Deutschland hat inzwischen rund 400 Kilometer Wasserstoff-Backbone-Pipeline fertiggestellt und unter Druck gesetzt, ohne angeschlossene Lieferanten und ohne vertraglich gebundene Abnehmer — eine Pipeline von nirgendwo nach nirgendwo. Die Infrastruktur existiert und ist betriebsbereit, aber es fließt kein Wasserstoff zu irgendjemandem, der sich verpflichtet hat, dafür zu bezahlen. Dies ist kein ... [continued]
In Short : Indian researchers have developed a self-charging solar energy storage device that integrates energy harvesting and storage into one unit. Designed as a photo-supercapacitor, the system captures sunlight and stores power simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate solar panels and batteries. The technology promises efficient, low-cost solutions for portable and off-grid energy needs.
In Detail : An innovative sunlight-powered supercapacitor called photo-capacitor developed by scientists can both capture and store solar energy in a single integrated device.
This could be a remarkable step towards clean and self-sustaining energy storage systems paving the way for efficient, low cost, and eco-friendly power solutions for portable, wearable, and off grid technologies.
Traditionally, solar energy systems rely on two separate units: solar panels for energy capture and batteries or supercapacitors for energy storage. While such hybrid systems are widely implemented from large-scale solar farms to portable electronics, they rely on additional power management electronics to regulate voltage and current mismatches between the energy harvester and the storage unit. This requirement increases system complexity, cost, energy losses, and device footprint, which becomes particularly detrimental for miniaturised and autonomous devices.
This new photo-rechargeable supercapacitor, developed by the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. seamlessly combined both processes converting sunlight into electrical energy and storing that energy for later, thus simplifying design and minimising energy loss during conversion and storage.
Under the guidance of Dr. Kavita Pandey, innovated with the help of binder-free use of nickel-cobalt oxide (NiCo2O4) nanowires, which have been uniformly grown on nickel foam using a simple in situ hydrothermal process.
These nanowires, only a few nanometres in diameter and several micrometres long, form a highly porous and conductive 3D network that efficiently absorbs sunlight and stores electrical charge. This unique architecture allowed the material to act simultaneously as a solar energy harvester and a supercapacitor electrode.
When tested, the NiCo2O4 electrode exhibited a remarkable 54% increase in capacitance under illumination, rising from 570 to 880 mF cm-2 at a current density of 15 mA cm-2. This exceptional performance stems from the efficient generation and transfer of light-induced charge carriers within the nanowire network. Even after 10,000 charge-discharge cycles, the electrode retained 85% of its original capacity, demonstrating its long-term stability, an essential feature for practical applications.
To evaluate its real-world applicability, the researchers prepared an asymmetric photo-supercapacitor using activated carbon as the negative electrode and NiCo2O4 nanowires as the positive electrode. The device delivered a stable output voltage of 1.2 volts, maintained 88% of its capacitance retention even after 1,000 photo-charging cycles, and operated efficiently under varying sunlight conditions-from low indoor illumination to intense 2 sun intensity. This stability indicates that the nanowire structure can endure both mechanical and electrochemical stress over extended periods of use.
By integrating sunlight harvesting and energy storage in a single device, the team developed self-charging power systems that can function anywhere even in remote regions without access to an electrical grid.
Such technology can substantially reduce dependence on fossil fuels and conventional batteries, paving the way for a sustainable and green energy future. In addition to the experimental, theoretical study was carried out to understand why the NiCo2O4 nanowire system performs so efficiently.
This study revealed that nickel substitution in the cobalt oxide framework narrows the band gap to approximately 1.67 eV and induces half metallic behavior. This means the material behaves as a semiconductor for one type of electron spin while remaining metallic for the other: a rare dual property that enables faster charge transport and higher electrical conductivity. Such spin dependent conductivity is particularly valuable for photo-assisted charge storage applications.
Integrating sunlight capture and charge storage in a single architecture has been a long-standing goal in sustainable energy research.
This study also demonstrates the synergy between experimental and theoretical insights in materials research. While experiments confirmed enhanced capacitance and durability, theoretical simulations revealed the atomic-level mechanisms driving these improvements. Together, they provide a comprehensive understanding of how nanostructured materials can be optimized for light-responsive energy storage.
