Monday, May 11, 2026

Solar News

Trump's crackdown against solar companies linked to China stalls U.S. manufacturing boom

Solar companies, banks, and insurers stopped doing business at least half a dozen newly built U.S. panels factories due to uncertainty about whether their ties to China would disqualify them for clean-energy subsidies. Industry executives and documents examined by have confirmed this. This shift is a result of new policies from the Trump administration and threatens to undermine more than one-third of U.S.

Bangladesh switches to solar energy as Middle East crises drive energy risks

Bangladesh has issued tenders for solar power of 495 megawatts, as it aims to reduce its dependence on imported fuels. The?Iran war? is driving a global rise in energy prices. The Bangladesh Power Development Board invited bids on 10 grid-connected projects ranging in size from 25 MW up to 100 MW. Private investors are expected to develop the plants. They…

First Solar's sales increase on the back of higher demand for solar panels

First Solar, the largest U.S. solar panel manufacturer, reported on Thursday higher quarterly sales that met Wall Street's expectations. This was aided by demand from India and third parties. First Solar has increased its pricing power as a result of the U.S. tariffs and more stringent trade enforcement, which have raised the price of imported solar panels. In extended trading, shares of the company rose by 0.55%.

Chinese solar manufacturers report fresh losses despite optimism over Iran War-driven boost in overseas demand

A major Chinese solar manufacturer?said this week that the U.S./Israeli war 'in Iran' is boosting interest overseas?in renewable energies. However, weaker domestic demand is weighing down on the outlook of the sector. Oil and gas prices have soared as a result of the two-month conflict in the Middle East. This has led to countries looking for alternative energy sources and trying to protect their economies from future shocks.

Russell: The war between Iran and the US will supercharge Asia’s transition from fossil fuels towards electrons.

The U.S.-Israeli war against Iran has turned out to be an 'aha moment' for Asia. This is the continent that is most vulnerable to the loss of crude and liquefied gas through the still mostly closed Strait of Hormuz. China was largely responsible for the electrification of this region, which is home to the world's fastest-growing population. The ripple effect…

US sets preliminary antidumping duty on solar imports of India, Indonesia and Laos

The U.S. Commerce Department announced preliminary antidumping duty on'solar panels and cells imported from India, Indonesia, and Laos. This is the latest in an arbitrary series of tariffs that have been imposed on solar imports for over a decade. Federal trade officials found that the companies from the three countries had dumping cheap goods on the U.S. market and undercutting American manufacturers.

The Iranian war has re-energized European demand for rooftop solar panels to reduce energy bills

Since the beginning of the Iran War, the demand for rooftop solar systems has risen across Europe as consumers rush to protect themselves from the soaring energy prices caused by the worst global disruption in energy history. The conflict has caused oil, gas, and electricity prices to rise sharply, affecting both companies and consumers. This has increased efforts to reduce exposure?to volatile markets and find cheaper alternatives.

China's solar panel exports reach record levels in March due to Africa and Southeast Asia

China's solar panels exports reached a new record in March, according to data from China's customs and industries. Southeast Asia and Africa stocked up ahead of anticipated price increases, and the fallout of the Iran war also boosted demand. Exports of panels jumped 42.2% in March to reach 1.75 million metric tonnes, which is equivalent to 13.3% in 2025. Chinese customs data revealed that the shipments had a value of $3.61 billion.

PREVIEW: Tesla's energy storage unit will pick up the slack when car margins fall and credit fade

Tesla's solar business and energy will likely outshine its core business, which is struggling to keep up with the competition. This week it will report its 'quarterly' results. It's a sign that Tesla has remained resilient as it slowly progresses in developing robots and autonomous driving technology. Tesla's first negative quarter in two years is due to CEO Elon Musk’s plans to build robots and new assembly lines.

