PEDOT:PSS is a conductive polymer blend widely used as a hole transport and electrode interlayer in solar cells. It is attractive because it is highly transparent, allowing efficient light to reach the active layer, and it has good hole conductivity along with a suitable work function that enables efficient charge extraction at the electrode interface. In addition, it can be processed from solution to form smooth, uniform films, which improves device quality and reproducibility. However, in tandem solar cells it can become problematic because its acidic and hygroscopic nature can degrade sensitive layers such as perovskites. It can also contribute to interfacial instability and parasitic losses, which ultimately reduce long-term efficiency and operational stability. With this in mind, a group of researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has designed a PEDOT:PSS-free all-perovskite tandem solar cell that utilizes a phenothiazine-functionalized phosphonic acid monolayer as the hole transport layer (HTL). “We designed two-terminal monolithic all-perovskite tandem solar cells that stack two perovskite absorbers with complementary bandgaps in one structure, offering a promising route to surpass the efficiency limits of single-junction solar cells while retaining the advantages of lightweight and potentially low-cost manufacturing,” the research’s corresponding author, Fengzhu Li, told pv magazine. “A major challenge lies at the buried interface of the narrow-bandgap tin-lead perovskite subcell. Many high-performance devices rely on PEDOT:PSS as a hole-transport material, but this polymer can absorb moisture, interact unfavorably with perovskite precursors and promote phase segregation during crystallization. These issues can undermine both device performance and stability.” In the study “Interface-mediated crystallization enables PEDOT:PSS-free all-perovskite tandems with 29.1% efficiency and enhanced durability,” published in Joule, Li and his colleagues explained that they used in-situ characterization to reveal how PEDOT:PSS induces an unstable crystallization pathway in mixed tin-lead perovskite films. “We then replaced PEDOT:PSS with a phenothiazine-functionalized self-assembled monolayer, known as 4PAPT, which promotes direct phase transition, improves crystal orientation and suppresses non-radiative recombination losses,” he went on to say. Compared to PEDOT:PSS, 4PAPT reportedly enables faster and more direct perovskite crystallization, suppresses intermediate tin iodide–dimethyl sulfoxide (SnI₂–DMSO) phase formation, promotes preferred orientation, and improves interfacial stability, resulting in reduced defect density and enhanced carrier transport. The researchers also found that that PEDOT:PSS is more susceptible to DMSO-induced degradation and instability during processing, while 4PAPT maintains stable wetting behavior, preserving interfacial integrity throughout deposition. Overall, 4PAPT was found to promote faster, more uniform crystallization and higher-quality mixed tin–lead perovskite films compared to PEDOT:PSS. In situ ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy also showed faster absorption evolution and phase transition on 4PAPT, while PEDOT:PSS exhibited slower kinetics. The team built the all-perovskite tandem solar cell using a stacked device architecture on indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent electrodes. The bottom cell consisted of a wide-bandgap (WBG) perovskite absorber, interfaced with a carbazole-based naphthalene derivative (CbzNaph) as the hole-selective layer, followed by fullerene (C60) as the electron transport layer and atomic layer deposited tin dioxide (ALD-SnO₂) as the recombination layer, completed with a gold (Au) electrode. The top cell was built with the SAM as the hole transport interface, combined with a narrow-bandgap (NBG) perovskite absorber, C60 electron transport layer, bathocuproine (BCP) as the exciton blocking layer, and a silver (Ag) back electrode. “Our molecular interface strategy enabled a narrow-bandgap single-junction perovskite cell with 23.2% efficiency,” Li further explained. “We the translated the strategy into monolithic all-perovskite tandem solar cells by developing the SAM combining thiol and phosphonic acid anchoring groups on SnO2/Au surfaces. The resulting dense molecular interlayer maintained efficient charge transport while avoiding the instability associated with PEDOT:PSS.” “The PEDOT:PSS-free all-perovskite tandem solar cell achieved a reported efficiency of 29.1%, the highest reported efficiency to date for PEDOT:PSS-free all-perovskite tandem configurations,” Li added. “Encapsulated devices retained 90% of their initial efficiency after more than 800 hours of maximum power point tracking under simulated one-sun illumination at around 40 C.” “The instability of PEDOT:PSS is not only a materials problem; it also affects how the perovskite film forms at the buried interface. By replacing this polymer with molecularly designed self-assembled monolayers, we were able to control crystallization from the start and carry that benefit into high-efficiency tandem devices,” co-author Yen-Hung Lin emphasized. “Perovskite tandem solar cells have reached a stage where every interface matters. Our study shows a critical principle: molecular interfaces can be designed as active platforms to control crystallization, reduce energy loss, facilitate charge transport and improve long-term stability across different tandem architectures.” This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected]. Comments Please login to comment Thursday, July 9, 2026 11:00 am – 12:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Thursday, June 18, 2026 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Be part of the high-level European conference on solar and energy storage, exploring bankable BESS projects, warranties, and energy management for residential and C&I sectors The new pv magazine Global May issue is now available! Mountains to climb Available in print and digital formats. Entries open in seven categories: Modules, Inverters, BoS, BESS, Manufacturing, Sustainability, Projects. April 01 – August 31, 2026 A two-day conference in Austin, Texas, bringing together leaders in US solar manufacturing, equipment specification, and factory execution. Saudi Arabia is accelerating its clean energy transition—join the SunRise Arabia Clean Energy Conference 2026 in Riyadh to explore how solar PV and energy storage are powering its digital economy. Showcase your brand across all our platforms: from 13 websites in 7 languages to our magazines, daily newsletters, industry events and more. Reach your audience the right way! We are participating in Intersolar 2026 again this year! Visit us at our Booth Hall 2 A2.250 to discuss the latest trends within the photovoltaic industry with the pv magazine team. June 23-25, 2026 | MUNICH, GERMANY
“It was the best of times. It was the worst of times,” read Jason Grumet, CEO of American Clean Power (ACP) as he kicked off the CLEANPOWER conference in Houston, the energy capital of the world, acknowledging the contrast of the positive market dynamics versus the challenging federal policies. The audience let out a defiant chuckle, capturing the persistent atmosphere of the show of: “We’ve figured this out before and we’ll figure it out again.” While it was a bit too sweltering for an outside opening reception, it was not by accident that ACP chose Houston, Texas, as its newest location for its annual trade show and conference. The state is a leader in utility-scale wind, solar, batteries, and data centers, plus it is known for its extreme weather impacting grid resilience. In 2025 alone, Texas hit $24 billion in clean energy investments. Highlighting the state’s clean energy leadership, Terraflow Energy held an exclusive tour of its new 60,000 sq ft Long Duration Battery Manufacturing facility designed for data centers and located only 35 minutes from the convention center. The state is experiencing an energy abundance, compared to the rest of the world that is undergoing an energy scarcity — and not just because of the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, but also due to the blockade on wind and solar by the federal government. Overall, the Opening General Session had such an upbeat and positive atmosphere that anyone in the audience could have almost forgotten that there are critical OBBB deadlines looming around the corner. But there was a sense that the industry has quickly matured over the past few years with savvier communications and smarter policy agendas, including ACP’s new PAC reception, which headlined Nextpower’s CEO Dan Shugar and his band, Sweet Voodoo. As another example of the industry’s growth, ACP launched and demoed its new CLEANPOWER IQ (CPIQ) platform, a comprehensive, real-time “database covering 40+ years of clean energy projects and detailed insights into domestic manufacturing facilities.” Pulling more than just publicly available data, the robust and interactive platform, with excellent data visualization, can be leveraged for advocacy, bizdev, manufacturing, procurement, and by media and communications professionals. And of course, AI and data centers were discussed in almost every panel, presentation, and side discussion.
Panels and presentations
With so many changes happening in the industry, there were a number of insightful and interesting panels that ranged from investing strategies, tariffs, state-level policies, regulations, and of course AI. “Where Capital is Flowing: Investor Perspectives on Energy Growth and Risk” with Susan Nickey of HASI, Edwina Kelly of CPP Investments, Jeffrey Osborne of TD Cowen, and Ray Wood of Bank of America Securities highlighted that while the political noise was being offset by the market, policy changes were still having an impact on investment. Some changes that were noted included:
Construction-ready projects are more attractive than they were 3 years ago.
Interest in firm power is up, but gas turbine pricing still supports renewables leading to a market demand for long duration batteries.
Storage is an important flex mechanism for data centers.
The market is still uncertain about project pricing, but it can likely absorb the delta and investors are becoming more flexible on evaluating projects.
The bottom line of the panel was that investors still believe in clean energy due to pricing, even past 2030, but at the same time the industry should continue to push for an ITC extension. “Tariff Playbooks: How Industry Leaders Are Navigating Trade Challenges” with Vanessa Sciarra of ACP, Kimberly Ellis of Monument Advocacy, Jeffrey Grimson of Mowry & Grimson, PLLC, and Perry Spiegel of McLarty Associates discussed some of the key tariffs impacting the industry, such as International Emergency Powers Act (IEPA), section 122, 232, and 301. While IEPA was overturned by the Supreme Court, the 3 other sections are still putting price pressures on the industry. The good news is that Section 122 expires in July and that Section 232, while still available to the President, does not have the word tariff in it, and both are legally vulnerable. The Section with the most long-term potential impact is 301, which is for unfair trade practices. This is currently being wielded against 16 countries for so-called “overproduction” and 60 countries for forced labor, including indirectly. Other industries have had success arguing for exemptions, such as the agricultural sector for machinery, and this may be replicable for the solar industry with the right approach. Plus, this type of blanket tariff is unprecedented, leaving it legally vulnerable, especially with a Supreme Court that is getting clingier to the Constitution and separation of powers doctrine. Overall, the panelists agreed that the goal of the tariffs are to reduce our dependency on China, especially for critical minerals. It was also noted that trade policy is often used to force change in other countries, that it seems as if this time it may be a two-way street, as China may also be changing the US to have more of a “small yard, high fence” trade strategy. “PowerTalk with Jason Grumet Featuring NARUC Leaders” with Jason Grumet of American Clean Power Association, The Honorable Ann Rendahl of National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) & Commissioner of Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, and The Honorable Jehmal Hudson Commissioner of Virginia State Corporation Commission discussed the two big elephants in the room: data centers and permitting. With large load customers being given higher rates, data centers are now beginning to outbid utilities on new power generating assets, causing indirect costs to ratepayers. The panel also called for permitting reform at both the federal and state levels. The panelists noted that one way to solve both of these issues is resolving the political divide between electrons, and the good news is that clean energy and economic growth are not competing. “State Leadership in Action: Regional Strategies to Meet Energy Demand” with Sarah Cottrell Propst, MPA of ACP, Steve Caminati of Pattern Energy, Kelsey Hallahan of ACP, Chris Kunkle of Apex Clean Energy, and Mike Weiner of Fluence centered their conversation around affordability. The consensus was that energy prices are becoming a Tier 1 voter issue. Caminati captured the importance of smart energy policies by stating, “Governors can’t have an economic development strategy without an energy strategy.” Some examples that the panel noted were Virginia, which rolled out one of the most ambitious ESS targets, and Texas, with the largest clean energy portfolio in the country. Also mentioned were Illinois and Michigan for passing redesigned permitting regimes that created a tremendous amount of certainty and predictability, which are desperately needed from states. On the same topic of batteries and affordability, it was called out that batteries are the best technology for maximizing the grid we already have. To no one’s surprise, the standing room only panel was “How AI is Accelerating Clean Energy Project Deployment” with Russell Gold of T1 Energy, Craig Cornelius of Clearway Energy Group, Mark Donahue of Mortenson, and Sheldon Kimber of Intersect. During the panel, they discussed the challenges and opportunities in the data center and energy sectors. The conversation kicked off with the need for standardization in data center energy planning in order to streamline development and reduce project delays. But other project delay factors also were discussed, such as the supply chain, labor shortages, and community pushback. The IRA’s apprenticeship requirements were highlighted as an important solution for workforce development. Early collaboration to address disinformation and gain community buy-in was another critical way to address the causes of project delays. Of course, interconnection queues were also mentioned and the solutions discussed included an approach that bundled load and generation for interconnection studies and the option to go off-grid. The panel also made future predictions, which included significant advancements in clean firm solar and wind with batteries and technology-enabled permitting and grid connection processes.
