The EU has launched a second sunset review of its anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Chinese solar glass. On July 22, 2025, the European Commission announced the initiation of a second sunset review of its anti-dumping and countervailing duties on solar glass originating in China, following applications filed by Interfloat Group, i.e., Interfloat Corporation, and GMB Glasmanufaktur Brandenburg GmbH on April 18 and 19, 2025. The investigation examines whether the damage caused by dumping and subsidies to the EU domestic industry by the products in question would continue or recur if the existing anti-dumping and countervailing measures were lifted. The EU CN code for the products in question is ex7007 19 80 (TARIC codes are 700719 80 12, 7007 19 80 18, 7007 19 80 80, and 7007 19 80 85). The sunset review investigation period runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and the industry injury investigation period runs from January 1, 2022, until the end of the investigation period.   On February 28, 2013, the European Commission launched an anti-dumping investigation into solar glass originating in China. On April 27, 2013, the European Commission launched a countervailing duty investigation into solar glass originating in China. On May 14, 2014, the European Commission issued final anti-dumping and countervailing duty rulings on solar glass originating in China. On May 14, 2019, the European Commission initiated the first sunset review of anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations into solar glass originating in China. On July 23, 2020, the European Commission issued the first final sunset review of anti-dumping and countervailing duty rulings on solar glass originating in China.

The EU's first mandatory energy storage law Law 255/2024 is a true "atomic bomb" for energy storage! Honestly, no country in Europe has dared to take such a direct, hard line approach—limiting grid-connected power if you don't install energy storage. However, it's important to note that this law is currently under review at the president's request, and the specific implementation details may still be adjusted.   While major energy storage countries like Germany and Italy rely on subsidies to "entice" users to install energy storage, Romania is directly "forcing" it through law—a rather drastic move. The 195,000 existing PV users must complete energy storage upgrades by the end of 2027, or their grid-connected power will be cut from tens of kW to 3 kW. Who can bear this?   Romania's household energy storage market is indeed at a critical juncture of explosive growth. The 2.2 billion RON Casa Verde funding, the clear 5 GW installation target, and the large base of 195,000 PV users are all substantial positive factors.   But the key issue is implementation. Law 255/2024 is still under review, and the final version may differ from the current one. It's also unclear whether the supply chain can withstand concentrated demand of 2-3 GWh. Technical standards are still being refined.   For investors, the opportunity is clear, but risk management is crucial. While the policy direction is sound and funding is plentiful, don't bet on a single policy. Focus on carefully planning your supply chain and tracking technical standards.   Do you think this market deserves your attention? Leave a comment to share your thoughts.

Recently, the Spanish Ministry of Ecological Transformation (MITECO) officially launched an important initiative to open 3.68GW of grid capacity access applications, aiming to further promote the development of the country's photovoltaic industry and accelerate the transformation of the energy structure to clean energy.   It is understood that as the first tender, the grid capacity of eight power transmission nodes in Andalucia, Aragon, Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia, Galicia and Basque Country will be allocated. Previously, the large user applications for these grid nodes have exceeded the quota, and each application is evaluated separately. Due to the overload of some nodes, a competitive process is now introduced. When the Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica de España (REE) receives an access demand application for a specific node, it will be announced on its website. If additional applications are received within one month and the available capacity is insufficient, the node will be allocated through bidding to all interested parties who expressed interest during this period. According to the document, applicants have one month to submit the required documents. The review may include a report from REE, and MITECO will complete the resolution of each tender within six months after the tender is issued. Developers must submit financial guarantees based on three criteria, each at €25/kW. These guarantees will be refunded after compliance verification. This is the first time that electricity access has been allocated through a regulated tender using three evaluation criteria. The criteria include emission reduction (decarbonization impact), planned investment amount, and electricity start-up timeline. The process marks a shift to prioritize projects that reduce CO2 emissions, such as electrification of industrial processes. After this initial criterion, projects will be scored based on investment scale and expected commissioning timeline. Approved grid-connected photovoltaics reached 65.8GW, and power rationing issues are prominent Spain has abundant solar resources, with an average annual sunshine duration of about 3,000 hours, making it one of the countries with the best solar irradiation conditions in Europe. In recent years, Spain has made significant progress in the field of renewable energy. According to incomplete statistics, as of the end of March 2025, the country had about 129.57GW of renewable energy projects that had obtained grid connection permits, of which photovoltaic projects accounted for a large proportion, and the approved photovoltaic installed capacity reached 65.8GW. However, the Spanish photovoltaic market also faces some challenges. On the one hand, the growth rate of new photovoltaic installations has slowed down. In 2024, Spain's new self-generated and self-used photovoltaic installed capacity will be 1.431GW, a year-on-year decrease of 26.3%. The cumulative installed capacity in this field will r...

