It ‌proposed to raise ​the securities transaction tax by more than 50% on futures to 0.05% from 0.02% and to 0.15% from 0.01% on options

Targeted measures expected to support export-oriented sectors facing US tariff pressures; defence spending likely to rise to ‍bolster domestic manufacturing

Sensex, Nifty, Share Price LIVE: Benchmark indices were trading in sharply negative territory after the Budget proposed taxing buyback for all types of shareholders as capital gains, and the securities transaction tax on futures was raised to 0.05% from present 0.02%. STT on options premium and exercise of options are both proposed to be raised to 0.15 per cent from the present rate of 0.1 per cent and 0.125 per cent, respectively.

The Survey noted that although net additions to the investor base moderated in the current fiscal, net inflows of domestic investors into equity markets remained resilient

UK-based Octopus Energy has agreed to set up a joint venture in China focused on spot power trading, in a bid to scale renewable electricity volumes as market reforms and demand growth accelerate.

Octopus Energy Group said it has partnered with China’s PCG Power to create a new company, Bitong Energy, to trade renewable energy across China’s electricity market. The joint venture was announced during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing in the final week of January.

Bitong Energy will combine PCG Power’s experience in commercial and industrial renewable energy with Octopus Energy’s technology for green energy trading and optimization. The company aims to annually trade up to 140 TWh of renewable power by 2030, with projected profits of around GBP 50 million ($68.7 million) per year, half of which will return to the United Kingdom.

The venture will launch in Guangdong province, China’s leading spot market, and expand nationwide as additional regions open. Octopus Energy said in an online statement that it will deploy its software to optimize the performance of batteries and renewable generation.

China’s electricity demand is expected to rise by about one-third over the next five years, with government mandates requiring at least 10% of electricity to be traded on spot markets this year, according to Octopus Energy.

The China joint venture follows earlier partnerships and capital commitments that have supported the UK energy supplier’s expansion beyond retail supply into energy software and clean energy infrastructure. Recent transactions in Europe and the United Kingdom show that the company aims to combine proprietary technology with institutional capital and industrial partners.

In July 2025, UK workplace pension provider Smart Pension committed GBP 330 million to two clean-energy funds managed by Octopus Energy Generation, targeting renewable energy projects and energy transition technologies in the United Kingdom. The allocation includes financing the United Kingdom’s first investor-funded ground-source heat pump network.

And in September, South Korea’s LG Electronics announced plans to integrate its high-efficiency heat pumps with Octopus Energy’s AI-driven Kraken energy software platform for key European markets, including the United Kingdom and Germany. The collaboration aims to optimize residential heating and cooling by linking heat pumps with Kraken’s grid-responsive controls to reduce energy costs and improve renewable integration.

Wuxi DK Electronic Materials is pursuing two patent infringement cases against domestic competitors, seeking injunctions, equipment destruction, and combined damages of CNY 400 million ($57.5 million).

Wuxi DK Electronic Materials has filed two patent infringement lawsuits with the Jiangsu High People’s Court against Jiangsu Riyu Photovoltaic New Materials and Suzhou Jinyin New Materials Technology , seeking CNY 200 million in damages and related legal costs in each case.

The company said both filings have been formally accepted and registered by the court, although hearing dates have not yet been scheduled.

The lawsuits concern two Chinese invention patents, ZL201180032359.1 and ZL201180032701.8, covering thick-film conductive paste formulations for semiconductor devices, including solar cells. DKEM said the patents are held by its subsidiary Solamet Electronic Materials and relate to lead-tellurium-lithium and oxide-based paste technologies.

DKEM is seeking injunctions to halt the manufacture, sale, and offering for sale of the allegedly infringing pastes. The company is also requesting the destruction of dedicated production equipment and molds, and compensation for economic losses, enforcement costs, and related expenses.

The patents trace back to the intellectual property portfolio of DuPont’s former Solamet photovoltaic paste business, acquired by another entity in 2021 for $190 million. DKEM later consolidated control of the Solamet assets and associated intellectual property.

