France exempts energy communities up to 1 MW from excise duty
France’s 2025 Budget Law exempts energy communities with projects up to 1 MW from excise duty on electricity consumption. The measure applies retroactively from Jan. 1, 2025, and remains in effect until Jan. 1, 2027.
Tesla begins production at Shanghai Megapack Factory amid intensifying price war
Tesla’s first overseas energy storage plant starts operating as global competition from Chinese firms and pricing pressures mount.
Trina Solar sues Canadian Solar over patents in $147 million lawsuit
Trina Solar has filed a lawsuit against Canadian Solar and its subsidiary, seeking $147 million in damages for alleged infringement of tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) cell patents. The case, accepted by the Jiangsu High Court, underscores the rise of intellectual property disputes in China’s competitive solar sector.
Colombia deploys 1.6 GW of solar in 2024
Colombia installed 1.6 GW of solar in 2024, bringing its total capacity to 1.87 GW by year-end. Industry group Ser Colombia says 33 utility-scale projects accounting for 1,410 MW were added to the grid.
International partners plan floating solar projects in Australia
Singapore-based Canopy Power has teamed with Norwegian floating PV specialist Ocean Sun aiming to accelerate the deployment of floating solar technology across Australia.
Waaree commissions first phase of 5.4 GW solar cell factory
Waaree Energies has started commercial production from the first 1.4 GW of its planned 5.4 GW solar cell manufacturing capacity in Gujarat, India.
Maldives tenders up to 150 MW of solar
The Ministry of Finance and Planning of the Maldives is seeking a developer for the installation of a 100 MW to 150 MW solar project. The deadline for expressions of interest is Feb. 27.
Lithuania launches 800 MWh energy storage tender
Only a day before cutting ties with the Russian power grid, Lithuania announced the launch of a major energy storage procurement exercise.
Mitrex launches solar PV railing systems
The Canadian building-integrated PV manufacturer has launched semi-transparent and opaque solar PV railing systems for balconies or walkways, for retrofit or new buildings. The products are delivered with support bars, concealed cabling and a choice of mounting systems.
Germany allocates 2.15 GW in latest PV tender, final average price for first time under €0.05/kWh since 2019
Germany’s latest auction for utility-scale solar concluded with prices ranging from €0.0388 ($0.0400)/kWh to €0.0495/kWh. The procurement exercise was significantly oversubscribed.
