• August 23, 2024

Avantus (formerly known as 8minute) and Toyota Tsusho America announced the start of construction on the 159 MW DC/125 MW AC Norton Solar Project in Rennes County, Texas. After Avantus sold the Norton project to TAI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, a subsidiary of Toyota Group, in November 2023, a Notice to Proceed (NTP) was issued. TAI has also reached a construction and term financing agreement with global financial group Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. The continued collaboration between Avantus and TAI highlights the value that Avantus and its portfolio can bring to leading multinational companies seeking to advance clean energy solutions and achieve sustainable development goals. The project also signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with a corporate client. Avantus will be responsible for overseeing the construction of Norton, and it is expected that the project will begin operations by the end of 2025. RES will provide engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for the project. Texas is the land of energy, which includes plenty of solar energy opportunities. The Norton Solar project represents the best thing we have done at Avantus - developing high-quality clean energy projects that benefit our customers, the local economy, and the planet, "said Patrick Gove, Avantus CFO. This project lasted for six years, and I am proud of our team's persistent efforts to prepare the Norton project and successfully sell it to Toyota Tsusho America to help achieve its sustainable development goals Norton is expected to create 250 job opportunities during its peak construction period and bring direct economic benefits to Lennell County and local communities throughout its entire operational lifespan.

• August 22, 2024

TMEIC Corporation Americas, a subsidiary of TMEIC Corporation (Japan), announced plans to relocate its headquarters to Houston, Texas in March 2025. Meanwhile, to emphasize its commitment to American photovoltaic manufacturing, TMEIC will establish a 144000 square foot factory in Brook Hill, Texas specifically for manufacturing utility scale photovoltaic inverters. The decision to relocate headquarters from Roanoke, Virginia to Houston, Texas and significantly expand manufacturing capabilities is in line with TMEIC's strategic goals in renewable energy technology, domestic manufacturing, and strengthening global sustainability. The relocation of the headquarters will promote innovation, accommodate TMEIC's growing team, and enhance its ability to serve customers. TMEIC will continue to establish an office in Roanoke, Virginia, dedicated to designing, developing, and manufacturing advanced automation systems, large AC motors, and variable frequency drive systems for various industrial sectors worldwide. We are pleased to expand our business in the Houston area by relocating our headquarters and opening new manufacturing facilities, "said Manmeet S. Bhatia, President and CEO of TMEIC Corporation Americas." These investments and expansions have the potential to create up to 300 job opportunities for the local community. This strategic expansion highlights TMEIC's dedication to the renewable energy industry, driving the development of clean energy technologies, maintaining good customer relationships, and competing globally while proudly manufacturing in the United States The new Brookshire factory is scheduled to begin operations in October 2024, located near TMEIC's existing uninterruptible power supply and medium voltage drive manufacturing plant in Katie, Texas. Once put into operation, the initial production capacity of the factory will reach 9 GW per year and will be expanded according to market demand in the future.

• August 21, 2024

HelioVolta is the developer of SolarGrade on-site operating software and a provider of independent technical services for renewable energy assets. The company has released its second annual SolarGrade Photovoltaic Health Report. The report focuses on the survey results of over 100000 photovoltaic system data points collected by on-site engineers using the SolarGrade mobile application during hundreds of project site visits in the United States and Puerto Rico. The main findings of the 2024 SolarGrade Photovoltaic Health Report include: 72% of inspections identified safety and reliability issues that require urgent remediation. 11% of inspections found serious security issues that required complete or partial power outages, resulting in system downtime and financial losses. Compared to any other photovoltaic system component, wiring and connector issues are more common, with 83% of the inspected items identifying problems. Through independent construction QA/QC and comprehensive O&M protocols, the vast majority of issues discovered in the operational system can be avoided. Ryan Mayfield, founder of Mayfield Renewables and a small and medium-sized enterprise, said, "SolarGrade's report sounds the alarm for the industry, but the data shows that most of the safety issues we encounter can be prevented through the right tools, practices, and a high emphasis on education and training. Investing in comprehensive training programs is crucial for professionals to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to ensure safe and excellent solar installations Although these statistical data may be concerning, the results of the report indicate that asset owners and managers can easily address the challenges of photovoltaic safety and reliability. A two-part solution is needed: first, installers and on-site technicians must have appropriate tools to identify and monitor security and reliability issues, and then they must objectively assess the risks of each problem. With accurate and timely information from the site, management can implement appropriate remedial plans. Clear and standardized communication around risks is crucial, "said David Penalva, co-founder and CEO of HelioVolta This year's report is based on the first report and introduces a detailed matrix used by HelioVolta field engineers to calculate on-site risks. The mobile matrix can also be obtained for free online for on-site use, further enhancing the tools available to solar professionals.

