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According to the latest IndexBox report on the global Thin Film Photovoltaic Modules market, the market enters 2026 with broader demand fundamentals, more disciplined procurement behavior, and a more regionally diversified supply architecture.
The global Thin Film Photovoltaic Modules market is navigating a strategic inflection point as the solar industry shifts from pure volume toward value-driven deployment. Unlike the commoditized crystalline silicon (c-Si) segment, thin film technologies—primarily cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS)—compete on differentiated performance attributes: superior temperature coefficients that reduce thermal degradation in hot climates, lightweight and flexible form factors enabling building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and semi-transparent options for architectural glazing. These properties allow thin film modules to command price premiums in applications where c-Si faces structural or aesthetic limitations. The market is bifurcating into two distinct demand poles: utility-scale projects in high-irradiance, high-temperature regions such as the Middle East, India, and the U.S. Sun Belt, where lower Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) from reduced thermal losses drives adoption; and premium BIPV installations in Europe and North America, where building codes, green certification standards (e.g., LEED, BREEAM), and architectural demands decouple pricing from a strict $/Watt metric. Supply chain concentration remains a critical vulnerability, with tellurium and indium sourcing heavily dependent on a few countries, while manufacturing scale and proprietary deposition processes create high entry barriers. The 2026-2035 forecast period will be shaped by perovskite tandem commercialization, recycling mandates, and evolving trade policies that could reshape regional production footprints.
The baseline scenario for the Thin Film Photovoltaic Modules market from 2026 to 2035 assumes steady but moderate volume growth, with value growth outpacing volume due to a favorable mix shift toward higher-margin BIPV and specialty applications. Global installed capacity of thin film modules is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 6-8% through 2035, driven by utility-scale deployments in sunbelt regions and accelerating BIPV adoption in mature building markets. The market index (2025=100) is expected to reach approximately 185 by 2035, reflecting both volume expansion and price stabilization as manufacturing efficiencies improve. CdTe modules, led by First Solar, will continue to dominate the utility segment, benefiting from integrated manufacturing scale and long-term offtake agreements. CIGS modules, while smaller in volume, will capture disproportionate value in BIPV and portable applications, supported by product innovation from companies like Solar Frontier and Hanergy. The baseline scenario assumes no major disruptive technology shift before 2030, but anticipates that perovskite-on-silicon tandem cells could begin commercial penetration post-2030, potentially altering competitive dynamics. Key uncertainties include raw material price volatility, particularly for tellurium and indium; trade policy changes affecting module imports in the U.S. and Europe; and the pace of building code updates mandating energy-generating facades. The market remains highly concentrated, with the top three manufacturers accounting for over 70% of global thin film module shipments, limiting competitive intensity but also constraining supply diversification.
Utility-scale deployments remain the largest volume segment for thin film modules, particularly CdTe, due to their superior temperature coefficient and lower thermal degradation in high-irradiance environments. In regions like the U.S. Southwest, Middle East, and India, thin film modules can deliver 3-5% higher annual energy yield compared to c-Si, translating into meaningful LCOE advantages over 25-year project lifetimes. First Solar’s vertically integrated manufacturing model and long-term project pipelines (e.g., 5 GW+ annual capacity) anchor this segment. Through 2035, demand will be supported by continued utility-scale solar expansion in sunbelt markets, though competition from low-cost c-Si modules will cap volume growth. Key demand-side indicators include utility procurement auctions, corporate PPA volumes, and grid interconnection queues. The segment’s share may gradually decline as BIPV grows faster, but absolute volumes will increase. Current trend: Stable growth driven by high-temperature regions.
Major trends: Increasing project sizes (500 MW+ single sites) favoring large-scale thin film supply agreements, Integration with battery storage for hybrid renewable plants, Domestic content requirements in U.S. and India driving localized thin film manufacturing, and Long-term offtake contracts (10-15 years) stabilizing module pricing.
Representative participants: First Solar Inc, Solar Frontier K.K, Sharp Corporation, and Trony Solar Holdings Co. Ltd.
BIPV represents the highest-value segment for thin film modules, where form factor, aesthetics, and semi-transparency command significant price premiums over standard c-Si panels. CIGS and amorphous silicon modules are preferred for facade integration, skylights, and curtain walls due to their flexibility and customizable appearance. European markets (Germany, France, Netherlands) lead adoption, supported by EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) revisions and national mandates for net-zero buildings. In North America, LEED and BREEAM certification points incentivize BIPV integration in commercial real estate. Through 2035, BIPV demand is expected to grow at 10-12% CAGR, outpacing utility-scale, as building codes tighten and architectural demand for energy-generating facades rises. Key demand indicators include commercial construction starts, green building certification rates, and BIPV product certification timelines. The segment’s share will increase as thin film manufacturers develop dedicated BIPV product lines with integrated mounting systems. Current trend: Strong growth driven by building codes and green certification.
Major trends: Customizable module colors and patterns for architectural integration, Semi-transparent modules for window and skylight applications, Partnerships between module manufacturers and facade contractors, and Digital design tools enabling BIPV yield simulation for architects.
Representative participants: Avancis GmbH, MiaSolé Hi-Tech Corp, Hanergy Thin Film Power Group, Solar Frontier K.K, and Kaneka Corporation.
Commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftops represent a niche but stable demand segment for thin film modules, particularly where roof load-bearing capacity is limited. Lightweight CIGS and amorphous silicon modules (2-3 kg/m² vs. 10-15 kg/m² for c-Si) enable solar installations on warehouses, factories, and logistics centers with structural constraints. This segment is price-sensitive but values the reduced structural reinforcement costs that thin film can offer. Through 2035, demand will grow in line with C&I solar adoption, but thin film’s share within this segment will remain small (under 10%) due to competition from lightweight c-Si modules and bifacial panels. Key demand indicators include commercial construction activity, roof replacement cycles, and corporate sustainability targets. The segment’s growth is supported by net metering policies and corporate renewable procurement, but restrained by thin film’s lower efficiency requiring more roof area. Current trend: Moderate growth, niche applications for lightweight modules.
Major trends: Lightweight module solutions for logistics and distribution centers, Peel-and-stick adhesive mounting reducing installation labor, Integration with building management systems for energy optimization, and Corporate net-zero commitments driving rooftop solar procurement.
Representative participants: Global Solar Energy Inc, Ascent Solar Technologies Inc, MiaSolé Hi-Tech Corp, and Hanergy Thin Film Power Group.
Thin film modules are well-suited for off-grid and portable applications due to their lightweight, flexibility, and durability in harsh environments. Applications include remote telecom towers, rural electrification in developing regions, military field power, and consumer electronics (e.g., solar backpacks, chargers). CIGS and amorphous silicon dominate this segment, with modules often integrated into portable power systems or building materials. Through 2035, demand will grow steadily as off-grid solar expands in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, and as portable power demand rises for outdoor recreation and emergency preparedness. Key demand indicators include off-grid solar product sales, telecom tower deployment in remote areas, and military procurement budgets. The segment’s share is small but stable, with higher per-watt margins due to value-added integration. Current trend: Steady growth from remote power and consumer electronics.
Major trends: Integration with lithium-ion battery storage for portable power stations, Foldable and rollable module designs for camping and emergency use, Rural electrification programs in Africa and Asia using thin film solar home systems, and Military contracts for lightweight, rugged solar chargers.
Representative participants: Ascent Solar Technologies Inc, Global Solar Energy Inc, Hanergy Thin Film Power Group, and Solar Frontier K.K.
Thin film modules are finding emerging applications in agrivoltaics (co-locating solar with agriculture) and specialty uses such as vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) and floating solar. Semi-transparent thin film modules allow partial light transmission for crop growth underneath, enabling dual land use. CIGS modules are also being tested for integration into electric vehicle roofs and truck trailers to extend range. Through 2035, this segment will grow from a small base as agrivoltaic pilot projects scale and VIPV standards develop. Key demand indicators include agricultural land use policies, EV adoption rates, and floating solar project pipelines. The segment’s share remains minimal but offers high growth potential if agrivoltaics gain regulatory support in Europe and Japan. Current trend: Emerging growth from agrivoltaics and niche uses.
Major trends: Semi-transparent modules for greenhouse and shade-house applications, Vehicle-integrated solar for electric cars and commercial trucks, Floating solar installations using lightweight thin film modules, and Research partnerships between module makers and agricultural institutes.
Representative participants: Solar Frontier K.K, Kaneka Corporation, MiaSolé Hi-Tech Corp, and First Solar Inc.
Interactive table based on the Store Companies dataset for this report.
Asia-Pacific remains the largest market, driven by utility-scale deployments in India and China, and BIPV growth in Japan and South Korea. India’s solar targets and high irradiance favor CdTe modules, while Japan’s building codes support CIGS BIPV. China’s thin film production is limited but growing for domestic BIPV. Supply chain concentration for raw materials (tellurium, indium) in China and Japan creates both opportunity and risk. Direction: Stable.
North America is the second-largest market, led by First Solar’s dominant CdTe utility-scale installations in the U.S. Sun Belt. The Inflation Reduction Act’s domestic content adders and manufacturing tax credits strongly favor thin film production in the U.S. BIPV adoption is slower but growing in commercial real estate. Canada’s solar market is smaller but supports niche thin film applications. Direction: Growing.
Europe is the leading market for BIPV thin film modules, driven by stringent building energy performance directives and green certification standards. Germany, France, Netherlands, and Italy are key markets for CIGS and amorphous silicon BIPV products. Utility-scale thin film is limited but present in Southern Europe. Recycling mandates under the EU WEEE directive add compliance costs but also create circular economy opportunities. Direction: Growing.
Latin America is a small but growing market for thin film modules, primarily in utility-scale projects in Chile, Brazil, and Mexico. High solar irradiance and desert conditions in Chile’s Atacama region favor CdTe modules. Political and economic instability in some countries limits large-scale deployment. BIPV adoption is minimal but could grow with green building trends in major cities. Direction: Stable.
The Middle East and Africa represent an emerging opportunity for thin film modules due to extreme heat and high irradiance. Utility-scale projects in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Morocco are increasingly specifying CdTe modules for their lower thermal degradation. Off-grid thin film applications are growing in Sub-Saharan Africa for rural electrification. Political risk and grid infrastructure limitations remain key barriers. Direction: Growing.
In the baseline scenario, IndexBox estimates a 7.2% compound annual growth rate for the global thin film photovoltaic modules market over 2026-2035, bringing the market index to roughly 185 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 Thin Film Photovoltaic Modules market report.
This report is an independent strategic market study that provides a structured, commercially grounded analysis of the global market for Thin Film Photovoltaic Modules. It is designed for battery and storage manufacturers, power-electronics suppliers, system integrators, EPC partners, developers, utilities, investors, and strategic entrants that need a clear view of deployment demand, technology positioning, manufacturing exposure, safety and qualification burden, project economics, and competitive structure.
The analytical framework is designed to work both for a single specialized storage or conversion component and for a broader renewable energy generation product category, where market structure is shaped by chemistry, duration, project economics, system integration, safety requirements, route-to-market, and grid-interface logic rather than by one narrow customs heading alone. It defines Thin Film Photovoltaic Modules as A type of solar panel manufactured by depositing one or more thin layers of photovoltaic material onto a substrate, enabling lightweight, flexible, and semi-transparent applications distinct from traditional crystalline silicon modules and examines the market through deployment use cases, buyer environments, upstream input dependencies, conversion and integration stages, qualification and safety requirements, pricing architecture, commercial channels, and country capability differences. Historical analysis typically covers 2012 to 2025, with forward-looking scenarios through 2035.
This report is designed to answer the questions that matter most to decision-makers evaluating an energy-storage, battery, renewable-integration, or power-conversion market.
At its core, this report explains how the market for Thin Film Photovoltaic Modules actually functions. It identifies where demand originates, how supply is organized, which technological and regulatory barriers influence adoption, and how value is distributed across the value chain. Rather than describing the market only in broad terms, the study breaks it into analytically meaningful layers: product scope, segmentation, end uses, customer types, production economics, outsourcing structure, country roles, and company archetypes.
The report is particularly useful in markets where buyers are highly specialized, suppliers differ significantly in technical depth and regulatory readiness, and the commercial landscape cannot be understood only through top-line market size figures. In this context, the study is designed not only to estimate the size of the market, but to explain why the market has that size, what drives its growth, which subsegments are the most attractive, and what it takes to compete successfully within it.
The report is based on an independent analytical methodology that combines deep secondary research, structured evidence review, market reconstruction, and multi-level triangulation. The methodology is designed to support products for which there is no single clean official dataset capturing the full market in a directly usable form.
The study typically uses the following evidence hierarchy:
The analytical framework is built around several linked layers.
First, a scope model defines what is included in the market and what is excluded, ensuring that adjacent products, downstream finished goods, unrelated instruments, or broader chemical categories do not distort the market boundary.
Second, a demand model reconstructs the market from the perspective of consuming sectors, workflow stages, and applications. Depending on the product, this may include Large-scale solar farms in high-heat/diffuse-light regions, Building facades, skylights, and roofing materials (BIPV), Commercial rooftops with weight or flexibility constraints, and Off-grid and mobile power for transportation & remote sites across Utility Power Generation, Commercial Real Estate, Industrial Manufacturing, Residential Construction (premium/BIPV), Transportation & Mobility, and Consumer Electronics & IoT and Site Suitability & Irradiance Analysis, BIPV Architectural Design & Integration, Structural & Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing & Lamination, Installation & Grid Connection, and Performance Monitoring & Degradation Analysis. Demand is then allocated across end users, development stages, and geographic markets.
Third, a supply model evaluates how the market is served. This includes Cadmium (Cd), Tellurium (Te), Indium (In), Gallium (Ga), Selenium (Se), Silane gas (for a-Si), Glass & flexible substrate materials, and Transparent conductive oxides (TCO), manufacturing technologies such as Vacuum deposition (sputtering, evaporation), Chemical bath deposition (CBD), Close-space sublimation (CSS), Laser scribing & monolithic integration, and Encapsulation & lamination for durability, quality control requirements, outsourcing, contract manufacturing, integration, and project-delivery participation, distribution structure, and supply-chain concentration risks.
Fourth, a country capability model maps where the market is consumed, where production is materially feasible, where manufacturing capability is limited or emerging, and which countries function primarily as innovation hubs, supply nodes, demand centers, or import-reliant markets.
Fifth, a pricing and economics layer evaluates price corridors, cost drivers, complexity premiums, outsourcing logic, margin structure, and switching barriers. This is especially relevant in markets where product grade, purity, customization, regulatory burden, or service model materially influence economics.
Finally, a competitive intelligence layer profiles the leading company types active in the market and explains how strategic roles differ across upstream material suppliers, component and controls providers, OEMs, storage-system integrators, EPC partners, project developers, and distribution or service channels.
This report covers the market for Thin Film Photovoltaic Modules in its commercially relevant and technologically meaningful form. The scope typically includes the product itself, its major product configurations or variants, the critical technologies used to produce or deliver it, the core input categories required for manufacturing, and the services directly associated with its commercial supply, quality control, or integration into end-user workflows.
Included within scope are the product forms, use cases, inputs, and services that are necessary to understand the actual addressable market around Thin Film Photovoltaic Modules. This usually includes:
Excluded from scope are categories that may be technologically adjacent but do not belong to the core economic market being measured. These usually include:
The exact inclusion and exclusion logic is always a critical part of the study, because the quality of the market estimate depends directly on disciplined scope boundaries.
The report provides global coverage. It evaluates the world market as a whole and then breaks it down by region and country, with particular focus on the geographies that matter most for deployment demand, battery-material processing, cell and component manufacturing, power-conversion capability, renewable integration, and project delivery.
The geographic analysis is designed not simply to rank countries by nominal market size, but to classify them by role in the market. Depending on the product, countries may function as:
This study is designed for strategic, commercial, operations, project-delivery, and investment users, including:
In many energy-transition, storage, power-conversion, and project-driven markets, official trade and production statistics are not sufficient on their own to describe the true market. Product boundaries may cut across multiple tariff codes, several product categories may be bundled into the same official classification, and a meaningful share of activity may take place through customized services, captive supply, platform relationships, or technically specialized channels that are not directly visible in standard statistical datasets.
For this reason, the report is designed as a modeled strategic market study. It uses official and public evidence wherever it is reliable and scope-compatible, but it does not force the market into a purely statistical framework when doing so would reduce analytical quality. Instead, it reconstructs the market through the logic of demand, supply, technology, country roles, and company behavior.
This makes the report particularly well suited to products that are innovation-intensive, technically differentiated, capacity-constrained, platform-dependent, or commercially structured around specialized buyer-supplier relationships rather than standardized commodity trade.
The report typically includes:
The result is a structured, publication-grade market intelligence document that combines quantitative modeling with commercial, technical, and strategic interpretation.
Energy-Storage Market Structure and Company Archetypes
The Key National Markets and Their Strategic Roles
Largest thin-film PV manufacturer
Multiple CIGS technology subsidiaries
Formerly Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.
Hybrid thin-film technology
Owned by Hanergy
Owned by China National Building Material
Amorphous silicon modules
Specializes in portable and BIPV
Focus on niche and consumer applications
Lightweight modules for mobility
Specialist in organic thin-film
Perovskite thin-film technology
Lightweight modules
Also produces CdTe modules
Historically significant in thin-film
Distributor and project developer
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PrintIndustry.news
With nearly 50 GWh consumed each year at 11 sites, Riccobono’s electricity bill is one of the top three cost items for its plants. Rising energy prices prompted the French printing group to review its purchasing strategy in order to better control this expense, preserve margins and gain visibility on future budgets. In response, it turned to Mint Energie.
First of all, Mint Energie analyzed consumption data for each of the group’s 2700 sites. The challenge was to take into account the specific rhythms of the business. Units dedicated to the daily press consume mainly at night. Other sites require more electricity during the day. This detailed understanding of usage led to the implementation of a new purchasing strategy.
Rather than a standard fixed-price electricity offer, it became clear that the most advantageous strategy for the Riccobono printer was to build up its budget gradually, and trigger purchases when market conditions were more favorable. Mint Energie supported this change by educating Riccobono on the mechanisms of the electricity market and by setting up dashboards. Riccobono now has precise monitoring of its energy expenditure and greater visibility over its commitments.
The first effects can also be measured on more technical parameters. Nicolas Vermogen, Director of Energy Management at Mint Energie, explains: “On two of the eleven sites, we identified that optimizing subscribed power could save around 50,000 euros a year” . This simple contractual adjustment reduces the bill considerably.
The collaboration also opens up other avenues for reducing energy costs. The installation of photovoltaic panels is one of the options under consideration. At the Gallargues site in the Gard region, energy savings of around 25% per year have been estimated. Other options, such as battery storage solutions, are also under consideration.
Marc Tonkovic, Project Management Officer and Purchasing Director of the Riccobono Group, sums up the next step: “This collaboration, which is just getting off the ground, augurs well for new optimization projects far beyond the purchase of energy.”
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Ohio Supreme Court overturns permit for massive 6,000-acre solar farm after local officials fight back  Yahoo
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China’s Solar Majors Charge Into Batteries as Panel Sales Falter  U.S. News – Money
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BANDUNG, Indonesia, June 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TotalEnergies ENEOS successfully completed Phase 2 of a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) project with PT. Perusahaan Industri Ceres (Ceres), a leading chocolate confectionery producer in Indonesia, at its manufacturing facility in Bandung. This follows the delivery of the first 2.2 megawatt‑peak (MWp) project in September 2024.
The latest phase adds approximately 2,400 PV panels and 1.4 MWp of on‑site solar capacity, generating over 1,380 megawatt‑hours (MWh) of renewable electricity annually. The combined on-site solar capacity of 3.6 MWp can produce 4,630 MWh of clean electricity annually, covering around 12% of Ceres’ power requirements.
This second project was delivered under a 15-year long-term agreement where TotalEnergies ENEOS develops, finances, builds and operates the on‑site solar system. Ceres pays only for the renewable electricity produced, with no upfront costs, resulting in cost savings and lower carbon emissions. In addition, this rooftop solar extension enables Ceres to reduce its reliance on conventional electricity while advancing lower‑carbon manufacturing practices within its operations.
"Working with a trusted energy partner offers customers strategic advantages beyond simply transactional savings. The completion of the Phase 2 of the project bears testimony of the trust and strong partnership as we continue to support Ceres in their clean energy transition," said Alexandru Buzatu, Director of TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Distributed Generation Asia Pacific. "Leveraging our technical expertise, we help customers like Ceres reduce emissions and manage energy costs while maintaining focus on their operational priorities."
"We are excited to take this significant step towards a more sustainable future. With Phase 1 completed in September 2024 and Phase 2 now successfully delivered, this project stands as a testament to our commitment. The combined system contributes to an estimated reduction of 4,200 tons of carbon emissions per year. Ceres is proud to embark on this partnership with TotalEnergies ENEOS in achieving this sustainability milestone, marking a clear advancement toward Indonesia’s target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2060 or sooner," said Nancy Florencia, President Director of PT. Perusahaan Industri Ceres.

