Made in Europe: Sungrow builds first European factory in Poland
Sungrow says it plans to invest €230 million ($274 million) in its first European factory in Wałbrzych, Poland, to produce inverters and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Astronergy adopts quarter-cut cell design, boosting TOPCon module efficiency and reliability
The company’s new ASTRO N7 Pro PV modules achieve 2% higher cumulative energy yield over the project lifecycle compared to conventional previous-generation modules, according to Astronergy Head of Global Product Management Baohua He.
Armenia adds around 615 MW of solar in 2025
Armenia enjoyed a record year for solar deployment last year, surpassing 1 GW of cumulative solar capacity. The market is currently led by autonomous solar producers, of which there are now more than 50,000 in the country.
Over 85% silver extraction efficiency achieved in solar panel recycling test
Australian recycling developer Iondrive says that its IONSolv platform achieved more than 85% silver extraction in initial bench-scale testing.
US PPA volumes down 22% in 2025 amid policy shocks
Solar power purchase agreement (PPA) prices rose 8% last year as tax credit uncertainty and foreign entity of concern (FEOC) compliance narrowed the pool of bankable projects, according to Pexapark.
Global BESS capacity tops 250 GW, overtaking pumped hydro for first time
Rystad Energy says it expects global battery energy storage system (BESS) additions to exceed 130 GW/350 GWh in 2026, led by China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany.
German researchers develop sodium-ion battery based on lignin
German researchers have developed a sodium-ion battery technology using lignin-based hard carbon as the negative electrode. The 1 Ah battery cell prototype showed no significant degradation after 100 charging and discharging cycles.
Vietnam more cost-competitive than India in cell, PV module production, says IRENA
IRENA’s latest report finds that energy use and material intensity across the solar PV manufacturing supply chain will decline through 2030. The analysis also shows Vietnam remains more cost-competitive than India due to lower electricity prices, while high energy and labour costs keep Australia and Germany less competitive.
SMA releases new storage system for C&I solar
German inverter and battery manufacturer SMA Solar Technology AG has unveiled a modular lithium iron phosphate battery system for commercial and industrial applications, with capacities ranging from 89 kWh to 197 kWh and integrated cybersecurity features.
Cornex secures 11.5 GWh of battery orders from Saudi Arabia, Egypt
The Chinese manufacturer will supply 5.5 GWh of energy storage products to Saudi Arabia and another 6 GWh to Egypt, as it works to expand its global footprint.
