Solitek shows new rugged solar modules. Valentin adds 3D building models for planning with a mouse click. A robust firefighter switch for PV systems, and Solar-Planit's new start page and project management round off this week's picks.

The manager at the solar and storage technology company argues that the era of stand-alone PV systems is over, as storage and energy management now drive installations. And he has solid reasons to be optimistic for 2026.

PV Guided Tours: Homes are increasingly becoming energy producers. Sector coupling within the building is growing in importance and even electric vehicles are now part of the picture. Gregor Kuschmann and Robert Pawlik of Solarwatt explain which components and solutions make energy independence possible and how buildings are playing a new role in the energy market.

July brought two answers to Europe's cathode gap: a BASF-CATL supply deal and Gotion's €940 million Spanish complex, while lithium, anode and recycling progress continued elsewhere, New AutoMotive's monthly tracker shows.

Energy crises and rising fossil and nuclear prices are making solar and battery storage more attractive than ever, driving demand across industrial rooftops, open land and car parks – find out more in the latest guide.

The country's first dedicated clean energy act aligns Skopje with EU rules, introducing auctions, two-way CfDs and corporate PPAs. Colenco CEO Nikola Bitrak assesses what the framework achieves and where work remains.

UNEF and Castilla-La Mancha's regional government are working to give municipalities a stronger role across the country's 837 energy communities, where local involvement already runs deep.

Countries are responding to the second energy crisis in five years by expanding electricity investment and turning to new supply routes and domestic resources, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reports.

A new report from the Croatian Renewable Energy Association maps the barriers holding back a market that has gained traction elsewhere in Europe, from regulatory complexity to the near-absence of municipal and community contracts.

A new 54 MW solar park in Saxony-Anhalt has been added to an existing wind farm, sharing the same substation and grid connection and demonstrating how renewables can expand without further straining the network.

Danish developer European Energy has started construction of the Indian Queens project in Cornwall, combining 67.96 MW of solar capacity with a 95 MWh battery system, with revenues secured through a corporate PPA and a capacity market contract.

SMA met thresholds in market presence, market share, company size and sustainability, one of only twelve manufacturers to qualify from a field of 30.

As synchronous generators retire and inertia drains from the grid, battery storage inverters are inheriting stability tasks once reserved for spinning steel, argues Daniel Gerber of ABB Renewable Power.

PV Guided Tours: Speed and simple handling are what installers demand of rooftop mounting. With versatile substructures and just a handful of tools, modules can go onto virtually any roof in record time. Sounds too good to be true? Watch the video.

Roofs and flat open spaces aren't the only options for solar power. Applications that pose particular challenges for project planning and installation technology are increasingly coming into focus.