Markets

California is putting the sun to work on the heavy lift that keeps California hydrated.

Figures from the International Renewable Energy Agency say the Philippines’ cumulative solar capacity neared 3.9 GW by the end of last year. Deployment rates look set to increase in the coming years, led by a gigawatt-sized pipeline of projects procured under the country’s green energy auctions.

Jinko Power signed a framework agreement with Zhongwei to develop a 1 GW data center in Ningxia, marking its entry into green computing under China’s “Eastern Data, Western Computing” initiative. The project, however, remains subject to approvals and funding scrutiny.

The Italian authorities will offer 30 MW of floating PV capacity in its June 8 FER2 auction, reducing the quota after weak participation in the first round.

Spain and Portugal recorded a surge in negative electricity prices in Q1, driven by strong solar generation and relatively low demand on the Iberian Peninsula. Further records are likely in 2026 as solar capacity grows, with more frequent price volatility expected across Europe.

Research from Germany’s FernUniversität Hagen finds the solar rebound effect, caused by households increasing their total electricity consumption after installing a solar system, is currently a blind stop in Europe’s energy system planning and abatement scenarios.

Localized distribution-level projects can cut out-of-state energy imports by 13% while providing a faster alternative to delayed transmission-scale infrastructure, said a report by Pathfinder Communications.

This week Women in Solar+ Europe gives voice to Carla Vico, CEO of France’s Green Solver. She says building an inclusive culture means valuing people for their work, accountability, and commitment, rather than their gender or background. “I do not believe in positive discrimination; I believe in creating equal opportunities and making merit-based decisions,” she states.

In a new monthly column for pv magazine, the Becquerel Institute explains why Europe’s solar manufacturing outlook is shifting from decline to cautious opportunity, driven by rising energy uncertainty and new regulations like the Net-Zero Industry Act that create fragmented, nationally defined markets with partial protection for domestic producers. While demand and policy support are strong, complexity, uneven implementation, and competition risks mean success will depend on how quickly and strategically industry players navigate this narrow window.

Norwegian developer Scatec ASA has commissioned the first phase of the 1.1 GW Obelisk solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Egypt, backed by $479.1 million in development finance institution (DFI) debt and a fully contracted storage revenue model.