many users. It is inevitable that renewables will eventually move beyond simply complementing fossil fuels to all but completely replacing them.
However, the consumption of fossil fuels is still increasing globally and there is little prospect of their use declining to close to zero in the next few decades, which is what is necessary to stop global warming. Plus, while the rollout of renewables in some countries is encouraging, it is still far too slow globally to make more than a marginal difference to the rate of decline of fossil fuels or, as shown by the dotted line in the graph above, keep global warming under 1.5°C, although that indicator seems rather ridiculous now.
We also need to remember that electricity accounts for only 22 per cent of final energy consumption globally, so there’s a lot of electrification that also needs to be done.
Ten principles to protect Australia’s native forests
Over 60 environment and climate groups have developed ten Forest Protection Principles to protect and restore Australia’s native forests. The vision sees an end of native forest logging and clearing, restoration of ecosystems, First Nations rights and leadership respected, and forests valued for the benefits they provide to people, wildlife and the climate. The agreed principles are:
I can’t say that I’m a fan of the Improved Native Forest Management (INFM) method that has been approved by the Commonwealth and NSW governments but it’s possible that it will be a significant stimulus to ending native forest logging nationally.
The common factor behind Trump’s territorial aggression
Venezuela, Iran and Canada hold almost 40 per cent of current oil reserves. Add Iraq and it’s getting close to 50 per cent. The other countries with more reserves than the US all host US military forces.
Greenland, another Trump target, has substantial deposits of critical minerals, including rare earth elements, uranium and industrial metals such as nickel, cobalt and copper.
Brazilians go to the polls shortly to elect their next president and, no surprises here, the US is sticking its grubby fingers into the close contest between the incumbent Lula and his predecessor’s son, Flavio Bolsonaro. Brazil has substantial reserves of many essential minerals including iron ore, niobium, manganese and bauxite, as well as offshore oil and gas and lots of forests and farmland.
To be fair, there’s no secret about the ambitions of Trump and his colleagues: what the US wants, what it doesn’t want, what it wants from others, and the principles and strategies it will use to get what it wants. It was all clearly laid out in the US National Security Strategy released last November. It’s worth reading.
If the document had been written by Russia or China, it’s impossible to imagine the panicky furore that would have ensued.
Australia’s second smallest wallaby is hanging on
This is a Narbalek, Australia’s second smallest wallaby. At 25 cm, it is not much longer than a sheet of A4 paper and weighing in at 1.2 kg, it’s about as heavy as a litre bottle of milk. Narbaleks used to be common in rocky outcrops across northern Australia but habitat loss, fires and invasive species, especially cats, have drastically reduced their numbers. Narbaleks are now hanging on in just a few pockets on offshore islands and in the Kimberley and NT. Sightings are few and far between.
The views expressed in this article may or may not reflect those of Pearls and Irritations.
Peter Sainsbury is a retired public health worker with a long interest in social policy, particularly social justice, and now focusing on climate change and environmental sustainability. He is extremely pessimistic about the world avoiding catastrophic global warming.
 
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Photon Energy NV/ Key word(s): Disposal
Photon Energy N.V. Sells 7.6 MWp of PV Operational Assets in Slovakia
26.09.2026 / 00:01 CET/CEST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Company: Photon Energy N.V.
Date: 2026-09-25
Title: Photon Energy N.V. Sells 7.6 MWp of PV Operational Assets in Slovakia
Detailed data:
The management board of Photon Energy N.V. informs that it has entered into an agreement for the sale of eight photovoltaic power plants in Slovakia with a total installed capacity of 7.581 MWp (the “Portfolio”). The Portfolio comprises eight wholly owned special purpose vehicles (SPVs) operating photovoltaic power plants in Slovakia namely: EcoPlan 2 and 3 located in Mokra Luka (963 kWp each), Fotonika (999 kWp), Sun4ZVB and SUN4ZVC located in Babina (999 kWp each), SK SPV 2 and 3 located in Jovice (979 kWp each), and ATS Energy located in Blatná (700 kWp). The whole Portfolio was sold to four private individuals who are strategic investors in PV assets in Slovakia. The Portfolio transaction was structured as a sale of shares in the SPV companies at an enterprise valuation of EUR 5.6 million, payable upon completion of the transaction.
