• April 18, 2025

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) in Fresno, California held a "Flip the Switch" ceremony today to celebrate the completion of solar and battery energy storage projects at three locations: the Fresno Clovis Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Northeast Surface Water Treatment Plant, and the Southeast Surface Water Treatment Plant. These three projects all use single axis solar trackers. The total scale of the DPU project is 27 megawatts of direct current (and 5.3 megawatts of alternating current energy storage), and it is expected to save taxpayers over $122 million in costs by 2045. The most core part of the project is the 19.6 MW solar system and 2.3 MW energy storage system located at the Fresno Clovis area wastewater recycling facility, believed to be the largest commercial solar and battery system in the United States to date. The Fresno Department of Power (DPU) has partnered with ForeFront Power to develop a portfolio of user side solar and energy storage projects. The project was built by local union workers from IBEW Local 100, creating 120 local job opportunities. I am immensely proud of this extraordinary achievement, which not only made Fresno famous, but also fulfilled our commitment to building a sustainable Fresno, "said Mayor Jerry Dyer. Providing renewable energy for these city wide projects and DPUs is part of our comprehensive plan to reduce energy costs, ensure the safety of critical infrastructure, and enhance environmental sustainability. By injecting vitality into this vast renewable energy portfolio and supporting our public utilities, Fresno is proving to the rest of the country that clean energy is a valuable tool for serving communities We are honored to collaborate with the city of Fresno to realize their visionary energy plan, "said Dr. Ruben Fontes, CEO of ForeFront Power. The scale and influence of DPU's power plants are unique. By producing and storing clean energy on-site, DPU reduces reliance on expensive grid electricity and returns the saved energy to taxpayers. In addition, the battery energy storage system installed in each power plant ensures that there is always sufficient energy to power the important infrastructure of the city The development of DPU's solar and energy storage combination does not require prior investment from the municipal government, nor does it utilize bond funds. According to the 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed with the municipal government, ForeFront Power owns and maintains its solar and energy storage portfolio developed for DPU. In the next 20 years, ForeFront Power will charge DPU a fixed electricity price lower than the market, and DPU will avoid rising utility rates, thereby achieving budget certainty. During the PPA period, ForeFront Power will continue to operate and maintain the DPU solar and energy storage portfolio at no cost to DPU. As the DPU project portfolio is nearing completion, Fresno is moving towards a national milestone: having the larges...

• April 17, 2025

Faith Technologies Inc. (FTI) is nearing completion of its 2.16 MW solar system located on top of the newly constructed Excellerate building in Olasi, Kansas. FTI's manufacturing brand Excellerate has recently launched its first product - the Excellerate eSkid charging system for electric vehicles. FTI Assistant Project Manager Cole Morrison said, "This project reflects our commitment to putting into practice the renewable energy solutions we develop and build for our clients. With our expertise in solar technology, we have not only reduced our own carbon footprint, but also demonstrated the practical application of these sustainable energy concepts on an industrial scale This project complies with UL 3741 standards and provides a simplified method to meet the requirements for quick closure. FTI is expected to officially debug the array next month.

• April 16, 2025

Even before the wires were bitten and exposed, pests were already threatening the performance and lifespan of solar energy systems. The decline in power generation and expensive structural damage are both at risk. Although raccoons may be responsible for this, they are not the true culprits. For solar installers and contractors, understanding and implementing the latest and effective pest control solutions is not only a value-added service, but also a key link in ensuring the long-term feasibility of solar energy investment and healthy customer relationships. In other words, it's time to phase out plastic cable ties. Understand the threat of pests to solar panels Animal problems can occur anywhere, sometimes even in very concentrated and seemingly inexplicable ways. A community may experience large-scale pest infestations, while solar energy users throughout the city remain unharmed. A household may have been free of pests until their neighbors installed animal protection devices and the expelled animals moved in next door. Looking at residential embedded solar systems, installers can use several effective strategies to avoid pest infestations and damage. The latest physical barrier strategy Physical barriers are a reliable method for protecting solar energy projects. After proper installation, these barriers can enclose the perimeter of the solar panels between the roof and the module frame. The following are different physical pest barriers for solar panels: Fence material options With the advancement of wire mesh materials and tools, it has become the preferred choice for pest control. Metal wire mesh is usually supplied in roll form, with a width of 4 to 10 inches, and can be cut and shaped according to the specific size of the solar cell array. Any metal wire mesh of equal weight is made of galvanized steel and coated with PVC or polyester fibers to enhance its durability and corrosion resistance. To simplify the installation process, we provide specialized tools for transporting, distributing, and cutting coiled metal wire mesh. Some manufacturers also offer pre cut metal mesh panels to accommodate uneven surfaces, such as tile roofs. These latest technologies can significantly shorten installation time. Another physical barrier option is perforated metal plates, typically made of corrosion-resistant aluminum with a black polyester coating on the surface. The key difference lies in the connection method, which will be further explained in the following text. Finally, wire nails are a deterrent primarily used to prevent birds from inhabiting and building nests on or around solar panels. Although wire nails are effective for birds and relatively easy to install (adjustable to accommodate uneven roof surfaces), they may leave openings for rodents or other small mammals to take advantage of. Attachment method Another important consideration for pest control is the installation method of the selected insect repellent. Installation personnel need...

