According to the latest report of the Brazilian Photovoltaic Industry Association (ABSOLAR), Brazil's cumulative photovoltaic installed capacity has exceeded 55GW (DC), accounting for 22.2% of the country's power installed structure. At present, photovoltaic power generation is second only to hydropower in Brazil's power sources, which accounts for more than 40%.   According to ABSOLAR's report, in 2024, Brazil will add 14.97GW of DC photovoltaic installed capacity, bringing the total installed capacity to 52.88GW, including 37.4GW of distributed photovoltaic and 17.6GW of large ground power stations. Data provided by the Brazilian National Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL) further confirms this development trend. As of February 28, 2025, Brazil's micro and small distributed photovoltaic (MMGD) installed capacity exceeded 37.61GW, with a total of 28.3 million systems connected to the grid, of which residential systems dominate.   The ABSOLAR report pointed out that since 2012, the photovoltaic industry has attracted more than 251.1 billion Brazilian reals (about 43.9 billion US dollars) in investment and created more than 1.6 million jobs. However, the country's photovoltaic industry still faces many challenges, the biggest bottleneck of which is the curtailment of renewable energy, which prevents companies from obtaining compensation, followed by the grid connection barriers of small-scale photovoltaic systems. The curtailment of projects invested in Brazil has caused the French photovoltaic company Voltalia to record a net loss in 2024. ABSOLAR also called on the government to approve the relevant bill 624/2023 on the Basic Energy Income Plan (REBE) to update the bill 14.300/2022 to address the limitations encountered by distributed systems when connecting to the distribution network. In addition, the association is pushing the government to include photovoltaic technology in the A-5 new energy auction held in August 2025 to promote the development of the industry.   ABSOLAR Chairman Ronaldo Koloszuk pointed out that the decline in the price of photovoltaic modules is conducive to the popularization of photovoltaics in the Brazilian market, but the large supply of low-priced modules from Chinese companies may be unfavorable to local manufacturers.   Recently, Brazil's National Interconnected Grid (SIN) announced that the country's photovoltaic power generation set a new single-hour record at 11:00 on March 14, 2025, reaching 37.869GW, accounting for 39% of the country's power load at that time.

France's latest draft of the new energy plan: photovoltaic installation targets have been greatly reduced, and local manufacturing is on the agenda   The French Ministry of Ecological Transition released the final draft of the Multi-annual Energy Plan (PPE3), proposing that by 2035, the national cumulative photovoltaic installed capacity target will be 65-90GW, lower than the previously planned 75-100GW target.   According to the latest target, France needs to add 4GW each year before 2035 to reach the 65GW target, and to achieve 90GW, it needs to add 7GW each year. France added 3.2 GW of photovoltaic installed capacity in 2023 and 3.5 GW in the first nine months of 2024. It still needs to speed up the promotion efforts to achieve the 2035 target.   According to the draft of PPE3, France plans to carry out two rounds of ground photovoltaic power station bidding every year from the first half of 2025, with a scale of 1GW each round. In addition, three rounds of rooftop photovoltaic project bidding will be held every year, with a scale of 300MW/round. At the same time, the government will also launch a 500MW technology-neutral project tender covering photovoltaic, hydropower, and onshore wind power projects.   According to the plan, small and medium-sized rooftop projects will account for 41% of France's total photovoltaic installed capacity in 2030, small ground photovoltaic projects will account for 5%, and the remaining 54% will be large projects. For agricultural photovoltaic projects, the government plans to set up a special bidding mechanism, and the specific plan is still to be determined.   In addition, PPE3 also sets production capacity targets for each link in the photovoltaic manufacturing industry chain by 2035, including 3-5GW of silicon materials, 3-5GW of silicon ingots and silicon wafers, and 5-10GW of cells and modules.   As a strategic roadmap for energy production and consumption in France from 2025 to 2035, PPE3 has been publicly solicited for comments on the official website of the Ministry of Ecological Transition, and the publicity period is from March 7 to April 5, 2025.   However, it is worth noting that the French government recently proposed to retroactively reduce the feed-in tariff (FIT) for rooftop photovoltaics, which has caused concerns in the photovoltaic industry.

