Panasonic testing new energy management system to combine solar, heat pumps, batteries
The Japanese company said the first pilot projects are being carried out in the Tokyo metropolitan area with the support of Japanese oil giant Eneos.
Solar output up sixfold in Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia
Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia’s cumulative solar generation increased sixfold between 2019 and 2024, while each country made efforts to reduce its coal dependency. However, energy think tank Ember says a lack of battery storage uptake and solar targets below the EU average risk derailing progress.
Enphase presents bidirectional EV charger
The microinverter company has disclosed details on the architecture of its IQ Bidirectional EV Charger, which will be available for sale in the second half of 2026. It is reportedly able to deliver up to 11.5 kW of bidirectional power.
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.
Tesla unveils new generation of utility-scale batteries
Tesla’s long-anticipated innovation in utility-scale battery storage has yielded two new products, marking a leap toward faster deployment, greater scalability, and higher energy density.
Azerbaijan builds largest BESS, Uzbekistan launches storage hub
Azerbaijan has started construction of 250 MW/500 MWh battery systems, the largest in the country, while Uzbekistan is securing financing for its first utility-scale wind farm paired with battery storage, marking a regional milestone in renewable integration.
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.
Magtel wins €500 million Spain tender for 289 MW pumped hydro with solar
Magtel has secured a tender for a €500 million ($586 million) 289 MW/2,554 MWh pumped hydro project in Spain that will be colocated with 229 MW of solar.
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.
