[SMM PV Flash] Tunisia Launches Tender for 50MW Solar Project with 20MWh Battery Storage

According to Malaysian media outlet The Edge, the effective grid access cost under Malaysia’s Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS) has reportedly risen to 18 sen/kWh. PETRA previously announced a 14 sen/kWh System Access Charge for eligible firm-supply projects under the CRESS Acceleration Package to improve project bankability. Recent market briefings indicate that green consumers may also need to pay an additional 4 sen/kWh during the current regulatory period through the end of 2027, with the charge subject to review in the next regulatory cycle. The higher effective cost could reduce the economic attractiveness of CRESS for some commercial and industrial users and affect PPA pricing and project financing assumptions, while data centre users may be less exposed due to their higher baseline electricity costs.

Danish company Modi Energy has launched an Energy-as-a-Service model for residential solar and battery storage, under which the company finances, installs, owns and operates the systems while households avoid upfront equipment costs. Modi Energy also promises electricity bills 20% below its defined market benchmark while customers remain on its hardware and electricity service. In addition to optimising household energy use, the company plans to aggregate residential batteries for participation in frequency reserve, day-ahead and intraday electricity markets. The model shifts residential solar-plus-storage from one-off equipment sales toward an asset ownership, energy service and electricity market revenue structure.

French lightweight module manufacturer Heliup and Holcim-owned waterproofing brand Elevate have launched the Solar Light TPO rooftop PV system, integrating Heliup’s Stykon lightweight modules with an UltraPly TPO waterproofing membrane. The system weighs around 7kg/m² and requires no additional mounting rails, ballast or roof penetrations, targeting commercial, logistics and public buildings with limited structural load capacity. The system has received a French ETN technical assessment and Broof (t3) fire classification, while allowing PV modules to be installed up to two years after completion of the roof waterproofing work. The solution expands the range of existing buildings suitable for lightweight rooftop solar deployment.