IEA-PVPS warns soiling costs solar industry billions per year
The International Energy Agency’s Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA-PVPS) says dust, pollution, and debris on solar panels reduce output by 4% to 7% worldwide, costing the industry billions of euros annually and making tailored mitigation increasingly urgent.
India adds 44.2 GW solar module and 7.5 GW cell capacity in H1
Mercom India says new solar manufacturing capacity is driven by a 186 GW project pipeline, 2030 targets, and demand for Approved List of Models and Manufacturers modules.
Italy’s first MACSE battery auction smashes expectations with 10 GWh awarded at record low prices
The result of the auction are tariffs that came dramatically below the reserve premium which was set at €37,000 per MWh per year.
FRV brings 300 MW of solar online in Australia
Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) says its 300 MW Walla Walla project in New South Wales has entered full commercial operation under a 15-year power deal with Microsoft.
India adds 20.1 GW of renewables capacity in April-August, says ICRA
India installed 17.5 GW of solar and 2.6 GW of wind in April–August 2025, a 123% increase year over year, says ICRA.
US community solar likely peaked in 2024, says Wood Mackenzie
Wood Mackenzie says global solar installations fell 36% in the first half of 2025 and are set to contract 12% annually through 2030.
Chad starts first utility-scale solar plant with 50 MW and storage
Abu Dhabi-based Global South Utilities has commissioned Chad’s first utility-scale solar plant, a 50 MW facility in N’Djamena with 5 MWh of storage to supply 274,000 homes.
Sunwoda Energy unveils 40 kWh storage system for homes, businesses
Chinese manufacturer Sunwoda Energy introduced a modular all-in-one energy storage system with up to 40 kWh capacity and 30 kW output for residential and small commercial use.
Brazil opens consultation on nationwide smart meter deployment
Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has launched a consultation that could lead to the installation of 3.6 million smart meters as part of efforts to modernize the power sector and cut losses.
Carousel-shaped measurement platform for Arctic PV
Scientists in Finland have created a special platform to assess the performance of PV modules operating under Arctic conditions. Specifically, it provides data for efficient system design and performance modelling validation, with azimuth and tilt angle being key parameters.
