Weekly Solar Update: Key Developments in Markets, Installations, and Technology

pv magazine USA – Solar Energy Markets and Technology

Top News

In case you missed it: Six major solar stories from this week, February 21, 2025. pv magazine USA highlights the latest news, including market trends, project updates, and policy changes.

Markets & Policy

• California Bill Introduced for VPP Implementation Plan
  A new bill in California aims to mandate a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) implementation plan. VPPs, which consist of interconnected distributed energy resources like rooftop solar and energy storage, could potentially save state ratepayers approximately $550 million annually. (Ryan Kennedy)

• Illinois Proposes Bill for Streamlined Solar Permitting
  The Residential Solar Automated Permitting Act is set to require local governments to adopt instant solar permitting for residential rooftop solar installations and home battery storage systems. (Ryan Kennedy)

Opinion & Analysis

• Polysilicon Market Stability Amid Policy Changes
  OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides insights into the current trends in the global photovoltaic (PV) industry, indicating a steady polysilicon market while awaiting a shift driven by policy changes. (OPIS)

• Energy Policy Improvements Needed Across U.S. States
  The Institute for Local Self-Reliance’s Community Power Scorecard reveals that 23 states received failing grades regarding policies related to energy democracy and accountability. (Anne Fischer)

Sustainability

• California Startup Launches Automated Solar Panel Recycling Tech
  PV Circonomy has introduced a highly automated recycling service for end-of-life silicon PV panels, boasting an impressive recovery rate of 99.3%. (Valerie Thompson)

Guest Post

• In Memory of Frédéric Dross: A Solar Industry Advocate
  A tribute to Frédéric Dross, a well-respected member of the solar industry, highlighting his contributions and the impact he had on the community. (Jenya Meydbray)

Press Releases

• NEMA President to Discuss Electric Future with Axios
  Debra Phillips, NEMA President and CEO, will lead a discussion featuring bipartisan insights on energy security and resilience, alongside Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representatives Bob Latta (R-OH-5) and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14). (February 20, 2025)

• Standard Solar Acquires Churchill Street Solar Farm
  Standard Solar has expanded its portfolio by acquiring the Churchill Street Solar Farm from Sunfarm Solar in Massachusetts. (February 19, 2025)

• AXIAL and DCE Solar Forge Partnership
  AXIAL has formed a collaboration with DCE Solar to enhance its presence in the U.S. photovoltaic market, starting with the introduction of the AxialTracker Twin. (February 18, 2025)

• Fortress Power Offers Savings on Energy Storage Systems in Vermont
  Fortress Power announces that its advanced energy storage systems are now available in Vermont, providing homeowners the opportunity to earn rebates up to $10,500 through Green Mountain Power’s Bring Your Own Device program. (February 17, 2025)

Installations

• Global Solar Generation Sees 30% Growth in 2024
  According to the International Energy Agency, global solar generation surpassed 2,000 TWh in 2024, marking a 30% year-on-year increase, the highest growth rate since 2017. (Patrick Jowett)

• U.S. Community Solar Capacity Increases by 35%
  A report by Wood Mackenzie and the Coalition for Community Solar Access indicates that 1.7 GW of community solar was installed in the U.S. in 2024. (Anne Fischer)

• Cordelio Power Expands Storage Portfolio
  Cordelio Power has secured a new procurement of 1 GWh of batteries from Fluence for its growing storage projects. (Tristan Rayner)

• Utility-Scale Solar Additions Reach 182 GW in 2024
  In 2024, utility-scale solar installations hit 182 GW (AC), with the top 33 countries accounting for approximately 93% of the global total. (Patrick Jowett)

Manufacturing

• U.S. Solar Cell Manufacturer Secures Multi-Year Supply Agreement
  ES Foundry has announced a multi-year agreement to supply 300 MW of U.S.-made solar cells to Bila Solar, a manufacturer of ultra-lightweight solar modules. (Anne Fischer)

• PV Hardware Achieves 100% U.S. Manufacturing
  PV Hardware’s solar trackers and foundations are now entirely produced in the U.S., qualifying for the Inflation Reduction Act’s domestic content bonus tax credit. (Ryan Kennedy)

• Freyr Battery Rebrands as T1 Energy
  Following its acquisition of Trina Solar’s U.S. manufacturing assets, Freyr Battery has rebranded to T1 Energy and plans to produce solar modules and cells in Texas. (Anne Fischer)

Technology

• Record Solar Connection Rates to Power Grid in 2024
  A report by the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and BloombergNEF reveals significant market and policy trends affecting the U.S. solar industry. (Phoebe Skok)

• Innovative Water-Based Recycling for Perovskite Solar Cells
  Researchers have developed a new method for recycling perovskite solar cells made on glass substrates, achieving efficiency and stability comparable to original devices. (Valerie Thompson)

• Next Energy Unveils World’s Largest Transparent Organic PV Window
  Next Energy has produced laminated transparent power-generating windows using its pilot production line. (Lior Kahana)

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