Japan adds 5.8 GW of solar in 2025
Estimates indicate Japan added between 5.8 GW and 6 GW of solar last year, likely taking the country past 100 GW of cumulative solar capacity. Last year’s installations were led by the commercial and industrial market, while the residential sector also saw increased demand.
Brazil’s 439 MW Bom Jardim solar site begins testing phase
The Bom Jardim PV complex, a 439 MW solar installation in Icó, Brazil, has begun test operations on four of its 10 plants, with full commercial commissioning expected by December 2027.
AI energy management system to unlock VPP potential
Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and installer Aussie Solar Batteries will develop and test AI-driven energy management platforms to optimize solar and battery systems and support virtual power plant (VPP) deployment.
European Commission proposes Made in EU requirements for solar inverters, cells
The Industrial Accelerator Act says solar projects awarded through public procurements or other public support schemes would need to feature Europe-made solar inverters and cells within three years after the act becomes law. For battery energy storage systems, similar requirements would be introduced using a phased approach from one year after the act enters force.
Heliup raises €16 million to scale lightweight solar panel production
French solar manufacturer Heliup has raised €16 million ($18.6 million) to scale production of lightweight solar panels designed for commercial and industrial rooftops with low load-bearing capacity.
Photoncycle raises €15 million to launch seasonal hydrogen home storage
Norway’s Photoncycle has raised €15 million ($17.4 million) to develop a seasonal home energy storage system that converts excess solar power into ammonia-based hydrogen for winter use.
AI platform aims to transform solar site assessment
Learnewable uses AI-based insights to detail local solar opposition before developers invest time or energy in projects.
London Underground inks private-wire solar deal with SSE Energy Solutions
Transport for London on track to receive 65,000 MWh of electricity per year from solar connected directly to one of Europe’s largest private power networks.
EU opens third cross-border solar tender
The EU’s third cross-border solar tender is offering a share of €54.9 million ($63.8 million) to solar-plus-storage projects in selected Bulgarian districts and ground-mounted solar projects in Finland, with funding provided by Luxembourg. The deadline for applications is September 1.
China’s 600 MW/2.4 GWh storage plant becomes world’s largest CAES site
With 600 MW of installed capacity and 2,400 MWh of storage, the Huai’an Salt Cavern project is now the world’s largest compressed air energy storage (CAES) facility, surpassing the 300 MW/1,500 MWh project commissioned earlier this year that previously held the title.