Image: site of PT. Perusahaan Industri Ceres’ rooftop solar installed by TotalEnergies ENEOS
To learn more about TotalEnergies ENEOS tailored solar solutions, check out the free brochure, or contact directly for more information.
About TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Distributed Generation Asia Pte. Ltd.
The company is a 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies and ENEOS to develop onsite B2B solar distributed generation across Asia. It is headquartered in Singapore with a plan to develop 2 GW of decentralized solar capacity over the next five years. https://solar.totalenergies.asia
TotalEnergies and electricity
TotalEnergies is building a competitive portfolio that combines renewables (solar, onshore wind, offshore wind) and flexible assets (CCGT, storage) to deliver clean firm power to its customers. By the end of April 2026, TotalEnergies holds nearly 36 GW of gross renewable power generation capacity and aims to achieve over 100 TWh of net electricity production by 2030.
ENEOS Corporation and renewables electricity
ENEOS Group operates solar power plants in Japan and is also participating in renewable energy projects in the United States, Australia, Vietnam and Taiwan region. Furthermore, ENEOS is actively engaged in power generation projects using biomass, hydroelectric power, wind power, etc. This joint venture is ENEOS’ first overseas renewable energy project using distributed power sources. 
About TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas, biogas and low-carbon hydrogen, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.
About ENEOS Corporation
ENEOS Group has developed businesses in the energy and nonferrous metals segments, from upstream to downstream. The Group’s envisioned goals for 2040 are: becoming one of the most prominent and internationally competitive energy and materials company groups in Asia, creating value by transforming our current business structure, and contributing to the development of a low-carbon, recycling-oriented society with the pursuit of carbon-neutral status in its own CO2 emissions. ENEOS Corporation, one of the principal operating companies in the Group, is contributing to achievement of the Group’s envisioned goals through a broad range of energy businesses. 
TotalEnergies ENEOS Contact
Media Relation: contact.solar.asia@totalenergies.com
TotalEnergies on social media
About PT. Perusahaan Industri Ceres
We, PT. Perusahaan Industri Ceres is one of the leading Chocolate manufacturing industries in Indonesia, are subsidiaries of Delfi Limited a Singapore listed company. Delfi Limited has been delighting generations of chocolate lovers in the region for over 50 years. We manufacture famous chocolate brands, SilverQueen, Delfi, Van Houten, Chacha, Ceres Meises and more than 20 key sub brands, and we are the market leader for branded chocolate confectionery products in Indonesia. As the biggest manufacturer we have developed our "Sustainable Value Creation" philosophy for guiding the running of our business. This philosophy encompasses the Environmental, Social, Governance and Economic aspects of our Business. We also commit to reducing any negative impact on the environment or society across our global supply chain and to conducting our operations such that our business activities create long term value to all our consumers, employees or the community around us.
PT. Perusahaan Industri Ceres Contact
Media Relations:  ceres@delfi-chocolate.com
Cautionary Note TotalEnergies
The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies’ financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Cautionary Note ENEOS Corporation
The terms "ENEOS", "ENEOS Group" in this document are used to designate ENEOS Corporation and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by ENEOS Corporation. This document contains certain forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those reflected in any forward-looking statement due to various factors, which include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) macroeconomic conditions and changes in the competitive environment in the energy, resources, and materials industries; (2) the impact of COVID-19 on economic activity; (3) changes in laws and regulations; and (4) risks related to litigation and other legal proceedings.