Suzhou Jinyin is described in Chinese financial reporting as a leading supplier of front-side silver paste for solar cells, ranking third globally by market share. Founded in 2011, it was later acquired by listed electronics firm Suzhou Good-Ark Electronics. Jiangsu Riyu is a fast-growing paste supplier that filed a Hong Kong listing application in 2025, with plans to expand into n-type and back-contact paste products.

This follows earlier high-value patent actions by DKEM. In 2025, its subsidiary filed a suit against Zhejiang Guangda Electronic Technology seeking similar remedies. A Solamet-linked entity also pursued related claims against Changzhou Juhe New Materials in 2021, with domestic and overseas disputes reportedly settled in August 2022.

Separately, DKEM flagged earnings pressure, forecasting a net loss of CNY 200 million to CNY 300 million for 2025, primarily linked to non-operating factors, according to Chinese financial media.

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.

From ESS News

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.

To continue reading, please visit our ESS News website.

Polysilicon trading in China remained largely inactive, with production cuts accelerating and wafer prices falling week on week, while downstream cell prices continued to rise and module prices held steady, according to a trade group representing China's nonferrous metals sector.

The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNMA) said polysilicon trading remained largely stalled, with only limited exploratory orders completed. One leading producer has halted operations, while two others have implemented production cuts. January output is expected to fall by about 15% month on month, broadly in line with wafer production schedules, with February output forecast at 82,000 to 85,000 metric tons. The association said most wafer prices declined week on week, with average transaction prices at CNY 1.26 per piece for n-type G10L wafers, down 3.82%; CNY 1.32 for n-type G12R wafers, down 7.04%; and CNY 1.52 for n-type G12 wafers, down 8.43%. Downstream cell prices rose to CNY 0.41/W to CNY 0.45/W, up 4.88%, while module prices were stable at CNY 0.71/W to CNY 0.75/W.

Hoymiles has signed a supply contract with Indian renewable energy solutions provider KOSOL Energie to deliver 360 MW of its HMS series microinverters in 2026. The company said the products are optimized for India’s high-temperature, high-humidity, and high-irradiance conditions, as well as for larger module formats, large-scale commercial and industrial rooftops, and complex grid environments.

Boway Alloy has issued a profit warning, forecasting full-year 2025 net profit attributable to shareholders of CNY 100 million to CNY 150 million, down 88.9% to 92.6% year on year. The China-listed parent of Vietnam-based Boviet Solar said the decline reflects impairment charges linked to high US anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Vietnam-manufactured products, which made relocating production uneconomic, as well as reduced subsidies and order losses at its United States subsidiary following passage of the United States “Big and Beautiful” Act. Boway Alloy said it is exploring equity divestment options.

PowerChina has signed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract through its Colombia branch for a 251 MW solar project in Santander province, Colombia. The scope includes PV plant development, equipment supply, installation and commissioning, with a string inverter plus tracking system configuration intended to improve generation efficiency and operational stability.

Deye said it submitted an application on Jan. 27 to issue H shares and list on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The company said its listing application materials were published on the exchange’s website the same day.

This week Women in Solar+ Europe gives voice to Alba Sande, lawyer at Spanish law firm ASande Legal. She states that, despite progress, women remain underrepresented in the renewable energy industry. "As a woman and a mother, I have often encountered the unspoken assumption that professional ambition must take a backseat to family life, a bias rarely applied to men," she says.

The solar, energy storage, EV charging, and grid infrastructure sectors sit at the heart of the energy transition. What makes these industries particularly suited to, and in need of, gender diversity and inclusion is the nature of the challenge itself. The energy transition demands innovative thinking, long-term vision, and the ability to manage complexity across technical, legal, regulatory, and social dimensions. Gender diversity brings varied perspectives, leadership styles, and problem-solving approaches. Inclusion ensures those voices are heard and valued.

These industries work best when they reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Decision-making becomes stronger when collaboration replaces uniformity. Diverse teams are not only fairer; they are more effective, more resilient, and better prepared to build a sustainable future.

