Panasonic debuts fuel cell cogeneration system for PV‑integrated homes
Panasonic has launched a new home fuel cell system for detached houses, designed to boost solar self-consumption through HEMS‑based smart scheduling. The unit generates electricity and heat from gas, supports demand response, and can supply emergency power during outages.
German consortium launches web guide for BIPV planning
Germany’s SolarEnvelopeCenter project has launched a web-based planning guide for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), offering standardized design solutions for roofs and facades that comply with building codes and industry standards.
Storm train hits Western Europe PV as East clears under cold
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that January 2026 saw Europe’s coldest month since 2010, with Eastern Europe and Scandinavia enjoying above-average solar irradiance under stable, dry air, while the UK, Spain, and Portugal faced record cloudiness and rainfall that sharply reduced PV output.
Sunoyster offers lightweight 440 W glass-covered TOPCon PV panel
Germany-based solar tracker developer Sunoyster Systems has developed a 440 W lightweight solar panel with a tempered glass cover for low-load commercial and industrial roofs.
Samsung HVAC unveils inverter-driven residential heat pumps for cold climates
The US-based heating solutions provider said its Hylex inverter-driven heat pump offers 2–5 ton capacity, high efficiency, Wi-Fi control, and reliable cold-climate performance down to –25 C.
South Africa adds 1.6 GW of solar in 2025
South Africa’s cumulative solar capacity likely exceeded 10 GW by the end of last year, according to analysis from the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association.
Dominican Republic updates net metering rules for rooftop solar
The Dominican Republic has approved new regulations for rooftop solar, shortening approval times, digitizing processes, removing penetration caps, and increasing annual compensation for surplus energy to 100%.
MENA region to add 860 GW of solar by 2040, says DNV
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is projected to install 860 GW of solar capacity by 2040, led by utility-scale projects, with a further 2.2 TW of solar and wind expected between 2040 and 2060.
North Macedonia adds 210 MW of solar in 2025
North Macedonia’s cumulative solar capacity passed the 1 GW milestone in 2025, with the market currently led by utility-scale and C&I installations. Looking ahead, all market segments are anticipated to move towards hybrid solar-plus-storage solutions following the introduction of a new energy law last year.
Global-warming-induced degradation could raise rooftop solar LCOE by up to 20%
A global study finds climate change will sharply increase high-temperature risks, accelerate degradation, and raise costs for rooftop PV, with economically disadvantaged regions hit hardest. Researchers warn current IEC standards underestimate future risks, urging urgent updates to avoid stranded assets and rising electricity costs.
