17/8/2025-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves
- Viridian Energy
- Aug 14
- 5 min read
German News
Photovoltaic industry warns of market collapse after Reiche's initiative
German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche has proposed ending feed-in tariffs for small rooftop PV installations, requiring them to instead generate revenue via direct marketing and contribute to grid costs.
The solar industry reacted strongly, warning such a move could trigger a dramatic downturn. The guaranteed tariff system, in place for 25 years, has been central to household solar adoption. Industry representatives emphasized that financing hinges on reliable returns, and without subsidies, installation rates may collapse. The proposal risks undermining Germany's climate targets despite technological progress and falling installation costs.
German energy minister takes aim at solar—will wind be next?
Economy Minister Katherina Reiche has sparked concern for the renewables sector with remarks suggesting that solar feed-in support may no longer be needed. Analysts speculate she could apply a similar stance to wind energy. As Germany conducts a broader “reality check” of its Energiewende, energy targets may be reevaluated to prioritize cost-effectiveness and market dynamics. While solar and wind deployment has surged, Reiche’s pragmatic approach signals potential shifts in policy, especially if subsidies are seen as distortive or financially unsustainable. The sector watches closely for broader implications on wind energy.
PARQ energy acquires 49.2 MWp solar project in Germany
Hamburg-based PARQ energy GmbH has acquired a 49.2 MWp photovoltaic project in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, further expanding its domestic footprint. Watson Farley & Williams advised the deal, though financial terms and seller identity were not disclosed.
Founded in 2022, PARQ energy develops, builds, and commissions PV parks, battery energy systems, and green hydrogen facilities. The company has already delivered over 5.1 GWp of wind and solar projects to municipalities, landowners, and commercial clients. WFW will continue advising PARQ on advancing the project post-acquisition.
Lyten Acquires Northvolt’s €5 B Battery Empire in Sweden and Germany
US battery startup Lyten has entered binding agreements to acquire the remaining assets of the bankrupt Swedish firm Northvolt—valued at roughly USD 5 billion—including the Northvolt Ett and expansion site, Northvolt Labs, and Northvolt Drei in Heide, Germany.
The deal is fully equity-funded, and Lyten plans to resume operations and rehire key staff. With interests also in Northvolt Six in Quebec, this acquisition significantly bolsters Lyten’s position in Europe’s battery manufacturing landscape, focusing on lithium-sulfur technology. The transaction awaits regulatory approval in Sweden, Germany, and the EU.
German Economy Minister Mulls Phasing Out Small-Scale Solar Incentives
In an interview with Augsburger Allgemeine, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche stated that new small-scale rooftop PV systems are now market-viable without feed-in subsidies.
She suggested that homeowners should increasingly take on storage and grid responsibilities to support system integration. While a ministry spokesperson clarified there are “no such plans” to entirely eliminate support and reaffirmed the ongoing need for renewables, the comments stirred debate. Supporters see the shift as overdue; critics warn that removing security could hinder private-sector adoption and destabilize expansion momentum.
USA News
U.S. Could Lose 60 GW of Solar if Trump’s “Start of Construction” Rules Tighten
Clean Energy Associates warns that if the U.S. Treasury strictly enforces President Trump’s July 8 executive order tightening the “start of construction” definition for solar tax credit eligibility, up to 60 GW of planned solar projects could be derailed through 2030. The revised rules would require a “substantial portion” of a project to be built or at least 5% of its costs incurred by specific deadlines, complicating the “safe harbor” qualification for Investment Tax Credits (ITC) and Production Tax Credits (PTC). Developers are concerned about the resulting financing uncertainties.
Portland Utility Activates 1.9 GWh of Battery Energy Storage
Portland General Electric (PGE) has commissioned three new battery energy storage systems, delivering 475 MW / 1.9 GWh of dispatchable capacity.
These four-hour lithium-ion battery systems are installed at substations in North Portland, Troutdale, and Hillsboro. Capable of powering approximately 300,000 homes during peak hours or grid disruptions, they enhance flexibility, improve grid reliability, and delay expensive infrastructure upgrades by better utilizing existing transmission lines.
U.S. May Deploy 53 GW of Solar in 2025 and 61 GW in 2026 — But FEOC Looms
BloombergNEF projects that the U.S. could install 53 GW of solar capacity in 2025 and 61 GW in 2026. However, these optimistic forecasts are clouded by looming Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) restrictions, which may limit eligibility for tax incentives and dampen future deployment. These constraints could translate to tens of gigawatts in lost potential additions if enacted.
GameChange Solar Rises to Third Globally and Second in U.S. Solar Tracker Market
GameChange Solar achieved its strongest performance yet in 2024, shipping 13.7 GWdc of solar trackers and surpassing competitors to capture 26% of the U.S. market—its highest-ever share.
This success earns the company the rank of second-largest solar tracker supplier in the U.S. and third globally, according to the latest Wood Mackenzie report. Supported by a U.S. manufacturing footprint of 35 GW and over 50 GW globally, GameChange’s Genius Tracker® remains a key product line
Peoples Move
Christian Arnold – CEO & President, Energiekonzepte Deutschland GmbH
Christian Arnold was appointed CEO & President of Energiekonzepte Deutschland GmbH in July 2025, taking leadership of one of Germany’s leading renewable energy solution providers. The company specializes in planning, developing, and implementing photovoltaic systems for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Arnold’s appointment signals a strategic push toward scaling operations, expanding nationwide service coverage, and strengthening partnerships in the growing German solar market. With a focus on innovation, customer service, and sustainable energy adoption, Arnold is expected to guide the company through a competitive landscape shaped by evolving policy, technology advancements, and increasing demand for decentralized clean energy solutions.
Dee Watson – Vice President of Construction, Clēnera
Dee Watson became Vice President of Construction at Clēnera in July 2025, overseeing large-scale solar and battery storage project execution. Clēnera, a subsidiary of Enlight Renewable Energy, is known for delivering utility-scale renewable projects across the U.S.
In this role, Watson is responsible for managing construction teams, optimizing project schedules, ensuring safety compliance, and maintaining budget discipline while scaling Clēnera’s construction portfolio. His appointment comes at a time of accelerating solar and storage deployments, requiring strong leadership to navigate supply chain challenges, regulatory requirements, and grid integration demands, ultimately ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the highest quality standards.
Chad Morack – Director of Commercial Operations, Quanta Services, Inc.
In July 2025, Chad Morack was appointed Director of Commercial Operations at Quanta Services, Inc., a leading provider of infrastructure solutions for the electric power, renewable energy, and communications sectors.
Morack’s role focuses on overseeing operational performance, contract execution, and client relationship management across the company’s commercial renewable projects. His leadership supports Quanta’s growing involvement in utility-scale solar, wind, and energy storage installations. With extensive experience in operations management and project delivery, Morack is expected to enhance process efficiency, strengthen partnerships, and ensure Quanta Services continues to meet the evolving demands of the U.S. clean energy infrastructure market.
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