ryansheehanrts, Author at Elite Home & Solar

Solar Energy

Hybrid energy parks face headwinds in Europe

July 10, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Combining solar and wind parks with large battery storage systems at a single site, otherwise known as co-location, offers several advantages. For operators, it reduces risk by diversifying revenue streams, protecting against price cannibalisation, and enabling generation or feed-in to shift to evening hours. The economic viability of battery storage improves through cost savings from a shared grid connection and faster grid access. For the power system, benefits include fewer grid bottlenecks, reduced curtailment of plants and more efficient use of limited grid capacity.

So far only small market share for hybrid systems

However, the market for renewable co-location projects in Europe is still in its early stages. According to Aurora Energy Research, solar and wind farms with a combined capacity of nearly 1.2 gigawatts (GW) were operating in Europe in 2023 alongside large-scale battery storage. PV plus battery storage led the way with 724 megawatts (MW), followed by onshore wind plus storage at 475 MW. According to SolarPower Europe, 11 percent of the 0.8 GW of large-scale battery storage systems totalling 1.1 gigawatt-hours (GWh) installed in Germany between 2021 and 2023 were combined with renewable energy plants, mainly solar parks. In the UK, 12 percent of wind and solar farms were co-located with battery storage or electrolysers, according to an April 2024 report by industry association Renewable UK.

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However, experts and industry representatives report a sharp rise in demand for large-scale battery storage and co-location projects. In Germany, project developers have submitted grid connection requests for 161 GW of battery storage capacity – one hundred times more than the 1.6 GW currently installed. SolarPower Europe also forecasts strong growth in large-scale battery storage in its European Market Outlook for Battery Storage 2024–2028. In the medium scenario, total installed capacity is expected to reach 78 GWh, more than double the 2023 figure of 35.8 GWh.

Growing interest in co-location projects

In a high-growth scenario, installed battery capacity in Europe is expected to reach 135 GWh by 2028. Large batteries, particularly grid-scale systems, also known as utility-scale storage, will lead the market. Their share of new installations is projected to rise to 45 percent by 2028, more than double the 2023 level of 21 percent. As a result, interest in co-location projects is also increasing, according to analysts Jannik Carl and Eva Zimmermann of Aurora Energy Research. Almost all large-scale PV projects are now combined with battery storage, says Stefan Müller, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of EPC provider Enerparc.

Co-located solar park for a resilient grid completed in Sweden

Valerii Lazarev, Projects Bankability Manager at WElink Energy, identifies negative electricity prices during peak times, grid bottlenecks and high grid access costs as key drivers for co-location projects. EPCs can benefit from hybridising existing solar projects by flattening the production curve and delivering energy on demand – and therefore at higher prices. This can be achieved with relatively low investment, as no new and costly grid connection is required.

Largest hybrid plant in Portugal

The international developer, based in Ireland, is currently expanding a 219 MW solar park in Vaquieros, southern Portugal, into a co-location facility with a capacity of over 1 terawatt-hour, according to Lazarev. Commissioned at the end of 2021, the park will be enlarged in phases. First, an additional 50 MW of PV capacity will be added, followed by a 165 MW wind farm and a 100 MW/400 MWh battery storage system. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

A how-to of ombining agri-PV with wind power and storage

Europe’s largest co-location power plant is currently under construction by Spanish energy producer Endesa, also in Portugal, in Pego (province of Santarém). The project combines a 365 MW PV plant, a 264 MW wind farm and a 168 MW battery storage facility. In addition, a 500 kW electrolyser will be installed to produce green hydrogen using surplus energy that cannot be absorbed by the battery system.

Further cost decline an important driver

The continued decline in costs, especially for photovoltaics and battery storage, is another key driver of co-location projects. According to a July 2024 study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) for solar parks in Germany ranges between 4.1 and 6.9 euro cents per kilowatt-hour. For combined ground-mounted PV systems with battery storage, the LCOE is between 6.0 and 10.8 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Large battery storage systems in Europe all the rage

If battery prices fall to the projected range of 180 to 700 euros per kilowatt-hour by 2045, the ISE expects production costs for ground-mounted PV battery systems to drop to between 3.1 and 5.0 euro cents per kilowatt-hour. By comparison, fossil fuel power plants are already significantly more expensive: lignite-fired plants cost between 15.1 and 25.7 cents, hard coal between 17.3 and 29.3 cents, combined-cycle gas plants 10.9 to 18.1 cents and flexible gas power plants 15.4 to 32.6 cents per kilowatt-hour. Nuclear power ranges from 13.6 to 49.0 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Reduce construction and operation costs by 50 %

According to Aurora Energy Research, the actual increase in profitability (IRR) currently achievable by combining a solar power plant with a battery storage system in key European markets ranges from one to just over two percent. The IRRs of standalone solar parks were compared with those of projects co-located with battery storage.

