Birds thriving, breeding successfully in Germany’s solar parks
Larks and other bird species are flourishing in Germany’s solar parks, where breeding success exceeds that of many other habitats. These PV project sites are becoming valuable refuges, benefiting both wildlife and the surrounding environment.
Spain blackout probe stalls amid utility data disputes, voltage issues
The European panel investigating Spain’s April blackout has reported stalled progress due to noncooperation from utilities, hindering efforts to pinpoint causes amid disputes over voltage irregularities and data access.
France records negative power prices for most of May
France recorded negative electricity prices on most days in May, with the monthly average falling to €19 ($21.70)/MWh, the lowest since April and May 2020. Daily prices averaged as high as €69/MWh and as low as -€13/MWh.
Involt Energy breaks ground on 1.78 GW n-type TOPCon solar cell factory
Involt Energy has entered solar cell manufacturing with a 1.78 GW fully automated facility in western India. The company plans to begin ramp-up by mid 2026 with an additional 3 GW cell line and a 3 GW wafer manufacturing facility.
Ivory Coast launches tenders for 200 MW/66 MWh of solar-plus-storage
Ivory Coast has opened tenders for 200 MW/66 MWh of solar-plus-storage, seeking proposals for two 100 MW solar parks each connected to 33 MWh of storage.
Enel inagurates 10 MWh second-life battery project at Italian airport
Enel’s Pioneer project is expected to last 10 to 15 years and has been integrated with Rome-Fiumicino airport’s Solar Farm, self-consumption PV system.
TPG buys Aurora Energy Research
TPG Rise Climate has acquired UK-based Aurora Energy Research, expanding the US investment firm’s climate analytics portfolio. The deal follows reports earlier this year that Aurora’s private equity owner was exploring a GBP 1 billion ($1.35 billion) sale.
Module reliability scorecard reveals widespread quality risk
Independent testing laboratory Kiwa-PVEL today published the 11th edition of its PV Module Reliability Scorecard, having extensively tested PV modules from 50 different manufacturers. The scorecard reveals improvements in energy yield per watt-peak and resistance to potential-induced degradation, but an increase in breakage under mechanical stress and hail simulations, and an overall higher failure rate are cause for concern to many.
China launches world’s first grid-forming sodium-ion battery storage plant
The Baochi Storage Station in Yunnan integrates lithium and sodium-ion technologies at scale, a global first, aiming to stabilize renewable energy and cut costs as China accelerates its energy transition.
France concludes C&I rooftop PV tender with average price of €0.09753/kWh
The French authorities have concluded a commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop PV tender with an average price of €0.09753 ($0.1110)/kWh. The government allocated 191 MW of PV capacity in total.