As the pace of development of the household photovoltaic market gradually slows down, many dealers have begun to actively explore new business growth points, and the emerging field of balcony photovoltaics has entered everyone's field of vision. The domestic balcony photovoltaic market has received more and more attention and is showing an accelerated rise. So, what are the characteristics of this market?   Mainly commercial scenarios, with significant demand for high power From some of the installed projects, the main application scenarios of domestic balcony photovoltaics are not residential apartments, but mainly commercial shops. Such places with high-frequency electricity consumption and concentrated electricity consumption during the day are particularly prominent, such as roadside shops, printing shops, and small restaurants. These scenarios use electricity continuously during the day, the electricity load is relatively stable, and the commercial electricity charges are generally high. The economic benefits of installing balcony photovoltaics are outstanding. In actual applications, balcony photovoltaic systems with only two components are often difficult to meet their electricity needs, and higher-power systems have become the core demand. Larger systems can produce more electricity during peak hours during the day, directly reducing electricity bills and achieving rapid returns.   Overseas balcony photovoltaic applications are mature Looking abroad, the application of balcony photovoltaics has become popular, and the practice of a large number of users has also verified its reliability and practicality. According to the latest estimate of the German Solar Industry Association based on the data of the Federal Network Agency, by the end of June 2025, its balcony photovoltaic installations have exceeded the 1 million mark. From the beginning of 2025 to the end of April alone, about 135,000 sets were put into use, an increase of 36% over the same period last year.   In addition, many parts of Europe have also introduced balcony photovoltaic support policies. Austria passed an amendment to the "Apartment Law", clarifying that other members of the apartment owners' association shall not refuse to install plug-in photovoltaic systems on balconies and terraces in principle; France introduced a "zero approval" policy to shorten the installation process to 7 days; Italy launched a "super subsidy", and users can get up to 110% of the installation cost refund; the United Kingdom announced the lifting of the ban on plug-and-play balcony photovoltaic systems, allowing renters and apartment residents to install them independently. These policies have injected strong momentum into the popularization and development of balcony photovoltaics, and continue to help it accelerate in the European market.   Balcony photovoltaic solution with energy storage function In addition to high-power solutions, SunArk also provides balcony photovolta...

