Solar Now

India mandates use of locally made solar cells in government projects from June 2026  Reuters
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“The whole point of the bill is to make these things safe.”
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Illinois’ effort to legalize balcony solar has run into a major setback, delaying a technology that could help apartment residents and other households lower their power bills with small plug-in solar panels. 
Illinois lawmakers and clean energy advocates had been pushing Senate Bill 3104, which would have opened the door for small plug-in solar systems, often known as balcony solar. But with only weeks left in the legislative session, supporters decided to stop advancing the proposal after negotiations broke down.
A key point of conflict was an April 24 amendment that, as described by Canary Media, would have put all plug-in solar systems on hold until the National Electrical Code is revised to address them. Because that revision is not expected until late 2028, any progress could be delayed for years.
Advocates said that was especially frustrating because the original bill was meant to create rules for safe use right away. Kady McFadden, a clean energy lobbyist helping lead the effort, said, “The whole point of the bill is to make these things safe. It’s finding the right pieces to make sure consumers are safe, and also balancing that with being able to deploy these things.”
After the amendment and ongoing objections from stakeholders, including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers state conference, backers concluded they would not be able to reach a deal this session.
Supporters pointed to strong public backing. According to Canary Media, 139 residents or stakeholder groups filed witness slips supporting the bill in the state Senate, while only three were submitted against it. Even so, that opposition proved influential. McFadden said, “We were disappointed to see the opposition.”
The Merino Mono is a heating and cooling system designed for the rooms traditional HVAC can’t reach. The streamlined design eliminates clunky outdoor units, installs in under an hour, and plugs into a standard 120V outlet — no expensive electrical upgrades required.
And while a traditional “mini-split” system can get pricey fast, the Merino Mono comes with a flat-rate price — with hardware and professional installation included.
Balcony solar could make renewable energy savings available to people who are often left out of the clean energy transition.
Traditional rooftop solar generally works best for single-family homeowners who have the money, roof space, and legal authority to install a larger system. That leaves out many renters, condo owners, and residents of multifamily buildings. Plug-in solar offers a smaller-scale option that can cut reliance on utility power and trim monthly bills.
The stakes go beyond household savings. Expanding access to small-scale solar can help reduce pollution from oil- and gas-powered electricity. Even though balcony solar systems are much smaller than rooftop installations, supporters say they serve a different role: helping households save at the appliance level while making clean energy more widely available.
Kavi Chintam, Illinois campaign manager for the advocacy group Vote Solar, described the market for balcony solar as “a totally different category” from rooftop solar, arguing that it is not designed to replace larger systems but to fill a gap for people with few other options.
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Illinois may be pausing for now, but the broader push is still moving ahead.
As Canary Media reported, Utah enacted the nation’s first balcony solar bill in 2025, Maine and Colorado followed this spring, and similar measures have reached governors in Maryland and Virginia while related proposals are being weighed in more than half the states.
Illinois advocates plan to return in a future session and continue working through safety concerns and labor objections. McFadden noted that major clean energy laws in Illinois have sometimes needed more than one legislative session, so supporters see this year’s setback as a delay rather than the end of the effort.
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Ortigas Land Corporation has entered into a long-term partnership with Advent Upgrade Solar Inc. (AUSI) to strengthen its shift toward renewable energy for GH Mall in San Juan City, Metro Manila. The agreement was formalized during the contract signing attended by AdventEnergy Vice President for Retail Sales and Services Catherine Del Villar-Pasilaban and Upgrade Energy Philippines President and CEO, who also serves as AUSI Chairperson, Ruth Yu-Owen. Representing Ortigas Land were Arch.
Renee Bacani, Vice President and Head of Ortigas Malls, along with Chief Finance Officer Davee M. Zuniga.As part of this 20-year power purchase agreement, AUSI—a joint venture between Aboitiz Power Distributed Renewables, Inc. and Upgrade Energy Philippines—will install and operate a 1,587.20 kilowatt-peak solar photovoltaic system that will supply clean and reliable energy to GH Mall.
This project reflects Ortigas Land’s continuous efforts to embed sustainable practices into its developments and to ensure long-term efficiency in estate operations.Arch. Renee Bacani shared that Ortigas Land’s vision is rooted in building places that remain relevant and meaningful for many years. She explained that integrating renewable energy solutions into GH Mall is part of their commitment to responsible development and modern facility management.
By lowering carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency, the project aims to create a better experience for mall tenants, visitors, and the broader Ortigas community.As the company marks its 95th year, Bacani highlighted that this collaboration reinforces the foundation of sustainability that Ortigas Land continues to build on.
She noted that GH Mall will benefit not only from improved operational performance but also from an environment where businesses and families can grow, thrive, and form lasting connections. AUSI stated that the long-term power purchase agreement is designed to support GH Mall’s energy requirements while helping the estate manage its operational costs more effectively.
Ruth Yu-Owen expressed appreciation for the partnership, noting that AUSI is committed to providing a solar solution that contributes both to the mall’s operational goals and to the day-to-day experiences of Filipino families who frequent GH Mall.AUSI focuses on developing, constructing, and operating distributed solar energy systems tailored to large commercial and industrial users. Its partnership with Ortigas Land further emphasizes its mission to make clean energy solutions more accessible to major establishments across the country.

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The MTerra solar project in the Philippines is set to become one of the world’s largest integrated solar-plus-storage facilities once fully completed. Ajay Mullangi, principal at global infrastructure investor Actis, which is developing the project alongside partners, updated pv magazine on progress since the groundbreaking in November 2024 and explains why the development is integral to the Philippines’ future energy security.
The MTerra project achieved initial grid synchronization in February 2026, just 15 months after its groundbreaking.
Image: Terra Solar Philippines
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Springfield community solar project getting billing help from Eversource  Yahoo
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SUZHOU, China, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GCL System Integration Technology Co. Ltd (hereafter referred to as “GCL SI”) announced that its newly launched EcoPower Mate mobile PV storage solution will make its first public appearance at the 19th SNEC International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference & Exhibition (SNEC 2026), taking place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai from June 3-5. Designed to support operation sites facing power-constrained or complex energy conditions, especially in remote regions, the integrated mobile photovoltaic solution enables rapid deployment, flexible transportation, and lower-emission power generation across a wide range of off-grid applications.

GCL SI’s EcoPower Mate mobile PV storage solution deployed at a remote oil and gas extraction site in a desert environment, providing reliable off-grid clean energy support for field operations.

Against this backdrop, there is clear and growing demand for standardized, integrated, and deployable mobile solar solutions that can reduce operating costs while improving efficiency and sustainability, especially for remote communities and industrial sites.
Designed for extreme conditions, rapid deployment, and high energy efficiency, the EcoPower Mate series by GCL SI provides a new pathway to zero-carbon transformation for traditional energy-intensive industries, tackling the pain points through an advanced mobile energy storage solution. It also represents GCL SI's strategic expansion into integrated scenario-specific solutions and strengthens the company's position in the growing global market for off-grid energy substitution.
EcoPower Mate offers three configurations compatible with most mainstream inverters and offers exceptional adaptability for various application scenarios:

Built for versatility, EcoPower Mate supports off-grid, hybrid and grid-connected applications across a range of industries. Key use cases include remote industrial operations such as mining and oil and gas, infrastructure projects in isolated regions and islands, as well as emerging applications such as renewable-powered data centers. Its rapid deployment capability also makes it suitable for temporary construction, agricultural production and other distributed energy scenarios.
Looking ahead, GCL SI will bring EcoPower Mate to more international markets, with its first overseas installations currently underway in Saudi Arabia, marking the start of its global deployment and entry into the Middle East market.
At SNEC 2026, GCL SI will further showcase EcoPower Mate alongside its broader portfolio of integrated renewable energy solutions, inviting global partners and industry stakeholders to explore the product's application potential across diverse off-grid scenarios.
 

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ST. PAUL, Minn., May 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Established in 2009 and based in Minnesota, All Energy Solar is celebrated as one of the state’s most seasoned solar installers. Supported by a NABCEP certified workforce, they provide services throughout the midwest and east coast states. Their strong commitment to sustainable energy has solidified their standing as a premier solar provider in Minnesota, offering a hopeful vision for a greener future.

