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solar energy project
Trends
- 1California studies solar panels over irrigation canalsβWhat California is learning from solar panels built over irrigation canals
California is examining results from projects that place solar panels over irrigation canals, an approach meant to generate clean power while reducing water evaporation. The state is learning how the panels perform in practice and whether covering canals at scale could cut both water loss and emissions, drawing attention to a idea piloted in the Turlock Irrigation District's Project Nexus.
- 2Google unveils Project Suncatcher to put AI compute in spaceβGoogleβs Project Suncatcher to put ML infrastructure in space
Google has announced Project Suncatcher, a research initiative to run machine learning infrastructure on solar-powered satellite constellations in orbit. The plan, outlined on Google's research blog, envisions data centre-scale compute in space to tap unlimited solar energy as terrestrial energy demands from AI grow. Early discussion centres on feasibility, launch costs, and whether orbiting hardware could realistically scale.
- 3
The US Energy Information Administration projects that solar power generation in Texas will overtake coal-fired generation in 2026. The forecast reflects rapid solar capacity additions across the state and continued declines in coal output. It would mark a significant milestone in the shift of the Texas grid, one of the largest power markets in the country, away from fossil fuels.
- 4Australia's most powerful battery completed as grid shock absorberβhttps:// reneweconomy.com.au/australias -most-powerful-battery-finally-completed-and-acting-as-giant-shock-absorber-to-t
Australia's most powerful battery has been completed and is now operating as what its developer describes as a giant shock absorber for the electricity grid. The project is being discussed as a milestone for the country's renewable energy transition, helping stabilise power supply as coal generation is phased out and more solar and wind capacity comes online.
- 5Indonesia Outlines Plan to Attract Investment for 100 GWp Solar GoalβIndonesia Sets Out Priorities to Turn 100 GWp Solar Ambition into Global Investment Opportunities
Indonesia has set out its priorities for turning its 100 GWp solar power ambition into concrete global investment opportunities. The announcement positions the country's large-scale solar expansion as a magnet for international capital, with the government framing clear priorities to make projects investable. Details of the specific measures remain limited, but the move signals Indonesia's intent to court foreign investors for its renewable energy build-out.
- 6Japan turns abandoned golf courses into solar farmsβJapan has no space for solar farms apart from old golf courses
Japan is developing solar farms on former golf courses because the country has little open land available for large-scale renewable energy projects. As golf's popularity declines, closed courses offer large, already-cleared plots suited for solar panels. The approach highlights the challenge of expanding renewable energy in a densely populated country with limited flat, unused space.
- 7Japan turns abandoned golf courses into solar farmsβΌJapan has no space for solar farms apart from old golf courses. https://www. japantimes.co.jp/business/2026 /09/28/compa
Japan is converting disused golf courses into solar farms as the country runs out of open land for large-scale renewable projects. With mountains, farmland and dense cities off-limits, shuttered golf venues offer flat, already-cleared sites near existing infrastructure, making them an increasingly popular choice for solar developers.
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Solar power is being pushed into increasingly constrained locations as land availability tightens, according to a report highlighting how space limitations are shaping new project siting. With suitable open land scarce, developers are turning to unconventional and confined spaces to deploy panels, a challenge that could influence costs, grid planning and the pace of the energy transition worldwide.
- 9Judge orders Trump administration to restore $7 billion Solar for All programβΌRhode Island federal judge orders revival of $7 billion Solar for All program canceled by Trump administr
A federal judge in Rhode Island has ordered the revival of the $7 billion Solar for All program, which the Trump administration had canceled. The program funded solar energy projects aimed at low-income and disadvantaged communities across the United States. The ruling means the administration must restart the program while related legal challenges over the cancellation move forward.
- 10Proparco and Finnfund inject $33 million into Colombian solar firm ERCOβProparco and Finnfund inject $33 million into Colombian solar platform ERCO
French development finance institution Proparco and Finland's Finnfund have committed $33 million to ERCO, a Colombian solar energy platform. The investment is aimed at expanding solar power capacity in Colombia, supporting the country's transition to renewable energy. Development finance institutions have been increasingly directing capital toward Latin American clean energy projects.
- 11Texas solar farm pairs sheep grazing with millions in tax revenueβΌTexas solar farm combines sheep grazing with millions in local tax revenue
A Texas solar farm is running sheep grazing alongside its panels while generating millions of dollars in local tax revenue. The dual-use model, often called solar grazing, lets farmers keep livestock on solar sites while the land also produces electricity and tax income for the county. Supporters say it shows renewable energy projects can coexist with agriculture and deliver direct financial benefits to rural communities.
- 12Qair Secures β¬37.9 Million for Solar Projects in ChadβQair Secures β¬37.9 Million for Its Solar Projects in Chad
French renewable energy company Qair has secured β¬37.9 million in financing to develop its solar energy projects in Chad. The funding will support the expansion of solar infrastructure in the country, where access to electricity remains limited. The announcement is being reported across energy sector news outlets, highlighting growing investor interest in renewable power projects in Central Africa.
- 13Renewable Properties Buys 71.8 MW Solar Portfolio in PennsylvaniaβΌRenewable Properties Acquires 71.8 MW PJM Solar Portfolio in Pennsylvania
Renewable Properties has acquired a 71.8 MW solar portfolio in Pennsylvania located within the PJM grid region. The deal adds utility-scale renewable capacity to the company's growing portfolio and supports solar expansion in a key eastern US electricity market. Details on sellers, project timelines, and offtake arrangements have not been disclosed.
- 14
Construction of a solar farm is set to begin in November, according to a BBC report. The announcement marks a step forward in renewable energy development, though details about the project's location, size and operators were not specified in the available coverage. Large-scale solar projects typically draw attention for their impact on local land use and clean energy goals.
- 15Irish solar farm excavation reveals medieval settlementβΌIrish solar project archaeology uncovers medieval settlement and iron-working site beneath farmland
Archaeological work ahead of a solar energy project in Ireland has uncovered a medieval settlement and an iron-working site buried beneath farmland. The finds, made during pre-construction surveys, show the clean-energy development doubled as a significant historical discovery, shedding light on early industry and daily life on the site.
- 16Ohio village builds massive solar array on its reservoirβΌOhio village puts 9,222 solar panels on reservoir, now has 13 times the state's solar per resident
A small village in Ohio has installed 9,222 solar panels on top of its reservoir, a floating solar project that gives the community 13 times more solar capacity per resident than the Ohio average. The project is being highlighted as an innovative use of unused water surface, providing clean energy without taking up farmland or open land.
- 17Farming and solar energy projects show promise in ArkansasβΌPromise seen in mixing farming, solar energy production projects
Combining agriculture with solar energy production is drawing interest as a way to use land for both crops, livestock and power generation. In Arkansas, observers see promise in these dual-use projects, though details on specific farms, timelines or scale remain limited in early coverage of the idea.
- 18New York farmer converts 30 acres of farmland into solar fieldβIn 2023, New York farmer Tony Emmi began turning 30 acres of good farmland into a solar field; three year
In 2023, New York farmer Tony Emmi began converting 30 acres of productive farmland into a solar field, a project now around three years along. The case highlights the growing tension between agriculture and renewable energy development, as farmers weigh steady lease income from solar companies against preserving usable cropland, a debate playing out across rural New York and beyond.