Today, the highly anticipated GCL Optoelectronics GW-level perovskite industrial base was officially put into production in Kunshan. As the world's first GW-level stacked module production base, its production marks a historic breakthrough in the industrialization of perovskite technology and an important industry milestone in the new energy industry.   According to the introduction, the total investment of the GCL Optoelectronics GW-level perovskite industrial base project is 5 billion yuan, with a planned target production capacity of 2GW, and a 1GW perovskite commercial module production line will be deployed in advance. As a third-generation photovoltaic technology with great potential, perovskite is relying on its disruptive advantages to drive the industry to move forward in the direction of low-carbon and high-efficiency coordinated development, reshaping the photovoltaic industry landscape. With the full mass production of this GW-level production line and the continuous optimization and upgrading of the industrial chain, the advantages of GCL perovskite stacked modules in cost control, efficiency, performance stability and other aspects will be further highlighted, releasing strong market competitiveness. Looking to the future, the project base will serve as the global R&D headquarters of GCL Optoelectronics, the future listed entity and the global group headquarters, actively attracting upstream and downstream companies to gather, fully cultivating and building a perovskite industry ecosystem, and moving forward towards the goal of 100 billion yuan in output value.   In his speech, Zhu Gongshan, Chairman of GCL Group, expressed confidence that he would take the commissioning of this project as a full opportunity to firmly implement the dual-wheel drive strategy of "GW-level mass production + scenario-based demonstration", anchor the clear roadmap of "gradually increasing production capacity - large-scale manufacturing - large-scale explosion of stacking production capacity", accelerate the application process of perovskite components in the market, and promote Suzhou to become the "technology source + application demonstration zone" in the global perovskite field, and contribute solid strength to the global energy transformation.   On the day of the commissioning ceremony, GCL Optoelectronics also ushered in another major good news - the AI ​​high-throughput joint R&D center jointly built with Suzhou Laboratory and Soochow University was officially unveiled. The joint R&D center will rely on advanced AI high-throughput systems, deeply integrate high-quality resources in the global perovskite scientific research field, and deeply cultivate perovskite formula, process, application, achievement transformation, industrialization and other diversified fields in all directions, and is committed to promoting greater breakthroughs and innovative development of perovskite technology.   It is worth mentioning that ...

Iran attacks US military bases in Iraq and Qatar, launches devastating missiles! Trump has arrived at the White House Situation Room CCTV International News reported that on the evening of June 23rd local time, early this morning (June 24th) Beijing time, Iran announced missile attacks on US military bases in Iraq and Qatar, according to Iran's Tasnim News Agency. According to CCTV News, the Iranian armed forces issued a statement saying that they launched "destructive and powerful" missiles at the Al Udeid base in Qatar. On the night of June 23rd local time, early this morning (June 24th) Beijing time, missiles flew over the Qatari capital Doha, and the interception system was subsequently activated. Explosions were heard in the southwest of Doha. It is reported that the missile may be flying to the Al Udeid Air Base southwest of Doha. According to US media reports citing Israeli officials, Iran launched multiple missiles at US military bases in Qatar. Al Udeid Air Base is located about 35 kilometers southwest of Doha. It is the most modernized military base of the United States in the Gulf region and one of the largest US military bases overseas. More than 10,000 US soldiers are deployed here. US military bases in Iraq activate air defense system and enter highest alert state CCTV News learned on June 23 local time that according to US military sources, the United States has activated the air defense system of Iraq's Assad Air Base due to concerns about possible attacks. Iraq's Assad Air Base entered the highest alert state and ordered local troops to enter the bunker for shelter. Trump has arrived at the White House Situation Room According to US media reports, US President Trump is currently meeting with the Secretary of Defense and members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the White House Situation Room.

Indonesia's 2025-2034 Power Development Plan: At least 17GW of photovoltaic capacity will be added in the next 10 years   The Indonesian government recently officially passed the "2025-2034 Power Supply Business Plan" (RUPTL), which clearly stated that it will add 69.5GW of power generation capacity in the next ten years, of which 42.6GW will come from renewable energy, including 17.1GW of photovoltaic power generation capacity.   According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), by the end of 2024, Indonesia's total installed capacity of renewable energy in operation was 14.3GW, of which photovoltaics accounted for only 815MW.   Advance in stages, still relying on fossil energy in the early stage   Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia said at a press conference that the plan was formulated by the state-owned power company PTPLN and will be implemented in two stages:   2025-2029: 9.2GW of new natural gas power generation, 12.2GW of new renewable energy installed capacity (EnergiBaruTerbarukan, including new energy such as photovoltaic, wind power, nuclear power, hydropower, biomass energy, etc.), 3GW of energy storage (including batteries and pumped storage), 3.5GW of coal-fired power plants;   2030-2034: Mainly deploy renewable energy, including 17.1GW photovoltaic, 7.2GW wind power, 5.2GW geothermal, 11.7GW hydropower, 900MW biomass, and 2 small nuclear power units of 250MW each.   Lahadalia reiterated Indonesia's commitment to the Paris Agreement and said it would strive to achieve the net zero emission target by 2060.   The investment scale is 185.5 billion US dollars, and IPP will dominate nearly 70%   According to the plan, power projects in the next ten years will drive a total investment of about 296.74 trillion rupiah (about 185.5 billion US dollars), of which about 73% will be invested and constructed by independent power producers (IPPs), and the rest will be responsible for the PTPLN Group.   To support the new installed capacity, Indonesia will also build nearly 48,000 kilometers of transmission lines and 108,000MVA substation capacity grid facilities.   The new plan's energy transformation speed is slower than previously promised, which has aroused external doubts   International law firm A&O Shearman pointed out that achieving the 17.1GW photovoltaic target will face large-scale land demand (ground power stations usually require 1MW to 1 hectare of land). Floating photovoltaic projects are also part of the plan. The country has up to 20% of its water resources with the potential to install photovoltaic power stations.   However, the plan has also aroused external doubts. The Jakarta Post pointed out in an editorial that RUPTL2025-2034 "may become a 'missed opportunity' for Indonesia's sustainable development", saying that the plan focuses on fossil energy in the early stage and promotes renewable energy proje...

