Post-COP30 analysis has centred on the contentious debate over fossil-fuel phase-out wording. Yet the most significant development for the solar sector was not part of the negotiating text at all.

The Australian electricity industry has transformed over the past two decades, driven by the rise of household solar and other renewable energy sources. Since 2010, supported by government incentives and improving technology, rooftop solar installations have surged.

The federal government’s $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program is subsidising unnecessarily large energy storage systems and blowing out in cost.

Primary energy – which refers to the raw energy in fuels and natural resources – is often used to show how much energy we use but as a measure it is misleading and makes the clean energy switch seem much harder than it actually is.

Around the world, businesses are entering a new era of accountability. The shift toward mandatory climate-related financial disclosures is transforming how organisations understand and govern key drivers of financial performance.

The agency tasked with helping manage Australia’s move to a net-zero economy has launched an interactive map featuring more than 800 Commonwealth-supported utility scale renewable energy and net-zero projects, transmission lines, and industrial projects.

Akaysha Energy, the battery storage platform backed by global funds giant Blackrock, has announced the completion of its first big battery project with the 155 MW / 298 MWh Ulinda Park energy storage system in Queensland now online.

The New South Wales government has provided planning approval for the proposed $209 million Armidale battery project on the condition that developer Valent Energy invests more than $2.5 million in local community projects.

Another large-scale PV facility is now operating at full capacity in the Queensland grid after Greek industrial and energy company Metlen Energy and Metals officially activated the 120 MW Munna Creek Solar Farm.

The Australian arm of Malaysian engineering group Gamuda has been tapped by renewables developer Yanara to deliver a 360 MW solar farm and 600 MWh battery energy storage project in southwest Victoria.

Gokin has launched back-contact solar modules ranging from 480 W to 780 W for residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-scale projects. The series supports 1,500 V systems and reaches efficiencies of up to 24.8%.

The Chinese manufacturer said its new Astro 7 TOPCon module features an innovative self-cleaning frame and a power conversion efficiency of 23.2%.

The Queensland government has launched its Supercharged Solar for Renters program which provides eligible landlords with rebates of up to $3,500 to install solar systems on their rental properties anywhere in the state.

Solar energy forecasting company Solstice AI research has found a 10% improvement in weather / solar forecasting accuracy would generate an extra $38 million per year in profit for Australia’s utility solar, and worldwide, $9.5 billion.

China-headquartered solar technology manufacturer AIKO Energy has gifted a rooftop solar system to a birds of prey rehabilitation refuge in Tasmania, using it’s Neostar 2P 475W panels.

Fortescue-backed startup Sparc Hydrogen has begun producing green hydrogen directly from water using concentrated solar at what it describes as a “first-of-its-kind” pilot plant in South Australia.

UGL, a member of the CIMIC Group, has been selected by Neoen and Tesla to construct Stage 3 of Neoen’s Western Downs 305 MW / 1,220 MWh battery in Queensland.

Pertamina Power has teamed up with HyET Solaris to validate the commercial feasibility of producing and marketing HyET’s lightweight and flexible solar products in Indonesia, by developing a 50 MW per year factory pilot.

Renolit France has introduced the Alkor Bright reflective membrane for bifacial rooftop PV systems, offering high solar reflectivity and durability for flat or pitched roofs. The membrane helps keep buildings cooler while boosting the energy output of bifacial solar modules.

Researchers in China developed a monolithic perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell using a steric-complementary interface design, achieving a certified efficiency of 32.12% and enhanced long-term stability. This strategy optimises molecular fit in the perovskite lattice, improving both charge transport and device longevity.

Industry analysts say a new Beijing-based coordination platform created by China’s top polysilicon producers signals a turn toward managed capacity, as the sector tries to halt a steep price slide and mounting consolidation pressures.

Excellence was on display across all eight categories in the pv magazine Awards 2025 with plenty of innovation in both established and new market segments. From world-firsts to second-life solutions, this year’s winners brought cutting edge solutions to challenges facing solar and storage. The time has come to reveal the winners and highly commended finalists…

Japanese electronics manufacturer Panasonic is testing its glass-based perovskite solar PV technology in office windows made by YKK AP, a construction and building materials company.

Offered primarily as a 10 MW unit, the new product is also available in a 5.5 MW version for customers with specific requirements.

Chinese manufacturer Sunman is to build a 500 MW per annum solar module production facility in the New South Wales Hunter Valley after securing funding support from both the state and federal governments.

Sydney-based energy gentailer Alinta Energy has been purchased from owner, Hong Kong conglomerate Chow Tai Fook Enterprises by Singaporean energy company Sembcorp Industries for $6.5 billion.

Potentia Energy has completed an approximately$830 million portfolio financing package supporting its operating renewable energy assets and the delivery of new projects across Australia, comprising more than 600 MW capacity.

Neoen Australia has pressed go on construction of the 305 MW / 1,220 MWh next stage of its Western Downs battery energy storage system in Queensland and backed that by signing two new virtual battery contracts for a combined 250 MWh.

China’s Enerflow will partner with Perth-based firm Jenmi Investments to jointly develop a 350 MW / 1,200 MWh long-duration storage project, marking a major step for vanadium flow battery technology in the Australian grid.

A draft blueprint for Australia’s energy market calls for 120 GW of grid-scale solar and wind, 87 GW of rooftop PV, 55 GW of dispatchable storage and 6,000 kilometres of new transmission infrastructure by 2050 to replace retiring coal plants, meet a near doubling of electricity demand, and deliver on government emissions and renewable energy targets.