Nextpower CEO Dan Shugar leads his band, Sweet Voodoo, at American Clean Power’s new PAC reception during CLEANPOWER 2026.
On and off the show floor
While many felt that CLEANPOWER 2026 was quieter, there were 8,000 participants this year. The show floor was filled with various companies showcasing their new products and solutions. Filling in one of the most critical U.S. manufacturing gaps for the solar industry is ES Foundry with its crystalline PV solar cells that are manufactured in Greenwood, South Carolina. While the initial impetus for refurbishing the then Fujifilm factory into its 1 GW plant was the IRA, the company’s cells are fully FEOC compliant and qualifies as domestic content. The company has a deep commitment to its local city, employing over 360 employees and partnering with Piedmont Technical College on a workforce development program. The company is planning on expanding its facilities to 3 GW in H2 of 2026 and growing its workforce to 500 employees. With discussions frequently drifting to policy at the conference, ES Foundry believes that U.S. government support is necessary for the industry’s continued growth. While downstream, Bila Solar is focused on providing high-quality, domestic-content panels to the market. After transitioning its singe line in Indiana back from ultra-lightweight modules to conventional glass and aluminum/steel bifacial modules, the company recently achieved its ISO 9000-1 certification, validating its quality management system. It continues to conduct third-party and customer audits, and its AA-Series 530-550 Watt Dual Glass Module was recently named a Kiwa PVEL Top Performer in the 2026 PV module reliability scorecard. Fresh off its inverter acquisition agreement, Nextpower announced its entry into the energy storage market with its agreement to acquire Prevalon Energy. These acquisitions are part of the company’s evolution into a holistic solar technology platform, which Jonathan Eastwood, SVP of U.S. sales and global sales enablement, describes as “very much in response to customers.” He explains that during this environment of unprecedented demand growth, an integrated system is more efficient as it compresses overall timelines and accelerates design — which is especially critical for the speed-to-power challenges facing the AI and data center market. The battery acquisition is particularly relevant to meeting AI energy demand and the new market conditions in which developers need to build where demand is. GameChange Solar came to the show brandishing its new name GameChange Energy to reflect its transition into an end-to-end solution provider. As part of its name change, the company consolidated its solar tracker, eBOS, asset monitoring, and transformer division. CEO Phillip Byhanek explained that the company’s mission is to improve quality while reducing CAPEX and that when a site is engineered to work together it reduces costs. For instance, by optimizing for eBOS layout, it can reduce eBOS costs by 15% and increase installation efficiencies. The company is also addressing the transformer shortage with a 330,000 square foot expansion of its transformer facility in Mumbai, India. Meanwhile, Erthos is taking a completely different direction with its earth-mounted solar solution. In what it calls a quilted solar panel design, its solution lays panels flat on the ground and uses ballasting on the permitter, consisting of pre-cast concrete blocks. According to the company, this design dramatically reduces system CAPEX and achieves one of the highest wind ratings. The system requires “smooth, not flat” grading, under a 10% slope, and does not fit heavy snow-load regions. Affordable Wire Management (AWM) introduced its utility-scale Gen 5S Arden hanger with a new design that enhances cable airflow, boosts ampacity, and lowers project development costs. The new staggered design of the hanger allows for increased airflow and reduces voltage drop. Plus, with the battery market growing, especially due to data center demand, AWM displayed its new Strata for BESS wire management that eliminates trenching and prevents overheating. And I couldn’t close out the article without mentioning that Fight Night made its official debut at CLEANPOWER, after doing the same at Intersolar this pat February. As the clean energy transition expands and matures, it feels appropriate that so does the long-standing tradition of Fight Night.
Jessica Fishman is a strategic marketing and communications leader with over 15 years’ experience in renewables, including seven as head of global public and media relations at SolarEdge. Passionate about addressing climate change by accelerating the clean energy transition, she has worked at leading renewables companies, building marketing and communications departments.
Indian solar PV manufacturer and EPC group HVR Solar is expanding upstream into solar cell production. At the SNEC 2026 expo in Shanghai, the company signed multiple strategic memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with international partners to establish a 1.2 GW annual capacity TOPCon cell manufacturing line in the Amroha district of Uttar Pradesh. Under these agreements, Shenzhen Han’s Photovoltaic Equipment Co., Ltd. will supply the core manufacturing machinery for the TOPCon production line, Gentech Technology (Huzhou) Co., Ltd. will provide critical chemical and gas utility systems, and Indygreen Technologies will serve as the technology facilitator responsible for production line integration and process deployment. This project is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen India's domestic renewable energy supply chain, reducing the company's reliance on upstream cell imports while enhancing local manufacturing capabilities. Furthermore, this new cell facility will create synergies with HVR Solar’s recently commissioned 1.2 GW automated module factory in Sonipat, Haryana. The module plant primarily produces G12 and G12R bifacial modules utilizing both TOPCon and HJT technologies, targeting the residential and commercial & industrial (C&I) rooftop solar markets. Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations. Notice: By accessing this site you agree that you will not copy or reproduce any part of its contents (including, but not limited to, single prices, graphs or news content) in any form or for any purpose whatsoever without the prior written consent of the publisher.
Uncategorized Moreover, self-generation of energy increases the property’s attractiveness because it reduces fixed costs, improves financial predictability, and offers protection against tariff adjustments. In this scenario, buyers begin to see the solar system as an asset already incorporated into the property. The reduction in the energy bill is usually the most well-known benefit of solar energy. However, the impact can go beyond monthly savings. According to Amicta Sole, some clients already seek photovoltaic systems as a strategy for asset protection. This movement appears mainly among investors, commercial property owners, and families planning a future resale. Researchers present a hydrogen ion battery capable of storing energy in two different forms, an innovative solution that promises to increase the autonomy of renewable systems and simplify energy transport. Researchers present a hydrogen ion battery capable of storing energy in two different forms, an innovative solution that promises to increase the autonomy of renewable systems and simplify energy transport. Researchers present a hydrogen ion battery capable of storing energy in two different forms, an innovative solution that promises to increase the autonomy of renewable systems and simplify energy transport. Government announces R$ 370 million for those who preserve the forest and an unprecedented initiative places traditional Amazonian communities at the center of conserving a vast area. Additionally, a property with solar energy tends to offer lower operational costs. Therefore, it can gain an advantage in purchase, sale, or rental negotiations. The survey cited by Gazeta do Povo indicates that appreciation can vary between 4% and 10%. This difference occurs because the buyer is acquiring more than just the physical structure of the property. In practice, they also receive a modern energy infrastructure, capable of generating savings for many years. Furthermore, the system offers greater predictability in the monthly budget. As a result, the property can stand out among other similar options in the market. In commercial properties, the impact can be even more significant. The reduction of fixed costs improves the operational margin of companies and makes the asset more attractive to investors. Furthermore, businesses that consume a lot of energy can directly benefit from self-generation. Thus, solar energy ceases to be just a structural improvement. It becomes a strategic negotiation argument. A quality photovoltaic system usually has a lifespan of over 25 years, as highlighted by Gazeta do Povo in Amicta Sole’s content. This means that the owner incorporates a long-term productive asset into the property. Moreover, the financial return does not end after the payback. Once the investment pays off, the system continues to generate savings and add value to the property. Therefore, the installation can be analyzed as a property decision, not just as an improvement expense. Consumer behavior has changed in recent years. Today, many buyers evaluate not only price and location but also efficiency, sustainability, and future costs. Additionally, properties with clean energy can attract individuals and companies interested in reducing emissions and meeting environmental criteria. For companies, this factor can also reinforce commitments related to ESG practices. In this context, solar energy helps position the property as modern, efficient, and aligned with new market demands. The appreciation of the property directly depends on the quality of the installed project. According to Amicta Sole, feasibility studies, consumption analysis, and financial return simulation help the owner understand the economic impact of the system before installation. Moreover, poorly designed projects can reduce efficiency and compromise the expected return. Therefore, technical planning and responsibility in execution are essential points. Solar energy is gaining ground as a tool for savings, sustainability, and real estate appreciation. Additionally, the system can strengthen the owner’s bargaining power in a future sale or rental. In a market increasingly attentive to fixed costs and energy efficiency, properties with self-generation tend to attract more attention. Thus, investing in solar energy can represent not only an immediate reduction in the electricity bill but also a way to protect and enhance the property’s value in the long term.