From my experience, diversity, equity, and inclusion are directly linked to the resilience and success of the renewable energy sector. DEI broadens the range of inputs organizations rely on to navigate complexity. Inclusive workplaces foster trust and psychological safety, encouraging open dialogue and the kind of bold ideas that innovation requires. This is essential in a fast-evolving sector like renewable energy, where adaptation is constant. When professionals feel empowered to contribute, retention improves, decision-making becomes more robust, and strategies are better aligned with societal needs. DEI is not separate from business success, it is integral to long-term impact.

Looking back at my own career, I encountered systemic barriers that many women in male-dominated industries will recognise. Implicit biases about how leadership should look and sound, often shaped by traditional models, were persistent. The absence of visible female role models and the lack of structural support, particularly for those balancing care responsibilities, created additional friction. Overcoming these challenges required building strong support networks, staying grounded in purpose, and allowing results to speak clearly. It also meant resisting pressure to “fit the mould” and instead demonstrating that strategic thinking, empathy, and consistency are powerful leadership traits.

Over time, I have observed important shifts in how the industry approaches gender inclusion in leadership. There is greater recognition that diverse leadership is not simply desirable; it is necessary. We are seeing more women in strategic roles and greater openness to flexible career paths. That said, inclusion at senior levels still requires deliberate effort. True progress happens when organisations understand that leadership potential is not tied to a single profile or personal circumstance. Valuing varied life experiences, including those shaped by caregiving, strengthens leadership culture and builds resilience.

Navigating bias and scepticism has been a defining part of my professional journey. As a woman and a mother, I have often encountered the unspoken assumption that professional ambition must take a backseat to family life, a bias rarely applied to men. Yet this is not about choosing one over the other; it is about integration. Early on, I realised that women with young children are frequently expected to prove they are prioritising work in order to be taken seriously. My response was consistency, results, and a clear message: commitment is not gendered.

Even today, driving DEI initiatives at an executive level remains challenging. Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces. In my experience, around 80% of strategic meetings still involve only men, particularly when critical decisions are being made. One of the greatest challenges is feeling like an equal, owning expertise, and expressing it with confidence in environments where women are often required to repeatedly prove their competence, while male colleagues are assumed to be capable by default. This imbalance makes DEI both essential and deeply personal to lead.

There are still specific gender dynamics within the energy sector that influence career progression. Women, especially mothers, are more frequently questioned about long-term commitment or availability. There remains an unequal expectation to prove expertise. While these dynamics are evolving, progress is slow. Acknowledging them and addressing them without penalising different life experiences is essential for building an inclusive, high-performing industry.

To young women entering the solar and renewable energy sector today, my advice is simple: believe in your voice and your contribution from day one. This industry needs critical thinkers, communicators, and leaders who reflect the diversity of society. Do not allow outdated assumptions to shape your path. Seek mentors who support your growth and organisations that recognise potential beyond traditional models. Being a woman is not a limitation, even when you are the only one in the room. Trust your expertise, ask questions boldly, and bring your full self to the table. The sector will be stronger for it.

Alba Sande is an administrative and regulatory lawyer specialised in energy, environment, and infrastructure. After several years advising major national and international clients at Clifford Chance Madrid, she founded Asandelegal, a boutique legal practice focused on strategic regulatory support for the energy transition. Her experience includes advising banks, funds, and energy companies on permitting, litigation, and regulatory matters in large-scale renewable energy projects—especially wind, solar PV, and storage. Alba holds a double degree in Law and Economics (ICADE) and a Master’s in Energy from the Spanish Energy Club. She is a regular contributor to industry publications and a speaker at sectoral forums. As a woman and mother working in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she is an advocate for inclusive leadership and visibility of diverse talent in energy law and infrastructure. She believes that legal certainty, diversity, and sustainability must go hand in hand to meet the challenges of the green transition.

Interested in joining Alba Sande and other women industry leaders and experts at Women in Solar+ Europe? Find out more: www.wiseu.network

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that in January most of East Asia experienced normal to above-average solar irradiance, with southeastern China seeing surges due to reduced clouds and low aerosol levels under lingering La Niña effects. In contrast, the Philippines faced below-average irradiance from early Tropical Storm Nokaen, while other regional cities like Seoul, Tokyo, and Taipei recorded modest gains.