Tesla's energy-storage division will pick up the slack when car margins and credits decline

Tesla's solar business and energy division will likely outshine its core business, which is struggling to keep up with the competition. This shows a certain amount of resilience as Tesla makes slow progress in its move to self-driving cars and robots. Elon Musk’s plans to create new robots and assembly lines are expected to cost Tesla $20 billion in this year.

France and other World Bank shareholders are seeking a solution to maintain climate strategy

Eleonore Caoit, France's development minister, said that World Bank shareholders were looking for a way to "keep alive" the climate change financing strategy of the development lender after it officially expired at the end June. Caroit said late Thursday that she had been discussing plans for keeping the basic 'benefits' of the World Bank's Climate Change…

Stephen Jen: The timing of the return of ROI-China could not be better.

China has finally turned the corner. China's economy has finally turned a corner, five years after Beijing started cracking down its bloated real estate sector. It is now on a more sustainable path, anchored in quality growth. The correction left fewer scars that many had feared. China's real estate sector has been in a "bear market" since 2021. Prices have fallen by 40 to 50 percent on average. It was not accidental.

China restricts solar manufacturing equipment exports to the US

Five people familiar with the discussions said that Chinese officials had held preliminary talks with suppliers of equipment used to manufacture solar panels in order to 'limit exports of advanced technology to the United States. A clampdown of this kind would put at risk the investments of U.S. firms and slow down the race to space-based computing. China…

China restricts solar manufacturing equipment exports to the US

Five people familiar with the consultations said that Chinese officials had held preliminary?talks? with suppliers of equipment for making solar panels, as they considered limiting the exports of most advanced technology to the United States. A clampdown of this kind would put at risk the investments made by U.S. companies and slow down the race to space-based computing…

Suniva, a US solar cell manufacturer, invests $350 million to expand in South Carolina

Suniva, a U.S.-based solar manufacturer, announced on Tuesday that it would invest $350 millions?into a South Carolina cellular factory. Production will begin in early 2027. The new facility represents a significant expansion of the United States’ capacity to produce solar cells. These are?the building blocks that make up solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity.

Botswana signs mineral and energy exploration deal with Oman

The presidency announced on Monday that a trip to Oman to strengthen economic relations led by the Botswana president resulted in multiple agreements, including those on mineral exploration, oil storage infrastructure, and renewable energy. Botswana is seeking to engage Gulf States as part of its strategy for diversification beyond diamond mining to include critical minerals like copper, gold graphite and iron ore.

Sources say that Iberdrola has put a $1 billion sale of solar stakes on hold.

According to two people familiar with the matter, Iberdrola is putting on hold for now its attempt to sell a?minority stake in a Spanish solar energy portfolio of about 1 gigawatt. One source said that the Spanish company had decided to investigate the sale of its entire portfolio, known as Project Julieta. They were seeking an estimated value of $1 billion.

China's Xi calls for faster development of new Energy System as Middle East War continues

Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, has called for a rapid planning and construction of a new energy infrastructure to ensure 'the?country’s energy security. This comes weeks after the Iran War that has triggered energy shocks around world. According to CCTV, the leader of the second largest economy in the world also stressed hydropower development, ecological protection and urged the safe and orderly growth of nuclear energy.

Bangladeshi farmers try solar irrigation when fuel prices rise

Experts say that installing solar panels in or near?crop fields can provide a "better" alternative to the rising costs of fuel for generators. The technology is still not widely used. According to the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation, 71% of irrigation equipment is powered by diesel and 29% by electric. Only 4,058 solar-powered irrigation units are found nationwide.

Tesla's China made EV sales increase for the second consecutive quarter

Tesla's China made electric vehicle sales rose for the second consecutive quarter, despite increased competition from the U.S. The automaker has broadened its focus beyond EVs. The China Passenger 'Car Association reported on Thursday that sales of Model Y and Model Y vehicles made at Tesla's Shanghai plant, including exports into Europe and other countries, increased 8.7% compared to a year ago to 85,670 cars in March.