Friday, October 31, 2025

Fashion brands boost solar energy with textile suppliers

Textile suppliers in Bangladesh, who account for 85% exports of Bangladesh, are under pressure to become more environmentally friendly. They hope that new initiatives will help them find the money they need to expand rooftop systems powered by solar energy. Few energy companies are willing to invest in solar power plants because they fear that smaller factories may default on their commitments. Fashion brands and energy companies are partnering up to build rooftop solar capacity in Bangladesh for smaller suppliers.

First Solar's sales exceed expectations, and the company plans to open a second US factory

First Solar, the largest U.S. solar panel manufacturer, exceeded expectations for third quarter sales on Thursday. This was due to robust demand for their products. Their shares rose more than 5% during extended trading. Solar-generated electricity has become one of the fastest growing segments in the U.S. Energy Industry, due to the strong demand of corporations and government agencies for cleaner energy sources and climate change. First Solar announced that it would build a 3.7 GW manufacturing plant in the U.S.

First Solar's sales exceed expectations, and the company plans to open a second US factory

First Solar, the largest U.S. solar panel manufacturer, exceeded expectations for third quarter sales on Thursday. This was due to robust demand for their products. Their shares rose more than 5% during extended trading. Solar-generated electricity has become one of the fastest growing segments in the U.S. Energy Industry, due to the strong demand of corporations and government agencies for cleaner energy sources and climate change. First Solar announced that it would build a 3.7 GW manufacturing plant in the U.S.

First Solar's robust sales beat expectations in the third quarter

First Solar's shares rose more than 5% on extended trading after it beat third-quarter expectations. This was due to robust demand for the company's products. Solar-generated electricity has been growing at a rapid rate in the U.S. Energy Industry, driven by the strong desire of corporations and government to use cleaner energy sources and fight climate change. The company announced that it would build a new production facility of 3.7 GW in the U.S. Production is expected to begin at the end 2026, and increase through the first half 2027.

Solex Energy, an Indian company, will invest $1.5 billion in solar manufacturing and is looking to export the product to the US

Solex Energy, an Indian manufacturer of solar modules, will invest $1.5billion over the next five-years to expand its manufacturing and exports to the United States. A top executive said this on Wednesday. Solex operates a module manufacturing facility of 4 gigawatts in Gujarat, a western state. It plans to increase its capacity to 10 GW. It also plans to establish 10GW of cell production and 2GW of ingots and wafers. The company plans to raise money in phases and will be close to a $56…

Malaysia shifts from coal to a mix of solar, gas and electricity

Malaysia will shift away from coal and focus on solar power, said the CEO of the state utility Tenaga Nasional on Wednesday. He added that using renewable sources would keep costs low. Southeast Asia's 35 million-strong nation has increased its coal-fired fleet in order to lower electricity costs. However, it plans to increase the use of solar and natural gas - with the latter being cheaper but the former more flexible. Solar is cheaper per unit than coal and gas.

China solar stocks jump after a report by state media on overcapacity

The shares of China's solar firms soared on Wednesday, after a senior executive in the industry told state media leading companies were forming an alliance. This raised expectations that industry leaders would be moving forward with a plan that will reduce overcapacity. "Seventeen companies are already in the process of signing." Zhu Gongshan (President of GCL Technology Holdings), told CCTV Tuesday night that "we are building an Association". We are working hard to finish it by the end of this year.

China solar stocks jump after a report by state media on overcapacity

The shares of China's solar firms soared on Wednesday, after a senior executive in the industry told state media leading companies were forming an alliance. This raised expectations that industry leaders would be moving forward with a plan that will reduce overcapacity. "Seventeen companies are already in the process of signing." Zhu Gongshan (President of GCL Technology Holdings), told CCTV Tuesday night that "we are building an Association". We are working hard to finish it by the end of this year.