A Chinese research team has developed a novel panel surface temperature (PST) retrieval model designed specifically for utility-scale photovoltaic power plants. The proposed approach leverages moderate-resolution thermal infrared (TIR) satellite imagery and is engineered to address several long-standing challenges that have limited accurate temperature estimation in large PV installations. “The novelty of this research is that it enables satellites to estimate the surface temperature of photovoltaic panels – something that has been very difficult because solar farms are not uniform surfaces, but complex mixed scenes made up of panels, gap ground, and surrounding ground,” corresponding author Kun Yang told pv magazine. “Our method goes beyond conventional land surface temperature retrievals by accounting for the three-dimensional structure of PV arrays, changes in the apparent panel area with viewing angle, and the unusually low, directional emissivity of PV panels,” the academic said. “In doing so, it provides a new scene-aware way to retrieve panel-scale thermal information from satellite observations over utility-scale solar farms.” The novel method is based on measurements collected by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), a scientific instrument aboard NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites. With a spatial resolution of 1 km, each MODIS pixel covers a large surface area that typically includes not only PV modules, but also inter-row gaps, surrounding vegetation, access roads, and bare soil. As a result, the thermal signal recorded by the sensor represents a mixed radiance from multiple land-cover types rather than the temperature of the PV modules alone, which is the target variable of the study. To address this limitation, the research team developed a pixel decomposition approach to separate PV modules from inter-row gaps within each MODIS footprint. High-resolution Sentinel-2 imagery was first used to estimate the fractional PV coverage within each MODIS pixel. This information was then combined with a three-dimensional geometric model of the PV array layout, incorporating module tilt, azimuth, row spacing, and satellite viewing geometry, to determine the proportion of panel surface that is actually visible to the sensor. Finally, by explicitly modelling the thermal contribution of non-panel components such as exposed ground and inter-row spaces, the researchers were able to isolate the radiative signal attributable to the PV modules. This correction enables a more accurate retrieval of panel surface temperature at utility scale using moderate-resolution thermal infrared satellite data. To validate the method, the research team compared modelled results against ground-based measurements from two utility-scale PV power plants: an arid-site installation in Wujiaqu, Xinjiang (northwestern China), and a more humid site in Ganzi on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, Sichuan Province (southwestern China). Ground-truth panel temperatures were recorded using calibrated thermocouples mounted on the rear surface of PV modules at four representative locations across each array. The results show a substantial improvement in retrieval accuracy. During the warm season, the proposed algorithm reduced the root mean square error (RMSE) from 10.8–18.9 C under a conventional land-surface emissivity baseline approach to 3.7–8.6 C. At the same time, it significantly mitigated the systematic cold bias, improving it from approximately −10 to −17 C down to −2 to −3 C. Overall, these improvements – on the order of roughly 10 C in absolute error reduction – translate into a 3–5% decrease in PV power simulation bias. This level of accuracy enhancement supports more reliable estimation of photovoltaic performance and generation potential from satellite-derived thermal data. “One of the most striking findings is that the low emissivity of PV panels matters even more than directional effects,” Yang said. “If PV panels are treated as if they had the emissivity of a typical natural surface, the retrieved panel temperature shows a systematic cold bias of around 10 C. In other words, getting the emissivity right is essential for accurate satellite retrieval of PV panel temperature.” However, the scientist highlighted that while the method performs well in the warm season, winter remains far more challenging, primarily due to long shadows and potential snow cover. “These factors make the ground between panel rows colder than nearby open land, which can lead to significant underestimation of panel temperatures. To address this, we plan to develop a new approach to estimate the temperature of these shaded gaps and then incorporate that into our retrieval algorithm,” Yang said. “Our long-term goal is to produce a global data set of utility-scale PV panel temperature for both research and industrial applications. Our next key step is to understand better the non-panel parts of solar farms, especially the shaded gaps between rows of panels. These gaps can strongly affect satellite measurements in winter,” he concluded. “We will also test this method on more solar farms under different climate conditions and array setups, including both fixed-tilt and sun-tracking systems, to see how widely it can be applied.” The new approach was presented in “Photovoltaic panel surface temperature retrieval from MODIS through accounting for directional effects,” published in the International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation. Scientists from China’s Tsinghua University, Renewables Research Center of Huairou Laboratory, SPIC Southwest Energy Research Institute, SPIC Innovation Center of Photovoltaic Industry, Qinghai Huanghe Hydropower Development, the Aerospace Information Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (AIRCAS), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Huadian Xizang Energy have contributed to the study.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected]. Comments Please login to comment Thursday, July 9, 2026 11:00 am – 12:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Thursday, June 18, 2026 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Be part of the high-level European conference on solar and energy storage, exploring bankable BESS projects, warranties, and energy management for residential and C&I sectors The new pv magazine Global May issue is now available! Mountains to climb Available in print and digital formats. Entries open in seven categories: Modules, Inverters, BoS, BESS, Manufacturing, Sustainability, Projects. April 01 – August 31, 2026 A two-day conference in Austin, Texas, bringing together leaders in US solar manufacturing, equipment specification, and factory execution. Saudi Arabia is accelerating its clean energy transition—join the SunRise Arabia Clean Energy Conference 2026 in Riyadh to explore how solar PV and energy storage are powering its digital economy. Showcase your brand across all our platforms: from 13 websites in 7 languages to our magazines, daily newsletters, industry events and more. Reach your audience the right way! We are participating in Intersolar 2026 again this year! Visit us at our Booth Hall 2 A2.250 to discuss the latest trends within the photovoltaic industry with the pv magazine team. June 23-25, 2026 | MUNICH, GERMANY
City of Charlottesville and Charlottesville City Schools Complete Solar System Installation at CATEC
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The City of Charlottesville and Charlottesville City Schools (CCS) announce the completion of a 262.9 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of Charlottesville Area Technical Education Center (CATEC). This system is the largest solar PV system in the City and CCS portfolio. This summer, a new solar photovoltaic (PV) system which generates energy from the sun was installed on Charlottesville Area Technical Education Center (CATEC) and is now fully operational. This clean energy project started in May 2025 and was fully operational three months later in August 2025. It is expected this system will produce between 250,000 and 300,000 kWh per year and will meet over 60% of the building’s electricity need. So far, the system has produced over 76 MWh of electricity. This climate action project represents a milestone in the City of Charlottesville’s commitment to clean energy adoption and resource conservation, aligning with the City’s community climate goals of reducing emissions 45% by 2030 and aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. It leverages the City of Charlottesville’s contract with CMTA to design and deliver projects through a Master Energy Performance Contract aimed at improving energy efficiency, reducing water consumption, and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. CMTA is an energy services company that delivers decarbonization and occupant health and wellness through energy efficient, sustainable projects. CMTA teamed with a local solar system installation partner, Tiger Solar, as well as FLIPP Inc, a local nonprofit workforce development organization. Dedicated to fostering an inclusive workforce, FLIPP Inc offers renewable energy training, certification programs, and entrepreneurship development for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. This approach reflects the City’s commitment to local businesses and workforce development and intentional collaboration on climate action. CATEC is a member of the Community Climate Collaborative’s Green Business Alliance (GBA), a network of Virginia-based businesses committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The installation of this PV system is a major step towards achieving greenhouse gas reductions and utility bill savings at CATEC and demonstrates the organization’s leadership in the community. “We’re thrilled to have this system deployed and now producing clean energy, showing students at CATEC firsthand how solar is a lucrative and viable industry to get into. The positive climate impacts, cost savings, and educational benefits made this an extremely important project for the City to pursue,” says Kristel Riddervold, Director of the City’s Office of Sustainability. The City is planning for more PV installations across its portfolio of facilities. A recent ribbon cutting video is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkH5Ryz-kdY More information about the Charlottesville municipal solar portfolio is here: https://www.charlottesville.gov/CitySolar ### Media Contact Kristel Riddervold Director, Office of Sustainability City of Charlottesville 434-970-3631 riddervold@charlottesville.gov
City of Charlottesville PO Box 911 Charlottesville, VA 22902
If you liked this story, share it with other people. For decades, India’s approach to advanced technologies has followed a predictable, high-stakes pattern. Each time a global technology goes through a generational shift, a mad scramble ensues to import the latest machinery, components, or manufacturing lines. We saw it in the early phases of thermal power automation, witnessed it during the electronics boom, and today we are seeing it play out acutely in the clean energy transition. While importing technology serves as a necessary jumpstart, relying on it as a permanent strategy creates a fragile foundation. In an era defined by geopolitical volatility, trade barriers, and fractured supply chains, the strategy of continuous imports is no longer just economically draining, but also a risk to national energy security. To build a truly resilient, low-carbon future, India must pivot from being a passive consumer of global technology to an active creator of indigenous innovations. The key to unlocking this shift does not lie in blunt import bans or open-ended subsidies alone. Instead, it lies in a regulatory mechanism that India has already proven. Anchoring long-term procurement frameworks to progressively tightening, non-negotiable efficiency standards can work. By announcing these escalations well in advance, India can compel industry players to move away from quick-fix imports, invest heavily in domestic research, development, and demonstration (RD&D), and forge deep, lasting linkages with local academia. India’s climate targets are among the most ambitious in the world, requiring the deployment of hundreds of gigawatts of renewable energy over the next few decades. Yet, much of this transition remains tethered to foreign supply chains. Solar cell technology has evolved rapidly — from older Al-BSF cells, which lost significant energy through their aluminium rear surface, to PERC cells that recover that lost energy through a smarter reflective coating, and further still to newer TOPCon and Heterojunction technologies that push efficiency even higher. Each time the global industry moves to the next generation, Indian manufacturers are left playing catch-up, importing new production equipment and turnkey lines all over again. This perpetual cycle of technology imports introduces three distinct vulnerabilities. First, global supply chains are increasingly weaponised or disrupted by trade disputes, geopolitical conflicts, and shipping bottlenecks, meaning India’s decarbonisation timeline remains hostage to external shocks as long as it depends on foreign suppliers for core components. The second is the hidden cost of obsolescence. Foreign technology is rarely cheap, and buying it repeatedly through every major technology cycle steadily drains capital. When local developers must price in the cost of importing next-generation production lines each time, those hidden expenses ultimately travel down the energy value chain. The third, and perhaps most structural, is the hollow manufacturing problem. Assembling imported components or operating imported machinery does not build a deeply rooted knowledge economy. True technological sovereignty is achieved only when the core design, engineering, and iterative improvements happen domestically. An indigenous supply chain is inherently cheaper and more reliable over the long term. But to build one, the domestic market needs a clear, predictable signal that rewards innovation over importation. The most effective way to stimulate domestic innovation is to leverage the purchasing power of future procurements by linking them to strict, forward-looking technical standards. Rather than trying to pick winning technologies or protecting inefficient local industries, the state should mandate performance outcomes — specifically, energy efficiency. Consider the solar sector as a primary case study. If India were to immediately announce a progressive grading mandate for