Inside the PV recycling black box
How PV modules are treated at the end of their life is an increasingly important issue, but some recycling practices leave a lot to be desired. Scott Azevedo from Intertek CEA explores how asking the right questions, paying closer attention to end-of-life treatment, and steering volume toward good recyclers can have positive long-term consequences for the solar industry.
South Africa’s solar industry must ‘focus on execution’
With South Africa’s solar industry moving toward a phase of market-led growth, Sim Khuluse, from the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), says the challenge for the forthcoming year is moving ahead with grid modernization and expansion.
Rethinking module geometry to expand rooftop solar capacity
Rethinking module geometry beyond the traditional rectangle could increase rooftop PV capacity on irregular buildings by improving packing efficiency and expanding placement options.
South Korea to invest $223 million in next-generation distributed grid
The South Korean government has announced plans to invest KRW 321 billion ($222.6 million) in 2026 to upgrade regional distribution networks, deploy 85 energy storage systems, and expand solar integration while piloting microgrids and market reforms.
Solar module prices rise faster than expected in February
Solar module prices increased by €0.01 ($ 0.012)/W to €0.015/W in February, lifting levels 15% to 18% above the December 2024 low despite falling wafer costs, as manufacturers seek to restore margins after prolonged losses.
High-temp sodium-zinc batteries reveal causes of rapid capacity loss
Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) researchers have used operando X-ray imaging to reveal why sodium-zinc molten-salt batteries, operating at around 600 C and promising for stationary energy storage due to low-cost, abundant materials, experience persistent capacity loss.
Taiwan’s solar feed-in tariffs remain unchanged
The Taiwanese authorities have also introduced a repowering mechanism designed to encourage replacement of aging PV equipment.
ESS Tech acquires VoltStorage GmbH to expand long-duration energy storage
US-based ESS Tech has acquired the assets and intellectual property of Germany’s VoltStorage GmbH to strengthen its long-duration energy storage (LDES) portfolio and combine two iron-based flow battery technologies.
Morocco sets net‑metering tariffs for high, medium‑voltage systems
The Moroccan authorities have established new net‑metering tariffs for high, medium, and extra-high voltage systems from March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027. The low-voltage tariff for residential PV will be set later, as the current regime mainly applies to industrial and commercial solar plants.
Home batteries reshape Australia’s national electricity market
Small-scale behind-the-meter storage is beginning to reshape peak demand in the Australian National Electricity Market (NEM), raising the prospect of a “Bactrian camel curve” in which evening load is split. Within six months of Australia’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program, small-scale storage capacity could supply up to half the peak output of the Eraring coal-fired power station.