Havells led funding round secures $171 Million for India's Goldi Solar

Goldi Solar, India's largest manufacturer of solar modules, announced on Wednesday that it had raised $142,1,000,000 ($171,000,000) in growth capital, led by the electrical equipment giant Havells India. Shahi Exports and SRF Transnational Holdings are among the high-net worth individuals and companies that invested in this round. The money raised will be used to support Goldi Solar in its manufacturing expansion, and the production of solar cells in Gujarat.

Enphase Energy's forecast for the fourth quarter revenue is below expectations, signaling a tariff increase

Enphase Energy's fourth-quarter revenue was below Wall Street expectations on Tuesday. The company also said that U.S. president Donald Trump's tariffs negatively affected its margins. Shares of the solar inverter manufacturer fell over 8% following hours. The tariffs are expected to have a negative impact on the company's margins in the current quarter. Enphase said on a call after earnings that it expected limited exposure to recent China-related duties as the company's supplies chain is moving away from China.

ContourGlobal, backed by KKR, targets British renewables

KKR ContourGlobal is planning to enter the renewable energy market in Britain as it pursues a strategy of streamlining that will see other countries removed from its portfolio. ContourGlobal, founded 2005 and listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2017, was acquired by KKR Fund in 2022. "We are simplifying the company and reducing the footprint of the group from 17 to 10 countries," said Antonello Cammisecra, President and CEO at an event to unveil the new logo for the group.

LAUDES-U.S. cities drive energy transition despite Trump resistance

The U.S. By Carey L. Mayors report that many cities still have a long way to go in improving building efficiency, electrifying cars and neighborhoods, training employees for new energy jobs, and designing for tomorrow. Keith Wilson, the mayor of Oregon's biggest city, said that cities like Portland don't wait for federal permission before taking action on climate change. Portland, Oregon created last year the nation's first zero emission delivery zone. This is where electric vehicles and bicycles are used to supply shops and restaurants.

Abby Ross Hopper will retire as the top US solar lobbyist in 2019.

The organization announced in a Tuesday statement that the longtime leader of the U.S. top solar industry trade group would step down at the end of next year. Abigail Ross Hopper, the president and CEO at Solar Energy Industries Association will be leaving her position on January 30, 2019. SEIA is currently searching for her replacement. Hopper's resignation after nine years in the top position of the U.S. Solar Industry's lobbyist coincides…

China's fossil fuelled power production fell 5.4% in September

Statistics Bureau data released on Monday showed that China's fossil fuelled power production fell by 5.4% in September compared to the same period last year as hydropower output soared. The National Bureau of Statistics reported that the total thermal power production in September was 517.5 billion Kilowatt-hours. This was also lower than the 627.4 kWh thermal output in August when it surged to its highest level in decades. The record-breaking temperatures of summer and reduced hydropower output were responsible for this increase.

Minister: France will not abandon the climate goals of the World Bank

Eleonore Caoit, France's new development minister, said that France would continue to press the World Bank for its climate finance agenda in spite of the pressure from the Trump administration to abandon it. Caroit, speaking to reporters at the World Bank's and International Monetary Fund's annual meetings in Washington, said that efforts to combat climate change will also be a major focus of France’s presidency of the Group of Seven Industrial Democracies (G7ID) in 2026.

Minister: France will not abandon the climate goals of the World Bank

Eleonore Caoit, France's new development minister, said that France would continue to press the World Bank for its climate finance agenda in spite of the pressure from the Trump administration to abandon it. Caroit, speaking to reporters at the World Bank's and International Monetary Fund's annual meetings in Washington, said that efforts to combat climate change will also be a major focus of France’s presidency of the Group of Seven Industrial Democracies (G7ID) in 2026.

Indian solar firms re-engineering their supply chains to avoid US tariffs

Executives report that Indian solar manufacturers are recalibrating supply chains in order to gain access to the lucrative United States markets and to offset higher tariffs. On August 27, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs up to 50 percent on the majority of exports coming from India. These are among the highest rates for any U.S. trade partner. Vikram solar, which sourced solar cells from lower-taxed countries in a Friday call with analysts, explained that it was navigating tariffs by buying its products from those countries.