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Odisha Governor Inaugurates 485 kWp Rooftop Solar Power Plant at Lok Bhavan  SolarQuarter
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EBRD Signs €18.9 Million Financing Package For Solar Project Supporting Greek Steel Production  SolarQuarter
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New Delhi

India's solar industry is entering a structural transformation phase as the mandatory use of domestically manufactured solar cells under ALMM List-II comes into effect. With this transformation, the solar power market will likely move towards oligopoly, says JM Financial.

With over 120 manufacturers, the Indian solar industry's collective installed module capacity exceeds 210GW, of which 173GW is enlisted under the ALMM List I. These manufacturers can be further classified into three categories: potentially large integrated players, technologically strong domestic players, and policy-dependent assemblers who largely depend on import duties and ALMM protection. Meanwhile, India's "solar cell manufacturing capacity lags at 30GW across 13 enlisted players, expected to touch 60-70GW by FY28E (10-15 players)," the report added.
On the other hand, "the ALMM List-III, which proposes to extend the domestic mandate to ingots and wafers, is currently under consultation with a proposed implementation timeline of Jun'28," the report said.
Effective June 1, 2026, all solar projects commissioned under Net-Metering and Open Access are required to use solar PV modules from ALMM List-I and solar PV cells from ALMM List-II.
Noting the "government implemented the ALMM List-II without a blanket deferral despite significant industry pressure," JM Financial expects that "the ALMM List-III will be introduced within the stipulated timeline of Jun'28."
In FY26, India installed 44.6GW of solar power capacity — including 15 GW from the commercial and industrial (C&I) segment and captive projects, up from 10 GW in FY25. By the end of March 2026, cumulative installed solar open-access capacity reached 32.9 GW.
As per CEA, total RE capacity under construction at end-Mar'26 is 138GW, comprising 90GW solar, 29GW wind and 19GW hybrid. As per JM Financial, "10-15GW of solar open access capacity under construction may be eligible for relaxation and will have insignificant impact on opportunities for cell-module integrated players."
READ MORE: Syeda Saiyidin Hameed reached top positions despite her activism
As the policy focus shifts toward capital- and capability-driven integration–with solar cells from June 2026 and ingots/wafers likely by June 2028 – "the industry will inevitably witness consolidation, exit of weaker manufacturers and a gradual move towards an oligopoly," said JM Financial. 
In the times when negativity is becoming a USP in the news business, Awaz -The Voice (www.awazthevoice.in) has been bringing out positive stories of human resilience, cooperation, mutual existence, and peaceful living from across India.
We believe that across the fault-lines of faith, caste, region and language, many of our common concerns, shared challenges, and visions for the future, hold a lot of potential for bringing people and communities together. Read More
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THE National Grid has responded to comments made by the Devon branch of the Campaign of Rural England (CPRE) relating to the temporary shut down of Derril Water Solar Farm.
It had been confirmed that the controversial solar farm at Pyworthy, near Holsworthy was to be closed down over the summer due to issues related to Alverdiscott Substation in Barnstaple.
It came after a message from the co-operative which runs the solar farm told members that it was told to shut down the solar farm in order to prevent a network overload.
In a letter sent to its members on May 26, the Board of Derril Water Solar Co-op described "an unexpected electricity grid issue" requiring the solar farm and other renewable generators to shut down "to prevent potential network overload".
The problem has been triggered by works being carried out at the transmission network substation at Alverdiscott, near Barnstaple with information received so far indicates that the curtailment could remain in place throughout the summer and potentially until early September.
This would mean that the potential financial benefits of the scheme operating over its first summer would be severely curtailed by the fact that it would not be permitted to operate.
The National Grid have said that the issue relates to a wider network configuration issue and constraints on the existing system as opposed to any specific issue with solar generation.
A National Grid Electricity Distribution spokesperson said: “We’re aware of temporary constraints affecting some generators connected in North Devon.
“These are linked to wider network conditions and ongoing works on the electricity system. We are working closely with the National Energy System Operator to manage the impact locally.
“We recognise this is frustrating for those affected and we are engaging directly with customers to keep them updated.”
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World Bank Approves US$57 Million for Solar Expansion and Battery Storage as Liberia Accelerates Clean Energy Transition  SolarQuarter
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Girisim Elektrik Says It Has Been Selected As Most Advantageous Bidder For Solar Power Plant Project In Bosnia And Herzegovina  TradingView
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Odisha Governor Inaugurates 485 kWp Rooftop Solar Power Plant at Lok Bhavan Developed by NBCC  Daily Pioneer
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Although Florida is at “normal risk” for long-term energy adequacy, the unit near Orlando needs to remain online partly to help serve potential data centers in the state, the department said.
The DOE order is the latest in a string of similar 90-day orders affecting six other power plants, including five coal-fired generators. The order was issued on the same day the Trump administration said it planned to spend $850 million to support coal-fired power plants and the coal sector.
So far, the DOE has reissued the 90-day orders before previous ones expire. They are issued under the Federal Power Act’s section 202(c). The DOE has argued in court that the emergencies the orders are designed to address don’t need to be imminent.
In its order on the Stanton unit, the DOE said that the OUC’s resource adequacy concerns were seen during Winter Storm Fern when exceptionally cold weather covered large sections of the U.S. Orlando’s utility asked for and received two section 202(c) emergency orders to preserve reliability during the winter storm, the department said.
“The conditions resulting from the combination of increasing demand and [electricity] shortage will continue on in the near term and are also likely to continue in subsequent years,” DOE Secretary Chris Wright said in the latest order. “This could lead to the loss of power to homes and local businesses in the areas affected by curtailments or power outages, presenting a risk to public health, and safety.”
The order runs through Sept. 1. DOE directed OUC to file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission any tariff revisions that are needed so it can recover the costs of the 202(c) order. 
In Orlando, the OUC had been preparing to convert the Stanton power plant’s two coal-fired units to burn gas since 2020. As part of that effort, the municipal utility in 2021 bought the roughly 475-MW Osceola peaking power plant, which is more nimble than Stanton’s Unit 1, according to an annual site plan filed with the Florida Public Service Commission in April.
Owning the peaking power plant allows OUC to place Stanton Unit 1 into cold storage instead of converting it to gas, as originally planned, according to the filing.
“OUC’s current generating resources (including existing and planned power purchase agreements) and OUC’s current base-case load forecast indicate that OUC is projected to have adequate capacity to satisfy forecast reserve margin requirements through 2035,” the utility told the PSC.
The utility plans to convert the 465-MW Stanton Unit 2 to gas by the end of 2027, according to the filing.
The OUC’s resource plans are based on its goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with interim targets of 50% carbon emissions reductions by 2030 and 75% carbon emissions reductions by 2040, compared to 2005 levels.
Stanton Unit 1 produced 296,856 MWh in the first quarter this year, down 32% from 436,796 MWh in the same period last year, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
OUC has about 288,000 electric and water customers. The utility also supplies wholesale power to nearby cities.
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CEO Robert Blue said the 2.6-GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind farm, which began producing some electricity in March, should be fully operational by 2027 and generate approximately $5 billion in fuel savings over 10 years. The utility’s fuel and other energy-related costs jumped 67% in Q1.
In the first part of a two-phase plan, the grid operator would help match buyers, including data centers and other large loads, with sellers of new generation. States and utilities may seek to lower the procurement target over affordability concerns.
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CEO Robert Blue said the 2.6-GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind farm, which began producing some electricity in March, should be fully operational by 2027 and generate approximately $5 billion in fuel savings over 10 years. The utility’s fuel and other energy-related costs jumped 67% in Q1.
In the first part of a two-phase plan, the grid operator would help match buyers, including data centers and other large loads, with sellers of new generation. States and utilities may seek to lower the procurement target over affordability concerns.
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Nofar Begins Commercial Operations at 169 MW Solar Park in Romania  SolarQuarter
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PetroGreen Unit Secures Environmental Clearance for 98.2 MWp Solar Project in the Philippines  SolarQuarter
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Published on 06/08/2026 at 04:03 am EDT
Jun 8, 2026 Düsseldorf / Germany
Strategic collaboration addresses a key bottleneck in scaling organic photovoltaic ‏(OPV) technologies for roll-to-roll production
Henkel announces a strategic partnership with Brilliant Matters, a leader in organic semiconductor materials for printed electronics, to co-develop screen-printable silver inks compatible with next-generation efficient and durable OPV panel manufacturing using high-throughput roll-to-roll processes.
The collaboration aims to address one of the most persistent challenges in scaling OPV from laboratory innovation to industrial production: screen printing high-resolution conductive silver lines on the OPV sub-stack without generating defects that can be detrimental to panel efficiency or durability. Achieving robust, high-throughput metallization without compromising device performance has remained a critical hurdle for the industry.
This partnership builds on Brilliant Matters’ recent introduction of BM10, a breakthrough OPV solution designed to transform the market. BM10 enables the manufacturing of flexible semitransparent OPV panels with power outputs over 100 W/m² under standard test conditions while delivering operational lifetimes exceeding 25 years. Realizing this level of performance in industrial settings requires not only advanced active materials, but also seamless integration of every layer and process step in the device stack.
“Delivering high-performance OPV at scale requires more than material innovation – it demands a fully optimized ecosystem,” said Philippe Berrouard, Chief Technology Officer at Brilliant Matters. “Our collaboration with Henkel reflects our commitment to assembling all the critical pieces needed to enable reliable, high-throughput OPV manufacturing.” Varun Vohra, Engineering Department Manager at Brilliant Matters, added: “Achieving fine-line conductive patterning on sensitive OPV device stacks requires precise control over material formulation, print rheology, and process integration. By combining Henkel’s expertise in advanced conductive inks with Brilliant Matters’ OPV platform and roll-to-roll manufacturing know-how, we are developing metallization solutions specifically engineered to enable scalable, defect-minimized OPV production.”
Henkel brings extensive expertise in advanced materials, including conductive inks and adhesives for printed electronics. With a strong global presence and a proven track record in enabling scalable manufacturing solutions, Henkel is uniquely positioned to co-develop inks that meet the demanding requirements of high-throughput OPV production.
“By combining Henkel’s in-depth know-how in silver ink formulation and chemistries, with Brilliant Matters’ deep understanding of OPV device architecture, we are accelerating the path toward industrial adoption,” said Thibaut Soulestin, Technology Manager for Printed Electronics at Henkel. “This partnership highlights the importance of cross-industry collaboration in bringing next-generation energy technologies to market.”
Henkel and Brilliant Matters have been working closely over the past year to develop screen-printable silver inks that deliver the precision, conductivity and process compatibility required for high-performance OPV panel manufacturing. Early results demonstrate strong potential for scalable integration into roll-to-roll manufacturing lines.
The two companies will be present at the upcoming TechBlick Conference in Mountain View held on June 10-11, 2026. Industry stakeholders in OPV and printed organic electronics are invited to attend and engage with both teams.
Henkel welcomes inquiries from industrial partners interested in learning more about this collaboration and exploring opportunities for further cooperation.
About Brilliant MattersBrilliant Matters is a Canadian deep technology company founded in 2016 and a market leader in thin-film, flexible, semitransparent solar technology. Through its proprietary innovations, the company is advancing next-generation solar solutions that combine performance, durability, and design flexibility. Its technologies enable seamless integration into buildings, infrastructure, and emerging applications where conventional solar is impractical. Visit https://brilliantmatters.com/ for more info.
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Henkel AG & Co. KGaA published this content on June 08, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 08, 2026 at 08:02 UTC.
Henkel: Focus remains on an innovative portfolio
May 08, 2026 at 05:40 am EDT
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Applications must be submitted through the NISE portal by June 30, 2026
June 8, 2026
Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has constituted an expert committee to examine applications from net metering and open access renewable energy projects seeking time extension for commissioning beyond May 31, 2026, under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List II mandate for solar cells.
The applications will be examined on a case-by-case basis.
The move follows MNRE’s earlier office memorandum, which specified eligibility conditions for such projects seeking a time extension for commissioning beyond May 31, 2026, while retaining exemption from the ALMM List II for solar cells.
According to the earlier memorandum, eligible projects must either have completed installation of solar modules but not yet commissioned them, or have taken effective steps toward grounding the project.
Developers must submit all claims and supporting information through a portal developed by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) by June 30, 2026. Physical applications will not be accepted.
The portal will be accessible through a link on NISE’s solar portal.
Expert Committee
The MNRE expert committee will be chaired by Sivakumar V Vepakomma, Director, Power System, Solar Energy Corporation of India. S. K. Dey, Executive Director, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, and Jai Prakash, Deputy Director General, NISE, will serve as members.
Pratik Prasun, Deputy General Manager, Solar Energy Corporation of India, will be the member convenor.
The committee will examine applications in line with MNRE’s May 25 memorandum.
Field inspections may be carried out by the committee or any other agency, depending on operational requirements.
The final decision on cases examined by the committee will be taken by MNRE with the approval of the Secretary.
States to Decide
MNRE has also delegated decision-making for certain projects to States and Union Territories.
For projects with a solar component of 10 MW or less, the decision will be made by the senior-most Secretary in the Power, Energy, or Renewable Energy Department of the State or Union Territory where the project is located.
