Wood Mackenzie report finds four-hour battery storage cheaper than gas peakers in 43 markets, with U.S. and Canada facing tariff-driven cost headwinds

Wood Mackenzie's latest Levelized Cost of Electricity report finds four-hour battery storage has fallen below open-cycle gas turbines on cost in all 43 global markets modeled, and single-axis tracker solar is the lowest-cost new-build source in 43 of 48 markets. North America is the exception: near-term solar costs in the U.S. and Canada remain elevated under tariffs, AD/CVD actions and Section 232 import restrictions, with module prices projected to climb about 5% annually through 2030, residential and commercial module prices up 6% in 2027 and a further 14% in 2028, and utility-scale developers buffered by 168 GW of safe-harbored capacity.

Wood Mackenzie: four-hour battery storage now cheaper than gas peakers in markets worldwide

Wood Mackenzie published an analysis finding that the levelized cost of electricity for four-hour battery storage is now cheaper than gas peakers in markets across the globe, and a spokesperson told Utility Dive that in the United States, for a 2026 commercial operation date, four-hour battery storage is 65% to 75% cheaper than new open-cycle gas turbine peakers, depending on whether state-level carbon pricing applies. The firm projects gas turbine prices rising to $600/kW by the end of 2027, a 195% increase since 2019, and says four-hour storage in the Middle East and Africa will fall 33% to $80/MWh by 2035.

Wood Mackenzie report finds four-hour battery storage cheaper than gas turbines in all 43 modeled markets

Wood Mackenzie's latest global levelized cost of electricity report states that four-hour battery storage is now less expensive to install than open-cycle gas turbines in all 43 markets where both technologies were modeled, with storage in the Middle East and Africa forecast to fall 33% to $80/MWh by 2035 from $120/MWh in 2026. The report says single-axis tracker solar is the lowest-cost new-build technology in 43 of 48 modeled markets, and that in North America near-term solar costs face pressure from tariffs, antidumping and countervailing duty actions and new Section 232 import restrictions, with utility-scale solar partially protected by 168 GW of safe-harboured capacity.

Treasury and IRS request comments on Form 8881 information collection

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service published an Agency Information Collection Activities notice requesting comments on Form 8881. The notice concerns the information collection associated with that form; the source does not state a comment deadline, a rate, an HTS code or an effective date.

pv magazine analysis: U.S. cell fab build-out quality matters more than technology choice

In a pv magazine USA analysis, Ryan Kennedy writes that counting announced c-Si cell capacity and focusing on the technology selected by the first U.S. cell fabs misses the key issue, which he says is building high-quality, performance-leading cell factories. The article forecasts quarterly U.S. c-Si cell production through Q4 2027, with upside and downside scenarios, from the new Solar Manufacturing USA Quarterly report, and notes the analysis follows the Solar Manufacturing USA 2026 event in Austin, Texas on 22-23 September.

First Solar sues JA Solar and American Panel Solutions over TOPCon patents

First Solar, Inc. filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd., four of its affiliates and U.S.-based distributor American Panel Solutions, LLC (AMPS), alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 9,130,074, which covers manufacturing methods for tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) crystalline silicon solar cells. First Solar seeks monetary damages and permanent injunctive relief to halt the import, assembly and sale of the disputed TOPCon modules in the U.S. The filing follows First Solar's withdrawal of its Section 337 complaint at the USITC; neither JA Solar nor representatives for Corning and AMPS immediately responded.

pv magazine USA commentary: U.S. project requirements are shaping sodium-ion battery specifications

In a pv magazine USA commentary, ESS Inc. Chief Commercial Officer Randy Selesky writes that domestic content thresholds, foreign-entity-of-concern restrictions and Executive Order 14421 are driving U.S. developers to trace cell origin, cathode and anode material sourcing, cell finishing and system integration locations, and corporate ownership across the supply chain. He says sodium-ion has a structural advantage because it avoids concentrated lithium, nickel, cobalt and manganese supply chains, and that UL 9540A test data at the cell, module, unit and installation levels drives deflagration venting, suppression sizing, setbacks and fire service response plans.

pv magazine analysis forecasts U.S. module production through 2027 amid Section 232 cell-import uncertainty

In a pv magazine USA analysis, Ryan Kennedy presents the Solar Manufacturing USA Quarterly report's bottom-up forecast of domestic U.S. module production to the end of 2027, tracking capex and output for more than 40 companies. The analysis says the largest swing factor is imported solar cell volumes ahead of and after Section 232 at the start of December, and that 2026 volumes remain unknown. It adds that the forecast's downside would apply if project offtake falls short of production targets or buyers push back on cells under MIP conditions.