Podcast: Prospects and pitfalls for investments in solar and large battery projects

RenewableUK points out the high potential cost advantages of co-location projects if regulatory barriers are removed and approvals are simplified. Combining PV projects with battery storage at the same grid connection point could reduce construction and operating costs by 50 percent. In addition, a more flexible energy system with the integration of storage in the UK would save 16.7 billion pounds (19.8 billion euros) in electricity system costs annually by 2050, which would also benefit electricity customers.

Complexity and regulation as obstacles

There are several reasons why co-location projects often struggle to realise their full cost-saving potential in practice, and why uptake remains slow. “In addition to regulatory issues, this combination of technologies is extremely complex in terms of structure and commercialisation. Business models must be assessed on a case-by-case basis and, depending on local conditions, a standalone project may be more attractive than a co-location one,” says Philipp Kraemer, Director Strategic Growth & Digitisation at CCE.

Solar Investors Guide: Storage systems to revolutionise the grid

In Germany, the so-called exclusivity principle under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) has hindered the economic viability of solar and wind farms combined with battery storage. It stipulates that EEG-subsidised plants may only be charged with green electricity year-round; using grid electricity would result in the loss of EEG plant status and associated subsidies. This severely restricts the profitable and flexible operation of storage systems co-located with solar or wind farms – particularly for shifting feed-in to high-price hours or providing balancing energy, which requires drawing power from the grid.

UK, Ireland and Italy already further ahead

According to the Solar Package I, from June 2025 it should be possible to switch the operating mode every two months, and from June 2026 to charge the storage system both from the grid and the renewable energy system in parallel. However, Aurora analyst Eva Zimmermann warns of possible delays in the regulation taking effect in Germany, as the Federal Network Agency – responsible for implementation – has yet to approve a measurement concept. Other European countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland and Italy, which already allow flexible operation of co-location systems, are further ahead in this regard, says Zimmermann.

Expert view: Battery storage as a business model for PV

Intersolar Europe, taking place this year from 7 to 9 May, offers a comprehensive overview of the latest products, technologies and solutions, along with key trends in the field of PV hybrid power plants. At the accompanying Intersolar Europe Conference, an English-language session titled “Hybrid PV Power Plants II: Strategies for Matching Energy Generation & Power Demand” will run from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 May. On Thursday, 8 May, the topic will also be featured in an English session at the Intersolar Forum (Hall A3, Booth A3.150) from 15:00 to 16:30. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Resilient solar – weather intelligence for an era of extremes

July 10, 2025 ryansheehanrts

As extreme weather events become more frequent, their financial toll on solar projects is growing. The scale and cost of these hazards are considerable. Industry data and insurance reports show that weather-related damage now makes up a rising share of solar project losses, with repair and replacement costs often running into millions per incident.

Recent examples highlight risks

Several incidents worldwide underscore the vulnerability of solar assets to extreme weather:

North Wales, 2024 – Storm Darragh hit the Porth Wen Solar Farm with winds reaching 155 km/h, destroying hundreds of panels and causing significant downtime.

Queensland, Australia, 2023 – Cyclone Jasper caused severe damage to a solar project near Cooktown, exposing gaps in wind mitigation measures.

West Texas, USA, 2019 – A massive hailstorm destroyed more than 400,000 PV panels, triggering a record-high insurance payout for the industry. Hail makes up just 1.4% of solar insurance claims but accounts for 54% of total claim costs.

Portfolio-level screening study

Vaisala, a leader in weather and environmental measurement and forecasting, conducted an internal study of nearly 1,000 solar sites worldwide to evaluate exposure to high wind risks. The findings were striking: 68 percent of the sites were classified as medium or high risk for wind-related damage.

This high-level screening used global reanalysis datasets to assess the frequency and intensity of short-duration wind ramp events – rapid spikes in wind speed that can exceed tracker stow thresholds and threaten infrastructure integrity. By combining high-frequency reanalysis data with site metadata, each solar facility was categorised as low, medium or high wind risk based on the historical frequency of such events. The aim was not to replace detailed engineering assessments, but to offer a scalable method for prioritising sites potentially vulnerable to operational disruption from sudden wind conditions.

How advanced weather intelligence boosts solar power plant resilience

The analysis revealed clear geographic patterns. A high concentration of medium- and high-risk sites was identified in the southwestern United States. Other regions with elevated exposure included Southern Europe, North and Southern Africa, the Middle East and parts of Central Asia. These findings align with established wind patterns in semi-arid and desert climates, where calm conditions can quickly give way to damaging gusts, often with little warning.

