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Updated: September 27, 2026 @ 12:45 pm
A crowd listens to a presentation about GreenKey Development’s proposed solar project slated for Fairfield Township.
Supervisors Ernie Henderson and Jim Brown, Secretary Carrie Tantlinger, Solicitor Amber Leechalk and Supervisor Paul Altimus meet for a public hearing for GreenKey Development’s upcoming solar farm Tuesday evening. 
GreenKey Development’s lawyer Pete Zittel gives a presentation about a slated solar project for Fairfield Township Tuesday night. 

A crowd listens to a presentation about GreenKey Development’s proposed solar project slated for Fairfield Township.
Supervisors Ernie Henderson and Jim Brown, Secretary Carrie Tantlinger, Solicitor Amber Leechalk and Supervisor Paul Altimus meet for a public hearing for GreenKey Development’s upcoming solar farm Tuesday evening. 
GreenKey Development’s lawyer Pete Zittel gives a presentation about a slated solar project for Fairfield Township Tuesday night. 
Whether powered by coal, gas or solar, energy companies have proposed a plethora of projects in Westmoreland County, and rural Fairfield Township is no exception.
The township supervisors held a Tuesday public hearing with GreenKey Development LLC to garner resident opinions on a proposed 59-acre solar farm. GreenKey Development plans to purchase a 112.7-acre property for the facility from owner Bertha V. Martin. It’s located at Fort Palmer Road and state Route 711.
Solicitor Amber Leechalk said the project still needs approvals and permits, such as one from the Westmoreland County Conservation District. On top of that, a final plan still needs to be formalized before it can be approved, she said.
The project will not cross the supervisors’ desk for a vote until all the approvals and permits are obtained.
Leechalk said the most likely next step will be an executive session for the board to discuss the solar farm.
Real estate exemptions under the Sunshine Act only apply to properties a municipal government itself is leasing or purchasing.
Leechalk did not respond to a Wednesday voicemail asking for an explanation of why the solar farm would be discussed in a closed-door meeting.
The project, named Bertha Solar, will consist of four quadrants of panels. The nearest residential property would be over 300 feet away from the facility.
“Back in 2024, the board of supervisors passed an ordinance, setting rules and regulations for such developments … Now, it’s being tested,” Supervisor Paul Altimus said at the beginning of the two-hour meeting.
GreenKey’s lawyer, Pete Zittel of Pittsburgh-based law firm Babst Calland, said he believes the project aligns with the ordinance. He emceed a presentation to the supervisors and crowd.
The project will include permanently tilted panels that will generate electricity for the grid. The area is buffered by trees, GreenKey’s Pennsylvania Permitting Coordinator Tracy Tackett said.
She also mentioned that it will cost $20 million to build.
The highest point of the panels will be 9 feet off the ground, Civil Engineering Manager Jackson Nickel said. The facility will be surrounded by a fence with wildlife cameras to protect it from vandalism.
The company also developed an emergency management plan it will share with area agencies if the project is approved.
The most workers on-site at a time would be 50 people during construction, Zittel said.
Tackett outlined a decommissioning plan and said GreenKey will pay for it. They would remove all the panels, concrete and gravel, she said. She mentioned that part of the reason solar companies make these plans is to soothe the “bad taste in everyone’s mouths” from oil and gas companies.
“Everything will be restored,” she added.
Tackett also talked about how GreenKey will plant native grass. On other sites, the company has allowed sheep to graze, she said. She said they will consider partnering with local farmers in Fairfield Township if there is interest.
Next, Nickel went over the equipment, which will involve transformers and inverters. The inverters will make the most sound on-site, hovering around 65 decibels up close. This would be similar to the volume of an air conditioner, he said.
Within 120 feet of the inverters, the sound sits at less than 45 decibels, which is about the volume of a running refrigerator.
Nickel said the six-month construction process is set to take place while animals are hibernating so as not to disturb them.
He said developers performed a glare analysis and learned the panels will have similar reflectivity to a pond and that an anti-reflective coating will be added.
GreenKey’s presentation also included copies of an approval letter signed by the county commissioners.
GreenKey previously proposed a solar farm in Unity Township on Charles Houck Road, but the project was rejected by the Zoning Hearing Board.
Nickel said the Fairfield Township project is the first Westmoreland County project to make it to this point.
Tackett said other GreenKey solar sites have gone up in Crawford and Bradford counties.
Residents question solar farm’s impact
Though the meeting didn’t start until 5 p.m. Tuesday, doors opened at 4 p.m. as board Secretary Carrie Tantlinger said Monday she was expecting a larger audience.
About 22 people crowded the meeting hall before the presentation began and chatted with developers. The meeting grew slightly heated between residents and the developers but simmered down by the end.
Residents expressed concern over the environmental impact of the site, noise levels, safety, traffic and aesthetics.
Tackett said she is happy to perform a noise study and will work with the township on managing traffic if necessary, and repair the road after any wear and tear.
Russel Davies, a longtime resident, questioned the purpose of solar farms in general.
“I could call them ‘ugly,’ but I don’t want to go there,” Davies said. “So the life of the project is at least 25 years … how many years into that will you counteract what environmental disasters you’ve created by putting it in?”
Tackett said no environmental disasters will be created. When asked specifically about cancer-causing agents, she said there is a type of metal some solar panels use that can contribute to the development of cancer. However, GreenKey will not be using any of those panels, she said.
“We don’t use any toxic chemicals,” she said.
Sherry Mitchell, who inherited a neighboring property along with her three siblings, suggested GreenKey post the entire presentation online for the public to view.
Tackett agreed, though she initially thought the township did not have a website. Zittel said he would jot down a list of emails where he would share the presentation as well.
Mitchell was mainly concerned about how a solar farm will look from the perspective of her property, which she said she was planning to turn into an agriculture tourism site.
Tackett said the company could likely work with Mitchell to integrate the solar farm as part of the tourism experience.
GreenKey anticipates residents will have some opposition to solar farms, which is why they welcome public feedback, Nickel told the Bulletin after the meeting.
“It’s pretty typical … a lot of it’s just questions,” he said. “A lot of it’s just things [people] have seen online.”
The supervisors are set to meet again publicly on July 9 at 3 p.m. in the township building at 159 Midget Camp Road.
Annabelle Chipps can be reached at achipps@latrobebulletinnews.com.
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BARBER COUNTY, Kan. (KWCH) – The emergency manager in Barton County provided information surrounding a weekend fire at a solar farm near Medicine Lodge as the investigation into the cause continues.
There were no injuries reported in Saturday afternoon’s fire at the Pixley Solar Facility, and in the immediate aftermath, Barber County Emergency Management reported “no current danger to the environment or human health from the fire.”
The emergency manager said Public Service Company of Oklahoma owns and operates the solar farm.
Copyright 2026 KWCH. All rights reserved. To report a correction or typo, please email news@kwch.com

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Grid and construction problems delay 427MW of new power in South Africa  MyBroadband
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A tipping point in Indian energy  Business Standard
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Vikram Solar retains top PV Brand Tag for second year  manufacturingtodayindia.com
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The Tatarstan company "2P Engineering" has patented a forest fire ground thrower that can use solar energy to additionally power the working mechanism. The machine is based on a tractor with a high-torque hydraulic motor installed at the rear.
The hydraulic motor spins a flywheel with milling cutters that dig into the soil and throw soil into the area of a ground fire. The operator can change the working depth of the mechanism with a hydraulic cylinder.
An unusual part of the design is its own solar power plant directly on the tractor. A group of photovoltaic modules equipped with a sun tracking system is placed on the mast around the support. Electricity from the photovoltaic modules enters a system with a battery that powers an additional electric motor.
The main mechanical work is performed by the hydraulic drive, and the electrical system provides it with additional energy. The developers expect this to reduce energy consumption and increase the operating time of the ground thrower.
The first tech

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Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis built their Los Angeles farmhouse around solar power, agriculture and water access, creating a 2.4-hectare (6-acre) property whose solar array produces significantly more electricity than the house requires. Known as KuKu Farms, the compound sits on a hilltop above Beverly Hills and includes a main house, a guesthouse and entertainment barn, and a freestanding barbecue pavilion. Architectural Digest documented the completed property in its June 2021 issue, with Howard Backen as architect and Vicky Charles handling the interiors.
The couple’s approach went beyond installing solar panels. A private well irrigates the land, and during the COVID-19 lockdown they planted and harvested a field of corn on the property. Backen has described soil, food and water as practical considerations in the project’s approach to sustainability and regenerative farming.
Kutcher bought the parcel for US$8 million in 2007, Realtor.com has reported. The couple broke ground on the residence in 2017, and the finished compound includes the main house, a two-story guesthouse, and the pavilion on the six-acre lot.
Architectural Digest describes the project as a five-year undertaking without specifying when that period began. Kutcher and Kunis worked with Backen and Charles from the ground up, beginning with separate Pinterest boards they created to collect design ideas. When they compared them, roughly 90% of the images overlapped, and many of the houses they had selected turned out to be Backen’s own work.
No source reviewed for this article puts a figure on the finished construction cost. The US$8 million figure refers to the land purchase.
The photovoltaic system is the most thoroughly documented part of the project. Panels are concealed above the main house’s expansive porch, and the array generates substantially more power than the property consumes. Municipal codes at the time complicated sharing that surplus beyond the property line, a limitation the homeowners hoped would eventually change.
California Energy Designs lists the residence in its portfolio as an MEP engineering project and credits itself with HVAC and plumbing design. The firm’s project information identifies the home’s systems work alongside the solar installation, while Backen & Backen’s project page describes the residence as powered by a solar array.
The engineering also had to account for the architecture. The entertainment barn has floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, while the main house uses tall ceilings and extensive glazing. Those features created cooling and airflow requirements that formed part of the system’s design.
The six-acre property also supports agricultural use. Kutcher and Kunis drilled the well to irrigate the land, and the corn they planted during the COVID-19 lockdown was later harvested.
Backen has said the couple approached sustainability through practical concerns involving soil, food and water. The firm’s project description identifies regenerative farming practices among the property’s features.
The available documentation identifies the well as an irrigation source and the cornfield as agricultural production. It does not establish that the property supplies all of the family’s drinking water or food.
Backen designed the compound using reclaimed wood, board-formed concrete and glass. The main house connects to the guesthouse and entertainment barn, while the barbecue pavilion stands separately. The buildings are arranged along a central axis, and landscape design firm L.Z. Design Group worked the grounds around the same layout.
A 10-foot crystal chandelier that Kutcher and Kunis already owned became part of the design process. Kunis told Architectural Digest that they built the barn around the chandelier. Charles later incorporated the fixture into the interiors alongside furnishings carried over from the couple’s previous home.
The documented picture is narrower than a claim of complete off-grid independence. KuKu Farms generates more electricity than the house requires, has its own well for irrigation and has produced food on the property. The available record supports describing the residence as energy self-sufficient, but it does not establish complete independence from outside food or water supplies.
See all the latest news from Colombia and the world at ColombiaOne.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow ColombiaOne on Google News, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and subscribe here to our newsletter.
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Ohio village puts 9,222 solar panels on reservoir, now has 13 times the state’s solar per resident  Yahoo
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September 22, 2026 10:33 ET  | Source: Treasure Global Inc. Treasure Global Inc.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Sept. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Treasure Global Inc. (NASDAQ: TGL) (“Treasure Global” or the “Company”), a Southeast Asia–anchored technology company focused on AI-powered enterprise solutions and digital transformation, today announced that its subsidiary, Tadaa Technology Sdn Bhd (“Tadaa”), has entered into a strategic partnership with Kainan Sdn Bhd (“Kainan”) to provide AI-enabled technology solutions for a proposed US$367 million solar farm development spanning approximately 1,000 acres with a planned capacity of 360 megawatts (“MW”). The project is intended to supply renewable energy to a data centre under a 25-year power supply arrangement.
The project marks Tadaa’s expansion into large-scale renewable-energy technology and provides a long-term commercial framework for the deployment. Upon full deployment, Tadaa is targeting approximately US$7.3 million in annual technology-related revenue from the project.
Under the partnership, Tadaa will provide the AI-powered digital backbone for the solar farm, integrating IoT-enabled infrastructure, intelligent energy management, real-time performance monitoring, data analytics, predictive maintenance, system integration and secure cloud infrastructure. The technology is intended to support reliable, efficient and data-driven management of renewable-energy generation.
“This initiative represents an important step in extending our AI and technology capabilities into large-scale renewable-energy infrastructure,” said Sam Teo, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Treasure Global. “The 360 MW project, supported by a 25-year power supply arrangement for a data centre, provides Tadaa with an opportunity to establish a strong track record in AI-enabled energy management. As data-centre energy demand and renewable-energy infrastructure continue to grow, we believe intelligent monitoring, analytics and predictive capabilities will become increasingly important in improving asset performance, operational efficiency and the reliability of large-scale renewable-energy infrastructure.”
The project positions Treasure Global within one of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets. Global solar PV capacity increased from approximately 710 GW in 2020 to 1,865 GW by the end of 2024, while global investment in solar PV was expected to reach approximately US$450 billion in 2025, according to the International Energy Agency (“IEA”), underscoring the scale of the market opportunity for technology-enabled solar infrastructure.
Malaysia is also accelerating its renewable-energy transition under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (“NETR”), which targets renewable energy accounting for 40% of installed capacity by 2035 and 70% by 2050. The upcoming Large-Scale Solar 6 (“LSS6”) program is expected to add approximately 2,650 MW of new capacity, highlighting the growing domestic pipeline for renewable-energy technology and energy-management solutions.
The initiative also aligns with the global transition toward cleaner energy infrastructure and growing environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) priorities, while extending Treasure Global’s AI and technology capabilities into a high-growth infrastructure sector.
Treasure Global views the 360 MW project as a potential foundation for further expansion into renewable-energy technology serving energy-intensive infrastructure. The Company intends to leverage the deployment as a reference for future solar, data-centre energy and clean-energy opportunities in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia, creating potential for additional recurring technology revenue and long-term growth.
Kainan is a Malaysia-based renewable energy company established in 2007, specializing in the development of solar energy projects and participating in Malaysia’s Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS).
About Treasure Global:
Treasure Global is a Malaysia-based technology solutions provider specializing in innovative platforms that drive digital transformation in retail and services. The Company’s flagship product is the ZCITY Super App, which integrates e-payment solutions with customer loyalty rewards to create a seamless online-to-offline user experience. As of March 31, 2026, ZCITY has attracted 2.71 million registered users, positioning Treasure Global as a key player in Malaysia’s digital economy. Treasure Global continuously leverages cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and data analytics, to enhance its platform’s capabilities across e-commerce, fintech, and other verticals.
Visit treasureglobal.org for more information.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements reflect the Company’s current expectations, assumptions, and projections about future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements typically include terminology such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “seeks,” “should,” “will,” or similar expressions.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, the development and completion of the proposed solar project; achievement of the planned 360 MW capacity; performance and duration of the contemplated power supply arrangement; Tadaa’s ability to deploy and commercialize its AI-enabled technology solutions; achievement of targeted annual revenue; project financing and execution; regulatory and permitting requirements; technology performance; data-centre power demand; cybersecurity and data privacy risks; changes in renewable-energy policies; and broader economic and energy-market conditions.
The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
CONTACT
Investor and media contact:
Investor Relations Team
Treasure Global
ir_us@treasureglobal.org
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Treasure Global Inc. (NASDAQ: TGL) (“Treasure Global” or the “Company”), a Southeast Asia–anchored technology company focused on AI-powered…
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Treasure Global Inc. (NASDAQ: TGL) (“Treasure Global” or the “Company”), a Southeast Asia–anchored technology company focused on AI-powered…