Most of East Asia recorded normal to above‑normal solar irradiance in January, as weak La Niña conditions continued to influence regional weather patterns. The largest gains were observed across southeastern China, where suppressed cloud formation and reduced aerosol-effects delivered a strong start to the year for solar operators, while unusual early tropical storm activity brought significant rainfall and irradiance losses to parts of the Philippines. With two days left in January at time of publishing, this data uses live data from 1-29 January, and forecasts for 30-31 Jan from the Solcast API.

Irradiance in southeastern China surged well above historical averages in January, with Hong Kong exceeding 25% above average. A dominant Siberian high pressure system, with temperatures in parts of Siberia more than 10 C below normal, extended into western China. The resulting northerly flow delivered drier air into southeastern China, reducing both precipitation and cloud formation. This irradiance pattern aligns with typical La Niña effects, even though the La Niña signal was weak and fading toward neutral by late January. Additionally, lower than normal aerosol levels contributed to above average irradiance in coastal parts of China.

In a continuation of the irradiance and aerosol pattern seen in 2025, many parts of China, in particular low-lying industrial areas saw significant drops in aerosol load and a corresponding increase in available irradiance. Both Hong Kong and Shanghai regions saw significantly lower winter average aerosol loads, than the historical average for winter months from 2007-2026. Whilst this supported the exceptionally high irradiance in Hong Kong through January, Shanghai recorded slightly above-average irradiance, despite experiencing a rare snowfall late in the month. By contrast, Beijing has historically lower aerosol loads, however still saw slightly below-average irradiance due to prevailing cloud levels.

Elsewhere in East Asia, irradiance levels were generally normal to above normal for this month. Seoul and Tokyo recorded irradiance 5–10% above January averages and Taipei saw gains exceeding 10%. Across the maritime continent, irradiance and precipitation anomalies were near normal.

The most significant negative irradiance anomaly in the region was associated with Tropical Storm Nokaen (Ada), which marked an unusually early start to the 2026 Pacific typhoon season. Making landfall in January—the first such occurrence since 2019— Nokaen delivered intense rainfall and heavy cloud cover to the central and northern Philippines. Daily rainfall totals reached up to 200 mm, triggering mudslides and widespread disruption. Irradiance across the northern Philippines dropped by as much as 10% below average, while the southern parts of the archipelago, spared from the worst of the storm, saw irradiance climb to 10% above average.

Solcast produces these figures by tracking clouds and aerosols at 1-2km resolution globally, using satellite data and proprietary AI/ML algorithms. This data is used to drive irradiance models, enabling Solcast to calculate irradiance at high resolution, with typical bias of less than 2%, and also cloud-tracking forecasts. This data is used by more than 350 companies managing over 300 GW of solar assets globally.

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.

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.

Pacifico Energy Chief Operating Officer Kevin Pratt says projects such as the planned 7 GW GW Ranch microgrid in Texas highlight a shift toward private grids as developers seek faster, more reliable ways to meet surging power demand from data centers and industry.

From pv magazine USA

Electricity demand is here and climbing, and solar generation is being pressed on reliability and affordability like never before. Developers are looking at opportunities pragmatically and investing in generation to meet demand using the most cost-effective solution for the location. Solar is showing that it can still perform on its own merits.

Beyond the availability of fuel sources is the issue of interconnection and grid availability. Large-scale solar projects that pencil in terms of levelized cost of energy over the lifespan of the installation are running into scheduling issues involving grid interconnection queues that may be years long. Delays are not relegated to renewable energy. Developers looking to build combined-cycle gas-fired facilities are reporting similar wait times for delivery of suitable turbines.

Kevin Pratt, chief operation officer of developer Pacifico Energy, told pv magazine USA that the combination of increasing demand, grid interconnection queues and equipment supply chains are making off-grid, behind-the-meter generation on larger scales more attractive. Not all of this can be laid at the door of rising demand from data centers.

