Key takeaways from France’s Energaia trade show
France’s Energaia trade fair drew record crowds and exhibitors last week, underscoring continued investment appetite in solar and storage, even as developers warn that policy delays and a residential slowdown could weigh on activity after 2025.
France pulls reduced VAT status from four DMEGC solar modules
France’s certification body says it has withdrawn eligibility for a lower solar VAT rate from four Chinese-made modules after finding traceability errors that altered their carbon footprint calculations.
EU security doctrine highlights high-risk dependency on Chinese solar inverters
A document published by the European Commission on strengthening the EU’s economic security lists reliance on Chinese solar inverters as an example of high-risk dependency. It adds the commission plans to address such risks under its cybersecurity framework.
Italy clears 710 MW of solar in Puglia, challenges regional PV rules
The italian government says it is fast-tracking utility-scale solar, approving about 710 MW of mainly agrivoltaic projects in Puglia while moving to curb regional limits on where PV plants can be built, sharpening tensions over land use and energy policy.
India sees dramatic plunge in battery storage costs, ministry reports
Market trends suggest battery energy storage systems (BESS) will likely operate 1.5 cycles per day, bringing the effective storage cost down to just INR 2.8/kWh (0.031/kWh), the Ministry said on Monday.
French renewables tender awards all 507.7 MW to solar
The French government says PV swept its latest technology-neutral auction, with 36 projects totaling 507.7 MW awarded in the fourth round as prices fell and agrivoltaics gained ground.
Hungary launches $305 million subsidy for residential battery storage
The Hungarian government says its new HUF 100 billion ($305.4 million) program will support 10 kW home battery systems to boost solar self-consumption and cut evening-peak demand.
Canada opens review into anti-dumping duties on Chinese PV modules, laminates
Canada’s International Trade Tribunal is running an interim review of the country’s anti-dumping and countervailing duties on solar modules and laminates from China, following a request to exclude flexible solar panels that affix to curved surfaces.
Interspace single-axis agrivoltaics has lowest environmental impact in Europe
A group of scientists has simulated fixed vertical, interspace and overhead single-axis as well as overhead dual-axis agrivoltaic systems for 30 years and has found interspace single-axis system emerged as the most environmentally favorable configuration in Europe.
‘We’re taught to only apply for roles when we can tick every box’
This week Women in Solar+ Europe gives voice to Gemma Buckley, Chief Legal Officer at UK-based Solarport. She says that one of the most persistent barriers wome are witnessing is how they are socialised. “Research shows men apply for promotion or a new role when they’re 60% qualified; women wait until they’re 100% qualified. I’ve watched this play out throughout my career,” she states.