In States where renewable energy matters are handled by a department other than the Power or Energy Department, the authority will rest with the senior-most Secretary of that department.
However, projects located in multiple States will continue to be examined by MNRE’s expert committee and decided by MNRE.
The senior-most Secretary of the Power, Energy, or Renewable Energy Department of the States must constitute a four-member expert committee within five working days from the issuance of the memorandum.
The committee must be headed by an officer of Chief Engineer level or above. Other members must not be below the rank of Superintending Engineer. If Superintending Engineer-level officers are unavailable, Executive Engineer-level officers may be included.
States and Union Territories must share with NISE the name, designation, mobile number, and email address of the senior officer responsible for renewable energy matters. This will allow NISE to create portal login access for the officer.
The access will allow the State or Union Territory expert committee to view relevant applications and supporting documents and record decisions on the portal.
Approval and Rejection Process
If a project receives approval for a time extension, the developer will receive a unique ALMM List II Exemption Certificate generated through the portal.
The certificate will mention the project name, project location, issuing authority, validity of the certificate, and the date by which the project can be commissioned while retaining exemption from the ALMM List II for solar cells.
If an application is rejected, the developer will receive a portal-generated response with reasons for rejection.
Subscribe to Mercom’s real-time Regulatory Updates to ensure you don’t miss any critical updates from the renewable industry.
Arjun Joshi
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© 2026 by Mercom Capital Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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ACEN Secures USD 78 Million Financing to Add Battery Storage to Philippine Solar Project  SolarQuarter
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By: Luis Reyes
Published: Jun 7, at 5:03am ET
Airships have spent the better part of a century as a punchline. We picture the Hindenburg, or a Goodyear blimp wallowing over a stadium at halftime, and quietly file the whole lighter-than-air idea under “nice try, wrong decade.” So it would be easy to scroll past the news that a company in New Mexico just kept one in the sky for 12 straight days. You probably shouldn’t.
Between March 25 and April 6, a solar-powered airship called SE2, built by a startup named Sceye (it rhymes with “sky”), flew about 6,400 miles from New Mexico to the coast of Brazil and spent the entire trip cruising above 52,000 feet, close to 10 miles up and well past where airliners fly and where weather happens. Sceye isn’t selling it as a stunt. It’s selling it as a cheaper stand-in for a satellite, the kind you can steer, land in the ocean on purpose, and fly again.
The technical label for what Sceye flew is a high-altitude platform system, or HAPS, and the shorthand the industry likes is “pseudo-satellite.” The idea is to park an aircraft in the stratosphere, well above the jet stream and every airliner, where it’s close enough to the ground to do a satellite’s job without ever going to orbit. From up there a HAPS can relay phone signals or stare down at the planet with sensors, the same work a satellite does, except it sits a few dozen kilometers up instead of hundreds or thousands, costs a fraction as much to put up, and comes home when you want it back. For the cell-tower role, Sceye’s craft is built to work at around 20 kilometers up, roughly 65,000 feet.
The “solar airship” framing also hides a useful distinction. Helium does the lifting here, the same inert gas in a party balloon, just a great deal more of it inside a hull that runs about 270 feet long, which makes it longer than a Boeing 747. The sun does the powering. Those are two separate jobs, and Sceye’s craft splits them cleanly: buoyancy from gas, electricity from light.
A craft that’s supposed to stay up for weeks has one obvious problem: the sun sets. Sceye’s answer is a skin of solar cells across the top of the hull that powers the airship and its electric, tail-mounted propeller by day, then charges a battery pack that takes over at night. Get that handoff right, every day and every night, and the aircraft never has to come down to refuel. Sceye calls this “closing the power loop,” and says its 2024 program was the first time an airship pulled it off in the stratosphere while also holding position over a fixed spot.
The batteries are the interesting part. Sceye uses lithium-sulfur cells rated at 425 watt-hours per kilogram, a figure reported by Interesting Engineering and worth pausing on. It’s the same number electric-aviation and EV engineers chase constantly, because every watt-hour you can pack into a kilogram is range you aren’t hauling around as dead weight. Most of the lithium-ion cells in today’s EVs sit somewhere near 250 to 300 Wh/kg. Lithium-sulfur promises more and has spent years being maddeningly hard to make last; Sceye says it now has a version flying. The company also claims its hull skin is five times stronger than the materials normally used for airships, and its solar cells 53% lighter than conventional ones, per trade outlet The Chemical Engineer.
That sunlight-plus-battery approach is also how you dodge the wall that has boxed in small electric flight for a decade. Battery-powered drones tend to drop out of the sky after about half an hour, and no amount of clever software has moved that ceiling much. Sceye’s bet is that charging through every daylight cycle turns “half an hour” into “until something actually breaks.”
Here’s the honest caveat. Twelve days is a milestone for Sceye and its longest flight yet, but it is not the longest anyone has kept a solar aircraft in the stratosphere. That title belongs to Airbus-backed Aalto and its fixed-wing Zephyr, which has logged a 67-day flight, according to SpaceNews. So why does Sceye’s shorter run matter more than that gap makes it look?
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Payload. Zephyr and the solar planes like it are gossamer fixed-wing aircraft that carry very little. Sceye’s airship is a lighter-than-air vehicle built to haul a real load, the kind of weight a working cell tower or a serious sensor package actually adds up to. Getting an airship to behave in the stratosphere is the harder trick, because it’s big and buoyant and the stratosphere still has fierce winds even above the weather, as IEEE Spectrum has noted.
On this flight, according to Sceye’s announcement of the flight, SE2 held station for more than 88 hours across selected spots, at one point staying inside a radius as tight as 1 kilometer, and ran clean through repeated day-night cycles. It also closed what the company calls its “pressure loop” and flew its first fully in-house-built hull. Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, Sceye’s founder and CEO, called it the “defining step toward unlocking the stratosphere as a new layer of infrastructure,” which is exactly the sort of thing a founder says after a big test. The difference here is the flight data sitting under the slogan.
The pitch for all this lands in three buckets. The first is connectivity: a HAPS carries the same kind of base station that sits on a ground tower, so it can beam phone and broadband coverage down over places ground towers and fiber never reach, from open ocean to mountains to remote islands. Sceye recently showed off an antenna it calls SceyeCELL, basically a cell tower designed to work from the edge of space.
The second is disaster response, and it’s the one Sceye leans on hardest. When an earthquake or a wildfire takes out the towers on the ground, a craft already loitering overhead can keep emergency communications alive while crews rebuild. It runs on the same logic now pulling clean-powered aircraft into defense and emergency work, where militaries are buying hydrogen drones that can watch a coastline for most of a day: put a long-endurance eye or radio where you need it, and leave it there.
The third is watching the planet. Sceye says it pulled off the world’s first real-time methane detection from the stratosphere, in a project with the U.S. EPA and the state of New Mexico, spotting not just that gas was leaking but which site was leaking how much, as it happened. For a greenhouse gas as potent and as invisible as methane, that’s the kind of data that’s genuinely hard to get any other way.
The next test is already booked, and it comes with a real customer. Japanese telecom giant SoftBank signed an exclusive deal with Sceye in June 2025 for the rights to run stratospheric airship services over Japan, took an equity stake as part of Sceye’s Series C round, and effectively bought a pre-commercial flight. Sceye says that flight is set to launch this summer, lifting off from New Mexico with the goal of plugging into SoftBank’s core network as a high-altitude relay and running disaster-response demos.
SoftBank, whose president Junichi Miyakawa has been pushing HAPS since 2017, is eyeing a single aircraft staying aloft for a full year at a time.
The money behind it isn’t small. Sceye raised around $580 million in 2025, per The Chemical Engineer, and has separately taken NASA funding for climate work. It also isn’t alone up there. Aalto plans its own Japan demonstration in 2026 with SoftBank’s rival NTT Docomo, and the wider race to make clean-powered flight pay is getting crowded with companies and governments, from solar-and-battery mega-projects to rival hydrogen aircraft programs. The stratosphere, long an empty band between the airliners and orbit, is starting to look like contested real estate.
So the thing Sceye actually proved is the small, stubborn one: can a solar airship climb to the edge of space, hold its spot, and survive the night over and over without coming down? For 12 days, yes. The bigger question, the one a telecom operator or a disaster agency will pay for, is whether 12 days becomes 12 months, and whether the math still works once you’re paying for helium, hull and a ground crew instead of a rocket. Sceye says it now has the data to chase months, then years. Until one of these things stays up long enough to send an invoice, that’s a promise rather than a product. It’s a far more credible promise than it was a couple of months ago, which for a technology most people had written off next to the Hindenburg is no small thing.
Don’t bite your tongue. Speak up.
Olivia Richman · May 26, 2026
Dave McQuilling · May 16, 2026
Dave McQuilling · May 29, 2026
Dave McQuilling · May 14, 2026
Olivia Richman · May 14, 2026
Olivia Richman · Jun 1, 2026
Luis Reyes · Jun 7, 2026
Luis Reyes · Jun 7, 2026
Luis Reyes · Jun 7, 2026
Luis Reyes · Jun 7, 2026
Luis Reyes · Jun 7, 2026
Autonotion is the English-language automotive editorial by Autonocion.com — car news, reviews, and industry analysis for American readers.
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Under the agreement, LADWP will purchase electricity and associated environmental attributes from the project for 30 years beginning in June 2027.
Los Angeles officials have approved a long-term agreement to purchase solar energy from a utility-scale project in Utah, adding 300 megawatts of renewable power to the city’s electricity portfolio as it works toward a goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2035.
The Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners approved agreements between the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the Southern California Public Power Authority for power generated by the Utah Solar 1 project in Millard County, Utah. The Los Angeles City Council subsequently approved the arrangement.
Under the agreement, LADWP will purchase electricity and associated environmental attributes from the project for 30 years beginning in June 2027.
City officials estimate the project will provide nearly 4% of Los Angeles’ renewable energy supply and generate about 823,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually during its first year of operation. According to LADWP, that amount of energy would be enough to power more than 214,000 homes.
The solar facility will connect to existing transmission infrastructure and deliver power into LADWP’s balancing authority area, allowing the utility to expand its renewable energy portfolio without constructing new major transmission lines.
Officials said the project is expected to avoid approximately 165,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, an amount LADWP estimates is comparable to removing nearly 38,000 passenger vehicles from the road.
The agreement is part of a broader effort by Los Angeles to increase its reliance on renewable energy. The city has set targets of sourcing 80% of its electricity from renewable resources by 2030 and 100% carbon-free energy by 2035.
Metro to Provide Transit Access for 56th Annual Parade and Festival
The property, located on a 7,026-square-foot lot, is being marketed as a redevelopment opportunity with potential for a high-end residence. A vacant residential parcel along Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades has been listed for $1.599 […]
We asked participating vendors what they were serving at the popular Memorial Day weekend event.
Council agenda includes review of speed limit consistency and potential traffic adjustments along Palms Boulevard. The Mar Vista Community Council is scheduled to discuss a proposal Wednesday night that could lead to changes in the […]
The month’s programming begins July 2 with “Regular Guy Dave’s Wacky Balloon & Fun Academy” at the Montana Branch Community Room. The Santa Monica Public Library will offer a variety of free educational and entertainment […]
A man died at a hospital after firefighters pulled him from a burning complex. An elderly man died Friday morning after being pulled from a burning second-story apartment by rescue crews. The Santa Monica Fire […]
The site has approval for up to three open-air vendor spaces along Ocean Front Walk, allowing for temporary retail activity such as art and apparel sales. A historic beachfront property on Venice’s Ocean Front Walk […]
The main home includes dual primary suites, soaring ceilings, skylights and wraparound windows. A Malibu beachfront estate in the ultra-exclusive Paradise Cove enclave has hit the market for nearly $60 million, offering direct oceanfront access […]
Officials said the initiative also expands development capacity that could allow for the construction of nearly 500,000 homes in the coming years. Nearly 30,000 housing units are moving forward across Los Angeles through a city […]
Chicken chain’s new restaurant on the Third Street Promenade marks its latest Southern California expansion. Raising Cane’s will open its new Santa Monica restaurant on June 10, according to signage posted outside the location at […]
Alpine Floor and Home experts are ready to help on your next flooring project. It’s a one-stop-shop for carpeting, hardwood, laminate, vinyl and tile floors. Family owned and operated since 1968.
Free community event will feature DJs, vendors, food trucks and Pride Month programming in the heart of Venice. Venice Pride will host its annual block party on June 13 near the Venice Sign, bringing live […]
Venice Neighborhood Council Committee Debates New Washington Blvd. Bike Lanes as Windward Pedestrian Proposal Stalls Over Bureaucratic Dispute. By Nick Antonicello The Parking, Transportation & Infrastructure Committee (PTIC) of the Venice Neighborhood Council met Wednesday […]
Designated as a LA historic landmark, the 121-year-old facility has been closed and dormant for over a decade, was most recently used as a church, but the usage rights have lapsed. By Nick Antonicello By […]
A state investigation found unlawful seafood sales and misleading sustainability claims tied to operations in 2020 and 2021. A Venice restaurant and seafood business has agreed to pay more than $100,000 in penalties and restitution […]
The Local Coastal Program will give the city greater decision-making authority over coastal development projects — including temporary events, commercial tenant improvements, and outdoor dining. Santa Monica and the California Coastal Commission have entered into […]
Participants will create soy candles using repurposed wine bottles during a June 5 event at The Wine Station A candle-making workshop combining crafting and wine culture is scheduled for Friday evening at The Wine Station […]
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Under the agreement, LADWP will purchase electricity and associated environmental attributes from the project for 30 years beginning in June…
Chicken chain’s new restaurant on the Third Street Promenade marks its latest Southern California expansion. Raising Cane’s will open its…