Israel: Relaxing regulatory policies to accelerate the 1.6GW rooftop PV plan   The Israeli government is simplifying the approval process for rooftop PV projects to speed up the deployment of domestic PV systems and plans to add 100,000 PV systems by 2030.   Optimizing the approval process for residential PV to accelerate the rooftop PV plan   The country's Planning and Building Committee has approved the exemption of building permits required for PV system installations, no longer requiring certification by electrical engineers, but allowing any licensed electrician to provide compliance certificates to ensure that the system meets safety and regulatory requirements.   Previously, the Israeli government announced the "Rooftop PV Plan", to add 1.6GW of residential rooftop PV capacity, which is expected to cover 15% of residential buildings nationwide.   Small energy storage systems will also benefit   At the same time, the Israeli Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is promoting a policy to extend the scope of building permit exemptions to small energy storage facilities March 11, 2025, the National Planning and Building Committee approved a regulatory amendment to exempt energy storage systems of 600kWh and below and covering no more than 5 square meters from construction permit requirements.   According to the ministry's calculations, such a system can supply electricity to a residential building with 10 apartments for 2 to 3 hours and can be used in agriculture, public and commercial buildings. The introduction of energy storage will extend the use time of renewable energy and provide protection in power outages or emergencies. In addition, the ministry emphasized that the advantage of energy storage systems is to extend the supply time of renewable energy and reduce electricity costs through peak storage.

In 2025, two major policies were implemented successively, bringing earth-shaking changes to distributed photovoltaic power generation. Among them, the "Management Measures for the Development and Construction of Distributed Photovoltaic Power Generation" (hereinafter referred to as the Management Measures) directly pointed out the pain points of distributed photovoltaic development, construction and management, while the "Notice on Deepening the Market-oriented Reform of New Energy Grid-connected Electricity Prices and Promoting the High-quality Development of New Energy" officially opened the curtain for the full entry of distributed photovoltaic power generation into the market.   Affected by the above new policies, what new changes and trends will distributed photovoltaic power generation usher in?   01 Rush to install   Under the influence of the new management policies and the new electricity price policies, there are two important time nodes for the development of distributed photovoltaic power generation. That is, "430" rush to access the grid in full and "531" rush to buy electricity prices. With the superposition of the two, a new round of rush to install will appear in the first half of 2025.   It is worth noting that after the rush to install, due to the different time of the introduction of mechanism electricity prices and mechanism electricity in various regions, and the profit model of incremental projects under the electricity price mechanism will be recalculated, the distributed photovoltaic power generation in the second half of the year may have a short window period and stagnation period, and the scale of new installed capacity for the whole year may still be similar to that of last year.   02 Price increase   Since February, there have been reports of PV module price increases of 2-3 cents/W, and the rush to install has further stimulated the motivation of enterprises to increase prices. It is understood that the current module prices of some first-tier enterprises are 0.71-0.78 yuan/W. At present, many companies have signed self-discipline conventions. Affected by this, the company's operating rate is under certain control, resulting in a shortage of some models of modules after the previous inventory sales. It is expected that as the rush to install approaches, the subsequent module prices will still have room for increase, or return to the 0.8X yuan/W era.   However, after the rush to install, whether the subsequent module prices will continue to rise still needs to consider overseas demand, enterprise production capacity control and other situations.   03 Household photovoltaics may be suspended   According to the new management policy, household photovoltaics are divided into natural person households and non-natural person households. Combined with the latest policy, after June 1, the grid-connected electricity of incremental projects (including household photovoltaic project...

Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicted that by 2025, utility-scale solar capacity will reach 32.5GW, energy storage capacity will be slightly more than 18GW, wind power is expected to increase by 7.7GW, and fossil natural gas capacity will increase by 4.4GW.   The agency's latest preliminary monthly generator inventory report (EIA-860M) shows that the total new capacity in 2025 will reach about 63 GW, the highest annual installation in the United States. In contrast, according to EIA data, 48.6GW of utility-scale capacity was deployed in 2024, the highest total since 2002, when about 60GW of new capacity was connected to the grid.   Solar energy will account for 51.5% of all new installed capacity by 2025. Texas will lead the installation with 11.6GW of new solar installed capacity, accounting for nearly 36% of all new solar installed capacity. California is next with 2.9GW, while five other states (Indiana, Arizona, Michigan, Florida, and New York) are all expected to deploy more than 1GW of capacity.   Energy storage capacity is expected to grow significantly, with 18.2GW added. While the report does not provide details on storage duration, the two largest battery markets (California and Texas) typically deploy systems with four hours and two and a half hours of storage capacity, respectively.   Texas is expected to add 6.7GW of energy storage, followed by California at 4.3GW and Arizona at 3.6GW. These three states will account for more than 80% of all new battery storage capacity.   The two largest battery projects planned for 2025 have a capacity of 500MW each. One, located in Kern County, California, will be co-located with a 500MW solar farm, the largest plant planned this year. The second project, located in Wharton, Texas, will be paired with a 451.6MW solar facility, the second largest solar plant planned for 2025.   Data from the EIA’s Short-Term Energy Outlook shows that small-scale solar (residential, commercial, and industrial) will add 7 GW of capacity, bringing total distributed PV to 60.6 GW by the end of 2025. Combined with 32.5 GW of utility-scale capacity (42 GW dc), total solar module deployment this year could approach 50 GW.   The EIA initially projected that the U.S. would deploy more than 50 GW of solar capacity in 2024, and the agency’s November capacity report estimate remained unchanged. However, the latest data indicates that the EIA has lowered its 2024 capacity estimate by about 7 GW. This revision coincides with an expected surge in deployment in January 2025.   Meanwhile, the U.S. solar capacity is expected to reach nearly 50 GW in 2025.

