[SMM PV News] US Solar Faces Labor Shortage Ahead of 'OBBBA' Deadline

The French government has published its 2026 wind and solar auction calendar. July will see a 288 MWp tender for 100-500 kW commercial and industrial systems—now open to ground-mounted installations—and a 925 MW tender for ground-mounted projects over 500 kW. An all-technology 'PV' tender will follow in autumn. Crucially, the revised tenders introduce a resilience criterion requiring diversified sourcing of essential 'PV' panel components to reduce reliance on single countries like China. Aligning with the European Net-Zero Industry Act ('NZIA'), this move aims to boost local manufacturing and will soon be accompanied by stricter sustainability and cybersecurity standards.

The escalating conflict in the Gulf, involving Israel, the 'US', and Iran, has caused a structural shift in global energy markets that extends far beyond short-term volatility. According to research firm Pexapark, attacks on liquified natural gas ('LNG') infrastructure have amplified this impact, shifting the focus from temporary logistical disruptions to medium-term supply risks. This evolving dynamic has direct and significant consequences for global electricity markets, power purchase agreements ('PPAs'), and the battery energy storage system ('BESS') sector.

South African utility Eskom has extended its registration fee waiver for small-scale embedded generation ('SSEG') systems under 50 kW until September 30. The waiver, originally set to expire in March, aims to encourage safe and compliant grid connections without deterring solar adoption. Eskom is also testing a new prepaid option for residential rooftop solar customers. While the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association ('SAPVIA') welcomed the extension for removing the financial barrier to compliance, it urged local municipalities to streamline their own cumbersome approval processes, which continue to delay the national energy transition.