Topic · 14 stories
distributed-solar
Distributed solar covers rooftop and community systems, empowering local generation and reducing transmission losses while strengthening grid resilience for modern energy infrastructure.
Grid access cuts solar adoption odds in Cameroon, study finds
A new study published in Discover Energy finds that grid access in Cameroon reduces the probability of residential solar PV adoption by 25.3 percentage points. This highlights the critical role of off-grid solar as a primary energy source for communities not yet reached by the national electricity network.
Brazil: Solar Panels: Just Energy Transition and Forecast for the Coming Years
The article analyzes how the October elections in Brazil will impact the legislative process for distributed generation, noting that while government policies may continue, specific regulatory changes will require fragmented legislative negotiation. It highlights that BNDES credit lines for solar projects are contingent on Aneel issuing the necessary resolutions to define eligibility and compensation mechanisms under Law 15,269/2025.
Mexico adds 447 MW of distributed generation in the first half of 2026 and exceeds 5600 MW of installed capacity
Mexico's National Energy Commission reported that distributed generation capacity reached 5,675.47 MW in the first half of 2026, with photovoltaic systems accounting for the vast majority of this installed base. This data highlights the scale of capital investment and the rapid growth of small-scale interconnections, which are critical for understanding the evolving grid integration challenges and market dynamics in the region.
Brazil: Brazilian courts have ruled against ICMS tax on solar energy credits used by consumers in Maranhão.
A Brazilian court has ruled that the state of Maranhão and Equatorial must stop charging ICMS tax on solar energy credits used by consumers under the SCEE system. This decision is significant for solar professionals as it removes a financial barrier that previously increased the payback period for distributed generation projects in the region.
Brazil: Solar energy subscription on Aneel's radar; what could change?
Aneel is reviewing regulations for the solar energy subscription model in Brazil, citing concerns that commercialization has distorted the original intent of consumer cooperatives. This regulatory shift could significantly impact the business models of utilities and investors currently operating in the distributed solar sector.
Spain: Andalusian Health Service Awards Contract for 4.78 MW Solar PV Technical Office at 80 Facilities
The Andalusian Health Service has published a tender for the design and technical direction of 4.78 MWp of solar PV systems across 80 healthcare facilities in Jaén. This project is significant for professionals as it represents a large-scale public sector initiative focused on reducing energy dependence through distributed renewable generation.
Kazakhstan: Sergey Agafonov: Europe has equipped 1.3 million balconies with solar panels, yet we cannot connect a solar station to the 'Dama'
Sergey Agafonov discusses the impact of rising electricity tariffs and grid infrastructure limitations on the adoption of distributed solar generation in Kazakhstan. The article highlights a case study where a solar plant covers 90% of a factory's energy consumption, illustrating the financial viability and operational benefits of such projects for industrial users.
Brazil: Brasol warns that thefts are the main threat to the profitability of solar power plants
Brasol reports that equipment theft is the primary threat to the profitability of distributed solar assets, noting that recovery time and insurance deductibles significantly impact revenue. This highlights the critical importance of robust asset protection and operational security strategies for solar operators managing large-scale distributed portfolios.
GridPoint launches energy storage initiative targeting 2 GW of distributed installations
GridPoint has announced a plan to deploy 2 GW of distributed battery energy storage systems across more than 20,000 commercial sites in the United States. This initiative is significant for energy professionals as it demonstrates how existing energy management platforms can integrate storage to provide resilience and cost savings for multi-site operators.
In the Netherlands, Even Highways Generate Energy: New 65-Km Solar Plan Spans Bridges and Barriers
North Holland approved a plan to install solar panels along 65 km of Dutch highways, utilizing noise barriers and bridges. This project leverages existing infrastructure to generate electricity without requiring new land, offering a model for integrating renewable energy into transportation networks.
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.
‘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.
As Diesel Costs Surge for Farmers & Rural Businesses, Solar Offers a Lifeline
The article details a specific pilot in Tanzania where solar irrigation doubled farmer income by replacing expensive diesel. It illustrates the economic viability of solar for agricultural applications in regions facing fuel price instability.
Germany: German Energy Storage Pioneer Sonnen Files for Bankruptcy, Leaving 150,000 Customers
Sonnen has filed for self-administered insolvency proceedings after being sold by Shell to Tiven. This event highlights the financial risks facing independent storage hardware manufacturers as the market shifts toward standardized components and service-based revenue models.