Solar module prices to rise 9% in Q4, says Wood Mackenzie
Wood Mackenzie says module prices will climb as China ends export rebates and consolidates polysilicon production.
New research confirms rooftop PV affects urban temperatures, cooling demand
Using Lyon as a case study, an international research team has simulated the effects of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) coverage in an urban area at three levels: 25%, 60%, and 100%. The results have shown that solar panels can raise daytime temperatures by up to 0.72 °C, while cooling nighttime temperatures by up to 0.42 °C. In addition, daytime air conditioning demand has decreased by about 5%.
Building-integrated concentrating photovoltaics for vertical applications
An Indian-British research team has developed a building-integrated linear concentrating PV facade by sandwiching an asymmetric compound parabolic concentrator, PERC cells, and encapsulation layers between two sheets of glass. The system was tested under both indoor and outdoor conditions and its payback period was found to be of up to 11 years.
Smartvolt adds rooftop lightning protection to pre-assembled mounting system
The Swiss mounting system manufacturer has added new safety features to its pre-assembled, foldable SmartSolarBox solution for flat roofs and temporary sites, as well as support for larger 600 W modules.
Sunwoda Energy unveils 40 kWh storage system for homes, businesses
Chinese manufacturer Sunwoda Energy introduced a modular all-in-one energy storage system with up to 40 kWh capacity and 30 kW output for residential and small commercial use.
Brazil opens consultation on nationwide smart meter deployment
Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has launched a consultation that could lead to the installation of 3.6 million smart meters as part of efforts to modernize the power sector and cut losses.
Carousel-shaped measurement platform for Arctic PV
Scientists in Finland have created a special platform to assess the performance of PV modules operating under Arctic conditions. Specifically, it provides data for efficient system design and performance modelling validation, with azimuth and tilt angle being key parameters.
Chile’s PV capacity tops 11.27 GW
Chile reached 11.27 GW of PV in August 2025, with solar accounting for 60% of its renewable capacity.
New control strategy for grid-forming inverters
Researchers in the United States have created a droop control strategy for grid-forming inverters that purportedly improves power system frequency stability. By using an exponential active power–frequency relationship, the novel technique optimizes the use of available headroom, reduces frequency deviations, and enhances overall grid resilience.
European electricity spot market shifts to 15-minute trading blocks
The European Power Exchange (Epex Spot) will switch its day-ahead market from hourly to 15-minute intervals on Sept. 30, a change mandated by the European Union that is expected to improve solar and wind integration, boost battery trading opportunities, and support dynamic tariffs.