The Portfolio generated revenues of approximately EUR 2.1 million and EBITDA of approximately EUR 1.65 million in 2025. As of 30 June 2026, the Portfolio had outstanding project financing of approximately EUR 4.1 million, which remains with the sold SPV companies and thus the Group’s financial debt is reduced by this amount.
The transaction forms a part of the Group's ongoing efforts to optimize its asset portfolio, reduce financial debt, strengthen its liquidity position and facilitate the envisaged restructuring process.
According to the Company's assessment, the assets have a limited remaining feed-in tariff support period until 2030 or 2031 and require additional investment in connection with material capital expenditure obligations before year-end 2026. These investment commitments arise from the extension of the feed-in-tariff period from 15 to 20 years introduced in 2021 and expose the Group to certain regulatory uncertainties. A detailed analysis of the long-term repowering options after the end of the feed-in-tariff scheme for the Slovak portfolio, conducted in 2023, highlighted the unavailability of additional grid capacity and severe limitations on the extension of land usage rights, severely limiting value upside from repowering. In light of these considerations, and the Group's objective to limit further capital-intensive investments, the Company considers the divestment of the Portfolio an appropriate strategic step.
The Group continues owning 50% stakes in three PV power plants in Slovakia (Myjava, Polianka and Brestovec) with a total installed capacity of 2.85 MWp. Land ownership and the plants’ proximity to potential future energy users provide better long-term optionality than the power plants sold in the transaction. The project financing on these three joint venture power plants have been fully repaid in 2025 and thus they provide ongoing unencumbered free cash flow to the Group.
Upon completion of the transaction, the Group expects to reduce consolidated financial debt by approximately EUR 4.1 million as a result of deconsolidation, reduce required capital expenditures and related regulatory risks, secure funding to facilitate the envisaged restructuring process in the interest of the joint creditors and provide additional resources for the Group's immediate financing and working capital requirements, which are expected to benefit all stakeholders.
26.09.2026 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News – a service of EQS Group.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.
2405846 26.09.2026 CET/CEST

Select market data provided by ICE Data Services. Select reference data provided by FactSet. Copyright © 2026 FactSet Research Systems Inc.Copyright © 2026, American Bankers Association. CUSIP Database provided by FactSet Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved. SEC filings and other documents provided by Quartr.© 2026 TradingView, Inc.

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ZEELAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Zeeland Township is sending letters to President Trump and members of his cabinet, asking for support in its fight against a proposed solar farm that local leaders say threatens agricultural land and strips communities of local decision-making authority.
WATCH: Zeeland Township asks Trump administration to back local control fight against solar farm
The township is locked in a legal and regulatory battle with RWE Americas over the Silver Maple Solar Farm, a $300 million, 200-megawatt project that would span 1,900 acres of agricultural-zoned land across Zeeland and Jamestown townships.
“There’s a solar industrial complex that’s looking at building on our farmland here that’s the size of Zeeland City, and RWE stepped beyond our local planning commission, did not want to wait for us to do our due diligence on working on an ordinance, and went to the MPSC level,” Zeeland Township Supervisor Kerri Bosma said.
RWE Americas is seeking approval for the project from the Michigan Public Service Commission. After its application was suspended for several months at the company’s request, RWE officially refiled that application with the commission last Friday.
Zeeland Township filed a lawsuit against RWE Americas in July, arguing that Public Act 233 — a state law that removes local oversight of energy developments — is unconstitutional.
PRIOR COVERAGE: Silver Maple Solar Farm application refiled with Michigan regulators amid dueling lawsuits
“Fighting this not only at the MPSC level in Lansing, we’re also fighting this, well, we tried to keep it in our local courts, and RWE moved it to the federal courts, and we are looking to remand that back to our local courts,” Bosma said.
Bosma gathered Thursday with Township Trustee Jeff Salisbury, Sen. Roger Victory, and Ottawa County Commissioners Jacob Bonnema and Joe Moss to announce the letter-writing effort.
“I will be signing letters to our president, also to the Secretary of Energy, our Secretary of Agriculture, and to others, there’s going to be a blitz of letters going out asking for support,” Bosma said.
The letters outline the township’s fight against the RWE Americas solar farm proposal and invite President Trump to see the situation in person.
“I would love to see our president see firsthand what is happening here in Ottawa County with PA 233, what that is doing to our farmland, and then also I would appreciate the opportunity to have him see what’s happening with just the agricultural businesses that are being affected that also trickle to our economy as well,” Bosma said.