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Zenith Energy Buys 5 MWp Photovoltaic Project In Rome, Italy  TradingView
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New homeowners say door-to-door ‘free solar’ rep quickly turned aggressive  Yahoo
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German manufacturer Sunmaxx aims to make photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) technology a scalable industrial solution with what it describes as the world’s largest and most advanced mass-production facility for PVT modules.
Located in Ottendorf-Okrilla, Saxony, northeast of Dresden, the factory operates entirely on certified renewable electricity and has an annual production capacity of 120,000 modules, with the potential to increase output by up to fivefold. The facility represents one of the industry’s most ambitious efforts to move PVT technology beyond a niche market and into broader applications for heating and building decarbonization.
PVT technology combines photovoltaic electricity generation with thermal energy capture in a single module. Although long regarded as a promising approach, its manufacturing complexity and relatively high costs have limited commercial deployment.
Sunmaxx, founded in 2021 by German engineer Wilhelm Stein, set out to adapt thermal management technologies from the automotive industry for the solar sector. After several years of research and development, component testing, and production process validation, the company says it produced its first industrially manufactured PVT module at scale in late 2023. The production facility was officially inaugurated in April 2024.
Unlike conventional photovoltaic panels, Sunmaxx’s PVT modules are designed not only to generate electricity but also to serve as a heat source for geothermal or water-glycol heat pumps, simultaneously supplying electrical energy and low-temperature heat.
Each module currently delivers a thermal output of up to 1,200 W. The system captures both solar radiation incident on the photovoltaic surface and thermal energy from the ambient air, providing a stable heat source throughout the year under varying weather conditions.
This capability is particularly important during the winter months. Whereas conventional air-to-water heat pumps rely solely on ambient air temperature, PVT modules can provide source temperatures of up to 20 C through additional solar heating, even when outdoor temperatures are close to freezing.
According to field data published by the company, this capability enables seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) values exceeding 4.5 in monovalent systems, in which the heat pump relies exclusively on PVT modules as its energy source.
The distinguishing feature of Sunmaxx’s technology lies in its heat exchanger. Adapted from automotive applications, it is bonded to the entire rear surface of the photovoltaic laminate, enabling heat transfer with minimal losses.
In addition to producing thermal energy, this active cooling reduces the operating temperature of the solar cells, increasing annual electricity output by 5% to 10% compared to conventional photovoltaic modules. It also helps reduce ice formation during winter operation.
The combination of electrical and thermal generation enables the modules to achieve overall energy efficiencies exceeding 80%, significantly higher than those of conventional photovoltaic systems.
The modules can be installed on roofs, facades, or ground-mounted systems and are designed for a wide range of applications, from single-family homes and residential buildings to district heating networks and industrial facilities requiring process heat.
According to the company, integrating electricity and heat generation into a single unit reduces the need for multiple separate energy technologies and supports the electrification of building climate systems, one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize in Europe.
The technology also shows potential in large-scale projects that use geothermal probes or buried collectors.
Heat captured by the modules can be used to regenerate the ground and reduce the required depth or number of boreholes, thereby lowering the cost of geothermal installations.
The company reports that projects using its system have achieved reductions of up to 75% in initial drilling costs.
Furthermore, the modules’ low hydraulic pressure drop (29 mbar) allows up to 20 units to be connected in a single circuit, simplifying system design and reducing installation costs.
While Germany, Austria, and Switzerland remain Sunmaxx’s core markets, the company has supplied modules to projects in Romania, Spain, Brazil, and the United Kingdom and is in discussions to expand into Scandinavia, India, and Israel.
With scalable manufacturing capacity and technology designed to maximize energy output per unit of surface area, Sunmaxx aims to position itself as a European player in hybrid renewable heating solutions and building electrification—an area expected to grow as Europe accelerates the phase-out of fossil fuels in the heating sector.
Previous articles in pv magazine‘s new series on solar manufacturing facilities around the world covered SoliTek’s fully-automated line in Lithuania, United Solar’s polysilicon factory in Oman, Belga Solar’s module production facility in Belgium, Midsummer’s CIGS factory in Italy, and Tindo Solar’s PV module plant in Australia.

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Home – Energy – Glass facades may stop being dead surfaces, as transparent solar windows turn buildings into power generators without blocking the view
The familiar rooftop solar panel may no longer be the only face of clean power. A quieter version of the same idea is moving into the glass itself, with transparent photovoltaic windows designed to generate electricity while still letting people look outside.
That does not mean every apartment window will suddenly erase the electric bill. However, a late-2025 verification test by Panasonic Holdings and YKK AP shows why solar glass is becoming one of the most interesting bets in urban energy, especially for office towers, airports, malls, hotels, and other buildings with far more window space than rooftop space.
Cities are vertical. A tall office building can have hundreds of glass panels across its facade, while its roof may be crowded with air-conditioning equipment, antennas, elevators, and maintenance areas.
That is the basic promise of photovoltaic glass. Instead of asking cities to find new land for solar panels, it turns surfaces that already exist into small power-generating zones. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says building operations account for about 30% of global final energy consumption, so even partial gains matter when multiplied across dense urban skylines.
Transparent solar glass is usually described as building-integrated photovoltaics, or BIPV. This means the solar layer is built into a construction material instead of being bolted on later like a conventional panel.
Panasonic describes its glass-based perovskite photovoltaics as an ultrathin solar layer incorporated into laminated glass, with the goal of meeting building-strength requirements while preserving design freedom. The company says the technology can be used in windows, walls, balconies, and other building surfaces that normally have nothing to do with power generation.
Here is the catch. The clearer the glass, the less sunlight it usually captures. The more electricity it makes, the more it tends to shade, tint, or pattern the surface.
That does not make the technology a failure. It just means solar windows are not competing squarely with silicon panels on rooftops, where appearance and transparency are not the point.
Fully transparent panels are often listed around 1% to 5% efficiency, while semi-transparent versions usually land closer to 7% to 12%, compared with roughly 20% to 23% for traditional silicon panels.
Perovskite is attracting so much attention because its chemistry can be tuned. Scientists can adjust the material’s bandgap, color, and transparency, which makes it more flexible for window applications than traditional silicon.
A 2025 review in Applied Physics Reviews notes that semi-transparent perovskite solar cells still face a core challenge, which is balancing visibility with power output. That sounds technical, but anyone who has pulled down a blind on a hot afternoon gets the point. Light, heat, comfort, and energy are all fighting for the same pane of glass.
Panasonic and YKK AP began their verification test on November 20, 2025, at the Tanimachi YF Building in Osaka. The official release says this is Panasonic’s first domestic verification test using glass-type perovskite solar cells installed as inner windows.
The setup includes four YKK AP inner windows fitted with Panasonic prototype solar glass. Each solar glass unit measures about 28.5 inches wide by 42.5 inches high, and the designs include a decorative pattern, a gradient pattern, and two transparency-focused versions.
The important detail is what the test is not doing. Panasonic and YKK AP are not verifying power generation performance in this trial, because the prototypes are not connected to circuits. Instead, they are testing installation methods, workability, transparency, design, visibility, and how the units might fit into real construction.
The solar-window race is not built around one technology. Luminescent solar concentrators, organic photovoltaics, and semi-transparent perovskites are all chasing the same broad goal, which is to turn glass into an energy surface without ruining its everyday job.
Each path has a personality. Luminescent concentrators can look very clear but tend to have lower output, organic photovoltaic films can be light and flexible, and perovskite may offer the strongest efficiency potential if durability and manufacturing challenges keep improving.
Commercial buildings are the natural early market. They have more glass, larger budgets, stronger sustainability targets, and owners who may care about the visual impact as much as the energy output.
Homes will probably move more slowly. A typical house has less glass area, price matters more, and standard rooftop solar still offers a clearer return for many families. For now, the smarter future may be mixed, with rooftops carrying the heavy load and solar glass filling in the places where regular panels simply do not belong.
Japan has a practical reason to care about this technology. Its Seventh Strategic Energy Plan expects solar power to expand from 9.8% of the power mix in fiscal 2023 to 23% to 29% in fiscal 2040, while suitable flat land for solar installations is becoming harder to find.
That is where windows, walls, and facades enter the story. Panasonic also announced a separate 2025 to 2029 project with AGC and Panasonic Environmental Engineering to develop mass-production technology and field demonstrations for glass-type perovskite solar cells.
In other words, the race is no longer only about a clever lab sample. It is about whether solar glass can survive real buildings, real weather, real installers, and real budgets.
The official statement was published on Panasonic Newsroom Japan.

