Batteries reshape solar pricing in California market
Aurora Energy Research has found that energy storage is raising the value of negatively priced solar electricity by up to $42/MWh in the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) wholesale market.
UK opens door to plug-in solar boom
In its first monthly column for pv magazine, experts from UK-based consultancy Ricardo, part of the WSP Group, explain how UK will soon allow low-cost plug-in solar panels under 800 W to be installed without a qualified electrician, making home solar more affordable and accessible. These portable systems, expected on sale by summer 2026, could significantly boost household solar adoption while complementing the country’s wider renewable energy growth.
Polysilicon prices sliding toward historical lows
Polysilicon prices have fallen sharply over recent weeks due to persistent oversupply and weakening demand, briefly dipping to low levels before stabilizing slightly above CNY 50 ($7.31)/kg, though still near historical lows and below production costs. OPIS analyst Summer Zhang tells pv magazine that despite policy signals and potential future regulations, unclear implementation and continued excess capacity mean market conditions remain weak, with further demand declines and possible production cuts or discounted sales expected in the near term.
Australia rooftop PV hits record as battery rush accelerates
Australia’s rooftop solar market has surged 19% in the past month with the latest data revealing a record 341 MW of small-scale rooftop PV capacity was registered across the country in March as consumers also raced to install battery energy storage systems.
New Zealand sets 10 kW default export limit for rooftop solar
New Zealand’s Electricity Authority has introduced a 10 kW default export limit for residential solar and battery systems to standardize grid access and support higher penetration of distributed energy.
Sigenergy launches Hong Kong IPO
China’s Sigenergy has announced a Hong Kong initial public offering (IPO), with shares open to retail investors until April 13 and backing from major international asset managers.
Brazil adds 2.3 GW of solar in first two months of 2026
Brazil installed 2.3 GW of solar capacity in January and February, as centralized generation more than doubled while distributed growth declined.
New German rule allows larger plug-in PV without electrician
Germany’s revised VDE standard enables simplified registration of larger plug-in photovoltaic systems and storage, removing previous capacity limits for self-installation.
Large-scale solar surpasses 1 TWac worldwide
Analysis from Wiki-Solar finds the world’s 33 largest utility-scale solar markets had a cumulative capacity of 1,008 GWac by the end of last year.
Brazil approves first co-located solar and battery project
Brazil’s National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) has authorized a 5 MWh battery system co-located with a solar plant, setting a regulatory precedent for integrated storage.