This work, published in Sustainable Energy & Fuels (Royal Society of Chemistry Journal), introduces a new class of smart, photo-rechargeable energy storage devices. Overall, this research represents a paradigm shift in renewable energy storage. With further development, such systems could play a pivotal role in achieving India’s clean energy ambitions and inspiring similar innovations worldwide.
American Automobile Labeling Act reports show that the 2026 vehicle models with the biggest gains in domestic content — US and Canadian content, that is — are electric vehicle models. Experts indicate that is most likely due to policies put in place during the Biden presidency. Subsidies were implemented as ... [continued]
American Automobile Labeling Act reports show that the 2026 vehicle models with the biggest gains in domestic content — US and Canadian content, that is — are electric vehicle models. Experts indicate that is most likely due to policies put in place during the Biden presidency. Subsidies were implemented as ... [continued]
Construction has commenced on significant renewable energy projects across the Middle East, including the 1.5 GW Khazna Solar Project in the UAE, Oman’s first solar and storage initiative, and various expansions in Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. These efforts aim to enhance energy security, support climate goals, and foster regional partnerships in clean energy.
In Short : HEC Infra Projects has won a ₹16.35 crore order from Advait for a battery energy storage system project in Gujarat. The contract highlights growing demand for energy storage solutions in India and reflects the increasing role of batteries in supporting grid stability, renewable energy integration, and the transition toward a more flexible and resilient power system.
In Detail : HEC Infra Projects has achieved a significant milestone by securing a ₹16.35 crore contract from Advait for the execution of a battery energy storage system project in Gujarat. This order strengthens the company’s position in the fast-growing energy storage segment and underlines the rising importance of battery technologies in India’s evolving power infrastructure.
The project involves the supply and deployment of battery energy storage systems designed to store excess electricity and release it during periods of high demand. Such systems play a crucial role in balancing supply and demand, improving grid reliability, and enhancing the overall efficiency of power distribution networks.
Battery energy storage is becoming increasingly vital as India expands its renewable energy capacity. Solar and wind generation are inherently intermittent, making storage solutions essential for ensuring a stable and continuous power supply. BESS projects help smooth fluctuations and enable higher penetration of clean energy into the grid.
For HEC Infra Projects, this order represents a strategic step toward diversifying its project portfolio and expanding its footprint in emerging clean energy technologies. By participating in energy storage deployments, the company is aligning itself with long-term trends in the power sector and strengthening its technical capabilities.
Advait, as the project awarding entity, continues to play an active role in developing advanced energy infrastructure across the country. The collaboration with HEC Infra Projects reflects a growing ecosystem of companies working together to accelerate the adoption of modern grid solutions.
The Gujarat location of the project is particularly significant, as the state has been at the forefront of renewable energy development in India. With large solar and wind installations, Gujarat requires robust storage systems to manage variability and ensure consistent power delivery to industries and consumers.
Beyond grid stability, battery energy storage systems also support applications such as peak shaving, frequency regulation, and backup power. These capabilities are especially valuable for industrial users, data centers, and critical infrastructure that require uninterrupted and high-quality electricity supply.
The increasing number of BESS projects across India signals a broader transformation in how electricity systems are designed and operated. Storage is no longer seen as an optional add-on but as a core component of modern power systems that enables flexibility, resilience, and digital energy management.
Overall, the ₹16.35 crore BESS order marks an important development for HEC Infra Projects and reflects the accelerating momentum of energy storage in India. As renewable capacity grows and grid complexity increases, battery projects like this will be central to building a reliable, sustainable, and future-ready energy ecosystem.
US battery energy storage system (BESS) developer-operator Jupiter Power has closed a US$500 million senior secured green revolving loan and letter of credit facility to support the advancement of its project pipeline across the US.
Battery energy storage projects have emerged as the dominant force in Australia's energy investment landscape, accounting for 46% of the nation's 64GW development pipeline, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator's (AEMO) latest quarterly report.
“We see energy storage as an opportunity for (data centres) to reduce their impact on the grid”, said Patrick Hughes, Senior VP of Operations and Strategy at NEMA.
Long-duration energy storage (LDES) developer-operator Hydrostor has announced a strategic technology and equity agreement with energy infrastructure equipment manufacturer Baker Hughes.
Lithium-ion companies have come out as the top-rated suppliers on a new long-duration energy storage (LDES) leaderboard, while CO2 Battery company Energy Dome is the highest non-lithium company.