For Sen. Roger Victory, R-Michigan, 31st District, the issue is personal. Victory grew up farming the land now at the center of the dispute.
PRIOR COVERAGE: RWE faces pushback at Silver Maple Solar Farm public meeting held in Zeeland Township
“As a four-year-old, as always on my grandpa’s farm, I thought we’d never be on a piece of property of controversy that we would have to be writing the President of the United States. Amen,” Victory said.
Victory said the issue extends beyond the solar farm proposal.
“I had opportunity even to just discuss this with our federal officials, Secretary Wright of Energy, of this aspect of our energy issues. We have the Campbell power plant, and then we have that situation, we have the solar, and it’s been really disrupting our communities,” Victory said. “It’s ripping the souls out of our communities when some outside entities come in and want to make a major change and put a huge industrial facility in what you see behind me.”
Ottawa County Commissioner Jacob Bonnema, 4th District, who also lives in the area, said the county commission is committed to standing with the township.
PRIOR COVERAGE: Zeeland Township approves new data center and energy facility moratorium to protect local planning
“We support Kerri Bosma, her leadership, what’s going on, Howard Fink here in Zeeland, and we want to make sure that the county commission plays a role in that. And we’ll determine what the appropriate role is soon enough,” Bonnema said. “The decisions that affect our land have to be fought for, and the people in the community need to be making those decisions, not people outside the community in Lansing and beyond.”
Ottawa County Commissioner Joe Moss, 5th District, said the fight is about more than one solar project — it is about preserving local authority across Michigan.
PRIOR COVERAGE: Ottawa County weighs role in paused Silver Maple solar farm case as neighbors continue opposition
“PA 233 does have direct impact and negative impact on our constituents, and we need people to understand at the local, state, and national level how this type of policy that removes local control and local decision-making has a negative effect,” Moss said. “I’ve been very impressed with Zeeland, and how they have been put into this situation not by choice, but have risen to the challenge, and so that is excellent to see our local elected officials not sitting back, but using their voice and also listening to the people.”
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Energies Media
A Spanish solar system has reimagined typical photovoltaic designs to maximize output during peak hours of demand.
Global electricity consumption is rapidly rising as the world continues to advance technologically.
At certain times, power needs are so high that grids become significantly strained.
Conventional systems track the sun and use expensive energy storage solutions, but this innovative pilot in Spain does not.
Why does this unconventional layout improve grid balance and maximize efficiency?
The rise of artificial intelligence has marked a turning point in the global technological era.
Computers are no longer mere data-processing tools.
Instead, they have become independent learners that are reshaping the world’s industry, economy, and daily life.
What’s more, AI continues to evolve to keep pace with society.
While this improves convenience, it also surges electricity consumption worldwide.
Major data centers, which are the powerhouses of AI, are the main culprits.
The International Energy Agency indicated that these facilities will raise power demand to 950 terawatt-hours by 2030.
This is almost double the baseline measured in recent years.
Other contributors to higher electricity requirements include shifting space heating and cooling, manufacturing, and transport.
European nations like Spain are experiencing this firsthand.
During Spanish summer heatwaves, domestic power usage is especially high.
Localized demand even spikes during specific hours, adding major voltage and frequency stress to electric grids.
The consequences of a strained electrical grid usually ripple across the entire energy network.
Unstable frequency and voltages raise the risk of localized blackouts.
This can damage sensitive industrial equipment, forcing operators to use costly, fossil-fuel plants to balance the system.
Additionally, consumers face higher wholesale electricity prices during high-demand periods.
This is why large-scale solar power generation was seen as a key clean energy solution to these problems.
But even these installations face unique challenges.
Peak power production usually occurs during midday when the sun is overhead.
This creates an oversupply followed by a major generation drop-off during morning and evening demand peaks.
Battery energy storage systems can address this, but deployment is expensive and can be time-consuming.
Furthermore, ideal land for utility-scale developments is becoming increasingly limited.
Fortunately, FutureVoltaics developed an innovative solar technology specifically designed to solve these challenges. It is currently being tested at a pilot site.
Solar panels that track the sun’s movement have become a standard practice across various nations.
But the VectHor system uses a different setup.
 
FutureVoltaics tested its commercial version at a pilot plant in Armintza Bay, Spain.
It consists of 144 units with a total capacity of 25.2 kW.
They are operating alongside conventional fixed-tilt panels for reference.