All Energy Solar won the Gold award for best Solar Power Provider in the MSP Mag’s Best of the Twin Cities: 2026 Readers Poll! The community voice and action to vote propelled All Energy Solar to the gold winner in the Solar Power Provider category, among 160 other categories and over 450 winning businesses.
To date, the company has completed over 13,000 energy solution projects and has also earned multiple recognitions for its dedication and satisfactory services.
Reflecting on the recognition, Ryan Buege, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, commented, “It’s an incredible honor to be named Best of the Twin Cities. This recognition reflects not just the hard work of our team, but the deep trust our customers place in us. We’re proud to lean into that trust and continue leading the Twin Cities toward a sustainable future.”
This award means the world to All Energy Solar, as the company has continued to be strategic in a very volatile year for the solar energy industry. Most recently, they have launched EnergyLock: a prepaid lease option for homeowners in Minnesota. With continued pivoting to meet the energy needs of their neighbors, All Energy Solar is proud to offer the smartest, most-cost effective way to go solar in 2026.
The future is bright for All Energy Solar and this award confirms it. As Buege puts it, “We’re excited to help more of our neighbors take control of their energy costs. Launching options like EnergyLock this year was our way of pivoting to meet the real needs of our community. As we grow, our mission stays the same—making clean, cost-effective energy accessible to everyone, one rooftop at a time.”
Interested in switching to solar? Get a free quote started today!
About All Energy Solar
All Energy Solar Inc. provides a full-service solar energy integration experience for residential, commercial, agricultural, and government customers. With industry-leading certifications and full electrical and building licenses, All Energy Solar installs high-quality solar power systems with excellent customer service throughout the experience and after installation. www.allenergysolar.com
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All Energy Solar, a leading provider of solar energy solutions, today announced the launch of EnergyLock, a cost-efficient solar service designed to…
Amidst the evolving industry landscape of 2026, All Energy Solar is honored to be named the EnergySage Regional Installer of the Year for the Midwest….
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ESCANABA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WLUC) – Escanaba Township residents had the chance to voice their opinion on a proposed solar farm project in the township.
Bonnie Hakkola was one of many who attended the Escanaba Township Board Monday night to hear a presentation from DTE officials about the viability of a 150-megawatt solar farm in the township.
“We need to keep in mind what’s important for our land and our country and longevity and our grandchildren- that’s why I’m here,” Hakkola said.
DTE Senior Project Site Manager Theresa Hannath says she wants to hear concerns surrounding the project.
“We understand that this is a contentious subject and that people on all sides of this issue care deeply about their community, their property rights and the future of the township. Those concerns deserve to be heard and respected,” Hannath said.
The board was not presented with a formal application for approval. Instead, Hannath spoke to collaborative efforts with the community.
“Our purpose tonight is to better understand how the township wishes us to proceed, especially in light of the recent court appeals, PA 233 decision, and the evolving legal framework surrounding renewable energy and land use in Michigan,” Hannath said.
Public Act 233 creates a statewide approval process for certain utility-scale renewable energy projects. It authorizes the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to approve or deny projects in cases where local governments have not adopted a “compatible renewable energy ordinance” (CREO). This allows developers to bypass community approval and directly petition the state for utility-scale solar construction.
Hakkola and other residents voiced concerns that included transparency and clear communication with the community.
“There’s a real big concern about cracking the bedrock and then contamination goes into our aquifers,” Hakkola said.
The board did not make a final decision. The next township board meeting is scheduled for June 8.
The video above will feature the TV6 livestream until staff can clip the corresponding story, if available, from broadcasts or other TV6 content. You can subscribe to our YouTube page or download TV6+ to stream the latest local news and weather.
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Renewable Energy
According to JA Solar, the company began delivering 1 GW of DeepBlue 4.0 Pro photovoltaic modules in April 2025 for the Suji Sandland PV project, located in Urad Front Banner, in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, northern China. The complex will have a total capacity of 2 GW and is part of the third phase of China’s large wind and solar power bases.
When operational, Suji Sandland will occupy over 42,000 acres, an area larger than the city of São Paulo, and is expected to generate 2.96 billion kWh of electricity per year. It is estimated to save approximately 900,000 tons of standard coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2.68 million tons annually.
But the project’s unique feature is not just its size or electricity generation. Suji Sandland adopts the PV + ecological restoration model, where elevated solar panels create shade, reduce evaporation, promote the growth of sand-fixing plants, and help restore areas undergoing desertification.
While heat evaporates water from reservoirs and countries seek new areas for clean energy, Morocco is testing floating solar panels that function as an energy lid and also generate electricity.
Saudi Arabia is building in Oxagon a US$ 8.4 billion mega green hydrogen plant with 4 GW of solar and wind energy, 5.6 million solar panels, and capacity to produce 600 tons per day, transforming the desert into one of the planet’s largest clean fuel factories.
Germany and Denmark will transform Bornholm into a Baltic power island, connecting 3 GW of offshore wind power to the grids of the two countries via submarine cables and turning a real island into an international energy hub.
Brazil discovers natural hydrogen in four states and enters the silent race that could redraw the energy transition: Petrobras has already invested R$ 20 million in studies.
Desertification in Inner Mongolia is one of the most severe environmental crises in northern China. The advance of the Gobi Desert threatens pastures, agricultural areas, rural communities, and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on these lands.
The Chinese government has been trying to curb this advance for decades with the so-called Great Green Wall, a belt of trees planted along 4,500 km in the north of the country. The project began in the 1970s, but the results have been uneven, because trees alone do not always solve sandy soil degradation.
Suji Sandland proposes another logic: using the same solar infrastructure to generate energy and restore the environment. Elevated solar panels function as a physical barrier, a source of shade, and an ecological recovery tool in degraded areas.
The mechanism behind the PV + ecological restoration model is simple yet powerful. Solar panels absorb part of the radiation that would directly heat the soil and, at the same time, block extreme sun exposure for plants.
Under elevated panels, soil temperature can be 10°C to 15°C lower than in exposed areas during peak heat periods. This difference reduces evaporation, preserves moisture for longer, and improves conditions for the germination of drought-resistant species.
In deserts, available moisture usually disappears quickly under direct sunlight. When the panels reduce this thermal stress, the soil gains a larger window to sustain vegetation and begin sand fixation.
NASA has already observed a similar effect in previous projects in the Kubuqi Desert, also in Inner Mongolia. In these locations, elevated solar panels created enough shade to slow down evaporation and allow the growth of pasture grasses.
The mechanism does not depend on a single plant species. Any plant adapted to arid environments can benefit from the combination of lower temperature, more available humidity, and protection against intense direct radiation.
The Suji Sandland takes this principle to a much larger scale. The project aims to use 42,000 acres with solar modules and systematic planting of species capable of fixing sand, reducing erosion and gradually rebuilding the local ecosystem.
The Suji Sandland is part of an even larger strategy: the so-called Great Solar Wall of the Kubuqi Desert, documented by NASA since 2017 and expanded by China in subsequent years.
The total project described based on satellite data is 400 km long, 5 km wide, and has a planned maximum capacity of 100 GW. For comparison, this volume is equivalent to several times Brazil’s installed solar capacity in 2025.
The objective is twofold: to generate clean energy at scale and to create a physical and microclimatic barrier against the advance of the Gobi dunes. China is treating solar energy not just as electricity, but as an environmental engineering tool.
The Suji Sandland figures show the scale of China’s bet on solar energy in the desert. The 42,000-acre area is equivalent to about 170 km², forming one of the largest solar installations integrated with ecological restoration in the world.
With 2 GW of capacity, the complex is expected to generate 2.96 billion kWh per year. This volume would be enough to supply approximately 1.3 million Brazilian homes with an average monthly consumption of 190 kWh.
The annual saving of 900,000 tons of standard coal is equivalent to removing a large fossil source from the electrical system. The estimated reduction of 2.68 million tons of CO₂ per year reinforces the project’s climatic significance.
Generating solar energy in a sand desert requires modules prepared for severe conditions. Intense ultraviolet radiation, sandstorms, and abrupt thermal variations can degrade conventional equipment more quickly.
Storms carry abrasive particles that scratch surfaces and reduce light transmission through the glass. The temperature difference between day and night can exceed 40°C in a few hours, causing expansion and contraction cycles that affect electrical connections.
The DeepBlue 4.0 Pro modules were developed for this type of environment, with UV-resistant encapsulation, tempered glass with anti-sand treatment, and a structure prepared to withstand intense thermal cycling.
The most important transformation of the Suji Sandland will occur in the soil, slowly and progressively. After the panels are installed, pioneer species, such as grasses and shrubs adapted to arid regions, are planted in the shaded strips.
These plants have two central physical functions. Their roots consolidate loose sand, reducing wind erosion, while the biomass above ground captures particles carried by air currents.
Over time, the vegetation adds organic matter to the substrate and promotes the formation of microbiota. The soil under the panels tends to retain more moisture and gain conditions that did not exist in the exposed desert.
Ecological recovery does not happen immediately. In models of this type, dune stabilization and the advancement of vegetation cover usually require five to ten years of maintenance, shade, and progressive soil stabilization.
The difference is that, without the panels, many of these areas would remain exposed to direct sun, intense evaporation, and constant wind. Under these conditions, conventional reforestation or grass planting tends to have a low survival rate.
With the panels, the environment changes. The solar farm ceases to be merely a power plant and begins to function as an ecological protection structure, creating conditions for vegetation to reoccupy degraded soil.
Suji Sandland shows an important shift in the use of large solar power plants. Instead of merely occupying unproductive areas with panels, the project aims to transform these areas into environmental recovery zones.
China is not just covering sand with photovoltaic modules. It is using the panels to reduce soil heat, preserve moisture, contain wind, stabilize sand, and create a base for vegetation in a region affected by desertification.
When the modules are replaced at the end of their lifespan, estimated at 25 to 30 years, the goal is for the soil beneath them to be more stable and fertile than at the beginning. If this result is confirmed at scale, Suji Sandland could become a global benchmark for solar energy in degraded areas.
Graduated in Journalism and Marketing, he is the author of over 20,000 articles that have reached millions of readers in Brazil and abroad. He has written for brands and media outlets such as 99, Natura, O Boticário, CPG – Click Petróleo e Gás, Agência Raccon, among others. A specialist in the Automotive Industry, Technology, Careers (employability and courses), Economy, and other topics. For contact and editorial suggestions: valdemarmedeiros4@gmail.com. We do not accept resumes!
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Alternative renewable energy technology such as solar panels will now be mandatory on all new housing and commercial developments.
In 2023, the States agreed Guernsey’s electricity strategy and directed the Committee for Environment & Infrastructure, in consultation with the Development & Planning Authority to explore ways to further facilitate the installation of solar panel arrays to increase on-island electricity generation.
The Island Development Plan encourages installing ways for harnessing renewable energy, primarily through roof-mounted solar panels or appropriate alternatives.
‘It’s good that some developers already do this as standard, but making it mandatory means that we’re making the most of the opportunities that new developments pose,’ said DPA president Neil Inder.
‘It’s also cheaper to install these during the build, rather than fitting them in somewhere down the line.’
Measures such as non-roof mounted solar products, air source heat pumps and battery storage can be considered as alternatives to, or in addition to, roof-mounted solar panels.
Sites will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure suitable provision can be made.
‘In 2023, through the Electricity Strategy, the States made a clear long-term, strategic decision for Guernsey to pursue additional interconnection while also increasing the amount of energy generated locally through renewable sources,’ said E&I president Adrian Gabriel.
‘I welcome the DPA’s supportive decision to make solar panels or alternative renewables mandatory on new developments. Making this the norm will undoubtedly help Guernsey in achieving its renewable energy targets.’
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Global wariness of Chinese solar and E.V. domination offers India an opening. The government is spending money to try to catch up, but it has a long way to go.
Credit…
Supported by
By Somini Sengupta
Photographs and Video by Saumya Khandelwal
Somini Sengupta reported from Delhi, Bangalore and Tamil Nadu.
China, the world’s clean-energy juggernaut, faces a rival right next door. And one of its top customers, no less.
India, a big buyer of Chinese solar panels and electric vehicle batteries, is using a raft of government incentives to make more green gear at home. It is driven not just by the need to satisfy the galloping energy demands of its 1.4 billion people, but also to cash in on other countries that want to China-proof their energy supply chains, not least the United States.
India remains a tiny and tardy entrant. Last year it produced around 80 gigawatts of solar modules, while China produced more than 10 times that. India is still tied to coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel: Coal is its largest source of electricity, and India plans to mine for more of it.
But India is aggressively trying to take advantage of a global energy transition and a backlash against Chinese dominance of new energy technologies.
Hoping to spur a clean energy manufacturing boom, the government is offering lucrative subsidies for locally produced solar cells and batteries, and it is restricting foreign products in its biggest renewable-energy projects. To cash in on government contracts to install rooftop solar for 27 million households by the end of this decade, for instance, companies must make the panels at home.
For New Delhi, there are social, economic and geopolitical imperatives. China is its most formidable rival — the two countries have in the past gone to war over border disputes — so India’s quest to build solar, wind and electric vehicle factories is partly designed to secure its energy supply chain. At the same time India wants to create good-paying manufacturing jobs.
Still, India confronts a dilemma facing many other countries: Either buy renewable energy technologies as cheaply as possible from China, or spend more to make the goods at home.
“Strategically, to ensure we have energy independence, we need to have manufacturing capacity,” said Sudeep Jain, additional secretary in India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. “Currently, yes, there is a cost arbitrage.”
The problem is that China commands the building blocks of renewable energy goods. More than 90 percent of the polysilicon that goes into solar panels is in Chinese control. So even as India rapidly expands its production of solar panels, it still imports most of the cells that go into the panels, mainly from Chinese companies. And Indian companies that make solar cells typically import silicon wafers mainly from China.
India has a very tiny battery industry, and it has proven difficult, for a host of reasons, to scale up. Two Indian companies making electric vehicle batteries, Reliance Industries and Ola Electric, recently missed production targets they had promised to hit in exchange for government subsidies. It doesn’t help that China dominates the processing of key battery minerals like lithium.
China has “first mover’s advantage,” said Amit Paithankar, chief executive of Waaree Energies, the country’s largest solar panel maker. “It’s about us being proactive, and being a part of the solution in diversifying the supply chain for India, for the U.S. and for the world.”
India is lifting from the Chinese playbook in at least one way. It is counting on its enormous domestic demand.
India’s wind and solar capacity has nearly doubled in the past five years, according to the research firm Ember, making it the world’s third largest generator of electricity from renewable sources after China and the United States. It plans to incorporate 500 gigawatts of non-fossil-fuel sources into its electricity grid by 2030.
The government has put in place both carrots and sticks to encourage production.
For the past several years, there were subsidies for locally produced solar panels. Those are now being discontinued, but new subsidies are kicking in next year for locally produced solar cells that go into panels, as well as for battery cells.
Domestic demand isn’t the only driver. Last year, more than half of India’s solar modules ended up on American soil.
Now, the wild card for India’s export dreams is the tariff chaos sown by President Trump.
The latest Trump administration duties on goods imported from India are far lower (27 percent) than new duties on Chinese goods (145 percent) and on those from Southeast Asia (up to 3,500 percent), where Chinese companies have set up shop.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India has sought to cultivate warm relations with Mr. Trump, and officials from the two countries say they hope to negotiate a bilateral trade deal in May. “Whatever the United States is going to import, we may still be the most competitive to supply it,” Mr. Jain said.
The global energy transition potentially brings India something it badly needs: factory jobs.
Two out of three Indians are under the age of 35. A majority of people still work in agriculture. And manufacturing as a share of the national economy is still barely 13 percent, a bit lower than it was a decade ago.
The southern state of Tamil Nadu has been among the most forceful in attracting new factories, including in the clean-energy sector. Wind blade makers arrived nearly a decade ago, followed by solar panel makers and electric vehicle companies.
Tamil Nadu offered ready land and government subsidies. The state supported pensions and housing for workers.
“These are all schemes we came up with, peering into the future, looking at how the world is going,” the state’s industry minister, T.R.B. Rajaa, said in an interview. “Energy is everything. Energy security must be localized.”
Perhaps most important, Tamil Nadu, with a long record of women’s education, offered an army of women workers with college degrees.
Which is how 26-year-old Amala K. came to chase her dreams at the Tata Power solar panel factory on the outskirts of a small town, Tirunelveli, near India’s southern tip. (Like most people in the region, she uses her father’s initial as a surname.)
Around 2,000 women like her run the machines round the clock at this factory. Every day, starting at dawn, they move in and out by the busload. Dark blue uniforms. Backpacks. Sandals that are traded for steel-toe factory shoes. The factory floor is largely automated. Human workers are there to make sure robot arms are working properly, to solder a junction box or pick up broken shards of wafers that have slipped in between cracks.
The sun was already shining bright and hot by 7 a.m. on a recent Wednesday, as Amala boarded a company bus after her all-night shift. The bus pulled out of the parking lot, drove past banana orchards, and wove through a river of honking cars and motorcycles. Some of the women nodded off. A few scrolled through their phones.
Amala leaned against the window. For her, the job was partly a way to defer the inevitable arranged marriage. “If I stayed home, I’d be married by now,” she said.
In between work shifts, she was preparing to take an exam to become a physics professor.
Varsha A.R., 26, sitting one row up, had to persuade her mother to let her take this job.
Her mother worried about Varsha living two hours away from home, in a workers’ dorm. So Varsha brought her there and introduced her to other workers. “I explained that this is an opportunity for my life and my career,” Varsha said.
The job meant different things to different women workers. Some said they were saving to buy gold jewelry for their weddings. Others said they were saving to go to graduate school. A few said they liked being able to buy gifts for their nieces and nephews — or buy themselves an ice cream when they wanted.
Varsha and Amala stepped off the bus and walked down a narrow lane to their dorm, two workers in an energy industry all but unknown in their parents’ time. Each year, at least seven million young Indians like them enter the labor market, according to the International Labor Organization. India’s efforts to expand its clean-energy business is a key test of the country’s efforts to deliver the skilled jobs that a new generation of Indians has come to expect.
The solar panels they help make in Tirunelveli furnish Tata Power’s four-gigawatt solar farm on the other side of the country, in the northwestern desert of Rajasthan. The wafers still come from China. So, too, many of the glass panels on which they are affixed.
The risks of relying on Chinese suppliers became abundantly clear during the coronavirus epidemic, Tata Power’s chief executive, Praveer Sinha, recalled. Shipments were disrupted. There were unexpected price swings.
“It’s very important you have a supply chain that’s not vulnerable to two or three countries,” he said.
At the time, during President Biden’s term, the United States agreed. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, a government lender, supported the Tata project with a $425 million loan, with the goal of “diversifying global supply chains.”
First Solar, a U.S. company, set up shop near the state capital, Chennai, also with financing from the U.S. government. Vikram Solar, which makes solar modules near Chennai, is set to build one gigawatt of battery storage.
In an industrial park farther west in Tamil Nadu, the Indian electric scooter company, Ola, is getting ready to produce its own battery cells. At the moment, like most electric car and scooter makers in India, a majority of battery cells come from China.
The question for renewable energy companies now is whether they focus on the Indian market or push to sell Indian-made goods abroad.
Until recently, an export strategy was enormously profitable for Waaree Energies. It made most of its money last year exporting its Indian-made solar panels to the United States. Lured by tax breaks offered by the Biden administration, Waaree invested $1 billion in a solar-panel plant in Houston.
Other companies’ exports surged, too. Between 2022 and 2024, the export of Indian solar modules grew “exponentially” by 23 times, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, a research group. So spectacular was the growth that the group concluded that India could potentially replace Southeast Asian countries as the leading supplier of solar photovoltaics to the United States.
Then Mr. Trump took office. Solar’s future in the United States became far more uncertain. Waaree stocks slumped. The company intends to continue to make solar panels for Americans, Mr. Paithankar, Waaree Energies’ chief executive, said.
In the end, whether Indian companies can muscle in on the renewable energy supply chain depends less on India and more on the geopolitical trade-offs that every government will have to make. “Whether we can become an alternative to China depends on what other countries do,” said Sumant Sinha, chief executive of ReNew Power, which builds solar and wind equipment for the Indian domestic market. “If everyone says, ‘I’m going to buy cheap,’ then China will come out dominating.”
Somini Sengupta is the international climate reporter on the Times climate team.
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By Canary Media
Canary Media
13 May 2026
Pennsylvania needs more energy. Data centers are pushing demand skyward, utilities can’t build new capacity fast enough, and electric bills are on the rise. Medium-sized solar installations — smaller than utility-scale farms but larger than home rooftop arrays — could help ease the pressure.
But state lawmakers, utilities, regulators, and solar developers are tussling over the rules that govern such installations, and it’s unclear whether new legislation to resolve their disputes will be passed this year. That worries Victoria Stulgis, president of Black Bear Energy.
Last month, her company and its partners celebrated the energization of 4.9 megawatts of solar on the roofs of two warehouses owned by EQT Real Estate in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania. The two projects, developed by Sigma Renewables and Scale Microgrids and managed by Black Bear Energy, are among roughly 2,100 mid-sized generation projects being planned in the state, most of them distributed solar.
What makes these projects possible is Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, a 2004 law allowing medium-sized projects that generate power with a range of technologies, from solar and wind to waste biomass and coal-bed methane, to earn a relatively high rate for the energy they feed to the grid.
After years of battling with utilities, solar developers won a 2021 decision from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that laid the groundwork for a rapid expansion of mid-sized projects throughout the state.
But in the past few years, Pennsylvania utilities have cast a pall over that growth with a series of actions that could curtail the revenues these projects can earn, Stulgis said.
“Developers and institutional property owners have invested significant time and capital to develop these solar projects,” she said. Black Bear Energy has completed 15 megawatts of projects, has 22 more megawatts under construction, and has secured interconnection rights for another 106 megawatts across 34 projects, she said.
“Changing those rules midstream would undermine confidence and create real risk for projects already in development,” she said. ​“Some developers are still leaning in, believing there may be a viable path forward, while others are walking away from shovel-ready projects because of the uncertainty.”
Unlike neighboring states such as Maryland, New Jersey, and New York, Pennsylvania hasn’t adopted a program to enable community solar. Such projects are designed to provide enough revenue to spur third-party developers to build mid-sized solar arrays, to which utility customers can subscribe to lower their bills.
Instead, solar projects of up to 3 megawatts in Pennsylvania are compensated through net metering, a system that’s more commonly used with residential rooftop solar and other small-scale installations. The projects earn a close-to-retail rate for power they send to the grid, notably more than the wholesale rate that larger projects earn.
Solar developers argue that the existing rules allow businesses, school districts, public agencies, and farms to offset rapidly rising electricity costs by hosting solar projects. But utilities argue that paying close to retail rates for electricity from these arrays forces them to raise rates on the rest of their customer base — a version of the cost-shift argument that has dogged battles over rooftop solar net-metering programs over the past two decades.
The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission supports the utilities’ cost-shift argument. In March testimony before the state’s House Energy Committee, PUC Chair Stephen DeFrank said that costs from distributed generation projects moving through the interconnection process are projected to exceed $90 million per year by 2027, and could reach $700 million per year if the more than 2,100 projects seeking to be built ​“proceed under existing rules.”
If utilities aren’t able to recover those costs, they’ll have to increase other rates, he said. Those increases will be ​“first borne by commercial and industrial customers, including small businesses operating on narrow margins,” he said.
Advocates of distributed solar are pushing back against this cost-shift argument. Rather than increasing everyone’s utility bills, distributed solar will lower utility costs at large, they say, by bringing much-needed new clean generation to a state facing increasing electricity costs driven by the data center boom.
Those are the findings of an April report by Aurora Energy Research commissioned by community-solar developer Dimension Energy. The report analyzed whether building 2 gigawatts of distributed solar by 2030, a number that’s in line with current market growth, would reduce demand for power across the low-voltage distribution grids they’re connected to.
Aurora found that additional solar power could generate a total savings of $1.7 billion over the next 20 years, compared with a scenario under which it wasn’t built. Utilities would still need to pay those projects about $780 million over that time. But that would leave just under $1 billion in net savings that could be applied toward lowering utility customers’ energy bills.
“There are multiple mechanisms by which distributed solar can reduce costs,” said Zachary Edelen, a senior associate at Aurora.
For example, there is the roughly $1.2 billion over 20 years that Pennsylvania utilities could save in decreasing ​“capacity procurement obligations,” the costs they pay for resources to keep the grid running when demand for electricity peaks, he said. That change could make a substantial difference in Pennsylvania, which is part of PJM Interconnection, the grid operator serving 13 states and Washington, D.C.
PJM’s skyrocketing capacity costs have been a major factor in pushing up utility rates between 12% and 26% for customers of the state’s major utilities from December 2024 to December 2025. That has driven politicians including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) to demand reforms from both PJM and the state’s utilities.
Unlike California, Texas, and other states that are awash in solar and need more batteries to store it to lower summertime peak loads as the sun sets, Pennsylvania gets only about 1% of its electricity from solar, Edelen noted. Adding 2 gigawatts would bring that total to about 4% of the state’s total generation capacity.
That means there’s plenty of room for new solar to flow onto utility grids and reduce overall peak loads — especially during the late afternoon summer hours when PJM measures how much peak demand utilities have, and thus how much capacity they’ll need to procure.
These capacity cost reductions are the biggest source of savings from distributed solar, but not the only one, Edelen said. Aurora’s analysis found that 2 gigawatts of distributed solar could cut the cost of purchasing energy from other resources by about $250 million. And because that solar would provide power to nearby customers, it could cut roughly $200 million from future transmission grid expansions that would be needed to deliver power from large power plants farther away. Aurora also estimated that Pennsylvania could earn about $140 million in renewable energy credits from 2 gigawatts of solar.
And that’s not counting the environmental benefits. The state could reduce carbon emissions by more than 11.3 million metric tons and abate harmful air pollution by supplanting fossil-fueled generation with 2 gigawatts of distributed solar.
To be clear, utility-scale solar can deliver electricity at prices well below those being paid to mid-sized projects under the current Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act regime. Some energy experts agree with the utilities that policymakers should cut the rates paid to distributed solar systems and instead compensate them at the lower wholesale electricity prices earned by power plants and other competitive generators.
The problem with relying on utility-scale projects is that PJM’s notoriously backlogged interconnection process has made it difficult to add new generation capacity to its grid over the past half decade. PJM recently reopened its interconnection queue after a multiyear pause. But new projects are still expected to take several years to move through that process, and years more to win permits and secure financing to get online.
Distributed solar, by contrast, can be permitted, built, and interconnected to lower-voltage utility grids within a year or two, according to developers working in the region. That could make it one of the few options to prevent what PJM forecasts could be a regional shortfall in energy supplies as early as next summer.
“The reliability of our energy system is increasingly uncertain,” Elowyn Corby, Mid-Atlantic regional director with the nonprofit Vote Solar Action Fund, said in March testimony to the state House Energy Committee. Distributed solar is ​“one of the fastest, most cost-effective tools available to bring new supply online where it’s needed most, and ease pressure on an overstretched, under-supplied grid.”
Corby also noted that Pennsylvania’s unusual regulatory structure, unlike almost all other net-metering programs in the country, allows distributed solar systems to have little or no ​“on-site load” — meaning a solar array on a building or one constructed on open land could send all its power to grid instead of using the bulk of it to meet the host’s needs. This makes many of the projects being developed in the state more akin to ​“merchant” generators that compete with other power producers, lending weight to arguments that they should receive lower compensation.
“Thoughtful reform that addresses how excess generation is treated, and that draws a clear line between distributed generation intended primarily to meet on-site load and merchant generation where the aim is primarily to sell excess generation to the grid, is not an attack on solar — it is responsible stewardship of a valuable policy,” she said.
Pennsylvania lawmakers have proposed similar bills to draw that clear line — one in the Democratic-controlled House and one in the Republican-controlled Senate. Both bills would allow projects that have already been built or that had utility interconnection agreements before mid-2025 to retain existing payment structures, although they would give the Public Utilities Commission the option to cap the total number of projects that qualify.
For projects that don’t meet that cutoff, the bills would significantly cut the rates earned for power sent to the grid. But the bills would offer higher compensation for projects built on ​“preferred sites,” such as on warehouse rooftops and parking lot canopies, on abandoned mines and capped landfills, and adjacent to closed coal plants, as well as for systems that serve school facilities.
Brandon Smithwood, vice president of policy at community solar developer Dimension Energy, would like to see these kinds of reforms, but he’s not confident that lawmakers will pass a bill. If they don’t, the state will end up with a patchwork of rules. Different utilities around the state have been making changes to how they classify mid-sized projects and lowering the compensation they earn, and developers have been challenging those changes.
Smithwood thinks that solar advocates can reach compromises with individual utilities to preserve some room for the market to grow. He pointed to a settlement agreement reached in March — between utility PPL Electric Utilities, solar trade groups Coalition for Community Solar Access and Solar Energy Industries Association, and the Pennsylvania Office of Small Business Advocate — as a ​“workable outcome” for solar developers in the absence of legislative action. The settlement would allow up to 140 megawatts of projects to retain retail net-metering compensation for up to 10 years, and then impose a complex and likely lower compensation structure for projects beyond that cap.
But other distributed solar developers are pushing for the legislature’s bills to be passed into law to avoid rules that differ from utility to utility.
“We are asking for regulatory clarity through a legislative foundation with clear and protected rules and rates,” said David Riester, managing partner at Segue Sustainable Infrastructure, a solar and battery project investor. Segue has invested in a portfolio of roughly 250 megawatts of distributed solar projects in development across Pennsylvania, which, if completed, could represent roughly $500 million in infrastructure investment, he said.
That’s just a portion of the total capacity being targeted by developers in the state. ​“If the light went green tomorrow, I would put the over-under on 700 megawatts getting placed in service within a year, and up to 2 gigawatts by the end of next year,” he said. ​“There’s this huge supply of power that’s ready to build.”
Segue is considering putting more money into more projects in Pennsylvania, Riester said. But without some clarity from utility regulators or lawmakers on how much these distributed solar projects will be able to earn, ​“those investments are on hold,” he said.
Jeff St. John is chief reporter and policy specialist at Canary Media. He covers innovative grid technologies, rooftop solar and batteries, clean hydrogen, EV charging, and more.
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CPS Energy is partnering with Ashtrom Renewable Energy to build a solar farm on San Antonio’s South Side.
The project, named “El Patrimonio,” fulfills a 20-year CPS Energy contract aimed at expanding renewable energy.
Frank Almaraz is Chief Operating Officer of CPS Energy and said environmental impact is at the forefront of discussions and solutions on renewable energy growth, and this is just the next step for CPS Energy.
“We’ve had, for decades now, goals around the amount of renewable generation that we would have, ultimately working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as SOx (sulfur oxides), NOx (nitrogen oxides), and particulates,” said Almaraz.
Those sulfur and nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, are major air pollutants that create a barrier on the glass of a solar panel, causing uneven dust accumulation and leading to significantly reduced efficiency.
Kevin Deters is chief operating officer of California-based contractor Solv Energy, in charge of engineering the project.
“Ultimately, the cost to build it and operate it, it is by far the cheapest form of power,” said Deters. “In today’s market where the power demand is almost parabolic right now between data centers and other demands on the grid, the need for power is ever-increasing, so solar is the quickest to market.”
Federal residential solar tax credits ended last year due to the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” meaning systems installed in 2026 do not qualify for these credits, but Deters added that even with the removal of subsidies, solar energy is the most affordable source to market and operate. Some states and local utility companies continue to offer independent incentives, such as property tax exemptions and net metering, even if the federal tax credit has expired for new 2026 systems.
“El Patrimonio” marks SOLV Energy’s first project with Ashtrom Renewable Energy in Bexar County.
Yitsik Mermelstein is chief executive officer of Israel-based Ashtrom and said the response from the San Antonio community reaffirms the decision to build a new solar farm in South Texas.
“It is our second site in Texas, building on the success of our first project, delivering clean power to the residents of San Antonio,” said Mermelstein. “It’s a strategic extension of the Ashtrom group’s commitment to the U.S. energy market.”
Ashtrom completed the 306-megawatt “Tierra Bonita” project in Pecos County, West Texas in 2024, which also serves CPS Energy.
While large for the local area, “El Patrimonio” is small compared to the massive “utility-scale” farms in West or Southeast Texas, such as Roadrunner Solar, which spans over 2,700 acres. It is roughly twice the size of the original Alamo I project, which was considered the state’s largest when it opened in 2013.
Construction for “El Patrimonio” is expected to be completed in 2027.

