27/7/2025-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves
- Viridian Energy
- Jul 26
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Iberdrola’s First Solar Facility in Germany
Iberdrola has launched its first solar power plant in Germany, marking a significant step in its European renewable expansion. The 56MW facility, located in Brandenburg, is expected to supply clean energy to over 20,000 households annually, reducing approximately 25,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.
This project supports Germany’s energy transition and aligns with Iberdrola’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the German market, where it already operates offshore wind projects. The company aims to invest further in solar and wind energy, contributing to Europe’s decarbonization and energy independence goals by expanding its green energy portfolio.
EnBW Opens 80MW Solar Farm in Germany
EnBW (Energie Baden-Württemberg AG) has inaugurated a new 80MW solar farm in Germany, enhancing the country’s renewable energy capacity. Located in Brandenburg, the solar park can power nearly 35,000 households annually, preventing about 45,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.
This project is part of EnBW’s ambitious plan to expand its solar portfolio to over 2GW by 2030. The company is investing heavily in large-scale solar and wind projects to support Germany’s Energiewende (energy transition) and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. EnBW’s latest development reflects its commitment to sustainable growth and climate-friendly energy solutions in Europe.
SMA Reports €19 Million EBIT Loss in H1 2025
SMA Solar Technology has reported an EBIT loss of €19 million for the first half of 2025, citing delayed project orders, reduced margins, and increased costs. Despite strong demand in global solar markets, SMA faced challenges due to supply chain issues and inflationary pressures.
The company remains optimistic for the second half, expecting better performance as major projects resume. SMA plans cost-control measures and aims to regain profitability by leveraging its strong product portfolio, especially in the inverter and energy management segments.
BayWa r.e.: Solar Prices Already at Very Low Level
BayWa r.e. has commented on the sharp decline in solar system prices, stating that costs are already at historically low levels.
CEO Matthias Taft noted that further reductions may be unsustainable for manufacturers and risk undermining innovation.
He stressed the importance of stable pricing to ensure long-term industry viability. The statement comes amid growing pressure on margins across the solar value chain. BayWa r.e. continues to focus on global project development and sees long-term demand remaining robust, despite current pricing volatility in the solar market.
Node Energy and Metergrid Collaborate on C&I PV Projects
Node Energy and Metergrid have announced a strategic partnership to jointly develop tenant electricity (Mieterstrom) and onsite Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for commercial and industrial (C&I) properties. The cooperation aims to simplify the implementation of PV systems for businesses by offering integrated technical and billing solutions. This partnership addresses rising interest from German companies in self-generated solar power and decarbonization. Both companies see strong growth potential in the C&I segment and intend to scale their offerings nationwide, contributing to Germany’s energy transition with decentralized, clean energy solutions.
USA News
Solar Project Updates: EDP Renewables, Engie, Exus Renewables & More
Several key U.S. solar projects are making progress across the country. EDP Renewables is advancing projects in Illinois and California, while Engie has reached milestones in Texas and Louisiana.
Exus Renewables acquired new solar assets, expanding its national portfolio. The update also covers construction starts, project acquisitions, and grid interconnection news from various developers. These developments highlight steady momentum in the utility-scale solar market, despite policy uncertainties and permitting delays. Overall, the updates reflect a dynamic solar landscape, with ongoing investment and infrastructure growth fueling the clean energy transition.
Over 100 GW of U.S. Solar, Wind Projects May Be Cancelled – FTI Consulting
According to FTI Consulting, over 100 GW of planned U.S. solar and wind projects are now financially unviable due to rising costs, grid constraints, and permitting hurdles. The report warns that inflation, interconnection delays, and tax credit uncertainty are threatening project feasibility. Many developers are reevaluating timelines and may cancel or postpone builds. The findings suggest a need for grid reform, clearer policy support, and faster permitting processes. Without intervention, clean energy growth could stall, challenging U.S. climate goals and delaying decarbonization targets. The industry urges coordinated federal and state-level responses.