The smarter E Europe – a blueprint for tomorrow’s energy

While the study was not designed to produce project-specific mitigation plans, it offered valuable insights for asset managers and developers looking to strengthen resilience planning. In particular, it highlighted where current strategies – such as static stow thresholds or limited wind sensing – may be insufficient. For sites in higher-risk areas, the findings provide a data-driven basis for exploring advanced situational awareness tools, such as remote wind sensing, to support smarter stowing decisions and safeguard long-term project performance.

Technologies for mitigating extreme weather hazards

To strengthen resilience against severe weather events such as high winds, thunderstorms and hail, solar farms can adopt a range of complementary strategies.

Traditional in-situ weather sensors such as wind and precipitation monitors provide precise, hyperlocal data on current conditions, which is highly valuable for optimising operational energy production. However, they are less effective for improving resilience to extreme weather, as it is often too late to react once a wind gust or hailstorm has already reached the site.

In contrast, SaaS-based solutions such as those using forecast models, lightning detection networks and storm tracking can provide early warnings for approaching hail or thunderstorms. These systems are quick to deploy and require no upfront hardware investment.

For high winds, remote sensing technologies such as scanning Doppler wind lidars offer a significant advantage by detecting wind ramps at a distance. This gives operators critical lead time to stow panels safely and avoid unnecessary energy losses caused by overly conservative stowing strategies. Combining these approaches supports a smarter, layered defence against extreme weather.

Applied technologies for weather resilience

At RayGen’s Carwarp solar and storage facility in Australia, the operator deployed the Vaisala Windcube Scan Doppler wind lidar. This advanced remote sensing system provides real-time, three-dimensional visualisation of wind patterns across the site, offering up to 20 minutes of lead time before a wind ramp arrives. With this insight, RayGen can take timely action to protect its heliostats by stowing them only when necessary, reducing unnecessary downtime while avoiding damage.

Vaisala

Another view of the RayGen solar plus storage site in Australia, watched over by a WindCube Scan Doppler wind lidar.

In Spain, a 50 MW solar facility in Castilla-La Mancha faced recurring hail threats. By integrating SaaS-based forecasting systems that issue early warnings for hail and thunderstorms, along with automated tracker stowing, the site successfully avoided major hail damage during two severe weather events. These proactive strategies have preserved infrastructure and reduced downtime compared to conventional stowing methods.

Building resilience across the solar lifecycle

True weather resilience goes beyond simply reacting to forecasts. It requires embedding intelligence and adaptability throughout the entire project lifecycle.

Planning and design: Use historical weather data and long-term models to inform site selection, tracker design and material choices. Prioritise locations with lower wind and hail risk profiles.

Construction: Choose mounting systems and panel technologies designed for site-specific hazards, including wind-rated frames, appropriate piles foundations, and hail-resistant glazing.

Construction: Choose mounting systems and panel technologies designed for site-specific hazards, including wind-rated frames, appropriate pile foundations and hail-resistant glazing.

Repowering & optimization: Regularly reassess climate risk using updated models, and enhance systems with the latest sensing and forecasting technologies.

The rising threat of severe weather doesn’t have to mean rising uncertainty. By adopting smart, proactive mitigation strategies, solar stakeholders can protect assets, secure returns and support long-term operational success. (Rémy Parmentier/hcn)

Rémy Parmentier is the Head of Solar & Hybrid at Vaisala, where he leads strategy and business development for the company’s solar energy portfolio. With a PhD in physics and a decade-long track record advancing wind LIDAR R&D, he drives innovation at the intersection of renewable energy and advanced weather monitoring technology.

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“We cover high wind loads”

July 10, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Wagner Solar has now developed a new agri-PV system. Have you worked in the area of agriculture before?

Udo Geisel: Up to now we have predominantly built solar parks for farmers with conventional ground-mounted systems. These are east and west-facing systems with the typical ground-mounted arrays of 40 to 100 modules in numerous rows. We also build elevated systems with a height of 2.10 metres.

Highly elevated facilities are more expensive than conventional solar parks. What is the impact for farmers?

There are at least three classes of agri-photovoltaics or ground-mounted systems: the vertically elevated systems such as our new PV fence, the systems with a high elevation and, of course, the classic ground-mounted systems. In terms of cost, the fence is very good as it is a relatively simple construction. In terms of costs per installed kilowatt, we are currently at about the same level for the typical ground-mounted systems. Depending on the project and conditions, it’s around 50 to 80 euros per kilowatt for the material costs for the mounting structure. The ground-mounted tables with a raised elevation of 2.10 metres are somewhat more expensive. However, these additional costs are manageable. They are roughly ten to 20 per cent higher than the costs for a conventional ground-mounted system. This is because these systems are exposed to higher wind loads and have a less favourable design.