VectHor panels are mounted bifacially and entirely upright, facing east and west.
The panels are flanked by specialized horizontal reflectors.
Midday overhead sunlight is captured and reflected onto the vertical panels. During early morning and late afternoon, sunlight strikes the panels directly.
The midday overproduction curve is eliminated by producing consistent electricity during peak grid demand and prices.
Other benefits of the vertical setup include:
The pilot plant’s success proves that vertical bifacial systems paired with reflectors outperform traditional tilted arrays.
Before mechanical trackers become entirely obsolete, developers must find a way to accelerate the technology’s commercialization.
Integrating reflector kits into limited urban and rural sites may help fast-track the process.
Updated policies with grid incentives that reward generation during peak demand periods could also help. Ultimately, solar deployment can scale successfully by using next-generation panel designs.
Anke Maree is a writer with a clear and engaging editorial style. Her work focuses on making complex topics accessible, informative, and relevant for readers across different areas of interest.
Anke Maree is a writer with a clear and engaging editorial style. Her work focuses on making complex topics accessible, informative, and relevant for readers across different areas of interest.
Anke Maree is a writer with a clear and engaging editorial style. Her work focuses on making complex topics accessible, informative, and relevant for readers across different areas of interest.

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“It’s actually been proven time and time again that cattle and solar can coexist peacefully.”
Photo Credit: iStock
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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The project in Guyton could generate up to 27 megawatts of electricity and millions of dollars in local tax revenue over 30 years, according to developers.
The project in Guyton could generate up to 27 megawatts of electricity and millions of dollars in local tax revenue over 30 years, according to developers.
A proposed solar farm in Effingham County could generate enough electricity to power thousands of homes, but some neighbors worry the development would change the area’s rural character.
The project, called the Effingham Burns Solar Farm, would cover about 150 acres of land near Highway 119 and Little McCall Road in Guyton, according to a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) filing.
Georgia-based developer Inman Solar is leading the proposal. A company spokesperson said the solar farm could generate up to 27 megawatts of electricity, enough to power approximately 4,725 homes. The spokesperson said the project is planned to feed into Georgia Power’s existing grid.
Georgia Power told WJCL 22 News that the proposed solar farm is not currently part of its current Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) portfolio. However, the utility does "regularly procure renewable energy from third-party developers."
Some neighbors shared concerned about the project’s potential effect on the landscape.
“I don’t really like seeing big industrialization,” Guyton resident Walker Shearouse said. “The more that they put out here, it’s just taking away from the land… It’s an eyesore.”
Inman Solar said the project "would be tucked away on private property and not visible to most folks."
Shearouse said he also hopes the development could provide some relief for utility customers.
“Electric bills are high nowadays,” he said. “Hopefully, that can drop it down, too.”
The developer has not said whether the project would reduce customers’ electricity bills.
Inman Solar estimates the solar farm would generate about $136,000 annually in tax revenue for Effingham County over its projected 30-year lifespan, including approximately $1.2 million in tax revenue during its first five years.
Construction could begin as early as 2027. Before work can start, however, the proposal is expected to go before the Effingham County Board of Commissioners.

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More than 2,750 people have responded to a consultation about plans to build what would be Europe's biggest solar farm in South Yorkshire.
The responses have been sent to the government's Planning Inspectorate as part of a complex process examining the proposals, which span areas of Doncaster and Rotherham.
The comments are not broken down into for or against, but a number of parish councils, community groups, MPs and Rotherham and Doncaster councils have objected.
The solar farm and battery storage was originally projected to cover 3,500 acres (5.5sq miles) but applicants Whitestone Net Zero said it had made "significant changes to the project design" following two rounds of consultation.
If constructed as proposed, the 750MW solar farm would extend from Conisbrough through Ravenfield, Bramley, Wickersley, Hellaby, Thurcroft, Brampton-en-le-Morthen, Anston, Aston, Whiston and towards Brinsworth.
The government wants at least 95% of Great Britain's electricity to come from "clean" sources, including renewables – such as solar and wind – and nuclear energy by 2030.
Last year, solar energy provided more than 6% of Great Britain's electricity – rising to more than 40% for a small number of half-hour periods in July.
The government is targeting 45-47 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity by 2030, to help meet its clean power goal, potentially rising to 54-57GW with extra rooftop solar.
That would be up from 21GW as of autumn 2025, according to government figures, although the solar industry puts current capacity at 24GW.