all future public and utility-scale solar procurements, it would fundamentally alter the investment horizon for developers and manufacturers alike. A realistic, forward-looking roadmap could unfold in stages. If the government were to mandate a minimum cell efficiency of 22% in the near term, it would be achievable largely through advanced PERC and baseline TOPCon technologies. Both technologies are already within domestic reach. Raising that bar to 27% by 2030 could push the sector toward advanced silicon and early tandem-cell architectures, compelling manufacturers to invest in next-generation capabilities rather than consolidate around current ones. A further mandate of 30% by 2035 could make perovskite-silicon tandem architectures the dominant technology — a frontier that India could help shape rather than simply adopt. An immediate announcement of this multi-decade escalator completely changes the corporate calculus. If a developer knows that a standard 22% cell will be legally ineligible for future procurement rounds within a few years, they can no longer rely on a business model built around importing depreciated, older-generation manufacturing equipment from abroad. Faced with an unyielding efficiency escalator, industry players are forced to look ahead. They must calculate the compounding costs of repeatedly importing newer, highly protected foreign technologies versus the viability of developing in-house RD&D capabilities. Over a ten- to fifteen-year horizon, building local capacity is the economically superior choice. This approach is not a theoretical experiment; India has successfully deployed it before. A flawless historical parallel can be found in the domestic air-conditioning market, which is driven by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). Years ago, the Indian air conditioning sector was heavily dependent on imported compressor technologies and foreign designs to meet shifting consumer demands. To disrupt this dependency, the BEE introduced the Standards & Labelling programme, which continuously raised the efficiency baseline required to achieve coveted star ratings. Crucially, India went a step further by introducing an India-specific metric: the Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER). Unlike the earlier standard that evaluated cooling performance based on a constant, moderate temperature, ISEER was custom-engineered to reflect India’s unique, highly variable climatic zones and higher ambient temperatures. By anchoring market access and consumer visibility to a tightening, India-specific efficiency standard, and backing it with financial incentives through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the regulatory framework left manufacturers with a clear choice: either keep importing expensive foreign components that were not optimised for Indian heat, or invest in domestic engineering to build compressors and heat exchangers tailored precisely to the local climate. PLI scheme was introduced in 2020 and has helped in creating a manufacturing ecosystem in India, even though it doesn’t inherently enhance efficiency. The strategy worked beautifully. The market shifted decisively. Global and domestic brands such as LG Electronics, Daikin Airconditioning India, and Mitsubishi Electric Indiaestablished deep manufacturing and engineering bases within India, drastically reducing the country’s reliance on completely built-up or knocked-down imports. The policy proved that when you change the rules of market entry to favour long-term efficiency, the supply chain naturally reorganises itself around domestic innovation. Setting a strict efficiency roadmap is the demand-side trigger, but the supply side requires a robust ecosystem to deliver the necessary breakthroughs. A major historical failure of Indian industrial policy has been the profound disconnect between laboratory research and commercial deployment. India possesses a deep pool of talent within its Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs, think tanks, and premier universities, yet much of their cutting-edge research remains confined to academic journals. A progressive efficiency mandate forces the private sector to bridge this chasm. When an industrial house faces a looming deadline to reach 27% or 30% solar cell efficiency, it can no longer treat academic collaboration as a token corporate social responsibility (CSR) exercise. It must actively seek out academic partners to solve deep-tech material science, chemical, and engineering challenges. To accelerate this process, the state must back its mandates with targeted institutional and budgetary support across several fronts. For instance, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) should play a catalytic role by structuring co-funding mechanisms. If a solar manufacturer or advanced manufacturing firm partners with an academic institution to achieve the next tier of the efficiency roadmap, the ANRF can provide matching grants to de-risk the early-stage, high-uncertainty phases of research. The Department of Science and Technology (DST), meanwhile, can refocus its funding away from purely exploratory research toward dedicated demonstration and scaling hubs. These hubs would provide the physical infrastructure — such as pilot cleanrooms and testing facilities — where university-developed prototypes can be scaled up to commercial-grade manufacturing speeds. Cutting across both is the question of intellectual property. Streamlining IP sharing between universities and private entities ensures that when a breakthrough is made, it can be licensed and integrated into domestic factory floors without protracted legal friction. Achieving true self-reliance in clean tech requires a departure from traditional, protectionist defensive strategies. High import tariffs can temporarily shield domestic industries, but without internal performance pressures, they risk breeding stagnation and keeping the market anchored to older, less efficient technologies. The path forward must be offensive, strategic, and performance-driven. By designing a system where future procurement is inextricably linked to an escalating ladder of efficiency, India can unleash the latent innovative potential of its private sector and scientific community. Together, these interventions create a self-sustaining virtuous cycle. Strict efficiency mandates force industry to plan across decades rather than procurement cycles, creating the conditions for deep academic partnerships backed by ANRF and DST funding. Those partnerships, in turn, drive the commercialisation of indigenous technologies — which progressively lower system costs and build supply chains that are resilient by design rather than by accident. When the core technology is engineered, optimised, and manufactured within our borders, the supply chain shortens, geopolitical exposure drops, and the cost of energy falls. India has already demonstrated through the transformational restructuring of its appliance sector under BEE that it can rewrite the rules of domestic markets to foster world-class efficiency. It is time to apply that exact same ambition to the broader clean energy landscape. By announcing a clear, progressive, and unyielding efficiency roadmap today, India can finally break free from the import trap — ensuring that the green transition is not just environmentally sustainable, but technologically sovereign.
Banner image: Machine operators work on cell printing for solar panels in Mundra, Gujarat, at a manufacturing unit where solar energy components are made from scratch. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) The author is a professor at the School of Public Policy, IIT Delhi and previously served as Director General of the International Solar Alliance (2021–25) and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (2006–12 and 2013–16). Read more:Behind the green transition is a race for rare earth minerals
0 Powered by : Bondada Engineering, an India-based engineering company, has received an EPC order from NTPC Renewable Energy Limited for a 250 MW PV project with a 50 MW/200 MWh BESS in Uttar Pradesh. NTPC Renewable Energy awarded the domestic package for EPC work at the site. The order value is INR 1338,03,29,049 (~$147.18 million), inclusive of GST. The project is scheduled for completion within 18 months from receipt of the NOA. The award has taken Bondada Engineering’s Solar EPC order book to approximately 5.5 GW. Its BESS order book has also increased to around 1.1 GWh after the NTPC Renewable Energy order.
0 Powered by : Waaree Energies Limited, a solar PV manufacturing company based in Mumbai, has bagged an order for 800 MW of solar module supply from India. It would be executed in FY 2026-27. The customer was said to be a well-known energy solution supplier. The order is for a one-time supply of solar modules only. This disclosure has been made by the company under Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations, 2015. Waaree Energies informed the exchange that the order was not related party transaction, and neither their promoter group nor group companies had any interest in receiving this order from the customer.
Frontier Energy says it has secured firm commitments from investors to raise AUD 110 million before costs through a conditional placement to help fund the first stage of its Waroona Renewable Energy Project in Western Australia. The initial stage of the project, being developed on an 820-hectare landholding about 120 km south of the state capital, Perth, is to include a 132 MW solar farm along with an 81.5 MW/565 MWh battery energy storage system. Capital cost for this stage is listed at AUD 327 million, including contingency. Frontier said the capital estimate includes a larger solar plant, which has been boosted from the original 120 MW due to the adoption of higher-efficiency 660 W modules, up from 610 W. The capacity of the battery has also been expanded from the original 80 MW/360 MWh to comply with reserve capacity obligations and to allow for greater flexibility to maximize energy sales into periods of greatest demand. The Perth-headquartered developer said these changes will “increase energy generation and sales and improve the economics” for the first stage of the planned multi-stage project that is expected to eventually include about 1 GW of solar generation capacity and up to 660 MW of battery storage. Frontier Executive Chairman Jamie Cullen said the equity raising represents “a pivotal achievement” for the project as it paves the way for “stage one senior debt finance to progress towards binding credit approval and financial close.” “We will then be ready to commence building stage one and continue development work on stage two,” he said, adding that “the appetite from new investors highlights the quality of our stage one project and the pipeline for future development at Waroona to create a major renewable energy precinct in the southwest of Western Australia.” As part of the stage one financing process, Frontier said it has advanced all major engineering, procurement, and construction contracts toward execution. This includes major works and key equipment supply contracts. Frontier is aiming to start construction on the first stage later this year, with operations commencing in late 2027. The funding milestone follows the announcement that the first stage of the project was among the winners of Western Australia’s first Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) tender. Frontier has also been assigned capacity credits for stage one of the Waroona project as part of the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) Reserve Capacity Mechanism (RCM). From pv magazine Australia This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com. Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked *
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SolarSquare, a residential solar solutions company in India, has raised $53 million in a Series C funding, marking the largest venture investment in India’s solar sector. The round was led by B Capital, with existing investor Lightspeed increasing its investment in the company. Other existing investors Elevation Capital, Lowercarbon Capital, Rainmatter by Zerodha and Good Capital also participated in the current round. This takes the total capital raised by the company to over $100 million. The company said it will deploy fresh capital to accelerate geographic expansion into new cities, deepen technology capabilities, hire talent and scale its residential solar platform. Founded in 2015 by Neeraj Jain, Nikhil Nahar, and Shreya Mishra, SolarSquare focuses on residential rooftop solar installations. The company says it has installed rooftop solar systems at around 50,000 homes across India and is currently operating at an annualized revenue run rate of more than INR 1,000 crore. SolarSquare operates as a full-stack home energy platform. The company manages the entire customer journey from initial consultation and system design to installation, financing support, and long-term maintenance. “Rooftop solar requires a capital commitment of anywhere between INR 2–4 lakh for a typical urban household. That kind of decision demands trust, transparency, and reliable after-sales support. SolarSquare’s integrated model is built precisely around that insight. It is the first in India to offer a performance guarantee to its customers, an innovation that gives customers complete assurance on their investment,” stated the company. Comments Please login to comment Thursday, July 9, 2026 11:00 am – 12:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Thursday, June 18, 2026 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Wednesday, June 10, 2026 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Tuesday, June 9, 2026 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Thursday, June 11, 2026 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Monday, June 1, 2026 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Madrid, Paris Tuesday, June 16, 2026 6 am – 7:00 am CEST, Berlin Friday, June 12, 2026 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid The new pv magazine Global May issue is now available! Mountains to climb Available in print and digital formats. Entries open in seven categories: Modules, Inverters, BoS, BESS, Manufacturing, Sustainability, Projects. April 01 – August 31, 2026 pv magazine Insight will be held on October 30, at The Battery Show India Expo 2025 and moderated by pv magazine’s Uma Gupta and Mark Hutchins. Energy-hungry data centers open new doors for solar and storage. Available in print and digital formats.