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You mentioned at least three different types of installation. What other types are there?

The next class encompasses systems with a height above 2.10 metres. This is agri-photovoltaics, comprising elevations with a height of four metres, which allows farmers to work with large machines. From a surface area perspective, this option is not notably more cost-effective than a greenhouse. In this case, other requirements have to be fulfilled. In terms of surface area, this is certainly not significantly cheaper than a greenhouse.

How long have you offered the vertical solution?

We developed it last year so this is brand new for us. There have been various designs over the last few years. The version we’re presenting today is relatively new – we started the first project of this kind in December 2024.

RWE to develop two large agri-PV plants in Italy

There are already similar systems on the market. What‘s different about your solution?

For one thing, we made a point of moving away from the usual cassette system. This means that we have transverse mounting rails between the ram posts in which the modules are positioned. Vertically, the installers are given more space to adjust the modules. These continuous insertion rails reduce the precision required for ramming the posts. These no longer have to be positioned exactly. We also improve the error tolerance by using relatively short ramming profiles and extending them with an aluminium post. As a result, the installer can additionally align the piling posts and aluminium posts while bolting them into place, level the height and also vary the sides a little. This speeds up the pile-driving process and significantly reduces installation costs.

The modules do not fill the entire length of the insertion rails, however. What do you achieve with this?

Thanks to this window design, we can stick with aluminium as the construction material and don’t have to install heavy steel. This is because we significantly reduce the wind loads. These gaps also reduce the amount of shading on the system itself.

How does this work?

These gaps are always planned precisely where the post on the south side would shade the module. This reduces the shading at noon and increases the yields.

Marius Sinn of Next2Sun: “We achieve additional yields of up to ten percent”

Does this mean that more area is required for the same output?

Yes, but this solution reduces the overall system costs, as this kind of substructure has static advantages due to lower loads. However, we can also dispense with these windows if required. If the farmer wants to install as much power as possible per hectare, they will opt for relatively short fence distances and place the posts quite close together. That’s not a problem. In such cases, we check the statics on a case-by-case basis, as we do for every project. Something like this can be realised without any problems. In terms of the dimensioning of the components, the systems with the windows are designed for the installation of large modules in regions with the highest load requirements. Most systems are not installed directly on the coast or five kilometres away, where wind loads are extremely high. In regions such as wind zone 2, we can definitely do without the windows.

So you simply install shorter mounting rails and thus make the windows smaller?

Yes, in this case the posts are simply rammed closer together and correspond approximately to the required module spacing. The mounting rails are continuous and can thus be varied. This also gives farmers a little more output per hectare.

Do the thermal expansions within the system have to be taken into account as a result of these continuous insertion rails?

Thermal expansion must always be taken into account in photovoltaics. This also applies to roof systems and even more so on flat roofs than on pitched roofs, because no flat roof has an inclination of zero degrees. In this case, the so-called caterpillar effect can occur due to thermal motion, which can cause the system to shift toward the roof edge. We are only talking about three to four centimetres of thermal expansion over a 20 metre long rail. But this can be dangerous. For this reason, the craftsmen insert expansion joints within the system to avoid these temperature stresses. This length compensation is also provided for in the agri-PV fence. Although the rails run between the driven posts, a rail connector including an expansion joint is integrated at a maximum distance of twelve metres. These expansion joints, which we install continuously, provide length compensation.

What ground unevenness and slopes can you compensate for with the system?

In principle, we can cover all slopes created by the caterpillar used to drive the posts. In this case, the system would then be constructed in a stepped or terraced layout.

So you simply build smaller units?

The system then always consists of units of two modules on top of each other. If I am working against a slope in the terrain, the next pair of modules will be placed correspondingly higher to compensate for this height difference. In places where the lower pair of modules has to be connected to the pair above, the installer uses longer posts. This works without any issues.

Thank you.

Interview by Sven Ullrich

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Solar Energy

SolarPower Europe pushes for sector-specific cybersecurity rules

July 10, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The European Parliament (EP) has adopted an own-initiative report on the security of energy supply in the EU. In it, the EP sets out its priorities and urges the European Commission to propose new initiatives, including legislation where needed.

In the report, MEPs call for a new EU Security of Supply architecture that addresses cross-sector integration and climate challenges. They support reducing reliance on energy imports – particularly from Russia – through the expansion of renewables, improved energy efficiency, electrification and increased domestic production.

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The report calls for a complete phase-out of Russian fossil fuels and nuclear materials by 2027, an EU-wide ban on new and existing spot contracts for Russian gas by the end of 2025, and the inclusion of Russian LNG carriers in sanctions. MEPs also urge major investment in cross-border interconnectors, offshore and decentralised grids, and digital, climate-resilient energy systems.