• April 15, 2025

The Dorsey Run Solar project under GS Power Partners (GSPP) has begun commercial operation. The project is located on the rooftop solar panel array of an industrial building in Maryland, and is owned by an account managed by Principal Asset Management. Black Bear Energy collaborated with GSPP to assist with the project from concept conception to commissioning. Amanda Zurla, Chief Development Officer of GS Power Partners, stated that the Dorsey Run Solar project represents multiple important milestones for GSPP. This is our first project in Maryland, marking our partnership with Black Bear Energy for a solar installed capacity exceeding 8 megawatts. In addition, it also demonstrates the solid foundation of our long-term cooperation with Neighborhood Sun In addition to providing low-cost renewable energy to households in the region, Dorsey Run also contributes to the Maryland Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) program. This plan was formulated in 2004 with the aim of achieving economic, environmental, fuel diversity, and safety benefits of renewable energy. Maryland's RPS plan stipulates that by 2030, 50% of the state's electricity must come from renewable energy sources. Drew Torbin, founder and president of Black Bear Energy, said, "This collaboration demonstrates how our collaborative business model has successfully brought clean and affordable renewable energy to underserved populations in Maryland. We look forward to announcing more projects in the future Solar Landscape is the EPC supplier for this project. Neighborhood Sun provides community solar user management services for local households, many of whom are low - and middle-income residents who will enjoy electricity discounts.

• April 14, 2025

On April 10, 2025, Vesper Energy held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the official commercial operation of its flagship energy project Hornet Solar. The project is now fully operational. This ribbon cutting ceremony is not only of great significance to Vesper Energy, but also marks the elevation of Texas' position as a leader in solar energy production in the United States. The Hornet Solar project is located in Sweezh County, Texas, covering an area of over six square miles and containing over 1.36 million modules, making it one of the largest solar projects in the United States. The project will bring over $100 million in new tax revenue to Sweezh County and provide 600 megawatts of AC power. The Hornet Solar project demonstrates how large-scale energy projects can provide reliable household electricity for American households and businesses Juan Suarez, Co CEO of Vesper Energy, stated. This project not only involves solar panels, but is also committed to reducing energy costs while strengthening our country's energy security. With Hornet Solar fully operational, we are helping a community use self-produced electricity to ensure that businesses and communities have the energy they need for development and growth Vesper Energy began construction of Hornet Solar in the fall of 2023 and announced in January 2024 that it had secured $590 million in financing to further advance the project. Since its establishment, Hornet Solar has achieved multiple important milestones, including the installation of the one millionth solar panel in December 2024 and the installation of the last module in January 2025. The scale of Hornet Solar is self-evident -1.36 million solar panels, over six square miles (approximately 10 square kilometers), with a total installed capacity of 600 megawatts. But the real impact lies in the benefits that the project brings to Swisher County: over $100 million in new tax revenue, as well as significant investments in schools, infrastructure, and healthcare EPC Vice President Zach Wald said. Hornet Solar has brought significant economic benefits to Swisher County and its surrounding areas. The project has created over 300 job opportunities during construction and will contribute new tax revenue to basic public services, including $61 million for the Tulia Independent School District, $25 million for the county government, and $12 million for the Swisher Memorial Hospital District.

• April 11, 2025

The participation in the "Dubai Solar Expo 2025" recently held in Dubai. The company has highlighted the new generation of intelligent tracking brackets, lightweight ground brackets, and rooftop photovoltaic system solutions, attracting hundreds of customers and industry experts from the Middle East, Europe, and Africa to stop and negotiate. Focusing on the Middle East market, our technological strength has been recognized. As one of the core markets for the global transition to clean energy, the Middle East continues to experience a growing demand for efficient and durable photovoltaic brackets. Corrosion resistant aluminum alloy brackets and AI intelligent operation and maintenance systems designed for extreme environments such as high temperatures and sandstorms have become the focus of the exhibition, and multiple energy developers have reached preliminary cooperation intentions on site. Dubai Expo is a key window for exploring the Middle East market, and customers' recognition of product innovation and localization adaptability has enhanced our confidence in deepening regional cooperation. Future layout: Accelerating the implementation of clean energy technologies During the exhibition, we also had technical discussions with energy agencies in countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, and plan to establish a Middle East technical support center within the year to provide more efficient customized services to local customers. We are always committed to promoting global energy transformation through innovative technologies, and this exhibition further consolidates its strategic position in the Middle East photovoltaic market. About Solar Energy Technology WINTOP is a leading global manufacturer of photovoltaic bracket research and development, with products covering ground power stations, industrial and commercial rooftops, and household scenarios. Its business covers more than 50 countries and regions.

