There is a gap in the market for long-duration energy storage (LDES), according to US-based manufacturer ESS Inc. – one which can’t be plugged with lithium-ion chemistry. Hugh McDermott, of ESS Inc. tells pv magazine how he thinks iron flow batteries fit into the energy system of the future, as the company pursues global expansion.

Utility-scale solar installations reached 182 GW (AC) in 2024, with the top 33 countries now accounting for 765 GW, or roughly 93% of the global total, according to Wiki-Solar.

Also on the rise: Large batteries with grid-forming inverters can increase renewables hosting capacity. How utilities use financial models to justify higher rates of return. And more.

Nautilus Solar, a community solar specialist, grew its Maine portfolio by over 78 MW in 2024 and now has over 13,000 subscribers in the state.

Also on the rise: Moss Landing fire leads to emergency regulations. Trump administration pulls the plug on funding electric vehicle charging networks. And more.

pv magazine USA spotlights news of the past week including market trends, project updates, policy changes and more.

Aluminum is used in solar panel frames and racking and steel is used in solar ground mounts and trackers.

Tesla’s first overseas energy storage plant starts operating as global competition from Chinese firms and pricing pressures mount.

Also on the rise: Freyr Battery abandons plans for Georgia battery factory. Colorado permitting red tape adds thousands to rooftop solar cost, finds study.

Freyr was motivated to build the factory based on the strength of the U.S. renewable energy and electric vehicle industries, coupled with the tax incentives associated with the Inflation Reduction Act. It would have been a $2.6 billion investment, creating 720 jobs.

Also on the rise: Enhanced geothermal projects could scale greatly as costs decline. Invenergy CEO and spouse give $100 million to advance the energy transition. And more.

Brooklyn Solar Company announced a new post-truss, cantilever and wood-post solar mounting system.

Amid a down cycle for the industry, residential solar and home adaptive services company said it is prioritizing efficiency and higher cash generation.

The World Resources Institute and the University of Chicago are creating new programs with the funding.

The Solar for All program promised not only to power homes with solar energy, but to rekindle the economies and train a workforce in some of America’s most disadvantaged communities.

While the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Order 1920 could provide a step forward, many regions continue to struggle with implementing effective cost-sharing frameworks.

Utility-scale solar is set to crank up the voltage, preparing to shift from 1.5 kV to 2 kV on the DC side. It is a move that could redefine PV system design and slash costs, but it won’t happen globally due to vastly different regulations as voltages rise, reports Tristan Rayner.

Also on the rise: Canadian startup secures patent for solar module cooling tech, job moves and more.

Enertopia has developed a solar module cooling system that uses a moisture collection layer to transfer heat while capturing water for irrigation in arid regions. The design channels heat from the panel to a liquid transfer system, improving efficiency and water use.

A new attachment for asphalt shingle and composite slate roofs enables solar installation without boring holes through the external roofing layer has been awarded as an American-Made Solar Prize semifinalist. It is developed by Martin Solar and Roofing.