With expanded U.S. clean energy incentives, Brookfield’s California Flats solar farm is back in focus. The 280 MW facility in California supplies long-term power to tech giants and highlights how Brookfield Renewable is monetizing utility-scale solar alongside its core hydro assets. Edited by ad hoc news New Releases & Launches Desk. Reviewed before publication on 06/16/2026 at 10:09 AM ET. Details in the imprint. Fresh attention on U.S. clean energy tax credits is shining a light on one of Brookfield Renewable Partners’ key American projects: the **California Flats solar farm**, a 280 megawatt solar facility in San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties that has become a workhorse asset in the partnership’s growing solar portfolio. The project, which reached full commercial operation in 2018, delivers long-term contracted power to corporate offtakers including Apple and Pacific Gas and Electric, underscoring Brookfield’s strategy of locking in predictable cash flows from investment-grade counterparties. Brookfield Renewable’s own deal announcement on the 1.3 GW U.S. solar portfolio details California Flats as one of the flagship assets acquired. California Flats is a utility-scale photovoltaic solar facility with a nameplate capacity of around **280 MWac**, spread across roughly 2,900 acres of privately owned land on the eastern side of Monterey County near the Carrizo Plain, an area with high solar irradiance and relatively low competing land use. Commissioned in phases and fully online by early 2018, the plant was originally developed by First Solar before Brookfield Renewable acquired it as part of a broader 1.3 GW U.S. solar portfolio transaction, giving the partnership an immediate scale footprint in American solar generation. According to project documentation filed with California regulators and developer disclosures, the plant connects into the California ISO grid via existing transmission infrastructure, reducing the need for extensive new lines and helping keep project economics in check. A detailed project description from First Solar highlights the 280 MW capacity, multi-phase construction and location in southeastern Monterey County. A key feature that sets California Flats apart is its offtake structure. Roughly 150 MW of its output is backed by a 25-year power purchase agreement with Apple, which uses the renewable energy to cover a substantial share of its California operations’ electricity consumption, while the remaining capacity is contracted under a long-term agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric for delivery into the utility’s portfolio. These contracts are structured as fixed-price or escalator-linked PPAs, providing Brookfield Renewable with a degree of revenue visibility that aligns with its broader strategy across hydro, wind and distributed generation. Because both Apple and PG&E carry strong credit profiles, the PPA structure also helps reduce counterparty risk, an important consideration for long-dated infrastructure assets. The project’s operating profile benefits from California’s aggressive renewable portfolio standard, which currently requires utilities and other load-serving entities to source a high and rising share of their electricity from renewable sources, as well as from federal incentives that enhance project returns. While the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) was the primary federal support structure at the time of development, newer policy measures under the Inflation Reduction Act have improved the economics of both repowering and life-extension investments, making older but still young assets like California Flats candidates for incremental optimization. For Brookfield, these policy dynamics increase the strategic value of the asset beyond its existing PPA cash flows, potentially enabling upgrades such as inverter replacements or bifacial panel retrofits over the asset’s multi-decade life, subject to permitting and land-use constraints. Operationally, California Flats is designed for utility-scale efficiency, using single-axis tracking to follow the sun across the sky and maximize energy yield throughout the day. The plant’s layout and tracking systems were engineered to balance peak output with grid-integration requirements, avoiding excessive ramping and curtailment risk where possible. From an environmental standpoint, siting on already disturbed or low-conflict land helped the project navigate California’s stringent permitting process, including habitat considerations for endangered species in the broader Carrizo region. Water use is limited mainly to periodic panel cleaning and minimal site maintenance, which is significantly lower than a comparable fossil-fuel plant generating similar annual megawatt-hours. For Brookfield Renewable, California Flats fits into a broader pivot toward solar as a complement to its historic core in hydroelectric assets. As of its latest disclosures, the partnership has built or acquired several gigawatts of solar capacity across North America, South America, Europe and Asia, using utility-scale projects like California Flats to anchor regional platforms that can support smaller distributed-generation and community-solar developments. The long-term contracted nature of the project’s revenue is consistent with Brookfield’s targeted risk-return profile for core infrastructure, and management frequently cites such assets when describing the partnership’s ability to generate stable funds-from-operations while still offering growth. A recent investor communication notes that Brookfield Renewable now counts solar as one of its fastest-growing segments by installed capacity and development pipeline, with U.S. projects playing a central role. Financially, the California Flats asset contributes to Brookfield Renewable’s goal of delivering mid- to high-single-digit annual distribution growth backed by contracted cash flows. While the partnership does not usually break out project-level revenue, back-of-the-envelope calculations using typical California PPA prices and a reasonable capacity factor suggest that California Flats alone could be contributing tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue. Additionally, the long duration of the Apple and PG&E contracts helps insulate the asset from near-term power price volatility in California’s wholesale markets, though the plant still faces operational risks such as curtailment during periods of high renewable output and potential future grid congestion. From a market-structure perspective, California Flats illustrates the interplay between corporate procurement of renewables and utility obligations under state law. On one hand, Apple’s PPA demonstrates how large technology companies can directly support the build-out of new clean energy capacity while hedging their own energy costs and meeting corporate sustainability targets. On the other, PG&E’s offtake underpins the utility’s compliance with renewable portfolio standards and provides a long-duration resource that can help balance shorter-term contracts or spot-market exposures. For Brookfield Renewable, serving both types of customers via a single asset reinforces its positioning as a flexible capital provider across different segments of the power market. Policy developments are reinforcing the relevance of assets like California Flats. California continues to refine its resource adequacy framework and long-duration storage requirements, which indirectly increases the value of dependable daytime solar generation that can be paired with batteries in future repowering or augmentation phases. At the federal level, tax credit transferability and direct-pay options have made it easier for infrastructure sponsors to monetize incentives without complex tax equity structures, potentially benefiting any new capital deployed into optimizing existing solar plants. These shifts, combined with global decarbonization commitments, help explain why investors scrutinize Brookfield Renewable’s operating solar fleet when assessing the partnership’s growth prospects. Looking at the competitive landscape, California Flats is one of many large-scale solar plants in the broader Central California corridor, which includes projects like Topaz Solar Farm and the California Valley Solar Ranch. While those assets are owned by other sponsors, they share common challenges around curtailment and evolving grid needs. Brookfield Renewable’s advantage lies in its diversified portfolio across technologies and geographies, allowing it to balance region-specific risks. In investor presentations, management has emphasized that diversification across hydro, wind, solar and storage reduces the impact of weather variability and localized regulatory changes, an argument that gains credence as climate patterns become less predictable. For local communities, the construction of California Flats delivered a short-term employment boost and longer-term tax revenue, though direct permanent jobs at the site are relatively limited due to the nature of utility-scale solar operations. Still, the presence of a large, long-lived infrastructure asset can support ancillary economic activity and signal the region’s suitability for additional clean energy investments. Community-benefit agreements and ongoing land-management commitments aim to balance economic benefits with environmental stewardship, a recurring theme in large-scale solar development across the American West. Within Brookfield Renewable’s portfolio, California Flats is not the newest asset, but it remains strategically important as a mature, de-risked project that throws off cash and provides a reference case for future deals. The partnership often acquires portfolios that include a mix of development-stage, construction and operating assets; fully contracted sites like California Flats can effectively subsidize the higher risk of earlier-stage projects. This portfolio construction approach is central to Brookfield’s investment thesis and helps support its distribution policy to unitholders. The asset also provides tangible proof of the partnership’s ability to integrate acquired projects from different developers into a unified operations and asset-management platform. In the context of Brookfield Renewable Partners’ capital-markets profile, California Flats is one of several flagship U.S. solar projects that investors cite when evaluating the stability and growth potential of the partnership’s cash flows. Brookfield Renewable Partners (ISIN BMG162581083) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker BEP, and its units last traded around $24 in mid-June 2026, reflecting market expectations for the partnership’s ability to navigate interest-rate moves while continuing to expand its renewable portfolio. A recent market overview from a major financial news outlet noted that the unit price has been sensitive to bond-yield shifts but supported by the firm’s long-term contracted asset base, including utility-scale solar farms such as California Flats. Detailed financial and project-level information is available via Brookfield Renewable’s own investor relations materials, where management regularly highlights the scale and diversification of its operating and development pipelines. Brookfield Renewable’s investor relations site provides the latest presentations and fact sheets on its hydro, wind, solar and storage portfolio. Brookfield Renewable’s broader portfolio and financial metrics put projects like California Flats into context for investors and stakeholders. This article was a.i.-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without warranty; prices and availability may change at short notice. Not investment advice and not a buy or sell recommendation. Trading involves risk up to and including the total loss of invested capital.