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The companies say their solutions combine to provide asset owners with both rapid insights into emergent issues and long-term benefits from scheduled inspections, delivering a “continuous feedback loop” in which data gathered by autonomous drone inspections helps to optimize operational algorithms in the tracker software.
Image: Raptor Maps
Global solar tracker company Gamechange Solar and Raptor Maps have introduced an integrated solution that uses the latter company’s Sentry autonomous robotic inspection technology to pinpoint the causes of issues identified in the former’s GeniusVision tracker monitoring software. 
In addition to providing rapid insights into emergent issues, the two companies’ solutions will feed each other data, automatically refining algorithms within the GeniusVision software to better fit site conditions.
The companies say the solution gives asset owners “a continuous feedback loop between tracker performance and on-site inspection data,” allowing them to eschew manual preventative maintenance inspections and quickly gather inspection data to provide insights that enable workers to more efficiently take corrective action.
“What we’ve built with GameChange Energy is an elegant solution to a major problem,” said Raptor Maps CEO Nikhil Vadhavkar in a statement. “The tracker signals a need, Sentry goes and gets the data, and that data drives the actions necessary to mitigate losses. This closed-loop automation drastically shortens the time between what’s detected and actions taken, delivering a win for the owner and their O&M”.
In addition to regular scheduled autonomous drone inspections, the system can perform immediate inspections in the wake of severe weather, as well as support the construction process by providing verification of installation quality as the system is being built.
Image: Raptor Maps
“GameChange has always taken a long view on the value we deliver to asset owners,” said GameChange CEO Phillip Vyhanek in a statement. “By working with the solar industry’s most deployed robotic inspection platform to combine Sentry’s capabilities with GeniusVision, we’re giving owners a more complete picture of tracker health and giving our teams the feedback needed to continue improving our products. We’re excited to extend our services, value, and relationships with clients throughout the entire project lifecycle.”
GameChange Solar’s GeniusVision software continuously monitors the performance and health of trackers, storing historical data and providing analytics, trend graphs and diagnostics to asset owners.
The RaptorMaps Sentry platform conducts visual and thermal inspections to identify early indicators of equipment failure, such as overheating back-of-panel connectors or damaged wiring.
The autonomous thermal imaging functions can be especially beneficial for asset owners. According to a recent study by kWh Analytics, 84% of fire events that occur in large-scale PV installations arise from problems with the solar equipment and PV fire risk is one of the leading causes of loss.
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Plug-in solar panels can be fitted to balconies, walls and gardens, but safe installation depends on the right location, permissions and connection method.
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Plug-in solar panels could soon give households a simpler way to generate their own electricity, without paying for a full rooftop solar installation. Instead of a large array of panels fixed to the roof and wired into the home by an installer, these smaller systems are designed to be mounted on a balcony, wall, terrace or garden frame and connected to the property using an approved plug-in setup.
It could make solar power accessible to people who have traditionally been locked out of the market, including renters, flat owners and homeowners whose roofs are unsuitable for conventional panels.
But while the name makes the technology sound straightforward, “plug-in” does not mean risk-free or completely hands-off. The panels still need to be positioned properly, fixed securely and connected safely. This guide explains how plug-in solar panels work, what comes in a typical kit and what fitting one is likely to involve.
Read more: Best solar panels 2026 for UK homes, reviewed by experts
Use our comparison tool to get free quotes from leading solar panel installers.
Plug-in solar panels are small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems designed to generate electricity for use in the home. In parts of Europe, they are often described as balcony solar panels because they are commonly installed on apartment balconies and connected to the property’s electricity supply.
A typical plug-in solar kit may include one or two solar panels, a microinverter, mounting brackets or a frame, connecting cables and a plug or connection unit. Some systems may also include a monitoring app, allowing users to see how much electricity the panels are generating, or a small battery for storing some excess power.
They work on the same basic principle as rooftop solar panels, but on a smaller scale. A plug-in system isn’t designed to power an entire home. Instead, it is intended to offset some of your daytime electricity use, reducing the amount of power you need to buy from the grid.
Read more: Are plug-in solar panels worth it for UK homes?
Like standard solar panels, plug-in panels use photovoltaic cells to turn daylight into electricity. When sunlight hits the panel, the cells generate direct current electricity. Solar panels work best in strong, direct sunlight, but they can still produce electricity on cloudy days, although output will be lower. For a fuller explanation of the technology behind solar PV, read our guide to how solar panels work.
The electricity produced by the panel cannot be used directly by most household appliances. UK homes use alternating current electricity, so the power first passes through a microinverter. This small device converts the direct current from the solar panel into alternating current that can be used by the home.
Once safely connected, the electricity can feed into the household circuit. If appliances are running at the same time, they can use the solar power first. This might include background electricity use from a fridge, a wifi router, a laptop charger, a television or a washing machine.
In practical terms, this means the home imports less electricity from the grid while the panel is generating. The benefit depends on how much electricity the system produces and how much of that electricity you use at the time it is generated.
Read more: Do plug-in solar panels save you money?
The exact equipment will vary between manufacturers, but most systems are built around a few core components.
The solar panel is the part that captures daylight and generates electricity. Many plug-in systems use one or two panels, making them much smaller than a typical rooftop array.
The microinverter is usually fixed near the panel and converts the electricity into a form that the home can use. Mounting equipment holds the panel in place, whether that means clamps for a balcony railing, brackets for a wall or a frame for a patio, garden or flat surface.
Cables connect the panel to the inverter and the system to the home. This is one of the most important parts of the setup. The UK-approved systems should use a connection method designed for domestic electrical circuits, rather than improvised wiring or unsuitable extension leads.
Read more: Lidl to sell £400 plug-in solar panels – here’s everything you need to know
Plug-in solar panels are likely to be most useful in places where rooftop solar is not practical. This could include flats with balconies, homes with small gardens, terraces, sheds, garages, outbuildings or exterior walls that receive a good amount of sunlight.
The best location is usually one with strong exposure to daylight for much of the day. A south-facing position will generally produce the most electricity. But east- and west-facing panels can still be useful, particularly if they match when your home tends to use electricity.
Shading is one of the biggest factors to watch. Trees, neighbouring buildings, balcony railings, walls and even nearby objects can all reduce output. A panel that is easy to fit but shaded for much of the day may generate far less electricity than expected.
The position also needs to be safe. A panel fixed to a balcony or wall must be secure enough to withstand wind and bad weather. Cables need to be routed carefully so they are not damaged, trapped in doors or windows, or left where someone could trip over them.
The fitting process will depend on the product and where it’s installed, but the broad steps are likely to be similar.
First, you must choose a suitable location. This means checking the amount of sunlight, the direction the panel will face, whether anything will cast shade over it and how the cable will reach the connection point.
Next, the mounting system is assembled. On a balcony, this may involve clamps or brackets that attach the panel to the railing. In a garden or on a patio, the panel may sit on an angled frame. On a wall, it may need brackets fixed into masonry or another suitable surface.
The panel then needs to be secured. This is a crucial step, especially for balconies, upper floors and exposed locations. Even a relatively small solar panel can become dangerous if it is not properly fixed.
Once the panel is in position, it is connected to the microinverter. The inverter is usually mounted close to the panel, protected from unsuitable conditions and connected using the manufacturer’s cabling.
The final step is connecting the system to the home’s electricity supply using the approved method provided with the kit. This is the part of the process that UK rules are being updated to enable. Homeowners should only use products approved for use in the UK and should follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.
After connection, many systems allow users to monitor generation through an app or display. This can help you understand when the panels are producing the most electricity and shift some usage into daylight hours.
The appeal of plug-in solar is that it should be easier to install than a conventional rooftop system. A full rooftop solar array normally requires a professional installer, scaffolding, electrical work and certification. A plug-in system is intended to be simpler and cheaper to set up.
However, there are two separate issues: physical fitting and electrical connection. Mounting a panel on a balcony, wall or outbuilding still needs care. If the location is high, exposed or difficult to access, professional help may be sensible even if the electrical side is designed to be simple.
The safest approach is to buy a UK-approved kit, avoid modifying any cables or sockets, and follow the instructions exactly. Households should not use imported products that are not designed for the UK market, plug systems into extension leads, or attempt DIY wiring to get around the rules.
Permissions may be just as important as the technology itself.
Renters should check with their landlord before attaching anything to a balcony, wall, shed or exterior space. Flat owners may need permission from a freeholder, managing agent or residents’ association, especially if the panel affects a shared wall, balcony, roof terrace or the building’s external appearance.
Planning rules may also matter in some cases. Small solar installations are often straightforward, but listed buildings, conservation areas and flats can be more complicated. If the panel is visible from the street or fixed to a shared structure, it’s worth checking before buying.
Home insurance is another consideration. If the panels are fixed to the property, the insurer may need to know. Leaseholders and renters should also check whether balcony railings, external walls or shared areas are allowed to carry extra equipment.
The main risks are poor performance and safety. A badly positioned panel may produce less electricity than expected. Too much shade, a poor angle or the wrong orientation can all reduce output. That doesn’t make the system unsafe, but it may make it disappointing.
More serious problems can arise from poor mounting or unsafe connections. A panel that is not fixed securely could come loose in high winds. Damaged cables could create an electrical hazard. Running cables through windows, across walkways or near water can also create risks if the system hasn’t been designed for that setup.
This is why plug-in solar should be treated as a home energy product, not a casual gadget. It may be much simpler than rooftop solar, but it still needs to be installed with care.
The main difference is scale. A conventional rooftop system usually has six or more panels and is designed to cover a larger share of a home’s electricity demand. It is fixed permanently to the roof and connected by a certified installer. For more on the price of a larger rooftop system, see our guide to solar panel costs.
Plug-in solar panels are smaller, more portable and easier to fit. They are better suited to households that can’t install rooftop panels or people who want to try solar at a lower upfront cost.
The trade-off is output. A plug-in system will not usually generate enough electricity to run a whole home, and it is unlikely to match the long-term savings of a well-sized rooftop array. Its role is more modest: to reduce some daytime grid use and make solar accessible to more households.
Plug-in solar panels work in the same way as other solar PV systems. They capture daylight, convert it into usable electricity and feed it into the home so appliances can use solar power before drawing from the grid.
What makes them different is the installation. Rather than requiring a full rooftop system, they are designed to be fitted to smaller spaces such as balconies, walls, terraces and gardens. That could make them especially useful for renters, flat owners and households without suitable roofs.
But “plug-in” should not be confused with “anything goes”. The panel still needs a sunny, secure location, the right permissions and a safe, approved connection method. For the right household, plug-in solar could be a practical first step into home-generated electricity, but getting the fitting right will be essential.
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In our collective enthusiasm for renewable energy, Australia now has installed millions of solar panels and inverters on roughly one in three homes. This is one of the most impressive renewable energy stories in the world and a case study in how effective it can be as an investment across the nation.
Image: Industrias
Yet for all the conversation about clean energy, remarkably little is said about what happens when those systems stop working, whether it’s the panels, inverters, or isolators, or when systems need to be entirely replaced at end of life. This is not a distant or theoretical issue. A tidal wave of end-of-life solar equipment is fast approaching, so it’s a question of when, not if, the industry is forced to deal with it.
The answer, currently, is mostly landfill. Or, in a slightly better case scenario, a pallet in a warehouse somewhere. Australia recycles only about 15-17% of solar panel materials, largely limited to aluminium frames and junction boxes. The remaining 83-85%, consisting of glass, silicon, and polymer back sheeting has nowhere meaningful to go. In most cases, the cost burden falls entirely on asset owners who must pay recyclers to take panels away, often at a significant premium to landfill, as well as cover the cost of transporting them hundreds or thousands of kilometres. It is for this reason that the recycling conversation in solar is long overdue, and the industry needs to have it honestly.
The first wave of large-scale solar installations in Australia is now approaching end-of-life. Panels installed 20–25 years ago are beginning to fail or underperform, and the volume of waste is about to accelerate sharply.
A scoping study from UNSW Sydney projects cumulative decommissioned panel volume reaching one million tonnes by 2035, with annual waste potentially hitting 100,000 tonnes by the end of the decade.
The industry has been slow to engage with what that means, and that silence carries risk. Clean energy has been built on trust that could very rapidly erode if the public perception shifts from “clean energy” to “future landfill problem.” And once it goes, it is hard to win back.
Solar panels contain genuinely valuable materials. Silver, copper, aluminium, and silicon all have real market value. In theory, recovering them makes economic sense. In practice, the economics are far more complicated.
Recycling a solar panel in Australia costs approximately $28 per panel, roughly six times the cost of sending end-of-life panels to landfill, which sits at about $4.50 per panel, before factoring in transport and logistics, which can materially increase the total cost, particularly outside metropolitan areas.
Glass is the primary problem. It makes up about 70% of a panel’s weight, but there is no high-value domestic reuse market, with silicon recovery technically possible but not yet commercially viable at scale. While silver has value, it’s only if you can aggregate enough volume to make its collection worthwhile.
The problem is, however, both volume and geography. When a regional tip recently refused to accept 370 decommissioned panels, citing insufficient capacity, the owner faced a stark choice: pay enormous fees to a recycling facility in the nearest capital city, plus significant freight charges to get the panels there. For regional and rural asset owners, the tyranny of distance turns a difficult situation into a genuinely punishing one.
For most asset owners, especially in regional areas, the decision becomes simple. Pay significantly more for a process that is logistically difficult, or dispose of the panels cheaply.
That is a system failure, not a moral one.
While much of the recycling conversation focuses on panels, inverters deserve equal attention. They have a significantly shorter lifespan, typically 10 to 12 years, meaning most systems will go through at least two inverters across the life of the installation. Yet end-of-life pathways for inverters are even less developed than those for panels.
Older transformer-based inverters can produce some scrap metal value, and newer models are processed as general e-waste, with metals and circuit board assemblies recovered at modest yields. However, there is no meaningful high-value material recovery equivalent to what is theoretically possible with panels. For most asset owners, disposing of an inverter responsibly means paying for e-waste processing and receiving nothing in return.
State governments have begun acting, but unevenly. Victoria banned solar panels from landfill in July 2019. South Australia and the ACT have imposed restrictions on e-waste disposal. Western Australia began implementing e-waste regulations in July 2024, with a landfill ban for solar panel waste anticipated in future phases.
The federal government’s proposed national pilot program, set to begin mid-2026, is also a step in the right direction. It aims to collect up to 250,000 panels across about 100 sites and generate data for a future framework.
It is a welcome start, but if the goal is to build a functioning recycling ecosystem, this will require far more than a pilot. It will require sustained government investment to expand processing capacity, increase the number of collection and drop-off points, and build out the logistics networks needed to service regional Australia.
The bigger issue is fragmentation, as state-by-state regulation is inconsistent. If other states follow Victoria’s lead on landfill bans, the resulting volume of material entering the recycling stream could help operators achieve the economies of scale that currently make the sector commercially marginal. Regulatory alignment is, in many ways, the precondition for a viable recycling industry.
Framing this purely as a recycling issue misses the broader point. The industry has historically been optimised for installation, and while that approach made sense in the early growth phase, it no longer holds up in a mature market.
The more productive conversation is about maintenance and about extending the useful life of solar system componentry before end-of-life questions even arise. Every panel that fails prematurely, every inverter replaced ahead of schedule, every fault left unaddressed until it causes broader damage represents waste the industry created before the end-of-life question even arose.
Extending asset life is not just an operational decision, but one of the most immediate levers we have to reduce volume pressure on a recycling system that is not ready.
Solar maintenance is also an environmental responsibility, as componentry in good condition is significantly easier to process when recycling capacity eventually reaches scale. Damaged panels contaminate material streams and reduce recovery yields. The condition of the system at the end of life matters, both environmentally and economically.
At the moment, there are three shifts that need to happen.
First, regulatory alignment. A national framework that standardises landfill restrictions, collection pathways, and producer responsibility is essential, and without it, scale will never materialise.
Second, economic incentives. Recycling needs to compete with landfill on cost, or landfill needs to become the less attractive option. That will likely require direct government support to improve processing efficiency, subsidise early-stage infrastructure, and reduce the cost burden currently falling on asset owners.
Third, a shift in industry mindset. Solar cannot continue to be treated as a “set and forget” asset. It needs to be managed as infrastructure with a full lifecycle, from installation through to maintenance and ultimately decommissioning.
That includes designing systems with end-of-life in mind, tracking asset condition over time, and planning for disposal long before it becomes urgent.
The solar industry is one of Australia’s great success stories, but success creates scrutiny. If we continue to avoid this conversation, others will have it for us.
The damage will not only be environmental, but also reputational. A technology positioned as part of the climate solution cannot afford to be seen as creating its own waste crisis.
The question is not whether the industry can solve this problem, because it absolutely can. The question is whether it chooses to address it early, while trust is still intact, or later, when it becomes a crisis.
That choice is being made now.
Author: Daniel Lazarus, solar O&M expert; Chief Executive Officer, Industrias
The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own, and do not necessarily reflect those held by pv magazine.
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Pennsylvania has more than 16,000 warehouses that can house rooftop solar panels.
Sean Kitchen
With President Donald Trump’s war in Iran nearing the three-month mark and a global disruption in the energy markets, consumers across the US and the rest of the world are turning to solar power and other renewables to offset the costs of rising gas and energy prices.  
Democratic lawmakers in Pennsylvania see this ongoing crisis as an opportunity to expand solar power generation and storage by making it easier to install solar panels on large warehouses across the commonwealth. 
“One aspect of [the Iran War] that we’re seeing is how dependent all of our systems are on fossil fuels, and we hear a lot of talk about energy independence on both sides of the aisle,” State Sen. Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia) said in an interview. 
“Solar is one of the cheapest—maybe the cheapest——ways to get energy to households. We have abundant ways to do that …  A lot of that is using rooftops that we already have.”
Saval is sponsoring legislation in the Pennsylvania Senate that requires all new warehouses that are at least 100,000 square feet to be solar-ready and provide tax credits so existing warehouses can make the necessary modifications to install solar panels. 
Democrats in the Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 1260, which is identical to Saval’s, earlier this year.  
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“It’s also no secret that Pennsylvania’s electric generation portfolio is overly reliant on natural gas. By adding solar and increasing energy diversity, we will reduce our dependence on any single fuel, supplier, or technology, and we decrease the likelihood of disruptions and price swings,” State Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock (D-Berks), the prime sponsor of HB 1260, said at a press conference in Harrisburg earlier this month. 
She added, “Warehouse rooftops are massive. They are unobstructed spaces with lots of rooms for these panels. It just makes sense that we utilize all of this available space and take control of our energy consumption.”
A 2023 report from PennEnvironment, a state environmental policy group, states that Pennsylvania has more than 16,000 warehouses with over 516 million square feet of rooftop space to house solar panels, which could power over 800,000 homes. 
Greenfield Manufacturing, a warehouse in Northeast Philadelphia, has more than 3,600 solar panels on its roof, making it the city’s second largest solar array.
“ I was lucky to visit a warehouse in Northeast Philadelphia where they had solar on top of the roof, and they’re actually not only not paying for their energy costs, they’re getting money back, and their excess energy is being distributed to the surrounding community,” Saval said.
Democrats in the Pennsylvania legislature and leaders from the building trade unions began more closely supporting each others’ priorities with the formation of the Blue-Green Caucus in 2021, and last month, the caucus touted a packet of 10 energy-related bills the two sides worked on together. 
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“Anything we can do to offset costs right now is important. We all know ratepayers are front and center in the discussion here in Pennsylvania with the war going on in Iran and energy prices are going up,” said Rob Bair, president of the Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades Council, in an interview. 
He added, ”We’re an all-the-above energy strategy, from solar to wind to nukes to all of it, but these type of bills where you can lower taxpayer rates, put money back into school districts, utilize roof spaces are really important. It creates a whole lot of jobs, good-paying, family-sustaining jobs for my members.”
Sean Kitchen is the Keystone’s political correspondent, based in Harrisburg. Sean is originally from Philadelphia and spent five years working as a writer and researcher for Pennsylvania Spotlight.
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Freyr Energy Commissions 727 kW Solar Project at Allu Cinemas to Power Sustainable Entertainment Infrastructure  SolarQuarter
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The aircraft, acquired by Skydweller Aero in 2019 and converted into an autonomous long-endurance platform, crashed after a loss of power. It was equipped with approximately 17,000 photovoltaic cells on its wings.
Solar Impulse 2
Image: Milko Vuille, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
From pv magazine Mexico
The experimental solar-powered aircraft Solar Impulse 2 crashed on May 4 in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Mississippi during an unmanned test flight operated by Skydweller Aero.
Preliminary information from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates the aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff from Stennis International Airport and went down in international waters near Bay St. Louis. There were no fatalities or injuries, as the flight was uncrewed.
Developed by Swiss aviation pioneers Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, Solar Impulse 2 was originally built as a demonstrator for solar-powered flight. Between 2015 and 2016, it completed the first circumnavigation of the globe by a fixed-wing aircraft powered solely by solar energy, covering approximately 42,000 km over 17 legs.
The aircraft was sold in 2019 to Skydweller Aero, which converted it into an autonomous, long-endurance platform for surveillance, communications and testing applications across civilian and defense programs. It retained a wingspan comparable to that of a Boeing 747 and was equipped with around 17,000 photovoltaic cells integrated into its wings.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no final determination on the technical cause of the crash has been released. Preliminary reports point to a loss of power prior to impact, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft.
While the crash marks the end of the specific airframe that achieved a milestone in solar aviation, the Solar Impulse project remains a reference point for demonstrating the feasibility of long-distance, fossil-fuel-free flight.
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From Rs 200 to Rs 9: Plummeting solar costs could spark India’s clean energy revolution  Down To Earth
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Australia has confirmed it will return AU$1.3 billion (US$940 million) in uncommitted funding from several clean energy manufacturing programmes as part of broader budget savings measures announced in the 2026-27 Federal Budget, with the Solar Sunshot Program among those affected by the reallocation.
The decision forms part of AU$63.8 billion in savings and reprioritisations outlined in the budget, which the government said was necessary to strengthen fiscal sustainability amid global economic disruption caused by conflict in the Middle East.
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The returned funds come from uncommitted allocations across the Battery Breakthrough Initiative, Hydrogen Headstart, Solar Sunshot and Australia’s Economic Accelerator programmes.
Specifically, the Hydrogen Headstart programme has seen AU$1 billion clawed back, whilst a combined AU$300 million has been reduced from the Solar Sunshot Program and the Battery Breakthrough Initiative.
The budget papers describe the move as part of “sensible and responsible savings” aimed at containing cost pressures while safeguarding long-term service continuity. The government emphasised that the reallocation does not affect committed funding or projects already underway, with the clawback targeting only funds not yet allocated to specific recipients.
Gross debt is now AU$18 billion lower in 2026-27 than forecast in the mid-year update and AU$173 billion better than the government inherited, according to budget documents.
The Solar Sunshot Program, launched in March 2024 with an initial AU$1 billion commitment by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, was designed to accelerate domestic solar photovoltaic manufacturing across the supply chain.
Managed by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the initiative aimed to support Australia’s ambition to capture a larger share of global solar manufacturing while reducing reliance on imports.
The programme’s core objective centred on ARENA’s “30-30-30” vision: achieving 30% solar module efficiency at an installed cost of 30 cents per watt by 2030, which would drive the levelised cost of electricity below AU$20 per megawatt hour.
Currently, only 1% of solar modules installed on Australian rooftops are manufactured domestically, despite one in three households using solar power. The government had set a target to increase domestic production to 20% of installed capacity, aiming to reshape Australia from a solar consumer to a manufacturing hub.
Solar Sunshot was structured across multiple funding rounds, with Round 1A allocating AU$500 million toward solar PV manufacturing innovation focused on modules, inputs such as solar glass and frames, and deployment systems.
Round 1B, which allocated AU$50 million for feasibility studies and front-end engineering design, remains open until November 2026.
Round 2, launched in September 2025 with AU$150 million allocated, targets inputs to modules and deployment technologies, including balance-of-plant components.
Dan Sturrock, general manager solar at ARENA, recently discussed the initiative and its various rounds at the Smart Energy Conference 2026 in Sydney last week.
Among the programme’s early recipients, Adelaide-based manufacturer Tindo Solar secured AU$34.5 million to expand its production capacity, marking one of the initiative’s first major commitments.
The funding was intended to help Tindo increase module production from 20MW to 180MW per year and to renovate its Mawson Lakes factory in South Australia to produce at a larger scale and at lower cost.
Tindo confirmed it would introduce advanced automation and expand its product range to include premium N-type solar modules, with the support including both a Manufacturing Production Credit and a capital grant for a feasibility study into developing a future gigafactory capable of producing up to 1GW of solar modules annually.
Other early recipients included 5B, which secured up to AU$46 million to expand manufacturing capacity for its “Maverick” solar deployment system, and AU$11 million allocated across three feasibility studies exploring upstream solar PV component manufacturing.
These studies examined the technical and commercial viability of establishing domestic supply chains for polysilicon, ingots and wafers.
ARENA had positioned Solar Sunshot as complementary to its broader Ultra Low-Cost Solar research and development programme, which allocated AU$60 million to advance breakthrough technologies in solar efficiency and cost reduction.
The Battery Breakthrough Initiative, launched in August 2025 with AU$500 million in total funding, has similarly been subject to the uncommitted funds clawback.
The programme, also delivered by ARENA in collaboration with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, was designed to position Australia as a competitive player in global battery manufacturing by addressing critical gaps in domestic capability.
The initiative targeted three strategic segments of the battery value chain: advanced materials processing leveraging Australia’s lithium, nickel, cobalt and graphite reserves, battery cell production to transform Australia from a raw materials supplier into a finished cell producer, and battery pack assembly serving both domestic storage needs and export markets.
Funding mechanisms under the Battery Breakthrough Initiative included capital grants for infrastructure development, production incentives for operational support, and streamlined approvals for projects seeking AU$50 million or less in funding.
The programme was structured as an open, merit-based initiative intended to remain active until funds were exhausted or the government determined a closure date.
Early recipients included Victorian manufacturer PowerPlus Energy, which secured AU$2.3 million to triple its battery module production capacity to 150MWh by semi-automating local manufacturing.
The AU$6.7 million project aims to support growth in sectors such as agriculture, utilities, and eco-resorts.
Firebird Metals received AU$2 million to develop Australia’s first demonstration-scale facility processing manganese concentrate into cathode materials for batteries at a Perth site, leveraging Australia’s mineral resources to meet growing global demand for manganese-rich batteries.
The Hydrogen Headstart programme, which had AU$4 billion in total funding across two rounds, was also affected by the return of uncommitted funds.
Round 1 had already allocated AU$814 million to Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners for a 1.5GW development in Western Australia, while Round 2 maintained AU$2 billion in available funding for large-scale green hydrogen production projects.
Budget forecasts for the hydrogen production tax incentive, which comes into effect in 2027, have been scaled back by AU$1.9 billion over five years to June 2030, largely reflecting lower-than-expected production forecasts from the green hydrogen industry.
While the clawback targets only uncommitted allocations, it signals a more cautious approach to discretionary programme spending as Australia navigates inflationary pressures forecast at 5% through the year to June 2026 and slower economic growth forecast at 1.75% for 2026-27.