Whitestone Warriors, which represents residents and businesses, said it had "significant concerns" about the scale, location and cumulative impact of the development.
It said: "Our primary concern is that the project should be examined as a single integrated development, battery energy storage facilities, substations, cable routes and associated infrastructure. The cumulative impact must be assessed as a whole rather than in isolation."
"Residents are concerned that extensive solar infrastructure would fundamentally alter the character of these areas and lead to the industrialisation of significant areas of countryside and agricultural land," it added.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has also objected, saying he is "well aware of the strength of feeling in communities".
"If successful, this scheme will be one of the largest solar farms in the UK and its impact will be felt by significant swathes of South Yorkshire for a significant period of time.
"The proposed £18m community fund over 60 years seems wholly inadequate mitigation for the negative impacts, offering little incentive or financial benefit for local communities set to lose significant local amenities and access to nature."
Whitestone said new energy projects can only connect to the National Grid at locations where there is available capacity, such as Brinsworth. Once it had secured the grid connection agreement, it looked for land nearby that would be suitable for solar.
It said: "We presented our initial proposals in autumn 2024 during the first consultation. This original masterplan presented all of the land that we were considering to include in the project.
"In response to feedback from that consultation, we reduced these areas by a quarter to create offsets around homes, villages and public rights of way.
"After the second consultation in autumn 2025, we responded to feedback and further reduced these areas around homes, villages, and environmentally sensitive locations."
The application needs to go through a lengthy planning process as it is classed as a national infrastructure project. Planning inspectors can take up to six months to examine the responses before sending their recommendation to the secretary of state for a final decision.
Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
David Nutall, from Rotherham, is wanted by police in connection with the crash on 11 September.
Dan McGrail says the state-owned renewables investment firm is directly recruiting two people a week, and its funding is benefitting thousands more.
Two men were killed when a pickup truck struck them as they walked along a path, an inquest hears.
A new pipeline along the Thames will use heat from industry and redistribute it to homes across London.
Christopher Thompson was working in the force's regional scientific support services when arrested.
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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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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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They were “100% certain” they had approval for net metering.
Photo Credit: Reddit
A Florida homeowner is raising a question that may sound familiar to many solar customers: If your panels are sending electricity back to the grid, where exactly do those savings show up on the bill?
In this case, the numbers on the utility statement and the solar app were close in some places — but notably farther apart in others.
After getting FPL approval in June for net metering at a Florida home that came with solar, a Reddit user said they began checking the utility bill against data from the property’s Enphase monitoring system.
On the electricity taken from the grid, the two sets of numbers were almost identical: FPL billed 595 kilowatt-hours, and Enphase reported 596.6 kilowatt-hours imported.
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The larger discrepancy involved exported power. Enphase showed 338.5 kilowatt-hours exported and 258 kilowatt-hours of net imports, while the FPL bill noted 254 kilowatt-hours sent to the grid.
“Am I reading things wrong, or is FPL noting that I sent energy to the grid, saying they reduced my bill because of it and then didn’t?” the original poster asked.
For homeowners still considering rooftop solar, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy. EnergySage can help by offering free solar installation estimates and a simple way to compare quotes side by side.
Reviewing the bill after installation is a practical part of solar ownership. Many homeowners pay close attention to production totals, but the utility account determines whether exported energy and any resulting credits are actually reflected correctly.
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In this case, the homeowner said they were “100% certain” they had approval for net metering, which made the apparently missing credit seem even more frustrating.
A first step is to compare every billing cycle date on the utility statement with the dates in the monitoring app and then contact the utility if the numbers still do not make sense.
Keeping approval emails, screenshots, and side-by-side usage figures can make those conversations much easier and may help homeowners recover savings they expected to see.
EnergySage’s solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system on a state-by-state level, along with details on solar panel incentives for each state. Together, those resources can help homeowners get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives.
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
EnergySage can also be valuable when it comes time to buy. With EnergySage’s help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. That kind of comparison shopping can make a major difference in the long-term payoff of a system, especially for homeowners trying to make sure every promised utility credit actually turns into real savings.
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is also one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. Homeowners who want to explore battery options, including competitive installation estimates, can check out EnergySage for that information as well.
For the Florida homeowner, the issue came down to a simple question with potentially costly consequences, and commenters agreed.
“FPL should have 1:1, the bill doesn’t show your credit for exports,” one commenter wrote.
