NRG Energy Inc. and Ice Energy will roll out 25 MW of energy storage solutions in California. Up to 1,800 of Ice Energy’s thermal storage units are expected to be installed early next year.

Younicos has announced it will double its workforce by 2017, adding new jobs in both Germany and the U.S., in response to the expected “exponential” growth in the energy storage market. Overall, the battery specialist has a 4 GW project pipeline.

A new GTM Research report estimates that the U.S. microgrid market will reach a cumulative capacity of around 2.8 GW in 2020. Of this, renewables are set to account for 26%, led by solar.

Following an investigation into Chinese companies importing solar PV products into Canada, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) has ruled that dumping and subsidizing has taken place and, while this has not caused injury to the domestic market thus far, threats of injury are present. Final duties have been set for the next five years.

A cumulative solar PV capacity of 200 GW will soon be reached, says BSW-Solar, indicating up to 22 GW have been added in 1H 2015. Like other recent estimates, the German solar association predicts 50 GW of new capacity additions worldwide this year; in the next four years, capacity is expected to “at least” double.

In a new study by Stanford University, a solid financial, technical and economical case for the U.S to convert its all-purpose energy systems to ones powered by wind, water and sunlight (WWS) has been made. Based on their calculations, the authors say solar PV could account for 38% of power generation in 2050, and create up to 2.3 million jobs.

An alliance, including Greenpeace, is appealing the European Commission’s decision to approve subsidies for the British nuclear power plant, Hinkley Point C. Germany’s Bundestag is voting this evening on whether to follow suit.

Emirates Insolaire LLC has completed what it says is the world’s first installation of colored solar panels – a 12 kWp building façade in Switzerland. To date, it has executed three projects, all in Europe. With commercial-scale operations starting this year, the BIPV company has big plans for the future, including capacity ramp ups and entry into new markets.

SunEdison has inaugurated its 50 MW Dammakhedi solar PV plant in Madhya Pradesh, India. The project was completed two months ahead of schedule.

In an interesting move, Yingli Green Energy has announced the issuance of project bonds to the Chinese public. The China-based solar manufacturer intends to widen its portfolio of new online financing products going forward.