Australia plans nationwide three-hour free solar power offer from July 2026
Electricity retailers across Australia could be required to offer households three hours of zero-cost daytime power from July 2026 under a federal Default Market Offer reform aimed at smoothing demand and cutting system costs.
Ricoh developing perovskite solar technology for space, buildings
The Japanese imaging and electronics company said tests of its perovskite solar cell technology will be conducted in a demonstrator system aboard an unmanned cargo spacecraft operated by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
India solar module capacity seen reaching 220 GW by fiscal 2028
India’s solar module production capacity is projected to reach up to 220 GW by fiscal 2028, supported by government incentives, growing domestic demand, and rising export opportunities, according to CareEdge Ratings. Solar cell capacity is expected to approach 100 GW by the same period.
Japanese utility uses Sharp PV-linked home batteries for grid balancing
Japanese utility Tohoku Electric Power is using Sharp’s residential batteries and AI-powered energy management systems to balance grid demand and optimize household solar energy use. Customers in the program can earn points redeemable for local products.
First Solar plans fifth US factory with 3.7 GW capacity addition
First Solar will build a fifth US module plant with 3.7 GW of annual output, lifting its total domestic capacity to more than 14 GW by 2026 and reinforcing its position as the country’s largest solar manufacturer.
Four-year testing finds heat pumps run efficiently even in older homes
Researchers at Fraunhofer ISE have tested various types of heat pumps in existing buildings across Germany over four years, finding that the systems achieved seasonal performance factors between 2.6 and 5.4. The team also showed that PV-driven heat pumps can boost self-consumption rates, particularly when paired with battery storage.
Florida utility on pace to reach 93 GW solar, 50 GW storage by 2045
While utilities in neighboring states are “dabbling” with solar, Florida Power & Light is combining solar and storage as a “workhorse” technology, said a nonprofit executive.
Morocco distributed solar potential pegged at 28.6 GW
Morocco could install up to 28.6 GW of distributed solar, producing 66.8 TWh of electricity and creating a $31 billion market, according to new research that calls for rapid regulatory action to unlock this potential.
Ghana, Switzerland partner on $200 million rooftop solar rollout
Ghana’s new clean energy program, backed by Switzerland’s Klik Foundation, will install 4,000 rooftop systems totaling 137 MW to expand renewable capacity and cut emissions.
China’s new auction system drives steep solar price declines
Wood Mackenzie says first provincial auctions under China’s new pricing rules pushed solar bids up to 32% below settlement, signaling tighter margins and a shift to slower, more sustainable growth.
