[SMM PV News] European Power Prices Hit Annual Lows Amid Dropping Demand and Solar Surge

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has issued a new proposed decision rejecting the industry-backed Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT) in favor of a structure based on the Avoided Cost Calculator (ACC). The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) warns that this move "virtually ensures" no new community solar projects will be developed, as the ACC rates are too low and volatile to secure private financing. While the CPUC's decision aims to modify existing "Green Tariff" programs and leverage federal grants for low-income residents, critics argue it prioritizes utility monopolies over market-based growth and the goals of AB 2316. The proposal is scheduled for a hearing as early as May 14, 2026.

Swissgrid, Switzerland’s national grid operator, has released a white paper outlining the systemic reforms needed to integrate 40 GW of solar capacity by 2050, up from the current 9.62 GW. The paper argues that achieving this goal is "hardly conceivable" under existing frameworks and calls for a total overhaul of the energy system. Key proposals include ending priority feed-in to reduce market distortion and cutting grid connection capacity to as low as 50% of installed PV power—utilizing storage or self-consumption for the excess—to minimize infrastructure costs. Experts emphasize the need for uniform technical standards, removing incentives during negative price periods, and deploying large-scale decentralized storage to stabilize the grid as solar’s share of the energy mix nears 50%.