Searching for your content… In-Language News Contact Us 888-776-0942 from 8 AM – 10 PM ET Jun 16, 2026, 07:07 ET Share this article Petpeswick Community Solar Project Expected to Deliver Clean Energy Equivalent to Approximately 288 Homes Annually Subscription-based model lets renters, businesses, and homeowners access solar bill credits ($0.02/kWh savings) without rooftop installation Advances Alignment with Nova Scotia’s 80% Renewable Energy Target by 2030 TORONTO, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – PowerBank Corporation (NASDAQ: PBK) (Cboe CA: PBK) (FSE: 103) (“PowerBank” or the “Company“), a leader in independent energy development and asset ownership in North America, today announced that the project owner has executed the Standard Small Generator Interconnection and Operating Agreement (SSGIA) for the 3.15 MW DC Petpeswick ground-mounted community solar project in Halifax, Nova Scotia (the “Project“). The Project has also secured municipal permits and will now advance to environmental permitting. The Project is expected to power the equivalent of approximately 288 homes annually and generate roughly $1.727 million in lifetime electricity savings for the local community. A Standard Small Generator Interconnection and Operating Agreement (SSGIA) is the formal contract that lets a smaller power project connect to and operate on the electricity grid. It sets the technical and safety rules for the physical connection and spells out who pays for any grid upgrades. For the Petpeswick project, signing it is a key milestone, confirming a clear, approved path to deliver solar power to the Nova Scotia grid before construction can begin. Given the successful completion of the SSGIA and the receipt of necessary permits from the municipality, PowerBank will now be proceeding to environmental permitting. PowerBank targets commencement of ground preparation in the Fall of 2026 for the Petpeswick project, subject to final permitting and financing. Find details on PowerBank’s progress on three community solar projects in Nova Scotia here. The Project is owned by AI Renewable Flow-through Fund and PowerBank is the lead developer for the Project. PowerBank has partnered with local Nova Scotia’s trusted engineering firm, Trimac Engineering, to deliver the Projects. PowerBank has been at the forefront of community solar development in the United States with over 50 MW of community solar projects completed and is proud to be deploying its expertise in Canada as the community solar market develops there. Over the lifetime of the Project, it is expected to generate approximately $1.727 Million in electricity savings for the local community in Halifax, Nova Scotia. These savings come with additional benefits including local job creation, economic activity, and emissions reductions. Community Solar is a cornerstone of Nova Scotia’s bold commitment to achieve 80% renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero by 2035. Unlike traditional rooftop systems, community solar allows renters, businesses, and homeowners to subscribe to the solar farm and receive bill credits and savings of $0.02/kWh—without installing any equipment. Project feeds directly into the local electricity grid and offers a flexible, accessible way for Nova Scotians to participate in the clean energy transition. As one of only four community solar contracts awarded under the program so far, the Petpeswick project contributes approximately 3.15 MW DC to the 100 MW AC of planned solar additions that will help reduce fossil fuel reliance and drive local economic development. The Project leverages PowerBank’s proven execution capabilities and strategic partnerships. With over 100 MW of projects built and a 1+ GW development pipeline, PowerBank brings institutional-grade development expertise to Atlantic Canada. The Project’s clear timeline ensures near-term EPC revenue generation, and positions PowerBank to obtain additional development contracts in the high-growth community solar market. All MW numbers presented as MW DC unless otherwise specified. There are several risks associated with the development of the Project. The development of any project is subject to receipt of a community solar contract, receipt of required permits, the availability of third-party financing arrangements for the Company and the risks associated with the construction of a solar power project. In addition, governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for solar power, which could result in the Project no longer being economic. Please refer to “Forward-Looking Statements” for additional discussion of the assumptions and risk factors associated with the Project and statements made in this press release. About PowerBank Corporation PowerBank Corporation is a vertically integrated and independent North American energy company helping to power the digital economy. The Company develops, builds, owns, and operates solar and battery energy storage systems that deliver reliable, resilient, and behind-the-meter power to the electricity grid, commercial and industrial clients, and municipal and residential off-takers. As AI and digital infrastructure drive unprecedented electricity demand, PowerBank is uniquely positioned to deliver the speed, scale, and energy independence that the next generation of power consumers requires, without waiting years for grid interconnection. The Company has a potential development pipeline of over one gigawatt and has developed energy projects with a combined capacity of over 100 megawatts built. To learn more about PowerBank, please visit www.powerbankcorp.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) that relate to the Company’s current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as “will likely result”, “are expected to”, “expects”, “will continue”, “is anticipated”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimated”, “intends”, “plans”, “forecast”, ”projection”, “strategy”, “objective” and “outlook”) are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. In particular and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the Company’s expectations regarding its industry trends and overall market growth; the Company’s growth strategies the expected energy production from the solar power projects mentioned in this press release; the number of homes expected to be powered; the timeline for construction; the expected savings for local residents; the receipt of permits and financing to be able to construct the Project; the receipt of incentives for the Project; and the size of the Company’s development pipeline. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of the experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate, and are subject to risks and uncertainties. In making the forward looking statements included in this news release, the Company has made various material assumptions, including but not limited to: obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals; that regulatory requirements will be maintained; general business and economic conditions; the Company’s ability to successfully execute its plans and intentions; the availability of financing on reasonable terms; the Company’s ability to attract and retain skilled staff; market competition; the products and services offered by the Company’s competitors; that the Company’s current good relationships with its service providers and other third parties will be maintained; and government subsidies and funding for renewable energy will continue as currently contemplated. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect, and the Company cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to the Company’s expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, including those listed under “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recently completed Annual Information Form, and other public filings of the Company, which include: the Company may be adversely affected by volatile solar power market and industry conditions; the execution of the Company’s growth strategy depends upon the continued availability of third-party financing arrangements; the Company’s future success depends partly on its ability to expand the pipeline of its energy business in several key markets; governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for solar and battery storage power; general global economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our operating performance and results of operations; the Company’s project development and construction activities may not be successful; developing and operating solar Project exposes the Company to various risks; the Company faces a number of risks involving Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”) and project-level financing arrangements; any changes to the laws, regulations and policies that the Company is subject to may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the purchase and use of solar power; the markets in which the Company competes are highly competitive and evolving quickly; an anti-circumvention investigation could adversely affect the Company by potentially raising the prices of key supplies for the construction of solar power projects; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; a change in the Company’s effective tax rate can have a significant adverse impact on its business; seasonal variations in demand linked to construction cycles and weather conditions may influence the Company’s results of operations; the Company may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows or have access to external financing; the Company may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future; the Company is subject to risks from supply chain issues; risks related to inflation and tariffs; unexpected warranty expenses that may not be adequately covered by the Company’s insurance policies; if the Company is unable to attract and retain key personnel, it may not be able to compete effectively in the renewable energy market; there are a limited number of purchasers of utility-scale quantities of electricity; compliance with environmental laws and regulations can be expensive; corporate responsibility may adversely impose additional costs; the future impact of any global pandemic on the Company is unknown at this time; the Company has limited insurance coverage; the Company will be reliant on information technology systems and may be subject to damaging cyberattacks; the Company may become subject to litigation; there is no guarantee on how the Company will use its available funds; the Company will continue to sell securities for cash to fund operations, capital expansion, mergers and acquisitions that will dilute the current shareholders; and future dilution as a result of financings. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them, or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. 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The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) is using $2.7 million in collaboration with the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) to fund solar and storage projects at 25 affordable housing properties in the state. This money will be allocated through Maryland’s Strategic Revolving Fund (SRF), which was created to make these renewable technologies more affordable, and in…
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A Chinese research team has developed a novel panel surface temperature (PST) retrieval model designed specifically for utility-scale photovoltaic power plants. The proposed approach leverages moderate-resolution thermal infrared (TIR) satellite imagery and is engineered to address several long-standing challenges that have limited accurate temperature estimation in large PV installations. “The novelty of this research is that it enables satellites to estimate the surface temperature of photovoltaic panels – something that has been very difficult because solar farms are not uniform surfaces, but complex mixed scenes made up of panels, gap ground, and surrounding ground,” corresponding author Kun Yang told pv magazine. “Our method goes beyond conventional land surface temperature retrievals by accounting for the three-dimensional structure of PV arrays, changes in the apparent panel area with viewing angle, and the unusually low, directional emissivity of PV panels,” the academic said. “In doing so, it provides a new scene-aware way to retrieve panel-scale thermal information from satellite observations over utility-scale solar farms.” The novel method is based on measurements collected by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), a scientific instrument aboard NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites. With a spatial resolution of 1 km, each MODIS pixel covers a large surface area that typically includes not only PV modules, but also inter-row gaps, surrounding vegetation, access roads, and bare soil. As a result, the thermal signal recorded by the sensor represents a mixed radiance from multiple land-cover types rather than the temperature of the PV modules alone, which is the target variable of the study. To address this limitation, the research team developed a pixel decomposition approach to separate PV modules from inter-row gaps within each MODIS footprint. High-resolution Sentinel-2 imagery was first used to estimate the fractional PV coverage within each MODIS pixel. This information was then combined with a three-dimensional geometric model of the PV array layout, incorporating module tilt, azimuth, row spacing, and satellite viewing geometry, to determine the proportion of panel surface that is actually visible to the sensor. Finally, by explicitly modelling the thermal contribution of non-panel components such as exposed ground and inter-row spaces, the researchers were able to isolate the radiative signal attributable to the PV modules. This correction enables a more accurate retrieval of panel surface temperature at utility scale using moderate-resolution thermal infrared satellite data. To validate the method, the research team compared modelled results against ground-based measurements from two utility-scale PV power plants: an arid-site installation in Wujiaqu, Xinjiang (northwestern China), and a more humid site in Ganzi on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, Sichuan Province (southwestern China). Ground-truth panel temperatures were recorded using calibrated thermocouples mounted on the rear surface of PV modules at four representative locations across each array. The results show a substantial improvement in retrieval accuracy. During the warm season, the proposed algorithm reduced the root mean square error (RMSE) from 10.8–18.9 C under a conventional land-surface emissivity baseline approach to 3.7–8.6 C. At the same time, it significantly mitigated the systematic cold bias, improving it from approximately −10 to −17 C down to −2 to −3 C. Overall, these improvements – on the order of roughly 10 C in absolute error reduction – translate into a 3–5% decrease in PV power simulation bias. This level of accuracy enhancement supports more reliable estimation of photovoltaic performance and generation potential from satellite-derived thermal data. “One of the most striking findings is that the low emissivity of PV panels matters even more than directional effects,” Yang said. “If PV panels are treated as if they had the emissivity of a typical natural surface, the retrieved panel temperature shows a systematic cold bias of around 10 C. In other words, getting the emissivity right is essential for accurate satellite retrieval of PV panel temperature.” However, the scientist highlighted that while the method performs well in the warm season, winter remains far more challenging, primarily due to long shadows and potential snow cover. “These factors make the ground between panel rows colder than nearby open land, which can lead to significant underestimation of panel temperatures. To address this, we plan to develop a new approach to estimate the temperature of these shaded gaps and then incorporate that into our retrieval algorithm,” Yang said. “Our long-term goal is to produce a global data set of utility-scale PV panel temperature for both research and industrial applications. Our next key step is to understand better the non-panel parts of solar farms, especially the shaded gaps between rows of panels. These gaps can strongly affect satellite measurements in winter,” he concluded. “We will also test this method on more solar farms under different climate conditions and array setups, including both fixed-tilt and sun-tracking systems, to see how widely it can be applied.” The new approach was presented in “Photovoltaic panel surface temperature retrieval from MODIS through accounting for directional effects,” published in the International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation. Scientists from China’s Tsinghua University, Renewables Research Center of Huairou Laboratory, SPIC Southwest Energy Research Institute, SPIC Innovation Center of Photovoltaic Industry, Qinghai Huanghe Hydropower Development, the Aerospace Information Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (AIRCAS), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Huadian Xizang Energy have contributed to the study.
