Solar industry

NextEra Energy and Entergy topped U.S. solar project starts in the fourth quarter, according to Industrial Info Resources. The ranking highlights which utility companies drove the most new solar construction activity at the end of the year, underscoring continued momentum in America's renewable energy build-out despite a challenging policy environment.

The Solar Energy Industries Association has released an outlook on US solar photovoltaic manufacturing, examining policy trends and the broader industry landscape with an emphasis on opportunities for European-American cooperation. The analysis highlights how US manufacturing policy is shaping investment and trade ties, and what it means for European partners looking to engage with the growing American solar supply chain.

New figures show the world added around 690 gigawatts of solar power capacity in 2025, according to reporting by pv magazine. The total underscores the continued rapid expansion of solar energy worldwide, as installations keep outpacing forecasts driven by falling costs and strong demand in major markets. Industry observers are weighing what the record-scale buildout means for grids, fossil fuel demand and global climate targets.

Arevia Power, previously known as a solar developer, is reportedly repositioning itself toward gas-fired power and data center energy projects. The reported pivot highlights how energy companies are chasing demand from data centers rather than renewables alone. Details on the scale of the shift and its clients remain limited, but the move fits a broader industry trend of repurposing clean-energy developers for AI-driven power demand.

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has filed a petition against a solar company, alleging it used a fraudulent sales scheme against customers. The filing accuses the firm of deceptive practices in selling solar installations. The action signals state scrutiny of solar industry sales tactics, and the case is expected to move through the courts as consumers await potential restitution.

Austrian renewable energy developer RP Global has purchased a 22-megawatt-peak roadside solar project in Germany. The acquisition adds to the company's growing solar portfolio and reflects continued investor interest in German renewable energy assets. Further details on the seller, price and timeline for the project were not disclosed.

The Howard County council has discussed a bill that could place a pause on solar energy projects in the county. The proposal would halt new solar developments while officials weigh regulations. Details of the debate, the reasons for the proposed moratorium and reactions from residents or the solar industry have not been widely reported yet.

Renewables company X-NOOR has completed a solar installation at a steel wire rope factory in Dubai. The project adds to the growing uptake of solar power by industrial facilities in the United Arab Emirates. Details on the system's capacity and expected output have not been disclosed, and reaction to the announcement has so far been limited.

President Trump has signaled openness to expanded solar energy development in the United States, but the proposal reportedly carries conditions that could limit its appeal to the renewable energy industry. Details of the catch remain sparse, leaving analysts questioning whether the offer represents a genuine shift in the administration's stance on solar power or a narrower political gesture.

Building materials maker CertainTeed has released Landmark PWR, a new solar roofing system. The product combines solar generation with traditional asphalt shingle roofing, aimed at homeowners who want renewable energy without separate panel mounts. Trade coverage in the solar industry is reporting the launch, though detailed specifications and pricing have not yet been widely shared.

Solar software company Aurora Solar has launched Aurora Solar Trust Signal, a quarterly tracker measuring homeowner trust in the solar industry. The company says it is the first tool of its kind in the sector, aiming to give installers and manufacturers regular data on how consumers perceive solar energy and what drives their confidence or skepticism when adopting it.

The Clean Energy Council has published its latest report on rooftop solar and battery storage, covering January to June 2026. The release compiles installation figures and market trends for the period, offering an updated picture of household and small-scale energy adoption. Industry watchers use these half-yearly reports to track growth in rooftop solar and storage uptake.

Solar Power World has published a new installment of its Solar Spotlight series focused on engineering that goes beyond specification requirements in solar projects. The piece highlights companies and practices that exceed standard design and performance criteria in solar installations. The series continues the outlet's coverage of technical innovation and quality standards across the solar energy industry.

Building materials manufacturer CertainTeed has released Landmark PWR, a new solar roofing system for residential homes. The product combines solar panels with roofing shingles, aimed at homeowners who want to generate electricity without installing conventional rack-mounted panels. The launch adds to a growing market of integrated solar roofing options as demand for residential clean energy products continues to expand in the United States.

Trials are underway in Australia on wireless telecom towers wrapped in solar panels, a design that could let towers generate their own power and cut reliance on the grid. Industry coverage is focused on whether the solar-wrapped approach can withstand real-world conditions and how much energy it could realistically produce for network operators.

First Solar is adjusting its approach to enforcing intellectual property rights related to TOPCon solar cell technology. The company, a leading US solar manufacturer, has previously pursued legal action to protect its proprietary thin-film and cadmium telluride innovations, and the recalibration signals a shift in how it plans to defend its TOPCon-related patents. Details of the revised enforcement strategy have not been disclosed.

Leading photovoltaic and energy-storage companies are debating how to escape intense price competition in their industry. Executives are pointing to three main routes: breakthroughs in core technology, new ways to monetise artificial intelligence, and expanding into overseas markets while staying compliant with local rules. The discussion reflects widening losses and overcapacity pressure across the solar and storage sectors.

ABB has introduced the Microlectric BS225M-TCVCN meter socket, a new product aimed at supporting the growing demand for solar energy. The launch adds to ABB's electrical equipment range and is designed to accommodate solar installations connected through the metering point. The announcement has drawn attention within the energy sector as solar adoption continues to expand.