Poland allocates record budget for home solar, storage rebate scheme
The budget for the sixth round of Poland’s rebate scheme for residential solar and storage installations was extended to a record PLN 1.85 billion ($511.8 million), up from an original PLN 400 million, after receiving 121,000 applications. Over half of the budget will be allocated to home energy storage facilities.
New research confirms residential PV tends to increase household power consumption
New Swiss research shows PV-powered homes can increase power consumption by up to 11% compared to non-solar households. This rise is linked to electric vehicle adoption or other high-usage appliances, which the study’s author notes is not inherently negative or wasteful.
Home solar will eventually triumph in the UK
The United Kingdom is playing catch-up with many of its European neighbors when it comes to solar but recent signs have been hugely promising and the nation remains primed for a solar revolution.
Weekend Read: Gray skies over Californian solar
There may be a global solar boom but a drastic revision of California’s net metering program has ruptured the industry overnight and is affecting everyone from installers to financiers to makers of power electronics.
Malta extends FITs, rebates for residential solar and batteries
Malta has extended its feed-in tariffs (FITs) and a rebate scheme to support the adoption of residential solar and battery energy storage systems for another year. The authorities will start accepting applicants for the two initiatives again from Feb. 23.
Jordan launches online platform for residential solar subsidies
An online platform taking inquiries into a subsidy program for residential solar heaters and PV systems has gone live in Jordan. The program will cover more than 30% of installation costs and aims to benefit around 7,000 targeted households.
UK VAT relief on residential batteries comes into effect
Effective Feb. 1, the UK government has exempted retrofitted battery energy storage systems (BESS) from the 20% value added tax (VAT).
Weekend Read: Famine to feast – China’s solar market in 2023
China’s solar industry rebounded in 2023 after years of pandemic-related sluggishness. As the year draws to a close, pv magazine looks back at key highlights of 2023 and considers the prospects for 2024.
French startup Ensol creates platform to speed up residential PV deployment
Ensol, a French startup serving the residential PV and home energy solution market, has raised €3 million in venture capital from Paris-based investors, Otium Capital, a fund that backs early-stage companies, and BetterAngle, a business angel group.
Panasonic introduces residential solar kits
Panasonic Life Solutions India has introduced easy-to-install residential solar kits in India. These kits feature BIS- and IEC-certified solar modules and inverters, along with a mobile app-based energy monitoring system for hassle-free maintenance.