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Ark Energy, a subsidiary of industrial group Korea Zinc, says it has secured approval to connect its hybrid Richmond Valley solar farm and battery energy storage project to the National Electricity Market (NEM).
The project, being developed near the town of Casino in northern New South Wales (NSW), combines a 435 MW solar farm with up to 475 MW / 2,200 MWh of battery energy storage, making it one of the biggest solar hybrid facilities in the country.
Ark Energy said the project has now received its 5.3.4.A/B letters confirming it meets Generator Performance Standards and has approval from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and transmission network service provider Transgrid to connect to the local 330 kV network via the to-be-constructed Richmond Valley Switching Station.
Ark Energy Chief Executive Officer Michael Choi said receiving grid connection approval was a significant milestone for the project which will be one of the first hybrid solar and battery facilities in the NEM with a single point of connection.
“This is a huge achievement and takes us closer to reaching financial close on the project and our goal of breaking ground in the coming months,” he said, noting that approval comes after a “rigorous testing” regime that included design adjustments, power system modelling, hundreds of simulations, and network studies.
Construction on the Richmon Valley project is targeted to commence later this year, with the first stage consisting of a 200 MW solar farm and a 275 MW / 2,200 MWh battery that will incorporate lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry and grid-forming inverter technology.
Choi said the facility, that has been awarded a long-term energy service agreement by the NSW government, is expected to play a key role in supporting the state’s transition to renewable energy.
“Once operational it will make a significant contribution to electricity supply and grid stability for NSW and the NEM,” he said.
The grid connection approval comes after the project was late last year cleared by the federal government under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. In October 2025 Ark Energy received development consent for the project from the NSW government. 
Ark Energy has already appointed Spanish company Elecnor as early works contractor and has signed a supply contract with Hanwha Energy for the battery energy storage system. Under the agreement, Hanwha will manufacture, deliver and install a complete lithium iron phosphate BESS solution, including batteries and inverters, along with commissioning services.
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Amanda Finn
Published: June 7, 2026
Last Updated On: June 7, 2026
As we reported a few days ago, solar-powered Disney trash cans and recycling bins are being installed around EPCOT. We took a trip around World Showcase to see how far the installations have gone.
Just a few days ago, we saw these at the World Showcase entrance, Port of Entry, Disney Traders, Joffrey’s, the Odyssey Pavilion, and in the Mexico Pavilion. However, now they are making their way around the pavilions. While walking around World Showcase today, June 7, we also saw them in the Norway and China Pavilions.
It appears that the installations are happening in a clockwise fashion around World Showcase from the front entrance.
As of today, it appears the installations so far have stopped just before the Refreshment Outpost area.
Each solar-powered Disney trash can is brown with the opening hidden behind the black panels that say “trash” or “recycle.” There are also trash and recycling icons.
To open the trash can, use your foot to push down on the pedal at the bottom of the bin. Keep in mind that the opening is smaller than guests may be used to. They also have solar panels built into the top that power the trash compactor. The black handle is for Cast Members to open the trash can door to empty it.
Since the top is rounded now, it may deter guests from using the trash cans as tables around the park.
What do you think of these new trash cans? Let us know on social media.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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Meadow pipit perched on a solar panel.
Wattmanufactur
Credit must be given to the creator.
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Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.
Media Contact
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British Ecological Society
davy@britishecologicalsociety.org
Office: 07-525-966-919

British Ecological Society


Copyright © 2026 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Copyright © 2026 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

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Halocell Energy has been awarded a $606,680 (USD 428,000) grant under the Australian government’s Industry Growth Program to expand its perovskite PV manufacturing capabilities, upgrade equipment and grow operations at its production facility at Wagga Wagga in New South Wales.
The project is expected to boost production of the company’s indoor perovskite PV modules from 7,000 to 100,000 units per annum.
Halocell, which produces lightweight and flexible PV modules optimised for low-light conditions, said the funding will enable it to upgrade its Wagga Wagga manufacturing facility with advanced roll‑to‑roll manufacturing equipment and optimise production processes. The grant will also support expansion of Halocell’s engineering and operations workforce.
“This funding will help us scale production of our next-generation perovskite photovoltaic modules for high-value markets,” the company said.
Halocell said its modules are designed for high-value applications requiring high power density, low-light performance and radiation tolerance.
“Our lightweight, flexible modules deliver industry-leading power density, broad-spectrum performance, including superior output in low-light and cloudy conditions, and strong radiation tolerance, making them ideal for demanding applications were reliability and efficiency matter most,” it said.
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State Sen. Joseph Griffo released the following statement regarding Senate Bill 4571B. The New York Senate Majority recently passed the bill and would allow for floating solar installations on the state’s waterways:
“The governor and legislative majorities are already pursuing an unrealistic, unreasonable and unaffordable energy agenda. This includes trying to cover farmland with solar panels. Now, they want to do the same with our waterways,” Griffo said.
“Senate Bill 4571B, which I did not support, was recently passed by the Senate Majority during the last week of this year’s legislative session. The bill would create a state-funded program that subsidizes ‘floating solar’ on open water. That means that the state’s rivers, lakes and reservoirs could be covered with solar panels.”
“This initiative carries major environmental, public health, and economic consequences. It creates physical obstacles for businesses and residents who rely on open-water access, will potentially damage aquatic ecosystems and habitats and could lead to serious public health concerns due to the placement of sprawling industrial grids over our water supply.”
“While I support a diversified energy portfolio, it should never come at the expense of our environment, local tourism, recreation, or the safety of our communities.”
“I will continue fighting to keep our waterways open, clean, and accessible to everyone and for a reasonable, realistic and affordable agenda to meet the state’s energy needs.”
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For the 28th consecutive month, solar led every other energy source in new US generating capacity — a streak that began in September 2023 and ran unbroken through December 2025, according to FERC data reviewed by the SUN DAY Campaign. The streak survived a genuine policy hit and a measurable volume decline, and it is now being driven less by tax incentives than by two structural forces neither Congress nor the White House controls: soaring electricity demand from AI data centers, and a manufacturing bottleneck that has made new gas-fired power plants physically unavailable for years.
Utility-scale solar installations totaled 34.7 gigawatts (GW) in 2025, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie, a 16% decline from 2024’s record of 41.4 GW. The slowdown came after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed July 4, 2025, ended the residential 30% solar Investment Tax Credit effective December 31, 2025. Projects that had been scheduled to come online in the fourth quarter were delayed as developers recalibrated to the new tax-credit deadlines. Yet solar still claimed more than 72% of all new US generating capacity for the full year — and the broader pipeline shows no signs of contracting.
The core reason solar keeps leading despite policy headwinds is a deployment speed advantage that no administrative decision can erase in the near term. Solar panels are modular, manufactured along parallel global supply chains, and installed without combustion infrastructure, steam turbines, cooling systems, or fuel delivery networks. From contract to electrons on the grid, a utility-scale solar-plus-storage project typically takes 12 to 18 months. NextEra Energy CEO John Ketchum said renewables and battery storage are the cheapest to build and can power the grid in that window, framing the point at his company’s Q1 2025 earnings call and at CERAWeek.
Gas-fired power plants now take five years or longer. According to the Rocky Mountain Institute, the lead time for new combined-cycle gas plants jumped from 3.5 years in 2023 to five years in 2025, with costs up 49% over the same period, per BloombergNEF data. The three companies that supply more than 75% of large gas turbines — GE Vernova, Siemens Energy, and Mitsubishi Power — have each announced delivery backlogs that push new turbine availability to late 2028 at the earliest. Mitsubishi states that turbines ordered today will not arrive until 2028 to 2030. Siemens reported a record order backlog of €131 billion. GE Vernova has committed nearly $600 million to expand US manufacturing capacity — but confirms no new units will ship before late 2028.
“Renewables and storage continue to be the fastest way to get new electrons on the grid until additional gas-fired generation can be built,” Ketchum said in comments cited by Reuters. NextEra added a company-record 4 GW of renewables and storage to its project backlog in the first quarter of 2026 alone, bringing its total pipeline to approximately 33 GW.
The electricity demand surge driven by AI data centers has become the single largest accelerant for US solar procurement. In 2024, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Google collectively held 84 GW of large-scale corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs), a total that grew by more than 69% in 12 months. By 2026, those deals had accelerated further: TotalEnergies and Google signed a 1 GW solar PPA for Texas data centers covering 15 years, with a separate 1.2 GW Clearway deal complementing it. US technology companies collectively contracted for an estimated 48 GW of clean energy in 2025 alone.
These are not speculative investments. They are long-term, fixed-rate contracts that de-risk the capital stack for solar developers — tech companies accept stable power pricing in exchange for supply certainty, removing the project finance risk that has historically constrained utility-scale solar expansion. The Brookings Institution reports that hyperscalers like Google, Meta, and Amazon collectively accounted for 43% of all clean energy PPAs signed globally in 2024, making them the world’s largest corporate clean energy buyers. The International Energy Agency projects that renewables — primarily solar and wind — will supply roughly 50% of the growth in data center electricity demand globally between 2024 and 2030.
Read more: Effective Climate Tech Beyond AI Features Grid‑Scale Batteries, Smart Inverters, and HVDC Lines
Installed utility-scale solar capacity in the United States reached 164.5 GW at the end of 2025, representing 12.2% of total generating capacity, according to FERC. That figure has now surpassed the individual installed capacities of wind (161.1 GW), nuclear power (104.4 GW), and hydropower (102.1 GW). Wind and solar together account for 24.1% of total utility-scale capacity.
A critical distinction: installed capacity and actual electricity generation are not the same number. Solar plants operate at a capacity factor of roughly 23% — they produce power only when the sun shines. Nuclear plants, by contrast, run at capacity factors above 90%. This means nuclear still generates far more actual electricity than solar despite holding a smaller share of installed capacity. The comparison that matters for grid planning is how fast new capacity can be added, and on that dimension, solar has no peer in the near term.
FERC’s “high probability” forecast projects 86 GW of additional solar between January 2026 and December 2028. Should those additions materialize, solar will surpass coal — currently at roughly 173 GW — in installed capacity, likely before the end of 2026. By 2028, FERC’s projections place solar at approximately 17% of total US installed capacity, trailing only natural gas at around 40%. Meanwhile, the EIA’s January 2026 Short-Term Energy Outlook projects roughly 70 GW of new solar capacity online in 2026 and 2027 combined — a 49% increase in operating solar capacity within two years.
Global investors are following the electricity demand signal rather than the political one. Portuguese utility EDP announced in November 2025 that approximately 35% of its €12 billion three-year investment plan — roughly €4.2 billion, or about $4.6 billion — is directed toward the North American renewables market, with the US share of EDP Renewables’ underlying earnings projected to rise from 60% in 2025 to 68% by 2028. EDP’s integrated annual plan explicitly attributed the decision to AI-driven electricity demand and the competitive advantage of renewables paired with storage as the most scalable source of new generation.
Brookfield Asset Management, one of the world’s largest private equity investors in clean infrastructure, in September 2025 confirmed its 200-gigawatt pipeline of new clean energy and storage projects in the US, noting that renewable energy projects remain the most important energy solution for data centers despite federal opposition. The firm had just closed a $3 billion deal with Google to supply hydroelectric power to its data centers.
The result is a dynamic that has surprised analysts who expected federal policy to slow US renewable buildout: an administration working to unwind climate programs has presided over a solar-led capacity boom, while the European Union — the institutional champion of the green transition — has watched investment capital migrate toward the US market, drawn by AI electricity demand and the engineering economics of rapid deployment.
Utility-scale solar is now consistently the cheapest new generating technology in most US markets when measured by levelized cost of energy (LCOE) — the total lifetime cost of building and operating a plant divided by the electricity it produces. The absence of fuel costs, the predictable 25-to-30-year depreciation of photovoltaic panels, and the elimination of fuel price risk make solar’s cost floor structurally immune to monetary policy and commodity cycles in ways that gas-fired generation is not.
What locks the economics in place are the long-term PPAs. When a hyperscaler signs a 15-year fixed-rate solar contract, it is effectively converting a capital expenditure into a predictable operating expense — and providing the certainty a project finance bank needs to close a construction loan. This dynamic, now operating at gigawatt scale, has given the US solar industry a capital structure that does not depend on federal incentive certainty in the way the residential market does. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s elimination of the residential 30% solar credit hurt homeowners and small installers. It did not materially alter the economics of the utility-scale market, which operates on a different credit structure and which, under the 48E provision, retains access to federal support through the end of 2027.
The speed advantage that makes solar attractive to grid planners also introduces the constraint that shapes every planning decision: solar generates power only when the sun shines. A capacity figure of 164.5 GW of utility-scale solar translates to an average output of roughly 38 GW when capacity factor is applied — competitive with nuclear’s actual output but with a fundamentally different dispatch profile. Meeting baseload demand and serving the flat, 24-hour power requirements of AI data centers requires storage paired with solar, or complementary dispatchable sources.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are scaling rapidly alongside solar. The EIA projects battery capacity in the Texas grid alone to grow from 15 GW in 2025 to 37 GW by the end of 2027, largely to smooth the dispatch profile of the growing solar fleet. The technical challenge for grid operators is not whether solar and storage can supply adequate energy over a day or week — it is whether the transmission infrastructure, interconnection queues, and ancillary services markets can handle the pace of deployment. Seven of 13 major US grid regions are projected to operate below critical safety margins by 2030 under current growth trajectories, per Brookings, as transmission infrastructure lags behind new supply.
Why is US solar energy growth continuing despite federal policy cuts?
Two forces independent of federal tax incentives are now the primary drivers of US solar deployment: AI data center electricity demand, which has generated gigawatt-scale, long-term power purchase agreements that fund utility-scale solar projects without requiring federal credit certainty, and a global gas turbine manufacturing bottleneck that has pushed delivery timelines to 2028–2030. Solar’s 12-to-18-month deployment window gives it a structural speed advantage over gas-fired alternatives that no policy change can close in the near term.
How much new solar capacity did the US add in 2025, and how does that compare to gas?
The utility-scale solar sector added 34.7 GW in 2025, according to SEIA and Wood Mackenzie — a 16% decline from 2024’s record 41.4 GW, but still more than eight times the 4.2 GW of net new natural gas capacity added in the same year per FERC data. Solar alone accounted for more than 72% of all new US generating capacity, while all renewables combined reached 88%.
When will US solar capacity surpass coal?
The SUN DAY Campaign’s analysis of FERC data projects that solar installed capacity will surpass coal — currently at approximately 173 GW — before the end of 2026. FERC’s three-year “high probability” forecast projects 86 GW of additional solar through December 2028, which would place solar at roughly 17% of total US installed capacity and well above coal’s shrinking share.
What is the gas turbine shortage, and why does it benefit solar energy?
GE Vernova, Siemens Energy, and Mitsubishi Power — the three companies supplying more than 75% of large gas turbines — currently have order backlogs stretching to 2028–2030. Utilities seeking to add power capacity in the next two to three years cannot get new gas plants built fast enough to meet demand. Solar-plus-storage projects, deployable in 12 to 18 months, are the only technology available at the required speed, which is why multiple utilities and grid planners have pivoted toward renewables not for environmental reasons but as the only practical option for near-term capacity additions.
ⓒ 2026 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

