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.
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.
Sonnen launches trade-in program for old solar battery storage systems regardless of condition or manufacturer
The initiative by the Allgäu-based company targets owners of photovoltaic storage systems installed before the end of 2020. The value of the trade-in bonus depends on the capacity of the new Sonnen battery. Sonnen describes the campaign as a “targeted growth initiative in a new market segment.”
Battery shortage intensifies as 100 Ah cells sell out into 2026
Orders for small-format 100 Ah cells now stretch into early 2026, with prices up more than 20% as demand outpaces capacity despite aggressive expansion by Chinese battery majors.
Enphase announces complete off-grid solar-storage system
Enphase Energy has introduced a complete off-grid solar and storage system that integrates batteries, microinverters, and generator control, with international rollout set for 2026.
Schneider Electric unveils 200 kWh C&I battery storage system
Schneider Electric has introduced a modular 200 kWh battery energy storage system for commercial and industrial (C&I) users, scalable up to 2 MWh across 10 units.
Hybrid PPA model improves PV-BESS bankability, say researchers
Researchers have modeled a hybrid financing scheme combining contracted and merchant components to improve the bankability of PV-battery energy storage system (PV-BESS) assets, using a Bayesian LSTM forecast integrated with a MILP optimization model to assess performance.
PV-driven desalination system for brackish water
Algerian researchers have built a single-stage solar and battery desalination system for brackish water that uses a hybrid spotted hyena optimizer and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm to improve efficiency. Simulations and real-time tests showed high performance, steady water output, and low salinity under changing solar conditions.
Colombia funds solar program for low-income homes with $2.1 billion
Colombia has approved COP 8.35 trillion ($2.1 billion) for its Colombia Solar program to equip 1.3 million low-income households with PV systems between 2026 and 2030.
