• February 13, 2025

Brooklyn Solar Canopy is launching three new solar panel installation systems: Post Truss, Cantilever, and Wood Post. TR Ludwig, CEO of Brooklyn Solar Canopy and its sister company Brooklyn SolarWorks, said, "This expansion of our product line is a direct response to the constantly changing needs of our customers. By adding column trusses, cantilevers, and wooden column installation systems, we can now provide a complete solution for any project, from large-scale commercial installations to residential backyard installations. We are pleased to offer our customers more choices and help them achieve their solar energy goals, regardless of their unique requirements Rear truss The Post Truss system is highly suitable for residential and small commercial environments. It has a small foundation, unsupported span, and can withstand high wind and snow loads. It can be used to create solar carports or customer parking sheds, and can also customize integrated electric vehicle charging stations and other functions to maximize investment returns and provide multiple benefits. cantilever The cantilever installation system only provides support at one end, making it ideal for small and large commercial parking lots and sidewalks that require open pedestrian or driving areas. Compared to a full canopy, its design minimizes the structural footprint to the greatest extent possible. Wooden pillar The wooden pillar scheme provides a natural and aesthetically pleasing solution, making it ideal for residential and small commercial spaces that prioritize aesthetics. The size and appearance of the wooden pillar system are similar to a pavilion, and can be integrated into the roof or backyard, serving as both an energy source and a practical terrace or outdoor living space. These three systems have been carefully designed to be durable and reliable, ensuring long-lasting performance and maximizing energy output. Brooklyn Solar Canopy News

• February 12, 2025

The Nature Conservancy and Cumberland Forest Limited Partnership have announced a new agreement with Sun Tribe Development and ENGIE to develop 14 solar and 3 battery storage projects on a 360 acre old coal mine in the Appalachian Mountains. This is the second round of clean energy project announcements released by the Cumberland Forest Project of the Nature Conservancy in Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The new project will be developed on previous coal mines, such as the open-pit coal mine in Campbell County, Tennessee. Image source: TNC/Cameron Davidson The Cumberland Forest Energy Project aims to demonstrate that developers can build clean and renewable energy on old mines in an economically efficient manner, while benefiting the community. They adopt renewable energy development methods, striving to create benefits for climate, protection, and community - what TNC calls "3C". TNC uses LevelTen Energy to solicit competitive project proposals and ensure that selected projects comply with 3C standards. As these projects are designed and constructed in the coming years, they are expected to provide more local taxes, short-term construction employment opportunities, and dedicated funds to fund additional community welfare. When choosing a partner company, we look for companies that are willing to work with us to push the boundaries of clean energy development, "said Brad Kreps, Director of TNC Clinch Valley. Developing projects on the former coal mine and engaging local residents in a way that benefits the community requires wisdom, skills, and determination. Ultimately, we chose Sun Tribe and ENGIE, two experienced developers with a strong interest in realizing this vision Sun Tribe's new projects will be located in Virginia and Tennessee. Sun Tribe plans to develop a 5-megawatt solar project and three utility scale energy storage systems, with power generation ranging from 80 megawatts to 150 megawatts. These energy storage projects will improve the reliability of the power grid in the region and reduce the need for future grid upgrades - costs that are typically passed on to utility customers. Danny Van Clief, CEO of Sun Tribe Development, said, "Building solar and battery energy storage facilities in previous mining areas is very reasonable for us. These facilities and their communities have provided our country with electricity supply for over a century - all we need to do is re plan them to adapt to today's energy technologies ENGIE plans to develop 13 community scale solar projects in old mines in Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. These projects also utilize the incentive measures of the Inflation Reduction Act, which helps to reduce project costs. ENGIE's project scale ranges from 1 MW to 6 MW, which will increase local access to clean energy.

• February 11, 2025

The net metering policy is undergoing changes nationwide, and solar installation companies have reason to be concerned. California's NEM 3.0 significantly reduced export compensation rates, Hawaii shifted towards self-sufficiency, and states such as Arizona and West Virginia also significantly lowered net metering rates. Now Virginia has become a target of public criticism, with Appalachian Power Company (APCo) proposing to reduce net metering compensation by over 70%. Once implemented, these attacks on net metering will have a significant impact on the solar energy industry. For small solar installation companies, this is a real threat - but there is also hope. By observing how markets such as California and Hawaii are responding to similar shifts, we can take proactive measures to protect our businesses and keep solar energy viable. If your state is facing net measurement reform, then the reform is not over yet. Public utility companies often try to quietly push these policies, but public pressure may change the topic. Here are the methods you can use to counterattack: Collaborating with non-profit and industry organizations such as SEIA, Sierra Club, Solar Neighbors, and local environmental organizations has extensive experience in policy struggles and can help garner support. Extend a helping hand, join or create alliances so that you can create a cohesive message to counter the myths propagated by utility companies. Education taxpayers - ensure that customers understand the whole picture. Engage with legislators - get state legislators to pay attention to these issues. Many people are not fully aware of the long-term benefits of distributed solar energy. Encourage public testimony - public utilities rely on the lack of public opposition. Mobilize clients to submit opinions and attend hearings. If policies are exposed, they may change. The public's support has reversed or eased the net measurement rollback in several states, so don't think this struggle has failed.