Utility company Avista has selected projects as part of its request for proposal (RFP) process to identify new resources, including a 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS), for the Pacific Northwest, US.
Repsol and Sunfire are advancing 200 MW of renewable hydrogen projects in Spain, while new collaborations and funding across Europe and India aim to accelerate electrolyzer development and hydrogen infrastructure.
Repsol has approved its second 100 MW electrolyzer at the Petronor industrial complex in Bilbao. “The electrolyzer will have the capacity to produce up to 15,000 tons of renewable hydrogen annually, which will mainly be used at the company’s Petronor refinery outside Bilbao in Northern Spain,” said the Spanish oil and gas company, adding that the new plant for producing renewable hydrogen will require an investment of €292 million ($347.9 million). The company did not explain the timing of the installation.
Sunfire said it will supply two 100 MW electrolyzers for renewable hydrogen projects in Spain. The first project, led by Repsol and Enagás Renovable, will install a 100 MW electrolyzer near Repsol’s industrial complex in Cartagena. The second 100 MW plant will be located at Petronor’s refinery in Muskiz (Bilbao), which is owned by Repsol and Kutxabank,” said the German company. For each of the two 100 MW projects, Sunfire will deliver ten of its 10 MW pressurized alkaline electrolyzer modules.
Matteco and Dunia Innovations have kicked off a strategic collaboration to accelerate the development of catalyst layers used inside AEM (Anion Exchange Membrane) electrolyzers. “Matteco contributes deep expertise in electrocatalysts, functional inks, and scalable electrodes, while Dunia brings its AI-guided experimentation platform, which helps test and compare many different material options quickly and consistently, under conditions that reflect how real electrolyzers operate,” said Spain-based Matteco. Dunia Innovations is based in Germany.
TheEuropean Commission said it will allocate nearly €650 million in grants to help finance 14 cross-border energy infrastructure projects. More than €176 million will be dedicated to boost hydrogen infrastructure. “The grant of €120 million for the hydrogen storage in Gronau project in Germany marks the first time CEF funding will be used for a works project for hydrogen,” said the European executive body, adding that other hydrogen projects in Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Slovakia will receive grants to support studies.
Tubos Reunidos (TR) said it is developing a seamless pipe that meets the specific requirements of the hydrogen sector. “The project aims to develop a 1.25 MW experimental portable electrolyzer, conceived as an enabling solution for the supply of green hydrogen to final industrial users,” said Eurometal, the European federation of steel tubes and metals distribution and trading. “The initiative is being led by a Basque consortium including Tubos Reunidos, ArcelorMittal Sestao, Sarralle, ABC Compresores, Matz-Erreka, Flubetech Coatings, Mugape, Sener, Team Group, Torraval Cooling, and Zigor Corporación.”
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and thyssenkrupp nucera have entered into a new cooperation to accelerate the development of green hydrogen and Power-to-X (PtX) markets in India. “India is one of the most promising future markets for green hydrogen electrolysis. This cooperation enables us to deepen our understanding of the local market and engage more closely with India’s hydrogen ecosystem. It also reflects our strong commitment to supporting India’s ambitious National Green Hydrogen Mission,” said Kiran Paul Joseph, CEO of thyssenkrupp nucera India.
Greenzo Energy India has secured the contract for India’s first port-based 5 MW Green Hydrogen Plant at Deendayal Port, Kandla. The project has been awarded to Oswal Greenzo Energies, the JV between Oswal Energies Limited and Greenzo Energy India Limited. “Designed on an EPC basis, the project is scalable beyond the initial 5 MW up to 10 MW and is expected to produce approximately 800 tonnes of green hydrogen annually,” said Greenzo Energy.
Orlen has entered into cooperation agreements with three Finnish partners for the production and supply of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives. “The agreements signed with ABO Energy Suomi, Nordic Ren-Gas and VolagHy Kuopio SPV will help secure hydrogen supplies during a period of growing demand in the years ahead,” said Orlen.
Powerhouse Energy (PHE) has secured a site on Silverwood Business Park in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on which the company submitted a planning application for a 40-ton per day (TPD) waste-to hydrogen facility. The site, 1.98 acres, will use a pilot unit.