This report builds on the Council Presidency Conclusions adopted on 16 June, which were endorsed by most EU Member States, with the exception of Hungary and Slovakia, highlighting the growing urgency around energy security. The European Commission is expected to propose a comprehensive revision of the EU Energy Security Framework in early 2026.

Overcome Europe’s fossil fuel import dependency

Anaïs Faucher, Policy Advisor at SolarPower Europe, commented: “The European Parliament’s ‘Security of Energy Supply’ report sends a strong signal on the need to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian fossil fuel imports and recognises the central role of electrification, renewables, and non-fossil flexibility in enhancing the EU’s energy resilience. These are welcome acknowledgements in the face of escalating geopolitical risks and the accelerating energy transition.”

Local electricity production “crucial in times of crisis”

However, the report falls short of delivering the clear policy shift Europe urgently needs. While it acknowledges the importance of renewables deployment, electrification, energy efficiency and domestic clean energy production, the overall narrative remains firmly anchored in a fossil fuel paradigm.

“Europe’s fossil fuel import dependency is an Achilles Heel for the EU’s economic and energy security. The Parliament should provide a clear energy security vision to make Europe more resilient against geopolitical threats,” said Faucher.

Without stronger political commitments to electrification and large-scale renewables deployment, Europe risks reinforcing fossil fuel dependence rather than building lasting energy sovereignty.

Low-cost products as major cybersecurity challenge

On the cybersecurity of the energy system, the report rightly identifies the risk of remote control across Europe’s grid via the inverter fleet. However, a country-of-origin risk assessment alone is not enough to address the full range of supply chain vulnerabilities – and overlooks the broader challenge for inverter cybersecurity: inadequate protection in low-cost products.

“In our recent report, developed in collaboration with DNV, we recommend developing a vertical cybersecurity standard and mandating it via the Network Code for Cybersecurity to address both challenges effectively,” underlined Faucher .

Solar Investors Guide #7: Online villains expose solar system weak spots

“The European Parliament must now take the next step and present a clearer, more ambitious strategy to secure Europe’s energy supply centred on electrification and renewables.” (hcn)

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Solar Energy

SolarPower Europe calls for a vertical cybersecurity standard

July 10, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The European Parliament (EP) adopted its own-initiative report on the security of energy supply in the EU. Through them, the European Parliament lists its priorities and calls on the European Commission to put forward new initiatives, including legislative ones where necessary.

In this report, MEPs call for a new EU Security of Supply architecture, reflecting cross-sector integration and climate challenges. MEPs support reducing dependence on energy imports, especially from Russia, through the deployment of renewables, improved energy efficiency, electrification, and domestic production.

Stay informed – subscribe to our newsletters

The report demands a full phase-out of Russian fossil fuels and nuclear materials by 2027, an EU-wide ban on new and existing spot contracts for Russian gas by end of 2025, and the inclusion of Russian LNG carriers in sanctions. MEPs call for major investment in cross-border interconnectors, offshore and decentralised grids and digital and climate-resilient energy systems.

This report builds on the Council Presidency Conclusions adopted on 16 June, which were endorsed by most EU Member States except Hungary and Slovakia, reflecting the growing urgency to address energy security. The European Commission is expected to propose a comprehensive revision of the EU Energy Security Framework at the beginning of 2026.

Overcome Europe’s fossil fuel import dependency

Anaïs Faucher, Policy Advisor at SolarPower Europe commented: “The European Parliament’s ‘Security of Energy Supply’ report sends a strong signal on the need to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian fossil fuel imports and recognises the central role of electrification, renewables, and non-fossil flexibility in enhancing the EU’s energy resilience. These are welcome acknowledgements in the face of escalating geopolitical risks and the accelerating energy transition.“

Local electricity production “crucial in times of crisis”

However, the report would fall short of providing the clear policy shift Europe urgently needs. While it mentions the need for deployment of renewables, electrification, energy efficiency and domestic clean energy production, the overall narrative remains heavily rooted in a fossil fuel paradigm.

Without stronger political commitments to electrification and large-scale renewables deployment, Europe would risk reinforcing fossil dependencies instead of building lasting energy sovereignty.

Low-cost products as major cybersecurity challenge

On the cybersecurity of our energy system, the report would correctly identify remote-control risks for Europe’s grid with respect to the inverter fleet. However, a risk assessment based on country of origin would be insufficient to address all supply chain risks and misses the bigger challenge for inverter cybersecurity: the insufficient protection provided by low-cost products.