• February 10, 2025

Guided Path Solar is a solar product distributor headquartered in Texas, serving the distributed generation (DG) market. The company will soon supply First Solar cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar panels through its distribution channels. Dr. Mounir El Asmar, Head of Independent Power Plants and Strategic Customers at First Solar, said: "Guided Path Solar's drive comes from a desire for a more sustainable and responsible solar industry, which gives this collaboration a shared core value. We look forward to collaborating with Guided Path Solar to expand the use of our advanced thin-film photovoltaic technology in the US distributed generation market Guided Path Solar is offering First Solar's 6-series, 6-series Plus, and 7-series modules to its customer base for projects of various types and scales. First Solar's large-sized panels are typically used for utility scale projects and will now be offered to commercial scale projects seeking domestic content requirements. Hollis Miles, CEO of Guided Path Solar, said, "We are delighted to collaborate with First Solar, a company that aligns with our values and is equally committed to improving efficiency and sustainability. This partnership enables us to provide our customers with advanced, high-quality solar solutions that exceed industry standards. Together, we pave the way for a more efficient and sustainable future

• February 07, 2025

Enel North America, a clean energy company, has started operating a solar+energy storage plant in Delta County, Texas, Estonia. The 202 MW solar photovoltaic facility is paired with a 104 MW battery energy storage system. Stephen Pike, North American Head of Enel Green Power, stated, "With this new project, Enel will continue to provide new clean energy and flexible storage to meet the growing demand. Enel's renewable energy projects have created real value for commercial and industrial companies on the decarbonization path. The Estonia project demonstrates that the private sector will continue to lead the energy transition in the United States Estonia Solar has received support from a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed with workplace developer BXP, which includes 21 megawatts of partial electricity. In addition, the project has also received PPA support from fashion luxury goods holding group Capri Holdings Limited, which is the parent company of Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors. Ben Myers, Senior Vice President of Sustainability at BXP, said, "The milestone in Estonia's commercial operations marks an important moment in BXP's renewable energy journey. Through our partnership with Enel, we will support the acceleration of energy transition by adding additional large-scale clean energy capacity The Estonian solar project is expected to generate approximately 499 gigawatt hours of clean electricity annually, equivalent to the electricity demand of over 46000 American households. The construction of the power plant has created approximately 400 construction jobs, as well as multiple new permanent local positions for operation and maintenance. It is expected that this hybrid project will generate over $23 million in new local tax revenue for schools and public services throughout its entire lifecycle. Enel has approximately 5 GW of wind and solar installation capacity and 1.3 GW of battery storage installation capacity, providing support for the ERCOT grid. Enel also manages approximately 200 MW of demand response capacity in Texas.

• February 06, 2025

EDP R NA Distributed Generation has completed and launched the 3.4 MWAC Bristol I Community Solar Project in Bristol, Maine. This continues the growth momentum of EDPR NA DG in the community solar field, with operating assets exceeding 61 MWAC across 32 projects in six states. The electricity generated by Bristol One will be supplied to over 400 residential and small business users in southern Maine, who have signed up to purchase electricity from the community project through EDPR's partner PowerMarket. During the development of Bristol I, EDPR collaborated with local developer Midcoast Solar and provided construction services by E&S Electric Company. In addition, EDPR also involved local team members in the development of the project. As a proud Maine native, I am honored to not only be a member of the Bristol I development team, but also a client of this project, "said David Kane, Director of Development at EDPR NA DG. Maine is one of the leading states in the energy transition, with over 600 megawatts of solar energy currently connected to the grid Bristol One will bring sustained economic benefits to the local community, having contributed over $123000 in investments in key services related to schools, public safety, and road maintenance in the form of taxes since 2023. This project has created over 40 construction jobs. Eliza Donoghue, Executive Director of the Maine Renewable Energy Association, said, "Maine is at the forefront of developing reliable, economical, clean, and self-produced energy for residents and the economy. Partners such as EDPR NA distributed generation and community solar projects like Bristol I are necessary for the state's continued development as it responsibly invests in the energy future and maintains grid reliability EDP Renewables North America and EDPR NA DG have been working in Maine for twenty years, developing utility scale and distributed solar projects. In addition to this new project, EDPR also has another 27 MWAC community solar project currently under construction.