“The reason why we’re bullish on private grids, and microgrids generally, is because of the response we’ve seen in the market,” Pratt said. “Even before the big data center push that’s come along, we’ve had clients needing reliable power in a number of different scenarios. We decided that we needed to be forward thinking on this. So, you talk about chicken and egg. The demand wasn’t there yet, but we did think it was coming.”

Pratt cited customer requirements from about three years ago, where modest operations relatively speaking were not able to secure utility access to increased capacity. These included a business park in Southern California, a residential complex in Hawaii and aerospace company in Los Angeles that want to expand its existing operation.

Technologies have advanced to the point where a variety of generating sources such as solar, hydrogen fuel cells and linear generators – like those produced by Mainspring – are available for urban environments and non-attainment areas where environmental regulations and codes are very strict. Combined with storage, Pratt said, these options enable customers to circumvent a lot of permitting and interconnection queues by getting as much of their generation as they can handle behind the meter.

Microgrids no longer imply modest size, with new projects scaling up into the hundreds of megawatts and even gigawatt size. Pacifico is building its GW Ranch project in Pecos County, Texas, as a behind-the-meter generation facility for data centers specializing in artificial intelligence development. This project is building in phases, with 1 GW scheduled to be operational in 2028, and the full facility being online in 2030.

The primary generation sources for GW ranch will be simple-cycle gas turbines, which are not as efficient as combined-cycle turbines but access to natural gas is not an issue in that part of West Texas. Combined-cycle generators, which produce steam, also require more water and the GW Ranch project will not require access to off-site water. Moreover, as indicated previously, combined-cycle turbines are in high demand at present, with long wait times, and Pratt said Pacifico was lucky to have secured the generators earmarked for GW Ranch. 

The project will also incorporate 1.8 GW of on-site battery storage. But what about solar?

“For our big GW Ranch project, we do have in our design about a GW worth of solar on site as well,” Pratt said. “We’ve designed it. We’ve planned for it. Solar has kind of been our bread and butter, so that’s very natural to us. But we will leave it up to the customer. And ultimately, what’s driving decision making is speed: speed to reliable power.”

While some advocates view solar and fossil fuels as a zero-sum competition, consumers are more pragmatic. At the same time, renewable energy, particularly photovoltaic solar, has shown that it is not only effective in many applications, it is the only reliable source in many parts of the United States.

“Anything west of El Paso, gas is hard to come by,” Pratt said. “In California and Arizona there’s a lot of demand. In Arizona, they are reshoring manufacturing and bringing semiconductor manufacturing there. People want to put data centers there. They need off-grid power, but situation off grid is pretty challenging because they don’t have the gas availability.”

This is an opportunity for solar plus storage to shine in competition with other sources. For example, the recently announced Pioneer Clean Energy Center in Yuma County, Arizona, under development by BrightNight and Cordelio Power, will supply 300 MW of solar plus 1,200 MWh of storage to bolster local infrastructure for Arizona Public Service. While grid connected, the project demonstrates that large-scale solar remains competitively attractive.

According to Pratt, increasing electricity demand from manufacturers needing to scale up and the new generation of “hyperscale” data centers will make private microgrids and behind-the meter generation, whether paired with grid interconnection or not, more important in the U.S. energy landscape. Quoting a study from the National Center for Energy Analytics, Pratt hundreds of data centers each with power requirements in excess of 300 MW are being planned.

“You talk about the decision to go private grid or utility grid; that’s really the struggle I see,” he said. “It’s not simply generation. It’s how to get the power to where it’s needed. Those lines are overtaxed already. Massive upgrades are required in transmission and substations to deliver the electricity. And new transmission is really slow and hard to get. So, I think microgrids are going to be a big part of the solution going forward.”

Solar developers will have to make their case to customers needing more power that the demonstrable benefits of PV plus storage at the utility scale could be theirs without the need to jump through permitting hoops or wait on interminable interconnection queues. And no wait for gas turbines, either.

Nine generation and battery projects totaling 1.8 GW reached full output in Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) during the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator.