First Solar files TOPCon patent infringement lawsuit against JA Solar and American Panel Solutions

First Solar filed a lawsuit in U.S. district court against JA Solar and American Panel Solutions alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 9,130,074, which covers methods of manufacturing TOPCon silicon solar cells. First Solar said it is also pursuing TOPCon patent lawsuits against Canadian Solar, Jinko Solar, T1 Energy and Trina Solar, and it voluntarily terminated a Section 337 investigation at the International Trade Commission last month in favor of patent infringement lawsuits.

In case you missed it: Solar stories of the week

Global polysilicon prices hold steady as China price gains meet buyer resistance

McKinsey report finds fragmented trade raises U.S. solar and storage costs

McKinsey & Company's Global Energy Perspective 2026 finds that under its "Fragmented Energy Order" scenario, tariffs and trade restrictions raise U.S. clean-technology costs, with battery energy storage facing the largest premium among low-carbon assets at a 40% to 50% increase in capital expenditure, driven by cathode material tariffs, critical mineral bottlenecks and supply chain localization barriers. The report says broad duties on steel and aluminum add indirect capital costs to balance-of-system components, including aluminum frames, which it puts at roughly 14% of total solar panel production costs, and steel used in ground-mounted tracking and racking.

U.S. Commerce temporary final rule restricts polysilicon stockpiling ahead of Section 232 import adjustments

The U.S. Department of Commerce issued a temporary final rule restricting stockpiling of polysilicon and its derivatives ahead of Section 232 import adjustments taking effect on Dec. 4, 2026, covering imports during the transition period from Sept. 22 to Dec. 3. The rule followed trade data showing a sharp increase in polysilicon imports after the Section 232 measures were released in early August. One market participant said the rule could curb China-origin wafers, cells and modules entering through circumvention channels involving smaller traders and companies, with limited direct impact on global polysilicon demand.

Alberta Recycling Management Authority: Phase II of Alberta EPR for packaging and paper products begins October 1, 2026

The Alberta Recycling Management Authority states that Phase II of Alberta's Extended Producer Responsibility system for single-use products, packaging and paper products (PPP) begins October 1, 2026, standardizing recycling province-wide and expanding collection to eligible multi-family buildings. Phase I began in April 2025 and covered PPP and hazardous and special products. ARMA says the 2025 PPP program contributed more than $160 million to GDP, $75 million in wages, $10.1 million in taxes and supported 1,230 full-time equivalent jobs.

Energy Vault tracks implementation of Trump executive order restricting foreign-made bulk power components

Energy Vault Chief Revenue Officer Marco Terruzzin told Utility Dive that the energy storage company is closely following implementation of President Donald Trump's recent executive order restricting the use of foreign-made bulk power components and is assessing its impacts on a project-by-project basis as it diversifies its supply chain. The company said last week it would acquire a 2.3-GW development portfolio from Goshe Energy Storage, including 350 MW of ready-to-build capacity that could come online in early 2028, and secured up to $40 million in credit from S2G Investments to back development, construction and operation of that portfolio.

Utility Dive: Facilities use Section 48E investment tax credits for energy projects

Utility Dive reports that facilities are using Section 48E federal investment tax credits to finance renewable and storage projects, citing a Colorado hospital that expects $4 million to $8 million in credits on a $65 million project. The article says the One Big Beautiful Bill Act cut the credit for several technologies, but solar remains eligible when paired with battery storage and geothermal credits were left in place, and that nonprofits and public facilities receive the benefit as a direct Treasury payment while private companies can sell credits at roughly 85 to 93 cents on the dollar.

A1 SolarStore report: U.S. solar hardware market tightens as buyers race tariff deadlines

The Q2 2026 A1 Solar Index report by distributor A1 SolarStore says U.S. solar hardware inventory rose close to historic highs as importers rushed to beat incoming tariff deadlines and federal tax credit milestones, with average daily listed inventory reaching 932,000 units (491 MW), up 126% from Q1.