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“If the price looks TOO good to be true, don’t trust it.”
Photo Credit: iStock
A shopper trying to buy from Calpak said a fake storefront nearly drained their debit card after mimicking the brand’s real website and dangling a 70%-off sale.
According to a post on Reddit’s r/Scams forum, the shopper was searching for Calpak, a travelwear company, when they landed on what looked like the brand’s website. The page seemed convincing and promoted a major discount.
The warning signs did not stand out until the checkout process was already underway. The OP said a credit-card verification pop-up appeared, and only then did they realize the address “was not just Calpak.com, it was something else ending in .it.”
The charges followed quickly. They said their debit card was used for two transactions — one for $300 and another for $1,700 — money they described as “literally all the money I had on it.” They locked the card, contacted their bank, and stopped the fraud.
This kind of scam is especially troubling because it closely mirrors normal shopping behaviors: people are encouraged to compare prices and hunt for deals, and scammers can exploit that instinct.
Commenters aimed much of their frustration at paid search placements and platform accountability. One commenter warned, “Never click on the sponsored search result sites at top.” Another described the situation: “Search ads are basically a scammer slot machine now.”
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Others pointed to the financial risk of using a debit card online. A debit card can pull money directly from a checking account, leaving victims scrambling to cover bills or everyday expenses while fraud claims are investigated.
Before checking out, look carefully at the full URL, not just the brand name at the start of the page. Scam domains often add extra words, have unusual endings, or include slight misspellings that are easy to overlook.
Avoid clicking sponsored links when searching for a retailer. Several commenters said they skip ads altogether and scroll until they find the official site instead.
One commenter advised, “never use your debit card as a charge card,” arguing that stronger fraud protections on credit cards can make a major difference when something goes wrong.
If a checkout page throws up unusual prompts, asks for strange verification steps, or simply feels off, it may be best to back out immediately and navigate to the retailer through another trusted source.
The OP wrote, “I know now that it’s a scam, but I only know because I was a victim of it.” As another commenter put it, “If the price looks TOO good to be true, don’t trust it.”
Misleading listings, suspicious sellers, and too-good-to-be-true pricing can trip up shoppers online. These stories cover counterfeit Amazon goods, hidden retail pricing, and deceptive resale practices.
• Amazon shoppers said counterfeit and mislabeled products made routine purchases feel like a gamble.
• Retailers still hide prices behind “Add to Cart” to see rules that frustrate shoppers.
• On Vinted, shoppers said a problematic online trend left them realizing the truth too late.
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95% of the panels now in use are expected to reach end of life by 2045.
Photo Credit: Getty images
Alberta is rolling out a new fee on solar panels in an effort to address what to do with aging equipment once it reaches the end of its useful life.
An environmental charge of 14 Canadian dollars will be added to each new solar panel supplied in Alberta starting Oct. 1, according to pv magazine.
Panels that have already been installed will not be subject to the fee. Instead, the charge is meant to build funds for collecting, transporting, and recycling solar panels after they are retired.
For homeowners, that added expense appears relatively small next to the cost of a full system. The provincial government said that a standard 20-panel residential installation would incur CA$280 in fees, or less than 1.5% of the installation price, pv magazine reported.
Alberta is pairing the policy with projections about a substantial future waste stream. The province says it has the second-largest installed solar capacity in Canada, and 95% of the panels now in use are expected to reach end of life by 2045, creating up to 72,700 tonnes of material to manage.
Alberta describes the effort as North America’s first solar panel recycling program of its kind.
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As solar adoption rises, end-of-life planning is becoming a bigger part of the clean energy conversation.
Alberta also says solar panels will be barred from landfill sites across the province.
The fee has drawn pushback from some renewable energy advocates, who argue that even modest added costs can send the wrong message to investors and developers.
Alongside the fee, Alberta says it will work with the Alberta Recycling Management Authority and industry partners to grow reuse and recycling capacity over time. The money collected is intended to ensure funding is available as more panels reach the end of their useful lives.
Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter said Alberta is putting the system in place to recover valuable materials, attract private investment, and create a new recycling industry.
“Alberta needs stable, predictable policy to attract investment and build the affordable, reliable electricity the province needs. Adding unnecessary costs to new renewable energy projects sends the wrong signal at a time when Alberta needs more electricity in the system,” Radha Rajagopalan, director of policy for Alberta at the Canadian Renewable Energy Association, argued in a LinkedIn post, per pv magazine.
Hunter said: “Alberta has never been afraid to lead. We will not wait until mountains of dead solar panels are piling up in our landfills before acting.”
Other parts of North America are wrestling with many of the same issues.
• In Tennessee, BBB Industries is opening a facility to recycle 125,000 solar modules yearly.
• In Odessa, Texas, a company is expanding solar panel recycling capacity as waste concerns grow.
• In Connecticut and Virginia, advocates are pushing faster home solar permitting to lower homeowner costs.
• In the U.S., a lawsuit is pressing officials to reinstate Solar for All funding.
• A new analysis says solar panels save homeowners about $700 a year.
Get TCD’s free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
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Soil protection measures can make agri-photovoltaics more sustainable  Phys.org
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The global solar photovoltaic (PV) market entered a more demanding phase in 2025. After four years of rapid expansion, tracked module shipments declined for the first time, falling by 6% to 643 GW. Meanwhile global installations still reached a record 664 GW, lifting cumulative capacity to around 2.9 TW. The supply-side imbalance has deepened. Global nameplate module capacity reached 1,315 GW in 2025 more than double actual shipments, compressing utilisation rates and tightening margins across the industry¹.
In Europe, the picture combines slowing deployment with a structural manufacturing gap. Installations edged down slightly in 2025 as cumulative capacity crossed 406 GW, but the more consequential challenge lies further up the value chain. Module production capacity has contracted to 10.8 GW, cell manufacturing remains negligible, and ingot and wafer production has effectively disappeared from the EU. The NZIA’s 30 GW manufacturing target by 2030 remains distant for most value chain segments, worsened by the recent cancellation of several gigafactory projects.
Globally, demand remains robust, but is increasingly shaped by grid constraints, permitting delays and financing conditions rather than unconstrained volume growth. Additionally, 2025 marks a transition from volume-driven growth to a market where utilisation rates, supply chain localisation, and financial resilience define competitive positioning.
After four years of uninterrupted growth, global PV module shipments recorded their first contraction in 2025. The top manufacturers tracked by Enerdata shipped a combined 643 GW, down 6% from 687 GW in 2024, marking a clear turning point for a market that had expanded more than fourfold since 2021 (Fig. 1). This decline should be read with caution. Part of the market remains difficult to track, as many small and private manufacturers do not publicly disclose shipment volumes. In addition, some 2025 installations may have relied on inventories built up in previous years. Even so, the slowdown points to a more constrained deployment environment, shaped by grid congestion, limited storage, permitting delays, financing barriers, curtailment, and supply chain adjustments.Consequently, SolarPower Europe has lowered its Medium Scenario for global cumulative solar PV installations by 2030 from 7.1 TW to 6.6 TW².
The path leading to this point had been exceptional. Tracked shipments rose from 172 GW in 2021 to 287 GW in 2022 (+67%), then surged to 519 GW in 2023 (+81%) before slowing to 32% growth in 2024. The 2025 contraction does not indicate a collapse in demand, as global solar installations remain historically high. It does, however, suggest that the market is moving from a phase of rapid volume expansion to one marked by saturation, price pressure, and consolidation.
Figure 1: Tracked PV Modules Shipments (40 largest companies WW) – GW

Source: Enerdata’s own calculation *Methodology¹
The top five hold their positions; the top 2 players trade positions
The ranking of leading module manufacturers changed little at the top in 2025. LONGi regained first place with 87 GW shipped, the only player among the top four to post growth, up 12% from 78 GW in 2024. JinkoSolar followed closely with 86 GW, down 8% from its 2024 market-leading level of 93 GW. JA Solar (70 GW, -9%) and Trina Solar (67 GW, -13%) completed the top four, both recording sizeable volume declines compared with 2024, when each shipped 77 GW. Taken together, the performance of the top four reflects the broader market contraction and marks a reversal for JinkoSolar and Trina Solar after their strong growth in the previous cycle (Fig. 2).
Among mid-tier players, the picture is more mixed. Canadian Solar was the standout performer, growing shipments 29% to 40 GW, one of the strongest year-on-year gains across the entire tracked field. In contrast, TW Solar (Tongwei) declined 12% to 43 GW, while Astronergy (Chint) fell 8% to 37 GW. DMEGC was another notable outperformer, expanding shipments 47% to 25 GW, while GCL held flat at 25 GW. DAS Solar grew modestly by 4% to 24 GW, and Yingli posted a solid 20% increase to 24 GW.
Figure 2: PV Modules Shipment 2024/2025 & Change %

Source: Enerdata’s own calculation *Methodology¹
First Solar (18 GW, +29%) also outperformed the market. As the only non-Chinese manufacturer in the top fifteen, its growth was supported by the US domestic manufacturing push under the Inflation Reduction Act, even as the policy environment around that support has become less predictable. Although Canadian Solar is registered in Canada, its production facilities are predominantly based in China.
Risen Energy recorded the steepest decline among the tracked companies, with shipments falling 52% to 12 GW from 25 GW in 2024. Aiko recorded strong annual growth of 133% to 15 GW, while HuaYao increased shipments by 16% to 10 GW.
Figure 3 World Top PV Modules Shipment 2025 (GW) & (Share %)

Source: Enerdata’s own calculation *Methodology¹
Solar PV deployment reached 2.9 TW in 2025, with the 3 TW milestone approaching ahead of schedule
Global solar PV deployment is now moving at a pace with little historical precedent. It took nearly seven decades, from the first commercialisation of solar cells in 1954, to cross the 1 TW threshold. The second terawatt was added in just two years
In 2025, 664 GW was installed, taking total capacity to around 2.9 TW ² and bringing the third terawatt within reach. By comparison, 449 GW were installed in 2023, followed by 597 GW in 2024, which has brought cumulative global capacity to 2.2 TW. Annual installation growth continues to slow, from 85% in 2022 to 12% in 2025, a trend expected to continue in the coming years.
Annual growth continues to soften, reaching 12% in 2025 with 664 GW of new additions 
As the market matures and international supply chains continue to face geopolitical shocks, 2026 could bring further deceleration or even a minor contraction. Current scenarios place annual installations between 501 GW (-25%) and 724 GW (+9%) ¹. This outlook reflects expectations of a weaker Chinese market, rising curtailment, and continued supply-chain adjustments. Looking further ahead, annual global installations are projected to reach 930 GW by 2029 under the Medium Scenario and could exceed 1.2 TW under the High Scenario. In both cases, a global solar market adding 1 TW per year appears possible before 2030. Cumulatively, these additions would put total solar capacity on track to exceed 6 TW by the end of the decade, strengthening solar PV’s role as the main contributor to the global 11 TW renewable energy target for 2030. 
Figure 4: Global Cumulative Solar PV Market Outlook

Source: Solar Power Europe ²
However, despite the overall market deceleration projection, the recent blockage of Strait of the Hormuz has hiked demand for solar from China doubling exports in March to 68 GW³. Recent geopolitical developments could alter this outlook, as government are placing greater emphasis on energy security and the diversification away from fossil fuels. out of necessity, sovereignty or change of market dynamics.
Production capacity continues to expand, now reaching 1,315 GW — with utilisation rates telling the real story
In contrast with the shipment contraction, global nameplate PV module production capacity continued to grow in 2025, reaching 1,315 GW, up 27% from 1,039 GW in 2024 (Fig. 5). Since 2021, total nameplate capacity has increased more than fivefold from 250 GW. This expansion, well ahead of actual shipment volumes, is a key driver of the industry’s profitability pressure. With 643 GW shipped against 1,315 GW of available capacity, the aggregate utilisation rate stands at roughly 49%, a level that makes healthy margins difficult to sustain for many manufacturers. 2024 has seen significant price drop in solar panel, drastically lowering the profitability of Chinese companies. Several large companies have recorded negative profits despite increased shipment⁴.
Figure 5: World Total Nameplate PV Modules Production Capacity (GW)

Source: Enerdata’s own calculation *Methodology¹
This divergence between capacity and shipments is not new, but it is widening. In 2024, the top manufacturers shipped 687 GW against approximately 1036 GW of combined capacity, resulting in an utilisation rate of around 66%. The drop to roughly 49% in 2025 represents a meaningful operational deterioration, and one that is unevenly distributed across the competitive field. Companies continued investment in overcapacity is an evident symptom of market distortion resulted from substantial subsidies directed to this industrial sector in China. The solar industry in China, which dominates around 90% of the global supply chain, has received subsidies amounting to 3.2% of company revenues, compared to an average of 0.9% across 15 other key industries⁵.
Nameplate production capacity continues to expand far faster than actual shipment volumes, and the divergence is sharpest among the largest players. LONGi’s 67% utilisation rate against 130 GW of capacity and JinkoSolar’s 57% against 150 GW illustrate the tension between scale investment and commercial absorption. JA Solar (70%) and Trina Solar (74%) maintained relatively tighter alignment between capacity and output — among the more disciplined ratios in the top four. TW Solar (Tongwei) stands out as the most capacity-efficient of the major Chinese manufacturers, running at 87% utilisation with 43 GW shipped against 50 GW of nameplate capacity. Canadian Solar similarly achieved approximately 80% utilisation, as did DAS Solar.
Figure 6 Annual Shipments Compared to Nameplate Production Capacity

Source: Enerdata’s own calculation *Methodology¹
Among the manufacturers shown in the graph, Hanwha Qcells recorded one of the lowest utilisation rates, at 36%, after shipping 9 GW against 25 GW of nameplate capacity. Some smaller players also show very low utilisation levels, including Ronma at 16% and Runergy at 14%. These figures should be treated with caution and would require further verification, as public data on shipment and production capacity can be incomplete.
At the opposite end, DMEGC exceeded its rated capacity, shipping 25 GW against a nameplate of 21 GW — a utilisation rate above 100% that points to temporary production overshoots, outsourcing production or inventory drawdowns, marking the company as one of the more commercially aggressive smaller players in the current environment. Risen Energy similarly ran at full capacity (12 GW shipped, 12 GW nameplate), suggesting lean but fully committed production. Yingli and HuaYao PV both recorded 50% utilisation, while First Solar’s 58% reflects a manufacturing base still ramping rather than one operating at steady state.
EU solar installations contract for the first time in a decade, with 65.1 GW expected in 2025
After a decade of near-uninterrupted expansion, the European solar market is entering a more turbulent phase, shaped less by new installation records than by the gap between deployment ambition and domestic industrial capacity. The EU is expected to install 65.1 GW of new solar PV capacity in 2025, marking the first annual market contraction in ten years. The slowdown had already begun in 2024, when growth eased sharply to 2.8%, reaching 65.6 GW after three years of exceptional expansion: +38% in 2021, +48% in 2022 and +51% in 2023. The 0.7% decline expected in 2025 shows that while the EU solar boom is still significant, but now under measurable pressure (Fig. 7).
Figure 7: EU Annual Solar PV Installations (GW)

Source: Solar Power Europe ⁶
Yet cumulative progress remains substantial. By year-end 2025, total installed EU solar PV capacity reached 406 GW, placing the bloc 1.6% above its own 400 GW milestone for 2025. This represents a fivefold increase from the 86 GW installed in 2015 and nearly triple the 2020 level of 141 GW, a testament to the speed of the previous expansion cycle. Looking further ahead, only the High Scenario projecting annual installations rising from roughly 70 GW in 2026 to more than 95 GW by 2030⁶ would keep the EU on a trajectory consistent with its 2030 solar targets.
The NZIA sets a 30 GW manufacturing target; the gap between ambition and reality varies sharply by value chain segment
Beyond deployment, Europe’s more structural challenge is manufacturing. The Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA)⁷, which entered into force on 29 June 2024, sets a target of at least 30 GW of domestic solar manufacturing capacity by 2030 at each stage of the value chain. This responds directly to the EU’s deep dependence on Chinese suppliers, which continue to dominate global module shipments.
The distance to that 30 GW target differs starkly across the value chain. Solar inverter manufacturing has long surpassed it, reaching 96 GW in 2025, underpinned by a mature European industry with solid footholds in international markets including the US and Australia. Polysilicon production, at 26 GW², comes closest among manufacturing segments though capacity is concentrated in a single established company, a portion of which serves the semiconductor sector rather than PV.
Figure 8: EU Operational PV Module Manufacturers — Capacity (MW)

Source: Enerdata’s own calculation *Methodology¹
For the rest of the chain, the challenge is considerably steeper. Module production capacity actually contracted this year, falling from 12.6 GW in 2024 to 10.8 GW in 2025, meaning it must roughly triple by 2030 to reach the NZIA threshold². PV cell manufacturing, still at just 2 GW in 2025, faces an even more daunting trajectory: a 15-fold increase in five years. Cell producers are further constrained by the complete absence of ingot and wafer production within the EU, following the closure of several key players over the last two years — leaving European manufacturers entirely dependent on non-European imports for the critical middle stages of the value chain⁸.
Module segment sees closures and downward revisions, even as gigafactory projects move forward
The 2025 contraction in EU module capacity reflects both statistical re-estimation and real industrial setbacks. The downward revision is largely linked to a reassessment of RECOM Technologies’ output, previously recorded at 3.2 GW but now understood to have peaked at around 500 MW before the company relocated operations from France to Italy in 2024. The segment also recorded several closures. French manufacturer Photowatt, one of the world’s oldest PV companies, ceased operations in early 2025 after years of losses and an unsuccessful sale process, while Aleo Solar, the German branch of Taiwan-based Sino-American Silicon, stopped module production in March 2025. If the announced module pipeline materialises, adding around 20 GW, EU module manufacturing could cover approximately 60% of the 2030 NZIA target.
Figure 9: EU Closed / Descaled PV Module Manufacturers — Capacity (MW)

Source: Enerdata’s own calculation *Methodology¹
The gap between announced capacity and operational factories remains a major uncertainty in Europe’s manufacturing outlook and, as the global context makes clear, closing that gap against a Chinese industry with deeply integrated supply chains, massive production scale, and continued cost advantages will require more than project announcements alone. May 2026 marked the cancellation of Carbon’s gigafactory in France, designed to build a 5 GW integrated solar manufacturing chain, citing insufficient regulatory visibility and investor guarantees⁹.
These Project closures stand in contrast to a pipeline of announced gigafactory projects that, if realised, could underpin the new module production capacity before 2030. Construction has already begun on DAS Solar’s 3 GW plant in Mandeure, France. Additionally, a Chinese manufacturer establishes European production to navigate trade barriers, a pattern increasingly visible across the industry. Further projects include Holosolis (5 GW) and Voltec (5 GW) in France, MCPV (2.5 GW) and Iberdrola (2.1 GW) in Spain, and FuturaSun’s 1.4 GW FENICE project in Italy. Enel’s 3SUN gigafactory has already scaled module production capacity to 1.8 GW, offering a proof point for European-scale manufacturing viability.
Figure 10: Planned PV Module Gigafactories in Europe — Capacity (MW)

