Zurich launches insurance for agrivoltaics
Zurich Group Germany has introduced a modular insurance product addressing crop, livestock, and equipment risks on land used for simultaneous farming and solar power generation.
SMA to cut 350 jobs by 2026 amid weak solar inverter market
SMA Solar Technology will reduce 350 positions worldwide as part of an expanded restructuring program to cut costs and regain competitiveness.
European electricity spot market shifts to 15-minute trading blocks
The European Power Exchange (Epex Spot) will switch its day-ahead market from hourly to 15-minute intervals on Sept. 30, a change mandated by the European Union that is expected to improve solar and wind integration, boost battery trading opportunities, and support dynamic tariffs.
Solar-Fabrik debuts back-contact solar module for residential, C&I applications
The German manufacturer said its full-black back-contact solar panel has a power conversion efficiency of up to 23.52%.
Germany adds 1.95 GW of new solar in August
Germany installed 1.95 GW of solar in August, bringing total additions to 10.8 GW in the first eight months of 2025.
European solar installers face declining sales, installations
A German sustainability research center says a market survey shows that installation volumes and revenues are falling among large European solar installers with annual revenue above €100 million ($117.5 million).
Research project examines PV-supported charging infrastructure for electric buses
The Kiel University of Applied Sciences analyzed the electrification of a bus fleet operated by the local public transport company in Pinneberg as part of the EMOSYN project. The results are viewed as a “blueprint for small and medium-sized public transport companies.”
Electric cars and heat pumps can help avoid 110 hours of negative electricity prices annually
An Enervis study commissioned by Green Planet Energy sees great potential for reducing CO2 emissions and avoiding peak feed-in times in intelligent control, particularly in adapting to available PV power. Not only users of electric cars and heat pumps could benefit from this, but also all other electricity customers – thanks to lower electricity prices.
Thornova offers solar module composite frames
Chinese manufacturer Thornova says that its new composite frames offers advantages in terms of stability, corrosion, and chemical resistance. Installation is also easier because no grounding is required.
Fraunhofer ISE testing agrivoltaics on standard weather protection covers
Fraunhofer ISE and German weather protection specialist VOEN Vöhringer are testing an agrivoltaic system that uses existing crop cover structures to support solar modules, eliminating the need for a dedicated mounting system.