The Finnish start-up says its sand battery technology is scalable from 20 to 500 MWh with charging power from 1 to 20 MW, depending on industrial needs.
Finnish cleantech startup TheStorage says that its thermal storage technology could reduce industrial energy costs by up to 70% and cut carbon emissions by as much as 90%. The system converts renewable electricity into heat, stores it in sand, and delivers it on-demand for industrial heating.
The concept emerged in Finland in 2023, with engineering work beginning in 2024. In January 2026, TheStorage installed its first industrial-scale pilot at a brewery, putting the technology to the test in a real-world setting. There, it produces fossil-free steam for the brewery’s production lines.
“Producing steam without fossil fuels is a major step toward carbon-neutral production,” says Vesa Peltola, Production Director of the brewery.
TheStorage’s technology captures electricity when it is abundant and inexpensive, converts it into high-temperature heat, and stores it in sand. This stored heat can later be used in industrial processes independently of real-time electricity availability.
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Cubenergy has launched FlexCombo 2.0, a scalable battery energy storage system for utility, commercial, and industrial applications, offering up to 16 MWh capacity with LFP batteries. Its modular design, advanced BMS, and cloud-based operations enable easy installation, seamless expansion, and efficient grid integration, according to the manufacturer.
Cubenergy, a Chinese manufacturer of battery energy storage systems (BESS), has introduced a new energy block designed for utility, commercial, and industrial (C&I) applications.
The product, named FlexCombo 2.0, uses the company’s 835 kWh FlexCombo D2 batteries. It is available in three configurations: 10, 12, or 12 batteries, providing a total capacity of 8 MWh, 10 MWh, or 16 MWh, respectively.
“With the FlexCombo D2 modular design and parallel architecture, FlexCombo’s core advantage lies in its long-term scalability,” the company said in a statement. “It enables seamless capacity growth and effortless integration with power generation systems (PGS), simplifying deployment and accelerating delivery for ultimate flexibility.”
The FlexCombo D2 batteries feature lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, offering a lifespan of 8,000 cycles at 70% capacity retention, according to the manufacturer.
Each battery measures 2 m x 1.68 m x 2.55 m and has a weight of up to eight tons. They carry an IP55 protection rating. Each block also comes with a power conversion system (PCS) rated at 430 kW AC with an IP66 protection grade. Optional medium-voltage (MV) transformers are available, with AC power ratings of either 8,800 kVA or 5,250 kVA.
“The FlexCombo 2.0 is designed primarily for utility and C&I applications, including renewable energy arbitrage, stand-alone grid stabilization, factories, and commercial buildings,” the company stated. “This integrated, easy-to-install BESS can be quickly connected and aligned with project requirements, while the advanced Active Balancing battery management system (BMS) and cloud-based operations provide a superior user experience.”
Sweden deployed less solar in 2025 than the year prior despite record growth in the large-scale segment. Solar association Svensk Solenergi predicts last year was likely the bottom of Sweden's installation curve.
Sweden commissioned 652 MW of new solar last year, according to estimates from Swedish solar association Svensk Solenergi. The figure is down on the 848 MW installed in 2024 and takes cumulative capacity to around 5.4 GW.
Residential installations totaled 239 MW in 2025, a 39% year-on-year decrease. Alex Jankell, head of politics at Svensk Solenergi, told pv magazine the household market has been impacted by the removal of a tax rebate scheme as of the start of this year. He added that lower energy prices in comparison to massive hikes in 2022, higher interest rates and inflation have also impacted the market segment.
Although the residential market contracted in 2025, installations smaller than 20 kW continue to represent more than half of Sweden’s solar market, with a little over 3 GW of total capacity. There are now just over 287,000 solar power plants of less than 20 kW in Sweden, equivalent to 90% of all grid-connected solar plants.
Cumulative capacity of grid-connected solar plants
Image: Svensk Solenergi
Commercial and industrial installations reached 215 MW in 2025, down 35% year-on-year, but utility-scale installations increased, deploying a record 198 MW for 46% more than in 2024.
The large-scale segment accounted for 30% of new solar power in 2025, compared to 7% in 2024. New installations were led by Sweden’s largest solar plant to date, the 100 MW Hultsfred solar farm, and the 64 MW Ax-el solar park. Last year also saw developer Svea Solar announce plans to build eight new solar parks in Sweden with a total capacity of approximately 500 MW.
