All latest news Fraunhofer ISE/ Photo Marco Ernst Germany – colour films mark a step change in PV aesthetics 04/24/2026 - A Fraunhofer ISE team has developed a technique using structured coatings and cutouts to create detailed, durable patterns on modules, opening new scope for architecture and design in PV. HTW Berlin Energy Storage Inspection 2026 shows wide efficiency spread 04/24/2026 - HTW Berlin’s latest annual study of residential PV battery systems finds new efficiency highs among leading products, but persistent gaps between top and lower-ranked systems. European Union, 2026 EU clamps down on PV funding linked to Chinese inverters 04/24/2026 - New rules restrict access to funding for projects using solar and battery inverters from high-risk vendors, reflecting growing concern over cybersecurity and control of critical energy infrastructure. Margriet Fotografie Solar prices steady, new risks loom 04/24/2026 - After a period of tight supply and rising prices, the market is loosening. Yet geopolitical shifts may still impact module and battery pricing, according to Gerard Scheper of European Solar. Solar-Planit PV Europe’s products of the week – focus on mounting 04/24/2026 - Solar-Planit adds string planning and façade options. A new Panelgitter provides pigeon protection for solar installations. PMT secures general building approval for a green roof mounting system, while Fischer presents a new façade clip system. These are this week’s new products. Hedno Greece – study points to room in grid for multi-GW storage 04/24/2026 - Based on network modelling and connection data, a recent study by distribution network operator Deddie/Hedno suggests that between 1.8 GW and 2.9 GW of battery storage could be connected to Greece’s existing distribution grid. ESS/private Solar Investors Guide #4 – Long-term storage with iron flow technology 04/23/2026 - Podcast: The Energy Center from ESS Inc. in Oregon is an iron flow storage system offering 1.16 MWh of capacity and 174 kW of maximum charging power. Housed in a single container, the modular unit is designed for a range of commercial and grid applications. Alan Greenshields, Director EMEA at ESS, discusses long-duration storage and the role of redox flow technology using sustainable materials such as iron, salt and water. SolarPower Europe SolarPower Europe calls for stronger auctions and PPAs to drive electrification 04/23/2026 - Public auctions and corporate PPAs delivered 92 GW of solar capacity in the EU between the 2022 energy crisis and 2025. Now, the Brussels-based trade body is urging stronger use of these tools to reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports. Sungrow Greece – decarbonisation fund to drive €4.4 billion in investment 04/23/2026 - The Island Decarbonisation Fund is due to launch in the coming months, with European Investment Bank approval of the investment plan by June clearing the way for first project financing. Metlen Greek energy group Metlen: “Italy is a core market for us” 04/23/2026 - With a 3 GW pipeline of solar and battery projects, Metlen is strengthening its position in Italy through new storage projects, tolling agreements and partnerships with industrial energy consumers. R.Power R.Power lands €25 million equity boost from EBRD and 3SIIF 04/23/2026 - Warsaw-based developer R.Power has secured a €25 million capital increase to support expansion of its renewable energy portfolio across European markets, as it advances a 32 GW pipeline across six countries. Vorsatz Media Sunman Energy – lightweight modules deliver up to 520 watts 04/23/2026 - PV on Tour – Sunman Energy presents its ultra-lightweight, semi-flexible solar modules, designed for lightweight roofs and balcony PV systems, and achieving up to 520 watts. Managing Director Nancy Yell lays out the advantages of the technology. European Union EU Commission sets out AccelerateEU energy plan 04/23/2026 - A new EU action plan targets fossil fuel costs and faster clean energy rollout, as industry calls for rapid expansion of battery storage to strengthen system resilience and competitiveness. Entso-E Expert report identifies causes of Iberian blackout 04/23/2026 - The final report on the 28 April 2025 blackout in Spain and Portugal has been published by ENTSO-E, identifying the causes of the most severe European grid incident in more than 20 years. Fischer Fischer presents new clip system for façades 04/23/2026 - A new clip system supports solar façades with framed modules in portrait or landscape orientation, using module mounting holes for direct fixing to concrete or load-bearing masonry. Intilion Croatia – batteries unlock savings and ten-year payback 04/23/2026 - A study by the Hrvoje Požar Energy Institute and the University of Zagreb finds battery storage cuts system costs by up to 15 percent, supporting payback within around ten years. Kostal Solar Electric/Gentner pv Europe special – solar power by farmers, for farmers 04/22/2026 - Our new feature on solar energy for farmers explores the latest trends in agri-PV and how farms are using the sun to boost self-sufficiency. The special edition is available to download free of charge. Vorsatz Media Atmoce – low voltages for increased safety 04/22/2026 - PV Guided Tours: Atmoce presents two new innovative products – a micro inverter and a low-voltage battery. The M-ELV battery operates at less than 30 volts, increasing safety for installers and simplifying day-to-day work. Intelligent energy management system connects both components. The low-voltage technology is designed to benefit private households as well as commercial users. Solar Promotion The smarter E Europe spotlights 24/7 renewables 04/22/2026 - The Renewables 24/7 exhibit in Munich brings together case studies, live demonstrations and analysis, including new Fraunhofer ISE findings on maintaining secure electricity systems around the clock and at scale. Inion Lithuania – rising cyber attacks test resilience of energy networks 04/22/2026 - A 63 percent rise in cyber attacks in 2024 has exposed vulnerabilities in Lithuania’s solar and storage infrastructure. Cybersecurity expert Dr Robertas Janickas outlines measures to restrict remote access to critical systems. Wolfgang Weiser Timing over volume – designing for peak loads 04/22/2026 - If short demand spikes set costs, system design must follow. In part two of his piece on peak demand, Stefan Schröder of Sonepar examines the implications for design and integration. Conexio-PSE SilicoNPV 2026 in Ankara to spotlight silicon PV advances 04/22/2026 - From 13 to 17 April 2026, Ankara will host a conference on crystalline silicon photovoltaics, covering TOPCon, heterojunction and tandem concepts while bringing together researchers and industry professionals. UNEF Spain’s solar market hits 9.3 GW as growth slows 04/22/2026 - With annual additions now around 1 GW, UNEF is calling for stronger momentum to maintain progress towards 2030 targets. Kerbo Charge UK – kerbside charging rules threaten urban EV rollout 04/22/2026 - Regulatory hurdles around home charging are emerging as a key barrier to EV uptake among households without driveways. New survey data highlights the scale of the issue and growing pressure for reform. PMT PMT Evo Green gains full system building approval 04/22/2026 - Premium Mounting Technologies has secured general building approval for its PMT Evo Green system, streamlining planning and opening access to public tenders Show more