solar energy

Ukraine is relying increasingly on distributed renewable energy to keep power flowing despite Russian strikes on its centralised grid. Small-scale solar, wind and other decentralised installations are harder to knock out than large power plants, allowing hospitals, communities and businesses to maintain electricity through attacks. The approach is being highlighted as a model of wartime energy resilience.

Japan is converting disused golf courses into large-scale solar farms as the country struggles to find open land for renewable energy. With mountainous terrain, limited flat space and growing pressure to cut emissions, developers see retired golf facilities, many closed after declining demand, as ready-made sites with existing grid access for solar panels.

China has become the first country in the world to surpass 1,000 gigawatts of installed solar power capacity, a milestone in the global energy transition. The achievement underlines the scale of China's investment in renewables, far outpacing other nations and cementing its lead in solar manufacturing and deployment.

Germany has reached record levels of solar energy production, with photovoltaic output hitting unprecedented highs. The milestone underscores the country's continued expansion of renewable capacity as it works to phase out fossil fuels. Observers are highlighting the achievement as a sign of Germany's progress toward its climate and energy transition goals.

Renewable sources supplied a record 80% of electricity demand on Australia's national grid, with solar and wind generation combining to reach the milestone. The result is being cited as evidence that renewables can carry a large share of a major advanced economy's power system, adding to ongoing debate in Australia about the pace of the energy transition and the future role of coal and gas.

Germany has generated 90.2 terawatt-hours of solar power through September, already surpassing its total solar output for all of 2025. The milestone underlines the pace of the country's solar expansion and its growing reliance on renewables in the power mix.

Researchers report a new perovskite solar cell reaching 30.1% efficiency, achieved by engineering smarter perovskite layer structures to reduce energy losses. The result marks another step toward making perovskite-based panels competitive with, or better than, conventional silicon technology, and is drawing attention in the renewable energy field.

Japan is converting disused golf courses into large-scale solar power sites, easing the country's shortage of open land for renewable energy. As golf's popularity declines, closed courses offer flat, sunny, pre-cleared terrain well suited to panels. Bloomberg reports the trend is accelerating as Japan pushes to expand renewable capacity to meet its climate and energy security goals.

Renewable energy developer Low Carbon has announced plans to build a 500MW solar-plus-storage project in the UK, one of the larger combined schemes in the country's pipeline. The project would pair large-scale solar generation with battery storage to supply power more flexibly to the grid. The announcement lands as the UK pushes to expand renewable capacity and grid-scale storage.

Grupo Enhol has secured financing from Proparco and Santander for a 467MW solar PV project in Peru. The deal marks a significant investment in the country's renewable energy capacity, adding large-scale solar generation. The project is expected to strengthen Peru's energy transition and is drawing attention as one of the region's notable recent clean-energy financings.

French renewable energy company Qair has secured €37.9 million in financing to develop hybrid solar projects in Chad. The funding will support solar installations paired with other generation capacity in a country where reliable electricity access remains limited. The deal marks a significant clean energy investment in one of the world's least electrified nations and reflects growing investor interest in African renewable infrastructure.

The City of Cleveland has announced the launch of two solar energy projects aimed at generating clean power locally and delivering savings for residents. The initiative is part of the city's push toward renewable energy and reduced energy costs, and is drawing attention for its municipal approach to clean power generation.

Researchers have pushed back against claims that their work overlooked grid expenses, saying the analysis directly measured them and found that large-scale solar power reduces overall system costs. The findings, published via Commonwealth Beacon, argue utility-scale solar delivers savings for electricity customers rather than added burdens, in a contribution to ongoing debates over renewable energy economics.

Shares of First Solar rose after KeyBanc removed its underweight rating on the solar panel maker. The move by the brokerage signaled a more neutral or positive stance on the company, prompting investors to buy the stock. First Solar, a major US-based solar manufacturer, has been closely watched amid shifting policy and demand dynamics in the clean energy sector.

KeyBanc has upgraded its rating on First Solar, telling clients that the solar panel maker's current valuation limits further downside risk. The call comes as investors weigh the outlook for US solar manufacturers amid shifting policy and demand conditions. Analysts' comments suggest the stock's recent weakness has already priced in much of the negative news.

A Massachusetts startup has unveiled a new solar-powered boat designed to be versatile in its uses. The company is floating the vessel as a clean-energy alternative on the water, adding to growing interest in electrified and solar marine transport. Details about the boat's specifications, performance and intended markets remain limited in early coverage.

A city solar grant program announced that income-qualified homeowners can now have rooftop solar installations covered in full, removing the upfront cost barrier to clean energy. The program aims to expand access to renewable energy for lower-income residents and reduce household utility bills. Further details on eligibility criteria and application procedures have not been provided in the announcement.

A community solar project has broken ground in Northeast Portland. The development will allow local residents and businesses to subscribe to shared solar power and receive credits on their electricity bills, extending renewable energy access to people who cannot install panels on their own properties. The project is part of Oregon's growing community solar program.

A judge has ruled to restore funds that allow a solar program in Gary, Indiana to reopen. The decision returns money that had been cut, letting the community solar initiative move forward again. Details about the parties involved and the reasoning behind the initial funding cut remain limited, but the ruling is being reported as a win for solar access in the city.

Green advocates in Pittsburgh have organized a group purchasing program for solar panels, allowing residents to buy systems together at a discounted rate to cut their energy bills. The initiative aims to make renewable energy more affordable for households across the city by pooling demand to negotiate lower installation prices.