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York Space Systems announced the completion of its acquisition of Solestial, a developer of next-generation space solar technology, in a deal valued at approximately $67 million. The transaction strengthens York’s control over a critical component of spacecraft manufacturing by securing a domestic source of space-qualified solar technology at a time when much of the industry remains dependent on foreign-controlled supply chains.
The acquisition aligns with York’s strategy of vertically integrating key spacecraft subsystems while reducing exposure to geopolitical risks associated with sourcing solar materials. Solestial’s technology, which is designed specifically for the space environment, provides York with access to flight-proven solar cells manufactured in the United States and supported by a predominantly domestic supply chain.
York noted that the satellite industry faces increasing supply chain challenges due to China’s dominance in key materials used for traditional solar technologies, including gallium, germanium, and polysilicon. The company believes future demand from proliferated satellite constellations will require scalable alternatives that are less dependent on foreign-controlled inputs.
Solestial’s technology differs from conventional terrestrial solar solutions by utilizing thin, flexible silicon solar cells engineered for space applications. The company’s proprietary self-healing technology enables the cells to repair radiation damage while operating in orbit, helping maintain performance over extended mission durations.
According to the companies, Solestial’s radiation-curing technology has been independently verified and demonstrated on orbit. Telemetry data showed that after one year in low Earth orbit, Solestial’s cells exhibited no additional degradation compared to adjacent III-V multijunction solar cells, while offering a lower-cost and more scalable manufacturing approach.
Under the terms of the transaction, York closed the acquisition on June 4, 2026, issuing 1,703,577 shares based on a negotiated value of $34 per share and funding the purchase through a combination of cash and stock. Solestial will continue operating as a wholly owned subsidiary while supplying solar technology to both York and external customers.
The acquisition is expected to enhance York’s ability to serve national security, civil government, and commercial space customers by providing greater control over critical power-generation technologies and reducing reliance on constrained global supply chains.
KEY QUOTES:
“Controlling our supply chain is a core part of how York delivers for our customers, and space solar has been a critical gap the industry has largely ignored. Solestial’s solar cells are produced in the U.S. and will ultimately source raw material from U.S. suppliers creating a complete U.S. solar cell production ecosystem and their solar cells are proven to self-anneal radiation damage on orbit. This acquisition positions York to meet the program timelines our customers require, without the supply chain vulnerabilities that put others at risk.”
Dirk Wallinger, CEO, York Space Systems
“Joining York accelerates everything we set out to build. We’ve proven on orbit that our self-healing solar cells outlast terrestrial solar alternatives. Now we’re positioned to scale that technology with a U.S.-sourced supply chain and deliver it at the volume the industry needs.”
Margo de Naray, CEO, Solestial
 
 

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United States-headquartered independent testing laboratory RETC has released its 2026 PV Module Index report, a document that contains the results of the company’s module reliability and performance testing, as well as in-depth discussions of factors in the modern solar industry that have led to the outcomes evident in the test results.
Major findings include a persistent problem of ultraviolet light-induced degradation (UVID) in solar modules, an increase in failures during tests for reliability under damp heat and thermal cycling conditions, and a significant reduction in the number of manufacturers whose modules qualify for high achievement in hail durability testing.
Each test is conducted on multiple modules in the same model line. Each model is known as a “bill of materials,” or BOM. In total, 11% of the BOMs tested for damp heat exhibited a failure condition (greater than 5% power loss), compared to just 6% the year before, while 8% failed UVID testing.
While 5% of BOMs exhibited failures in the thermal cycling test sequence (up from 2% in 2025), 92% met the threshold for high achievement. This could indicate that a component chosen by a single manufacturer is to blame for the failure.
Only 25% of BOMs were recognised as high achievers in hail durability testing, down from 70% the year before. Because this testing is optional, RETC did not define a failure condition, but noted that while most PV module designs can meet baseline ballistic impact standards recent catastrophic losses due to hailstorms suggest that more robust standard is necessary.
Recognising high achievers
For 2026, RETC recognized 19 solar module manufacturers for high achievement in at least one test, and 13 manufacturers as Overall Highest Achievers, signifying they met standards in a certain number of tests for reliability and performance.
Manufacturers recognized as Overall Highest Achievers in the 2026 report are Imperial Star Solar, JA Solar, JinkoSolar, Longi Solar, Qcells, Runergy, SolarSpace, Thornova Solar, Trina Solar, VSUN Solar, TW Solar, Waaree and Yingli Solar.
How RETC tests modules
RETC gleans much of the data it uses to evaluate manufacturers through its Thresher Test, a series of eight test sequences, with six sequences dedicated to module reliability and two for performance testing.
Thresher test sequences in the reliability discipline include:
Thresher test sequences in the performance discipline include: 
In addition to the Thresher test sequences, RETC evaluates solar modules based on their performance on its hail durability test (HDT), as well as tests it conducts to certify products for meeting California Energy Commission (CEC) standards. 
In total, each of the disciplines has seven tests in which products can be recognised for high achievement.
Levels of achievement
RETC recognises manufacturers for their products’ scores on the testing regimen at the following four levels: Overall Highest Achiever, Reliability High Achiever, Performance High Achiever and Test Category High Achiever.
Overall Highest Achiever status is awarded if the manufacturer’s products earn high achiever recognition in both of the disciplines, and have their test samples witnessed and bills of materials verified by an independent third party. 
Reliability High Achievers are manufacturers whose products exceed standards on at least three of the seven tests in the reliability discipline (glass-on-backsheet models must exceed standards on the BUDT test and three additional tests). All of the above-listed companies qualified for this recognition in this year’s report.
Performance High Achievers are manufacturers whose products exceed standards on at least three of the seven tests in the performance discipline. As before, all of the above companies qualified. Alps Solar was also recognised.
Test Category High Achiever status is awarded to manufacturers whose products exceed the high achiever standards on any single test. For 2026, the list includes Adani Solar, Auxin Solar, Illuminate Solar, Mission Solar, and Silfab Solar.
From pv magazine Global

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The bumpy ride to a new demonstration site at NC State University, where sheep grazed next to solar panels, showed the potential of marginal land such as this rugged terrain five miles from campus. 
Located on the edge of NC State’s 1,800-acre Lake Wheeler Road Field Lab, the demonstration site is the first in the Southeast with an all-terrain solar panel system from partner Nevados that can adapt to the landscape, including uneven ground. 
While unsuited for conventional crops, land like this can be used for raising sheep to meet a growing U.S. demand for lamb and for generating renewable energy to supply an increased need for electricity, said Todd See, head of NC State’s Department of Animal Science. 

“This will be an integral part of our programs in animal science and how we can bring animal agriculture into what’s going on in the agrivoltaics space,” See said. “So we’re very excited about that opportunity.”
Project partners are Nevados solar, NC State’s College of Engineering and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center.
Thousands of North Carolinians visit Lake Wheeler Road Field Lab each year for hands-on education and training. The new demonstration site will bring in solar employees from Nevados, agricultural producers, and animal science and engineering students, said Megan Jacob, senior associate dean of administration for NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). 
“At CALS, we like to talk about future-proofing, and a project like this, where we’re preparing agriculture, energy systems, and students and communities to thrive under changing times and circumstances, is a beautiful connection to what we try to do every day,” Jacob said.
“This project not only future-proofs the land through diversification, it future-proofs our students by teaching them new skills and new technologies. And it allows our systems to integrate renewable energy and power with agricultural productivity.”
The agrivoltaics project will bring innovation and workforce development to the Food Animal Initiative, an interdisciplinary collaboration of CALS and NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) to establish North Carolina as a leader in food animal biosciences, Jacob said. 
Within the next two years, NC State plans to relocate its Small Ruminant Unit in northwest Raleigh to Lake Wheeler, expanding the opportunities for students to work with sheep and goats while remaining close to campus. 
In the afternoon sun, the Katahdin ewes conserved energy, resting in the shade of the solar panels, which also provide some wind protection. 
That’s one of many reasons that sheep are a great fit with solar sites, said Andrew Weaver, an Extension small ruminant specialist at NC State. Their grazing significantly reduces the need for mowing to keep the area around the panels open. 
“To me, they’re the most scalable vegetation management system,” Weaver said. 
Because they’re “vertically challenged,” sheep don’t climb on the panels and they’re too lightweight to cause damage, which is a concern with cattle, he added.
Katahdin sheep grow hair rather than a heavy fleece, making them more heat-tolerant in the Southeast and eliminating the need for shearing. Raised for meat rather than wool, Katahdin sheep can provide farmers with new options.
North Carolina is already seeing a rise in sheep numbers to meet the growing consumer demand for lamb, which has increased for four consecutive years, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. More than 70% of lamb that Americans consume is imported, with the largest share coming from Australia, followed by New Zealand. 
“There’s a huge opportunity to raise more American lamb,” Weaver said. “I think solar sites can provide some economies of scale.”
While grazing can be paired with solar panels in many locations, it adds value on marginal land and rugged terrain, Weaver said.
After the ribbon-cutting, Weaver gave a training on the ins and outs of raising sheep on a solar site.
Solar companies need to work with farmers to establish palatable grasses that will nourish the sheep, preferably before any panels are installed, he said. To preserve topsoil health, it’s vital to have a grazing plan that makes use of movable paddocks with electrified fences. Water access is paramount, so having a well nearby is recommended, rather than hauling water.
Weaver advises having both full-time guard dogs to protect the sheep from predators and herding dogs that come on site to move sheep from one paddock to another. 
For now, NC State has set aside 60 acres surrounding the agrivoltaics site that can be divided into 5-acre paddocks, ultimately accommodating several hundred sheep, See said.
“We needed uneven terrain to show off this technology. We thought what a great place to do it and what a great opportunity,” he said.

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Installations of solar systems from 6 to 6.66 kilowatts (kW) are common in Australia, with 6.6 kW being very popular. This is because, for a long time, it was a good combination of size and affordability. But these days, we recommend most households install something bigger, provided there’s room on the roof.
The cost of a 6.6 kW system using quality components that are professionally installed will generally range between $5,500 – $8,000. 
The graph below details the average price 1407 people have reported paying for their 6.6 kW solar and battery system over the last year. This price range takes into account the solar rebate as well as the federal battery rebate.
The number of panels required for a 6 to 6.6 kW solar system depends on their size. Large panels can be over 730 Watts (W) each, so only 9 of them would be needed for a 6.6 kW system. But panels used on homes are generally smaller and typically range from 440-490W.  If 470W panels are used, 14 will be required for a 6.6 kW system.
Based on panels measuring around 1.8 metres x 1.1 metres, around 28 square metres of suitable roof space will be required for a 6.6 kW solar power system. Here’s a general idea of how much space 6.6 kW occupies, based on 470 Watt panels.