On the afternoon of June 5, the Ministry of Commerce held a regular press conference. Reporter: On June 1, the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced the extension of the exemption period for the 301 investigation on China's behavior, policies and practices in technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation. The exemption period was originally scheduled to expire on May 31, 2025, and was extended to August 31, 2025. What is the Ministry of Commerce's comment on this?   He Yongqian, spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce: China's position against the US 301 tariffs is clear and consistent. The US 301 tariff measures are a typical unilateralism and trade protectionism. Previously, the WTO expert group has ruled that the US 301 tariff measures violate WTO rules. The final cost of the US 301 tariff measures is borne by American companies and consumers, which is a typical behavior of harming others and not benefiting oneself. We urge the US to completely cancel all restrictive measures against China, including the 301 tariffs, and work with China to maintain the consensus spirit of the Geneva economic and trade talks and promote the healthy, stable and sustainable development of Sino-US economic and trade relations.

The United States announced an extension of partial exemptions for China's 301 tariffs! North Star Solar Photovoltaic Network learned that on May 31 local time, the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced the extension of the exemption period in the 301 investigation of China's behavior, policies and practices in technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation. These exemptions were originally scheduled to expire on May 31, 2025, and have now been extended to August 31, 2025.

According to Thai media reports, the Thai Board of Investment (BOI) held a meeting on the 19th and introduced 4 measures to help Thai companies cope with US tariffs and external challenges. First, stop investment promotion preferences for industries with oversupply or susceptible to trade restrictions from the United States and other countries, including solar cell and panel manufacturing, some auto parts (lead-acid batteries, decorative parts, etc. that do not affect vehicle driving performance and safety), metal cutting, waste sorting outside industrial parks and without recycling links, downstream steel industries such as long product manufacturing, plates (only hot-rolled coils, thick steel plates), various steel pipes, etc. Second, for industries susceptible to US trade measures, strengthen the review of key production processes. For example, auto parts, electrical appliances, electronics, metal products and light industries will set clear conditions, must have key production processes, fully process and transform raw materials, improve the acceptance of Thai products in the export market, and ensure national interests. Third, adjust the employment conditions for foreign personnel. For manufacturing enterprises applying for investment promotion, if the total number of employees of the company reaches 100 or more, at least 70% of the employees must be Thai. Foreigners applying for BOI visas and work permits must meet the minimum salary standards, such as a monthly salary of not less than 150,000 baht for senior executives and a monthly salary of not less than 50,000 baht for professional and technical personnel, in order to protect local employment. Fourth, help small and medium-sized enterprises affected by US tariffs. Encourage Thai small and medium-sized enterprises to invest in improving their own efficiency and enhancing their competitiveness, such as replacing machinery and equipment, adopting automation and digital technology, saving energy, upgrading to international sustainable standards, and transforming to emerging industries. The original exemption of corporate income tax for 3 years (limited to no more than 50% of the investment amount) will be increased to 5 years (limited to no more than 100% of the investment amount).