residential PV

Chinese manufacturer Sunman is to build a 500 MW per annum solar module production facility in the New South Wales Hunter Valley after securing funding support from both the state and federal governments.

Australian researchers developed a high-resolution energy modeling framework to assess how PV and batteries can supply 24/7 electricity to heavy industries, considering cost, grid interaction, and load flexibility. They found that, while technology cost reductions help, smart grid integration and flexible industrial operations are far more effective in lowering electricity costs and enabling 100% renewable energy use.

Dongkuk CM has introduced an ultra-high-reflectivity color steel sheet designed to boost the performance of bifacial rooftop PV systems, increasing solar reflectance to 80–85. The new material also offers enhanced corrosion resistance, long-term durability, and added cooling benefits thanks to its advanced plating and dual-layer design, according to the manufacturer.

A coalition of 18 California legislators has formally urged the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to enforce regulations under “Rule 21” regarding the interconnection of customer-sited solar and energy storage systems.

Latest boiler upgrade scheme (BUS) data reveals more than 100,000 applications for heat pump grants have been made since support scheme launched in May 2022. Demand has significantly increased in 2025, and the scheme was expanded in early November to include an air-to-air heat pump grant.

Heritage buildings face mounting pressure to cut carbon emissions, but traditional solar panels often clash with their historic appearance and face public resistance. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) offer a discreet alternative, blending solar technology into roofing materials and enabling wider adoption across protected sites. As UK policy increasingly supports solar on historic buildings, BIPV presents a scalable solution that reconciles climate action with architectural preservation.

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that Storm Claudia significantly reduced daily irradiance across the British Isles and the Iberian Peninsula, limiting solar generation.

Spanish manufacturer Sumcab says its new ToughGround and Overground cables are designed for underground and overhead photovoltaic systems throughout the world, offering durability, rapid installation, and a 30-year lifespan.

Italian research agency Enea has created a web tool that assesses the feasibility of replacing residential gas boilers with heat pumps by providing an estimate of the potential energy and economic savings. The app also provides information on the technical specifications of the photovoltaic system necessary to meet the heat pump’s electricity demand.

The Italian government has reduced the regions’ influence on permits for photovoltaic and wind energy by centralizing the decision-making process. It has also issued new rules for tax relief under the so-called Transizione 5.0 Decree.