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TotalEnergies and MK Land Reach Financial Close for 50 MWp Solar Project in Malaysia Under Corporate Green Power Programme  SolarQuarter
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The Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda has officially commissioned a new photovoltaic system at its production site in Oranienburg, near Berlin. After seven months of construction, the system was inaugurated during a ceremony. With an investment of approximately €4 million from its own funds, Takeda is underscoring its long-term commitment to the Oranienburg site and to sustainable industrial value creation in Germany.
“The photovoltaic system at the Oranienburg site generates approximately 1,500 megawatt-hours of electricity annually and saves about 650 tons of CO₂. That corresponds to the annual consumption of around 350 single-family homes. In this way, we are making a measurable contribution to reducing our ecological footprint right here on site,” explained Chris Buttkus, Head of the Oranienburg site and member of Takeda’s management team in Germany. “For us, it is crucial that we make our production responsible, resilient, and sustainable in the long term. Investments in a sustainable energy supply are a key component in permanently strengthening the Oranienburg site.” 
By consistently using the electricity it generates on-site, Takeda is also contributing to sustainable and local energy use. With the solar power system, Takeda is strengthening the site’s self-sufficient energy supply and reducing its reliance on the public power grid.
 “For us as an energy-intensive production site, taking responsibility for our own electricity needs sends an important signal,” said Buttkus. “Our photovoltaic system is not an isolated sustainability project, but part of a forward-looking site strategy in the interest of the company, the workforce, and the local community.”
The investment underscores the importance of reliable framework conditions for sustainable industrial development and the ongoing transition toward competitive value creation—driven by investments in technology, infrastructure, and employees. A sustainable energy supply is a key component of competitive production sites and strengthens innovation, security of supply, and value creation in Germany.
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BASF sells a majority stake in its coatings business to the investor Carlyle.
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Nexamp will receive investment to build community solar projects, reported Tokyo-based news outlet Nikkei.
A Nexamp solar project
Image: Nexamp

