France to double grid tax on pre-2021 solar systems over 100 kW
France’s proposed 2026 budget would double the flat-rate grid tax for solar plants over 100 kW commissioned before 2021, drawing backlash from investors and PV industry groups.
ArcelorMittal starts BIPV module production in France
ArcelorMittal has started producing its Helioroof building-integrated PV modules in France. The steelmaker says the system aims to simplify energy retrofits for commercial and industrial roofs.
Negative pricing reshapes solar finance as investors turn to storage for flexibility in Europe
Growing price volatility and the rise of negative pricing across power markets are pushing lenders and developers to rethink risk and revenue structures, focusing on asset flexibility and sustainable business models for storage, including co-location.
Ciel & Terre unveils new honeycomb structure for floating PV
The new Fusio floating structure features a triangular design and is said to be particularly suited to markets such as India and Southeast Asia. Tilt angles can be configured at either 5° or 12°.
France cuts feed-in tariffs for solar up to 100 kW
The French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) has lowered feed-in tariffs by up to 16% for rooftop solar systems between 10 kW and 100 kW, while keeping smaller system rates unchanged.
France revises grid tariffs to spur smarter battery storage use
France’s updated TURPE 7 framework adds an annual injection-withdrawal charge to incentivize battery energy storage system (BESS) operators to balance grid loads during high demand or surplus generation periods.
Engie sells Africa off-grid business to Ignite
UAE-based Ignite has bought Engie Energy Access, creating Africa’s largest off-grid solar and minigrid operator, serving 15 million people.
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.
IPVF demonstrates 16.8%-efficient mini bifacial perovskite solar module
The French research institute said the bifacial wide bandgap perovskite technology is to be scaled in size to 60 cm x 30 cm for use in four-terminal perovskite-silicon tandem panels.
New research confirms rooftop PV affects urban temperatures, cooling demand
Using Lyon as a case study, an international research team has simulated the effects of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) coverage in an urban area at three levels: 25%, 60%, and 100%. The results have shown that solar panels can raise daytime temperatures by up to 0.72 °C, while cooling nighttime temperatures by up to 0.42 °C. In addition, daytime air conditioning demand has decreased by about 5%.