Source: Enerdata’s own calculation *Methodology¹
NOTES:
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“Monroeville had water sitting right there doing one job. Now it does two.”
Photo Credit: D3Energy
Monroeville, Ohio, has expanded solar generation without using additional cropland by placing a new array on its reservoir.
For a village of roughly 1,300 residents, 6 megawatts of new capacity is an unusually large solar presence and could offer a path other small towns may consider.
Electricity is now flowing into Monroeville’s local distribution grid from 9,222 panels mounted across three floating platforms on the village reservoir, according to Interesting Engineering. D3Energy says the installation is Ohio’s largest floating solar project and ranks among the five biggest in the United States.
By occupying about 12 acres of reservoir surface, the project avoids the roughly 30 acres a comparable ground-mounted system would have needed. That tradeoff is notable in Ohio, where a 2021 law has allowed about one-third of the state’s 88 counties to restrict large solar developments.
Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area.
To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
For households, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy. If you’re considering rooftop panels, you can use EnergySage to get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes.
The floating array builds on Monroeville’s earlier solar investment: the village has operated a 4-megawatt ground-mounted facility since 2017. With both projects in place, Monroeville now has about 13 times Ohio’s per-person solar capacity.
Other floating solar systems D3Energy has built in Ohio include projects for Del-Co Water in Delaware and for the City of Lima at Twin Lakes Reservoir, bringing the state’s active floating-solar capacity to nearly 10 megawatts.
Gardner Capital owns the Monroeville system and sells its electricity to the village, while D3Energy developed the project and Ohio-based Appalachian Renewable Power handled the contracting. D3Energy said the installation is its third floating solar project in Ohio.
FROM OUR PARTNER
Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation.
To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
For homeowners who want solar panels to work for them, tools that simplify the solar-buying process can make a major difference. EnergySage’s solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with details on solar incentives in each state. Together, those resources can help homeowners get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives.
Using EnergySage is especially valuable because it can help the average person save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. Adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save on energy costs, and go off-grid. Homeowners can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
“Solar needs space, and in farm country there’s no such thing as spare ground,” said Stetson Tchividjian, managing director of D3Energy. “Monroeville had water sitting right there doing one job. Now it does two.”
Monroeville’s reservoir is part of a much broader push into floating solar. These stories look at similar projects and research on how water-based arrays can expand solar power while conserving land.
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
• Florida is turning highway ponds into floating solar, with room to power 200,000 homes.
• In Oregon, the state’s first floating solar array will power 60 homes and save water.
• Scientists say floating solar is fast becoming cost-competitive across the African continent’s vast reservoirs.
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We compare the best solar panels available in the UK in 2026, from high-efficiency models to panels offering strong warranties and long-term value
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Choosing the best solar panels for your home is about more than just finding the model with the highest efficiency rating or largest output capability. Your roof space, budget, electricity use and warranty length can all make one panel a better fit than another.
With solar panels expected to generate electricity for decades, it’s also worth considering how well a panel retains its output over time, as well as the manufacturer’s reputation and the support available if something goes wrong.
To help you find the right solar panels for your home, we’ve compared some of the leading options available to UK homeowners in 2026, looking at efficiency, output, installed cost, warranties, degradation and suitability for British conditions. Whether you want maximum generation from a small roof, strong long-term value or reliable performance in lower light, these are the models worth considering.
Read more: First look at plug-in solar panels
Are solar panels worth it in the UK? An expert guide on how they work for your home
How much do solar panels cost? UK 2026 prices guide
Solar panel grants UK: How to apply for government funding schemes and what incentives are available?
Are Octopus solar panels worth it? This is what homeowners should know
What sets the Maxeon 7 apart is its Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) cell design. Unlike conventional panels, all electrical contacts sit behind the cell, reducing resistance and improving durability. This design also makes the panel more resistant to micro-cracks, corrosion, and heat-related efficiency loss – key factors over a 30 to 40 year lifespan.
Degradation performance is among the best we’ve seen. After three decades, the Maxeon 7 is expected to retain more than 90 per cent of its original output, meaning it continues generating meaningful savings long after many panels have declined.
The high output per panel makes it suitable for homes with limited roof space, while its relatively light weight simplifies installation. In real-world use, installers consistently cite reliability and consistency as standout strengths.
Installers and homeowners regularly praise SunPower panels for long-term reliability and low fault rates. Reviews tend to highlight peace of mind, consistent generation, and strong aftercare support when installed through approved partners.
The SunPower Maxeon 7 is best suited to homeowners who want a premium solar panel and are comfortable paying more upfront for long-term certainty. Its main advantage isn’t just high efficiency, but the combination of strong output, low degradation and unusually long warranty cover.
This makes it a strong choice if you expect to stay in your home for many years, have limited roof space or want to maximise lifetime generation from a smaller system. It may be harder to justify if you have modest electricity use or a large, uncomplicated roof where a cheaper panel could still generate enough power.
Ultimately, you should choose the SunPower Maxeon 7 over the other panels in this guide if you want the strongest long-term warranty and are willing to pay more for peace of mind. It is the best fit for homeowners planning to stay in the same property for many years, or those who want a premium panel with excellent output retention. However, if upfront cost is your main concern, DMEGC or LONGi may offer better value.
Read the full SunPower Maxeon 7 solar panel review
The key strength of the DMEGC Infinity panel is its balanced degradation profile. While it doesn’t quite reach the 90 per cent benchmark of the very top performers, retaining more than 87 per cent output after 30 years is still well above the industry average.
Its N-type cells slow long-term performance loss and reduce light-induced degradation, which is a common issue with older P-type panels. Combined with a robust frame, anti-glare coating, and solid heat tolerance, the Infinity is well-suited to long-term UK use.
Installers often highlight the panel’s consistency rather than any single standout metric, which is exactly why it works so well for a wide range of homes.
DMEGC panels tend to be reviewed positively when installed by reputable UK installers, with customers noting steady generation and few post-installation issues. Feedback commonly reflects satisfaction rather than flashiness.
The DMEGC Infinity is a good fit for homeowners who want a reliable, long-lasting panel without moving into the most expensive part of the market. It doesn’t have the highest efficiency figure in this guide, but it performs strongly across the areas that matter for most homes: output, warranty cover, degradation and installed cost.
That makes it a sensible option if you have enough roof space for a standard domestic solar array and want a panel that delivers steady generation over decades. It is less about chasing the highest specification and more about getting a dependable system at a fair price.
You should buy the DMEGC Infinity if you want a strong all-rounder that balances price, performance and long-term durability. It doesn’t beat SunPower on warranty or Perlight on efficiency, but it’s likely to make sense for more households because it offers dependable performance without the highest installed cost. This is the panel to consider if you want long-term value rather than the most premium specification.
Read the full DMEGC Infinity solar panel review
The Hi-MO X10’s standout feature is LONGi’s HPBC 2.0 back-contact technology. This moves the electrical contacts to the rear of the solar cell, leaving more of the front surface free to capture sunlight. The result is a high-efficiency panel with a clean all-black finish and no visible front grid lines.
The Hi-MO X10 offers a 485W output and efficiency of up to 24 per cent, making it a strong option for homeowners who want good generation from a limited amount of roof space. LONGi also highlights the panel’s performance in lower-light conditions, which is useful for UK homes where cloud cover, winter daylight and roof orientation can all affect output.
Long-term performance is another selling point. LONGi states that the panel has one per cent first-year degradation and retains 88.85 per cent of its original output after 30 years, which is a solid long-term guarantee.
Its all-black design also helps it blend into the roof more discreetly than panels with visible silver lines or busbars, which may appeal if you are concerned about how a solar installation will look from the street.
As a budget pick, the LONGi Hi-MO X10’s advantage is that it combines strong efficiency, a major global brand and a long warranty without the same premium positioning as more specialist panels. However, as with any solar panel, the final value will depend on the installed quote rather than the panel specification alone.
The LONGi Hi-MO X10 is best for homeowners who want high efficiency and modern back-contact technology, but do not necessarily want to pay for the most premium panel in the guide. Its 485W output and clean all-black design make it a strong option for homes where roof space, appearance and long-term performance all matter.
It’s also worth considering if you want a panel from a major global manufacturer with a long performance warranty. However, because installed prices can vary by installer and system size, it is important to compare quotes carefully rather than choosing it on specification alone.
The LONGi Hi-MO X10 is the best solar panel to choose from our list if you want high efficiency and modern back-contact technology without moving into premium-panel pricing. It’s a particularly good alternative to SunPower or Perlight if you have limited roof space but still need to keep costs under control. The main trade-off is that the final value will depend heavily on the installed quote, so it’s worth comparing it carefully against DMEGC and Jinko.
The key differentiator here is power density. With both high efficiency and high wattage, the Black Grid produces more electricity per square metre than any other panel listed, which makes it a favourite among many of the best solar panel installers.
Its bifacial construction and reinforced frame improve resilience, while the long 30-year warranty adds confidence. Although degradation is slightly weaker than some rivals, overall lifetime output remains strong due to the high starting efficiency.
Perlight panels are frequently positively mentioned by installers for build quality and output. Consumer reviews tend to reflect satisfaction with the generation rather than brand loyalty.
The Perlight Black Grid is best for homeowners who need to maximize energy generation from their available roof space. Its high efficiency and 500W output mean each panel can contribute more to the overall system size, which is useful if your roof is small, has awkward sections or cannot fit as many panels as you would like.
It may also appeal if your household electricity demand is likely to rise, for example, because you plan to add an electric vehicle charger, a heat pump, or battery storage. In those cases, a higher-output panel can help you build a more capable system without needing more roof area.
If your priority is generating as much electricity as possible from each square metre of roof space, then the Perlight model is the best solar panel for you. It is the strongest option here for efficiency and wattage, which may justify the cost if your roof is small, awkward or partly restricted. However, if you are more focused on brand scale or long-term degradation, SunPower, DMEGC or Aiko may be a better fit.
Read the full Perlight Black Grid solar panel review
The Aiko Neostar delivers high output in a compact, lightweight format, making it ideal for space-constrained rooftops. These panels deliver the best combination of compact design and high power density, with each panel producing 460W at 23 per cent efficiency while maintaining a relatively light and slim build. The panels also boast excellent durability, retaining almost 89 per cent of their output after 30 years.
The panels also feature cell-level partial shade optimisation, which improves energy yield even when parts of the array are shaded. This means a consistent output will be delivered, despite changing skylines or nearby trees.
Durability is another strength. Aiko highlights its micro-crack resistance technology, ensuring panels withstand impacts from hail, branches, or debris. This robustness, coupled with its sleek all-black aesthetic, makes the Neostar both practical and visually appealing.
At just 21.5kg, it’s lighter than many rivals, which reduces strain on roofs and simplifies installation – another advantage for smaller properties.
The Aiko Neostar is best suited to homes where the roof layout is the main challenge. If you have a smaller roof, dormer windows, chimneys, or areas of partial shade, its compact design and shade optimisation can make it easier to build an effective system.
It’s a strong alternative to Perlight for smaller roofs, especially where shade optimisation and aesthetics matter as much as headline efficiency. If your roof has plenty of usable space, DMEGC or LONGi may offer better overall value.
While perhaps less obvious, it’s also a strong choice if appearance is important to you. The all-black design gives the panels a more discreet look than older-style panels with visible silver lines, which may be useful on street-facing roofs or more design-sensitive homes.
Read the full Aiko Neostar solar panel review
The Jinko Tiger is optimised for consistent generation in weak or diffuse light, making it particularly well-suited to the UK climate.
The panels have an advanced N-type cell construction to maintain higher energy output even in weak sunlight, whether early morning, evening, or cloudy UK days, ensuring steadier performance throughout the year. So, for the UK’s famously overcast skies and shorter winter days, the Jinko Tiger is the standout choice. N-type cells are also slower to degrade and are resistant to salt corrosion, making them a great pick for coastal properties.
These panels are also mid-weight and relatively small compared with some other options, making them a practical fit for most UK rooftops.
Jinko is one of the most frequently reviewed solar brands globally, with homeowners often citing their reliability and steady year-round output.
The Jinko Tiger is the best solar panel to buy if you are more concerned about consistent year-round generation, rather than having the highest efficiency figure. It is a practical choice for UK homes where cloud cover and shorter winter days are a concern. It trails some rivals on efficiency and degradation, but it is worth considering if low-light performance and manufacturer scale are your priorities.
It’s also worth considering if you live near the coast, where salt corrosion resistance and long-term durability may matter more than squeezing out the highest possible peak output. For many UK households, steady year-round generation can be just as important as summer performance.
Read the full Jinko Tiger solar panel review
Choosing the best solar panels that UK homeowners can trust means balancing technical performance with real-world experience. To create this guide, we developed a clear scoring system and combined it with expert insight and real consumer feedback.
Every solar panel was rated across five core factors, each on a simple scale of one to five:
Each factor was given equal weight to produce an aggregate score out of 25. Panels that scored consistently high across multiple categories were ranked more favourably than those that excelled in just one area.
Panel
Efficiency
Cost
Wattage
Warranty
Degradation
Total (out of 25)
SunPower Maxeon 7
4
2
5
5
5
21
Perlight Black Grid
5
3
5
4
3
20
LONGi Hi-MO X10
4
2
5
4
4
19
DMEGC Infinity
3
4
4
3
3
17
Aiko Neostar
3
2
4
3
4
16
Jinko Tiger
2
2
3
3
3
13
Numbers only tell part of the story. By combining technical specifications, expert recommendations, and consumer sentiment, our methodology ensures that this guide reflects both the science of solar panels and the lived experience of UK homeowners.
Read more: Verdict on Sunsave solar panels
To understand how solar panels perform beyond their technical specifications, we also reviewed customer feedback from Trustpilot, Google reviews and independent forums, and spoke directly to homeowners who have installed solar panels.
One was Justin Webb, a graphic designer and founder of Judmedia, who had solar panels installed more than two years ago. When comparing systems, he looked for a clear like-for-like specification covering the panels, inverter and battery, long warranties, an MCS-accredited installer, an in-person survey and a single-brand ecosystem that would work together smoothly.
Webb says buyers should think beyond simple payback calculations. “People always talk about ROI with solar panels, but often forget that there’s no ROI on paying your energy bill, or your gas bill, or your mortgage. You just pay it and it’s gone,” he says. “With solar, I’m fixing my energy price instead.”
His advice is to compare quotes carefully, as prices can vary widely, and to ask about finance options, including green home improvement loans from mortgage lenders. He also recommends doing a simple energy audit before choosing a system, from switching to LED bulbs to checking how much power major appliances use. Reducing waste first, he says, can help your solar panels and battery go further.
We interviewed solar installers, including Glow Green and Solar4Good, and considered guidance from industry bodies such as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and the Energy Saving Trust. The clearest takeaway was that the best solar panel is not just the one with the highest efficiency rating; installer reputation, aftercare and real-world durability matter too.
Lloyd Greenfield, founder of Glow Green, says homeowners should prioritise warranty length, manufacturer reputation and cell technology. “There’s a big difference between a panel guaranteed for 30 years and one that only lasts 15,” he says. “You also want a manufacturer with a strong track record, not a new entrant whose panels haven’t been tested in the UK over decades.”
He also warns against choosing on price alone. Lower-wattage panels may reduce the upfront cost, but higher-output models can generate more electricity from the same roof space and deliver better long-term value. The installer matters just as much: Greenfield recommends checking for MCS and NIC accreditations, Trustpilot ratings, insurance-backed deposit protection and whether the company uses the Energy Performance Validation Scheme (EPVS) to validate its performance estimates.
Battery storage is also becoming a bigger part of the decision. Greenfield says more than 95 per cent of Glow Green’s customers now choose a battery alongside their panels, with some later adding a second. His own panel recommendation is Perlight’s Black Grid panel, which he rates for its all-black design, 30-year warranty, bifacial technology and strong reputation.
With dozens of models on the market, the best solar panel often comes down to your priorities. But the best solar panel is the SunPower Maxeon 7, thanks to its exceptional warranty and long-term power production.
Most UK homes are fitted with monocrystalline solar panels, which are typically the most efficient and best suited to limited roof space. You may also come across polycrystalline panels, though these are now less common, and thin-film panels, which tend to be used in more specialist or commercial settings rather than on standard homes.
Plug-in solar panels are becoming readily available in the UK, offering a smaller, more accessible option for balconies, patios and gardens. However, they do not have the same output capacity as a full rooftop solar panel system, so this guide focuses only on rooftop panels designed for whole-home solar installations.
The right option depends on your roof size, budget and how much electricity you want to generate. In most cases, homeowners comparing the best solar panels will be choosing between different types of monocrystalline solar panels, with variations in efficiency, appearance and warranty cover.
Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity. Each panel is made up of photovoltaic cells, which generate direct current (DC) electricity when exposed to daylight. An inverter then converts this into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be used to power your home.
Solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days, although output is usually lower than in bright sunlight. Any electricity you don’t use immediately can be stored in a solar battery, if you have one, or exported back to the grid through an export tariff.
For a more detailed explanation, read our full guide to how solar panels work.
Solar panels can be worth it if you own your home, have a suitable roof and expect to stay in the property long enough to benefit from the savings. They can reduce the amount of electricity you need to buy from the grid, and you may be able to earn money by exporting unused electricity through the Smart Export Guarantee or a supplier export tariff.
The payback period will depend on the size and cost of your system, how much electricity you use during the day, whether you add a battery and the export rate you receive. Higher electricity prices generally make solar panels more attractive, but the upfront cost means they are still a long-term investment.
For a fuller breakdown of savings, payback times and key considerations, read our guide to whether solar panels are worth it.
The cost of solar panels in the UK varies depending on the size of the system, the type of panels you choose, the complexity of the installation and whether you add a solar battery. A typical domestic solar panel system can cost several thousand pounds, with larger systems and battery storage increasing the upfront price.
When comparing panels, it’s important to look beyond the panel price alone. Installation, scaffolding, inverter costs, warranties and expected performance over time can all affect the overall value of the system. In this guide, we have listed panel prices as the installed cost per kW to make like-for-like comparisons easier.
Most solar panels are designed to last for 25 years or more, although they will usually continue generating electricity after that point. Their output gradually declines over time, which is known as degradation. This is why many manufacturers provide both a product warranty and a performance warranty.
A product warranty covers defects in the panel itself, while a performance warranty sets out how much of the original output the panel should still produce after a certain number of years. When comparing solar panels, it’s worth checking both the warranty length and the expected degradation rate, as these can affect long-term value.
Yes, brands matter when choosing solar panels. Established Tier-1 manufacturers (such as DMEGC, Jinko, SunPower/Maxeon, and Aiko) are financially stable and more likely to honour 25- to 40-year warranties. While smaller brands can also offer good performance, choosing a reputable manufacturer with a long track record provides extra peace of mind when investing in panels that should last three decades or more.
You may have seen the term ‘Tier-1’ associated with solar panels. It refers to tiers of manufacturers, based on their financial stability and their track record of making high-quality panels. To be seen as a Tier-1 manufacturer, panels should be made in-house, and a track record of at least five years is generally needed. It is a good indicator that a panel maker is of high quality. But it is not the be-all and end-all, since factors that matter little to buyers, such as the quality of a manufacturer’s accounting practices, form part of the criteria. Aiko, Jinko and DMEGC are all Tier-1 firms.
The government currently offers a zero VAT rate on domestic solar installations until at least 2027, cutting upfront costs by 20 per cent. You can also earn money through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays you for excess electricity you send to the grid. Some local councils and energy providers run additional schemes, so it’s worth checking regional offers before installation. For more on this, see our guide to the top solar panel grants and funding options.
The Independent has been reporting on green energy and climate matters since it was founded in 1986. Since then, we have written hundreds of reviews and news stories on energy matters, including the best solar installers and various other guides on green power. Jeff Meyer is The Independent’s energy editor. He has written extensively on everything from how you can earn money from solar panels to a guide on whether solar panels are actually worth it. His experience is why you can trust his verdict on the best solar panels. Jeff has conducted extensive research, including consulting industry experts and customers, to gain a thorough understanding of which brands are making the best solar panels.
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At Solar & Storage Live UK 2026 in Birmingham, Midea Energy unveiled its energy storage portfolio for the UK market, featuring three key offerings: PowerNexus all-in-one ESS, Omni X standalone ESS, and IEASYENERGY home energy management solution.
The launch comes as the UK residential energy market gains further momentum from supportive policy measures. The government’s Warm Homes Plan continues to support the adoption of technologies such as solar, batteries, and heat pumps, creating a favorable backdrop for home energy solutions. Midea Energy’s portfolio is designed to address these evolving residential energy needs.
PowerNexus offers an all-in-one solution for residential applications, covering single-phase systems of 3–8 kW and 10–12 kW and three-phase systems of 5–15 kW, along with 5 kWh and 7 kWh battery options. The system features a 255 mm slim profile and Red Dot Award-winning minimalist design, allowing it to integrate naturally into residential environments.
While PowerNexus provides an integrated solution, Omni X offers a modular standalone ESS covering a wide power range, with both low- and high-voltage inverter options. Rack-mounted and stackable battery configurations provide flexibility for different household requirements and installation scenarios.
Beyond storage hardware, Midea Energy showcased IEASYENERGY, its intelligent energy management solution. The platform coordinates generation, storage, heating, and charging through a single interface, while AI-driven capabilities analyze consumption patterns and anticipate demand to support more efficient energy use. Midea Energy plans to further integrate the platform with Midea Smart Home, connecting home appliances and energy devices.
Alongside Midea Energy’s storage portfolio, Hiconics, another residential energy storage brand within Midea Energy, made its UK debut at the show. Hiconics showcased its PowerInfi all-in-one ESS and PowerX1 standalone ESS series, broadening Midea Energy’s residential storage offering.
Building on its product showcase, Midea Energy further strengthened its UK market presence by signing a strategic cooperation agreement with Project Better Energy, appointing the company as the exclusive UK distributor for Midea Energy’s product portfolio. The partnership marks a new step in Midea Energy’s UK expansion, supporting the availability of its residential energy solutions to customers across the market.
As part of Midea Group, Midea Energy draws on expertise in home appliances, HVAC, and smart home technologies, supported by 41 R&D centers worldwide. This foundation enables Midea Energy to connect energy storage with broader home energy technologies and accelerate the development of integrated, intelligent, and scalable solutions for the UK market and beyond.
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Japanese heating system manufacturer Daikin has unveiled a new series of residential air-to-air heat pumps that it says are particularly suitable for highly insulated, airtight homes, where heating and cooling loads can remain low for extended periods once the desired indoor temperature has been reached.
The systems use R32 as the refrigerant, which has a global warming potential (GWP) of 675, and rely on a “small-capacity, high-efficiency compressor” that can reportedly maintain efficient operation under low-load conditions, reducing the energy losses associated with frequent compressor cycling.
Initially launched in the Japanese market, the Ururu Sarara X heat pump line comprises nine models for rooms ranging from six to 26 tatami mats, a Japanese unit of floor area, corresponding to approximately 10 m² to 43 m². Five models operate with a single-phase 100 V power supply and five are available with a 200 V connection, with the 4.0 kW capacity class offered in both configurations.
The manufacturer said the new compressor is particularly suited for spaces where indoor temperatures are less affected by outdoor conditions and the units consequently spend longer periods operating at low output. According to Daikin, the technology can also contribute to meeting the energy-performance requirements of Japan’s GX-oriented and zero-energy home (ZEH) standards.
The heat pumps also feature a new outdoor-temperature-dependent “Heat Boost Control.” The function is activated when outdoor temperatures fall to 2 C or below and increases both heating capacity and airflow.
Daikin said the technology can reduce the time required to reach the set temperature by around 20% compared with its previous-generation system. In tests conducted by the manufacturer with a 4.0 kW model, the system raised the indoor temperature from 10 C to a setpoint of 22 C in approximately 14 minutes at an outdoor temperature of 2 C, compared with around 18 minutes for the previous model.
The company also said the increased airflow expands the floor area reaching temperatures of at least 22 C by approximately 1.2 times compared with the previous-generation system under its specified test conditions.
For cooling operation, Daikin has introduced a low-airflow sleep mode designed to reduce discomfort caused by drafts during the night. In the 2.2 kW to 2.8 kW models, the manufacturer said operating noise remains at 35 dB(A) or below when the function is activated.
Daikin said the Ururu Sarara X range also combines heating and cooling with humidification, dehumidification, ventilation and air purification functions, without providing further technical details.
For comparison, the previous Ururu Sarara X generation has nominal heating capacities ranging from 2.5 kW to 10.6 kW and nominal cooling capacities ranging from 2.2 kW to 9.0 kW. Depending on the model, heating output can reach up to 12.4 kW, while maximum cooling output reaches 9.1 kW.
The indoor units measure 798 mm × 295 mm × 370 mm, while the size and weight of the outdoor units vary according to capacity, from 795 mm × 713 mm × 300 mm to 850 mm × 849 mm × 320 mm.
“With the launch of the 2027 models, we aim to contribute to comfortable living and energy savings by enhancing energy efficiency and comfort in response to changes in housing performance and lifestyles,” Daikin said in a statement,
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The replacement and expansion of decommissioned solar PV projects will account for 23% of new solar capacity additions by the 2040s, as projects reach the ends of their operational lives and new technological innovations incentivise the replacement of outdated components.
This is according to Wood Mackenzie, which today published a report on the impacts on the clean energy transition of solar and wind project decommissioning. ‘Renewing renewables: The next chapter in the energy transition’ uses wind as the primary example of how projects will come to the ends of their operational lives, and need to be replaced, but many of the trends identified are relevant to the solar industry.
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The scale of the challenge is significant; Wood Mackenzie estimates that in the 2040s, projects accounting for more than 2.5TW of wind and solar capacity will reach the ends of their operational lives, forcing project owners to make a decision about the future of the asset.
Indeed, using the example of the European wind industry, the report notes that meeting European Commission deployment targets requires 37GW of new wind additions each year between 2023 and 2030. The industry is already falling short of this target, without even considering the fact that a further 17GW of capacity will be decommissioned in this period; this means that, in effect, Europe must add 39GW a year to reach the 2030 target.
This is illustrated effectively on the graph above, from Wood Mackenzie, which shows how solar and wind decommissioning, in pink, will take a significant volume of generation off the grid, particularly from 2040 onwards. This comes as power demand will continue to grow, meaning that close to 8,000TWh of new generation will be needed by 2050 to account for growing power demand and the reduction in generation from existing solar and wind assets.
Earlier this year, speakers at Solar Media’s Clean Power 2030 Summit said that project developers must “actively” think about end-of-life activities when building an asset, and that simply dismantling a project at the end of its life would be an unwise decision. Instead, asset owners typically aim to revamp a project, the process of replacing parts and components with new versions to restore it to its original output, or repower the project, the process of adding new components to improve the capacity or output of that project.
While one of the speakers at this summer’s event, Joe Miletic, founder and director of UK-based consultancy Solclaris, told PV Tech Premium that concerns about module quality means that some solar asset owners would rather revamp a project than repower it, the Wood Mackenzie report suggests that the rate of technological advancement, particularly for the solar sector, means that repowering could be an attractive option.
The report says that there is “greater technological advancements” in solar than in other renewable energy industries, such as wind; the report estimates that over the past decade, a “new technology” has entered the solar sector every other year.
“In a repowering context, this means solar assets have a shorter operational lifetime than they are designed for, as asset owners look to capitalise on new technological advancements rather than repair existing assets,” reads the report, which was written by Wood Mackenzie’s Søren Lassen, Chris Seiple and Charles Coppins.
Despite the scale of this challenge, the Wood Mackenzie report also notes that the solar PV industry could be well-positioned to capitalise on this need to replace operating capacity, as the speed at which new technological innovations are being deployed means that solar projects that are repowered could see a significant improvement in generation.
The report notes that module efficiencies have increased by 69% between 2005 and 2025, and says that technology is already “available” that could increase cell efficiency by more than 50% by 2045. Similarly, project sites are becoming smaller, with average project sites today “as much as” 30% smaller than projects of the same capacity in 2010.
As a result, the report concludes that decommissioning work will drive “more than 70% of installations” of new renewable energy projects across Europe. However, the report’s authors note that this trend will not be universal, with decommissioning work contributing to juts 1% of new capacity additions in Asia.

