Making the business case for solar-plus-storage with heat-pumps in Japan
A Japanese research team has evaluated the affordability of photovoltaic-battery systems featuring heat-pump water heaters and air conditioning units across nine regions of Japan. They analyzed three price policies and two loan types, identifiying a tradeoff between net demand and cost according to the capacity of the solar-plus-storage system.
Solar Stewardship Initiative sets new targets, reporting requirements
The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) says all solar modules bound for the European Economic Area, Switzerland and the United Kingdom must come from manufacturing sites certified for both environmental, social and governance standards and supply chain traceability by early 2028.
French solar developer Everwatt goes bankrupt
EverWatt, a French solar developer, entered receivership this summer after investors withdrew support, leading to layoffs and the sale of its assets while the company seeks buyers for regional solar projects.
China completes 1 GW solar-wind-storage complex in Qinghai desert
Chinese conglomerate CRRC has commissioned a 1 GW hybrid project in Qinghai, combining 700 MW of solar, 300 MW of wind, and 100 MW/400 MWh of storage with Trinasolar’s Vertex tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules.
Meyer Burger gives up on selling itself as a whole, sells U.S. solar production tools
Sales of module and cell production equipment to, respectively, Waaree Solar Americas and Babacomari North Solar further thin chances of any Meyer Burger revival of its domestic production.
China connects largest battery-supercapacitor hybrid storage plant
China has connected a 100 MW hybrid energy storage facility to the grid. It integrates supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries, setting a new benchmark for ultra-fast frequency regulation services.
South Africa deploys 928 MW of solar in Q1
South Africa’s cumulative solar capacity surpassed 9.4 GW by mid-2025, according to figures from the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA). The country also has a solar project pipeline in excess of 10 GW.
Indian regulator to finalize guidelines for virtual renewable PPAs
India’s Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) is preparing final guidelines for virtual power purchase agreements (VPPA), a framework aimed at securing financing for more than 40 GW of uncontracted renewable energy capacity and reducing reliance on traditional utility deals.
Hydrostor advances compressed air storage project in Australia
Hydrostor, a Canadian long-duration energy storage developer, has secured AUD 82.6 million ($54.7 million) in funding to support its 200 MW Silver City Energy Storage Centre project in Australia.
Czech electricity distributor connects 253 MW of solar in H1
Czechia’s largest electricity distributor, ČEZ Distribuce, says 9,084 solar power plants were connected across its network during the first half of the year, 86% of which were equipped with an energy storage system.
