SALD launches large area sheet-to-sheet tool for perovskite solar pilot lines
The Dutch spatial atomic layer deposition equipment manufacturer has launched a new sheet-to-sheet tool for pilot production of large area perovskite solar devices on glass substrates.
Beyond first-time installations: How Europe’s residential solar Market is shifting toward upgrades and intelligent energy systems
Europe’s residential solar market is shifting from rapid rooftop PV growth to a more selective phase, with declining new installations but rising demand for upgrades like storage, smart energy management, EV integration, and balcony systems. Rather than retreating, households are reinvesting in complementary technologies that enhance flexibility, reliability, and self-consumption, redefining residential demand around integrated, intelligent energy solutions.
Spain hits 50 GW solar milestone
Spain’s installed solar capacity reached 50 GW in early 2026 after adding about 8.7 GW in 2025, according to grid operator Red Eléctrica de España (REE).
The new rationale of the EU PV Market
In its first monthly column for pv magazine, the Becquerel Institute explains how solar PV continues its global expansion despite political uncertainty and market turbulence. In Europe, 2025 was a record year — but the underlying dynamics are becoming increasingly complex.
UV testing, solar cell factory inspection now mandatory for Munich Re’s PV warranty insurance
The world’s largest reinsurer has recently introduced stricter requirements for PV warranty insurance to further de-risk insured PV parks and set a higher benchmark for industry wide reliability and production quality.
Long-duration storage as an antidote to grid congestion, renewables curtailment
RenewaFLEXNL, a three-year Dutch initiative led by TNO, aims to accelerate long‑duration energy storage (8–100 h) to reduce grid congestion and better integrate renewable energy. pv magazine spoke with the project coordinator, Iraxte Gonzalez Aparicio, about diverse storage technologies, real-world applications, regulatory guidance, and energy management system tools to support large-scale solar‑plus‑storage deployment in the Netherlands and beyond.
Agrivoltaics? Yes in my vineyard
Researchers in Spain surveyed 238 wine tourists in the Murcia region and found broad support for trellis-integrated agrivoltaics in vineyards, with 94% backing solar integration and most respondents seeing no landscape conflict.
French startup launches app to boost collective self-consumption
French startup Jane Energie has introduced a software platform to automate and manage collective self-consumption projects, targeting 100 kWp to 500 kWp installations as the segment moves from feed-in tariffs toward shared local consumption models.
Varta unveils residential battery with AI-driven energy management
The Germany battery manufacturer is expanding its portfolio with a modularly scalable LFP storage solution featuring a new energy management system. The new product comes with the company’s proprietary “Varta.iq” software, which is designed to detect consumption anomalies, integrate dynamic electricity tariffs, and enable bidirectional charging.
Scientists say land-preservation costs should be factored into agrivoltaics’ LCOE calculations
German researchers found that agrivoltaics costs far exceed agricultural benefits, raising doubts about subsidies and highlighting the need for more cost-competitive system designs.
