First Solar

NTPC, India's largest power utility, has announced it will deploy 247Solar's advanced solar thermal technology in its first commercial project. The deal marks an entry for the US-based company's modular solar thermal systems into the Indian market and signals NTPC's push to diversify beyond coal into cleaner power generation as India scales up its renewable energy targets.

Astronomers using the Rubin Observatory have identified ED138, a massive object orbiting far beyond Pluto that may qualify as a new dwarf planet. It is one of the observatory's first dwarf planet candidates and adds to the growing list of mysterious bodies in the outer solar system beyond Neptune. Coverage is highlighting how the new telescope is already expanding knowledge of the distant, icy reaches of our solar system.

Astronomers with the Rubin Observatory have identified a candidate dwarf planet, provisionally named 2026 ED138. The object is estimated to be around 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) wide — roughly half the size of Pluto. If the discovery is confirmed, it would join the official list of dwarf planets in our solar system.

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has announced the first dwarf planet candidate discovered in our Solar System, reported in a news release on its website. Astronomers say the find demonstrates the observatory's power to survey the outer Solar System, and the discovery is drawing attention from space and science enthusiasts. Details about the object's size, orbit, and official classification are expected as follow-up observations continue.

The NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory has announced its first dwarf planet candidate in our solar system. The object orbits the sun beyond Pluto and may be among the largest and brightest bodies ever found in that distant region. The discovery highlights the observatory's power to survey the outer solar system, with astronomers expected to refine the object's size and status in coming months.

German space startup Orbital Matter says it has 3D printed the first rigid beam in the vacuum of space aboard its Replicator 2 satellite, which launched on a SpaceX rideshare mission this summer. The printers extrude UV-cured resin coils to build booms that can deploy solar arrays. Founded in 2022 and backed with around 3 million dollars, the company is presenting the feat as a milestone for in-space manufacturing.

Climate First Bank, a Florida-based lender focused on sustainability, has financed more than 10,000 residential solar installations, a milestone the bank announced via newswire. The figure highlights growing consumer demand for home solar financing in the United States and positions the bank as a notable player in the clean-energy lending market.

Benin has secured a €30 million ($33.5 million) financing package for the construction and operation of four photovoltaic plants. The plants form part of the West African country's first independent power producer solar project, a milestone for renewable energy development in the region. Observers see it as a step toward expanding utility-scale solar capacity and diversifying Benin's electricity supply.

A family-run vineyard in the Ukiah area of Mendocino County, California installed a solar energy system originally projected to save about $30,000 a year. By the time construction finished, utility rate increases from Pacific Gas and Electric had pushed estimated annual savings to roughly $80,000. The story is drawing attention as an example of rising electricity costs making solar investments unexpectedly lucrative for agricultural businesses.

Scientists have identified the first comet in data from ESA's Euclid space telescope, announced by the Euclid consortium alongside a web story from the European Space Agency. The discovery shows the dark universe survey mission is also proving valuable for spotting Solar System objects as it maps the sky.

Warframe has kicked off a large-scale community event marking the game's biggest step yet: venturing beyond the solar system for the first time. Players are being called on to collectively pave the way for the journey, with developer Digital Extremes framing it as a moment fans will look back on. An interview with creative director and Lotus voice actress Rebecca Ford is drawing attention as the event opens.

A household in Freiburg has switched on its new solar installation, reporting the system's first day of operation. The array has a capacity of 21.28 kWp paired with a 9.4 kWh battery storage unit. Despite overcast weather, the battery charged from 5 to 100 percent by shortly before 1 pm. Grid feed-in is not yet possible as the electricity meter replacement is still pending.

The crew behind the sailing channel SV Delos has started a large-scale solar installation on their aluminum catamaran, documenting the first stage of the project. The build series continues to follow the boat's construction, with fans tracking progress as the vessel moves toward being powered largely by solar energy for long-distance cruising.

First Solar is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new facility in Gaffney, South Carolina. The event marks the official opening of the plant, which adds to the company's US manufacturing footprint as demand for American-made solar panels grows. Local outlet FOX Carolina News reported on the ceremony, drawing attention from residents and business observers in the region.

Real estate firm Faropoint has begun construction on its first community solar project in New Jersey, according to ROI-NJ. The project marks the company's entry into community solar, allowing residents and businesses to subscribe to shared solar power and receive credits on their utility bills. It comes as New Jersey pushes to expand renewable energy access for households that cannot install panels themselves.

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has announced its first dwarf-planet candidate, an object designated 2026 ED138 in the outer solar system. The observatory describes it as a possible dwarf planet, with further observations needed to confirm its nature. The find is an early demonstration of the survey's ability to detect small, distant bodies.

First Solar shares climbed 8.1% after Democratic wins in the midterm elections lifted renewable energy stocks across the board. Investors bet that a Democratic presence in Congress will sustain federal support for clean energy incentives and tax credits that benefit solar manufacturers. The rally put First Solar among the day's standout gainers as markets repriced the political outlook for climate policy.

Coros has unveiled the Dura 2 Solar, an updated GPS bike computer, with Bike Magazine publishing a first look at the device. Early coverage highlights how the solar charging model refines the original Dura formula, positioning it as a serious rival in the cycling navigation market long dominated by Garmin and Wahoo.

Battery electric refrigeration units for trailers, powered partly by solar panels, have reached their first customers. The units replace diesel-powered reefers, cutting fuel use, emissions and noise for cold-chain transport. The milestone marks an early commercial step for electrified trailer refrigeration, and industry watchers see it as part of the wider push to decarbonise freight logistics.

Solar stocks bounced back after a bruising week tied to earnings. Enphase Energy jumped 11%, Sunrun climbed 10%, and First Solar rose 5% as investors bought back into the sector following last week's selloff. The rebound comes after disappointing earnings from key players knocked down solar share prices, prompting traders to scoop up beaten-down names in hopes the sector has found a floor.