Policy

Representatives from the European Solar Manufacturing Council, Ultra Low Carbon Solar Alliance, PVthin, and the Environmental Coalition on Standards have proposed changes to the carbon footprint accountability methodology, the use of green certificates, and planned design of the Energy Label for PV products.

The European Union has formally adopted a directive on energy performance for buildings. It requires member states to develop their trajectories for reducing energy use in buildings, in addition to ensuring that new structures are solar ready. The legislation will go into force in the coming weeks.

Australia has firmly established its status as a global leader in residential solar deployment, with 35% of all homes already equipped with rooftop systems. However, new figures from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) reveal that there are almost 50 GW of “untapped PV potential” on residential buildings across the country.

Columbia Law School has collected and rebutted 33 false claims against clean energy technology as part of its ongoing research on climate change.

In this edition of the Weekend Read, we turn to Egypt. The gigawatt-scale Benban project showcases the North African country’s solar potential, and premium prices for gas exports make the case for a more diverse energy mix. A nation with grand renewables targets – but slow installation rates – may finally be weaning itself off fossil fuel resources.

The European Parliament has adopted electricity market reforms aimed at making the European Union’s electricity market more stable, affordable, and sustainable. The reforms include a focus on two-way contracts for difference (CfD), a mechanism to declare electricity price crises, and protections for consumers against volatile prices.

Ademe, the energy and environmental agency of France, has published an anti-greenwashing guide to help companies to avoid misleading commercial practices in their operations and communications. Companies and institutions have access to an online test for initial self-assessments.

Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have published an open-access guide to rooftop solar and battery energy storage that covers costs, incentives and policies.

California’s highest court granted review to a lawsuit challenging a “regressive” rooftop solar policy called NEM 3.0.

The European Solar PV Industry Alliance (ESIA) has published a 10-point action plan geared toward delivering 30 GW of EU solar manufacturing capacity by 2030. It includes calls for targeted financial support, sustainability standards for PV units, and the development of a European Solar Academy and European PV Passport.