From pv magazine USA
Japanese trading-house Mitsubishi Corp. announced it will make an estimated $3.9 billon investment in solar energy development in the United States, reported Tokyo news agency Nikkei and Bloomberg.
The company reportedly aims to expand its generation capacity in the United States by 160% by 2028, reaching 2.9 GW in capacity. It will invest in Boston-based community solar developer Nexamp.
Nexamp is expected to use domestically produced solar panels from Silfab Solar, thereby avoiding import tariffs.
Nexamp develops community solar projects, arranging contracts under which electricity ratepayers can subscribe to a project to save on electricity bills. The company said its subscribers save an average of $275 annually on bills while supporting local solar development.
The community solar developer operates over 1 GW of solar power capacity across the United States, with “several more gigawatts” currently either in construction or under development.
The Mitsubishi funding announcement builds on an April 2024 capital raise of $520 million by Mitsubishi for Nexamp projects. The 2024 capital raise was underwritten by lead investor Manulife Investment Management and Nexamp’s existing shareholders including Generate Capital.
It also announced it will develop more than 120 MW of distributed community scale solar projects for retail giant Walmart in 31 solar projects across five states.
Last month, Mitsubishi announced it invested in Solestial, Inc. a U.S.-based startup specializing in the development and production of solar cells for space applications.
pv magazine USA reached out to Nexamp for comment and will update this article when a response is delivered.
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ML System S.A., a leader in Polish photovoltaic modules and BIPV solutions, continues to focus on innovative solar tech amid stable but low-volume trading on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. US investors track its exposure to European renewable growth.
ML System S.A. maintains its position in the photovoltaic sector with recent activity centered on operational stability and product innovation, as noted in investor updates from its official channels. The company, listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, reported steady performance in its core segments during the period covered in its latest available filings published in Q1 2026, according to ML System IR as of 05/13/2026.
As of: 13.05.2026
By the editorial team – specialized in equity coverage.
Official source
For first-hand information on ML System S.A., visit the company’s official website.
ML System S.A. specializes in the design, production, and distribution of photovoltaic modules and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), positioning itself as a key player in Poland’s renewable energy landscape. Founded in 2008 and listed on the NewConnect market since 2012, the company has expanded its operations to emphasize high-efficiency solar solutions tailored for both standard and architectural applications, as detailed in its corporate profile on ML System IR as of 05/13/2026.
The business model revolves around vertical integration, from research and development to manufacturing and sales. ML System operates production facilities in Poland, focusing on innovative technologies like perovskite-silicon tandem cells, which promise higher efficiency rates compared to traditional panels. This approach allows the company to serve diverse clients, including residential, commercial, and industrial sectors across Europe.
For US investors, ML System offers exposure to the growing European solar market, where EU green deal initiatives drive demand for advanced PV tech. The company’s emphasis on BIPV aligns with global trends toward energy-efficient buildings, providing indirect relevance to US sustainable construction trends.
Revenue is primarily driven by sales of monocrystalline PV modules and BIPV products, which accounted for the bulk of turnover in the 2025 fiscal year reports published in March 2026. BIPV solutions, integrating solar cells into building facades and roofs, represent a high-margin segment, benefiting from architectural demand in urban renewal projects.
Key products include the ML System BIPV line, certified for aesthetic and functional integration, and standard PV modules with efficiencies exceeding 22%. Export markets, particularly Germany and other EU countries, contribute significantly, with international sales forming over 50% of revenue in recent periods per IR disclosures.
Research into next-gen perovskites positions ML System for future growth, with pilot production lines operational as of early 2026. This innovation pipeline supports long-term revenue diversification amid competitive pressures in the PV sector.
The photovoltaic industry faces headwinds from oversupply in Asia but benefits from policy support in Europe. ML System differentiates through BIPV expertise, a niche less saturated than mass-market panels. Competitors like Trina Solar dominate volume, but ML System’s focus on customized, high-value solutions carves out a defensible position.
EU subsidies and net-zero targets bolster demand, with Poland’s domestic market expanding via coal phase-out plans. For US investors, this translates to potential upside from transatlantic green tech synergies, though currency and regulatory risks apply.
ML System provides US portfolios with targeted exposure to Europe’s renewable boom without direct US operations. Its Warsaw listing facilitates access via ADRs or ETFs tracking emerging EU markets, appealing to those seeking diversification beyond domestic solar giants like First Solar.
The company’s tech edge in BIPV resonates with US trends in LEED-certified buildings and IRA incentives, offering a proxy for global solar innovation. Trading volumes on GPW, while modest, support liquidity for institutional plays.
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Additional news and developments on the stock can be explored via the linked overview pages.
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ML System S.A. sustains its niche in photovoltaics through BIPV innovation and European market focus, with operational updates underscoring resilience amid sector dynamics. Investors monitor progress in perovskite tech and export growth for indicators of momentum. The stock’s role in renewable diversification remains relevant for global portfolios.
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute investment advice. Stocks are volatile financial instruments.

