SMA secures German certificate for grid-forming battery inverter
SMA Solar Technology AG has obtained the first German unit certificate for a grid-forming battery inverter with instantaneous reserve. The certification allows use in high- and extra-high-voltage projects ahead of the new reserve market in 2026.
Italy issues new fire safety rules for PV and storage systems
Italy’s fire service has introduced binding guidelines for PV systems up to 1,500 V, adding rules on storage, spacing, compartmentalization, and maintenance.
Germany adds almost 4.59 GWh of battery storage already this year
Analysis by pv magazine shows almost 2.1 million battery storage systems (BESS) are now in operation in Germany. The latest figures for this year are 362,537 systems with a power output of around 2.6 GW and a cumulative storage capacity of 4.59 GWh.
Italy’s Energy City Hall starts first cross-border energy community
Italy’s Energy City Hall (ECH) has launched a cross-border energy community with partners in France and Monaco, aiming to begin operations in 2026 under Italian renewable energy rules.
Bluetti debuts world’s first sodium-ion portable power station
The Pioneer Na will be available globally from mid-October, 2025.
Aermec launches propane heat pumps for commercial, industrial buildings
The new heat pump systems use propane as the refrigerant and can provide hot water at a temperature of up to 75 C, according to the UK-based manufacturer.
Longi linked to storage shift with reported stake in systems integrator
Longi has reportedly acquired a stake in Suzhou Jingkong Energy, signaling a strategic push into energy storage amid rising profit pressures and heightened competition in the solar sector.
Cold climates are no obstacle for battery storage
China-based battery storage specialist Poweroad is rapidly expanding its global footprint, deploying advanced battery energy storage systems (BESS) even in some of the world’s most extreme climates, where temperatures can plunge to -40°C.
Chile moves on storage to ‘decarbonize the night’
Chile has emerged as a world leader in hybrid systems and standalone energy storage since implementing its Renewable Energy Storage and Electromobility Act in 2022. Ensuring projects are paid for injecting power into the grid during peak periods has supported growth, and ambitious battery energy storage system (BESS) targets are now being pursued to tackle curtailment.
How to size PV systems and batteries
Experts from Fonte Solar, Huawei, and Greener have exchanged solar-plus-storage tips, insights, and case studies at the invitation of pv magazine. In a panel at Intersolar South America 2025, they highlighted the need to understand consumption profiles and customer needs, as well as the technology’s limitations and potential.