Indian solar firms re-engineering their supply chains to avoid US tariffs

Executives report that Indian solar manufacturers are recalibrating supply chains in order to gain access to the lucrative United States markets and to offset higher tariffs. On August 27, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs up to 50 percent on the majority of exports coming from India. These are among the highest rates for any U.S. trade partner. Vikram solar, which sourced solar cells from lower-taxed countries in a Friday call with analysts, explained that it was navigating tariffs by buying its products from those countries.

Waaree, a leading Indian manufacturer of solar products, expands in the US despite a trade probe

Waaree Energies is India's top solar module maker and wants to expand in the largest economy of the world despite a trade investigation that's ongoing, said a company official on Friday. Customs officials in the United States are investigating whether Waaree Energies evaded tariffs by labeling Chinese-made panels and cells as being made in India. The company denies this charge. Waaree stated that the investigation is still in its early stages and it has not affected shipments.

East Timor is expecting construction of the first large solar power plant to begin next year

East Timor's state utility chair said that construction on its first large-scale solar power plant will begin in 2026, and it should be operational a few months later. This will help the country reduce expensive diesel imports. Itochu Corp. of Japan and Electricite de France will develop a 72-megawatt photovoltaic power plant in Manatuto and a battery energy storage system of 36-MW. They will also supply electricity to Electricidade de Timor-Leste under a contract lasting 25 years.

States sue Trump to stop cancellation of $7 Billion Solar Grant Program

According to court documents, nearly two dozen states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for canceling a $7 billion grant aimed at increasing solar energy in low income communities. In a Thursday statement, California Attorney-General Rob Bonta announced that a group states who received grants through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All Program have filed two lawsuits. In August, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin officially announced the end of the Solar for All program.

States sue Trump to stop cancellation of $7 billion solar grant program

According to court documents, nearly two dozen states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for canceling a $7 billion grant aimed at increasing solar energy in low income communities. In a Thursday statement, California Attorney-General Rob Bonta announced that two lawsuits were filed by a group states who received grants through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All Program. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin officially announced the termination in August.

Cox, a Spanish company, plans to invest $6.4 billion in Mexico through 2028.

Cox, a Spanish energy company, announced on Thursday that it will invest 5.5 billion euro ($6.4 billion) through 2028 in renewable energy and water. Almost half of the investment will be in Mexico. Moreno stated on Thursday that up to 80% will be funded by debt, and the remainder with equity. Cox will contribute approximately 60% of equity while international investors will provide the remainder in exchange for preferred securities. Investors…

Report: Global renewable energy growth is still short of climate targets despite record global growth

Globally, renewable energy capacity reached a record high in 2016, but countries still fell short of the U.N. goal of tripled capacity by 2030. This was revealed by a report released by global renewable groups on Tuesday. At the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai, 2023, more than 100 countries agreed to triple their renewable energy capacity in 2030 in order to achieve global climate targets. The report, by the International Renewable Energy Agency and the Global Renewables Alliance…

EDP accelerates solar and battery projects in Australia following government awards

The Portuguese utility EDP said that it expects to speed up its solar and storage battery projects in Australia, after receiving government awards for revenue generation over the long term. EDP Renewables Australia, a subsidiary of EDP, was awarded two generation revenue schemes through the government's Capacity Investment Scheme. These projects will add over 1.7 gigawatts to the energy mix in Australia by adding solar and battery storage.

One of India's largest solar companies says that the US market is not worth the risk.

Saatvik Green Energy is one of India's largest solar module manufacturers by capacity. It said that it will no longer be pursuing the once promising U.S. market because it is not "worth the risks" due to the complex tariff issue. According to analysts and industry officials, the United States is India’s largest overseas market. It accounts for 90% of its module exports. Prashant P. Mathur, CEO of the company, said in a recent press conference that he wanted to focus on the domestic markets and avoid taking any risks.

