German startup launches gateway to block inverter kill switches
German startup Solarsecure Tech has introduced a gateway designed to decouple PV inverters from manufacturer clouds and block unauthorized remote control commands.
SolarPower Europe issues due diligence guide for PV-BESS
SolarPower Europe has released new technical due diligence guidelines for utility-scale solar-plus-storage projects, covering risk, engineering and lifecycle standards for co-located PV and battery systems.
Tongwei plans to acquire polysilicon competitor Qinghai Lihao
Shanghai-listed polysilicon producer Tongwei says it intends to acquire 100% of Qinghai Lihao through a share-and-cash transaction, as consolidation in China’s polysilicon sector increasingly shifts toward mergers and acquisitions.
Malaysia restricts non-AI data centers, citing energy concerns
Malaysia’s prime minister Anwar Ibrahim said future policy will ensure domestic consumers and the electricity grid are protected amid the country’s data center expansion. This could include leveraging the ASEAN Power Grid project to cover any supply shortfalls.
Fraunhofer IEE calls for ‘grid-forming readiness’ in distribution networks
Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE (Fraunhofer IEE) says in a new position paper that large-scale battery storage systems in medium-voltage grids should be technically prepared for future grid-forming operation, aiming to bridge the gap between current regulations and potential system stability requirements.
Switzerland streamlines construction of large-scale solar plants
Switzerland will implement amendments to its Energy Act on April 1 to shorten planning and permitting for solar, wind and hydropower projects of national interest, while also simplifying grid expansion and appeal procedures.
AlphaESS releases containerized C&I storage system
The Chinese manufacturer said its Aster TB250/TB500 system is compatible with both 40 0V and 800 V PV systems. Parallel connection allows scaling up to 3 MW / 8.46 MWh.
Standardizing smart energy requirements
A systems approach is essential for smart energy standardization, ensuring interoperability, avoiding overlaps, and addressing complex interactions across the grid, appliances, and infrastructures. The IEC System Committee for Smart Energy (SyC SE) applies system-level thinking, using tools like reference architectures and roadmaps to coordinate standards, support innovation, and tackle emerging areas such as EV integration, digital twins, and zero-emission technologies.
JinkoSolar achieves record-breaking 26.66% efficiency for TOPCon solar cell based on M10-size wafer
The Chinese manufacturer claims the new efficiency result sets a world record for industrial-scale TOPCon solar cells on M10-size wafers. The achievement was verified by an undisclosed independent third-party organization in China.
Bolivia creates net metering scheme for medium-voltage distributed generation
A new decree issued by the Bolivian government amends regulations in force since 2021, enabling renewable projects between 1 MW and 6 MW to connect to medium-voltage networks. The provisions also establish a remuneration scheme with a stabilized price for energy injected into the system.