• April 11, 2025

The Florida municipal utility company OUC recently celebrated the grand opening of its largest solar center in history. The project is located east of Saint Cloud, covering an area of over 600 acres with a total installed capacity of 149 megawatts, which will more than double OUC's existing solar installed capacity. The addition of Harmony II and Storey Bend solar centers brings the total capacity of the OUC solar energy combination to 271.5 megawatts - generating enough solar energy to power 50000 typical OUC households. On April 10th, leaders from OUC, AdventHealth, and Comcast NBCUniversal gathered in Osiola County to unveil Harmony II and Storey Bend Solar Center. These two companies have signed contracts as major tenants, leasing a significant portion of the electricity from each solar center through OUC's SunChoice community solar project. The SunChoice project enables commercial and residential customers to support solar energy while offsetting all or part of their electricity consumption. Customers do not need to install or maintain infrastructure themselves to achieve their sustainable development goals. At OUC, we believe that renewable energy is not only a pathway to clean energy, but also a part of the future business development of Central Florida, "said Clint Bullock, OUC General Manager and CEO. With the official launch of these two solar centers, OUC's solar power generation capacity will more than double and help our customers achieve their clean energy goals, while realizing our vision of becoming an innovative solution provider and preferred partner in Central Florida AdventHealth will offset 50% of its energy consumption within the OUC service area by subscribing to Harmony II solar centers. The parent company of Universal Studios destination and experience, Comcast NBCUniversal, will purchase and compensate 45% of the current operating energy consumption of Universal Studios Resort in Orlando by ordering the Storey Bend Solar Center. AdventHealth Orlando CEO Rob Deininger said, "By providing clean, renewable energy, we are committed to creating a healthier environment and improving the well-being of our service recipients through our commitment to holistic healthcare services. AdventHealth is committed to reducing its impact on the environment, which will help Central Florida residents feel healthy for generations to come

• April 10, 2025

Artisun Solar recently completed two rooftop solar projects for Steel&Pipe Supply Co. in Cartusa, Oklahoma. These two rooftop projects are located on Fort Gibson Road and Bird Creek Avenue, with the former being 1.25 MW and the latter being 950 kW. This project represents an important step forward for renewable energy in Oklahoma, "said Kirk Kreisel, CEO of Artisun Solar. We are honored to collaborate with a forward thinking company like Steel&Pipe Supply. Together, we will showcase the economic and operational benefits of solar energy, while paving the way for future development in the region John Conley, Co President of Steel&Pipe Supply, said, "This project demonstrates our commitment to sustainable energy solutions and is a model for how companies in our industry can achieve long-term sustainable development goals while reducing operating costs. We look forward to future cooperation to drive positive environmental and economic impacts

• April 09, 2025

Budderfly, an energy as a service company, and Gilman Brothers Company, a 128 year old family foam panel manufacturer headquartered in Connecticut, announced a new 750 kW roof solar project. In the 15 year agreement, Budderfly is expected to reduce Gilman Brothers' annual energy costs by up to 30%. Gilman Brothers Company has been a fixed asset in the American manufacturing industry since 1897, with a long history of resilience and innovation. The company provides signage, display, graphic, and wall art solutions to some of the largest retailers in the United States, always adopting forward thinking innovative energy methods. This can be traced back to the 1920s, when the river that supplied power to the factories that provided it dried up. The founder of the company personally applied to establish Bozrah Light and Power Company, a utility company with decades of history that provides services to the Gilman Brothers factory and surrounding communities. Nowadays, Gilman Brothers is facing the challenge of breaking away from dependence on fossil fuels and outdated lighting, and shifting towards a more sustainable and cost-effective clean energy future. Budderfly's $1.5 million investment enables the company, which has 120 employees, to use solar energy to power its manufacturing operations. Budderfly's comprehensive service model enables Gilman Brothers to implement efficient upgrades, integrate renewable energy, and maintain its innovative tradition while striving to achieve ambitious net zero goals. The current energy challenge is not the first challenge our company faces. Gilman Brothers has long recognized that better control over our energy supply and transparency in how we use energy will bring operational and financial benefits. We also know that managing energy is a full-time job Jeff Blanchard, Vice President of Operations at Gilman Brothers, said. Budderfly's overall approach and financial model are exactly what independent manufacturers like Gilman Brothers want and need. With Budderfly, we can focus on our core mission of providing customers with high-quality products, while believing that our ever-changing energy needs will be met Through this project, Gilman Brothers will benefit from rooftop solar systems, new LED lighting, and ultra efficient HVAC systems, as well as several other cost saving technologies such as efficient motors paired with variable frequency drives.