Chinese solar glass manufacturer Haikong Sanxin files for bankruptcy

Haikong Sanxin New Energy Materials, a solar glass manufacturer, will file for bankruptcy in order to reduce mounting losses. This is the latest indication of the financial problems facing the Chinese solar industry, which accounts for around 80% global production. Haikong Sanxin reported a loss of 194.5 Yuan ($27.3 million) from January to June 2025, and 659 Million Yuan in debt. Haikong halted its production as well at the end September, because continuing production would have resulted in more losses.

South Africa coal heartland is home to a small solar city

Even though the locals are coughing up grey smog, coal keeps them at work, heats their homes during winter, and cooks dinner. Now, however, things are slowly beginning to change. South Africa, one of the largest coal exporters in the world, has launched a plan that will wean itself off coal pollution and embrace green industries to create jobs. Solar bricks - stackable lithium-ion batteries charged by sunlight - are used to power lights and mobile phones in almost every Nomzamo home.

Solar industry in Spain warns about price threats to energy transition

The number of hours in which solar power prices were zero or negative has increased this year, a sign that the supply is exceeding demand, and producers are forced to pay for power offloading or to stop their plants. This trend could threaten Spain's move to green energy. UNEF reported that between January and September of this year, solar energy producers experienced 693 hours with negative or zero electricity prices, which is the same as last year.

IEA reduces renewables forecast as US policy changes and China auction reforms weigh

The International Energy Agency cut its forecast of renewable power growth in 2030 by 900 Gigawatts compared to last year, citing weaker prospects for the United States and China. Solar power, however, continues to lead record additions. The data shows that the global renewable power capacity will now rise by 4,600GW by 2030, down from the forecast of 5,500GW in 2024. Solar accounts for about 80%. The IEA's U.S. Growth Expectations have been lowered by almost half, largely due to the early phase out of federal tax incentives in the U.S.

Solar groups sue Trump Administration over cancellation of $7 billion in grants

On Monday, a group of labor unions as well as nonprofits and solar companies filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its cancellation of an $7 billion grant program from Biden's era that was intended to increase solar energy in low-income areas. The complaint filed in federal courts in Rhode Island alleges that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and its administrator Lee Zeldin broke the law by rescinding grants granted in 2024 to sixty nonprofit groups, tribals, and states.

Solar groups sue Trump Administration over cancellation of $7 billion in grants

On Monday, a group of labor unions as well as nonprofits and solar companies filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its cancellation of an $7 billion grant program from Biden's era that was intended to increase solar energy in low-income areas. The complaint filed in federal courts in Rhode Island alleges that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and its administrator Lee Zeldin broke the law by rescinding grants granted in 2024 to nonprofit groups, tribals, and states.

Germany launches a 6 billion euro industrial decarbonisation programme, including CCS technology

Katherina Reiche, German Economy Minister, announced a funding initiative of 6 billion euros ($7 billion), aimed at decarbonising industrial processes. This is the first time that CCS technology has been incorporated into climate protection contracts in the country. The program targets sectors that are energy-intensive, such as steel, glass, chemicals, and cement, while Germany tries to meet its climate targets despite concerns about industrial competitiveness.

Indian regulator listens to solar firms' complaints about losses caused by transmission delays

According to regulatory filings, India's federal regulator of power has accepted petitions from two renewable energy developers who sought compensation for losses due to delays in establishing transmission infrastructure. India's clean energy rollout could be a precedent that renewable energy developers will have to follow. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission is examining the Central Transmission Utility of India (CTUI) and Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCI)…

Japan's conventional solar stock tumbles after Takaichi victory

After a party vote that positioned Sanae Takaichi as the next Prime Minister, shares of the Japanese renewable energy company Renova fell more than 11% Monday. The sudden drop was a result of speculation that the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) new leader, the former minister for economic security and internal affairs, could have a negative impact on large solar businesses. She has previously been skeptical about big solar projects. Takaichi called for a limit on large solar projects.