Author: solarenergy

Hybrid power purchase agreements (PPAs) that combine renewable generation with battery energy storage systems (BESS) are gaining traction in Europe, despite requiring higher prices than standard solar PPAs. According to the European PPA Price Index for Q2 2026 compiled by LevelTen Energy, the additional value offered by hybrid structures is encouraging more corporate buyers to consider them over conventional arrangements. The report shows that the P25 price for solar PPAs in Europe increased by 2.8% in the second quarter, marking the first quarterly increase after a year of consecutive declines. Wind power PPAs, meanwhile, fell 1.6%, continuing the downward trend…

French utility Engie has deployed 100 MW battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Scotland.Each BESS site consists of two projects in Cathkin (near East Kilbride) and Broxburn (west of Edinburgh), has a capacity of 50 MW/100 MWh and will provide high-speed network services and support the 24-hour integration of renewable energy sources.Engie’s AI-driven optimization platform, Orus, will power the BESS projects’ dynamic response to the grid. According to the utility, the two-hour storage duration will play a crucial role in balancing supply and demand by releasing the stored excess energy into the grid when necessary.The start of operations at the…

Argentina added 40.9 MW of distributed generation capacity in the first half of 2026, increasing its cumulative installed capacity by 34.5%, from 118.6 MW at the end of 2025 to 159.5 MW in June. During the same period, the number of user generators increased by 25.8%, from 3,762 to 4,734, according to the latest report from the country’s Secretariat of Energy. The country now has 159.5 MW of cumulative installed distributed generation capacity across more than 4,700 projects that have completed installation, connected to the grid through bi-directional meters and achieved user-generator status. In June alone, Argentina added 186 user…

Plans to bring plug-in solar panels to the UK market are progressing, but the electricity industry is urging some caution from the government.The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) said it supports the government’s decision to introduce changes to the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations (PSSR) 1994 to allow more UK homes to use plug-in solar panels and the Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification (IPS).ECA deputy technical director Gary Parker said: “We are saying very clearly to the government: don’t put speed before safety.”The trade body warned that the technology will only be useful “if regulations are strict, products are…

Cornwall Insight has cut its energy price cap forecast in October following the abolition of VAT on UK electricity bills, although the new government’s wider energy approach remains unclear.The expected price ceiling for an average household will be £1,699.59 from October to December 2026, according to Cornwall Insight, up from £1,906.27 in the previous forecast. The fall includes both the abolition of VAT on electricity costs, which stands at 5%, and Ofgem’s adjustment to its assessment of a “typical household” to reflect lower domestic energy consumption in recent years.Despite the abolition of VATThe October cap will still be around 2%…

Commercial energy supplier SmartestEnergy has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with European solar developer Greentech for a solar PV project in Kent.The two companies have signed a 15-year Contracts for Difference (CfD) PPA for the 26 MW Chalkpit Solar Farm in Guston, Kent. The agreement covers the pre- and post-commissioning phases of the 25-hectare project’s lifespan, which SmartestEnergy says provides “revenue security throughout its lifecycle.”SmartestEnergy won the contract through a competitive bidding process, which will now see it purchase power from Greentech’s first renewable energy source in Britain.The company said the deal “marks a foundation for future collaboration” and…

The Iberian Peninsula is emerging as a key test case for hybrid PV and battery storage, driven less by the inherent attractiveness of projects and more by the increasing pressure for standalone solar energy. As merchant exposure, price cannibalization, and curtailment risks increase, co-located battery energy storage systems (BESS) become a tool to stabilize revenues rather than unlock upside potential. In this context, aggregator contracts are moving towards more flexible, seller-driven structures. Everoze Partner Ana Bamonde explores this shift and what it means for the structuring, financing and operation of hybrid assets in Iberia. Across Europe, PV-plus-battery storage projects are…

New British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has promised to remove VAT from household energy bills in his first policy announcement since taking office.In his first address to the public after taking over as premier, Burnham said he would take steps to “give people some breathing space and help with living costs.” The VAT cut will apply from October 1, meaning it will have an impact on the next price cap in Ofgem.This is expected to deliver around £45 off the annual price cap, in addition to the £150 reduction announced at the previous Budget.The government has said the immediate action…

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro passed a bill yesterday that would require decommissioning plans for solar projects of 2 MWAC and larger in the state. Senate Bill 349 was created and sponsored by Republican Senatorsbut received bipartisan support as he worked through the state legislative chambers. Credit: Lichtsource bp “This is a bipartisan victory for energy affordability, economic strength and supporting Pennsylvania landowners. Senate Bill 349 provides clear expectations for developers and landowners while ensuring developers are accountable for meeting state requirements. The solar and storage industry applauds Governor Shapiro, Senator Yaw (R-23) and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle…

By SB staff July 21, 2026 It’s that time of year again! Solar Builder is now accepting nominations for the Project of the Year Awards 20226. The deadline for submissions is September 4, 2026. Solar builder strives to highlight the most striking PV projects in the solar energy sector every year. Was the design and installation innovative? Did it overcome a challenge in a new way? Did it help a community? Any inventive, interesting or impactful PV project – large or small – is eligible. We just need it You to tell us about them. The 2026 Project of the…