These stories show how other homeowners have dealt with confusing solar bills and missing export credits.
• In South Carolina, a homeowner’s app showed exports, but the utility still billed 900 grid kilowatt-hours.
• In Ohio, a homeowner learned net metering may leave nearly half the electric bill untouched.
• Across the United States, only 20 states still offer net metering strong enough to weaken battery economics.
• In Massachusetts, one homeowner said solar, mini-splits, and net metering could leave him 4,100 kilowatt-hours ahead.
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Dutch innovator Lightyear and Nissan have integrated solar panels into the Ariya. How much extra range can they provide?
Published on September 26, 2026
Team IO+ selects and features the most important news stories on innovation and technology, carefully curated by our editors.
The Nissan Ariya could soon run partly on sunlight. The Japanese carmaker has worked with Dutch company Lightyear on a prototype with integrated solar panels. Depending on sunlight, they can add up to 23 kilometres of range a day. The technology could reduce reliance on charging stations and, for some commuters, halve the number of charging sessions needed each year. The project recently won an innovation award in Barcelona.
The Nissan and Lightyear prototype shows that solar power for electric cars is no longer a distant prospect. The Ariya has 3.8 m² of solar panels across its bonnet, roof and tailgate. Made from polymer and glass, the panels convert sunlight into direct current through an advanced controller. Under ideal conditions, they can add up to 23 kilometres of range a day. In Barcelona, where the car was tested, the average was 17.6 kilometres a day. Results were also consistent in cities including London (10.2 km), New Delhi (18.9 km) and Dubai (21.2 km).
The Ariya’s solar panels are designed to supplement conventional charging, rather than replace it. For a driver covering 6,000 kilometres a year, the number of charging sessions could fall from 23 to eight annually. For commuters driving 12,000 kilometres a year, the time between charging sessions could increase by around 50%. The system generates power while the car is moving, too: on an 80-kilometre journey lasting two hours, it produces 0.5 kWh, enough for another three kilometres of range. Depending on how the car is used, charging frequency could fall by 35% to 65%.
The system contains 480 solar cells with a combined peak output of 700 W. The panels are integrated into the Ariya’s design without compromising its aerodynamics or appearance. The technology also proved reliable over longer distances, including a 1,550-kilometre drive from the Netherlands to Barcelona. Output varies by location: the panels add an average of 21.2 kilometres a day in sunny Dubai, compared with 10.2 kilometres in London. Their ability to generate electricity while the car is moving adds to their practical value.
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Underwater solar cells reach new depths  The Portugal News
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Portugal launches tender for new photovoltaic plants  The Portugal News
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The Solar Markt Group’s hybrid power plant, consisting of a solar farm with a peak capacity of 70 megawatts and an 80-megawatt-hour energy storage system, has begun operating in Hódmezővásárhely (southeastern Hungary).
The investment—developed without state subsidies on a commercial basis at a cost of approximately 28 billion forints (around 76.7 million euros)—is part of the company’s decarbonization portfolio with a total capacity of 140 megawatts. Imre Mécs, chairman of the Solar Markt Group said: “The investment in Hódmezővásárhely simultaneously serves the goals of domestic decarbonization, strengthening energy independence, and increasing the flexibility of the electricity grid. The exceptionally high-efficiency solar power plant and the associated battery energy storage system together form a state-of-the-art energy system that supports the more efficient use of renewable energy, the smoothing of production fluctuations, and the expansion of the company’s green energy supply.”
Solar Markt Group hybrid power plant inauguration in Hódmezővásárhely on September 24, 2026. L-R: Gábor Ferenczi, Péter Márki-Zay, Imre Mécs, James Li, Miklós Mormer, and Anton Raic. Photo: Tibor Rosta/MTI
Thanks to its battery backup, the power plant is capable of providing system-level balancing services to MAVIR in real time, thereby increasing grid stability. The system feeds the stored electricity into the grid when grid load and market demand are at their highest—such as during the evening peak period—thereby directly reducing the country’s dependence on imports and the need for fossil fuel power plants, the company said.
Grid connection is provided by a 40.32 MVA substation. The energy storage system consists of eight dedicated units, capable of delivering a total output of 40 MW and a capacity of 80 MWh.
The system can feed its full stored capacity into the grid within two hours if necessary, effectively smoothing out fluctuations in generation, according to the technical details of the project.
