Net-metering scheme hits 141 MW in the Philippines
The Philippines’ Department of Energy says its net-metering program has added around 141 MW to the grid since its inception in 2015.
A closer look at Aira’s heat pump tech
Swedish manufacturer Aira launched its heat pump in Europe in 2024. The company told pv magazine it is now developing a full home energy management system proposition to integrate heating, solar, battery energy storage and electric vehicle charging.
Romanian organization proposes new prosumer model for apartments
The Romanian Association of Energy Prosumers and Communities (APCE) is urging the government to introduce a new prosumer model that allows apartment residents to benefit from surplus solar energy generated by rooftop systems.
Eskom calls for registration of all grid-tied solar installations
South African utility Eskom is urging consumers with grid-tied rooftop solar to register their systems and integrate them with the national grid, waiving registration fees until March 2026. Off-grid installations must still prove they operate independently.
China to switch from FITs to market-oriented renewables pricing
China will replace its feed-in tariff (FIT) system with a fully market-driven renewable energy pricing model by June 2025, shifting wind and solar projects to competitive bidding and market transactions. The reform aims to enhance competition but raises uncertainty over future returns for investors.
US startup developing defrost-free residential heat pump for cold climates
TerraVis Energy claims its new heat pump system can achieve a seasonal coefficient performance of 3.5 and deliver 30 C of heat indoors at -50 C. CEO Lorenzo Rossi told pv magazine that the system could be produced at a lower cost than conventional models.
Photovoltaic windows can reduce energy consumption in greenhouses by 57%
Developed by a research team including experts from Australian specialist Clearvue, the new PV windows were also able to reduce water usage in a greenhouse by 29%. The group believes that a fully glazed solar greenhouse could offset up to 100% of the energy consumption in worldwide locations by using adaptable and efficient temperature control techniques.
France reduces VAT to 5.5% for solar up to 9 kW
The French Senate has approved France’s 2025 Budget Law, cutting the value-added tax (VAT) to 5.5% for PV systems up to 9 kW from October 2025. Industry professionals say the delay might prompt homeowners to postpone installations to secure the lower rate.
Deye debuts off-grid inverters for residential PV
Deye said its new single-phase off-grid inverters have an AC output power ranging from 3.6 kW to 6 kW. The systems feature a maximum efficiency of 97.6% and a European efficiency rate of 96.5%.
Flanders adds over 646 MW of solar in 2024
Belgium’s Flanders region installed at least 646 MW of solar in 2024, bringing total installed capacity to nearly 7 GW. The region marked its 1 millionth solar panel installation this month, driven by industrial rooftop projects.
