[SMM PV News] Abu Dhabi Expands Solar and 'BESS' Policy to Residential Sector

Abu Dhabi's Department of Energy ('DoE') has expanded its solar self-consumption policy to include villas and eligible residential buildings. Following a February rollout for the agricultural sector, the updated policy now allows homeowners to install rooftop solar with or without battery energy storage systems ('BESS'). The new phase features a simplified regulatory framework to streamline grid connections, supporting the 'UAE' goal of reaching 20 GW of total solar capacity by 2030.

The US solar market reached a new milestone in the final quarter of 2025, with distributed capacity surging to a record 1.9 GW. According to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR), solar accounted for 78% of the 46 GW of new national power capacity added last year. While utility-scale projects dominated at 63%, the 15% from residential and community solar highlights strong distributed growth. Defined as 'small solar' (under 1 MW), this segment saw a Q4 surge partly driven by homeowners rushing to secure the 25D residential property tax credit before its scheduled phase-down.

Recent renewable energy developments are accelerating across Africa. The African Development Bank ('AfDB') approved a $5.65 million grant for a new Peace Renewable Energy Certificate aggregation facility to support 71 MW of off-grid renewables in 14 fragile states. In Mozambique, the 'AfDB' also approved $150 million for what will be Africa's largest floating solar project on Cahora Bassa Lake. Meanwhile, Zambia announced a 'PPA' for a 100 MW wind-solar hybrid project between DZGM Energy Resources and Zesco. In Tunisia, Japan's 'JCM' is supporting a 130 MW solar facility built by Marubeni and Voltalia. Finally, in South Africa, Envusa Energy launched commercial operations at the 240 MW Mooi Plaats solar project to supply renewable electricity to local mining operations.