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26/10/2025-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves

  • Writer: Viridian Energy
    Viridian Energy
  • Oct 25
  • 6 min read

USA News


Over $24 B Clean-Energy Losses, 21,000 Jobs Cut


By September 2025, the U.S. clean-energy sector lost more than $24 billion in announced investments, and nearly 21,000 jobs were eliminated, according to E2’s Clean Economy Tracker. The bulk of the losses occurred in traditionally Republican regions, with factory closures and project cancellations blamed on shifting policy under the Trump 2.0 administration.  The report highlights growing uncertainty, as capital flees and clean-energy firms scale back or abandon plans.

 


TotalEnergies Turns Closed US Landfill Into 7 MW Solar Plant


Aerial view of a large solar panel array in a rural area, surrounded by trees. The panels are arranged in neat rows on a gravel field.

Baltimore County has transformed its 213-acre Parkton Landfill into a 7 MW solar power plant, featuring over 15,000 panels Rather than driving piles into the capped surface, the project uses ballasted racks on concrete blocks to avoid damaging the landfill’s synthetic membrane. Expected to generate 8.2 million kWh annually, it will meet around 11% of the county government’s electricity demand, while also reducing carbon emissions.

 

 


 

19 States Sue EPA Over $7 B “Solar for All” Cuts

 

Two workers in helmets handle cables near solar panels in a muddy field. One guides wire from a spool, cloudy sky and bare trees in background.

Nineteen U.S. states are suing the EPA to reinstate $7 billion in “Solar for All” grants, arguing that the agency’s cancellation violated federal law and constitutional provisions The grants were meant to support low-income and disadvantaged households by deploying 4 GW of solar and reducing electricity bills by at least 20%. According to the lawsuit, the EPA rescinded funds even though they were “already awarded,” despite Congress only canceling unobligated funds.


 

 

 

 Solar Prices Mixed: Deployment Helps, but Policies Hurt


Aerial view of rows of blue solar panels on a green grassy field, forming diagonal lines. Bright, orderly pattern in natural setting.

A Berkeley Lab and Brattle Group study finds that while large-scale solar and wind have likely reduced electricity prices in several states, policies like net-energy metering (NEM) and renewable portfolio standards (RPS) have pushed prices up. NEM solar boosted benefits for those who adopt it but raised costs for others by shrinking the sales base over which fixed costs are shared — sometimes by as much as 2 cents/kWh. Meanwhile, RPS compliance costs averaged about 0.25 cents/kWh but ranged higher in some states.

 


 

Mixed Impacts of Solar Policies on U.S. Electricity Price


A recent study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and The Brattle Group reveals that while large-scale solar and wind deployment has modestly lowered retail electricity prices in some states, other policies have raised rates. For example, net-energy metering (NEM) benefits solar adopters but shifts utility fixed costs onto non-adopters, increasing average prices by up to 2 cents per kilowatt-hour in some states. Meanwhile, renewable portfolio standards have added about 0.25 c/kWh in compliance costs on average. The research calls for better-designed programs to balance affordability with social benefits.



 

Dimension Energy Secures $412 Million for Community Solar Expansion


Rooftop array of solar panels on a large industrial building in a cityscape. Containers and trucks nearby under a partly cloudy sky.

Dimension Energy, a U.S.-based community solar developer, has secured $412 million in construction and term financing to support a 134 MW portfolio of solar projects across Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Once operational, these projects are expected to deliver at least a 10% reduction in monthly electricity bills for subscribers. The financing involves MUFG as the lead debt syndicator, with participation from First Citizens, ING, National Bank of Canada, Cadence, and Siemens, alongside $176 million in tax equity from Advantage Capital.



 

Germany News

 

Vertical PV at Frankfurt Airport Powers Terminal Systems

Airplane flying over a field with rows of solar panels, under a clear sky. The scene conveys innovation and sustainability.

At Frankfurt Airport, Next2Sun has started a 17.4 MW photovoltaic installation featuring 37,000 vertically mounted solar modules spread over 2.8 km along the west runway. The design enables efficient use of space and integrates seamlessly with airport infrastructure. The generated electricity — up to 17.4 million kWh annually — is slated to power terminal cooling and the airport’s electric vehicle fleet. Next2Sun praises the vertical setup’s scalability and its compatibility with multifunctional land use.


 



Energy Provider Cancels 24,000 PV Feed-In Contracts


Austriаn utility Energie Steiermark has terminated 24,000 photovoltaic feed-in contracts that used fixed-price or quarterly-price models, effective at year-end. The move is driven by falling wholesale electricity prices, which have eroded the company’s profitability under the old schemes. Affected PV owners are offered to switch to a new “SonnenStrom Flex” model, where remuneration adjusts monthly to reflect the current market value.