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KUALA LUMPUR: MK Land Holdings Bhd, through its renewable energy subsidiary, Citra Energies Sdn Bhd, has achieved financial close for the development of a 29.99 megawatt alternating current solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Kulim, Kedah.
In a statement today, the property development company said the project brought together a strong ecosystem of strategic global and local collaborators, including backing from a prominent international financial institution with expertise in sustainable finance and investments.
It said the project also involves offtake arrangements with multinational corporations expanding their presence in the region, while the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) services are undertaken by a leading local renewable energy and clean energy solutions provider.
MK Land chief operating officer – group resources and director of Citra Energies Frankie Chai said that achieving financial close for the Citra Energies project is a defining step in our renewable energy journey.
“It reflects our long-term commitment to building a sustainable energy platform that contributes meaningfully to Malaysia’s low-carbon transition.
“Beyond infrastructure, this project represents our belief in the future of clean energy as a driver of economic resilience and regional competitiveness. It also strengthens our role in supporting Malaysia to advance its net-zero ambitions,” he said.
MK Land said that its participation alongside established global and local players underscores confidence in Malaysia’s renewable energy framework and reinforces the role of experienced parties in delivering bankable, utility-scale clean energy infrastructure.
“Once operational, the solar PV plant will supply renewable energy directly into Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s grid. This power shall be supplied to corporate consumers through virtual power purchase agreements over a 21-year tenure.
“This structure not only ensures stable recurring revenue, but also addresses the growing demand from multinational corporations and large-scale industrial players seeking renewable energy solutions to support their operational needs, sustainability objectives and decarbonisation pathways,” it added. – Bernama
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KUALA LUMPUR: MK Land Holdings Bhd, through its renewable energy subsidiary, Citra Energies Sdn Bhd, has achieved financial close for the development of a 29.99 megawatt alternating current solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Kulim, Kedah.
In a statement today, the property development company said the project brought together a strong ecosystem of strategic global and local collaborators, including backing from a prominent international financial institution with expertise in sustainable finance and investments.
It said the project also involves offtake arrangements with multinational corporations expanding their presence in the region, while the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) services are undertaken by a leading local renewable energy and clean energy solutions provider.
MK Land chief operating officer – group resources and director of Citra Energies Frankie Chai said that achieving financial close for the Citra Energies project is a defining step in our renewable energy journey.
…

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Energy infrastructure firm GameChange Solar has introduced a first of its kind solar tracker monitoring system in collaboration with robotics inspection and analytics company Raptor Maps.
Promising to give solar asset owners a continuous inspection feedback loop for their systems, the tracker monitoring system is integrated with autonomous robotic inspection. GameChange Solar officials say the system will allow for on-site inspection data on tracker performance, greatly shortening the time from initial signal to maintenance action.
For asset owners, the new solution is expected to reduce financial losses from previously undetected issues, lowering operational costs and limiting the loss risks posed by severe weather events. Beyond that, GameChange representatives say the collaborative solution will provide a truly massive assist for O&M teams around North America.

GeniusVision for O&M

The data that GameChange and Raptor Maps’ robotic analytics team collects will feed directly back into an algorithmic program known as GeniusVision, the companies say. From there, the data will be able to refine its underlying algorithms to continuously improve tracker performance and stow behavior.
Phillip Vyhanek, CEO of GameChange Solar, says his company has “always taken a long view” on giving value to solar system owners. He adds that this partnership with Raptor Maps is merely a part of that philosophy.
“By working with the solar industry’s most deployed robotic inspection platform to combine Sentry’s capabilities with GeniusVision, we’re giving owners a more complete picture of tracker health and giving our teams the feedback needed to continue improving our products,” he says. “We’re excited to extend our services, value, and relationships with clients throughout the entire project lifecycle.”
The new platform will serve a variety of operational needs across the maintenance workflow, GameChange says. Following a severe weather event, the Sentry robotic inspection platform will be able flag any issues.
Nikhil Vadhavkar, CEO of Raptor Maps, says “reliability is more important than ever” in the world of utility-scale solar. As such large solar projects become ubiquitous in North America, autonomous O&M helpers like Sentry are crucial.
“What we’ve built with GameChange Solar is an elegant solution to a major problem in these vast, hard-to-access regions,” Vadhavkar says. “The tracker signals a need, Sentry goes and gets the data, and that data drives the actions necessary to mitigate losses. This closed-loop automation drastically shortens the time between what’s detected and actions taken, delivering a win for the owner and their O&M.”

Tags: GameChange Solar, O&M, Raptor Maps, solar robotics, utility-scale


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NCPRE’s pioneering work in high-efficiency, low-cost Silicon-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells is a game-changer for India’s solar energy future: Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi  PIB
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Solar power deal sealed  Solomon Star News
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PETALING JAYA: Pekat Group Bhd has secured a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd to develop and operate a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the dairy producer’s facility in Negri Sembilan.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday, Pekat said its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Pekat Solar Sdn Bhd, will design, construct, install, own, operate and maintain the solar PV system at Dutch Lady’s plant in Bandar Enstek, Nilai.
The system will have a direct current capacity of 3,960.13kWp and is expected to commence operations in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Pekat said the estimated project value, based on projected revenue over the agreement period, is about RM23.04mil.
Under the agreement, Pekat Solar will retain ownership of the solar PV system throughout the contract term.
Three months before the expiry of the PPA, Dutch Lady may either renew the agreement on mutually agreed terms or acquire ownership of the solar PV system.
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Canada is currently experiencing a significant shift in its energy system with the country rapidly transitioning towards cleaner sources of energy. While hydroelectricity has historically played a dominant role in Canadian energy consumption, the expansion of solar energy is poised to become increasingly significant due to governmental initiatives, technological developments and a heightened sense of ecological responsibility.

According to IMARC Group, in 2025, Canada’s solar energy market accounted for 7.9GW in volume and was forecast to reach 14.5GW by 2034, registering a CAGR of 6.93% over the period 2026-2034.

This shift towards solar energy in Canada is driven in part by an increased focus on sustainability and a commitment to curbing carbon emissions. The Canadian government has established goals to limit greenhouse gas emissions and increase renewable energy capacity, and solar power is central to the country’s long-term energy plans.

The growth of the market is also spurred by government support and incentive programs that reduce the initial costs of solar installations, such as tax credits, grants, and rebates, thereby making solar power more readily accessible for homes, businesses and industries.

In addition, the falling cost of solar technology is also fueling its adoption. With advancements in photovoltaic systems and a higher volume of production, the prices of solar panels have fallen considerably and encouraged more and more homeowners and businesses to install solar systems in order to reduce their energy expenses and electricity reliance on fossil fuels.

Growing demand for decentralised clean energy systems has further amplified this increase in market demand, allowing citizens to generate their own power at a local level and boosting energy security for rural areas that are not connected to the electrical grid.

The leading trend in the market is the increased adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems which are the preferred option for residential rooftops and large-scale power plants, due to their energy efficiency, flexibility and scalability. The market is divided into PV and concentrated solar power (CSP), with PV dominant. By application, the market has been segmented into on-grid and off-grid systems, with on-grid leading. The end users include the residential, commercial and industrial sectors; however, the residential sector is rapidly growing as more and more people install solar systems in their homes. Ontario and Alberta are leading the regional market as they are well-equipped with excellent solar irradiation, investments in infrastructure and supportive policies; British Columbia and Quebec also have a large market share.

