Opinion
The latest opinion and analysis from pv magazine.
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Global residential storage market to hit 46.1 GWh in 2026
InfoLink Consulting expects global residential energy storage capacity additions to reach 46.1 GWh in 2026, led by Europe, Oceania, and Asia. Fox ESS, Sigenergy, and Deye ranked as the top three suppliers by shipment volume in the first half of 2026.
Sep 17, 2026
Overcapacity in modules, underdeveloped upstream: The next challenge for Indian PV manufacturing
Solar cell manufacturing is significantly more capital-intensive and technologically more challenging than module manufacturing, with manufacturers remaining reliant on imported equipment. Consequently, ongoing geopolitical uncertainties affecting equipment sourcing, coupled with plant stabilisation challenges following commissioning, could delay cell capacity additions across industry players.
The value of solar PV in Northern regions is widely underestimated
Contrary to conventional perceptions, solar PV can be an important component of a viable Arctic energy system, thanks to the region’s long summer days. Its low cost makes it competitive even in areas with long, dark winters, particularly when other renewable energy sources provide insufficient output.
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The race for space solar
The space economy could be worth as much at $2 trillion by 2040 – according to a recent report by professional services provider PwC. The cisLunar orbit, between the earth and the moon, is particularly promising. But all of it requires power and, as it has for decades, that means PV – and both the technology and supplier landscape for orbital solar is diversifying. Eternal Sun | WAVELABS‘ Pepijn Veling reports from a series of events the company has attended across the country, on what is a fast-evolving technology and business landscape.
Solarize Africa: The case of Madagascar
Madagascar’s diesel-dependent power system faces high costs and chronic blackouts, making solar PV and battery storage an increasingly attractive route to reliable, affordable electrification. Five solar-diesel hybrid projects demonstrate that PV can significantly reduce fuel consumption and electricity prices, offering a scalable model for Madagascar and wider sub-Saharan Africa.
‘I make a point of thanking people for asking critical questions and disagreeing openly’
This week, Women in Solar+ Europe gives voice to Hanna König, Head of Division Project Execution, at Germany’s Enertrag SE. She says the most important element of an inclusive organisational culture is ensuring that everyone feels safe to contribute ideas and opinions, particularly when they disagree with the majority or with people in more senior positions.
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Sunny north and cloudy south as Super El Niño defines South American winter
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that Super El Niño drove a sharp north–south irradiance divide across South America in winter 2026, with sunnier conditions in the north and persistent cloud reducing solar irradiance across much of the south. Two rare August snowstorms in Chile’s Atacama Desert also caused likely snow-related losses for solar PV assets, alongside severe rainfall, flooding, and mudslides.
From more than 50 GW to under 10 GW: Ukraine doesn’t need its old energy system back
Six air-raid alerts on the first day, backup generators on almost every street corner, and discussions about the rapid reconstruction of severely damaged energy infrastructure: my trip to Kyiv and Lviv showed me why decentralized solar and energy storage are far more than climate technologies for Ukraine. They are part of the country’s security architecture. They also underscore why German solar companies should be engaging with Ukraine today.
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