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End-of-life management for a circular economy: Solar PV panels  International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
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Renewing decommissioned solar and wind projects is set to increase annual installations and improve project economics and affordability, according to analysis by Wood Mackenzie.
The consultancy’s latest report forecasts that more than 2.5 TW of solar and wind projects worldwide will reach their end of design life by 2040.
Site owners must then choose between upgrading existing equipment or decommissioning the plant by removing end of life infrastructure. Decommissioning can pave the way for installing new equipment at the same time, a process often known as repowering, which may reflect more than 20 years of technological innovation since the original build.
Wood Mackenzie’s analysis explains that wind decommissioning is already happening as the wind industry began rapid deployment earlier than the solar industry. However by 2040, solar will have a larger ageing fleet, defined as equipment older than 20 years.
An owner’s decision to decommission solar or wind equipment and install new equipment involves weighing up the net present value of investing in extending the existing project’s lifespan against completely repowering the asset, the report says.
While there are several ways to repower solar and wind, Wood Mackenzie says the most common is the full decommissioning of the original project and the installation of new modules or turbines on the same site, while retaining some of the associated infrastructure.
Decommissioning is expected to drive 23% of solar buildout and 44% of wind buildout in the 2040s, according to figures from the report.
Wood Mackenzie predicts repowering will hit the countries that were early adopters of renewables disproportionately, with decommissioning driving more than 70% of installations in Europe’s established markets in the 2040s, while new markets in Asia could see as little as 1%.
Repowering will also ensure solar and wind remain a growth business for equipment suppliers, the report continues.
Wood Mackenzie notes that global solar and wind capacity will decline this year and says this would continue without repowering, due to factors including slumping policy report, grid integration issues and high levels of decarbonisation in more mature markets.
While annual net additions of solar and wind are expected to decrease gradually through 2050, Wood Mackenzie forecasts that actual equipment sales in 2050 will be more than 60% higher than in 2026 due to the need to replace ageing equipment.
The report says this points towards a new chapter in the energy transition, which it refers to as energy renewal, that is set to drive increased renewables investment for decades.
“In the 2040s, we forecast the rate of growth in global power demand to slow, but solar and wind installations to increase because of decommissioning,” the report says. “In fact, we are expecting the era of renewal to lead to more installations than ever before.”
The report emphasises that this shift should be influencing policy decisions made today.
“If they do not, governments will miss their targets, suppliers will fail to gear up for future demand and owners will overestimate future power prices and potentially miss out on current opportunities,” the report concludes.
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The new ESS News magazine is here!
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The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
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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.
pv magazine USA hosts its multi-day virtual event on U.S. solar and energy storage, covering domestic manufacturing, distributed energy and the growing role of solar-plus-storage in meeting AI-driven power demand.
Monday, October 26, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
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The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!
Monday, October 26, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Thursday, October 7, 2026
11:00 am – 12:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
pv magazine USA hosts its multi-day virtual event on U.S. solar and energy storage, covering domestic manufacturing, distributed energy and the growing role of solar-plus-storage in meeting AI-driven power demand.

The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!
Monday, October 26, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Thursday, October 7, 2026
11:00 am – 12:30 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
pv magazine USA hosts its multi-day virtual event on U.S. solar and energy storage, covering domestic manufacturing, distributed energy and the growing role of solar-plus-storage in meeting AI-driven power demand.

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© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.
“Talk to more installers.”
Photo Credit: iStock
After being told a foam roof ruled out rooftop solar, a California homeowner turned to a different energy upgrade: a Tesla Powerwall 3 used to buy electricity at off-peak prices.
According to the homeowner, the battery lets the house rely less on PG&E during expensive hours and also serves as backup when outages hit.
On Reddit, a resident in the San Francisco Bay Area said they skipped solar after three installers told them they couldn’t mount panels on the home’s foam roof. Instead, they opted for a leased Powerwall 3 and use it to store lower-cost power overnight under a time-of-use plan.
The economics, they said, worked because the battery should offset its own lease cost during the summer, with backup power as an added benefit.
“Especially important since the peak rate from 4 to 9 PM is 2 1/2 times the low rate from midnight to 3 PM,” the original poster said.
If you’re curious whether a battery could work for your home, it may be worth exploring EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates. EnergySage has teamed up with the electrification brand Qmerit to guarantee you get the best price on home battery storage solutions.
For a smaller-scale option, Pila also offers excellent battery backup options, and its plug-and-play batteries cost a fraction of what a whole-home backup system would.
Home batteries are not only for houses with solar arrays. In places where utilities charge more during late-afternoon and evening peaks, battery storage can shift when electricity is purchased, helping lower bills without requiring major changes to daily routines.
FROM OUR PARTNER
Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area.
To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
Solar panels can save you more than $50k over their 25-year lifespan, and EnergySage can help you save as much as $10k on installation. Which begs the question — isn’t that worth an email or two?
Not everyone in the thread agreed the roof made solar impossible.
“Talk to more installers. Spray foam roofs are completely compatible with a solar install. That’s probably half of all commercial installations!” one commenter wrote.
The homeowner replied that they had already consulted three installers and preferred that none had attempted a design that could have harmed the roof.
“The battery is the solution today,” one commenter wrote.
More homeowners are weighing batteries even when rooftop solar isn’t in the picture. The articles here cover solar roadblocks, Powerwall growth, battery financing, and incentives that can change the math.
• California homeowners say a major obstacle in the pursuit of solar power is blocking installations nationwide.
• Tesla says it has surpassed half a million installations as Powerwall adoption accelerates worldwide.
• More homeowners can now add home backup batteries without paying upfront, thanks to new financing.
• In Connecticut, a new policy gives home batteries a major advantage as solar caps tighten.
• In Queensland, residents can qualify for thousands off the cost of a Tesla Powerwall.
Get TCD’s free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.