Solar Investors Guide #7: Online villains expose solar system weak spots

“The European Parliament must now take the next step and present a clearer, more ambitious strategy to secure Europe’s energy supply centred on electrification and renewable,“ she said. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

UK renewables measures a “comprehensive declaration of intent”

July 9, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The UK government’s new solar roadmap, which was developed in partnership with the industry, comes at a crucial moment. Solar generation has steadily increased across Europe over the past two decades, while global PV capacity has grown by an annual average of 30 percent in recent years.

UK households increasingly see cost benefits of solar

Though late to the party, Britain too has seen strong, sustained growth in capacity. This has been driven, as in other markets, by high manufacturing volumes that have pushed down costs, alongside steady technology advances and supportive policy frameworks.

Inside the solar strategy

The key features of the roadmap:
• Streamlining grid connection processes that currently delay new projects
• Expanding skills training to support 35,000 high-quality jobs by 2030 – double today’s employment levels
• Strengthening supply chains to make them “resilient, diverse and sustainable”
• Addressing slavery and forced labour, including among Uyghur and other minority groups in Xinjiang, China, involved in polysilicon mining for solar panels
• Introducing mandatory “community benefit funds” to ensure local communities gain from hosting solar infrastructure

Ministers estimate that up to 0.4 percent of total UK land would be needed to meet the country’s solar targets.

Intermittency and low winter sunlight mean solar cannot be the only – or even the predominant – renewable energy technology in the UK. But sunshine is free and abundant, technologies are evolving, and solar generation is emission-free and can reduce consumer bills immediately.

Legacy infrastructure “biggest challenge to net zero”

The roadmap supports the take-up of battery energy storage systems, a key technology in the international transition, and one in which Britain plays a leading role in Europe.

Further measures

The “rooftop revolution” is aimed at boosting solar deployment across the UK from 18GW at present to 45-47GW by 2030 and more thereafter. Other measures include:
• Radical reform of grid connection rules to accelerate electrification
• Planning reforms to ease solar deployment
• Removing obstacles to rooftop solar across commercial, residential and public-sector buildings
• Enabling more schools and hospitals to install panels and cut energy bills in education and healthcare
• New initiatives to stimulate domestic solar uptake
• Exploring the use of solar canopies over outdoor car parks
• Standardised contracts for rooftop retrofits on leased industrial and commercial buildings
• Removing barriers to the combined use of solar and battery storage
• Exploring new financial support mechanisms and floating solar, alongside reform of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme

New-build homes in England must include solar from 2027

This is a broad and comprehensive declaration of intent by the Government, aimed at making the most of the benefits offered by new-generation solar while addressing many of the concerns and objections raised by those questioning the pace and even the viability of the clean energy transition.

It is encouraging to see the UK solar industry involved in shaping a more solar-friendly Britain, and to note the invitation to diverse interest groups to take part in consultations. (Tessa Laws/hcn)

Tessa Laws is the Energy Team Leader at Acuity Law with Purpose, a legal services company headquartered in London. She has extensive experience in renewable energy and sustainability. Tessa founded the New Energy Awards, hosting several stellar companies internationally in London to celebrate their success in green energy.

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Solar Energy

Greenyellow backs 73 MW of solar for self-consumption

July 9, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The system provider GreenYellow is developing a total of 92 large photovoltaic systems with a total output of 73 megawatts through its subsidiary Reservoir Sun in France. Nearly 70 percent of these commercial solar arrays are designed for self-consumption.

According to the company, the projects are backed by a total investment of 73 million euros. Financing has been secured from Bpifrance and the regional co-operative banks Caisse d’Epargne Ile-de-France and Caisse d’Epargne CEPAC.

Solar canopies for car parks

Of the new systems, 75 percent are being installed on industrial and commercial sites, while a total of 70 percent are planned as solar canopies over the car parks of retailers and large companies. These firms are meeting their legal obligation to use car parks for renewable energy, as mandated by French law.

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Self-consumption due to high electricity prices

Not only companies in the sunny south of France are turning to solar energy for self-consumption. In fact, 68 percent of the new installations are being built in the northern half of the country. According to GreenYellow, this clearly shows that solar self-consumption in industry and commerce is no longer driven solely by high levels of solar radiation, but increasingly by electricity prices.

France rules on mandatory solar for car parks

“With 70 percent of the portfolio consisting of self-consumption power plants, this marks the beginning of a new era for solar self-consumption in France,” says Romain Butte, General Manager of GreenYellow France. “We are delighted to have successfully concluded this new financing. The transaction reflects the renewed confidence of our banking partners.”

