Global-warming-induced degradation could raise rooftop solar LCOE by up to 20%
A global study finds climate change will sharply increase high-temperature risks, accelerate degradation, and raise costs for rooftop PV, with economically disadvantaged regions hit hardest. Researchers warn current IEC standards underestimate future risks, urging urgent updates to avoid stranded assets and rising electricity costs.
Investment rally coincides with renewables records in Australia’s NEM
A record five large-scale renewable energy generation projects totaling 1.2 GW reached financial close across Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) in the last quarter, but industry figures say more needs to be done to ensure investment momentum continues.
California batteries sustain near 24-hour solar run
On Feb. 1, California’s batteries bridged the solar gap with seamless precision. After discharging through the night until sunrise, they spent the daylight hours charging, then pivoted back to exporting power well past midnight – effectively sustaining the state on solar energy for a full 24-hour cycle.
Pexapark records 12 European PPAs for 724 MW in January
Swiss analytics firm Pexapark finds January recorded roughly half the deal count and volume in new European power purchase agreements than the month prior.
An ever-changing market: Delving into the heart of power purchase agreements
Cross-border VPPAs expose corporates to Basis Risk, causing settlement price gaps and weakening confidence in these hedging tools, contributing to a 35% drop in European PPA signings in 2025 amid complex market conditions. The market is shifting toward more structured, domestic, and hybrid PPAs, supported by BESS and modern IPPs, to better manage risk and realign buyers, sellers, and lenders.
Spain’s behind-the-meter storage grows 119% in 2025
Spain installed 339 MWh of storage linked to PV self-consumption in 2025, up 119% year on year, according to APPA Renovables. The country added 1,214 MW of new self-consumption capacity, bringing the total to 9.6 GW.
Fraunhofer ISE achieves 34.2% efficiency with III-V germanium PV module
Fraunhofer scientists have announced two efficiency records for III-V tandem modules. The team says its 34.2% efficiency III-V germanium PV module is the most efficient solar module in the world, while its 31.3% efficiency III-V silicon PV module is a record in its class.
World’s largest solar-plus-storage project completes initial grid synchronization
The first phase of the MTerra solar project in the Philippines, set to be the world’s largest solar-plus-storage site once completed, has achieved initial synchronization and energization to the Luzon grid. Project developers are anticipating the project to being exporting power by the end of the month.
Guatemala PEG-5 tender draws 51 bidders for 4.7 GW of capacity
Guatemala’s Generation Expansion Plan 5 (PEG-5) tender has drawn 51 bids totaling nearly 4.7 GW – more than triple the 1.4 GW sought – with around 2 GW of solar projects, including hybrids with storage, competing for long-term supply contracts starting between 2030 and 2033.
Chinese Academy of Sciences unveils 101 MW compressor for compressed air energy storage
The new compressor is described as the world’s most powerful single-unit compressed air energy storage (CAES) system, with a maximum discharge pressure of 10.1 MPa and an efficiency of 88.1%.