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Gurgaon to see fresh rooftop solar push; why the 2027 deadline is significant?  The Indian Express
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Second federal judge overturns $7B Solar for All cancellation by Trump administration EPA  Smart Cities Dive
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A battery fire at a P.E.I. solar farm is finally out. Canada may not be ready for more  CBC
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April 28, 2026, 3:00 pm
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MANILA – Training funds of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are set to increase through savings on electricity costs after the installation of a 40-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) system at its Taguig City complex.
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced Tuesday that the turnover of the solar PV system on Monday coincided with the groundbreaking of the Regional TVET Innovation Center.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, represented at the event by DOE Undersecretary Mario Marasigan, said the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing clean energy.
“This is proof that the country’s clean energy ambitions are taking shape in government institutions, training centers, and communities,” Garin said in a news release.
“Through this 40-kWp solar PV system, we are showing that the government must lead by example. We are not waiting — the government is going first.”
The project forms part of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption across public facilities.
Through GEMP, the DOE aims to transform government buildings into models of responsible energy use, delivering clean power, reducing reliance on the grid, and generating savings for public institutions.
According to the DOE, beyond cost savings, the solar facility will also serve as a learning platform for TESDA trainees.
“Students at the TESDA Complex will be able to see renewable energy in action within the same environment where they learn and train,” it said.
Garin said TESDA and similar institutions play a key role in preparing the workforce for opportunities in the clean energy sector, in line with the government’s targets of achieving 35 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. (Joann Santiago-Villanueva/PNA)
September 24, 2026 8:35 pm
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Fluorinated Methylammonium Cation Containing Perovskite Solar Cells With Over 25% Power Conversion Efficiency  Wiley & Sons
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According to the latest IndexBox report on the global On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverter market, the market enters 2026 with broader demand fundamentals, more disciplined procurement behavior, and a more regionally diversified supply architecture.
The global market for On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverter is entering a phase of structural expansion, driven by the accelerating deployment of utility-scale and commercial solar installations and the growing need for grid-stabilizing power electronics. As solar penetration rises, grid operators increasingly require inverters that provide reactive power support, voltage regulation, and fault ride-through capabilities, transforming the inverter from a simple DC-AC converter into a critical grid asset. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the market from 2026 to 2035, covering historical data from 2012 to 2025 and forward-looking scenarios.
The market is bifurcating into cost-optimized platforms for predictable installations and premium, feature-rich systems for grid-critical applications. Demand is increasingly shaped by regulatory mandates, cybersecurity requirements, and the integration of energy storage. The supply chain is shifting toward wide bandgap semiconductors, particularly silicon carbide, to achieve higher efficiency and power density. Competitive dynamics are influenced by control over critical components, qualification cycles, and lifecycle service offerings.
This study segments the market by end-use sectors, including utility-scale, commercial and industrial, residential, microgrid, and utility-owned assets, and provides regional outlooks for Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Key companies profiled include Sungrow, Huawei, SMA Solar Technology, SolarEdge, Fronius, ABB, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Enphase Energy, Delta Electronics, and KACO New Energy. The report is designed for component manufacturers, system suppliers, OEMs, distributors, investors, and strategic entrants seeking a grounded view of demand architecture, qualification logic, pricing, and competitive positioning.
The baseline scenario for the On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverter market anticipates a compound annual growth rate of 7.2% from 2026 to 2035, with the market index reaching 200 by 2035 (2025=100). This outlook is supported by the global push for renewable energy targets, declining solar levelized cost of electricity, and the increasing necessity for grid-supportive inverters. Utility-scale solar projects remain the primary volume driver, particularly in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, where large tenders often mandate advanced grid features.
In North America and Europe, repowering and grid modernization efforts are expected to sustain demand for high-performance inverters with cybersecurity and grid-forming capabilities. The commercial and industrial segment is poised for accelerated adoption as businesses seek energy independence and resilience, often pairing inverters with battery storage. Residential three-phase demand is growing in regions with three-phase power distribution, such as Europe and parts of Asia, but remains a smaller share.
Supply-side factors include the transition to silicon carbide semiconductors, which improves efficiency and reduces cooling requirements, and the modularization of inverter designs to simplify maintenance and scalability. Pricing pressure persists in commoditized segments, while premium features command higher margins. The market is also witnessing a shift toward integrated lifecycle services, including monitoring and predictive maintenance, which enhances customer stickiness. Key risks include policy uncertainty, supply chain disruptions for semiconductors, and the emergence of alternative technologies such as string inverters with higher power ratings.
Overall, the baseline scenario assumes steady policy support, continued cost reductions, and gradual grid code harmonization, leading to robust but not explosive growth.
Utility-scale solar remains the dominant end-use sector for On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverters, accounting for the majority of global demand. This segment is characterized by large-scale projects, often exceeding 100 MW, where inverters must meet stringent grid code requirements including voltage regulation, frequency response, and reactive power support. The shift toward bifacial modules and trackers increases energy yield, but also demands inverters with higher power ratings and advanced monitoring. As solar penetration rises, grid operators increasingly require grid-forming capabilities, which allow inverters to stabilize the grid without synchronous generation.
This is particularly critical in regions with weak grids or high renewable penetration. The procurement process is dominated by EPC firms and IPPs, who prioritize proven reliability, comprehensive service contracts, and seamless grid interconnection. Through 2035, the segment will be driven by auctions and tenders in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America, where solar is often the cheapest source of new power. Demand-side indicators include auction volumes, PPA prices, and grid interconnection queues. The trend toward larger project sizes and higher DC/AC ratios will favor inverters with higher power density and modular designs. Major companies in this sector include Sungrow, Huawei, SMA, and TMEIC. Current trend: Growing.
Major trends: Increasing adoption of grid-forming inverters for weak grid support, Shift toward higher power ratings (1500V and above) to reduce balance-of-system costs, Integration of energy storage with utility-scale PV to provide dispatchability, Growing use of silicon carbide semiconductors for higher efficiency, and Rise of digital monitoring and predictive maintenance services.
Representative participants: Sungrow Power Supply, Huawei Technologies, SMA Solar Technology, TMEIC, and ABB.
The Commercial and Industrial (C&I) sector is a rapidly growing end-use market for On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverters, driven by businesses seeking to reduce energy costs, meet sustainability goals, and enhance energy resilience. C&I installations typically range from 100 kW to several MW and often involve rooftop, carport, or ground-mounted systems. Three-phase inverters are essential for these applications due to their compatibility with commercial electrical systems and their ability to handle higher loads. A key trend is the integration of battery storage, enabling peak shaving, demand charge management, and backup power.
This hybrid approach requires inverters with advanced energy management capabilities and seamless switching between grid-tied and off-grid modes. The C&I segment is also seeing increased adoption of microgrids, particularly in regions with unreliable grid infrastructure. Demand-side indicators include commercial electricity prices, corporate sustainability commitments, and government incentives for self-consumption. Through 2035, the segment will benefit from falling battery costs and the growing popularity of power purchase agreements (PPAs) for C&I solar. However, financing and technical complexity remain barriers. Major companies active in this sector include SolarEdge, Fronius, Schneider Electric, and Delta Electronics.
Current trend: Accelerating.
Major trends: Rising adoption of hybrid inverters with battery storage for peak shaving and backup, Growth of solar-plus-storage microgrids for resilience, Increasing use of three-phase inverters in commercial rooftops and carports, Digitalization of energy management with IoT and AI, and Emergence of energy-as-a-service business models.
Representative participants: SolarEdge Technologies, Fronius International, Schneider Electric, Delta Electronics, and SMA Solar Technology.
The residential three-phase segment represents a smaller but stable share of the On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverter market, primarily concentrated in regions where three-phase power is common in homes, such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Asia. These inverters are used in larger residential systems, often exceeding 10 kW, and are increasingly paired with battery storage. Homeowners are motivated by rising electricity prices, feed-in tariffs, and the desire for energy independence. The segment is characterized by a higher degree of consumer choice, with aesthetics, noise levels, and ease of installation being important factors.
Technological trends include the integration of smart home energy management systems, allowing homeowners to optimize self-consumption and participate in demand response programs. The shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) is also creating new demand for three-phase inverters that can manage EV charging. Through 2035, the segment will grow modestly, driven by retrofits and new build installations in Europe and Japan. However, the trend toward single-phase inverters in some markets and the availability of cheaper string inverters may limit growth. Major companies include Enphase Energy, SolarEdge, Fronius, and SMA. Current trend: Steady.
Major trends: Integration with home energy management systems and smart home platforms, Growing adoption of three-phase inverters for EV charging integration, Increasing use of battery storage for self-consumption optimization, Modular and compact designs for easier installation, and Rise of virtual power plants (VPPs) aggregating residential systems.
Representative participants: Enphase Energy, SolarEdge Technologies, Fronius International, SMA Solar Technology, and Huawei Technologies.
Microgrids and off-grid applications represent a niche but growing end-use sector for On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverters, particularly in remote areas, islands, and regions with unreliable grid infrastructure. These systems often combine solar PV with battery storage and diesel generators, requiring inverters that can operate in grid-tied and off-grid modes, and seamlessly transition between them. Three-phase inverters are essential for powering commercial and industrial loads in microgrids, such as in mining, agriculture, and telecommunications. The demand is driven by the need for energy access, resilience, and cost savings compared to diesel generation.
Technological trends include the use of grid-forming inverters to establish and maintain grid voltage and frequency, and the integration of advanced control systems for optimal dispatch. Through 2035, the segment will benefit from declining battery costs and the increasing adoption of renewable microgrids for rural electrification and critical infrastructure. However, challenges include high upfront costs, complex permitting, and lack of standardized designs. Major companies active in this sector include SMA, Schneider Electric, ABB, and KACO New Energy. Current trend: Growing.
Major trends: Rising deployment of grid-forming inverters for microgrid stability, Integration of solar-plus-storage with diesel generators for hybrid systems, Growth of remote microgrids for mining, islands, and rural electrification, Standardization of microgrid controllers and communication protocols, and Increasing use of three-phase inverters in mobile and temporary power applications.
Representative participants: SMA Solar Technology, Schneider Electric, ABB, KACO New Energy, and Siemens.
Utility-owned assets, including utility-scale solar farms owned and operated by utilities, represent a distinct end-use sector for On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverters. These projects are often developed to meet renewable portfolio standards (RPS) and to gain experience with solar technology. Utilities prioritize reliability, long-term service agreements, and grid support capabilities. Inverters used in these assets must comply with stringent utility interconnection requirements, including advanced grid functions like volt-VAR control and frequency-watt control. The segment is characterized by a conservative approach to technology adoption, with a preference for proven, bankable products.
However, utilities are increasingly exploring grid-forming inverters to support grid stability as they retire synchronous generation. Through 2035, utility-owned assets will grow in regions with supportive policies, such as the United States and Europe, but may face competition from third-party owned projects. Demand-side indicators include utility capital expenditure plans, integrated resource plans, and regulatory mandates. Major companies supplying this sector include SMA, Sungrow, Huawei, and TMEIC. Current trend: Steady.
Major trends: Adoption of grid-forming inverters for synchronous inertia support, Increasing focus on cybersecurity and compliance with NERC CIP standards, Integration of storage with utility-owned solar for dispatchability, Use of digital twins and advanced analytics for asset management, and Growing preference for modular inverters for easier maintenance.
Representative participants: SMA Solar Technology, Sungrow Power Supply, Huawei Technologies, TMEIC, and ABB.
Interactive table based on the Store Companies dataset for this report.
Asia-Pacific dominates the On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverter market, driven by massive utility-scale solar deployments in China, India, and Australia. China alone accounts for a significant share of global demand, supported by aggressive renewable energy targets and domestic manufacturing. India’s solar auctions and Australia’s rooftop solar boom further propel growth. The region is also a major supply hub, with companies like Sungrow and Huawei leading globally. Through 2035, demand will be sustained by declining costs, policy support, and grid modernization. Direction: Leading.
North America is a key market for three-phase PV inverters, driven by utility-scale projects in the United States and Canada, as well as commercial and industrial installations. The Inflation Reduction Act and state-level renewable portfolio standards provide strong policy support. The region is also witnessing a shift toward grid-forming inverters and cybersecurity compliance. However, supply chain constraints and trade policies may impact growth. Through 2035, demand will be bolstered by repowering of older projects and the integration of storage. Direction: Growing.
Europe represents a mature but stable market for On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverters, with strong demand from utility-scale and commercial installations in Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. The region is at the forefront of grid code evolution, requiring advanced grid-support functions and cybersecurity. The REPowerEU plan and national targets drive deployment. Through 2035, growth will be moderate, with opportunities in repowering, hybrid systems, and microgrids. Local manufacturing initiatives may reduce import dependence. Direction: Steady.
Latin America is an emerging market for three-phase PV inverters, with Brazil, Chile, and Mexico leading deployments. Auctions and PPAs drive utility-scale projects, while commercial and industrial segments grow due to high electricity costs. The region benefits from abundant solar resources and declining technology costs. However, economic volatility and financing challenges may hinder growth. Through 2035, demand will be supported by grid modernization and renewable targets, with increasing adoption of hybrid systems. Direction: Accelerating.
The Middle East & Africa region is a growing market for On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverters, driven by large-scale solar tenders in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. The region’s high solar irradiance and declining costs make solar competitive with fossil fuels. Off-grid and microgrid applications are also expanding, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Through 2035, demand will be fueled by energy diversification goals and rural electrification, though political and economic instability may pose risks. Direction: Growing.
In the baseline scenario, IndexBox estimates a 7.2% compound annual growth rate for the global on grid three phase pv inverter market over 2026-2035, bringing the market index to roughly 200 by 2035 (2025=100).
Note: indexed curves are used to compare medium-term scenario trajectories when full absolute volumes are not publicly disclosed.
For full methodological details and benchmark tables, see the latest IndexBox On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverter market report.
This report is an independent strategic market study that provides a structured, commercially grounded analysis of the global market for On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverter. It is designed for component manufacturers, system suppliers, OEM and ODM teams, distributors, investors, and strategic entrants that need a clear view of end-use demand, design-in dynamics, manufacturing exposure, qualification burden, pricing architecture, and competitive positioning.
The analytical framework is designed to work both for a single specialized component class and for a broader power electronics / energy conversion system, where market structure is shaped by product architecture, performance requirements, standards compliance, design-in cycles, component dependencies, lead times, and channel control rather than by one narrow customs heading alone. It defines On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverter as A power electronics device that converts direct current (DC) from photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays into three-phase alternating current (AC) synchronized with the utility grid, enabling large-scale solar energy injection into commercial, industrial, and utility power networks and examines the market through end-use demand, BOM and subsystem logic, fabrication and assembly stages, qualification and reliability requirements, procurement pathways, pricing layers, and country capability differences. Historical analysis typically covers 2012 to 2025, with forward-looking scenarios through 2035.
This report is designed to answer the questions that matter most to decision-makers evaluating an electronics, electrical, component, interconnect, or power-system market.
At its core, this report explains how the market for On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverter actually functions. It identifies where demand originates, how supply is organized, which technological and regulatory barriers influence adoption, and how value is distributed across the value chain. Rather than describing the market only in broad terms, the study breaks it into analytically meaningful layers: product scope, segmentation, end uses, customer types, production economics, outsourcing structure, country roles, and company archetypes.
The report is particularly useful in markets where buyers are highly specialized, suppliers differ significantly in technical depth and regulatory readiness, and the commercial landscape cannot be understood only through top-line market size figures. In this context, the study is designed not only to estimate the size of the market, but to explain why the market has that size, what drives its growth, which subsegments are the most attractive, and what it takes to compete successfully within it.
The report is based on an independent analytical methodology that combines deep secondary research, structured evidence review, market reconstruction, and multi-level triangulation. The methodology is designed to support products for which there is no single clean official dataset capturing the full market in a directly usable form.
The study typically uses the following evidence hierarchy:
The analytical framework is built around several linked layers.
First, a scope model defines what is included in the market and what is excluded, ensuring that adjacent products, downstream finished goods, unrelated instruments, or broader chemical categories do not distort the market boundary.
Second, a demand model reconstructs the market from the perspective of consuming sectors, workflow stages, and applications. Depending on the product, this may include Large-scale solar power plants, Factory/warehouse rooftop solar, Solar carports and canopies, Solar for water treatment/pumping, and Grid stability and ancillary services across Energy & Utilities, Industrial Manufacturing, Commercial Real Estate, Agriculture, and Public Sector / Municipalities and System design & yield simulation, Grid compliance & interconnection approval, Installation & commissioning, Grid integration testing, and O&M monitoring & firmware updates. Demand is then allocated across end users, development stages, and geographic markets.
Third, a supply model evaluates how the market is served. This includes IGBT / MOSFET power modules, DC-link capacitors, Gate driver boards, Digital signal processors (DSPs) / MCUs, Cooling systems (fans, heat sinks), Magnetics (transformers, chokes), and Enclosures & connectors, manufacturing technologies such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) / Gallium Nitride (GaN) power semiconductors, Advanced MPPT algorithms for partial shading, Grid-forming inverter capabilities, Cybersecurity for grid communication, and Predictive maintenance via AI/ML, quality control requirements, outsourcing and contract-manufacturing participation, distribution structure, and supply-chain concentration risks.
Fourth, a country capability model maps where the market is consumed, where production is materially feasible, where manufacturing capability is limited or emerging, and which countries function primarily as innovation hubs, supply nodes, demand centers, or import-reliant markets.
Fifth, a pricing and economics layer evaluates price corridors, cost drivers, complexity premiums, outsourcing logic, margin structure, and switching barriers. This is especially relevant in markets where product grade, purity, customization, regulatory burden, or service model materially influence economics.
Finally, a competitive intelligence layer profiles the leading company types active in the market and explains how strategic roles differ across upstream material and component suppliers, OEM and ODM partners, contract manufacturers, integrated platform players, distributors, and engineering-support providers.
This report covers the market for On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverter in its commercially relevant and technologically meaningful form. The scope typically includes the product itself, its major product configurations or variants, the critical technologies used to produce or deliver it, the core input categories required for manufacturing, and the services directly associated with its commercial supply, quality control, or integration into end-user workflows.
Included within scope are the product forms, use cases, inputs, and services that are necessary to understand the actual addressable market around On Grid Three Phase Pv Inverter. This usually includes:
Excluded from scope are categories that may be technologically adjacent but do not belong to the core economic market being measured. These usually include:
The exact inclusion and exclusion logic is always a critical part of the study, because the quality of the market estimate depends directly on disciplined scope boundaries.
The report provides global coverage. It evaluates the world market as a whole and then breaks it down by region and country, with particular focus on the geographies that matter most for design-in demand, electronics manufacturing capability, component sourcing, standards compliance, and distribution reach.
The geographic analysis is designed not simply to rank countries by nominal market size, but to classify them by role in the market. Depending on the product, countries may function as:
This study is designed for strategic, commercial, operations, and investment users, including:
In many high-technology, electronics, electrical, industrial, and component-driven markets, official trade and production statistics are not sufficient on their own to describe the true market. Product boundaries may cut across multiple tariff codes, several product categories may be bundled into the same official classification, and a meaningful share of activity may take place through customized services, captive supply, platform relationships, or technically specialized channels that are not directly visible in standard statistical datasets.
For this reason, the report is designed as a modeled strategic market study. It uses official and public evidence wherever it is reliable and scope-compatible, but it does not force the market into a purely statistical framework when doing so would reduce analytical quality. Instead, it reconstructs the market through the logic of demand, supply, technology, country roles, and company behavior.
This makes the report particularly well suited to products that are innovation-intensive, technically differentiated, capacity-constrained, platform-dependent, or commercially structured around specialized buyer-supplier relationships rather than standardized commodity trade.
The report typically includes:
The result is a structured, publication-grade market intelligence document that combines quantitative modeling with commercial, technical, and strategic interpretation.
Electronics-Market Structure and Company Archetypes
The Key National Markets and Their Strategic Roles
Dominant in string inverter segment
Largest shipment volume globally
One of top global string inverter suppliers
Leading Western inverter brand
Strong in distributed generation segment
Strong in Americas & Europe markets
Strong brand in Europe for commercial
Diversified electronics manufacturer
Strong in commercial segment with optimizer tech
Specialist in power conversion technology
Part of large Chint Group conglomerate
Part of TBEA, strong in China utility market
Significant global shipments
Strong in distributed commercial segment
US-based utility-scale specialist
Part of broad energy management portfolio
OEM/ODM and own brand operations
Acquired ABB's solar inverter business
Strong focus on large-scale projects
Key supplier for Indian utility solar market
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A floating solar system installed at a tomato farm in Suffolk is already notching up considerable savings – 10 months after it was installed.
Family-run green energy firm East Green Energy fitted the array at Suffolk Fresh’s water reservoir at Blakenham Nursery, Bramford, near Ipswich, in November last year.
The 1,250 panel structure – built over a few weeks – was the fourth installed in the UK and one of the largest.
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Robbie Gawthrop, centre, with sons George, left, and Jack at East Green Energy
So far, it has produced around 500 megawatt hours of energy.
Based on its performance to date, it is on course to cut imported energy to the producer’s glasshouses by more than a fifth.
More: Baron Bigod farmer prepares to chair first Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival
The amount of energy produced equates to around the yearly consumption of 45 to 50 average UK homes.
East Green Energy is owned by the Gawthrop family – which was involved in pig farming over generations before launching the green energy business around 20 years ago.
It now employs around 20 people from its base in Melton, near Woodbridge, and specialises in solar PV, battery storage, heat pumps and EV charging.
East Green Energy installing a floating solar array at Suffolk Fresh tomato growers at Blakenham Nursery, Brantham, Ipswich
The firm is run by managing director Robbie Gawthrop supported by his sons George and Jack who are commercial director and commercial manager respectively.
Jack Gawthrop said the concept of the floating solar array was already popular in Europe as it has a dual use in stopping evaporation and erosion as well as producing energy.
More: Sugar beet yields ‘could halve’ as growers battle for higher crop price
The company designed, installed and now maintains the array, having imported the parts from a manufacturer in Germany.
“East Green Energy’s floating solar project at Suffolk Fresh has now been running for 10 months, and it’s already proving its worth,” he said.
“The system has generated 499,015 kWh of clean energy, making good use of the reservoir and giving the site a steady, low-carbon power supply.
“Floating solar performs well thanks to the natural cooling effect of the water, and this project shows how well it can work for a busy rural site.
East Green Energy installing a floating solar array at Suffolk Fresh tomato growers at Blakenham Nursery, Brantham, Ipswich
“Around 95% of the energy produced has been used directly on site, which means the system is closely matched to Suffolk Fresh’s daily demand.
“Based on the way it’s performing, we are expecting it to cut their import rates by at least 20%, helping to keep costs down while reducing their environmental impact.”
Over a 10-month period, the new installation generated 499,015 kWh of electricity, 95% of which was used on site and the rest was exported to the grid.
More: St Edmundsbury Cathedral to host star-studded farming heritage festival
More: Mendlesham company sells floating reservoir covers
Mark Pearson of tomato growers Suffolk Fresh said: “The floating solar system is already delivering clear benefits, from cutting our energy bills to giving us far more control over our power use during peak periods.
“For a site like ours, where refrigeration, irrigation and processing equipment run constantly, the savings and stability this project brings are hugely valuable.”
East Green Energy partnered with National Pontoon on the 750 kWp project, one of the UK’s largest floating solar schemes.
East Green Energy installing a floating solar array at Suffolk Fresh tomato growers at Blakenham Nursery, Brantham, Ipswich
The vast nursery it serves is one of the UK’s first semi-closed hydroponic glasshouses and covers 8.4 hectares.
The energy produced is used mainly for Suffolk Fresh’s refrigeration systems.
More: Mendlesham company sells floating reservoir covers
The solar panels are mounted on floating pontoons which are anchored to the reservoir bund and fixed at an optimum angle for solar generation.
East Green Energy specialists in commercial and utility‑scale work and has several multi‑megawatt schemes progressing through development.
Floating solar is gaining interest in the UK because reservoirs, lakes and lagoons are seen as having practical advantages.
These include that it’s space-efficient and panels tend to run cooler over water which helps with output.
Many water bodies already sit close to grid connections or industrial areas.
If the UK keeps pace with international development, studies suggest floating solar could reach more than 40 gigawatts of capacity by 2050 – and around 3.6 gigawatts by 2030, said the firm.
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A team of scientists has demonstrated that underwater solar cells can generate electricity at a depth of 10 meters. The tests, conducted in the South China Sea, show a potential way to power equipment operating far from land.


