California’s Ivanpah CSP closure shows tech shift, not solar decline
The shutdown of California’s $2.2 billion Ivanpah concentrated solar power (CSP) plant highlights the rapid rise of cheaper, more efficient photovoltaic technology rather than a failure of solar energy.
Japan launches R&D call for tandem perovskite solar cell mass production
Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) is accepting proposals for a six-year R&D program to advance large-scale manufacturing technologies and field testing of next-generation tandem perovskite solar cells.
US government cancels $7.6 billion of energy awards in Democrat-led states
The US Department of Energy canceled $7.56 billion in financial awards for 223 energy projects across 16 historically Democrat-led states, citing inadequate documentation and failing economic and security standards.
Freight costs steady after early September spike
Freight costs, which contribute towards the total cost of a solar installation, have fallen week-on-week on trade lines out of the Far East, helping to offset a price surge in the US-bound short-term market recorded at the start of September.
Romania’s grid operator publishes rules for capacity auctions
All generation and energy storage facilities of 5 MW or larger in Romania will be required to secure grid access via annual auctions beginning January 2026. The country’s transmission and system operator, Transelectrica, has published how it plans to implement the auctions.
French startup launches solar-based EV charging optimization system
DejaBlue has developed a plug-and-play energy management system that boosts self-consumption and cuts costs for PV-powered EV charging sites.
Colombia creates fast-track licensing for 10 MW to 100 MW solar projects
Colombia has approved a new permitting scheme for solar projects of 10 MW to 100 MW, aiming to cut approval times by up to 70% while tightening social and environmental requirements.
Sermatec’s 6.25 MWh battery storage system enters mass production
The Chinese manufacturer reports that it has established automated production lines and a mature supply chain to support large-scale deliveries, with initial shipments scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025 in China.
Sentorise releases 100 Ah battery for off-grid use
The Chinese storage system manufacturer said its 12.8 V product is designed for RV travelers, off-grid homeowners and marine users. It reportedly provides over 6,000 cycles at 90% depth-of-discharge.
UK resorts to PV for military sites
State-owned Great British Energy expands solar investment program to multiple military sites, plus additional school and National Health Service (NHS) properties. GBP 75 million ($100 million) in new funding brings total expanded solar rollout scheme to GBP 255 million, following GBP 180 million hospital and school solar investment announced in March 2025.
