Author: solarenergy

Emerging energy technologies are transforming the electric grid by adding flexibility, reliability and expanded power generation, but can also increase cyber risk because many older devices are not built to meet today’s cybersecurity expectations. Credit: Titan Solar UL Solutions has been launched a new certification program which creates the first industry-wide cybersecurity baseline for distributed energy resources (DER) and inverter-based devices, such as microgrids, batteries, hydrogen systems and electric vehicle infrastructure. This certification program provides manufacturers, utilities, regulators and grid operators with a consensus-based framework to mitigate that risk. “Our new cybersecurity testing and certification program brings clarity and common…

The US company said its Power Control software is designed to help installers reduce costs and streamline interconnection. One of its features is the ability to control total system exports via software-based limits. February 17, 2026 Lior Kahana IQ9N microinverter (277 V) Image: Enphase Enphase Energy, a California-based provider of solar inverters and energy storage systems, has introduced new control software for its IQ8 and IQ9 commercial microinverter systems. The new software, called Power Control, is designed to help installers save costs and simplify interconnection. “Enphase Power Control software is designed to help installers work faster and stay within budget…

Renvolt, a subsidiary of French renewable energy developer Voltalia, has signed a turnkey engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for a 124.2 MW solar PV project in Ireland.The Wexford Hub project, which has been signed with ESB, Ireland’s semi-public energy services company, will be located in County Wexford, in the south east of Ireland. Once operational, Renvolt will also carry out the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the PV installation.Commercial operation of ESB’s Wexford Hub solar project is expected before spring 2027, according to the energy services company.This also marks the fourth collaboration – both for completed and under-construction projects…

As part of its investment, Octopus Energy will acquire a solar and storage project in California that is expected to be operational in July. The British-based company, which operates in key markets in Europe, Australia, China and the United States, says California’s clean technology sector will “bring innovation, growth and returns to Britain.” February 17, 2026 Blathnaid O’Dea UK-based Octopus Energy Generation is investing nearly $1 billion in clean technology innovation, concentrated in California’s Bay Area. The investment is part of London-based Octopus’ strategy to grow its business in the United States and ensure its established UK operations can benefit…

A 150MW/300MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) has been approved for development in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.The project was proposed in July 2025 by Northern Ireland developer Valor Power.A LinkedIn message by Donna Lyle, deputy director of planning consultancy Turley Belfast, states that planning permission was granted by Antrim and Newtonabbot Borough Council at a meeting on the evening of February 16. The planning portal has not yet been updated to reflect this.According to Lyle’s post, the project will “play a key role in supporting the SONI-identified Kells Grid Cluster, helping to strengthen grid stability, enable greater integration of renewables…

Fraunhofer scientists have announced two efficiency records for III-V tandem modules. The team says its III-V germanium PV module with an efficiency of 34.2% is the most efficient solar panel in the world, while its III-V silicon PV module with an efficiency of 31.3% is a record in its class. February 17, 2026 Patrick Jowett Germany Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has developed two III-V tandem PV modules with a world record energy conversion efficiency. The team’s modules each contain solar cells based on III-V semiconductor compounds, composed of elements from the third and fifth groups of the…

By Brad Kramer February 17, 2026 A European-based solar roof pioneer has completed its first project in the United States. Roofit.Solar energyheadquartered in Estonia, completed a 12.32 kW solar installation on the roof of a private home in Kalamazoo, Michigan, as the company consolidates its expansion in the North American market. The cleantech company has signed an official partnership agreement with a US-based solar energy installer ArcEdgewhich is leading the project in Michigan. “The transition to renewable energy solutions for residential and commercial properties is not just a market trend, but an essential part of achieving national energy independence, increasing…

The first phase of the MTerra solar project in the Philippines, which will become the world’s largest solar-plus-storage site upon completion, has achieved initial synchronization and energization with the Luzon grid. Project developers expect the project to start exporting power by the end of the month. February 17, 2026 Patrick Jowett The initial grid synchronization and ratification of the first phase of the MTerra Solar project the Philippines has been completed. The MTerra solar project includes a planned 3.5 GW solar and 4.5 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to be built on the island of Luzon, which upon completion…

Renewable energy sources contributed 38.7% of electricity to Ireland’s grid in the first month of 2026.According to the latest data from state transmission system operator (TSO) EirGrid, the figures are similar to last year, when renewable energy sources accounted for 40% of electricity generation.As usual in the winter months, wind energy contributed the most to the mix at 32.8%, while electricity generation from solar energy reached 0.8%. Despite this low level, solar energy showed the benefits of its contribution to the fuel mix on brighter days, EirGrid said.Grid-scale solar generation peaked at 371 MW at 12.45pm on Wednesday 28 January,…

New research shows how agrivoltaic systems can reshape soil by altering moisture, temperature and microbial activity, creating heterogeneous zones under and between panels. Good design and management can increase soil health and crop resilience, especially in degraded or arid areas, although long-term effects remain uncertain. February 17, 2026 Emiliano Bellini A team of researchers in Indonesia has conducted a comprehensive study on how agrivoltaic systems affect soil properties. It has been shown that these installations not only influence crops and microclimates, but also the fundamental processes that determine soil function and land productivity in the long term. “Our study resolves…