Jankell said the market is experiencing a shift to more large-scale solar, often combined with large-scale battery installations, but added that challenges remain in high costs or long waiting times for grid connections. He recommended Sweden adopt proposed changes to permitting procedures to make them quicker and more predictable.
The residential battery market is also broadening, with preliminary figures from the Swedish Tax Agency showing around 75,000 private individuals received a green reduction for battery installations in 2025, a 34% increase on the previous year.
Jankell suggested that Sweden’s solar market could be supported further by abolishing energy tax for all electricity that is produced and consumed behind the same meter and implementing proper power-tariffs which reflectively reward the ability of solar and battery installations to help the grid. He also recommended proposed proper revenue frames for Swedish grid companies that reward flexibility, and not only grid expansion.
Jankell told pv magazine more solar is likely to be installed this year than in 2025. “Given the implementation of solar demands in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, new permitting processes on the way, and a general deflation of PV and battery prices, we predict that 2025 is the bottom of the installation curve,” he said.
Dutch utility Eneco is testing low-noise air-to-water heat pumps from startup Whspr in around 20 homes, aiming to ease installation constraints near property boundaries. The systems reportedly achieve coefficients of performance of up to 5 and show up to 80% noise reduction in laboratory testing.
Dutch utility Eneco has begun testing an”innovative” type of air-to-water heat pump with low sound levels in residential buildings.
The company said conventional heat pumps rely on outdoor units that emit a constant hum, requiring installations several metres from property boundaries under Dutch building regulations and often forcing placement in prominent locations on terraced houses. By contrast, the “silent” heat pumps under test can be installed just 30 cm from the boundary.
“The pilot will provide insight into both ease of installation and real-world performance,” Eneco said in a statement. “The results will be used to further optimize the system, with the aim of making it widely available by the end of the summer.” The company added that around 20 homes are currently equipped with the systems to assess noise levels without “compromising residents’ everyday heating comfort.”
The heat pumps are supplied by Dutch startup Whspr. “Our 4 kW freestanding hybrid monoblock systems are designed for domestic space heating,” founder Hugo Huis in ’t Veld told pv magazine.
The unit measures 60 cm × 60 cm × 90 cm and weighs around 70 kg. “It is compact yet robust,” Huis in ’t Veld said, adding that initial measurements show efficiencies in line with the market, with coefficients of performance (COP) of between 4.5 and 5.0.
According to the manufacturer, the heat pump uses propane (R290) as its refrigerant and shows up to 80% noise reduction in laboratory testing.
Whspr also highlights ease of installation, stating that a single installer can fit and connect the unit, including the water side, in one day. A dedicated control and thermostat system has also been developed to reduce compatibility issues and simplify commissioning.
Further technical details have not yet been disclosed. “We are not at liberty to share designs at this stage, as patents are still pending,” Huis in ’t Veld said.
Eneco noted that pilot installations include both standard locations and more complex sites, such as rooftops and sheds at the end of gardens. The systems have also been installed in several rental homes owned by housing association Wooncompagnie. “Testing will continue until the end of April, after which the heat pumps will be further optimized,” the company said.
The new Tesla Solar Panel and mounting system pairs with the company’s inverter, Powerwall battery, EV charging and vehicles, creating an all-Tesla residential solar offering for the first time.
In the residential solar sector, the industry has long sought the “holy grail” of vertical integration, creating a single point of contact for hardware, software, and energy management.
While Tesla has been a dominant player in storage with the Powerwall, a market leader with its inverter, and in electric vehicles, the company has historically relied on third-party solar panels.
With the launch of the Tesla Solar Panel (TSP-415 and TSP-420), the company is closing that loop. The company’s new modules, assembled at its Gigafactory in Buffalo, New York, represent a significant shift toward a proprietary, integrated ecosystem designed to solve the common rooftop challenges of shading, aesthetic clutter, and installation friction.
“This panel completes the full package of the residential energy ecosystem,” Colby Hastings, senior director, Tesla Energy, told pv magazine USA. “It is based on our long history of innovation and engineering when it comes to solar.”
Domestic manufacturing
Tesla said the new modules are assembled at its Buffalo, NY facility, the same site where it continues to produce Solar Roof components, which inspired the design of the panel. The factory is currently scaling to an initial capacity of over 300 MW per year.