Toyo announces $240 million in module supply agreements ahead of Texas factory ribbon cutting

Toyo Co., Ltd. announced binding module supply agreements with multiple U.S. offtakers worth approximately $240 million, with the modules to be manufactured at its Humble, Texas facility for utility-scale, commercial and industrial, community solar and data-center projects. The company will hold a ribbon cutting on Oct. 6 for the start of work on its 1.5 GW HJT solar cell plant and full-scale operation of its co-located 2 GW module assembly facility, an event that will include a speech by U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler.

OPIS reports China and U.S. TOPCon module prices hold ahead of Section 232 minimum import prices

OPIS's Global Solar Markets Report of Sept. 22 assessed the Chinese Module Marker for TOPCon modules below 645W from China unchanged at $0.108/W FOB China, and U.S. delivered duty paid prices for TOPCon modules 645W and below unchanged at $0.290/W, with Southeast Asian cargoes at $0.277/W and Indian cargoes at $0.332/W. Section 232 minimum import prices are set to take effect Dec. 4, and OPIS reports uncertainty over whether the proclamation's "first arm's-length sale" rule would subject U.S.-assembled modules using imported cells to the $0.38/W module MIP.

BIS issues temporary final rule on polysilicon stockpiling under Proclamation 11052

BIS issued a temporary final rule, effective September 22, 2026 through December 3, 2026, setting the criteria and process it will use to monitor existing companies for evidence of stockpiling polysilicon and polysilicon derivatives ahead of import adjustments effective December 4, 2026 under Proclamation 11052. The rule limits a newly established importer's ability to stockpile, imposes import limitations on new importers that register with CBP on or after August 6, 2026, and subjects companies found to be stockpiling to an import prohibition if necessary. It also establishes the process for such companies to obtain a waiver from any import prohibitions imposed under the rule.

CBP issues guidance on polysilicon import ban under Proclamation 11052

CBP states in CSMS # 69994928 that, under Commerce's Temporary Final Rule implementing Proclamation 11052 (91 FR 51975), an importer of record that Commerce determines is importing polysilicon products in volumes substantially greater than its historic averages, or that a new importer of record is exceeding applicable weekly quantity limits, is prohibited from making further entries of certain polysilicon products until December 4, 2026. The goods may be moved to a bonded warehouse but may not be entered for consumption before that date. Affected importers may apply to Commerce to waive the prohibition.

CITT rescinds order on photovoltaic modules and laminates from China

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal rescinded its order concerning photovoltaic modules and laminates originating in or exported from China under subsection 76.03(2) and subparagraph 76.03(12)(a)(iii) of the Special Import Measures Act, so anti-dumping and countervailing duties no longer apply to new releases of covered goods. The CBSA will automatically refund these duties on eligible goods released on or after March 25, 2026, and any outstanding re-determination process for those goods will be terminated. Goods released before March 25, 2026 are not eligible for a refund, and assessments and reassessments relating to those earlier releases will continue.

CITT terminates expiry review and rescinds order on photovoltaic modules and laminates from China

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal terminated the expiry review of its March 25, 2021 order in expiry review RR-2020-001, concerning the dumping and subsidizing of certain photovoltaic modules and laminates from China, and rescinded that order. The Canada Border Services Agency will therefore not continue to impose anti-dumping and countervailing duties on these goods.

Commerce finds EEPV made no below-normal-value sales in Taiwan solar AD review

Commerce determines in the final results of the antidumping duty administrative review of certain crystalline silicon photovoltaic products from Taiwan that EEPV Corp. did not sell subject merchandise in the United States at prices below normal value during the period of review, February 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. The final results are applicable September 16, 2026. The review covers the antidumping duty order on certain crystalline silicon photovoltaic products from Taiwan, 80 FR 8596, and follows the preliminary results at 91 FR 25862.

Commerce issues final affirmative countervailing duty determination on solar cells from Indonesia

Commerce issued a final affirmative countervailing duty determination finding that countervailable subsidies are being provided to producers and exporters of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from Indonesia during the period of investigation of January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, and a final affirmative determination of critical circumstances, in part. The determination applies as of September 16, 2026. The notice does not state the cash deposit rates.