Intervene in complex assets

For Bpifrance, the focus on self-consumption in this project is also a new development. “We are proud to support GreenYellow and its subsidiary Reservoir Sun, alongside Caisse d’Epargne Ile-de-France and Caisse d’Epargne CEPAC, in accelerating its solar project development plan with a self-consumption focus,” says Jérôme Blot, Head of the Energy and Environment Department at Bpifrance. “This transaction perfectly illustrates our ability to support complex assets such as decentralised solar power, and to back market developments that drive the environmental and ecological transition of businesses,” he adds.

C&I solar rooftops – design software saves time and more

Suppert of the self-consumtion by banks

Frédérique Delfrayssi, Head of the Renewable Energy Project Financing Department at Caisse d’Epargne Ile-de-France, comments on the project portfolio: “It demonstrates our ability to support our clients over the long term on innovative topics. The Caisse d’Epargne thus lends its support to the deployment of self-consumption in France and actively contributes to the energy transition.”

Jérémy Estrader, Deputy Managing Director in charge of BDR at Caisse d’Epargne CEPAC, adds: “Through this transaction, Caisse d’Epargne CEPAC reaffirms its support for the development of renewable energies and its commitment to the energy transition.” (su)

French panel maker Heliup takes top solar startup prize

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Solar Energy

Hybrid breakthrough for inland shipping as Wattlab and HGK launch solar vessel

July 9, 2025 ryansheehanrts

HGK Shipping is a European inland waterway shipping company operating a fleet of 350 vessels. With annual freight figures in the region of 43 million tonnes, HGK Shipping is considered a leading player in European dry bulk, gas and chemical transport. Wattlab, which is also active in the seagoing shipping industry, brings broad maritime experience to this pioneering project.

Wattlab has previously worked with HGK Shipping. In Q2 2024, HGK’s 135-metre-long dry cargo vessel MS Helios made headlines (and entered the Guinness Book of Records) for having the world’s largest solar panel installation on an inland shipping vessel. The MS Helios is equipped with 312 solar panels.

Fully integrated

The solar energy systems of the Helios and the Blue Marlin differ in one critical aspect. Unlike the Helios, where solar energy was used exclusively for low-voltage onboard (hotel) systems, the Blue Marlin features a more advanced, fully integrated system capable of contributing power directly to the ship’s high-voltage electric propulsion.

Hybrid cargo ship sails with Longi solar tech

This, says Wattlab co-founder and COO David Kester, is a technical milestone. “The Blue Marlin’s 192 solar panels are not only connected to the low-voltage onboard systems but also to the high-voltage propulsion network. This means that HGK Shipping can proudly state that they are the first inland shipping company to operate a vessel that uses solar power directly for propulsion.”

Automated energy management

Delivering up to 35 kilowatts under optimal conditions, the Blue Marlin’s solar power system will operate in conjunction with four diesel generators powering the electric propulsion system. This fully integrated setup enables ‘peak shaving’, where the combination of solar energy and batteries prevents the need to activate an additional generator during high-demand periods. The system’s automated energy management distributes electrical energy where and when it is required, increasing efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.

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“Furthermore, in situations where the ship is lightly loaded and travelling downstream, we anticipate that it may even sail using only solar power for limited periods – an unprecedented achievement in the inland shipping sector,” continues Kester.

Downtime less than week

“We have already reached a significant technical milestone with the construction of the Helios, which has had a noticeably positive impact. The Blue Marlin now goes one step further by also using solar energy for the power train. It makes another important contribution to making shipping, which is already a low-emission mode of transport, even more sustainable. We are excited to see how this innovative solution will prove itself in practical operation,” says Tim Gödde, Director Ship Management at HGK.

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Installation of the Blue Marlin’s solar panels took place at De Gerlien van Tiem shipyard, with Wattlab cooperating closely with Blommaert Aluminium and Van Tiem Electro. “We have been working with these partners for some time now – on multiple vessels – so have managed to really optimise the processes. The Blue Marlin is a new-build vessel; it took about one week for installation followed by a few days for commissioning,” adds Kester. “Considering a similar-sized retrofit project, we estimate that a shipowner would be looking at a downtime of no more than one week.”

Scalable solutions for coastal and seagoing vessels

This project also marks a broader evolution in maritime decarbonisation strategies. As regulatory pressure increases and fuel prices fluctuate, shipowners and operators are looking to diversify their energy mix. Wattlab’s scalable solar solutions are available not only for inland waterways, but also for coastal and seagoing vessels. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Solar mounting sector needs EU backing, says SolarPower Europe

July 7, 2025 ryansheehanrts

A new report from SolarPower Europe maps the market for solar mounting systems in Europe, revealing their critical role in the continent’s solar manufacturing base and in shaping the flexible energy system of tomorrow.