Factors such as installation location, solar panel orientation and component quality come into play, but generally a 6.6 kW PV system with panels facing more or less north, should generate around 26 kilowatt-hours of electricity a day, which is more than the average Australian household uses daily.
Don’t forget you’ll be receiving feed-in tariff payments for your surplus electricity.  Also, it’s large enough to normally eliminate grid electricity consumption on sunny days from before midmorning to beyond midafternoon for typical households. Bear in mind that self-consumption is key to getting the most from a system of this size. To increase self-consumption, an appropriately sized home battery can help.
What’s the best-sized battery for your home will depend on individual circumstances. But a very basic rule of thumb is: have enough battery capacity to supply your typical overnight consumption, plus at least a few kilowatt-hours (kWh) more. 
But, for a typical household, a 6.6 kW or smaller solar system often won’t produce enough energy in winter or during periods of bad weather to fully charge a home battery. For this reason, it normally makes sense to use an electricity plan with periods of either cheap or free daytime electricity, and take advantage of them to top up the battery from the grid. 
For a more accurate way to size a battery using your actual electricity usage, read our guide to sizing a home battery.
You should see a simple payback period of around 5-6 years assuming a good installation, you’ve paid a reasonable price and have a significant level solar energy self-consumption. The payback period increases a bit if you add a home battery to the system. However, you can use our solar calculator to get a better sense of the returns of a solar (and battery) system.
You could also be cash flow positive from the get-go if you’re able to secure cheap solar finance, and not have to pay anything (or very little) up-front.
While 6 kW system installations have grown in popularity, savvy Australians are installing 6.6 kW solar systems – or even larger.
Let me clarify – if your house is on a single-phase electricity supply (and most Australian homes are), then you should get at least a 5kW inverter and 6.6 kW of solar panels.
This may seem like an odd figure and one I’ve pulled out of a hat. Basically, a 6.6 kW configuration gives you great bang for buck in terms of kilowatts for your dollars. And if you’re getting a decent feed-in tariff, a 6.6 kW solar system will help give you a great return on your investment. 
Installing solar panel capacity greater than inverter capacity is called “oversizing”. It’s quite common these days, totally safe, won’t harm the inverter and I highly recommend it. As Australia’s solar subsidy (still often called the “solar rebate“) is based on panel capacity rather than inverter size, this means you’ll extract the best level of incentive possible.
Aside from a 5kW inverter possibly being cheaper than 6 kW, solar panels rarely produce as much power as their rated capacity for a number of reasons; a major one being temperature. This is reflected by a solar panel’s temperature coefficient. Most solar panels lose around 10% of their rated power on a 25°C day, and more if it is hotter – and Australia is no stranger to warm days. 

Other factors affecting output include dirt and grime on the panels and wiring losses. So, by using a 5kW inverter with 6 kW (or 6.6 kW) of solar panels, you’ll actually be ensuring the inverter is working at its designed performance level for more of the time.
Another very important reason for using a 5kW inverter is that it is the maximum capacity some Network Service Providers allow for connection to the grid.
Aside from rooftop space limitations in some cases, installation guidelines only allow for a maximum 133% oversize of panel capacity vs inverter capacity – and 5kW x 133% = 6.65kW. While you may not be able to get a system exactly 6.65kW, aim for as close to it as possible – but not a single watt over in order to remain within the approved oversizing limit.
Even with the subsidy, solar panels are a significant investment and as with any trade, there are good installers and not-so-good. 
If you want to go solar and are looking for a price for a 6 kW (or 6.6 kW) system, you’re definitely in the right place. Use our free service to get up to 3 solar quotes from installers servicing your area that I’ve hand-picked and trust to prepare a quote on a system that best suits your needs and circumstances. 

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DTI defends solar panel certification  Panay News
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Renewables developer Lightsource bp has begun construction on its Lower Wonga Solar Farm and Battery hybrid project near Gympie in Queensland.
The project will combine an approximately 380MWdc solar farm with a 281MW/843MWh battery energy storage system, bringing together large-scale renewable generation and flexible storage to make this one of the largest hybrid projects in Australia.
Once operational, Lower Wonga will add substantial renewable generation and dispatchable capacity to the National Electricity Market, supporting the delivery of lower-cost electricity while helping the system respond more effectively to changing demand patterns. The project is expected to generate enough electricity to power the equivalent to approximately 126,000 homes each year.
Related article: Aula Energy acquires 1GW solar portfolio from Lightsource bp
In addition, Lightsource bp has signed a hybrid offtake agreement with Rio Tinto combining low‑cost solar generation with battery storage to deliver reliable renewable power. The agreement supports Rio Tinto’s renewable energy portfolio in Queensland and highlights the increasing role of integrated solar and storage projects in meeting the energy needs of large industrial customers.
The project has also secured support under the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS). The scheme provides long-term revenue certainty for new renewable generation projects while helping accelerate the rollout of additional capacity needed to support Australia’s energy transition and strengthen the National Electricity Market.
Lightsource bp chief operating officer for Asia-Pacific Adam Pegg said, “The global power sector is entering a new phase. It’s no longer just about building renewable generation—it’s about how solar and storage are now the lowest-cost sources of energy, to support growing demand from data centres, industry, and the electrification of transportation.
“Lower Wonga reflects that shift. Solar provides the lowest-cost scalable electricity, while battery storage allows that energy to be shifted to periods of higher demand, strengthening flexibility and reliability across the grid. Combining solar generation with storage strengthens the energy security value of renewable energy, enabling customers to benefit from long‑term, predictable energy costs over the life of the project.
“Australia is one of the most attractive renewable energy markets in the world, and developments like Lower Wonga demonstrate how solar and storage together can deliver reliable, low‑cost power at scale.”
Related article: Lightsource bp advances first solar and storage hybrid project
A joint venture between INTEC Energy Solutions and Gotion Hi-Tech Australia has been appointed as the engineering, procurement and construction partner to deliver the project.
At peak construction, the project is expected to support around 400-500 jobs, alongside opportunities for local businesses, contractors, and suppliers where possible. The project is expected to be operational in late 2028.
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Go solar at home; city aims to make it easier  BurlingtonToday.com
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Sign up for TPR Today, Texas Public Radio’s newsletter that brings our top stories to your inbox each morning.

The City of San Antonio has announced its largest rooftop solar installation ever.
It sits on top of the Ron Darner Parks and Recreation Headquarters off Old Highway 90 on the Far West Side.
Doug Melnick is the city’s assistant director of resiliency and sustainability. He said the installation will reduce the electric bill at the headquarters.
“We’re going to offset upwards of 70 to 80% of this building energy use with clean power. So not only is it going to help with air quality and the environment, at the end of the day, it’s going to save taxpayer dollars.”
Those savings will add up to $130,000 in annual utility savings, city officials said.
The installation also marks the halfway point of the city’s $30 million-dollar solar program. The program has a goal of zero net energy for all municipal buildings by 2040.
Started in 2023 after city council approval, the program is the first and largest of its kind in Texas. It includes more than 50 rooftop and parking cover solar systems at city owned facilities.
City officials said once its fully implemented, it will generate $1.8 million in annual savings, offset 11% of the city’s yearly electrical use and reduce city emissions by 18%.

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By Canary Media

By Canary Media
Canary Media
4 June 2026
In July 2022, a fierce summer storm rocked Wake Electric, a North Carolina cooperative serving nearly 60,000 households and other customers from the dense suburbs of Raleigh, the state capital, to rural areas along the Virginia border and in the coastal plain. Wind downed lines and knocked out power for thousands for over seven hours.
“It was one of these very difficult outages where we had a line laying across a road,” said Don Bowman, the co-op’s senior vice president and assistant general manager. ​“We had to coordinate a lot of activities, and it took us a while to get this power back on.”
But Eagle Chase, a small housing community equipped with a propane-fueled generator and a 1-megawatt Tesla battery pack, was almost completely unscathed. The devices form a microgrid that can function without the co-op’s larger distribution system of poles and wires.
“The success story,” Bowman said, ​“is the Eagle Chase development saw an outage of less than about 58 milliseconds.”
The Eagle Chase battery is among three storage systems in Wake Electric’s territory. The second, in Wake Forest, is a 1-megawatt-hour battery paired with a 500-kilowatt solar farm; its purpose is to dispatch solar electrons when the sun doesn’t shine. The third, a 5-megawatt battery located at the co-op’s main substation, stores power that can be discharged when supplies are constrained and electricity prices are high.
The systems illustrate three key advantages of battery storage, Bowman said: providing resiliency, increasing the reliability of renewable energy, and responding to periods of high demand.
“We have three systems, and I think that we check all three of those boxes differently with each of the projects,” he said. 

Wake Electric isn’t alone. As of April 2025, rural co-ops across North Carolina had 43 battery projects operating or in development, according to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Co-ops here were spearheading more grid batteries than those in any other state; Alaska was a distant second with 13 projects.
The co-ops say they aren’t trying to win any national contests. They’re just trying to do right by the members they serve.
“Community support is one of the pillars we drive toward,” said Erik Hall, a director at the North Carolina Electric Membership Corp., a statewide entity that owns the battery assets and provides generation and transmission for 25 rural cooperatives. ​“What can we do to support the membership?”
The battery investments are partly a response to challenges now sweeping the country: Skyrocketing demand from data centers and other factors are constraining supplies and triggering expensive grid upgrades, driving up the costs of electricity.
Storing electrons for use when demand is at its peak and prices are high is a huge money saver for these customer-owned nonprofits — especially as the costs of batteries are falling and federal tax credits for the resources are still available.
“What these battery systems have been able to do is really save folks money while increasing resilience, and helping with reliability sort of across the footprint,” said Rob Greskowiak, chief commercial officer for Lightshift Energy, a storage developer that has worked with several co-ops outside North Carolina, including in neighboring Virginia. ​“It’s really an economic story.”
Money isn’t the only motivator. Co-ops often serve far-flung corners of the state, where an investor-owned utility like Duke Energy would earn a meager profit. Many of these areas — from rugged mountains to fragile barrier islands — are also prone to outages from extreme weather.
That’s why almost a decade ago, Tideland Electric Member Corp. set up the state’s first cooperative-run microgrid on Ocracoke Island — complete with 62 solar panels, a battery pack, and a diesel generator. The system kept the power on for island residents in the summer of 2017, after a construction crew accidentally severed a transmission line to the mainland.
“The solar worked,” Heidi Smith, a Tideland co-op manager, said back then. ​“The Tesla batteries were able to add power to the system.”
North Carolina’s co-ops also have set a target of zeroing out their carbon emissions by midcentury, though, unlike Duke, they’re not required to by law.
“It’s in our mission statement to constantly be moving toward cleaner energy solutions,” Bowman of Wake Electric co-op explained.
The benefits and costs of the individual battery systems can be spread out among the co-ops and their millions of customers, since all these storage devices are managed by the North Carolina Electric Membership Corp.
“Having all of these assets is wonderful,” the corporation’s Hall said. ​“But if you can’t aggregate them and utilize them when they’re needed, then you’re not really bringing to bear the value of them.”
That means calling on the storage assets when high demand sends electricity prices soaring or dispatching them during extreme weather events to enhance reliability. 

“I sound like I’m tooting our horn, and I am,” Hall said. ​“We’ve built one of the most innovative and capable [distributed energy resource management] systems in the country.” 
“I don’t call it a virtual power plant, because it sounds very financial, economic,” he added. ​“Our systems are grounded in reliability.”
Still, not every move made by the state’s co-ops has been in lockstep with the clean energy transition. North Carolina Electric Membership Corp. is pursuing a large new gas-generation plant in Person County in conjunction with Duke and already owns two single-cycle, peaking gas plants outright. It’s also made a long-shot bid to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that, if successful, could upend how transmission upgrades are paid for and stall new solar from coming onto the grid.
The split screen just reinforces that batteries are not, for many adopters, first and foremost about curbing carbon emissions.
“North Carolina can be viewed as a leader in this space, but I think it’s important to reiterate that it’s not because of sustainability goals or clean energy goals,” Greskowiak said. ​“The economic case for battery storage is only going to grow. The rest of the country is catching up.”

Elizabeth Ouzts is a contributing reporter at Canary Media who covers North Carolina and Virginia.
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