From pv magazine Australia

New data from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) shows two solar farms and seven battery energy storage projects totalling 1.8 GW of capacity reached full output in the NEM in the October-December period.

AEMO’s latest Connections Scorecard shows the pipeline of new generation and energy storage projects going through the connection process in the NEM reached a record 64 GW in the last quarter, up 7.4 GW or 14%, on the previous quarter.

During the fourth quarter, 26 GW of new connection applications were submitted and 3.8 GW of applications across 18 projects were approved. In addition, 1.9 GW of plant across 10 solar, solar and battery hybrid, hydro, and standalone battery projects was registered and connected to the NEM, enabling them to move into the final stages of commissioning and operational readiness.

AEMO Onboarding and Connections Group Manager Margarida Pimentel said the standout result in the fourth quarter was the nine projects that achieved full output.

The 1.8 GW of new capacity commissioned to full output in the quarter takes the cumulative project capacity commissioned in the 2026 financial year to date (FYTD) to 3.8 GW, 89% more than the same time last year.

“These results highlight both the maturity of the pipeline and the sector’s increasing capability to deliver,” Pimentel said. “Reaching 1.8 GW of new plant at full output this quarter is a significant achievement and underlines the collaborative effort between project proponents, network service providers and AEMO in progressing new infrastructure safely and efficiently.”

The nine projects to reach full output in the last quarter included Neoen’s 350 MW Culcairn Solar Farm in New South Wales (NSW) and Metlen Energy and Metals’ 120 MW Munna Creek Solar Farm in Queensland.

Seven battery energy storage projects also progressed through commissioning to reach full output during the quarter. These included the 600 MW Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub in Victoria, the 300 MW Tarong and 205 MW Brendale projects in Queensland, the 111 MW Templers battery in South Australia, and the 65 MW Smithfield battery project in NSW.

The Scorecard shows that battery storage continues to dominate the investment pipeline, accounting for 46% of all projects progressing through the connection process in the NEM.

Hybrid solar and battery projects account for 19.7% of projects in the pipeline, with wind (16%), solar (11.9%), hydro (4.7%) and gas (1.4%) making up the remainder.

“The growth in battery storage will complement renewable generation by storing low‑cost, low‑emissions electricity during the day for release to support demand during the evening peak,” Pimentel said, adding that the December quarter demonstrated strong progress across every stage of the connections process. “The ongoing increase to 64 GW in the connections pipeline shows that confidence in Australia’s renewable energy transition remains strong,” she said.

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.

China’s TOPCon cell prices rose for a fourth consecutive week, led by higher production costs from surging silver prices and ongoing discussions around the removal of export tax rebates. In contrast, PERC cell prices declined amid weakening demand, due to the industry’s continued technological shift towards TOPCon cells, according to trade sources.

According to the OPIS Global Solar Markets Report released on January 20, Chinese TOPCon M10 cell prices were assessed 2.24% higher on the week at $0.0547/W Free-On-Board (FOB) China. Meanwhile, FOB China Mono PERC M10 cells fell 2.53% to $0.0463/W over the same period.

Silver prices have surged to record highs, gaining more than 40% year-to-date, driven by rising industrial demand and increased investment flows. Chinese policy developments have also further tightened the market, with authorities introducing export restrictions on silver through 2027.

Under the new framework, only 44 approved companies are permitted to export silver under a quota-based licensing system, requiring exporters to secure approval for overseas shipments.

Market sources said silver prices have become a key variable for cell pricing, as silver now represents one of the largest cost components in TOPCon cell manufacturing. Several sources noted that even if upstream prices soften from Q2 2026, cell and module prices are unlikely to retreat to 2025 price levels should silver prices remain elevated.

Since the start of this year, downstream OPIS TOPCon cell prices have surged 46%, while TOPCon module prices climbed nearly 35%. Upstream cost increases have been more modest, with OPIS China Mono Premium—OPIS' assessment for mono-grade polysilicon used in N-type ingot production—up 0.15% and N-type wafer prices up around 13% over the same period.