Diplomatic and Military Dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict Complexly Escalate in Multiple Games On March 4, 2025, a series of diplomatic events surrounding the situation in Ukraine drew the international community's attention. President Zelensky's statement that he is willing to resign in exchange for NATO membership, along with additional military assistance from the United Kingdom and the suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine due to the breakdown of high-level U.S.-Ukrainian talks, have further complicated the diplomatic and military dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zelensky re-emphasized during the March 2 summit in London that he would resign from the presidency if Ukraine could join NATO, saying that this would mean the fulfillment of his mission. Previously, Zelensky's visit to the United States was marked by a heated dispute with the Trump administration over negotiations on a mineral agreement, resulting in the cancellation of a joint U.S.-Ukrainian press conference and the failure to sign the agreement. U.S. Assistant for National Security Affairs Waltz hinted that Zelensky could be an obstacle to the peace talks, and top U.S. Republicans have pressured him to "show good faith negotiations." At the London summit, British Prime Minister Starmer announced £1.6 billion in export financing to Ukraine for the purchase of 5,000 British-made anti-aircraft missiles and a truce plan in conjunction with France, Canada, and other countries. Starmer said the aid was aimed at "peace through strength" while promoting the recovery of the British military industry. However, Hungarian Prime Minister Orban criticized the summit for "prolonging the conflict" and called for peace to be prioritized. And U.S.-Ukrainian relations continued to deteriorate due to the breakdown of negotiations on a mineral deal. on March 3, U.S. officials confirmed that the Trump administration had frozen funding for new weapons to the U.S. and suspended existing military aid, demanding that the U.S. side "demonstrate good faith for peace." Once the ban goes into effect, the problem of the U.S. military's "Patriot" missile stockpile will be further exacerbated. NATO Secretary General Rutte acknowledged that U.S.-made weapons are "vital" to Ukraine's early defense, and that Europe will have difficulty filling the gap in U.S. aid. The terms of Zelensky's resignation, linked to NATO's eastward expansion aspirations, highlight Ukraine's strategic dilemma in terms of security and sovereignty. While British military aid strengthens Ukraine's short-term defenses, a mechanism that relies on the freezing of Russian assets to repay the loan could be controversial under international law. The suspension of U.S. aid could weaken the intelligence and equipment advantage of the Ukrainian army, putting Europe at greater risk. Analysis points out that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is gradually evolving into a proxy battlefield for the big powers, and the prospec...

The Israeli Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure recently announced a new goal of adding 100,000 rooftop solar systems across the country by 2030. The plan is part of the "Solar Roofs" project, which aims to encourage more residents to adopt solar energy and improve the country's energy independence and resilience.   Will promote 1.6GW of rooftop photovoltaic installations, and the system investment will pay back within 5 years   The plan is expected to deploy 1.6GW of solar installed capacity, covering 15% of residential roofs nationwide, and help Israel achieve its overall goal of 30% renewable energy in the power structure by 2030. In addition, the plan will promote the transformation of rooftop photovoltaic system users from simple electricity users to "prosumers", who can not only achieve self-generation and self-use of electricity but also sell excess electricity to the national grid.   The Israeli government will introduce a new electricity price tax rate policy to shorten the payback period for residents' investment in photovoltaics to 5 years. Under the plan, households that install rooftop photovoltaics are expected to achieve a stable rate of return of more than 14% in 25 years.   Taking a 15kW residential rooftop photovoltaic system as an example, it can bring users about 13,000 Israeli New Shekels (NIS) in revenue each year, while a 30kW system can bring annual revenue of up to 25,000 NIS. In addition, if residential buildings are equipped with energy storage systems, they can not only increase revenue but also ensure power supply in emergencies and improve energy security.   National platform promotes promotion, AI supports revenue assessment   To ensure the smooth implementation of the plan, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure will establish a national renewable energy portal and set up an implementation center to provide residents with installation guides. In addition, the government is studying subsidized loans for housing committees and promoting photovoltaic installation loans for public housing buildings.   Recently, the Israeli Ministry of Energy, in cooperation with the National Center for Surveying and Mapping, launched an artificial intelligence (AI)--based rooftop solar potential assessment tool. The tool can help residents and governments estimate the solar power generation potential and electricity sales revenue of rooftops and is applicable to different land uses in public and private spaces.   Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said that the "100,000 Solar Roofs" plan is a historic initiative we have brought to Israeli citizens, and it will trigger a revolution in the energy market. Installing solar panels not only brings additional economic benefits to homeowners, but also provides electricity in emergency situations, improves the country's energy security, and produces pollution-free clean electricity to benefit citizens' health.   Currently, Israel's annual install...