This domestic assembly allows Tesla to leverage federal manufacturing incentives while securing a local supply chain for its growing network of installers.
Power zones
The most technically significant departure from industry norms in the TSP series is the implementation of 18 independent “Power Zones.” Standard residential modules typically utilize three bypass diodes, creating six distinct zones. In traditional architectures, a single shadow from a chimney or vent pipe can effectively “shut down” large swaths of a string’s production.
Tesla’s design essentially triples the granularity of the module. By dividing the electrical architecture into 18 zones, the panel behaves more like a digital screen with a higher pixel count; if one “pixel” is shaded, the remaining 17 continue to harvest energy at near-peak efficiency.
Image: Tesla
While high-density substring architectures have been explored in the utility space, Tesla’s specific 18-zone layout is unique to the residential market, engineered to deliver optimizer-like performance without the added cost and potential failure points of module-level power electronics (MLPE) on the roof.
Inverters, batteries, and mounts
The TSP modules are designed to pair specifically with the Tesla Solar Inverter and Powerwall 3. While Tesla offers these as a unified “Home Energy Ecosystem,” they are not strictly sold as a single, inseparable bundle. However, the hardware is optimized to work as a package; for instance, the panel’s 18-zone design is specifically tuned to perform with Tesla’s string inverter technology.
Tesla is not keeping this technology exclusive to its own crews. While Tesla’s direct installation business leads the rollout, the package is available to Tesla’s network of over 1,000 certified installers.
This “installer-first” approach is further evidenced by the new Tesla Panel Mount. The new rail-less mounting system, made of black anodized aluminum alloy, uses the module frame itself as the structural rail.
The new rail-less mounting system, made of black anodized aluminum alloy, uses the module frame itself as the structural rail. Image: Tesla
By eliminating traditional rails and visible clamps, Tesla said the system is 33% faster to install. The mount sits closer to the roof and is enhanced by aesthetic front and side skirts, maintaining the “minimalist” look Tesla consumers expect.
Product specs
The modules are competitive with the current Tier 1 market, pushing into the 20% efficiency bracket while maintaining a robust mechanical profile, said the company.
Parameter
TSP-415
TSP-420
Nominal Power (Pmax)
415 W
420 W
Module Efficiency
20.3%
20.5%
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc)
40.92 V
40.95 V
Short Circuit Current (Isc)
12.93 A
13.03 A
Max System Voltage
DC 1000V
DC 1000V
Weight
22.3 kg (49 lbs.)
22.3 kg (49 lbs.)
Dimensions
1805 x 1135 x 40 mm
1805 x 1135 x 40 mm
The new Tesla Solar Panels are now available nationwide.
Solar roof
For those wondering about the Tesla Solar Roof, the company maintains that the glass tile product remains a core part of its “premium” offering for customers needing a full roof replacement.
The cascading cell technology used in the new TSP modules, which overlaps cells to eliminate visible silver busbars, was originally designed in its Solar Roof product. Tesla is essentially taking the aesthetic and electrical innovations of its luxury roof product and integrating it into a traditional module form factor.
“We’re working more closely with utilities than ever to ensure that these assets participate in virtual power plants and support the grid and opening up new value streams, both for utilities and consumers that have these assets at home,” said Hastings. “We announced recently that we have a million Powerwalls deployed worldwide and 25% of those are enrolled in a virtual power plant program of some kind.”
Market strategy
The timing of this launch comes at a volatile moment for U.S. solar. With the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA), the industry is navigating the early expiration of the 25D residential credit at the end of 2025 and the sunsetting of the 48E commercial credit.
Tesla’s move now is an opportunistic play for standardization and soft-cost reduction. By controlling the entire stack, Tesla can drive down customer acquisition and labor costs, which currently represent the largest portion of a system’s price tag.
“Utility rates across the country are going up,electricity is becoming increasingly unaffordable for homeowners,” said Hastings. “We’re still very bullish on the future of distributed energy here in the United States.”
Sungrow is introducing its large-scale energy storage system, PowerTitan 3.0, to Europe, featuring grid-forming capability, next-generation battery cells, DC coupling for co-located solar projects, and streamlined commissioning to accelerate deployment.