A prominent trend emerging in the solar energy market is the incorporation of energy storage solutions with solar systems that will provide increased reliability and power efficiency during times of limited sunlight and outages. In addition, a surge in utility-scale projects indicates growing investment in solar energy at the grid level to address growing power demands more efficiently and cleanly. On the other hand, there are obstacles such as inconsistent weather conditions, high upfront costs and climactic variables that can hinder the adoption and efficiency of solar power, although ongoing research has focused on mitigating these concerns through technological innovation. The Canadian solar energy market is characterized by its unique position at the forefront of the nation's green energy transition, solidifying its role as a critical component in Canada's move away from fossil fuels. Continued support from the government, coupled with declining costs of technology and increasing investment are projected to further expand the market over the coming years, cementing the importance of solar power in Canada's energy future.

Detailed Canada Solar Energy Market Market forecast and trends
I’m a market researcher passionate about understanding people, markets, and motivations. My work blends data analysis, consumer psychology, and strategic insight to help brands and businesses make informed, human-centered decisions.

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Hong Kong-headquartered private equity firm Gaw Capital Partners has joined forces with Australian renewables developer Climate Capital as it seeks to advance an estimated $200 million pipeline of solar and storage projects.
Image: Climate Capital
Gaw Capital has acquired a controlling stake in mid-scale developer and asset owner Climate Capital with the Tasmanian company sharing that the investment will support its next phase of growth, which includes a shift in focus to larger-scale solar and battery energy storage projects.
Shane Bartel, chief executive officer of Climate Capital, said the Hobart-headquartered company has previously focused on mid-scale behind-the-meter solar and battery projects backed by long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) but its scope is now expanding.
“Originally we targeted behind-the-meter solar projects with 10-year-plus PPAs between 1 MW and 5 MW in size,” he said, noting that the company’s four operating solar farms fall within these criteria.
“{But} with the benefit of maturing technologies and markets, we’ve now widened our scope to categories like sub-1 MW commercial and industrial projects, 1 MW – 30 MW solar and 5 MWh – 80 MWh BESS.”
Bartel said the support of Gaw – which has an estimated $49.3 billion (USD 35.6 billion) under management – ensures that the company is well positioned for its next phase of growth with a $200 million pipeline of opportunities, including a list of “near-term” projects.
“With Gaw Capital as majority owner and investment partner, the Climate Capital Group is able to quickly deploy capital into new and existing renewable energy solutions across Australia,” he said.
While Bartel said the platform is “actively pursuing” greenfield solar and BESS opportunities, and seeking strategic acquisitions to rapidly grow its portfolio, its initial focus is likely to be the expansion of its 2.5 MW Boonanarring Solar Farm in Western Australia and the 2.32 MW Junee Solar Farm in New South Wales. It also intends to install battery energy storage systems alongside the established PV power plants.
For Gaw, this transaction deepens its presence in the Australian market after it announced its arrival in 2024 with the launch of Valent Energy, a solar and battery energy storage platform with plans to develop more than 2 GW of grid-scale projects.
Christina Gaw, global head of capital markets and co-chair of alternative investments at Gaw, said the combination of Valent and Climate Capital expands its exposure across both distributed and grid-scale segments of the energy transition.
“Climate Capital Group brings strong expertise in the behind-the-meter solar and storage segment, which is highly complementary to Valent Energy’s focus on grid-scale battery energy storage systems and aligns closely with our broader energy transition investment strategy,” she said.
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Abundant sunshine. High 83F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph..
Mostly clear skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 54F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Updated: May 13, 2026 @ 1:30 am
Pictured is Tanner Scott, of Silicon Ranch, speaking during the community dinner at the Fayette Civic Center. 

Pictured is Tanner Scott, of Silicon Ranch, speaking during the community dinner at the Fayette Civic Center. 
By: JACKSON KIMBRELL
Silicon Ranch, a renewable energy company based in Nashville, Tennessee, held a community dinner at the Fayette Civic Center on Monday night to discuss a future solar project in Fayette. 
The project, with an estimated value at $10 million, will be located on privately-owned land within the city limits of Fayette. Tanner Scott, Senior Associate of Community Relations at Silicon Ranch, said that the project is aimed at creating local tax revenue, supporting local students through Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) opportunities and creating an impact fund to support philanthropic initiatives, determined by local stakeholders. 
Silicon Ranch commits to using American made materials, with a priority on Alabama and regional sourcing of equipment for the project. As an example, the solar panels used for the farm will come from “First Solar,” a company with a manufacturer location in North Alabama.
Silicon Ranch distinguishes itself from other solar companies by owning, developing and operating the project for its entire lifecycle. The company is a leader in the industry, and utilizes its “Regenerative Energy” program, which is the process of using livestock, often sheep, to graze under the panels, improve soil health and support local agriculture. 
Aaron Fagley, project developer for Silicon Ranch, presented a map to show the location for the project. The solar farm will be located on private property at the end of Tenth Street NE, or behind the old “Fayette Square.” 
Fagley added that the “SR Sipsey Project” will be 134 acres, 8.4 MW (megawatts) and will be able to power roughly 1,300 homes in the area. The project is expected to be finished by the end of 2027. 
During the time reserved for questions from the audience, it was asked who the buyer of the energy will be and Fagley responded with that Alabama Power will be buying the energy produced from this project. He also added that Silicon Ranch has worked with Alabama Power from the beginning phases of this project to ensure that the location of the farm was qualified to generate energy and that energy could be used by Alabama Power. 
Scott added that Silicon Ranch does not have a direct input on the cost of power, the project will produce energy that will be sold to the Alabama Power company and the cost for the customers will still be determined by Alabama Power. However, Scott noted that solar is the cheapest form of power and can provide more stability for rates within the buying company. 
When asked about the tax revenue off of the project, Fayette County Probate Judge Mike Freeman stated that the location of the project currently pays $350 a year in taxes; with the project, this location will be paying $82,000 a year in taxes. Freeman also stated that the project will not qualify for any abatements from taxes. 
A question arose from the crowd about adding on to this farm in the future, and the project manager responded with “the company has no intentions of expanding or a second phase.” Fagley said that with the airport to the North, the Sipsey River and wet areas to the East and town to the Southwest, there is not much room for this project to expand. 
Silicon Ranch expects to purchase the land no later than December, begin construction shortly after that, which is expected to last between six to eight months and have the project finished by the end of next year. 
Scott ended the meeting by ensuring the crowd that Silicon Ranch was dedicated to being a community partner and would be open to any questions or concerns from the public.
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A new study investigates the seasonal optimization of PV module tilt angles to optimize the energy efficiency of solar PV plants in Rajasthan. The results reveal that dynamic tilt adjustments can boost annual solar yield by 8-9% across diverse climatic zones.
PVH AxoneDuo INFINITY solar tracker
Image: PVH
A study by Rajasthan Technical University Kota researchers reveals that dynamically adjusting the tilt angle of solar panels seasonally can significantly boost the energy output of solar PV systems in Rajasthan. Using MATLAB-based simulations, researchers analyzed data from four cities—Kota, Barmer, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer—to find the optimal tilt angles for each month of the year.
Jodhpur and Jaisalmer cities display a desert climate, whereas Kota and Barmer are categorized as semi-arid climate zones. These cities were selected in this study to find the variations of solar irradiance owing to their distinct climatic condition.
Traditionally, in fixed-tilt installations, tilt angles are set approximately equal to the site’s latitude for maximizing annual solar irradiance for the PV panels. However, the MATLAB-based optimization algorithm demonstrated that using a fixed tilt angle (latitude-based) for solar panels fails to capture seasonal variations of solar altitude effectively, especially during extreme months like summer (May–July) and winter (December–January).
The study showed that dynamically adjusting the tilt angle seasonally—steeper in the winter season (58°–60°) and flatter in summer months of May and July—leads to 8.89% – 9.02% higher irradiance.
pv magazine
“The results reveal a clear seasonal trend, where optimum tilt angles are higher in the winter season (58°–60°) and gradually decrease to 0° during the summer season (May to July), reflecting the changing solar altitude,” stated the study. ““By using optimal tilt angles, the values of solar radiance can be improved by approximately 8% – 9% across all locations of Rajasthan from tracking solar systems to achieve the maximum solar output power.”

The analysis indicated that fixed tilt systems become less optimal as latitude increases, suggesting greater potential benefits from tracking systems in northern locations.
Among the four cities analysed under the study, Jodhpur showed the highest average solar radiance during the summer season (301.5 W/m²), while Kota city experienced the lowest values during the monsoon season (229.4 W/m²). Jaisalmer had the highest average solar radiance value (289.2 W/m²) annually, making it the most promising location for solar installations.
The analysis suggests that Jaisalmer would be the most suitable location for solar installations, particularly with systems that can implement optimal tilt angles. The data also indicates that installation planning should consider seasonal variations, with contingency plans for reduced output during monsoon seasons. Summer months consistently show the highest irradiance across all four locations of Rajasthan. A monsoon season shows the lowest irradiance values due to cloudy weather, and winter season performance is better than post-monsoon in most locations. The best months for peak performance are between February and May because of the highest irradiance value and the lowest temperature of the PV module at the end of winter and the start of the summer season.
The research team included Saaransh Choudhary and Sumit Verma from Department of Renewable Energy, and Shiv Lal from Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajasthan Technical University Kota.
 
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Indian Railways Awards Rooftop Solar Project to Servotech as Public Infrastructure Renewable Energy Adoption Gains Momentum  SolarQuarter
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NOTE: The above video is a livestream of WIS featuring current newscasts, Soda City Living and Gray Media’s Local News Live.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – Ahead of public hearings being held this week, multiple groups announced that a settlement had been reached with Dominion Energy that would lower the company’s proposed rate increase.
Coastal Conservation League, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and Vote Solar, all of whom are represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, said that the settlement would reduce the average residential rate increase from $19.98 to $11.97 a month.
The settlement would also give $6 million in shareholder funds to help customers, with $3 million going to a one-time bill credit for residential customers and $3 million over three years for extended customer bill assistance. It would also allow customers who use solar panels to continue to lower their bills.
“In the face of so much uncertainty and expected cost increases, now is the time to use all the tools available to ensure families are protected from rising costs,” Jake Duncan, senior southeast regulatory director at Vote Solar, said in a statement. “This settlement helps offset the worst of the proposed rate increase by providing direct relief to residential customers, funding for low-income weatherization, and protecting customers’ ability to invest in solar to provide long-term stability for their households.”
Dominion Energy provided a statement to WIS regarding the settlement, via Media Relations Director Rhonda Maree O’Banion:
“Dominion Energy’s customers and other stakeholders voiced their concerns, and we listened. The Public Service Commission’s approval of the settlement agreements would solidify an accomplishment that all parties can be proud of as we maintain excellent operational performance customers count on every day, keep our rates in South Carolina below the national average and provide even more financial assistance for customers.”
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By SUSAN LYNN-REGISTER EDITOR
Local News
May 12, 2026 – 2:57 PM
HUMBOLDT — Monday night’s meeting of the Humboldt Council adopted a somber note when Mayor Nobby Davis recognized Saturday’s tragic accident that resulted in the drowning of a Humboldt man and the rescue of his grandson from the Neosho River. 
“It was a terrible situation, and yet at the same time a miracle,” Davis said. 
Davis commended Humboldt Police Officers and others involved in the rescue operation. “We appreciate your service,” he said.  
Shannon Moore, police chief, said she would release a statement Wednesday morning about the incident, indicating Tuesday would include visits with the victims’ family members. 
SOLAR ENERGY is on the horizon for Humboldt.  
Council members unanimously agreed to have 124 solar panels installed behind the water plant.  
SEK Solar of Chanute was hired for the job. The installation will produce about 100,000 kilowatt hours per year, an annual energy savings of about $9,500, according to Daniel Zywietz, co-founder of SEK Solar, which also has plans to install solar panels at the new Pete’s convenience store being constructed in town. 
Monday’s plan was a reduced version of that proposed in April when City Administrator Cole Herder ventured putting the panels also on City Hall and at the sewer plant.  
Routine maintenance on the roof at city hall presented challenges, Herder said, as does the uneven landscape at the sewer plant. 
The project will cost Humboldt about $85,500, thanks to Federal Clean Energy Investment Tax Credits that will pay for 40% of the project. 
Herder said the city expects to pay the tab across eight years “for something that should last 25-30 years,” including various warranties on equipment. 
All told, the city can expect to save $309,183 in energy costs over the life of the panels. 
Because the costs of materials are “fluctuating greatly,” in today’s economic climate, Herder said Zywietz had requested the city decide on the measure posthaste. 
“He said some of the materials can be expected to increase 20% to 40%,” Herder reported. Zywietz’s current inventory allows him to proceed with the Humboldt installation in a timely manner. 
Humboldt’s peak months for electric consumption are June through September while the sun’s energy output remains fairly constant throughout the year. 
Herder said the city will benefit from net metering. During months that more energy is produced than the water plant can use, “it goes into Evergy’s electric system. And when we draw more than we can produce, we’ll draw from Evergy. 
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Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu drive solar power growth in the first quarter
May 13, 2026
Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights
In Q1 2026, India achieved a significant milestone, generating approximately 52 billion units (BU) of solar power, registering a 24.3% year-over-year (YoY) increase, as reported by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Solar generation also recorded a 27% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) increase to 41.1 BU, highlighting positive momentum. Solar installations in the country increased by 48.8% YoY between Q1 2025 and Q1 2026.
A key driver behind this surge was higher installations YoY and the onset of the summer season, which increased solar irradiance levels, particularly in the country’s southern and western regions, further boosting power generation. Furthermore, a record quarter in large-scale solar capacity additions further accentuated the generation capabilities.
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra dominated the solar power generation landscape in India. Rajasthan continued to be the frontrunner in solar power generation, contributing 16 BU, reflecting an 18.2% QoQ increase.
Following closely, Gujarat generated 10.5 BU, maintaining its strong position due to a growing installed capacity and a strategic push in both utility-scale and distributed solar segments. Tamil Nadu also performed well, contributing 5.6 BU, supported by a growing base of rooftop and ground-mounted installations. The state remains a significant player, particularly in the southern grid.
Karnataka, which has been aggressively expanding its solar base in recent years, contributed 5.2 BU in Q1 2026, solidifying its place among the top solar-generating states. Maharashtra, with its mix of utility-scale and rooftop solar, generated 3.3 BU during the same period, making it one of the top contributors to the national solar power generation.
Solar power accounted for 28.4% of total installed power capacity and 55% of total installed renewable energy capacity as of March 2026, up from 26.5% and 52.7%, respectively, in the previous quarter, according to the data from CEA, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker.