The study, published in the scientific journal Joule , involved researchers from China and Switzerland. The work focused on perovskite solar cells designed to harness the light spectrum available underwater.


Until now, most experimental studies on this type of underwater photovoltaic energy had focused on depths of two meters or less. The new work extended the testing to 10 meters and subsequently verified the system’s performance under real-world conditions.




The researchers had to face one of the main problems in producing electricity using underwater solar panels: the loss of solar radiation as depth increases.


Water absorbs certain parts of the light spectrum; consequently, the radiation available several meters below the surface is different from that received by a solar cell installed on land.


To overcome this limitation, the team used lead halide perovskites with a band gap of around 1.96 eV. Their absorption capacity was matched to the spectrum that remains available between 5 and 10 meters deep, dominated mainly by wavelengths between 400 and 600 nanometers.


Thus, the photovoltaic cells were able to make better use of the light that manages to penetrate to those areas.




Furthermore, the researchers developed a laboratory system with specific optical filters. The goal was to reproduce the lighting conditions that cells would encounter at different depths.


Tests showed a conversion efficiency of 34.71% under a simulated spectrum corresponding to a depth of 10 meters. Under standard AM 1.5G sunlight conditions , the cells achieved a maximum efficiency of 17.08%.


This difference does not mean that the cells produce more energy at the bottom of the sea than under conventional sunlight. Efficiency is calculated based on the light energy that actually reaches the device. At 10 meters, there is less radiation available, and its spectral composition also changes.


The design seeks precisely to make the most of that limited light through a material adapted to underwater conditions.




In addition, stability was another aspect studied before transferring the cells to the sea.


After being stored for 300 days at room temperature in a nitrogen chamber, the devices retained about 96% of their initial efficiency.


Subsequently, the cells were subjected to 1,160 hours of continuous operation under conditions simulating the lighting present at 10 meters. The researchers did not observe significant degradation during that period.


Accelerated testing allowed for an estimated T80 lifetime of 48,094 hours at 25°C under simulated conditions. This equates to approximately 5.49 years until performance drops to 80% of the initial level.


However, that figure comes from an estimate based on accelerated trials. Therefore, it will still be necessary to verify the behavior of the cells over extended periods under real marine conditions.




After the controlled trials, the team took the technology to the environment for which it had been designed.


Scientists fabricated larger perovskite modules and integrated them into underwater robots. They then conducted tests off the Weizhou Islands in the South China Sea.


The modules were tested at depths of 2, 6, and 10 meters. At the greatest depth, an active surface of 115 square centimeters produced 324 mWh of electricity during two hours of exposure to underwater sunlight.


The energy obtained allowed for the charging of lithium-ion batteries and subsequently the powering of LED lights. In this way, the experiment demonstrated that underwater solar cells could be scaled from small laboratory units to modules capable of performing a practical task at sea.


At shallower depths, production was higher. The modules charged the batteries with 1,416 mWh at 2 meters and 752 mWh at 6 meters during the tests described by the researchers.




Based on these results, one of the main implications lies in the power supply of autonomous devices installed underwater.


Sensors used to monitor ocean conditions, underwater cameras, and communication equipment need electricity to operate. In areas far from land, providing them with power for extended periods may require batteries or external power systems.


Underwater photovoltaic energy presents another possibility: producing some of that electricity directly at the location where the devices operate.


Monitoring aquaculture facilities is among the potential applications. Autonomous marine observation and communication systems could also benefit.


In this scenario, solar panels designed for underwater environments would have different requirements than terrestrial photovoltaic systems. The amount of available light, the wavelengths that penetrate water, and the operating depth all influence the cell design.




Finally, the experiment at 10 meters opens a new question: how far can this system go.


The team led by Wen-Hua Zhang intends to conduct tests at greater depths to determine the operating limit of perovskite solar cells. They also aim to develop standardized protocols for evaluating and comparing future photovoltaic systems designed to operate underwater.


Depth will be one of the main obstacles; as it increases, the amount of available solar radiation decreases and changes the spectrum that a photovoltaic cell can harness.


For now, research shows that underwater solar cells can produce electricity under real-world conditions at a depth of 10 meters. The next step will be to determine how long they can maintain that performance in the ocean and at what depth it is practical to use this technology.







Saipem has completed the sale of its Saudi Arabian shallow-water drilling business to ADES Saudi Limited Company. The transaction includes five high-end jack-up rigs and outstanding contracts worth approximately 3.7 billion Saudi riyals, equivalent to $987 million. Following the necessary approvals, the Italian firm transferred its entire stake in Saudi Arabian Saipem.


With this acquisition, ADES increases its global fleet to 128 units and strengthens its operations in Saudi Arabia. It also enters the Mexican market through an agreement that will allow Saipem to continue operating the Perro Negro 10 platform in that country. Meanwhile, Saipem is advancing its strategy of focusing on deepwater and harsh environment drilling, segments of greater technical complexity and value.




Financing new wind and solar projects is facing significant challenges in Australia, particularly in New South Wales. Rising interest rates and construction costs have made developing these plants more expensive. According to the analysis, each additional percentage point in bond yields can increase the levelized cost of energy in that state by approximately AU$10 per MWh.


The problem also lies in how these projects are financed. Australian pension funds have billions of dollars to invest in infrastructure, but wind and solar farms exposed to volatile prices are less attractive. Long-term PPAs with buyers of high credit quality could reduce that risk. For wind power, the analysis estimates costs of between AU$120 and AU$140 per MWh and calculates that long-term contracts could cut costs by around AU$20 per MWh in New South Wales.




MODEC and Eld Energy are making progress in developing a system to generate electricity with lower emissions from FPSO units. The companies have completed the feasibility and verification of concept phase of the ABS qualification process for their solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology. The system aims to utilize the gas produced at these facilities to generate energy more efficiently.


The project involves installing a 40 kW Eld Energy module on an operational FPSO for testing with real gas under marine conditions. Before proceeding, it must pass the next phase of validation and ABS engineering reviews. The companies estimate the complete system could achieve an efficiency of around 70%. Following testing, the plan is to move to a 120 kW module compatible with carbon capture and subsequently develop multi-megawatt systems.




Petrobras has contracted Strohm and its Brazilian subsidiary to supply and test thermoplastic composite pipes (TCPs) in deep waters off Brazil. The technology will be evaluated at depths of up to 1,500 meters for water injection and gas lift operations in post-salt fields. The agreement also includes engineering, qualification testing, and support during offshore installation.


The pipelines will be subjected to real operating conditions and will be installed from vessels regularly used by Petrobras. Manufactured with carbon fiber or glass fiber reinforced materials, the TCP pipelines are lighter than conventional flexible and rigid pipelines. They can also be coiled and are corrosion-resistant, features designed to facilitate installation and reduce maintenance needs throughout their service life.