Sungrow is introducing its large-scale energy storage system, PowerTitan 3.0, to the European market. With the option to connect the battery to a central inverter on the DC side, the company is responding to strong demand for co-located solar-storage projects. The system was first presented at SNEC in Shanghai in June 2025 and has now been showcased to European developers at an event in Madrid.
The storage system is available in standard 10- and 20-foot container formats. The 20-foot version integrates a 1.78 MW power conversion system (PCS) with a 7.14 MWh battery, providing four hours of storage in a single container. A 30-foot version with roughly 12 MWh, also displayed in China, will not be offered in Europe due to logistics and transport costs, which could reduce project profitability. Larger systems in Europe can be achieved by connecting four units to form an AC block with approximately 7.2 MW of power and 28.5 MWh of capacity.
The higher energy density is enabled by new 648 Ah battery cells, with a volumetric energy density exceeding 440 Wh/L. A full liquid-cooling system and updated software maintain all cells within their optimal temperature range, reducing the system’s own energy consumption by around 10%, according to Sungrow. The company guarantees 10,000 cycles at 60% remaining capacity. State of charge is monitored at the rack level and synchronized across the system.
“We are seeing growing demand for stand-alone projects and a significant increase in co-location projects across Europe,” said Moritz Rolf, VP DACH at Sungrow. The DC coupling option is key to meeting this demand.
Paired with a PV system and Sungrow’s “1+X” central inverter, no separate PCS or medium-voltage switchgear is needed. The company estimates hardware and cabling savings for a 150 MWh project at around €1 million.
When connected on the AC side, the system includes an integrated PCS using silicon carbide MOSFETs. Maximum PCS efficiency is 99.5%, with a round-trip efficiency of 92%.
Fast commissioning
The PowerTitan 3.0 is delivered fully assembled and pre-configured. Commissioning is largely autonomous, taking about one hour per unit. A project can be connected to the grid in approximately 12 days, with no on-site parameterization required.
The system can also serve as an AC power source for plant certification tests. If a grid connection is not yet available, the battery can energize medium-voltage switchgear, inverters, and other equipment, simplifying logistics for commissioning and testing.
“Having completed the first stage of the energy transition—the expansion of renewables and their market integration—we are now entering the next phase: electrification, flexibility, and supply security,” said James Li, VP Europe of Sungrow, during a panel discussion.
Grid-forming capabilities were a central theme of the presentation. The system can provide short-circuit current with a ratio of 1.2, deliver instantaneous reserve power within five milliseconds, and contribute to harmonic attenuation, supporting grid strength and stability.
Antonio Arruebo, battery storage analyst at SolarPower Europe, highlighted the growing importance of these functions. Beyond frequency services, markets for instantaneous reserve, short-circuit current, and black-start capability are emerging across Europe. He stressed the need for early development of corresponding markets at EU and national levels, faster approval and certification processes for storage systems, and reduction of duplicate grid fees.
Key challenges
Discussions with event participants highlighted that, while the European battery storage market is developing positively overall, project financing remains a critical bottleneck. Highly leveraged projects are subject to intensive risk assessments by lenders, particularly regarding the valuation of future revenues from arbitrage and frequency markets. The long-term development of these markets is difficult to predict, directly affecting risk premiums and financing terms. Multi-bank financing structures appear to be becoming increasingly common.
From an investor perspective, the stability of revenue streams and technological risks are central. “The crucial factors are the resilience of the revenues and the likelihood of market mechanisms changing over time,” said Paula Renedo, Principal Engineer Director at Nuveen Infrastructure, during a panel discussion.
For battery storage, the balance between exposure to the stock market and contractually secured revenues is evolving. Creditworthiness of customers and technological reliability are gaining greater importance. “We look closely at proven technologies with robust operational experience, particularly regarding availability and degradation over the system’s lifespan,” Renedo added. Nuveen adopts conservative assumptions and engages external technical consultants to assess and mitigate these risks.
On pricing trends in the battery segment, and the Chinese government’s announcement requiring battery cell manufacturers to adopt “sustainable pricing,” Moritz Rolf noted that comparisons with recent photovoltaic module price trends are limited. PV modules have reached a high degree of commodification, whereas integrated large-scale storage systems involve numerous complex integration steps. As a result, prices equivalent to fractions of a cent per kilowatt, as seen in the module market, are not expected. After-sales service and local support remain critical for developers and operators. Sungrow currently employs around 800 people in Europe.
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