 


 

Lower Saxony Leases 500+ State Roofs to 1Komma5° for Solar Deployment


"White text '1K 5°' on a purple background with a turquoise circle. Bold and modern design with a minimalistic feel."

Lower Saxony has leased around 555,000 m² of rooftop space on more than 500 state-owned buildings to the developer 1Komma5°. Over a 25-year term, 1Komma5° will build and operate PV systems; the generated solar power will be used primarily in public facilities, with surplus fed back into the grid. This strategy aims to significantly expand solar capacity on government infrastructure.

 


 

Lichtblick Invests €100M in Major Battery Storage


Black circle overlapping orange circle on white background. Minimalist design, conveying simplicity and balance.

Lichtblick is investing €100 million to build a large-scale battery storage system near Chemnitz, Germany. The project includes 84 Fluence containers, each with 5.6 MWh capacity, summing to around 470 MWh and a 100 MW power rating. Connected to a 110 kV substation, the storage facility is planned to go live by early 2027. The long-duration system will help provide flexible energy capacity to support the future grid.

 


 

Project “KomFi” Explores Local Participation in Renewables


The new research initiative “KomFi” is examining how municipalities can financially participate in photovoltaic and wind power projects A consortium from universities and research institutes will devise practical policy guidance and design models for local revenue use from renewables. The study will evaluate how participation affects community acceptance, financial flows, and the pace of renewable expansion. Results will be used to develop a guide and a digital tool for local governments and project developers.



 

Peoples Move


Tony Yonnone Appointed Executive Director, Greenfield Development at NextEra Energy


Smiling man with gray hair in a black blazer and red checkered shirt, standing indoors with a blurred background. Bright and professional mood.

Tony Yonnone has been appointed Executive Director of Greenfield Development at NextEra Energy, Inc., one of the largest renewable energy companies in North America.


In his new role, he will oversee the identification and early-stage development of utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects across the U.S. Yonnone brings extensive experience in renewable project origination, land acquisition, and permitting. His leadership is expected to further NextEra’s growth pipeline as the company expands its clean energy portfolio to meet increasing demand for sustainable power solutions across multiple states.



Trey Hall Promoted to Vice President of Operations at Virtus Renewables


Smiling man in a suit with a patterned tie against a blue gradient background. He's facing the camera, creating a friendly mood.

Trey Hall has taken on the role of Vice President of Operations at Virtus Renewables, a U.S.-based renewable energy developer and EPC provider. In this position, Hall will manage operational strategy, construction oversight, and asset performance across the company’s solar and battery storage portfolio.


With a strong background in project execution and operational excellence, he will focus on improving delivery efficiency and optimizing maintenance standards. His promotion reflects Virtus Renewables’ commitment to strengthening its leadership team and enhancing execution capacity as it continues to scale its clean energy operations nationwide.

 

 

Travis B. Appointed Vice President of Estimating at MasTec Clean Energy & Infrastructure


Smiling man in glasses, wearing a blue blazer and checkered shirt, in a studio setting with a gray background. Professional mood.

Travis B. has been promoted to Vice President of Estimating at MasTec Clean Energy & Infrastructure, a leading U.S. provider of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for renewable energy projects. In his new capacity, he will oversee cost estimation, bid strategy, and project pricing for large-scale solar, wind, and battery storage developments.


With extensive experience in preconstruction and cost management, Travis will play a key role in optimizing project competitiveness and supporting MasTec’s growing clean energy portfolio. His appointment highlights the company’s focus on operational excellence and strategic project delivery in the renewable sector.


 

SEIA President Abigail Ross Hopper Announces Departure


A woman speaks at a podium labeled "SAVE Main Street SOLAR" with workers in vests behind her. Signs read "ENERGY INDEPENDENCE." Outdoor setting.

Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), has announced her departure effective January 30, 2026, after a transformative nine-year tenure. Under her leadership, SEIA played a pivotal role in the U.S. solar industry's growth, with installed capacity increasing from 36 GW to over 255 GW and annual investment rising from $16 billion to $70 billion. Additionally, the U.S. advanced from 14th to 3rd in global solar manufacturing rankings.



 

Philipp Stenglein Appointed Head of PV at Arteus Energy

 

Smiling man with a beard in a dark shirt against a plain gray background. Cropped at the shoulders, with light brown hair.

Philipp Stenglein has been named Head of Photovoltaics (PV) at Arteus Energy, a leading European renewable energy developer and EPC provider. In his new role, Stenglein will oversee the company’s solar project portfolio, including development, engineering, and execution of utility-scale and commercial PV plants.


He brings extensive experience in solar project management, from site acquisition to construction and grid integration. His leadership is expected to accelerate Arteus Energy’s growth in the European solar market and strengthen its capabilities in delivering high-efficiency, large-scale photovoltaic solutions. Stenglein will also drive innovation in PV technologies and project optimization.

 

 

 
 
 
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