Policy Desk · Day
2026-11-03
18 stories in this section.
Artisan Electric helped turn Vashon into a solar island. Why did it close? - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Artisan Electric, which installed nearly 350 of Vashon's 450 solar sites, closed in May due to a drop in residential sales after the federal homeowner tax credit ended. This case illustrates how policy changes and tight margins can impact local solar installers.
In Italy, land occupied by photovoltaics is 0.99% of the land actually consumed
Ispra data shows photovoltaic installations occupy 0.99% of Italy's consumed land, a fraction of the total soil loss. This context is vital for professionals to counter misconceptions about solar's environmental impact in policy discussions.
‘Nobody takes the sun away’: ISA members see solar & storage as energy security post West Asia crisis, says DG
ISA Director General Ashish Khanna stated that member nations view solar and storage as critical for energy sovereignty following the West Asia crisis. He highlighted the launch of a USD 300 million Nigeria Distributed Renewable Energy Fund and a study on solar ease of doing business across 127 countries.
Call to increase solar energy generation in the commercial sector
RE:UK reports that less than 10% of suitable commercial roof space in the UK is used for solar, citing regulation and policy uncertainty as barriers. The report urges streamlined planning approvals and clear Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards to unlock 60 GW of potential renewable energy.
Analysts push back on solar blank by T&TEC: No batteries needed
T&TEC has halted grid absorption from the 92-megawatt Brechin Castle Solar facility, citing planning and contractual shortcomings. Analysts argue this decision undermines the energy transition and that adding battery storage would have significantly increased construction costs.
New Document in Uşak Bağbaşı Solar Power Project! EIA Report Prepared After Court Ruling
An updated environmental impact assessment report was prepared for the Uşak Bağbaşı solar project following a court suspension of execution. This regulatory update reflects the legal and administrative steps required to proceed with the 40 MWe facility.
Cross-shareholding and duplicate registration of bank guarantees cause issues for 'retail' and 'community solar' investors, favoring large capital?
Thailand's 50 billion baht community solar program faces implementation hurdles, including contractor selection criteria and financial conditions that require installers to front costs for three months.
Solar Power Reshapes Electricity Pricing in Vietnam
EVN has abolished morning peak hours and extended evening peak pricing to reflect the impact of solar power on Vietnam's grid. This shift highlights how variable renewable energy is reshaping electricity cost structures and investment signals for the sector.
South Korea to ease storage container rules in battery deregulation push
South Korea is exempting BESS containers without internal walkways from CCTV requirements if they use BMS monitoring. This regulatory change aims to reduce compliance burdens and support the local battery industry against global competition.
Dominican Republic sets rules for integrating 200 MW and 800 MWh of batteries into existing renewable energy parks
The Dominican Republic's SIE approved tender terms for 200 MW and 800 MWh of battery storage to be added to existing renewable energy projects. This framework allows for the integration of storage into contracted facilities to support grid stability for regulated users.
China's Big Four Solar Firms Post 1 Trillion Won Loss in Q3... Recovery Unlikely by End of 2027
Four major Chinese solar manufacturers reported a combined net loss of 4.63 billion yuan in Q3, with new installations falling 54% year-on-year. Analysts indicate that structural oversupply and sluggish demand will likely prevent a clear industry recovery before the end of 2027.
Solar, not quick rentals, to address power crisis: PM
Bangladesh's PM stated the government will add 3,000 to 4,000 MW of solar to the grid and introduced the Special Solar Power Installation Ordinance 2026 with tax and tariff incentives. These measures aim to stabilize energy supply and promote long-term renewable expansion for the national grid.
China's solar technology plan signals new phase in global renewable energy industry
China's Ministry of Commerce proposed a framework to prohibit exports of advanced solar manufacturing technologies, including perovskite and tandem cells, while restricting others. This move impacts global supply chains by controlling the transfer of key production methods to other nations.
FUNAE Announces 100 Mini-Solar Grids for 2027 with $50 Million Investment
FUNAE plans to construct 100 solar mini-grids in Mozambique by 2027 with a $50 million investment. This initiative involves private operators and aims to expand electricity access in rural provinces.
How Indian is a ‘Made in India’ solar panel, really?
India added 44.61 GW of solar capacity in 2025-26, with residential installations under PM Surya Ghar reaching 19 GW. The article examines the supply chain depth of 'Made in India' panels, noting that while cell production is growing, the industry still relies on imported wafers and polysilicon, with new rules expected
Solar scheme promises savings, but at what cost?
The article details the eligibility criteria and financial implications of Thailand's new residential solar subsidy program, including loan terms and warranty conditions. It highlights the need for households to assess consumption patterns and financing costs to determine if the investment is viable.
Solar power production booms in Vietnam, unlocking peak hours, preparing to cut electricity rates by 2%
Vietnam's EVN has restructured its electricity tariff system to eliminate the morning peak period and reduce average rates by 2% due to solar generation surges. This policy shift impacts grid management and storage utilization for energy professionals in the region.
Italy: New Land Area for Ground-Mounted Solar Power Up 65% Year-on-Year to 2,798 Hectares
ISPRA data shows new ground-mounted solar land in Italy rose 65% to 2,798 hectares in 2025, with most sites in Lazio and Sicily. This highlights the rapid expansion of utility-scale solar and its impact on land use in the region.