• February 05, 2025

Norwich Technologies, Solaris Energy, and Bridge Renewable Energy have completed a 700 kW AC solar project in Winthrop, Maine. The project was initiated and approved by Breakaway Renewables, the development department of Norwich Technologies, with early financing from Solaris Energy. Norwich Solar, a department of Norwich Technologies, has completed the EPC work. Bridge Renewable Energy will become the long-term owner of the project. Renewable energy projects have brought many benefits to the region, not just clean energy, "said Jim Merriam, CEO of Norwich Technologies." Our mission is to create projects that have a positive impact on multiple stakeholders, from the communities where the projects are located to our building contractors, financial partners, and end users - energy customers Thanks to the net energy billing program, renewable energy projects provide affordable renewable energy to small businesses across Maine, allowing customers to save up to 15% on electricity bills without the need for prepayment. Kevin Davis, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Norwich Technologies, said, "The energy bill credit line for the Winthrop project will be used for a range of high-quality, reasonably priced apartments managed by Szanton. Saving operating costs through solar energy will help Szanton provide tenants with reasonable rent, which is urgently needed as housing prices continue to rise beyond the reach of many people Nick Perugini, CEO and co owner of Solaris Energy, said: "Solaris is proud to participate in this green development project, turning previously unused land near the farm into clean energy and saving energy for the surrounding community. This project represents the bright potential for solar energy projects to achieve a win-win situation. We hope to increase clean energy production to meet the growing electricity demand nationwide by 2025 and beyond Kevin Donlin, General Manager of Investment at Bridge Renewable Energy (BRE), said, "Bridge Renewable Energy is pleased to deepen its partnership with Solaris and enter the Maine market. The net energy billing program provides necessary savings for small businesses across the state, and we are proud to play a critical role. As our business continues to expand in Maine, BRE is committed to developing and operating critical renewable energy infrastructure that will enhance the state's economy

• January 24, 2025

Encore Renewable Energy, a renewable energy developer and operator, has completed its first two solar projects owned and operated in Maine. The 4-megawatt solar array Brooks Solar located in Brooks and the 2.3 megawatt solar array Alpine Street Solar located in Auckland were both powered on last month. These are also the first two projects owned and operated by Encore during its transition from a project developer to a fully integrated independent power producer. As a long-term asset owner, Encore will manage the operation and maintenance of the project, including dual-use agricultural services such as solar grazing. Every community scale solar project involves a wide range of stakeholders, and our company's philosophy is to work with every participant as a trusted partner, "said Chad Farrell, Founder and Co CEO of Encore Renewable Energy. If done well, renewable energy assets will create meaningful opportunities for utilities, power customers, and developers. Central Maine Power is an excellent partner for these projects and has worked diligently with us to inject vitality into them on a schedule that is suitable for both parties Both projects provide locally produced clean energy to benefit the economy of Maine. Alpine Street Solar's clients include urban areas, schools, and other large power customers, under off take agreements facilitated by Competitive Energy Services headquartered in Portland; Brooks Solar also provides electricity cost savings for several municipal customers. Maine's remote net energy billing program allows these solar projects to distribute these economic benefits to local communities. These projects are two of the more than 60 solar projects that will be launched in Maine communities in 2024, adding a total of 241 megawatts of solar power generation, "said Eric Sutton, Vice President of Power Operations at Central Maine Electric Power Company. We strongly support Maine's climate goals, and we will continue to connect more such projects to our power grid by 2025 Agrivoltaic Solutions will deploy local flocks of sheep to graze on the land below and around the photovoltaic array, promoting local agricultural industry development and improving long-term soil quality, while providing efficient and low-carbon vegetation management strategies for the site. We are pleased to see the Alpine Street and Brooks Solar projects achieve commercial operation, "said Charlie Agnew, Vice President of Competitive Energy Services. These two projects will provide significant long-term economic and sustainable benefits to many commercial and institutional clients in Maine

• January 23, 2025

EagleView announces the launch of its new real estate data ecosystem. This ecosystem has over 60 PB of asset data, all of which comes from high-definition aerial imagery. EagleView's real estate data ecosystem includes roof measurements and attributes, such as property and roof condition, structural identification, and solar applicability information at the plot level. These data were extracted using artificial intelligence. Solar installers and rooftop contractors can evaluate the solar applicability of a range of properties, as well as the age and condition of each property's roof, to better determine the roof prospects, solar host prospects, design optimized photovoltaic systems, calculate installation costs, and generate accurate solar project proposals. By establishing key alliances with strategic analysis providers, the real estate data ecosystem has been further enhanced, as these providers have expanded the depth, scope, and practicality of data extracted from EagleView high-resolution images. Then, customers can integrate these asset intelligence directly into their proprietary systems, workflows, and decision models through the provider's API. EagleView real estate data can be customized according to specific use cases of customers. Piers Dormeyer, CEO of EagleView, said: "We have a huge database, which contains accurate asset intelligence. The data comes from 25 years of proprietary aerial image capture. In addition to using our 3 billion images covering more than 94% of the U.S. population, we have also formed a first-class real estate data alliance to supplement and enhance our services. Now is the best time to bring this unparalleled real estate intelligence resource to the market and allow innovators to expand their possibilities."