US national lab highlights inverter approach as cheaper alternative to DTT
“Direct transfer trip,” a costly approach to ensure that distributed generation shuts down during a power outage, can make solar projects uneconomical. A US national lab report points to a combination of inverter-based approaches as a viable alternative.
The future of solar is unwritten
Whatever decision the U.S. Department of Commerce makes on polysilicon imports, some market segments are in for a bumpy ride in 2026 as the expiration of tax credits and other policy levers change the trading environment faced by residential installers and others. Jesse Pichel and Lev Seleznov of Roth Capital assess what lies ahead for U.S. solar.
India installs 7.1 GW of rooftop solar in 2025, residential demand surges
Residential consumers drove 76% of India’s rooftop solar growth last year under the PM Surya Ghar program, pushing total capacity to 20.8 GW.
South Korean railway operator signs solar deal with Qcells
Korea National Railway has signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea’s Qcells to expand solar deployment across railway assets as part of its energy transition strategy.
Latvia deploys 258 MW of PV in 2025
With Latvia’s cumulative solar capacity reaching 920 MW by end of 2025, the Latvian Renewable Energy Alliance says the 1 GW threshold may now have been surpassed. The country also appears on track for a record year in solar deployment this year, as some of the largest projects in the pipeline materialize.
Ireland adds 1 GW of solar in 2025
Ireland reached 2,345 MW of installed solar capacity by December 2025, more than tripling installed capacity since 2023, according to Solar Ireland data. The country’s development pipeline has currently reached 1.7 GW.
Engie to buy UK Power Networks in $14 billion deal
French utility acquiring one of United Kingdom’s largest electricity distribution networks. Deal subject to regulatory approval with completion expected mid-2026. Engie says transaction in line with company’s broader electricity network infrastructure ambitions.
Austria’s Salzstrom unveils sodium-ion storage system for commercial applications
The new SALT 110 battery storage system from the Vienna-based company has a usable capacity of up to 110 kWh. The storage system is reportedly capable of 6,000 charge cycles at a depth of discharge of 95%.
Germany’s battery sector calls for faster grid connections amid backlog
Germany’s large-scale battery industry is urging regulators and grid operators to speed up utility-scale connection approvals as applications outpace available grid capacity.
Industry alliance calls for 100% renewables for Australian data centers
An alliance of 11 industry, environmental and union groups has urged the Australian federal government to require new data centers throughout the country to secure 100% additional renewable energy and fund workforce training as a condition of approval.
