A new report from several US industry groups found that millions of homeowners face unnecessary hurdles to owning rooftop solar and battery projects, potentially saving them billions. The report graded all 50 states on solar permitting policy and recommended changes to simplify the process. Residential solar policies could be streamlined to reduce costs and make solar ownership more accessible for homeowners.
Renewables developer IPP Storm has raised €330 million to start building two 1.2GWh battery storage projects in Belgium, as part of the country's growing energy storage infrastructure. The projects are expected to be located in Ruien and Langerlo, although specific details on their locations were not provided.
China's national grid is a result of deliberate policy choices, including building out a backbone transmission system to support renewable energy growth and ensure reliability. The country now has over 40 ultra-high-voltage (UHV) lines, up from none in 2008, as part of its efforts to integrate renewable power. China's grid planning prioritizes federal-level coordination for high-voltage lines above 500 kV and provincial control for lower-voltage lines.
The Western US experienced a severe heat wave in mid-March, highlighting the need for grid operators to effectively manage power imports and exports via regional electricity markets. Analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund shows that Arizona ratepayers could save over $114 million per year by joining the Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM) instead of SPP's Markets+. Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent extreme weather events, making efficient power management critical to keeping the lights on.
The UK government will require solar panels and heat pumps to be installed in all new homes in England starting in 2028, with plug-in solar panels for self-installation on balconies also becoming widely available. This move aims to reduce carbon emissions from the housing sector and meet the country's renewable energy targets. The planning document outlines the requirements for developers and homeowners to prioritize sustainable building practices.
EPRI has launched Flex MOSAIC, a new framework for large electric loads, in collaboration with 65 utilities and tech providers. This framework aims to reduce the time to power for data centers and enhance grid reliability. It is designed to improve power access for these critical facilities.
France's energy regulator proposes linking solar subsidies to storage, aiming to encourage projects combining solar and energy storage as negative power prices surge. The changes apply to installations above 100 kWp and form part of a broader effort to improve public spending efficiency and align the renewable sector with electricity system needs. France has already issued initial recommendations in July 2025 to revise premium mechanisms and rebalance risk-sharing during periods of negative prices.
A Maryland-headquartered company has power purchase agreements with Google for the electricity from two Texas solar installations. The agreement is part of a larger trend in renewable energy and represents a significant commitment to clean energy. No specific details about the terms of the PPA are provided in the article.
Tokyo's power grid has been experiencing economic curtailment, with renewable generators instructed to reduce output by as much as 1.84 million kW at peak, marking a significant shift in the balance of supply and demand. This curtailment is notable because it occurs in Japan's largest power market, which historically relies on imports. The event highlights how solar deployment has outpaced system flexibility in Tokyo.
Ohio regulators have blocked another major solar project due to local pushback, despite potentially fake public comments opposing it. This decision is part of a trend in the state where solar projects are being hindered by local opposition, with Ohio allowing local governments more control over renewable energy policies than fossil fuels. A significant number of public comments against the array appear to be fabricated.
Solar Power World