‘Solar Mounting Structures Explained’ details the large EU ecosystem of mounting system providers: upwards of 40 companies in the EU develop mounting solutions across the rooftop and ground-mount segments, as well as façade, Agri-PV, solar carports and other solar PV applications. This includes recognised global market leaders for trackers, fixed ground-mount and rooftop mounting.

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Solar mounting systems are components largely made of steel or aluminium that hold solar panels in place and secure them against weather and environmental conditions. Mounting systems determine the angle and orientation of the panels and contribute to the durability of a solar installation. They can be fixed-tilt systems or trackers that follow the path of the sun. In Europe, industry estimates indicate a roughly equal split between fixed and tracking systems for utility-scale projects.

System design to match energy needs

Mounting systems are playing an increasing role in extending the midday solar generation peak into the morning and evening, easing pressure on the grid and strengthening the business case for solar.

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One mounting system option orients the panels east–west, allowing the installation to capture more sunlight in the morning and evening hours rather than at midday. This effect is particularly useful when panels are mounted vertically rather than horizontally, as it improves performance at lower solar angles – a key factor in northern latitudes. ‘Tracking’ systems are another mounting option, and in some cases can deliver up to 30 percent more value (in €/MWh) annually than an equivalent fixed-tilt system.

Policy shift needed for fair support

As part of its report analysis, SolarPower Europe makes several recommendations to strengthen the solar mounting systems segment in Europe. When implementing the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), national authorities should recognise the importance of all types of mounting systems. Half of utility-scale solar projects use fixed-tilt systems, as do nearly all rooftop installations, and 70 percent of relevant companies in Europe manufacture fixed-tilt mounting structures. However, the NZIA currently highlights only tracking systems. SolarPower Europe therefore recommends that national implementation of the NZIA take a broader approach and include all mounting structures.

Standards and traceability tools

In addition, SolarPower Europe recommends developing specific customs codes for both solar mounting structures and trackers to enable better tracking and identification of these components in international trade, as is already done for solar inverters and modules. Finally, the report calls for harmonised and robust quality standards across three key areas – structural integrity, transparency and warranties – to support the creation of a single market for quality mounting systems.

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Leah Le Pénuizic, Market Analyst at SolarPower Europe, said: “Mounting systems prove to be one of the most enduring segments of European solar manufacturing. However, while Europe is still meeting the bulk of domestic demand for mounting systems, we can see increasing pressure from non-European competitors. We need distinct customs codes for this technology to properly monitor the trade flows, and robust standards to uphold the quality of solar mounting systems across Europe.” (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Agri-PV – study shows apples thrive in partial shade

July 7, 2025 ryansheehanrts

One of the key topics at this year’s Agri-PV Conference in Freiburg im Breisgau was the impact of photovoltaic systems on yields. As apples are the conference’s partner fruit this year, it makes sense that the apple harvest takes centre stage. Greta Ott from the Agricultural Technology Centre (LTZ) in Augustenberg, Germany, took a closer look at the quality of the apple harvest in the centre’s own test field.

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Some of the apple trees were roofed with solar modules – including semi-transparent versions with 50 percent light transmission. Another section of the orchard was shaded by tracker systems. The remaining trees were left without any solar roofing and serve as a comparison field.

Assessing the degree of ripeness

To assess quality, the researchers analysed the ripeness of the apples at harvest. “The results surprised us somewhat,” says Greta Ott. The fruit was harvested in early September 2024, and the so-called Streif Index was determined afterwards. This index indicates ripeness and is based on three parameters: apple firmness, sugar content and starch breakdown during ripening.

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Less sugar, more starch

The apples under the static modules were found to have ideal firmness, while those from the comparison area were too firm. However, the sugar content in the reference area fruit was optimal, whereas the apples under the modules initially showed levels that were too low. These apples were also not yet ready to break down starch, with values falling short of the target range, while the comparison apples had already broken down starch sufficiently. When the apples under the modules were harvested a few days later, their sugar content had reached an ideal level – but by that time, too much starch had already been broken

Apples beneath modules take a little longer

Overall, the apples under the modules were not fully ripe when harvested on 9 September. At that point, the apples in the comparison area were also not yet ripe, but had reached a more advanced stage of ripeness. By the time the apples under the solar panels were harvested on 23 September, however, they were already overripe.

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Determining the right time to harvest

The results show that farmers should determine harvest times more precisely when covering apple plantations to maintain fruit quality. If harvested too early, the apples may be under-ripe and harder to sell. If harvested too late, they may be overripe and unsuitable for storage.

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At the same time, solar systems offer protection against the severe effects of climate change, which is now also affecting the southern Black Forest. Suitable framework conditions are needed to further advance agri-PV. In the next instalment of our series on the Agrivoltaics World Conference in Freiburg, we explore current developments at EU level concerning photovoltaics in agriculture. (su)

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