Comments Please login to comment Thursday, July 9, 2026 11:00 am – 12:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Thursday, June 18, 2026 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Wednesday, June 10, 2026 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Tuesday, June 9, 2026 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Thursday, June 11, 2026 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Monday, June 1, 2026 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Madrid, Paris Tuesday, June 16, 2026 6 am – 7:00 am CEST, Berlin Friday, June 12, 2026 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid The new pv magazine Global May issue is now available! Mountains to climb Available in print and digital formats. A two-day conference in Austin, Texas, bringing together leaders in US solar manufacturing, equipment specification, and factory execution. Entries open in seven categories: Modules, Inverters, BoS, BESS, Manufacturing, Sustainability, Projects. April 01 – August 31, 2026 pv magazine USA hosts its third multi-day virtual event on advancing U.S. solar and energy storage markets, covering financing, supply chains, and distributed energy’s role in grid resilience.
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BusinessDay Oladehinde Oladipo June 16, 2026 When the rains arrived in earnest last May, Chukwuemeka Obi’s solar setup in Lagos went from powering his entire household to struggling to charge his phones. His inverter was alarming at odd hours, his batteries were draining faster than usual, and his panels, recently installed at no small cost, were producing a fraction of what the salesman had promised. “I assumed the rain would clean everything,” said Obi, a pharmacy owner who invested N2,000,000 in a 1.5kVA solar system the previous December. “Nobody told me the rainy season is actually when the system needs the most attention.” His experience is common. Nigeria’s solar market has grown sharply over the past three years, driven by chronic grid unreliability and the removal of the petrol subsidy that made generator fuel unaffordable for millions. The country now has one of the fastest-growing off-grid solar adoption rates on the continent, with the International Energy Agency estimating more than 4.5 million solar home systems currently in use nationwide. But the investment comes with a largely unaddressed vulnerability: the six-month rainy season, which runs from April through October in the south and shorter windows in the north, actively degrades system performance in ways that owners rarely anticipate.
Clean the panels, rain doesn’t do it for you The most widespread misconception in Nigerian solar ownership is that rainfall keeps panels clean. It does not. Rain washes loose surface dust away but leaves behind a film of mineral deposits, especially in areas with hard borehole water or industrial proximity. In Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Onitsha, airborne particulates from traffic and industry mix with rain to create a residue that dries into a semi-permanent haze across panel glass. That haze cuts energy output by between 15 and 30 percent, according to maintenance engineers at SolarNaija, a Lagos-based installer. The solution is a soft cloth or squeegee, clean water, and no detergent. Cleaning every three to four weeks during peak rain season is sufficient for most environments. Do it early in the morning, before the sun heats the glass, to avoid thermal shock cracking.
Check the mounting before the wind does it for you
Rainy season in southern Nigeria often arrives with squalls and sustained winds that probe every weakness in a rooftop installation. Loose mounting bolts, improperly seated panel clamps, and corroding brackets, often invisible during the dry months, become failure points the moment wind load increases. Walk around the structure after every heavy storm. If panels have shifted position, even slightly, output drops and connector damage become likely. Tighten any loose hardware, replace galvanised bolts that show rust with stainless steel alternatives, and inspect roof penetration points for leaks. Water entering the roof around a mount is a slow catastrophe that most owners don’t discover until the ceiling caves. Your battery and inverter need dry air Humidity is the quiet enemy of charge controllers, inverters, and battery terminals. Lead-acid battery terminals oxidize faster in humid conditions, creating resistance that wastes charge and generates heat. Lithium systems are more tolerant but not immune. At least once a month during rainy season, disconnect the battery terminals, inspect for white or greenish buildup, and clean with a dry cloth or fine wire brush. Do not use water. Ensure your inverter has adequate ventilation and is not mounted in a sealed cabinet. If you can hear the inverter fan running constantly, the ambient temperature in the room is too high — something that worsens when buildings retain humidity.
Monitor your numbers, not just your lights Most inverters display daily generation figures. Write them down or photograph the screen weekly. A consistent drop of more than 20 percent against your dry-season baseline, on a day with partial sun, signals something is wrong, whether dirty panels, a failing battery cell, or a corroded cable joint. Nigeria’s solar boom has produced a market full of smart buyers who did their research before purchase. The owners who protect that investment through rainy season are simply the ones who keep paying attention after the installation crew leaves.
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The government of Kyrgyzstan has announced the first phase of a planned 1.9 GW solar project is now operational. Work on the ROX Issyk-Kul solar power plant, which is being implemented, financed and managed by Vietnam’s Rox Energy Global and RECA LLC, began in July 2025 following the signing of a deal with Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy. It is located in the region of Issyk-Kul in eastern Kyrgyzstan. The first phase of works encompassed a 175 MW solar plant alongside a 110 kV high voltage substation and associated transmission infrastructure. According to national news agency Kabar, investment in the initial first phase reached $130 million. More than 250 Kyrgyz citizens are currently involved in construction works. Total investment for the 1.9 GW project, which is currently slated for completion by the end of 2028, is expected to reach $1.4 billion. Kabar adds that the project will be Central Asia’s largest solar project once operational. The commissioning of the first phase of works represents Kyrgyzstan’s largest operational solar project to date. According to figures published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the country had deployed 100 MW of solar by the end of 2025, up from 0 MW at the end of 2024. Kyrgyzstan’s first large-scale solar plant, a 100 MW facility located in the northern Chui region, was inaugurated last December. Several other large-scale solar projects are under development in Kyrgyzstan. Last November, the country’s National Investment Agency entered into an agreement with Hungary’s Electron Holding for the development of 300 MW of solar. A month prior, the Energy Ministry signed an investment agreement with a consortia of Chinese companies for a 250 MW solar project scheduled for completion in 2027. This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected]. Comments Please login to comment Thursday, July 9, 2026 11:00 am – 12:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Thursday, June 18, 2026 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Be part of the high-level European conference on solar and energy storage, exploring bankable BESS projects, warranties, and energy management for residential and C&I sectors The new pv magazine Global May issue is now available! Mountains to climb Available in print and digital formats. Entries open in seven categories: Modules, Inverters, BoS, BESS, Manufacturing, Sustainability, Projects. April 01 – August 31, 2026 A two-day conference in Austin, Texas, bringing together leaders in US solar manufacturing, equipment specification, and factory execution. Saudi Arabia is accelerating its clean energy transition—join the SunRise Arabia Clean Energy Conference 2026 in Riyadh to explore how solar PV and energy storage are powering its digital economy. Showcase your brand across all our platforms: from 13 websites in 7 languages to our magazines, daily newsletters, industry events and more. Reach your audience the right way! We are participating in Intersolar 2026 again this year! Visit us at our Booth Hall 2 A2.250 to discuss the latest trends within the photovoltaic industry with the pv magazine team. June 23-25, 2026 | MUNICH, GERMANY
China Energy Investment Corp (CHN Energy) has completed construction of its Guohua Rudong solar-hydrogen-storage integrated project in Jiangsu province, marking another step in China’s efforts to combine large-scale solar generation with battery storage and green hydrogen production. The project is located in the Yudong reclaimed tidal-flat area near Yangkou Port in Rudong county, Nantong. It is operated by the Jiangsu branch of Guohua Investment, a CHN Energy subsidiary. The company describes it as China’s largest integrated solar-hydrogen-storage project. The facility includes a 400 MW coastal PV plant, a 60 MW/120 MWh battery energy storage system, a green hydrogen production facility with a capacity of 1,500 Nm³ per hour, and a 220 kV shore-based substation. It also features hydrogen refueling capacity of 500 kg per day. According to CHN Energy, the PV plant is expected to generate about 468 GWh of electricity annually, enough to meet the yearly power demand of nearly 200,000 households. The hydrogen facility is designed to produce 482 tons of high-purity green hydrogen per year. The project reached its first grid-connection milestone in early 2025. Its 400 MW PV section achieved full-capacity grid connection on April 29, 2025. CHN Energy said the integrated project was completed on June 10, 2026, following system-wide joint commissioning, with performance indicators meeting design specifications. The hydrogen production facility remains in the final stage of equipment commissioning and is expected to begin operations in August 2026, according to the company. Once operational, the project will establish an integrated system linking renewable power generation, energy storage, hydrogen production and downstream hydrogen use. A dedicated submarine cable connects the PV plant directly to the hydrogen production facility. During periods of high solar generation, surplus PV electricity can be supplied to the electrolyzer without first passing through the public grid. Local project operators said that, at full PV output, approximately one-fortieth of the plant’s hourly generation is sufficient to operate the hydrogen facility at full load. The battery energy storage system is designed to smooth fluctuations in PV output and provide a stable power supply for hydrogen production. The configuration is intended to increase local consumption of renewable electricity while serving as a demonstration of renewable hydrogen production directly coupled with coastal PV generation. The project also incorporates coastal ecological restoration measures. CHN Energy said the development occupies about 2.9 km2 of tidal-flat land and was implemented alongside a broader Spartina alterniflora control and coastal wetland restoration program covering approximately 4.3 km2. The project is part of China’s third batch of large-scale wind and solar power bases. Its significance lies not only in its 400 MW PV capacity but also in its integrated operating model, combining coastal solar generation, battery storage, traceable green hydrogen production and local hydrogen consumption within a single commercial demonstration project. Comments Please login to comment Thursday, July 9, 2026 11:00 am – 12:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Thursday, June 18, 2026 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Wednesday, June 10, 2026 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Tuesday, June 9, 2026 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Thursday, June 11, 2026 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Monday, June 1, 2026 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Madrid, Paris Tuesday, June 16, 2026 6 am – 7:00 am CEST, Berlin Friday, June 12, 2026 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid The new pv magazine Global May issue is now available! Mountains to climb Available in print and digital formats. Entries open in seven categories: Modules, Inverters, BoS, BESS, Manufacturing, Sustainability, Projects. April 01 – August 31, 2026 pv magazine Insight will be held on October 30, at The Battery Show India Expo 2025 and moderated by pv magazine’s Uma Gupta and Mark Hutchins. Energy-hungry data centers open new doors for solar and storage. Available in print and digital formats.
Irish data center developer Red Admiral has received approval to construct a data center and solar farm on a 600-acre land parcel in Westmeath County, Ireland. Westmeath County Council approved plans to build the campus on June 2.