E.ON is responsible for the automated commercial optimization of electricity market and grid scheduling; and STEM, a San Francisco-based publicly traded company, provides AI-based energy storage and optimization, as well as the integration of individual units, which facilitates continuous, real-time data communication with the grid dispatch center and automatically decides when to initiate charging, storage, or feed-in cycles based on market prices and grid stability requirements.
At the commissioning of the power plant, representatives of Sungrow—one of the world’s largest manufacturers of solar inverters and energy storage systems and a company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange—signed a strategic agreement with the Solar Markt Group.

Green Cloud, a member of the Solar Markt Group, sells the electricity generated at the Hódmezővásárhely solar power plant—an average of 105 GWh annually—directly to large domestic corporate consumers under long-term power purchase agreements, entirely on a market basis. The arrangement guarantees predictable, fixed energy costs for corporate partners while verifiably reducing their Scope 2 carbon dioxide emissions, thereby supporting increasingly stringent ESG compliance.
Based on information on the company’s website, the group commissioned its hybrid solar power plant in Szihalm, Heves County, in September 2024. The power plant has a nominal peak capacity of 69.8 MWp and an annual generation of 101.7 GWh. The solar farm is connected to an 80 MWh storage facility with a capacity of 40 MW.
The exact scale of the job cuts and production line relocations remains unconfirmed by any official source.Continue reading
Via MTI; Featured photo: MTI/Rosta Tibor
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Home » National News » Solar farm pact protects prairie chickens in Wisconsin’s Buena Vista Wildlife Area
A large solar farm under construction in Portage County’s town of Grant isn’t expected have a significant effect on Wisconsin’s largest population of greater prairie chickens, despite being built right next to the Buena Vista Wildlife Area.
A 2025 agreement between the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation (WWF) and Vista Sands Solar is expected to protect Buena Vista’s greater prairie chickens from the solar farm project, said Andy Lewandowski, of Muskego, a member of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation board of directors.
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Bone white limestone bakes under a southern Sicilian sky, and a floor that bright is supposed to hand free electricity to the back of every panel in the field.
The rear glass catches that bounce and converts it.
Most project models assign the bonus a rough round number and move on.
Two operating farms measured what actually comes back off the ground, string by string.
So why do rear-face estimates keep missing, and what does the soil underneath have to do with it?
A bifacial panel is a two sided collector. The front face catches direct sunlight. The rear face catches whatever bounces back from the ground, neighboring panels and a cloudy sky, a quality the industry calls ground albedo, and albedo is the hard part to model because it depends on soil color, grass cover, gravel, dust and the geometry of every row around it.
The standard approach estimates albedo as a single flat number for the whole site, multiplies it by a bifaciality factor printed on the module datasheet, and calls it done. That shortcut made sense when bifacial panels were a niche product and a one percent modeling error was inside the noise. But bifacial technology has now crossed 90 percent of the global module market, meaning nearly every new utility scale plant relies on the same rough estimate to close its financing.
Ground albedo is not uniform across a site. It varies row by row, hour by hour and season by season, and a model that flattens that variation into one figure will be wrong in ways that compound across a twenty-year contract.
The study examined two multi-MW solar plants in southern Sicily, equipped with monocrystalline silicon bifacial modules on single axis tracking systems aligned north to south. That configuration is now the global industry standard for utility scale solar: trackers sweep the panel face through the day, following the sun’s arc from east to west, while the north-south axis maximizes the afternoon sweep.
Sicily is a near-textbook site for testing this hardware. Sitting at roughly 37 degrees north, the sun angles are steep for much of the year. The pale limestone and clay soils push ground albedo far higher than the green-grass default that most European models assume, and those soils dry to near-white in summer, exactly when panels are producing hardest.
Working at the stringbox level means the team was not averaging across an entire field. Instead, they were reading the output of small groups of panels at specific row positions, which is precisely where rear-face variation shows up most clearly.
The researchers built an optimized energy model at the stringbox level, using data filtering, clear-sky condition selection and numerical estimation of bifaciality factors, calibrated on measurements taken during the first operational months. Their result: the rear-side contribution produced additional energy gains of approximately 5.3 percent.
To put that in context, a 10 MW plant generating roughly 17,000 megawatt-hours a year picks up approximately 900 megawatt-hours annually from the rear face alone. At a wholesale price of around 50 dollars per megawatt-hour, that is close to 45,000 dollars a year flowing through a gap that many project models set to zero or round to two percent.
