NZ developer achieves South Island first with fifth solar farm
New Zealand renewables developer Lodestone Energy is expanding its footprint with construction starting on its first utility-scale solar farm on the country’s South Island.
NSW pairs increased VPP incentive with national battery rebate
The New South Wales government has ended its home battery installation rebate, announcing it will instead provide up to $1,500 to households and small businesses that install a battery energy storage system and connect it to a virtual power plant.
JinkoSolar takes top spot on WoodMac’s list of PV module manufacturers
JinkoSolar led global PV module shipments in 2024, followed by JA Solar, Longi, Canadian Solar and Trina Solar, according to Wood Mackenzie. The research firm notes a growing shift toward full vertical integration among top manufacturers.
Rooftop installs rebound but battery program takes bite
Australia’s rooftop solar market has climbed by 6% in the past month with the latest data revealing that 235 MW of small-scale rooftop PV capacity was installed on household and business roofs across the country in May 2025.
Queensland boosts funding for CopperString project
The Queensland government has reinforced its commitment to the CopperString transmission line project that is to stretch across the state’s northwest, announcing it will allocate $2.4 billion towards the project.
Genesis begins battery build at thermal power station site
Construction of a 200 MWh battery energy storage system has commenced on New Zealand’s North Island as part of power company Genesis Energy’s plans to transform the country’s largest thermal power station to renewables.
WA expands battery rebate scheme with backing of national program
The Western Australian government has confirmed its planned $337 million household battery rebate scheme will operate in combination with the federal government’s $2.3 billion home battery subsidy initiative, rather than applicants being able to stack the two financial incentives.
1Komma5° unveils VPP ready solar and battery solution
German home energy and electrification company 1Komma5° has unveiled a residential energy ecosystem for the Australian market including solar panels, hybrid inverter, and the brand’s intelligent battery energy storage solution.
Global solar capacity to surpass 7.5 TW in 2035, says GlobalData
UK consultancy GlobalData projected, in figures shared with pv magazine, that global renewable capacity could hit 11.2 TW by 2035, led by solar. It expects cumulative PV capacity to hit 2,378 GW by year-end and 2,849 GW by 2026.
New solar and battery project planned for Queensland hotspot
Queensland’s Wide Bay–Burnett region is continuing to build as a renewable energy hotspot with Zen Energy now seeking federal government approval to develop a 100 MW solar farm and a 200 MW battery energy storage system in the area.