Recently, the Italian Solar Photovoltaic Association Italia Solare said that the Italian solar photovoltaic market grew by 30% year-on-year in 2024, with a new installed capacity of 6.79GW. Italy has a cumulative installed capacity of 37.08GW, and nearly 1.9GW of new installed capacity in the fourth quarter of last year.   The total number of photovoltaic systems currently online in Italy is 1,878,780, but by 2024, their number will decrease by 25%, with new installations reaching 283,914.   The largest contributor to new projects last year was the utility-scale segment, including power projects with a capacity of 1MW or more. It increased by 163% year-on-year, an increase of 3.045GW. Most projects were connected to the grid during the second half of 2024.   The annual growth rate of solar system capacity between 20kW and 1MW in the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector was 8%, with a total capacity of 1.96GW.   Finally, the residential segment of systems smaller than 20kW fell 21% year-on-year to 1.78GW, which the association attributes to the end of the country’s Superbonus program.   Paolo Rocco Visconti, president of Italia Solare, said: “Italian PV is going through a steady growth phase, with a growing role for large systems. However, the decline in residential installations is a signal that should not be underestimated: targeted measures are needed to support households in their energy transition.   Regarding cumulative installed capacity by geographical distribution, Lombardy leads with 4.99GW, driven mainly by C&I systems with a power of between 200kW and 1MW. Veneto follows with 3.76GW and Puglia with 3.63GW. Large-scale solar power plants abound in the Lazio region, with 1.28 GW of new installed capacity in 2024, a 300% year-on-year increase.   Despite obvious challenges, the association believes that the market continues to progress. The report recommends that the government promote self-use in the residential and commercial sectors, speed up the licensing process for new projects, and improve network management to avoid bottlenecks for large power plants.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has urged the European Union to strengthen its e-SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) policies to  accelerate the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels and address the pressing issue of aviation emissions.  As  a pioneer in the aviation industry,  KLM has made significant investments in modernizing its fleet and integrating SAF into its operations.   The airline emphasized the sustainability of its fuel sources,  ensuring that they do not contribute to deforestation or displace food production. KLM is one of the largest  purchasers of SAF,  actively supporting the transition to low-emission air travel and advocating for policy reforms through initiatives like  the SkyPower project.   Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines,  highlighted the importance of collaboration and outlined ten commitments for the Dutch aviation sector. e-SAF,  a synthetic jet fuel, holds the potential to enhance energy security, boost industrial competitiveness,  and drive innovation in clean technologies.   Despite the announcement of 30 projects, no final investment decisions have been made,  underscoring the need for policy support to spur investment and commercialization.  Industry leaders have  proposed five key policy interventions to accelerate the development of e-SAF.  The EU is well-positioned to  lead a global e-SAF revolution, with strategic policy interventions expected to stimulate investment,  scale up production, and solidify its leadership in sustainable aviation and clean technology innovation.   About KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, founded in 1919,  is one of the world’s oldest airlines and a leader in sustainable aviation. Committed to reducing its environmental impact, KLM continues to innovate and invest in sustainable practices to shape the future of air travel.

Solar frame producer Origami Solar has started commercial operations at its Arkansas, U.S. plant following the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum.   The White House’s recent 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum falls under Section 232, which will take effect on March 12, 2025, and it could affect the solar industry as steel is primarily used for ground-mounted installations given its robustness and corrosion resistance. Aluminum, on the other hand, is a more cost-effective solution for mounting structures and frames.   At this time, Origami commissioned the first of many state-of-the-art automated module frame production lines at its Priefert Steel plant in Benton, Arkansas. It developed the plant in collaboration with Priefert Steel and automation partner DAC Robotics.   Gregg Patterson, CEO of Origami Solar, said: "Providing cost-effective steel module frames leverages the strong and ready American steel manufacturing industry, creates jobs, and enhances the security and reliability of the solar supply chain.   It claims that steel module frames have superior strength, a 90% lower carbon footprint, and fast domestic shipping in 1-2 days, eliminating the risks associated with weaker imported aluminum frames and riskier overseas supply chains that are subject to delays, geopolitical instability and tariffs.   From corner insertion to frame stacking, bundling and palletizing, the factory is highly automated because DAC's robotic automation simplifies the production process; it also integrates online final assembly and packaging, ensuring precision and eliminating waste.   It is reported that in August 2022, TECSI Solar tested Origami's steel frames and found that these steel frames are superior to aluminum frames in both stiffness and stability.