The Sicily result arrived from measured hardware, not a modeled scenario, and that distinction carries real weight in a financing conversation. Solar PV plants worldwide have systematically underperformed, with underperformance rates ranging from 7 to 13 percent and triggering multimillion-dollar performance contract disputes. A model that undershoots bifacial gain compounds that gap from day one.
The flat-albedo shortcut is not wrong in every setting. On sites with dark soil, dense vegetation or frequent cloud cover, the rear face contributes little and the rough estimate lands close enough. It breaks down on bright, arid surfaces, the very conditions across much of the American Southwest, the Middle East, northern Chile and the Mediterranean basin, which together account for a large share of the world’s utility scale pipeline.
Trackers make things worse. A fixed-tilt panel always presents the same geometry to the ground. A tracker changes its angle continuously, so the shadow pattern beneath each row shifts all day and rear irradiance at any given string changes with it. Collapsing that into a single albedo constant was a reasonable shortcut when software could not resolve the geometry. Today it is simply a choice to leave money in the ground.
The investors and lenders who sign twenty-year power purchase agreements feel the gap most acutely, because the shortfall compounds over the life of the contract. For a look at how automated construction is closing other cost gaps on solar sites, see how robotics platforms are cutting build costs, a pressure that makes accurate yield modeling even more important when margins are already tight.
The Sicily team’s method is not exotic. Working at stringbox resolution simply requires a finer data pipeline than most developers commit to during early-stage modeling, and many operating plants already have the sensors in place. The barrier is not hardware but the willingness to replace a convenient assumption with a measured one before financing closes rather than after the first annual report lands short.
The authors calibrated the model only during the first operational months. Longer-term drift in soil albedo as vegetation establishes or dust accumulates differently row by row remains an open question, and the rapid growth of bifacial market share calls for systematic reduction in uncertainty, especially on single axis tracker systems where rear-side irradiation behaves in significantly more complex ways.
The honest conclusion is that 5.3 percent is not guaranteed at every bifacial tracked site; it is what two specific Sicilian farms delivered when someone looked carefully enough. For context on what happens when solar output meets peak demand, the story of grid operators under peak load is the other half of the same picture. A plant that models its output accurately is one a grid operator can plan around, and that reliability matters as much as the yield itself.
Hugo is an engineer with strong technical expertise. Multilingual from an early age, his writing combines technical clarity with a strong interest in science and energy.
Hugo is an engineer with strong technical expertise. Multilingual from an early age, his writing combines technical clarity with a strong interest in science and energy.
Hugo is an engineer with strong technical expertise. Multilingual from an early age, his writing combines technical clarity with a strong interest in science and energy.

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Vikram Solar has retained the Top Brand PV India recognition in modules for the second consecutive year.
September 24, 2026. By EI News Network
Vikram Solar Ltd. has been recognised as a Top Brand PV India 2026 in the modules category by Germany-based EUPD Research Sustainable Management GmbH, marking the second consecutive year the company has received the recognition.
The Top Brand PV Seal is based on an independent survey of solar installers conducted by EUPD Research, covering customer relationships, customer satisfaction and distribution. Vikram Solar was also recognised as a Top Brand PV India in 2025.
Vikram Solar CMD Gyanesh Chaudhary said thar the recognition for the second consecutive year reflects the trust of installers and partners and the company’s commitment to quality, performance and service.

EUPD Research Chief Customer Officer Daniel Fuchs congratulated Vikram Solar, saying that the Top Brand PV Seal reflects installers’ assessment of the brands they work with and recognises the standing the company has established in India’s solar market and clean energy transition..
EUPD Research has been analysing perceptions of PV market intermediaries and end customers for more than two decades. Its Top Brand PV Seal is based on independent installer surveys, market analysis and brand performance indicators.
Vikram Solar was also awarded the EcoVadis Platinum Medal at the group level for the second consecutive year. Vikram Solar has an international presence across 39 countries. The company has a network of more than 110 authorised distributors and over 550 dealers in India.

Mahindra Susten’s MD Avinash Rao Says India Needs Balanced Energy Mix for Reliable Transition

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Deep-Tech Startups Must Bridge Commercialisation Gap, Says Shell India’s Debasis Goswami

Renewable Procurement Must Become More Flexible, Scalable, Says Dhananjay Kumar, ENGIE

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