The northern region generated the highest amount of solar power during Q1 2026, with 18.5 BU, accounting for 35.4% of the country’s total. The western region generated 16.7 BU, and the southern region generated 16.4 BU, accounting for 32.1% and 31.4%, respectively. The eastern and northeastern regions accounted for 0.9% and 0.2%. Generation for the northern, western, southern, eastern, and northeastern regions rose 18.1%, 42.5%, 23.6%, 15.6%, and 3.7% QoQ, respectively.
Subscribe to Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker to access the most comprehensive database of large-scale solar projects covering commissioned and under-development projects from the beginning of the National Solar Mission.
Parth Shukla
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“People will probably see [them] in the market in the next few years.”
Photo Credit: The University of Queensland
A new indoor solar panel process from researchers at the University of Queensland could make it easier to power small electronics at home and at work without relying on toxic materials or disposable button batteries.
The lead-free design has now passed 16% efficiency, marking a notable step forward for safer solar tech built for indoor light.
According to the University of Queensland, a team of chemical engineers developed a new way to make lead-free perovskite indoor solar cells using a vapor-based process instead of hazardous solvents. The work was led by Ph.D. student Zitong Wang, with guidance from Dr. Miaoqiang Lyu and Professor Lianzhou Wang.
That matters because indoor solar cells are already used for low-power devices, but commercial silicon-based versions typically convert only about 10% of light into electricity, according to Lyu.
The new panels reached 16.36% efficiency, which the researchers said sets a record for this solar cell produced with industry-friendly methods. 
Perovskites have long been viewed as a promising alternative to silicon because they can be highly efficient. However, many versions still depend on lead, which has raised safety concerns.
The Merino Mono is a heating and cooling system designed for the rooms traditional HVAC can’t reach. The streamlined design eliminates clunky outdoor units, installs in under an hour, and plugs into a standard 120V outlet — no expensive electrical upgrades required.
And while a traditional “mini-split” system can get pricey fast, the Merino Mono comes with a flat-rate price — with hardware and professional installation included.
The UQ team said its process removes both lead and toxic solvents while still delivering strong performance. The findings were published in ACS Energy Letters.
This type of solar panel is designed to harvest weak indoor light rather than direct sunshine, making it especially useful for everyday electronics used in homes, offices, and stores.
That includes environmental sensors, wearables, health-monitoring devices, and other small gadgets that do not require much power.
If these devices can run on indoor light, people may not rely on small, coin-sized batteries. That could mean fewer batteries ending up as waste or in children’s toys.
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The technology could also make products more convenient. Thin, flexible panels that can be made in different shapes are easier to build into electronics.
That opens the door to devices that quietly recharge themselves under normal indoor lighting.
There is also a business case for the technology. Supermarkets testing electronic shelf labels could use this kind of power source to replace thousands of paper price tags while reducing manual labor.
Researchers also designed the panels to be thin and adaptable. Because they can be produced on flexible plastic in a variety of shapes, they could be integrated into a wide range of consumer products, from sensors to shelf labels to health-monitoring devices.
The next major step is improving durability. Lyu said encapsulation, or sealing the panels, will be key to protecting the material from oxygen and moisture before further testing.
“This material has very attractive properties that can absorb indoor light and convert very weak indoor light efficiently into electricity,” Dr. Lyu said.
“People will probably see perovskite indoor panels and integrated consumer electronics in the market in the next few years.” Dr. Lyu added. 
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India’s 100 GW Solar PV milestone marks triumph of Atmanirbhar Bharat, clean energy push: PM Modi  DD News
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European Energy Australia is set to commence solar module installation at its 100MWac Winton North solar plant in northeast Victoria.
The Danish developer confirmed that module bundles are being laid out across the 256-hectare site in preparation for installation, which is expected to begin imminently. The project is located approximately 22km southwest of Wangaratta, between the townships of Glenrowan and Benalla.
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The Winton North development will be delivered in two phases, with the 100MWac solar plant followed by a 100MW/200MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). Once operational in 2027, the installation is expected to generate 227GWh of clean energy annually.
All Energy Contracting was awarded the construction contract in late 2025 and is delivering an end-to-end electrical and trenching package.
Spanish power electronics specialist Ingeteam secured a contract to supply inverters and control systems for the project, including PV inverters, storage inverters, and a hybrid power plant control (PPC) system.
The scope includes plug-and-play medium-voltage power stations that integrate inverters, LV/MV transformers, MV switchgear, and auxiliary service panels, along with Ingeteam’s Multi Plant Controller system, designed to help grid operators manage performance while ensuring power quality and stability at the interconnection point.
The Winton North project was included among several solar developments supporting Amazon’s AU$20 billion (US$14.48 billion) commitment to expand Australia’s data centre infrastructure using utility-scale solar power.
The project will connect to AusNet’s existing transmission network at Glenrowan Terminal Station via approximately 5km of electrical line, with sections running overhead on poles and others underground.
The module installation milestone follows European Energy’s inauguration of the 108MW Lancaster Solar Farm in March 2026, which marked the company’s first operational utility-scale project in Australia.
That facility, featuring approximately 170,000 solar modules across 172 hectares, supplies Apple with renewable energy under a long-term power purchase agreement. The inauguration took place during the Danish Royal Couple’s State Visit to Australia.
European Energy’s 31MW Mulwala Solar Farm in New South Wales has also completed construction and is in commissioning, with energisation imminent.
The project was registered in AEMO’s Market Management System in April 2026 and is expected to generate approximately 66GWh annually under a long-term power purchase agreement with Zen Energy.
Both Lancaster and Mulwala are located within 90 minutes of the Winton North site. European Energy secured financial close on a portfolio financing package exceeding AU$130 million in June 2025, provided by Westpac Banking Corporation and DZ BANK, to support the construction of both assets.
The company currently maintains a development pipeline of approximately 10GW of solar, onshore wind and battery storage projects in Australia. In 2025, European Energy secured development approval for the 1.1GW Upper Calliope solar PV power plant and obtained multiple long-term power purchase agreements with global corporate offtakers.

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British Solar Renewables Acquires 56 MWp Berden Solar Farm in Essex to Expand UK Clean Energy Portfolio  SolarQuarter
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TOPCon led module manufacturing capacity additions with 39.9 GW, followed by 3 GW of monocrystalline modules. For the first time, 1.2 GW of HJT module capacity was added in the country.
SAEL’s solar module manufacturing line
SAEL
India added 44.2 GW of solar modules and 7.5 GW of solar cell manufacturing capacity in the first half (1H) of 2025, according to Mercom India’s recently released research report, State of Solar PV Manufacturing in India 1H 2025.
TOPCon dominated H1 2025 module manufacturing capacity additions by contributing 39.9 GW, followed by 3 GW of monocrystalline modules. For the first time, 1.2 GW of HJT module capacity was added in the country. No additions were made to integrated solar wafer/ingot or polysilicon capacity during the first half of the year.
The Mercom report attributed the significant PV manufacturing capacity additions in H1 2025 to 186 GW large-scale solar project pipeline scheduled between 2025 and 2027, 2030 solar installation targets, and strong policy-driven domestic demand for ALMM modules.
As of the release of this report, cumulative capacity of modules under the ALMM List-I reached 109.5 GW, while cumulative cell capacity under ALMM List-II stood at nearly 17.9 GW.
As of June 30, 2025, monocrystalline technology accounted for 54.5% of the total cell capacity, followed by TOPCon with 41.5% and polycrystalline with 4%.
Indian manufacturers currently have 181.6 GW of module and 86.1 GW of cell capacity under construction, expected to be commissioned by 2027. In addition, 97 GW of module and 84.7 GW of cell capacity have been announced and are projected to come online by 2030 or earlier.
“Although companies have announced large manufacturing capacities, actual operational capacities can be 30 to 40% lower,” commented Raj Prabhu CEO at Mercom Capital Group. “New module lines typically take several months to stabilize before reaching full utilization while smaller facilities continue to operate at lower levels, constrained by outdated technologies, lack of scale, and lower-wattage modules that are no longer in demand. This has led to fewer orders and accelerated consolidation, where only larger manufacturers with scale, efficiency, and credibility remain competitive. DCR module shortages will persist until domestic cell capacity increases.”
Gujarat remained the preferred destination for module manufacturing production, accounting for 41.6% of capacity as of June 2025. Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh followed with module production capacities of 12.8 GW and 11.5 GW. Gujarat also held the largest annual solar cell production capacity at 47.3%.
Export and import
In H1 2025. India imported a total of 44.6 GW of solar modules and cells. Modules accounted for 34% of imports, while cells accounted for 66%.
Domestic manufacturers exported nearly 3 GW of modules and 83 MW of cells in H1 2025, primarily to the United States.
“Exports have also been hit hard. Shipments to the United States, which accounted for more than 95% of Indian module exports, have come to a halt after the recent 50% tariff,” added Prabhu.
 
 
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More articles from Uma Gupta
The Indian PV Industry does NOT require the US, or other Export Markets. India is currently lagging far behind in meeting its own needs to Transition from a Dirty-n-Polluted Nation to a ZERO POLLUTION BHARAT… by 2050 of earlier.
This Transition, requires a 15TW, 18,000TWh/yr PV Panel based System…. or 600GW/yr for 25 years.
Today… India is Installing “barely” 100GW/yr of PV Panels…. so why are Manufacturers in India not “stepping upto the wicket”…. and focus on meeting the DOMESTIC MARKET FIRST …. let USA & Others take care of themselves… ????
Dear Ajay
Admirable Insight!
Delighted to read.
Wanted to understand the 600 GW per year calculation. Pl share your coordinates else would be glad if you could connect with me on my whatsapp
9004039297
Thanks
Bharat
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NTPC has developed a standalone solar microgrid system that uses hydrogen as the storage medium to deliver 200 kW of round-the-clock power throughout the year. Designed to replace diesel gensets at off-grid Army locations, the system provides a reliable and sustainable power supply even in harsh winter conditions, where temperatures can drop to –40 C at an altitude of 4,500 meters.
Image: Indian Army
From pv magazine India
Indian state-owned power producer NTPC announced it inaugurated a 3.7 MW solar plant that is a key component of the solar–hydrogen–battery energy storage system (BESS)-based microgrid project in Chushul, Ladakh, northern India.
The project was jointly developed by NTPC and the Indian Army. The microgrid comprises a 3.7 MW solar PV plant for supplying power to the 200 kW load and for hydrogen production, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser for hydrogen generation, hydrogen storage facilities, a battery energy storage system (BESS) for short-duration continuous power supply and emergency operation, and a fuel cell system capable of generating 200 kW of electrical power.
NTPC noted that the project was commissioned in a record eight months despite the challenging, high-altitude terrain.
The solar–hydrogen-based microgrid will replace diesel generator sets currently used at remote Army locations, reducing carbon emissions and enabling a cleaner, more reliable energy supply for the region. By supporting local production and use of green energy, the project removes the need to transport fuel from the plains, strengthening energy security and easing logistical burdens, the Indian utility said.
For every three units of power generated, one litre of diesel otherwise transported to these remote Himalayan posts will be avoided.
“NTPC has designed a stand-alone microgrid using hydrogen as the storage medium to supply 200 kW of power at any time of the day, throughout the year. Located at an altitude of 4,500 m, where winter temperatures dip to –40 C, this is the world’s most unique project of its kind,” the company stated. “Once fully operational, it is expected to mark a major step towards decarbonising the defence sector in high-altitude regions.”
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Iberdrola installs all panels at 377-MWp PV park in Queensland  Renewables Now
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Solar savings without the install? NV Energy program could lower your power bill  KLAS 8 News Now
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NHPC Renewable Energy Ltd has invited bids for the selection of rooftop developers to set up grid-connected rooftop solar projects on government buildings in Northeastern states of Sikkim, Manipur and Nagaland under the RESCO model. The selection will be done through tariff-based competitive bidding, along with an e-reverse auction process.
A rooftop solar project by MYSUN
Image: MYSUN
NHPC Renewable Energy Ltd has invited bids for the selection of rooftop developers to set up grid-connected rooftop solar projects on government buildings in Northeastern states of Sikkim, Manipur and Nagaland under the RESCO model. The selection will be done through tariff-based competitive bidding, along with an e-reverse auction process.
The projects will be executed under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for government buildings.
The scope of work includes design, engineering, procurement and supply of equipment and materials, installation, and commissioning of rooftop solar systems, including net metering, grid connectivity and synchronization with existing distribution network grid for individual grid-interactive rooftop PV projects at various locations.
Power purchase agreements (PPAs) will be signed between the successful bidders and state agencies including Sikkim Renewable Energy Development Agency, Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency and the Power Department Nagaland, along with associated government departments.
The PPAs will remain valid for 25 years from the commercial operation date of each project. Developers will be required to commission the projects within nine months from the effective date of the PPA.
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