Enphase moves into AI data center power with solid-state transformer
Enphase Energy has detailed the architecture of its IQ Solid-State Transformer (IQ SST), a distributed power conversion system designed to supply regulated 800 VDC power to AI data center infrastructure.
Solar sector raises $11.1 billion in Q1 2026 as debt financing hits decade high
Global corporate funding in the solar sector reached $11.1 billion in the first quarter of 2026, with debt financing at its highest level in more than 10 years, says Mercom Capital Group.
Awendio Solaris plans multi-gigawatt solar manufacturing hub in Canada
Awendio Solaris says it plans to invest about CAD 1 billion ($726.7 million) in a vertically integrated solar cell and module manufacturing facility and research center in Montreal, Quebec, targeting the Canadian and U.S. markets.
South Korea urges U.S. to exempt firms from polysilicon tariffs
South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) is urging the United States to exempt its companies from Section 232 polysilicon tariffs, warning that restrictions could disrupt $2.8 billion in U.S. solar investments.
Global electricity demand to rise in 2026 as renewables lead, says IEA
Global electricity demand is set to rise more than 3% per year through 2026, driven by growth in Asia and greater use across industry, data centers, and transport, with renewables, gas, and nuclear meeting most of the increase, says the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Manitoba launches retrofit program to cut home heating costs
The Canadian province of Manitoba has launched the Affordable Home Energy Program to support ground-source heat pump adoption in electrically heated homes. The initiative, run by Efficiency Manitoba, offers no-upfront-cost options and could cut household electricity bills by up to CAD 1,000 ($730) per year.
Enphase Energy to cut 17% of workforce, shut down production in Mexico
Enphase Energy says it plans to restructure its operations, reducing its global workforce by 17% – about 500 employees and contractors – and closing its contract manufacturing site in Mexico.
Polysilicon giant Daqo shrugs off COVID-19 fears with positive outlook for 2020
The Chinese polysilicon giant’s net income fell nearly 23% year-on-year to $29.5 million in fiscal 2019, even though it posted a 16% year-on-year jump in revenue to $350 million. It expects its polysilicon output to soar in the year ahead, despite the threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak.
BlackRock vows to exit coal as part of new climate-focused investment strategy
The U.S. asset management fund’s plan to cut future investment in coal is reportedly part of a climate-focused initiative to establish sustainability at the center of its business approach. The announcement comes weeks after the investor closed $1 billion of a record $2.5 billion fund focused on PV, wind and energy storage projects.
Amazon announces plans for 45 MW of solar
The e-commerce group will invest an undisclosed sum in a 45 MW solar array in the U.S. state of Virginia. It also plans to invest in a 23.2 MW wind farm in Ireland.
