clean energy

Japan is converting disused golf courses into large-scale solar farms as the country struggles to find open land for renewable energy. With mountainous terrain, limited flat space and growing pressure to cut emissions, developers see retired golf facilities, many closed after declining demand, as ready-made sites with existing grid access for solar panels.

Grupo Enhol has secured financing from Proparco and Santander for a 467MW solar PV project in Peru. The deal marks a significant investment in the country's renewable energy capacity, adding large-scale solar generation. The project is expected to strengthen Peru's energy transition and is drawing attention as one of the region's notable recent clean-energy financings.

French renewable energy company Qair has secured €37.9 million in financing to develop hybrid solar projects in Chad. The funding will support solar installations paired with other generation capacity in a country where reliable electricity access remains limited. The deal marks a significant clean energy investment in one of the world's least electrified nations and reflects growing investor interest in African renewable infrastructure.

The City of Cleveland has announced the launch of two solar energy projects aimed at generating clean power locally and delivering savings for residents. The initiative is part of the city's push toward renewable energy and reduced energy costs, and is drawing attention for its municipal approach to clean power generation.

Shares of First Solar rose after KeyBanc removed its underweight rating on the solar panel maker. The move by the brokerage signaled a more neutral or positive stance on the company, prompting investors to buy the stock. First Solar, a major US-based solar manufacturer, has been closely watched amid shifting policy and demand dynamics in the clean energy sector.

Shares in South Korean solar and battery companies rallied after a US-China summit ended without progress on easing trade barriers. Investors interpreted the failure to reduce tariffs as a boost for Korean suppliers, who could gain if Chinese solar and battery products remain restricted in the US market, lifting shares in Seoul's clean-energy sector.

A Massachusetts startup has unveiled a new solar-powered boat designed to be versatile in its uses. The company is floating the vessel as a clean-energy alternative on the water, adding to growing interest in electrified and solar marine transport. Details about the boat's specifications, performance and intended markets remain limited in early coverage.

KeyBanc has upgraded its rating on First Solar, telling clients that the solar panel maker's current valuation limits further downside risk. The call comes as investors weigh the outlook for US solar manufacturers amid shifting policy and demand conditions. Analysts' comments suggest the stock's recent weakness has already priced in much of the negative news.

Scotiabank is pointing to data centers and the energy transition as the most promising areas for project finance in Brazil, according to BNamericas. The bank sees growing demand for financing as digital infrastructure expands and companies invest in renewable energy and decarbonization projects across the country.

A city solar grant program announced that income-qualified homeowners can now have rooftop solar installations covered in full, removing the upfront cost barrier to clean energy. The program aims to expand access to renewable energy for lower-income residents and reduce household utility bills. Further details on eligibility criteria and application procedures have not been provided in the announcement.

Green advocates in Pittsburgh have organized a group purchasing program for solar panels, allowing residents to buy systems together at a discounted rate to cut their energy bills. The initiative aims to make renewable energy more affordable for households across the city by pooling demand to negotiate lower installation prices.

A judge has ruled to restore funds that allow a solar program in Gary, Indiana to reopen. The decision returns money that had been cut, letting the community solar initiative move forward again. Details about the parties involved and the reasoning behind the initial funding cut remain limited, but the ruling is being reported as a win for solar access in the city.

University of Alberta researchers are developing methods to help native grasses establish themselves on solar farm sites, pairing renewable energy infrastructure with native plant restoration. The work aims to make solar projects more environmentally beneficial by supporting groundcover beneath and around panels. It highlights growing interest in combining clean energy development with land stewardship.