Data center campus is on the left; the proposed solar farm is highlighted in black – Westmeath County Council; Red Admiral The 250MW campus will consist of six 14,000 sqm (150,694 sq ft) data center buildings across 96 acres, and the solar farm, located east of the facility, is set to span 415 acres and include a battery energy storage system. The campus’ solar farm will use fuel cells provided by SK ecoplant, which forms part of the South Korean conglomerate SK Group. The campus will be built on land parcels situated west of the village of Rochfortbridge, and it will be bounded by the Monagh River to its north, Kiltotan and Collinstown to its south, Farthingstown to its east, and Gneevebane to its west. Red Admiral has estimated that the campus would cost €1 billion ($1.16bn) to develop. Reports of a 250MW facility first surfaced in November 2023, and plans for the facility were submitted by Red Admiral in December 2024. There has been some opposition to the campus. 70 submissions were lodged against the proposal, citing concerns about the impact of the data center on the environment, the suitability of a data center in a rural environment, the strain on the Irish grid, and more. Red Admiral is a subsidiary of Irish energy firm Lumcloon Energy. The latter already has a presence in Rochfortbridge, as evidenced by its plans to develop a 65MW battery storage facility and a 275MW natural gas power plant. Ireland’s data center energy woes have been particularly acute. The percentage of Ireland’s metered energy consumed by data centers currently hovers at around 20 percent, according to a report released by the country’s Central Statistics Office in June 2025. This has led to fierce backlash against data centers. In July 2025, Ireland’s National Trust appealed against planning permission granted to a data center in County Louth, and in May, bestselling author Sally Rooney and others contested Mayo County Council’s decision to grant permission to Avaio for a new data center. The Sport Supplement
From daily news and career tips to monthly insights on AI, sustainability, software, and more—pick what matters and get it in your inbox. Discover the engineering revolution transforming modern defense with Strength, Stealth, Speed: The Very Fast Future of Advanced Defense Access expert insights, exclusive content, and a deeper dive into engineering and innovation all with fewer ads or a completely ad-free experience. All Rights Reserved, IE Media, Inc. Follow Us On Future of Defense Access expert insights, exclusive content, and a deeper dive into engineering and innovation all with fewer ads or a completely ad-free experience. All Rights Reserved, IE Media, Inc. It was tested in a stormwater pond in Ontario, Canada. Researchers at Canada’s Western University designed a foam-backed floating photovoltaic (FPV) system. It was tested in a stormwater pond in Ontario, Canada. The system generated 7.7 megawatt-hours of electricity over a year, outperforming a standard reference floating system by about 2.7 percent. “The results of this study established foam-based FPV as a promising and adaptable platform for renewable energy generation,” the team noted in the study paper. Solar power has long had a geography problem. To build the massive solar farms required to displace fossil fuels, developers need land. Usually, that means competing with agriculture or cutting into natural conservation areas. The solution in warmer climates has been “floatovoltaics“—placing solar panels on giant plastic pontoons over lakes and reservoirs. But if you try that in a Canadian winter, thick moving ice will crush the structures like aluminum cans. Now, researchers have solved the cold-weather problem using a deceptively simple combination of materials: shipping foam and hot tub bubbles. In particular, a monocrystalline foam-backed FPV system was fabricated. It shows that floating solar can not only survive freezing temperatures but actually thrive in them. Compared with tilted plastic rafts used in warmer climates, this design attaches flexible solar panels directly to thick, waterproof foam sheets, reducing wind exposure. To prevent ice damage, an underwater air-bubbler system was installed. A shore-based pump pushes bubbles from the bottom of the pond, carrying warmer deep water to the surface to keep the area around the panels ice-free. It acted like a localized defroster. The results showed that on days when the rest of the pond was frozen, the water directly surrounding the solar array remained completely clear. Keeping the ice away didn’t break the energy bank, either. Over a year of continuous monitoring, the air-bubbler system consumed as little as 0.02 percent of the total energy the panels generated. At its peak during the worst winter storms, it reduced yield by only 14.5 percent. “A regression model developed in this study indicated that the foam-based FPV system generated 7.7. MWh/year, representing up to 2.7% more energy than other PV models,” the study noted. It also pulled double duty as a water conservation tool. In sitting flat against the water’s surface, the foam-backed array acted as a physical shield, blocking direct sunlight and cutting off the wind that typically drives evaporation. The researchers calculated that the relationship between solar coverage and water savings is linear, meaning that every additional square meter of panel added results in a predictable drop in water loss. “FPV coverage linearly reduced pond evaporation, aiding agricultural water conservation,” the study stated. If scaled up to cover just half of the Ontario stormwater pond, this innovative setup would trap and save roughly 927 cubic meters of water annually. For local communities and farmers, that means keeping hundreds of thousands of gallons of precious water in the reservoir to support agricultural irrigation when it is needed most. With the concept proven on a small scale, the researchers are looking to take their foam-and-bubble design out of the pond. The next step is testing the technology on a larger scale across harsher, more diverse bodies of water. The findings were published in the journal Applied Energy. Mrigakshi is a science journalist who enjoys writing about space exploration, biology, and technological innovations. Her work has been featured in well-known publications including Nature India, Supercluster, The Weather Channel and Astronomy magazine. If you have pitches in mind, please do not hesitate to email her. Premium Follow
Construction has started on solar energy installations being developed by Verogy at four municipal landfill sites in the towns of Mansfield, Morris, Somers and Suffield, Connecticut. The projects, all participating in Connecticut’s Non-Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (NRES) program, are turning closed landfills into clean energy assets that benefit host communities. Connecticut’s NRES program compensates non-residential…
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Cumulative installation figures further illustrate the scale of the sector’s growth, with a total 4,368,164 rooftop solar systems totaling more than 28.3 GW capacity installed across Australia, alongside 284,580 small-scale battery energy storage systems. (Note: 2025 solar battery data is only available from 1 July 2025, when solar batteries became eligible under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme according to Clean Energy Regulator). The figures showcase the continued expansion of distributed energy resources and the increasing role of residential solar in Australia’s broader energy transition. The historical data highlights the upward trajectory of the country’s adoption of rooftop solar. Early-stage deployment remained relatively limited, with less than 65,000 installations recorded in 2009. The market however accelerated significantly in the following years, driven by policy incentives, declining installation costs, and increasing consumer awareness. Installer-level data provides additional insight into recent activity. According to the Solar 365 May 2026 Report, the company installed 600 solar systems in the first four months of this year with an annual target of more than 4,000. This compares with the 2,500 systems installed in 2025 and 1,200 installed in 2024. While this dataset reflects a single installation company, it highlights continued strong growth in the residential solar segment, reflecting ongoing market expansion and increasing customer adoption. The growth of rooftop solar sector is now being mirrored by the small-scale battery storage market with energy storage emerging as a key technology in Australia’s clean energy transition with the federal government’s Cheaper Home Batteries rebate program, introduced in July 2025, having a significant effect on the market. In the first six months following the launch of the rebate scheme, 165,979 batteries were installed and 28.4% of all new rooftop solar installs included an energy storage system. The total number of batteries installed under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program has now climbed to more than 380,000 installations, delivering more than 10 GWh of capacity. Those figures showcase the shift toward integrated solar and storage systems, with households increasingly adopting batteries to improve energy self-consumption and reduce reliance on the grid. Long-term installation data provides a detailed view of Australia’s solar growth trajectory, showing a transition from early adoption to large-scale deployment. The data shows strong growth between 2009 and 2012, followed by stabilisation and another growth phase from 2018 onward. The inclusion of battery systems from 2025 onwards marks a structural shift in the market. Role of solar platforms in Australia’s solar growth Various digital platforms have contributed to the expansion of Australia’s residential solar market by improving access to information, pricing transparency, and installer comparisons. These platforms typically act as intermediaries between customers and installers. A key function of these platforms is customer education. By breaking down technical aspects such as system sizing, panel efficiency, warranties, and battery integration, they reduce complexity and support more informed purchasing decisions. Platforms such as Solar Quotes and Solar Panels and Battery Package, along with bundled solution offerings like solar packages, illustrate how the market has evolved to become more transparent and user-focused. Collectively, these platforms have played a supporting role in increasing consumer confidence and accelerating the adoption of residential solar systems across Australia. Financial performance remains a primary factor influencing residential solar adoption. Based on a standard 6.6 kW system, consumers can expect to save about $1,500 per year on their energy bill with a payback period of three to four years after applying the rebate. Those who install a battery can expect savings of about $3,000 per annum. The figures reinforce the economic viability of installing solar, particularly when combined with battery storage. Future projections suggest continued expansion of rooftop solar capacity across Australia with key outlook figures including 36 GW rooftop solar installation target and 82% of electricity from renewables by 2030. Long-term projections indicate 53 GW to 71 GW of rooftop solar capacity by 2050, depending on adoption trends. These projections, combined with strong financial returns and ambitious national targets, indicate that residential solar – and increasingly battery energy storage – a will continue to play a critical role in Australia’s energy landscape in the coming decades. Author: Prince Rajput, Team Leader, Solar 365 The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own, and do not necessarily reflect those held by pv magazine. This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected]. Comments Please login to comment Thursday, July 9, 2026 11:00 am – 12:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Thursday, June 18, 2026 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Wednesday, June 10, 2026 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Tuesday, June 9, 2026 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Thursday, June 11, 2026 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Monday, June 1, 2026 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Madrid, Paris Tuesday, June 16, 2026 6 am – 7:00 am CEST, Berlin Friday, June 12, 2026 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid The new pv magazine Global May issue is now available! Mountains to climb Available in print and digital formats. Entries open in seven categories: Modules, Inverters, BoS, BESS, Manufacturing, Sustainability, Projects. April 01 – August 31, 2026 Energy-hungry data centers open new doors for solar and storage. Available in print and digital formats.
Bondada Engineering Ltd has received a Notification of Award (NoA) from NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) package of a 250 MW solar PV project co-located with a 50 MW/200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh. The contract is valued at approximately INR 1,338 crore, including GST. The project is scheduled for completion within 18 months of the award date. The project is part of NTPC Renewable Energy’s utility-scale renewable energy expansion strategy and includes energy storage to support grid stability and reliability. Following the award, Bondada Engineering said its solar EPC order book has increased to about 5.5 GWp, while its BESS order book has reached around 1.1 GWh. Comments Please login to comment Thursday, July 9, 2026 11:00 am – 12:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Thursday, June 18, 2026 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Wednesday, June 10, 2026 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Tuesday, June 9, 2026 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Thursday, June 11, 2026 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid Monday, June 1, 2026 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Madrid, Paris Tuesday, June 16, 2026 6 am – 7:00 am CEST, Berlin Friday, June 12, 2026 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid The new pv magazine Global May issue is now available! Mountains to climb Available in print and digital formats. Entries open in seven categories: Modules, Inverters, BoS, BESS, Manufacturing, Sustainability, Projects. April 01 – August 31, 2026 pv magazine Insight will be held on October 30, at The Battery Show India Expo 2025 and moderated by pv magazine’s Uma Gupta and Mark Hutchins. Energy-hungry data centers open new doors for solar and storage. Available in print and digital formats.
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