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A 15% Section 232 tariff on polysilicon imports, administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, is scheduled to begin on December 4, giving solar and energy storage developers a shrinking opportunity to obtain cheaper supply, according to pv magazine.
Anza, which provides data and analytics for solar and energy storage, suggests developers give priority to stock already held in the United States and determine which further shipments can pass customs before the December 4 cutoff. The company also recommends securing domestic-content supply, including weighing whether mixing domestic and imported goods might cut total capital expenditure.
Anza further advises developers to examine how their contracts distribute exposure to retroactive tariffs and stockpiling risks, and, when feasible, to obtain written assurances from suppliers that those risks will be absorbed.
Set to start roughly ten weeks after the source publication date, the tariff will push up prices for polysilicon along with solar ingots, wafers, cells and modules. According to Anza, the median price of imported modules stood at $0.27 per watt before the August 7 proclamation and has reached $0.38 per watt for delivery after December 4 among suppliers that have adjusted prices, a rise exceeding 40%.
The tariff stems from a determination by the Secretary of Commerce in a Section 232 investigation that the volumes and conditions of polysilicon imports pose a threat to U.S. national security.
Anza says developers face the difficulty of acting swiftly to lock in lower costs before minimum pricing starts. The choices it outlines are obtaining modules already in the United States, speeding up imports, or changing procurement approaches to protect project economics.
Anza reports that by September 9, 55% of active suppliers on its platform had pricing that included Section 232, accounting for 65% of modules on the platform. The company says it can access lower-cost supply available before the deadline, though it calls the window shrinking. For quotes where Anza can match the same SKU and contract terms, prices have risen by roughly 15%.
The Solar Energy Industries Association reports that the United States now has 75.3 GW of module manufacturing capacity, which it says is sufficient to meet current market demand. Higher up the supply chain, present capacity is smaller, and the association projects a surge in ingot and cell manufacturing within the next year and in polysilicon and wafer by 2028.
Aaron Hall, president of Anza, said in a statement that developers currently in procurement are entering the most critical procurement window. He added that developers cannot delay until December 4 to decide on procurement, since modules require time to ship and clear U.S. customs before the deadline.
Hall also said developers must grasp what is available now, at what price and under what terms, and act quickly on the strategy best suited to their project.
Interactive table based on the Store Companies dataset for this report.
This report is an independent strategic market study that provides a structured, commercially grounded analysis of the market for Polysilicon in the United States. It is designed for component manufacturers, system suppliers, OEM and ODM teams, distributors, investors, and strategic entrants that need a clear view of end-use demand, design-in dynamics, manufacturing exposure, qualification burden, pricing architecture, and competitive positioning.
The analytical framework is designed to work both for a single specialized component class and for a broader electronic materials / semiconductor feedstock, where market structure is shaped by product architecture, performance requirements, standards compliance, design-in cycles, component dependencies, lead times, and channel control rather than by one narrow customs heading alone. It defines Polysilicon as High-purity polycrystalline silicon, a foundational raw material for manufacturing semiconductor wafers and photovoltaic cells and examines the market through end-use demand, BOM and subsystem logic, fabrication and assembly stages, qualification and reliability requirements, procurement pathways, pricing layers, and country capability differences. Historical analysis typically covers 2012 to 2025, with forward-looking scenarios through 2035.
This report is designed to answer the questions that matter most to decision-makers evaluating an electronics, electrical, component, interconnect, or power-system market.
At its core, this report explains how the market for Polysilicon actually functions. It identifies where demand originates, how supply is organized, which technological and regulatory barriers influence adoption, and how value is distributed across the value chain. Rather than describing the market only in broad terms, the study breaks it into analytically meaningful layers: product scope, segmentation, end uses, customer types, production economics, outsourcing structure, country roles, and company archetypes.
The report is particularly useful in markets where buyers are highly specialized, suppliers differ significantly in technical depth and regulatory readiness, and the commercial landscape cannot be understood only through top-line market size figures. In this context, the study is designed not only to estimate the size of the market, but to explain why the market has that size, what drives its growth, which subsegments are the most attractive, and what it takes to compete successfully within it.
The report is based on an independent analytical methodology that combines deep secondary research, structured evidence review, market reconstruction, and multi-level triangulation. The methodology is designed to support products for which there is no single clean official dataset capturing the full market in a directly usable form.
The study typically uses the following evidence hierarchy:
The analytical framework is built around several linked layers.
First, a scope model defines what is included in the market and what is excluded, ensuring that adjacent products, downstream finished goods, unrelated instruments, or broader chemical categories do not distort the market boundary.
Second, a demand model reconstructs the market from the perspective of consuming sectors, workflow stages, and applications. Depending on the product, this may include Semiconductor wafer substrate, Photovoltaic cell absorber layer, and Power electronics substrate across Semiconductor & IC Manufacturing, Solar PV Module Manufacturing, Consumer Electronics, Automotive (EV/Power), and Industrial Electronics and Feedstock Sourcing & Qualification, Crystal Growth (CZ/FZ) Ingot, Wafer Slicing & Polishing, and Cell/Device Fabrication. Demand is then allocated across end users, development stages, and geographic markets.
Third, a supply model evaluates how the market is served. This includes Metallurgical Grade Silicon (MG-Si), Trichlorosilane (TCS) / Silane, High-purity graphite components, Significant electrical power, and Specialty chemical gases, manufacturing technologies such as Siemens Process (TCS-based), Fluidized Bed Reactor (FBR) Process, Upgraded Metallurgical Silicon (UMG) refining, and Monocrystalline vs. Multicrystalline growth, quality control requirements, outsourcing and contract-manufacturing participation, distribution structure, and supply-chain concentration risks.
Fourth, a country capability model maps where the market is consumed, where production is materially feasible, where manufacturing capability is limited or emerging, and which countries function primarily as innovation hubs, supply nodes, demand centers, or import-reliant markets.
Fifth, a pricing and economics layer evaluates price corridors, cost drivers, complexity premiums, outsourcing logic, margin structure, and switching barriers. This is especially relevant in markets where product grade, purity, customization, regulatory burden, or service model materially influence economics.
Finally, a competitive intelligence layer profiles the leading company types active in the market and explains how strategic roles differ across upstream material and component suppliers, OEM and ODM partners, contract manufacturers, integrated platform players, distributors, and engineering-support providers.
This report covers the market for Polysilicon in its commercially relevant and technologically meaningful form. The scope typically includes the product itself, its major product configurations or variants, the critical technologies used to produce or deliver it, the core input categories required for manufacturing, and the services directly associated with its commercial supply, quality control, or integration into end-user workflows.
Included within scope are the product forms, use cases, inputs, and services that are necessary to understand the actual addressable market around Polysilicon. This usually includes:
Excluded from scope are categories that may be technologically adjacent but do not belong to the core economic market being measured. These usually include:
The exact inclusion and exclusion logic is always a critical part of the study, because the quality of the market estimate depends directly on disciplined scope boundaries.
The report provides focused coverage of the United States market and positions United States within the wider global electronics and electrical industry structure.
The geographic analysis explains local demand conditions, domestic capability, import dependence, standards burden, distributor reach, and the country’s strategic role in the wider market.
This study is designed for strategic, commercial, operations, and investment users, including:
In many high-technology, electronics, electrical, industrial, and component-driven markets, official trade and production statistics are not sufficient on their own to describe the true market. Product boundaries may cut across multiple tariff codes, several product categories may be bundled into the same official classification, and a meaningful share of activity may take place through customized services, captive supply, platform relationships, or technically specialized channels that are not directly visible in standard statistical datasets.
For this reason, the report is designed as a modeled strategic market study. It uses official and public evidence wherever it is reliable and scope-compatible, but it does not force the market into a purely statistical framework when doing so would reduce analytical quality. Instead, it reconstructs the market through the logic of demand, supply, technology, country roles, and company behavior.
This makes the report particularly well suited to products that are innovation-intensive, technically differentiated, capacity-constrained, platform-dependent, or commercially structured around specialized buyer-supplier relationships rather than standardized commodity trade.
The report typically includes:
The result is a structured, publication-grade market intelligence document that combines quantitative modeling with commercial, technical, and strategic interpretation.
Electronics-Market Structure and Company Archetypes
Major U.S. producer, joint venture of Dow Corning
Operates one of the largest U.S. polysilicon plants
Subsidiary of Wacker Chemie, U.S. headquarters
U.S. subsidiary of Mitsubishi Materials
Bankrupt but legacy U.S. producer, still relevant in market history
Norwegian parent, but U.S. HQ for North American ops
Parent of Hemlock Semiconductor
Equipment supplier, not direct producer
Niche processor in U.S. market
Produces silicon feedstock for polysilicon
Separate entity from Hemlock Semiconductor, same location
Subsidiary of REC Silicon
U.S. subsidiary of South Korean OCI
U.S. office of Chinese GCL-Poly
U.S. subsidiary of Chinese LDK
U.S. trading arm of Chinese company
U.S. subsidiary of Trina Solar
U.S. office of Chinese manufacturer
U.S. subsidiary of Canadian Solar
Major U.S. solar manufacturer, uses polysilicon indirectly
U.S. solar company, significant polysilicon demand
Indirectly involved via solar supply chain
U.S. subsidiary of German SolarWorld, now defunct
U.S. division of Japanese conglomerate
U.S. subsidiary of Sharp Corporation
U.S. division of Panasonic
U.S. subsidiary of LG
U.S. subsidiary of Hanwha Group
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The volunteer commission grappled with the decision remaining silent for several minutes before proceeding with the vote
QUINCY–A silence took over the Quincy Plan Commission Tuesday night.
When Chair Julie Brink asked for a motion on a solar farm proposal at 36th and Payson, none of the commissioners said a thing. Nobody raised their hand. The silence continued.
“No guts,” somebody murmured from the audience in the city council chambers.
Just moments earlier, the city’s planning director informed them that new, more restrictive solar zoning rules on the agenda did not apply to the proposal because the application had already been filed.
Talking in the audience grew louder as nobody would make the motion.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s in your hands now,” Brink said. “We need a motion.”
The silence persisted.
Finally, Jason Traeder spoke up.
“I’m still struggling about whether it’s an appropriate use,” Traeder said. “Staff tells us it’s appropriate and I have no reason to think they’re wrong. I’m to determine if this is right or wrong, correct?”
At issue, the proposal met the requirements for a special use permit for planned development. Commissioners would have to provide evidence to refute the city staff’s assessment to vote no.
Once again, they were reminded that the new rules in the next agenda item could not be applied to this project.
“It’s the chicken and the egg. This is what happened prior to that, so I don’t think you can use that as a basis.” Brink said.
Again, a long silence.
“Based on the facts that were presented, all the items have been met, I make a motion to approve,” Traeder said.
After three minutes of waiting for someone to make a motion, when Traeder eventually did, it was quickly seconded and, on a voice vote, received unanimous approval.
Unprecedented review
This was the first time anyone recalls the city council sent an item back to the commission, after the solar project’s attorneys contacted the city’s counsel.
However, the details of those conversations were not provided to commissioners who asked for more information.
Brink instructed them not to factor in the prior 4-3 vote from back in June when the commission recommended the council reject the special permit for planned development.
Tuesday’s hearing was intended to be a fresh start for Payson Solar, LLC, a subsidiary of Nexamp, founded by two military veterans, with dual headquarters in Boston and Chicago.
During their presentation, members of Payson Solar discussed changes in the new proposal, namely that battery storage was removed from the location. That means there would be 3,000 fewer panels for a total of 9,000, and those panels would have a lower profile.
Kyle Dixon, who lives 1,300 feet away and was also deemed an interested party for Tuesday’s hearing, had several questions for the reps, including proof of direct benefit to residents.
The lawyer’s answers: the electrical grid will support everyone universally, even if they don’t choose to subscribe, and tax dollars will go into roads and the school district.
Dixon said he remained opposed to the solar project, and it wasn’t because he was against solar power.
“People purchase their homes in this area because they want to live in an established residential development. A utility-scale solar facility means acres of panels, ongoing industrial activity. Calling it a solar farm does not change the impact of its use.
“This decision is bigger than one parcel. Respect the City of Quincy’s planned development objectives.”
Alderman Glen Ebbing was also among the handful of opponents to speak against the project, presenting the commission with a petition from Ward 5 constituents he said he was obligated to represent.
“The people and residents of Ward 5 do not want anything commercial,” Ebbing said. “This is nothing against solar energy.”
When Seth Uphoff, from Peoria, legal representative for the solar company, pointed out that this was outside of Ward 5, Ebbing seemed to smile in disbelief (it is near his ward), as he leaned over to another audience member who shook their head. The area in question is within the city’s 1.5- mile jurisdictional buffer zone.
Uphoff also showed photos from their Peoria County facility from about 1,000 feet away, close to the same distance as the homeowners near 36th and Payson.
“As you can see, the solar project blends in with the horizon,” Uphoff said. “It’s hard to make out. I understand everyone wants to keep saying this is industrial and utility scale, but it’s not. This is a small community solar project.”
All the more galling to opponents, after the vote to approve the 36th and Payson solar project, the same commissioners voted unanimously to send a new zoning ordinance to the city council that restricts solar projects within a mile of schools or within 1,000 feet of areas with more than 50 homes.
The solar farm proposed near their neighborhood would never meet those requirements.
“It appears to me the city’s finally getting their ducks in a row and setting a standard,” Dixon said.
It’s just too late for him and his neighbors. Because the Payson application was submitted before these changes, the new parameters cannot be applied.
The Payson solar project and the new ordinance are expected to go before the full city council in a couple of weeks.
Aldermen will have to vote to draft an ordinance that will then be subject to three readings before a vote, which probably won’t happen until the end of October.
City hall observers say it’s a long shot that anyone on council will come up with a reason and evidence that the developer has not met the requirement to move forward with the project, with construction planned to start in fall 2027 and last about six months.
Opponents say they’ll be watching and attending council meetings moving forward.
“City council has the final say. We’ll be at every meeting,” opponent Amber Dixon said.

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Philippines off-grid homesteader puts over $6,500 into solar, then says when payback comes  Yahoo
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Madison County’s Oak Run Solar gets OK. But will Ohio’s largest be its last?  dispatch.com
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These solar cells work 10 m beneath the sea
Newly designed submergible devices are predicted to operate continuously underwater for over 5 years
by Payal Dhar, special to C&EN

The latest chemistry news, including important research advances, business and policy trends, chemical safety practices, career guidance, and more.
 
Researchers have developed solar cells that function underwater even when submerged to a depth of 10 m and that produce enough power to charge lithium-ion batteries. Such devices could be used to power submerged sensors, cameras, and communication systems. Water dulls the intensity of sunlight even over short distances. To make light-harvesting devices that work underwater, the researchers tuned the electronic properties of perovskite solar cells, endowing them with wider-than-usual band gaps. That customization enables the devices to absorb the spectrum of light that extends beneath the sea surface (Joule 2026, DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2026.102672).
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a relatively new but well-studied class of low-cost photovoltaic devices. They are made with a variety of light-absorbing materials that share the stoichiometry and crystal structure of the naturally occurring perovskite mineral. The properties of the light-absorbing material in these cells can be modified easily, and it absorbs light strongly. As a result, even very thin layers can absorb sunlight efficiently, which makes perovskite cells promising for lightweight and potentially flexible marine applications.
“With perovskite solar cells the key advantage for underwater usage is we can tune the bandgap by adjusting the material composition,” says Lin Xie, referring to the materials property that quantifies the energy (or wavelengths) of light the material can absorb. Xie is a materials researcher at Yunnan University who works with Wen-Hua Zhang, one of the study’s leaders.
Xie explains that the team designed the light-absorbing material to have a bandgap of around 1.96 eV to be compatible with the underwater solar spectrum, which is strongly altered by water. The researchers found that the new devices achieved a power conversion efficiency—the ratio of light energy in to electrical energy out—of almost 35%. Tests suggest that the cells can operate continuously 10 m underwater for more than 5 years.
In this study, the team used lead halide PSCs modified with polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride. The additive controls the crystallization of perovskite films and reduces defects. It also helps reduce ion migration, which is key to making the devices stable under light.
To test the new cells, the researchers built an underwater solar simulator to accurately reproduce the light spectrum and intensities at various water depths. “We tested our devices under simulated seawater for around 1,000 h and found no significant reduction of device performance,” Xie says. The cells generated 324 mW h of electricity—enough to charge various types of Li-ion batteries—in less than 2 h.
In another test, the team sealed the cells in a nitrogen environment, and found that after 300 days they retained 96% of their power-producing efficiency. On the basis of accelerated aging tests, the researchers predict that the cells will have an operational lifetime of 5.5 years at 25 ºC in submerged conditions. The researchers also successfully tested their submersible PSCs integrated with underwater robots at a 10 m depth in the South China Sea to demonstrate real-world performance.
Nelson Dzade, an energy researcher at Pennsylvania State University who wasn’t part of the study, says the work brings several significant advances to underwater solar harvesting, including demonstration of good efficiency at a depth of 10 m and unprecedented projected lifespan. “The technology translates exceptionally well to real-world applications,” Dzade says, “[bridging] the gap between basic materials science and real-world engineering through several practical validations.”
There are still challenges the researchers are working on. “The biggest one is long-term reliability in real seawater [for which] we need better encapsulation,” Xie says. “Another issue is environmental safety, because perovskite devices contain lead.”
Ivy Asuo, a materials scientist at Penn State who also was not involved in the study, says “halide perovskites are low cost, easily processable, and have a tunable optical bandgap, making them a promising semiconductor for underwater solar harvesting.” She adds that the durability of the device is promising for real-world applications.
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I was all ready to install plug-in solar panels, but this crucial factor meant it was going to be more complex and expensive than I thought  Ideal Home
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The average cost of photovoltaic systems in Brazil increased by 7% between January and June 2026 for projects of up to 300 kW, according to a strategic study by Greeners on distributed energy solutions. The study examined final system prices, which combine the equipment kit with integration services, drawing kit costs from price mapping and distributor inquiries while collecting final system prices from integrators across the country.
For 2 kW systems, the average price reached BRL 3.62 per watt in June, compared with BRL 3.44 per watt in January, corresponding to a total system price of roughly BRL 7,200. The lowest per-watt prices among the surveyed sizes were recorded for 30 kW and 50 kW systems at BRL 2.02 per watt, equivalent to total system prices of approximately BRL 60,600 and BRL 101,000 respectively.
Larger projects carried a lower price per watt but demanded a higher overall investment. A 300 kW system averaged BRL 2.40 per watt, or around BRL 720,000, while a ground-mounted system of the same capacity averaged approximately BRL 834,000.
The rise in final system prices occurred alongside a sharper increase in equipment costs. Average kit prices for 4 kW systems climbed 18.3% between January and June 2026, from BRL 1.42 per watt to BRL 1.68 per watt. The increase varied by system size: 300 kW kits rose 2.0%, from BRL 1.02 per watt to BRL 1.04 per watt, and 50 kW kits rose 8.8%, from BRL 1.14 per watt to BRL 1.24 per watt.
Historical data from Greeners indicates that current prices remain well below levels seen in the earlier stages of Brazil’s distributed solar market. The average price of a 4 kW residential system declined from BRL 7.74 per watt in January 2017 to BRL 2.91 per watt in June 2026, while a 50 kW commercial system fell from BRL 6.06 per watt to BRL 2.02 per watt over the same period.
The price trends emerged as Brazil’s distributed generation market slowed in the first half of 2026. New connections declined 16% year on year, from 488,000 to 411,000, and the number of new consumer units receiving credits dropped 43%, from 951,000 to 541,000.
Residential systems meanwhile accounted for a growing share of new installations, representing 65% of added capacity in the first half of 2026, up from 39% in 2019, while the commercial segment’s share fell to 19%.
The concentration of sales in smaller systems highlights the importance of pricing for residential consumers. In a survey of system integrators, 80% identified residential systems of up to 12 kW as their best-selling category. Commercial systems from 12 kW to 75 kW accounted for 16%, while systems above 75 kW represented 4%.
Financing may also influence purchasing decisions. Only 33% of integrators’ sales involved financing in the first half of 2026, down eight percentage points from 2025 and the lowest share recorded during the period analyzed.
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Welcome to the PV Tech Best of the Week roundup, covering the week’s biggest stories from the global solar PV industry.
This week, the latest report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) says that the world’s renewable energy capacity must double, but that the strong growth potential of solar PV makes this target  “feasible”; other top stories include figures from Anza that show how US solar module prices are up more than 40% since the updates made to the Section 232 rules and Abu Dhabi’s targeting of 14GW of operational solar PV by 2030, up from an earlier target of 10GW, and more than 35GW five years later.
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Annual global renewable energy capacity additions will need to almost double to 1.2TW between 2026 and 2030 if the world is to meet the energy transition targets set out at the COP28 summit in 2023.
This is the headline takeaway from ‘Delivering on the UAE Consensus: Tracking progress toward tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030’, the latest report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); the ‘UAE Consensus’ is the group of targets agreed upon at COP28 that include, among other goals, tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030.
The report notes that the world added 693GW of new renewable energy capacity in 2025, bringing cumulative operational capacity to 5.15TW, which equals a 15.5% growth rate over capacity additions in 2024.
IRENA also argues that solar PV is well-positioned for future growth, saying that the industry could drive new renewable energy capacity additions and make the achievement of the 2030 goals “feasible”.
Read more about the latest IRENA report here.
The median price for solar PV modules imported to the US has increased by more than 40% since the imposition of tariffs set under Section 232 by the Trump administration in August.
This is according to the latest data from Anza, which compares average price data for imported modules prior to the new Section 232 rules and prices for modules purchased since 7 August, which are expected to be delivered after 4 December, the date at which the minimum import prices introduced in the new Section 232 rules will take effect.
Anza notes that, between these periods, the average price of a module imported to the US has increased from US$0.27/W to US$0.38/W. Anza president Aaron Hall confirmed to PV Tech that the average price of tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules sat at US$0.38/W, the price of passivated emitter rear cell (PERC) modules was US$0.385/W and the price of heterojunction (HJT) modules was a low of US$.39/W but that much higher prices have been reported.
Read more about the latest US module prices here.
Abu Dhabi’s utility, Emirates Water and Electricity (EWEC), is targeting more than 35GW of solar capacity by 2035.
The utility has set an interim target of 14GW of PV by 2030, up from an earlier target of 10GW, as it scales its installed capacity to beyond 35GW by the middle of the next decade. The planned PV deployment will be backed by 15GW of battery storage capacity, enabling ‘round-the-clock’ provision of solar-generated power.
In this latest statement of intent, Mohamed Almarzooqi, chief assets officer of EWEC, said: “We are actively procuring the utility-scale solar photovoltaic, battery storage and reverse osmosis desalination capacity required to deliver this outcome, structurally reducing the reliance of the system on gas-fired generation. Through this transformation, EWEC is enabling the UAE and Abu Dhabi to build a highly diversified, resilient, and low-carbon system that seamlessly meets rising demand while strengthening water and energy security.”
Read more about the new Abu Dhabi targets here.
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (ITT) has terminated anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD) on certain solar PV modules and laminates from China. The Canada Border Services Agency will therefore no longer impose anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Chinese solar panels and laminates.
The order was originally made on 25 March 2021 and the expiry review ( RR‑2020‑001) – continuing, without amendment, its finding made on 3 July 2015, in inquiry NQ‑2014‑003 – has not been renewed and used to cover PV modules consisting of crystalline silicon PV cells, thin-film PV products produced from amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe) or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). Modules with a power output not exceeding 100W were already excluded from the order.
According to the Canadian ITT, the expiry review lacked the support of domestic producers, and for this reason, it terminated the order.
Read more about the latest change to Canadian duties here.
A federal judge in Rhode Island has ruled that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unlawfully terminated the US$7 billion Solar for All programme, which was designed to expand solar access and reduce electricity costs for low- and moderate-income households.
US District Judge Mary McElroy granted summary judgment to the plaintiffs and vacated the EPA’s termination of the programme. The court found that Congress intended the agency to continue administering grants that had already been obligated.
“The court ruled the Trump Administration never should have terminated Solar for All because Congress intended it to continue, and EPA broke the law when it killed the programme and pocketed the money,” said Southern Environmental Law Center, senior attorney Nick Torrey.
Read more about the ruling here.
Indian solar manufacturer Premier Energies has commissioned a 7GW n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) G12R solar cell manufacturing facility in Naidupeta, Andhra Pradesh, taking its total solar cell manufacturing capacity to 10.6GW.
The facility, spread across 101 acres, was developed with a capital expenditure of INR 32.93 billion (US$343.6 million). It has a production capacity of approximately 88,000 solar cells per hour. The company said the facility has entered trial production and is India’s largest solar cell manufacturing plant.
Chiranjeev Saluja, managing director at Premier Energies, said: “The timing of this 7GW capacity addition is therefore significant: as the line stabilises and ramps up, it gives us the scale to serve that demand with greater supply reliability and operating efficiency. Together with our planned backward integration into ingots and wafers, this strengthens our strategy of building a fully integrated and globally competitive solar manufacturing platform while supporting India’s clean energy transition.”
Read more about the new solar cell facility here.