• August 20, 2024

DE Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) has partnered with El Paso Electric to announce the start of construction on the Carne solar and energy storage project. Carne is a 130 megawatt AC solar and 260 megawatt hour energy storage facility located in Deming, New Mexico. It is DESRI's second solar facility built in Luna County after the Alta Luna project, which began operations in 2017. This project will provide clean and reliable electricity to the southwest and bring EPE closer to its goal of achieving 80% clean energy by 2035 and 100% clean energy by 2045. DESRI is pleased to continue investing in New Mexico's energy transition by establishing its fourth utility scale renewable energy facility in the state and strengthening its long-term partnership with EPE, "said Hy Martin, Chief Development Officer of DESRI." Carne will provide reliable, cost-effective clean energy to EPE and support the transmission grid through the planned large-scale battery storage facility. In addition, the project will provide economic development opportunities for the local community in the coming years. We appreciate the support of EPE, Luna County, SOLV Energy, and other stakeholders for this project Carne has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with EPE and is expected to commence commercial operations in 2025. According to the indicators provided by the Environmental Protection Agency, the project is expected to generate sufficient clean energy annually to power approximately 37600 households. Galehead Development and Lacuna Sustainable Investments were involved in the initial development of the project. EPE is pleased to join forces with DESRI to introduce this latest renewable energy generation facility into New Mexico and continue to strengthen our good working relationship. The Carne plant is 100% committed to serving our New Mexico customers and will be a key resource for EPE to meet customer needs and New Mexico's renewable energy portfolio standards, "said James Schichtl, Vice President of Regulatory Operations and Resource Strategy at EPE. The battery storage components of the new factory will become EPE's largest service customer, providing our New Mexico customers with much-needed capacity and reliability. EPE looks forward to the successful completion of the Carne project and looks forward to collaborating with DESRI on future renewable energy projects in New Mexico SOLV Energy will serve as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor, and will provide ongoing operation and maintenance services for the project after it is put into operation.

• August 19, 2024

NOVA Infrastructure, a medium-sized infrastructure investment company, has completed the acquisition of UGE International Ltd., a community solar and battery storage business. On May 28, 2024, NOVA agreed to acquire approximately 70% of the common stock of UGE, a publicly listed company on the Toronto Stock Exchange's ChiNext board. The transaction was successfully approved by the securities holders and regulatory authorities. Chris Beall, co-founder and executive partner of NOVA, said, "Community solar is a rapidly growing sector in the US power generation market, and strong regulatory tailwinds support UGE's long-term asset portfolio. UGE offers attractive and long-term contract compliant electricity prices to customers, providing strong downside protection for investors. We have identified value-added plans that will accelerate the growth of UGE's investment portfolio and drive strong cash flow generation UGE is a solar energy operator and developer of rooftop and ground mounted commercial, industrial, and community solar solutions. UGE was founded in 2010 and develops, builds, finances, owns, and operates solar and battery storage projects in New York, New Jersey, Maine, California, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Texas, Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, and Massachusetts. UGE has a record of designing and constructing over 500 MW projects, currently having over 12 operational projects and 81 senior backlog projects in 11 states. UGE is a highly differentiated community solar and battery storage platform, positioned for growth through its vertically integrated business model, significant project diversification, and experienced management team. NOVA collaborates with UGE's senior management team to create a leading community solar and battery storage platform in the mid-range market in the United States. NOVA is committed to providing acquisition and growth capital to support the expansion of the UGE platform and installed MW, "said Allison Kingsley, co-founder and partner of NOVA." We appreciate the support of our shareholders for NOVA's acquisition of UGE, as well as the experienced team's management of the business. We look forward to working with UGE to develop the company and benefit UGE's valued customers and NOVA investors

• August 16, 2024

On August 14th, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy signed legislation that makes community solar projects in the state possible. SB 152 will allow Alaskans to subscribe to community owned solar arrays that do not belong to their homes or property, providing clean energy for 260000 Alaskans living in rental homes and 79000 people living below the federal poverty line for the first time. This bipartisan bill is Sponsored by Senators Bill Vilkowski, Forrest Dunbar, Elvi Gray Jackson, Scott Kavassey, and Representatives Ashley Carrick, