Opinion
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The value of solar PV in Northern regions is widely underestimated
Contrary to conventional perceptions, solar PV can be an important component of a viable Arctic energy system, thanks to the region’s long summer days. Its low cost makes it competitive even in areas with long, dark winters, particularly when other renewable energy sources provide insufficient output.
Sep 15, 2026
The race for space solar
The space economy could be worth as much at $2 trillion by 2040 – according to a recent report by professional services provider PwC. The cisLunar orbit, between the earth and the moon, is particularly promising. But all of it requires power and, as it has for decades, that means PV – and both the technology and supplier landscape for orbital solar is diversifying. Eternal Sun | WAVELABS‘ Pepijn Veling reports from a series of events the company has attended across the country, on what is a fast-evolving technology and business landscape.
Solarize Africa: The case of Madagascar
Madagascar’s diesel-dependent power system faces high costs and chronic blackouts, making solar PV and battery storage an increasingly attractive route to reliable, affordable electrification. Five solar-diesel hybrid projects demonstrate that PV can significantly reduce fuel consumption and electricity prices, offering a scalable model for Madagascar and wider sub-Saharan Africa.
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‘I make a point of thanking people for asking critical questions and disagreeing openly’
This week, Women in Solar+ Europe gives voice to Hanna König, Head of Division Project Execution, at Germany’s Enertrag SE. She says the most important element of an inclusive organisational culture is ensuring that everyone feels safe to contribute ideas and opinions, particularly when they disagree with the majority or with people in more senior positions.
Sunny north and cloudy south as Super El Niño defines South American winter
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that Super El Niño drove a sharp north–south irradiance divide across South America in winter 2026, with sunnier conditions in the north and persistent cloud reducing solar irradiance across much of the south. Two rare August snowstorms in Chile’s Atacama Desert also caused likely snow-related losses for solar PV assets, alongside severe rainfall, flooding, and mudslides.
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From more than 50 GW to under 10 GW: Ukraine doesn’t need its old energy system back
Six air-raid alerts on the first day, backup generators on almost every street corner, and discussions about the rapid reconstruction of severely damaged energy infrastructure: my trip to Kyiv and Lviv showed me why decentralized solar and energy storage are far more than climate technologies for Ukraine. They are part of the country’s security architecture. They also underscore why German solar companies should be engaging with Ukraine today.
Italian solar redrew the day, but gas still sets the price
Solar growth softened Italy’s midday power squeeze in summer 2026, but higher heat-driven demand and weaker hydro and wind left gas to cover most of the 7.9 TWh supply gap. The result was a sharper evening exposure: gas generation surged, prices rose most after sunset, and solar-heavy southern zones increasingly faced midday oversupply and weaker capture rates.
Reliability risks emerge across BIPV, floating PV and agrivoltaics
A new IEA PVPS Task 13 report identifies distinct reliability risks across BIPV, floating PV and agrivoltaics, from heat and partial shading to wave loads, ammonia exposure and soiling. It argues that existing PV qualification standards do not fully capture these application-specific stresses, requiring adapted testing, design practices and performance metrics.
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