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This Sunday, a Bay Area church won’t just be blessing the congregation – they’ll be blessing 21 new solar panels as part of their commitment to caring for the environment.
Grace Episcopal Church in Martinez, Calif., wants to reduce strain on the grid with renewable energy, which helps in the fight against climate change because it lessens the need to rely on fossil fuel-burning power plants.
The Very Rev. Dr. Deborah White, who serves as rector of the church, points to “care for creation” as part of its mission statement.
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“Jesus said, ‘Love one another.’ And so our mission, as we see it, is to love one another in concrete way,” White explained. “And so, it’s important that we take care of all of God’s creation.”
The church worked with RE-volv Solar, which specializes in helping nonprofit organizations secure low-cost loans. That’s how they were able to fix the roof and install solar panels and a battery backup.
Donna Columbo, assistant warden at the church, said their new battery backup to the solar panels means they can also become the third emergency resiliency center in the city of Martinez.
“It’s a first step to enable us to be a place of safety during an emergency where we can provide Wi-Fi, we can provide heating and cooling, and just a safe place to be,” Columbo said.
Grace Episcopal is one of six churches being honored in October with the 2026 “California Cool Climate” award from the group California Interfaith Power and Light.
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Seven deals in, Meta and Apex Clean Energy have settled into a rhythm.
The tech giant behind Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram has signed yet another power purchase agreement, or PPA, with the Virginia-based provider.
This deal, announced last week on 16 September, is for a project named Starling Solar, a 144MW solar farm located in Texas’ Gonzales County.
The PPA will give Meta the exclusive rights to the renewable energy credits that come with solar generation at Starling as the firm looks to wrangle its ever-growing carbon footprint.
Rather than being the main offtaker of the energy, the electricity will be fed into the local grid. Meta, though, will be able to use the clean energy produced at Starling in its net zero reporting.
In plain terms, Meta gets to claim the green credentials of the output, while Apex secures a committed customer for a project it says would not have been built without Meta’s commitment.
The companies have not disclosed the amount Meta has paid Apex, the contract length or the amount of the resultant electricity Meta will use – if any – though the deal is reported to be long-term.

The Starling Solar is the seventh deal Meta has struck with Apex. Today, their joint energy portfolio spans Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Kansas and Iowa and is worth about 1.2GW of energy.
Ken Young, the CEO of Apex, says the working relationship the companies share is founded on common values. 
"Seven projects over nearly as many years speaks to a partnership built on shared principles of responsible building and disciplined execution," he says.
Starling Solar's place in Texas' energy ecosystem
Starling will feed the grid run by ERCOT, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages most of the state's power system and operates largely apart from the wider US network.
Apex says the project reflects its focus on delivering capacity that has a grid connection and is ready to build, on timelines large-load customers demand.
Large-load customers is industry shorthand for users such as data centres, whose demand can rival that of a small city.
"Starling brings new capacity to Texas and lasting value to Gonzales County long after construction wraps," he adds.
On that note, commercial operations at Starling are expected to begin in 2027.
Apex puts the local benefit at approximately US$27m in tax revenue over the project's lifetime, US$15.6m of it earmarked for local schools.
It also cites more than US$26.3m in landowner payments and nearly US$400,000 in local grants.
Construction is expected to employ 400 to 450 people, though only for the length of the build.
Those figures come from Apex and have not been independently verified.
Amanda Yang, Head of Clean & Renewable Energy at Meta, believes the ripple effects of the project will be great.
"The best clean energy projects are the ones the surrounding community feels the benefit of directly – in school funding, in landowner payments, in local hiring," she says.
"Starling brings all of that to Gonzales County, along with new solar generation for a Texas grid."
In recent years, Meta has stepped up its pursuit of deals such as this, especially since it began investing heavily in AI and data centres. 
The firm agreed a PPA with German energy heavyweight RWE in June for the 298MW Rabbit's Foot Solar project in Bowie County, Texas. That was Meta's fourth deal with RWE since 2024.
Lightsource bp followed in July with Mowata Solar, a 172MWdc project in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, after a 2022 deal for the 134MWdc Arche Solar in Ohio.
Elsewhere, Meta agreed a deal with Zelestra this summer for the 180MWdc Palmera Solar Plant in Freestone County, Texas.
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The government of Albert is introducing a new recycling system for end-of-life solar panels.
Beginning October 1, the province will apply an environmental fee of CAN 14 to each new solar panel supplied in Alberta. The fee will not be applied retroactively to already-installed panels.
According to details on the government’s website, a typical residential installation of 20 panels would raise a fee of CAN 280, equivalent to less than 1.5% of the overall installation cost.
The fee will go towards ensuring money is available to collect, transport and recycle panels once they reach end of life. The provincial government has committed to working with the Alberta Recycling Management Authority and wider industry to build reuse and recycling capacity in Alberta as volumes of recycled panels increase.
Additional figures on the government’s website says Alberta has the second-largest installed solar capacity in Canada, with 95% of currently-installed panels expected to reach their end of life by 2045, generating as much as 72,700 tonnes of material.
The province says its solar panel recycling program is the first of its kind in North America.
Grant Hunter, Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, said the region is putting the system in place now to recover valuable materials, attract private investment and build a new recycling industry here in Alberta.
“Alberta has never been afraid to lead,” Hunter said. “We will not wait until mountains of dead solar panels are piling up in our landfills before acting.”
RJ Sigurdson, Alberta’s Minister of Affordability and Utilities, added that the program will protect taxpayers from future clean up costs.
Writing on LinkedIn, Radha Rajagopalan, Director of Policy for Alberta at the Canadian Renewable Energy Association, noted that the CAN 14 fee is more than five times the highest fee charged under Alberta’s electronics recycling program and more than three times the cost indicated by the association’s independent analysis.
“Alberta needs stable, predictable policy to attract investment and build the affordable, reliable electricity the province needs,” Rajagopalan commented. “Adding unnecessary costs to new renewable energy projects sends the wrong signal at a time when Alberta needs more electricity in the system.”
Alberta’s latest update says it is also ruling out solar panels being sent to landfill sites across the province. Research published earlier this year found recycling a utility-scale solar module in the United States currently costs between $15 and $45, while sending it to landfill costs between $1 and $5.
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Websol Energy is consolidating its expansion plans in West Bengal after being allotted 54.2 acres at Falta Industrial Park. The company will establish an integrated 4 GW solar cell and module facility in two distinct phases of 2 GW each. Relocating the project from its previously planned location in Andhra Pradesh allows Websol to leverage its three decades of local expertise, minimize land expenditures, and optimize its existing supplier and logistics networks.
Market snapshot: Websol Energy System Limited has secured a 54.2-acre land allotment at the Falta Industrial Park in West Bengal for its proposed greenfield manufacturing facility. The state-backed land allotment clears the way for the company's integrated expansion project of 4 GW solar cell and 4 GW solar module capacity. This critical development shifts the location of the planned greenfield plant from Andhra Pradesh back to Websol's home region, driving substantial operational synergies.
The relocation of the 4 GW solar manufacturing project to West Bengal is a highly pragmatic step by Websol's management. Building a greenfield facility in Andhra Pradesh would have required duplicative administrative structures and higher logistics overheads. Operating within their home ecosystem of West Bengal, where they have been active since the mid-1990s, dramatically de-risks project execution. With a massive Q1 FY27 order book of ₹1,278 cr, getting this capacity online efficiently is paramount to meeting domestic content requirement demand.
The resolution of the land allotment details eliminates the locational uncertainty that had emerged during recent investor calls. Having the 54.2-acre parcel fully approved ensures that preliminary construction can start promptly. This preserves the overall project timeline and provides a clear trajectory to scale Websol's annual manufacturing output from the current 1.2 GW cell capacity to a prominent domestic position, securing its competitive edge under key government solar initiatives.
Market Bias: Bullish
The formal allotment of 54.2 acres at Falta Industrial Park eliminates land-related uncertainties and secures the operational base for Websol's 4 GW solar expansion. Supported by zero outstanding term debt after the full prepayment of its ₹110 cr IREDA loan and a robust ₹1,278 cr order book, the company exhibits strong financial health and near-term execution visibility.
Overweight: Renewable Energy, Solar Equipment Manufacturing, Capital Goods
Trigger Factors:
Time Horizon: Medium-term (3-12 months)
India's solar sector faces a structural supply gap with solar cell manufacturing trailing behind module assembly capacity. As one of only 14 ALMM-approved solar cell manufacturers in India and the sole operator in the eastern region, Websol holds a unique advantage. The 4 GW integrated expansion directly addresses this supply gap, enabling domestic developers to satisfy strict sourcing guidelines under national schemes like PM-Surya Ghar.
In Q1 FY27, Websol reported a 70.33% YoY revenue increase to ₹372.6 cr and a 15.79% YoY PAT growth to ₹77.79 cr. On August 4, 2026, the company successfully prepaid its entire ₹110 cr IREDA term loan from internal cash accruals. This debt clearance led to the release of 9,51,72,110 pledged shares, representing 21.92% of total share capital, which drastically reduced promoter pledge levels.
Websol's localized consolidation in West Bengal represents a highly efficient capital strategy. By choosing synergistic expansion over geographical expansion, the company has de-risked its capacity targets. Backed by a clean balance sheet, strong liquidity, and a rising order book, Websol is fundamentally aligned to capture a leading share of India's clean energy infrastructure spend.
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Senators are looking toward the Capitol doors as they prepare to head home and campaign for the midterms. Meanwhile, a group of them has been scrambling to reach a deal that some analysts believe is critical to meet the country’s energy needs. 
A bipartisan group of senators says it has come closer than ever before to reaching a long-desired permitting reform bill, which would make it easier to build new energy projects. Many consider the issue urgent as electricity demand surges across the country, partly because of the tech industry’s massive build-out of data centers. 

“America’s energy demand is surging due to advanced technology and manufacturing, but our outdated federal permitting process remains a massive barrier to building the infrastructure we need to stay competitive,” said Marsha Blackburn, a Republican senator from Tennessee, in an August press release.
But the bill’s reception among the public is uncertain due in part to a PR problem: Data centers are a “toxic” subject for voters, according to Alex Lundry, president of D.C.-based public opinion research firm Redbud Consulting. In recent polls, Democrats, Republicans, and independents strongly oppose data centers being built in their communities. 
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“If you phrase permitting reform as serving data centers, the polling results get way worse,” Lundry said. This is putting legislators, many of whom are up for reelection in November, in a bind: They want to make it easier to build more electrical infrastructure, which facilitates the data center boom, but don’t want voters to think it’s about data centers. 
The potential bill represents one of the few points of agreement for Republicans and Democrats in Washington, which is that energy permitting is broken.
Complicated studies on project impacts, lengthy reviews by different federal agencies, and legal battles from environmental groups and project opponents constantly delay all kinds of energy projects, industry leaders say.
Lawmakers have tried for years to reform the permitting process, most recently with the failed Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which made it out of committee but never got a full Senate vote. Now, lawmakers from both parties say growing power demand has given the new attempt more momentum than any previous effort. The highest-ranking members of both parties in the Senate’s two energy-related committees are negotiating the bill’s language.
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President Donald Trump has signaled he would stop blocking renewable energy projects in order to entice Democrats toward a deal on the bill. Democrats have worried that even if they make it easier to build renewables in law, the White House could continue making it impossible in practice, with some Democrats indicating that these worries have stalled the bill’s progress. 
“I appreciate very much what the Trump administration has done to move in this direction, but in order to brief colleagues on what this really means, we need just a bit more clarity on exactly what return to regular order for wind and solar projects looks like,” Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, told reporters this week. “So that’s still to be done, but that I think can happen in fairly short order.” 
Politico reported that the senators intend to finish hammering out the bill after the midterm elections, when it could compete with other legislation for attention, especially if Republicans lose control of Congress.
The draft bill’s contents are not public, but stakeholders expect it would make building energy projects easier by reducing the potential environmental and social effects of a project that government agencies must consider when issuing a permit; loosening Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act requirements that slow down transmission line and pipeline permits; and making successfully obtained permits less vulnerable to lawsuits after they’re issued. 
Such a bill would ease the path to construction for renewable and fossil fuel projects alike — especially solar and natural gas, the power sources with the most momentum. Solar power and batteries account for almost 80 percent of the new power generation expected to be built in the United States in 2026, while natural gas was the largest single source of electricity used in 2025, with projections for continued growth. Natural gas in particular has become a go-to power source for data centers, which are projected to use a lot of it in the next decade. 
Unsurprisingly, both the solar and the gas industries support permitting reform. Tim Pawlenty, president of the Solar Energy Industry Association, has said the country would be “constipated” without it.
A colossal surge in electricity demand has long been expected in the United States, even before Big Tech started its data center build-out. Americans are “electrifying” their lives with heat pumps, electrical appliances, and electric vehicles, all important for reducing emissions. The country has also squeezed most of the benefits out of energy-saving lightbulbs and other fixtures, which had kept electricity use flat by reducing power needs as they spread during the 2010s. Added to all that, the United States aims to draw more manufacturing to its shores, which requires electricity if successful. But data centers are accelerating and intensifying the power-demand spike, and straining grids and supply chains. Data center developers like Google have helped lobby for permitting reform.
Environmental groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council want to speed up renewable energy development without weakening bedrock environmental laws; NRDC executives have called for land-use plans that make it easier to site renewable energy projects while protecting local ecosystems. But Democratic legislators are considering compromising on environmental protections to support renewable energy and keep grids reliable. Meanwhile, Republicans, many of whom deny the severity of climate change, want to power new economic growth.
There is another reason legislators in both parties are keen to build, build, build: Many are anxious that hobbling data centers, and the AI systems they enable, will allow China to become economically and militarily stronger than the United States. Trump administration officials, legislators from both parties, and energy industry leaders speaking at the Clean Energy Week conference in Washington, D.C., in mid-September called on America to be “competitive” and “dominant” through energy build-out. 
“While Communist China cuts corners to get ahead, a mountain of red tape has America fighting the energy war with one hand tied behind our backs,” said Senator Rick Scott, a Republican, in a statement last month.
But Lundry, the pollster, warned that these sentiments are losing popularity among voters. “Being competitive with China used to be an effective message, but it isn’t anymore,” Lundry said. 
Instead, Lundry recommended framing permitting reform as a boost for clean power. Lundry’s firm, Redbud, found in a September poll that 71 percent of respondents agreed that “making renewable energy a bigger part of the country’s energy supply is the right move.” Bringing down energy costs is also likely a big win with voters, the survey showed, with 70 percent of respondents saying their energy bills have gone up in the last year.
Action in the other house of Congress makes it clear that lawmakers are well aware of the public’s antipathy toward data centers and fear about rising energy costs. A few days before senators said they were nearly finished with their permitting draft, the House of Representatives passed a bill calling on states (but not requiring them) to force data centers to pay for their own electricity generation. The bill is meant to help shield regular people from rising bills as data centers gobble up power. That bill is now stalled in the Senate, where some Democrats say it’s too soft-handed.

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