Commerce issues final affirmative LTFV determination on solar cells from India

Commerce issued a final affirmative determination that crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from India are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value, with a final affirmative critical circumstances determination in part; the notice is applicable September 16, 2026, and the period of investigation is July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. The notice does not state the final weighted-average dumping margins or cash deposit rates.

Commerce issues final affirmative countervailing duty determination on solar cells from Laos

Commerce issued a final affirmative countervailing duty determination finding that countervailable subsidies are being provided to producers and exporters of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from the Lao People's Democratic Republic, with a final affirmative determination of critical circumstances, in part. The period of investigation is January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, and the determination is applicable September 16, 2026. The notice does not state the cash deposit rates.

Commerce issues final affirmative LTFV determination on solar cells from Indonesia

Commerce determines that imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from Indonesia are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value, with a final affirmative determination of critical circumstances, applicable September 16, 2026. The period of investigation is July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. The notice does not state the cash deposit rates.

Commerce issues final affirmative LTFV determination on solar cells from Laos

Commerce determines that crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from the Lao People's Democratic Republic are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value, with a final affirmative determination of critical circumstances, in part. The period of investigation is January 1, 2025, through June 30, 2025, and the determination is applicable September 16, 2026. The notice does not state the cash deposit rates.

Commerce issues final affirmative countervailing duty determination on solar cells from India

Commerce issued a final affirmative countervailing duty determination finding that countervailable subsidies are being provided to producers and exporters of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from India, for the period of investigation April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025, applicable September 16, 2026. Commerce also made a final affirmative critical circumstances determination, in part. The notice does not state the cash deposit rates.

IRS publishes 2026 inflation adjustment factor and applicable amounts for clean electricity production credit

The IRS published in the Federal Register the 2026 inflation adjustment factor and applicable amounts used to calculate the clean electricity production credit under section 45Y of the Internal Revenue Code. The notice states the figures are required by law to be published in the Federal Register. The notice does not state the factor or the applicable amounts.

Declaring a National Emergency To Secure the United States Bulk-Power System

Alberta launches Canada's first solar panel recycling program with C$14 eco-fee from October 1, 2026

Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) states that Alberta will launch Canada's first formal solar recycling program on October 1, 2026, with a $14 environmental fee applying to crystalline silicon (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, perovskite-silicon tandem), thin-film (cadmium telluride, CIGS, amorphous silicon) and gallium arsenide panels of 1 square metre or larger used in residential, commercial, industrial and utility installations. Supplier registration opens June 1, 2026, with registration webinars on June 25, 2026, and environmental fee reporting, remittance and collection of end-of-life panels begin at program launch. Businesses already contacted by ARMA have an ARMA Connect account and should not create a new one.

ARMA sets $2,500 non-refundable fee for Alternative Collection System applications under Alberta EPR

The Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) states that producers under Alberta's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program may apply to operate an Alternative Collection System (ACS) instead of the common collection system, and that each producer who applies will be charged a one-time, non-refundable application fee of $2,500 to recover ARMA's review costs. ACS applications are voluntary and only a small number of producers whose applications ARMA approves will operate one; most producers will continue to meet their EPR obligations through the Common Collection System via a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). To qualify, an ACS must meet requirements in ARMA's bylaws, including accessibility, promotion and education, and material management standards.

CITT amends order on photovoltaic modules and laminates from China after interim review RD-2025-001

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal completed an interim review (RD-2025-001) of its March 25, 2021 order in expiry review RR-2020-001 on photovoltaic modules and laminates originating in or exported from China, and amended the order to exclude flexible photovoltaic modules affixed to curved vehicle surfaces, such as transport truck fairings, with a power output not exceeding 200 W. The Tribunal continues the order as amended.

CITT initiates expiry review of photovoltaic modules and laminates from China

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal initiated an expiry review of its March 25, 2021 order, in expiry review RR-2020-001, on photovoltaic modules and laminates from China, to determine whether expiry of the order is likely to lead to continued or resumed dumping or subsidizing and injury to the domestic industry. The Canada Border Services Agency will determine by July 2, 2026 whether there is a likelihood of resumed or continued dumping or subsidizing; if positive, the Tribunal will determine by December 9, 2026 whether that is likely to result in injury. Interested persons, associations or governments may participate by filing Form I—Notice of Participation.