Pakistan’s installed PV capacity estimated above 27 GW
Pakistan has imported over 50 GW of solar modules from China, including 18 GW during the country’s last fiscal year. In the absence of official installation figures, Islamabad-based thinktank Renewables First says up to 33 GW of solar capacity could have been deployed in Pakistan to date.
Smart Commercial to roll out prefab vertical rooftop PV system
Smart Commercial Energy has unveiled a new prefabricated vertical rooftop solar system for the Australian market as part of a collaboration with Norwegian clean energy company Over Easy Solar.
EU Joint Research Centre proposes novel PV climatic classification
A research group from the European Commission Joint Research Centre has developed a new PV climatic classification, the first to address annual yield and performance ratio. Their work resulted in 10 globally applicable clusters. “It challenges the assumption that many more classes are needed to capture PV-relevant climate,” the researchers said.
Silver price hits all time high of $94.73 an ounce
Silver prices hit a record $94.73/oz on January 19. Silver analyst Philip Newman tells pv magazine the metal could soon surpass $100/oz, increasing pressure on PV module manufacturers to reduce silver usage.
China’s top regulators summon battery giants, warn against ‘below-cost’ price wars
Four agencies told 16 leading firms to rein in irrational competition as China tightens oversight of power and storage batteries.
GCL, Cornex, TBEA to build solar manufacturing complex in Egypt
Egypt’s Kemet has signed three agreements with Chinese companies over the last week, covering plans for a 5 GW solar cell complex, a 5 GWh battery energy storage factory and Egypt’s first solar inverter factory.
European PV market faces potential 2026 price shock from China export tax
China’s PV manufacturing sector is operating at full capacity ahead of an April 1 export tax change, contributing to module price increases of 20% to 30% in parts of the supply chain and raising risks for price-sensitive European commercial and utility-scale projects in early 2026.
Poland draft grid law could slow solar and storage investment, warns industry
The Polish Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Association (PSFiME) says proposed changes to Poland’s energy law could impose high upfront costs on developers, raising market entry barriers and unfairly favouring large, well-capitalized players.
Masdar reaches financial close on 300 MW Uzbek solar project
The Abu Dhabi-based developer has secured $225 million ($193.6 million) for the development of a 300 MW solar plant linked to 75 MWh of energy storage in Uzbekistan, as part of its commitment to deploy 2 GW of renewables in the country.
TCL Zhonghuan aims for controlling stake in DAS Solar
TCL Zhonghuan has entered exclusive talks to acquire a controlling stake in module manufacturer DAS Solar, marking one of the most significant consolidation moves in China’s photovoltaic manufacturing sector as the industry faces continued financial pressure and overcapacity.
