China introduces mandatory energy standards to curb PV overcapacity
China published three mandatory national standards tightening energy consumption and efficiency requirements across the PV value chain—from polysilicon to modules and inverters. The standards (GB 29447-2026, GB 47835-2026, GB 47834-2026), released June 27 and effective January 1, 2027, set minimum efficiency thresholds of ~23.2% for TOPCon, ~23.2% for HJT, and ~23.5% for BC modules, with bifaciality minimums of 75%, 85%, and 70% respectively. Inverters face weighted average and maximum conversion efficiency thresholds by power rating. The standards are expected to accelerate retirement of legacy PERC lines and high-energy polysilicon facilities, shifting the industry from scale-driven expansion toward efficiency and quality. State-owned utilities and government tenders will adopt the new limits as entry requirements.
US drafting ban on Chinese solar inverters over cybersecurity concerns
The Federal Communications Commission is reportedly drafting restrictions to block Chinese-made solar inverters in US energy projects, potentially taking effect as early as 2026. The move follows cybersecurity concerns, with the DOD already designating CATL, BYD, JA Solar, Trina Solar, Three Gorges, and Huawei as “Chinese military companies.” The EU enacted similar restrictions in April 2026, limiting funding for projects using inverters from “high-risk” suppliers. A DOE investigation of approximately 30 inverters in January found no malicious devices but warned that supply chain vulnerabilities persist. Industry experts advocate zero-trust technical security standards rather than blanket bans, given widespread existing dependence on Chinese hardware.
Gridmatic study reveals huge performance gap in California grid-scale batteries
Gridmatic’s CAISO Storage Report reveals a dramatic revenue gap across California’s 17.4 GW utility-scale battery fleet. Among 30 assets representing 2.3 GW, net energy and ancillary services revenue ranged from under $1/kW-month to over $6/kW-month, with a median of just $2.67/kW-month. Static bidding strategies and low asset availability (average 79.7%) are key drivers. The top performer, Caballero battery, achieved a 141% TBx capture rate—2.45 times the median. If all assets matched this level, the fleet could generate an additional $98 million in revenue, highlighting the critical role of dynamic bidding and intelligent optimization for storage project returns.
EU approves 45 GW energy storage deployment target
A tripartite EU agreement imposes new energy storage deployment obligations on 22 member states, setting a 45 GW storage target to reduce natural gas risk exposure. Renewable energy and storage developers committed to building a robust deployment pipeline, while cross-border investors prepare to deploy additional capital. EU manufacturing will receive supplementary funding, and commercial & industrial storage is expected to expand significantly. The target marks a pivotal shift from generation-only policies toward coordinated generation and storage deployment in the EU energy transition.
New Jersey unanimously passes plug-in solar bill
New Jersey’s legislature unanimously passed the Garden State Balcony Solar Act (S2368/A4836), becoming the tenth US state with such legislation. The bill allows residents to install portable solar devices up to 1,200 watts without permits or utility approval. Devices must comply with NEC standards and UL certification; devices under 400 watts are exempt from certification. Landlords and HOAs cannot prohibit use but may impose reasonable restrictions on size and placement. The law takes effect six months after Governor Sherrill signs it. A Fairleigh Dickinson University poll found 74%–82% voter support.
Biwatt launches modular sodium-ion residential storage system
Chinese manufacturer Biwatt introduced the PowerNest R5 Series, a modular sodium-ion residential storage system using NFPP (sodium iron pyrophosphate) chemistry. Each module offers 4.5 kWh capacity and 3 kW power, scalable to 4 modules per stack × 4 stacks in parallel. The wire-free stackable architecture integrates a DC-DC optimizer and custom BMS per module for active module-level balancing. Cycle life reaches 8,000 cycles at 25°C under 0.5C/0.5C and 80% DoD, with 90% recommended DoD and an operating range of −30°C to 55°C. IP65-rated, CE and RCM certified, with UL certifications in progress. Sodium-ion technology enters the residential storage market as a safe alternative to lithium-ion.
Exowatt launches modular solar thermal storage platform for AI data centers
Sam Altman-backed Exowatt introduced the P3 Energy Platform, a containerized concentrated solar thermal system providing off-grid power for AI data centers. Fresnel lenses concentrate sunlight to heat domestically sourced sand, dirt, and slag to 1,000°C, converting stored thermal energy to electricity via an integrated heat engine and linear generator. Each module provides 150 kWh thermal storage capacity, enabling up to 24 hours of dispatchable output with a 50%–70% capacity factor target. Project backlog stands at 90 GWh across West Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada. Levelized cost target: 1 cent/kWh, 30-year engineered lifespan, no process water required.
Global solar irradiance redistributed in H1 2026 under shifting climate patterns
Solcast analysis shows global solar irradiance redistributed in H1 2026 due to shifting atmospheric patterns—from early blocking and polar vortex disruption to developing El Niño conditions from April. Irradiance was 5–10% above average across Europe, the US, Southeast Asia, South America, and Central Africa. France recorded +13%, Germany +11%, Finland +16%, and Austria +25% in May. The US was broadly above average, but Texas and the Gulf Coast turned negative in Q2 due to rainfall. Asian markets diverged significantly—Hong Kong exceeded +25% in January. Australian inland regions saw 15–30% deficits from tropical cyclones. Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and North Africa recorded 5–10% deficits.
Germany completes solar-plus-storage auction at average €0.0534/kWh
Germany completed its latest innovative renewable energy auction, allocating 482 MW of capacity. Winning bids ranged from €0.0475 to €0.0559/kWh, with an average of €0.0534/kWh. The auction was specifically for solar-plus-storage integrated projects, reflecting Germany’s continued policy push for renewable energy and storage co-deployment. Awarded projects will deploy both PV generation and battery storage systems, enhancing dispatchability and grid value.
European heatwave pushes electricity prices above €115/MWh
AleaSoft data shows a heatwave across much of Europe last week pushed weekly average electricity prices in major European power markets above €115/MWh. High temperatures suppressed solar module efficiency and reduced combined-cycle gas turbine output, while simultaneously driving up cooling demand—creating dual supply and demand pressure. Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany saw record intraday electricity prices, underscoring the direct impact of climate change on power markets.
Argentina battery storage auction lowest bid at $7,397/MW-month
In Argentina’s first large-scale battery storage procurement round, financial bids fell significantly below the auction ceiling price, with the lowest bid at just $7,397/MW-month. A total of 232 qualified projects are competing for a 700 MW target capacity, reflecting strong competitiveness and investor enthusiasm for storage deployment in emerging markets. The auction marks an important step in Argentina’s energy transition, integrating battery storage into national power system planning.
Atmoce releases stackable AC-coupled storage system for C&I solar
Netherlands-based Atmoce introduced the M-ELV BattBank, a stackable AC-coupled LFP storage system designed for commercial & industrial solar applications. Each module provides 16.08 kWh, scaling to 112.56 kWh per 7-module cluster with corresponding 56 kW power output. The standout feature is a parallel inverter architecture—each module has its own dedicated inverter—eliminating serial bottlenecks where weaker modules limit overall output. AC round-trip efficiency exceeds 90%, with up to 10,000 cycles rated, operating from −30°C to 55°C with intelligent air cooling.