Inside PV Manufacturing: Midsummer’s CIGS factory in Italy
The Swedish thin-film solar specialist produces 50 MW of modules at its Bari facility, using its proprietary DUO system for cell manufacturing. The company says it sources all materials from the EU and other countries in the global North.
Saatvik Green Energy enters transformer manufacturing
Indian solar manufacturer Saatvik Green Energy has acquired an 80% stake in Jaipur-based Melcon Transformers and Electricals, expanding into power transmission equipment. The move strengthens its position in a segment closely tied to India’s growing renewable energy sector.
Bangladesh launches tenders for 77.6 MW of solar
Bangladesh’s BPDB has tendered 77.6 MW of solar capacity across three projects in Chittagong, Rangamati, and Dinajpur. The plants will be developed on a turnkey basis with funding from BPDB and the Power Sector Development Fund.
EU moves to restrict funding for projects using inverters from high-risk suppliers
The EU is moving forward with a plan to restrict funding for PV projects using inverters from high-risk suppliers, citing cybersecurity concerns and issuing new guidance to phase them out. A transition period applies for certain projects linked to the EU grid, while others must exclude such suppliers by 2027.
Tesla launches three-phase Powerwall 3P
The system integrates a battery, hybrid inverter, and home energy management system into a single device. It supports the integration of additional appliances, including heat pumps via SG-Ready interfaces. A connection to Tesla’s proprietary wallbox is also planned.
Fraunhofer ISE develops colored film tech for patterned solar modules
Scientists at Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have created a film-based system that applies color patterns and cutouts to PV modules using the institute’s MorphoColor technology, enabling modules to imitate roof tiles, masonry, and facades with around 5% efficiency loss.
Long-duration battery storage can contribute to security of supply more cost-effectively than gas-fired power plants, LCP Delta finds
LCP Delta has conducted a study analyzing the potential contribution of long-duration battery storage to security of supply within capacity tenders in Germany, including an economic comparison with gas-fired power plants and the resulting costs to the public. However, the authors explicitly note that they are not advocating for a complete phase-out of new gas-fired power plants.
Manufacturing partnership brings new PV technology to U.S.-sourced solar
Solx’s Aurora hybrid module with Caelux’s perovskite glass aims to compete on performance beyond federal tax sunsets.
Trina Solar, JA Solar, JinkoSolar launch China’s first PV patent pool for TOPCon technologies
China’s solar industry has launched its first TOPCon-focused patent pool, led by Trina Solar, JA Solar, and JinkoSolar, to streamline licensing, reduce disputes, and strengthen IP coordination at home and abroad.
Sun’s out, load’s gone: The evolution of Australia’s National Electricity Market
Q4 2025 in South Australia saw grid-connected loads with spot price exposure actually being paid to use electricity about half the time (46%) – and that electricity was overwhelmingly (80%) supplied by renewables. This demonstrates a shift from managing demand to quietly needing it. Particularly in regions like South Australia, there is growing demand for demand.
