Scientists identify new loss factor in tracker-based PV plants on slightly undulating terrain
Researchers in Spain have identified a new source of underperformance in utility-scale PV plants caused by “suboptimal backtracking” on slightly uneven terrain. The study shows that real tracker control systems deviate from ideal flat-terrain assumptions, reducing irradiance capture and causing measurable energy losses compared with simulations.
U.S. community solar passes 10 GW milestone despite market contraction
The country installed 1.4 GW in 2025, a drop from 2024 levels as leading markets like New York and Maine slowed.
Microbial biofilms can reduce solar module yield by up to 30% in arid zones
A Spanish-Chilean research team has found that microbial biofilms in the Atacama Desert can significantly contribute to the soiling of photovoltaic modules, reducing short-circuit current by up to around 30% under accelerated laboratory conditions. The study highlights microorganisms as active agents in PV soiling and suggests they may influence optical losses, cleaning efficiency, and future mitigation strategies in arid, high-irradiance solar regions.
RWE drops 99.9 MW solar project in Wales on grid constraints
RWE has scrapped its 99.9 MW Butterfly solar‑plus‑storage project in Wales after determining that grid connection availability made it unviable, in a move that comes amid sharply rising connection demand and mounting pressure on the United Kingdom’s queue reform process.
Span and Nvidia to develop AI data centers in your backyard, lowering electric bills
The two companies will develop XFRA, a distributed network of compute nodes connected to homes with smart panels, batteries and optional solar generation, in partnership with Nvidia and homebuilders like PulteGroup,
European power grid investment set to rise sharply by 2027
The EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) says distribution grid investment has risen 51% since 2021, but warns that fragmented planning rules and regulatory distortions could limit efficiency and slow the energy transition.
Togo opens solar minigrid tender
The government of Togo is running a tender for the construction of solar minigrids in 27 rural localities. The deadline for applications is May 26.
Varta launches all-in-one residential inverter and modular battery
The German manufacturer has launched an integrated energy system combining inverter, storage and energy management in a modular, scalable solution for new and existing PV installations. The system supports AC/DC coupling, backup power and smart energy optimization.
Cyber threats for PV: What are credential compromise attacks and how do they work
Credential compromise attacks allow adversaries to gain unauthorized access to PV systems by stealing or guessing valid login credentials, enabling them to manipulate operations, disrupt monitoring, or take control of critical assets. These attacks can lead to operational instability, reduced energy production, and safety risks, making strong authentication and access control essential for system resilience.
Free midday electricity key to drive consumer demand to match excess PV generation
Free midday electricity schemes aim to shift household demand into periods of high solar PV generation, reducing midday surplus and evening fossil-fuel ramp-up. Research on Australia’s Solar Sharer program suggests such incentives could significantly improve renewable utilization, but outcomes depend on consumer behaviour, load shifting, and rebound effects.
