Japan establishes national benchmarks for agrivoltaics as sites expand
The Japanese government has defined new standards for agrivoltaics as regulators begin tightening oversight in response to nearly one-quarter of projects reporting reduced crop yields or sub-standard cultivation beneath solar panels.
Swift Solar acquires Meyer Burger assets to scale U.S. HJT and perovskite production
Solar manufacturer Swift Solar has acquired the heterojunction technology (HJT) intellectual property and manufacturing assets of Meyer Burger to establish domestic cell production.
Vikram Solar’s PowerHive unit launches VION lithium batteries in India
PowerHive, Vikram Solar’s energy storage subsidiary, has launched the VION lithium battery range for homes, e-rickshaws, and distributed energy projects, marking the company’s entry into electric mobility and residential backup storage.
GoodWe introduces low-noise all-in-one storage system for rooftop PV
The three phase energy storage system encompasses the inverter, battery and energy management into a single system, suited for residential customers and scalable to the small-scale commercial and industrial market.
Heat pumps are transforming domestic hot water production – How to avoid hygiene risks?
Heat pumps are increasingly used for domestic hot water in Europe due to their efficiency and compatibility with solar power, but their lower operating temperatures can create conditions where Legionella pneumophila may grow if systems are poorly designed. Proper hydraulic design, temperature control, and periodic thermal disinfection ensure both high efficiency and safe, hygienic operation.
Research shows conventional solar arrays can support livestock grazing
Conventional solar parks can support sheep and cattle grazing because vegetation under and between PV modules provides adequate feed quality, according to a new research report that analyzes five installations in Germany.
Russia adds around 100 MW of solar in 2025
GlobalData says Russia added an estimated 100 MW of solar last year, taking total installed solar to around 3.1 GW. The consultancy is forecasting annual additions of about 200 MW over the next ten years, taking the country’s cumulative solar capacity to 5.3 GW by 2035.
India launches tender for 1 GW round-the-clock renewable power
Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI) has started accepting bids to develop 1 GW of round-the-clock renewable power projects, with energy storage systems required to ensure continuous supply.
New simulation platform lets energy operators train against realistic cyberattacks
Researchers at Germany’s Fraunhofer FKIE institute developed PowerRange, a virtual simulation platform that helps power grid operators safely test cybersecurity measures and respond to realistic cyberattacks. The platform supports both traditional and renewable grids, offering immersive training across IT, OT, and control systems while highlighting the importance of coordination, communication, and practical defense strategies.
Debt-laden South African municipalities may turn to solar-plus-battery backup solutions
Eskom says it is issuing notices against around 14 municipalities in South Africa over outstanding municipal debts. The company warns that if the municipalities do not take corrective action, it will take credit control measures that may include interrupting electricity supply at predetermined times.