This week, upstream polysilicon and wafers segments showed early signs of weakness, with OPIS China Mono Premium and N-type M10 wafers down 2.34% and 2.20%, respectively. In contrast, FOB China TOPCon modules continued to edge higher by 3.48% over the same period.

According to the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNMIA), sentiment in the wafer segment remained cautious this week, with upstream and downstream players locked in a stalemate. Despite continued price gains in cells and modules, driven by export tax rebate policy changes and rising silver prices, price increases have yet to effectively transmit upstream.

CNMIA noted that domestic end demand remains sluggish, and under cost pressure, cell manufacturers have become increasingly reluctant to accept high-priced wafers, resulting in few wafer procurement orders.

With downstream demand unlikely to recover meaningfully before the Lunar New Year, and polysilicon prices showing signs of softening, the wafer market is expected to stay weak in the near term, the association added.

Downstream sources added that higher production costs, combined with weak end-user module demand, could limit cell output levels in the longer term.

Market analysts have previously projected China’s installation demand to fall by over 20% in 2026, following the transition from feed-in-tariffs to a market-based electricity pricing mechanism. Furthermore, the planned removal of export tax rebates may weigh on overseas demand, reinforcing a bearish demand outlook for cells later this year, sources said.

OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides energy prices, news, data, and analysis on gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, LPG/NGL, coal, metals, and chemicals, as well as renewable fuels and environmental commodities. It acquired pricing data assets from Singapore Solar Exchange in 2022 and now publishes the OPIS APAC Solar Weekly Report.

Survey data from the US-based Solar and Fire Education training program show that 98% of participating firefighters would recommend microinverter-based rooftop solar systems, citing safety advantages linked to all-AC system design.

From pv magazine USA

The Solar and Fire Education (SAFE) program, an initiative led by retired Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Captain Richard Birt, has released new survey data regarding first responder preferences for rooftop solar inverter architecture.

The program, which provides hands-on training to help fire departments navigate the complexities of modern energy systems, found that after receiving specialized education, more than 98% of participating firefighters said they recommend microinverter-based solar energy systems.

The survey results reflect feedback from hundreds of firefighters across multiple US states. Birt, a 30-year veteran of the fire service, founded SAFE to bridge the gap between rapidly evolving renewable technology and traditional fireground tactics.

Enphase Energy, a California-based global energy technology company that consults with SAFE on its training modules, shared the findings to highlight how system design impacts emergency response.

Survey details provided by the SAFE program disclose that Birt is a paid consultant of Enphase Energy, that the survey was not designed as a scientific study, and that responses were voluntary and came from a self-selected group of individuals.

A primary concern for first responders during a residential fire is the presence of high-voltage direct current (DC) on the roof. Traditional string inverter systems typically involve long runs of DC wiring that remain energized as long as the sun is shining, creating a potential hazard for firefighters who may need to vent a roof or navigate around equipment, said the report.

Enphase’s microinverter architecture converts DC to alternating current (AC) at the individual panel level. This “all-AC” design ensures that high-voltage DC is restricted to the back of the solar module itself, rather than traveling through long conduits across the structure.

The training also highlights the role of rapid shutdown, a safety requirement mandated by the National Electrical Code (NEC). Rapid shutdown is designed to reduce voltage to safe levels within seconds of a system being disconnected, protecting emergency personnel.

Because Enphase microinverters integrate rapid shutdown at the panel level, the systems do not require the additional external components, such as DC optimizers or rapid shutdown transmitters, said the report. Enphase said this simplified architecture helps ensure NEC compliance “out of the box” while reducing the number of potential failure points in the safety chain.

The SAFE program features instructional content from active fire service members, including Captain Andrew Martinez of the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department. Martinez noted that his department is working to incorporate these findings into its official Safety Policy and Guidelines manual, specifically considering the benefits of systems that avoid high-voltage DC runs.

To date, Enphase has shipped approximately 84.8 million microinverters globally, with more than 5 million systems deployed in over 160 countries.

Helioplant will leverage SolarEdge’s inverter and power optimization technology to power its cross-shaped bifacial solar system specially designed for snowy Alpine regions with high elevation. They anticipate ski resorts will be a big market for the solution which uses SolarEdge's technology to overcome shading issues caused by the cross-structure.

