North America

Sandia National Laboratories conducted the first-ever blind comparison of seven commercial PV modeling software, revealing that differences in weather handling, system modeling, derates, and assumptions grow as system complexity increases. The study emphasizes that software choice should consider project complexity, workflow, and modeling features rather than relying on rankings alone.

Swish Solar has an AI-driven tool that optimizes solar panel cleaning schedules to reduce soiling losses and operating costs. The platform uses data analytics and forecasting models to help operators time cleaning based on financial impact.

The company reported a net loss of $86 million in the fourth quarter as lower module and storage volumes offset record annual shipments to the U.S. market.

The state’s shift to a “capped” system means developers are now racing for limited space. The program exceeds its goals for low-income participation, addressing access gaps in the energy transition.

Data from EnergyBin and Buckstop shows used panels accounted for just 1% of resale listings in 2025, as record-low prices for new modules undermine the economics of reuse.

New data center capacity additions fell 50% quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025, signaling a shift in developer focus toward executing existing projects amid power queue bottlenecks.

As the buildout of data centers in the United States accelerates, developers are often targeting remote locations where land availability is high. Off-grid solar paired with batteries offers an opportunity to power data centers in areas that would otherwise not have access to dependable utility infrastructure.

Elon Musk, the CEO of both Tesla and SpaceX, raised some eyebrows at this year’s World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, when he predicted “that the lowest cost place to put AI will be space and that will be true within two to three years, three at the latest.” pv magazine reported on Musk’s vision on our global website www.pv-magazine.com on Jan. 26, 2026, and exactly one week later SpaceX announced that it was acquiring xAI “to form the most ambitious, vertically integrated innovation engine on (and off) Earth, with AI, rockets, space-based internet, direct-to-mobile device communications, and the world’s foremost real-time information and free speech platform.”

The Solarplaza Summit Asset Management North America conference returns to San Diego from April 1 to April 2, 2026. The expanded event will cover how asset owners can maximize performance, integrate storage and navigate risks as they operate their portfolios.

A legal alert from Wiley indicates that importing silver silicon wafers for domestic anti-reflective coating may disqualify solar cells from the 10% domestic content bonus credit despite conflicting customs rulings.