France to double grid tax on pre-2021 solar systems over 100 kW
France’s proposed 2026 budget would double the flat-rate grid tax for solar plants over 100 kW commissioned before 2021, drawing backlash from investors and PV industry groups.
High-rise buildings could soon use gravity energy storage, say researchers
Researchers in Canada have proposed using gravity-based energy storage in high-rise buildings, in combination with photovoltaic facades, small wind turbines, and lithium-ion batteries. Their modeling indicated that this hybrid system could achieve a levelized cost of energy ranging from $0.051/kWh to $0.111/kWh.
Floating photovoltaics based on spiderweb design
Scientists in the United Kingdom have developed a new web-inspired concept for floating PV farms, modeled after spider webs. The system is said to be particularly suitable for spiral and radial configurations, as well as for deployment between offshore wind farms.
ArcelorMittal starts BIPV module production in France
ArcelorMittal has started producing its Helioroof building-integrated PV modules in France. The steelmaker says the system aims to simplify energy retrofits for commercial and industrial roofs.
Solis unveils 75–125 kW hybrid inverter for C&I solar
The Chinese manufacturer said its new inverters can deliver 160% overload for 200 ms in off-grid mode, ensuring stable startup of heavy loads. The IP66-rated products feature a maximum efficiency of 97.6% and a European efficiency of 97.2%.
German railway areas have 37.6 GW of solar potential
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) says PV systems within 2 km of Germany’s railway substations could generate more than four times the network’s annual power demand.
Ciel & Terre unveils new honeycomb structure for floating PV
The new Fusio floating structure features a triangular design and is said to be particularly suited to markets such as India and Southeast Asia. Tilt angles can be configured at either 5° or 12°.
India installs record 29.5 GW of solar in first nine months of 2025
India’s solar additions surged 70% year on year to 29.5 GW in the first three quarters of 2025, driven by rapid utility-scale and rooftop deployment, according to JMK Research.
Cyprus to replace net metering with new self-consumption regime
Cyprus will replace its current net metering and billing schemes with a new, market-based self-consumption model from January 2026, as the island’s electricity sector opens to competition.
Iran inaugurates 250 MW of new solar plants
Speaking at an inauguration ceremony that also marked the start of a further 450 MW of solar plants, Iran’s President said the government is prepared to remove any obstacles facing the acceleration of new solar projects.