The first large-scale installation combining SolarEdge technology and Helioplant’s design is already under construction, and on completion the 6.3 MW system will power three ski resorts in Sölden, Austria.

SolarEdge and Helioplant foresee significant demand for their system from ski resorts located in snowy, mountainous areas where conventional PV installations are a challenge. Standard linear PV systems tend to lose productivity with extreme Alpine conditions, such as snow drifts caused by rapidly changing wind conditions. They are also often difficult, and therefore more expensive, to build in challenging terrain areas.

Helioplant’s cross design, which resembles a tree or a flagpole with four wings, features 15 or 16 bifacial modules depending on the slope. The cross-shaped structure creates air turbulence even at low wind speeds, which prevents snow build-up from accumulating and decreasing efficiency. Snow around the base of the tree-like structure reflects light to the underside of the modules to further boost energy yields in what is known as the albedo effect.

Helioplant piloted an installation with 12 bifacial tree-like structures at 2,850 m in Sölden underneath the Tiefenbach glacier in Austria’s Ötztal Valley in 2023. The PV system powered a ski-lift for an entire season, reducing reliance on grid electricity. It was powered by SolarEdge’s technology.

The 6.3 MW installation now under construction in Austria has around 800 of Helioplant’s structures set at an altitude of 2,850 m to 3,000 m. Completion is expected in the second half of this year, and the installation will cover around one third of the three ski resorts’ annual energy needs – approximately 28 GWh.

Patrick Janak, Head of C&I DACH at SolarEdge said that by combining Helioplant's bifacial structures with SolarEdge inverter and power optimizer technology, the two companies “are bringing superior economics to the table to unlock this largely untapped market.” He claimed that conventional PV systems would not work in this scenario.

“Bifacial PV systems are ideal for alpine regions because they can capture both direct sunlight and reflected light from snow, boosting overall energy yields. With our patented cross-shaped support structure, our solar panels stay snow-free providing maximum yields of clean solar energy to offset the high electricity demands of busy ski resorts. With around 6,000 ski resorts worldwide, there is enormous market potential,” said Florian Jamschek, Co-Founder of Helioplant.

Jamschek added that SolarEdge's technology made it possible to address the problem of shading on the panels which he said is exacerbated by the tree-like structure. “While our tree-like structure for bifacial PV addresses the challenges of solar in high-altitude alpine regions, it also is susceptible to more shading on the panels. The only solution to overcome this problem and maximize energy yields was to incorporate SolarEdge technology. This means we can deliver on our promise to supply reliable and stable clean energy that ski resorts can rely on to offset their high energy demands.”

The largest single-unit rooftop solar power plant in Europe, developed by French independent power producer Urbasolar, is under construction on the Delta 3 multimodal logistics platform in Dourges, in France’s Hauts-de-France region.

From pv magazine France

During testing at Estonia’s 100 MW Kiisa battery park, both EstLink 1 and EstLink 2 tripped, triggering the most severe disturbance to the regional power grid since desynchronization from the Russian electricity system. As a result, nearly 1 GW of capacity was lost within seconds. The park’s owner has since publicly pointed to the battery manufacturer.

From ESS News

A disturbance in Estonia’s power system on Jan. 20 forced both EstLink interconnections between Estonia and Finland offline, cutting roughly 1,000 MW of capacity, equivalent to about 20% of the Baltic region’s winter electricity load.

The shortfall was initially covered by support from the continental European grid, as the 500 MW AC connection between Poland and Lithuania operated at double its rated capacity to compensate. Later, reserve capacity within the Baltic states was deployed.

The oscillations were triggered by a 100 MW/200 MWh battery energy storage system in Kiisa, just south of Tallinn, one of the largest battery storage systems in the Baltics. The incident occurred during final grid connection testing, which caused the DC cables to trip.

The €100 million facility, developed by Estonian company Evecon in partnership with French firms Corsica Sole and Mirova, features 54 battery containers supplied by Nidec Conversion.

To continue reading, please visit our ESS News website. 

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