Sandra Enkhardt
Austria deploys 1.63 GW of solar in 2025
Austria’s photovoltaic market slowed in 2025, with around 1,634 MW of new capacity installed, bringing the country’s total PV capacity to approximately 9.9 GW.
SMA Solar Technology confirms wider loss for 2025 on weak PV market
SMA Solar Technology AG says revenue declined slightly and losses widened significantly in 2025 due to weak demand and one-off effects from its restructuring program.
Energy Storage Inspection 2026: Fox ESS, SMA, SAX Power, Kostal and BYD impress with high efficiency
Twelve photovoltaic storage systems with capacities of 5 kW or 10 kW were included in the comparison, among them several new products, all of which achieved efficiency class A. A new study – also examining efficiency losses when storing electricity from the grid – highlights the importance of highly efficient battery storage. The researchers also took a closer look at the warranty conditions of the devices.
Austria’s Salzstrom unveils sodium-ion storage system for commercial applications
The new SALT 110 battery storage system from the Vienna-based company has a usable capacity of up to 110 kWh. The storage system is reportedly capable of 6,000 charge cycles at a depth of discharge of 95%.
Germany’s battery sector calls for faster grid connections amid backlog
Germany’s large-scale battery industry is urging regulators and grid operators to speed up utility-scale connection approvals as applications outpace available grid capacity.
Vattenfall to combine wind and solar with new connection concept
Vattenfall says it will connect a 7.6 MW solar plant to a 17 MW wind farm in Germany, allowing both to operate through a single grid connection point.
Silver-saving efforts ramping up in solar industry, says Heraeus
Rising silver prices are putting pressure on solar manufacturers, prompting greater focus on copper and other alternatives to reduce costs. Heraeus says it expects silver demand from photovoltaics to decline this year despite stable global installations.
Germany awards 2.32 GW in large-scale PV tender
Germany’s latest tender for large-scale PV project concluded with an average final price of €0.0500 ($0.0593)/kWh. The procurement exercise was largely oversubscribed.
EnBW seeks investor for Senec to fund growth
EnBW says it is seeking a new investor for its Senec storage subsidiary Senec to support further growth, though the company could remain wholly owned. The search comes after a comprehensive restructuring and aims to fund expansion in software, hardware, and international markets.
Astronergy launches 670 W TOPCon solar module with 24.8% efficiency
China’s Astronergy says its ASTRO N7 Pro module targets utility-scale PV plants and commercial rooftops, offering quarter-cell architecture, bifacial gains, and a 30-year performance guarantee.
