[SMM PV News] Africa Renewable Roundup: 'AfDB' Backs Off-Grid & Floating Solar, Mega Projects Online

Maxeon Solar Technologies has filed for voluntary judicial management in Singapore to seek an arrangement with creditors and avoid liquidation. The decision follows two years of financial struggles triggered by the continued detention of its modules by 'US' Customs and Border Protection ('CBP') and recent legal actions seeking over $70 million in damages. After 'CBP' detained its Mexico-made products in 2024 and its former parent SunPower filed for bankruptcy, Maxeon pivoted its focus entirely to the 'US' market. In February 2026, the company abandoned its planned $1.9 billion facility in New Mexico in favor of using third-party 'US' manufacturers. An initial hearing is set for April 9.

Neoen has announced two new battery energy storage system ('BESS') projects during the Franco-Japanese Economic Forum. In France, it will build a 248 MW/496 MWh facility, set to be the country's largest battery and the first connected to the 400 kV network, utilizing units from Japan's Nidec. In Japan, Neoen is making its first local investment with the 100 MW/400 MWh Ako Battery in Hyogo prefecture, partnering with Equans and Toho. Both projects target a 2028 commissioning as Neoen advances its goal to add 10 GW of global capacity by 2030.

Italy's New Time has outlined a four-year roadmap to industrialize perovskite PV production in the Emilia-Romagna region. Developed in collaboration with researchers from Italy and the Netherlands, the strategy targets formulation optimization in year one, small-scale certification production in year two, pilot-scale development in year three, and full-scale manufacturing by the fourth year. The initiative will utilize existing industrial facilities and is internally funded through reinvested company profits. By streamlining production processes, New Time aims to make perovskite modules cost-competitive with existing PV technologies while driving gains in performance and efficiency.