South Korea targets 2,500 community solar cooperatives by 2030
The South Korean government has launched a national drive to establish community-owned village solar cooperatives across the country, with more than 500 sites to be selected this year and KRW 550 billion ($366.4 million) in national funds earmarked for 2026.
Solar curtailment reaches Tokyo, Japan’s last holdout grid area
Tokyo’s grid has joined every other transmission system operator area in Japan in experiencing economic curtailment, as solar output growth outpaces the flexibility of the country’s largest regional power market.
Japan sets FIT terms for small PV, rooftop solar as large-scale auctions end
The Japanese government has set 2026 feed-in tariff (FIT) terms for solar below 250 kW, set the renewable energy levy at JPY 4.18 ($0.026)/kWh, and confirmed that feed-in premium (FIP) auctions for large-scale solar will end after 2026.
Japan publishes new guidelines for flexible solar cell installations
Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) says its new design and construction guidelines for flexible PV and perovskite solar installations will help ensure the safety and reliability of systems deployed on low-load rooftops and wall surfaces where conventional panels cannot be installed.
Japan establishes national benchmarks for agrivoltaics as sites expand
The Japanese government has defined new standards for agrivoltaics as regulators begin tightening oversight in response to nearly one-quarter of projects reporting reduced crop yields or sub-standard cultivation beneath solar panels.
EU solar auctions, corporate PPAs delivered 92 GW in 2022-25 period
Public solar auctions and corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) supported 92 GW of EU solar capacity from 2022 to 2025, supplying enough electricity for 28 million households. SolarPower Europe says the figures underscore the role of long-term contracts in stabilizing energy prices and strengthening energy security.
Netherlands hits record electricity production and exports in 2025
The Netherlands set a record in 2025, generating 132 billion kWh of electricity, up 10% from 2024, with renewables supplying 49% of output and exports rising 25% to 30 billion kWh.
South Korea eases solar siting rules to cut permitting delays for PV projects
South Korea has passed legislative amendments to limit the ability of local authorities to impose separation distances on solar projects, removing a major permitting barrier for PV developers.
Osaki Electric signs EMS development pact with Kyocera, Taiwan Plastics
Osaki Electric says it has signed an agreement to formalize joint development of its AI-based energy management system (EMS), integrating solar generation and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery storage. It aims to sign a final contract by December 2026.
South Korean railway operator signs solar deal with Qcells
Korea National Railway has signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea’s Qcells to expand solar deployment across railway assets as part of its energy transition strategy.
