Author: solarenergy

A more than 15% increase in silver prices over the past week is putting additional cost pressure on the solar supply chain, as silver paste costs currently represent around 30% of total PV module costs. January 26, 2026 Emiliano Bellini Pastes with a higher silver content enable high-quality metallization at lower temperatures Image: DKEM Silver prices continued to skyrocket this week, reaching an all-time high of $108.17 per ounce (oz). In the last seven days alone, prices are up nearly 15% from $94.73/oz. For comparison, the average silver price in 2024 was $28.27/oz. Prices were $31.30/oz in January 2025 and…

In a new weekly update for pv magazineSolcast, a DNV company, reveals that extreme Canadian wildfires last year pushed aerosol levels about 30% above normal, sharply reducing solar radiation across Canada and even affecting Europe, while the Congo Basin also experienced worsening aerosol conditions. In contrast, China and South America experienced unusually low aerosol levels, supporting stronger solar radiation due to cleaner air, fewer fires, and favorable climate and policy conditions. January 23, 2026 Solcast Aerosol anomalies in 2025 reveal the massive impact of Canadian wildfires on solar conditions, with smoke and particulates from one of the worst fire seasons…

EG4 electronics joins Jump to enable the adoption of EG4 products in Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs. Through this collaboration, EG4 inverters and batteries integrated with the Leap platform will enable customers to access home backup with network interactive capabilities, automated participation in utility programs and wholesale network services, and monetization of battery storage and flexible charging assets. “Our mission at EG4 is to make reliable backup accessible to the whole home while delivering long-term value,” said James Showalter, CEO of EG4 Electronics. “By working with Leap, EG4 systems can go further, supporting network reliability and enabling customers to participate…

This week, Women in Solar+ Europe gives voice to Melodie de l’Epine, Senior Project Manager/Head of Research & Innovation at the French Becquerel Institute. She says encouraging men to move from strict hierarchy to informal exchanges promotes a more equitable relationship. Women can benefit from noticing how men address each other and consciously participate, because subtle forms of address strongly determine power perceptions. January 23, 2026 Women in Solar+ Europe Our industries operate in a context of constant fluctuations. Policy frameworks are changing, market conditions are evolving rapidly and uncertainty is part of our daily reality. This means that as…

According to a review of FERC data by the SUN DAY Campaign, solar energy accounted for 72% of new electricity generation capacity on the U.S. grid in the first ten months of 2025. Solar energy has held this position for 26 months in a row and has now replaced wind energy as the largest source of renewable energy capacity on the US electric grid. In October alone, solar accounted for 60% of new generation capacity and FERC expects an additional 90 GW of solar to be deployed over the next three years, eclipsing new nuclear and coal deployments. In FERC’s…

The U.S. Department of Energy has moved to release commitments or revise billions in funding for clean energy projects while prioritizing natural gas and nuclear power. January 23, 2026 Ryan Kennedy By pv magazine USA The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that it will restructure or cancel $83.6 billion in loans and contingent liabilities, shifting its focus from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind in favor of baseload energy such as gas and nuclear. In conjunction with this action, the DOE renamed the lending organization the Loans Programs Office Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF). The…

Advanced green technologies (AGT), a Florida-based commercial solar contractor founded in 2007, along with its parent company, Advanced Roofing Inc., have transitioned to an employee-owned organization. AGT and its affiliated companies will maintain their leadership, human resources and operational practices through the transition to an employee-owned organization. AGT operates as the renewable energy division of Advanced Roofing, founded in 1983 and grown into a fully integrated commercial roofing, HVAC and solar services provider throughout Florida. The organization also includes Advanced Air Systems, founded in 1994. Today, the Advanced family of companies serves customers from seven locations in Florida and employs…

Proceeds from Estuary Power’s recently completed Escape Solar and Storage project more than doubles MGM’s share of solar energy. January 22, 2026 Ben Zientara By pv magazine USA MGM Resorts International, which operates fourteen hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, will now receive power under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) from a recently completed 115 MW, 400 MWh energy storage facility in Lincoln County, Nevada, approximately 90 miles northeast of Las Vegas. The 115 MW solar array is the latest addition to the Escape Solar and Storage facility, which was developed by site owner Estuary Power, with the solar…

The European Commission has launched an in-depth investigation to assess whether a €61 million ($71.6 million) arbitration award in favor of Malta-based ACF Renewable Energy is compatible with EU state aid rules. January 23, 2026 Brian Public Image: Sapviktor, Pixabay The European Commission said it will examine an arbitration award ordering Bulgaria to pay €61.04 million plus interest to ACF Renewable Energy Ltd., which invested in a Bulgarian solar power plant in 2011 under a renewable energy support program. Bulgaria changed the arrangement in 2013 and 2014, prompting ACF to initiate arbitration. The arbitral tribunal ruled that Bulgaria had violated…

J&B solar energya utility-scale mechanical solar contractor, has launched the Renewable Revolution Apprentice Program (TRRAP), a workforce and compliance platform designed to meet Inflation Reduction Act requirements while building long-lasting careers in utility-scale solar. TRRAP is led by Casey Swindell, IRA compliance & labor relations manager for J&B, who led the development of the program. “We originally outsourced our internship program,” says Swindell. “Over time, it became clear that third-party solutions were expensive, reactive rather than proactive, and limited in how quickly we could access or respond to critical compliance data. Bringing the Renewable Revolution Apprentice Program in-house gave us…