Solar Developer Announces Job Cuts After Sped-Up ITC Phaseout
A U.S.-based solar developer has announced significant layoffs following the accelerated phaseout of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The company cited reduced project pipelines and financial pressures as key reasons for the downsizing.
The revised ITC timeline has affected project economics, particularly for commercial and utility-scale developments. The decision underscores the broader impact of tax policy changes on clean energy jobs and investment. Industry leaders warn that without predictable, long-term incentives, solar deployment and workforce growth could slow. The developer is now shifting focus to smaller, faster-to-market solar projects.
Renewable Energy Permits Face Final Review by Trump-Appointed Interior Head
Newly proposed renewable energy projects must now undergo final review from a Trump-era appointee leading the U.S. Interior Department. This change has raised concerns among environmental advocates and developers about potential delays and reversals in project approvals.
The official has previously expressed skepticism toward large-scale solar and wind development on public lands. Critics argue the move could stall progress toward Biden administration climate targets. The industry is watching closely as key solar, wind, and transmission projects await federal approval. Legal challenges and political tension are expected if project denials increase.
OpenSolar Hits $10 Billion in Global Solar Sales
OpenSolar, a digital solar sales and design platform, has surpassed $10 billion in global solar sales facilitated through its software. The milestone reflects its growing role in accelerating residential and commercial solar adoption worldwide.
The platform enables installers to create custom system designs, manage proposals, and streamline sales processes. OpenSolar’s reach now spans over 130 countries, supporting the clean energy transition with accessible, free-to-use tools. The company aims to empower solar professionals by reducing soft costs and boosting operational efficiency. Its continued growth highlights the importance of digital innovation in scaling solar globally.
Peoples Move
Dennis Jacomél Laidane Appointed Head of Renewables and Energy Storage at AFRY
Dennis Jacomél Laidane has taken on the role of Senior Principal and Head of Renewables and Energy Storage at AFRY, a leading international engineering, design, and advisory firm. Laidane brings extensive expertise in renewable energy, energy storage systems, and power market strategy.
In his global role, he will lead AFRY’s efforts to accelerate the energy transition worldwide by advising clients on sustainable solutions, advancing technical development, and supporting the integration of renewables into energy markets. His appointment highlights AFRY’s commitment to advancing the green energy transformation on a global scale.
Saif Al-Omari Named Head of Project Management at iAccess Energy
Saif Al-Omari has joined iAccess Energy as Head of Project Management, where he will oversee the execution and delivery of solar and clean energy projects across the company’s portfolio.
With a strong background in project leadership, engineering, and operational excellence, Al-Omari is expected to streamline project lifecycles and enhance performance standards. His role includes managing cross-functional teams and ensuring timely, cost-effective implementation of renewable energy infrastructure. This appointment highlights iAccess Energy’s strategic focus on scaling its solar operations and improving execution efficiency in an increasingly competitive energy market.
Russell Young Appointed COO of Deriva Energy
Deriva Energy, LLC, a clean power developer, owner, and operator, has appointed Russell Young as Chief Operating Officer. Young brings over two decades of renewable energy experience, most recently serving as Managing Director of Technical Services at Clearway Energy Group.
He also held senior leadership roles at ENGIE North America, including VP of Operations for Renewables across the U.S. and Canada. In addition, Young’s technical expertise is rooted in prior positions at leading OEMs such as GE, Vestas, and ABB PowerOne, positioning him to strengthen Deriva’s operational capabilities and scale clean energy assets.
Jim Crimmins Named CTO of GroundWork Renewables
Jim Crimmins has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer at GroundWork Renewables, a provider of solar data solutions for performance optimization. Previously Executive VP, Crimmins also heads the company’s PV Test Lab in Albuquerque, acquired in September 2024.
With deep expertise in photovoltaic technology, system testing, and analytics, Crimmins will lead GroundWork’s integration of data, lab, and field services under a unified technology vision. As CTO, he is tasked with ensuring that GroundWork’s tools and data seamlessly serve developers, EPCs, manufacturers, and asset owners with accuracy and strategic insight.
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