Hanwha Japan unit closes JPY 9 billion solar fund loan
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) has arranged a JPY 9 billion ($57 million) syndicated loan for Q.ENEST Holdings, the power business spun out of Hanwha Japan in 2023, to finance an 80 MW portfolio of distributed low-voltage solar assets across Japan.
AI energy management system to unlock VPP potential
Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and installer Aussie Solar Batteries will develop and test AI-driven energy management platforms to optimize solar and battery systems and support virtual power plant (VPP) deployment.
US residential solar faces structural shifts heading into 2026
Industry executives and analysts say changes to tax policy, financing models and supply rules are set to reshape the US residential solar market in 2026.
AGL acquires virtual power plant from Tesla in Australia
Australian Gas Light Co. (AGL) has purchased 100% of a public housing virtual power plant (VPP) in South Australia from Tesla, with plans to integrate it with its VPP network on the east coast.
Australian researchers say non-financial barriers limit home battery adoption
A new study from Curtin University in Australia has shown that Australian households are hesitant to adopt home batteries due to significant non-financial barriers, despite growing affordability from government rebates.
1Komma5° unveils VPP-ready solar, battery solution
German home energy and electrification company 1Komma5° has unveiled a residential energy ecosystem for the Australian market including solar panels, hybrid inverter, and the brand’s intelligent battery energy storage solution.
Japanese agency launches solar surplus forecasting to improve energy efficiency
The Japan Weather Association (JWA) says its new forecasting service provides real-time surplus solar power predictions for individual buildings, commercial facilities, and households.
China begins building first GW-scale residential VPP
China is building its first gigawatt-scale residential virtual power plant (VPP) in Jiangsu province. The project will connect millions of high-power household appliances to a cloud-based energy pool to improve grid stability and boost renewable energy use.
Sunrun, New York utility embark on residential virtual power plant
Sunrun and Orange and Rockland Utilities have launched a residential virtual power plant (VPP) program that provides 300 solar-plus-storage systems to enhance grid stability.
Homeowners improving solar-plus-battery payback period with VPPs
Virtual power plants (VPPs) coordinate home energy resources, dispatching power to the grid at key times of high electricity demand in exchange for compensation.
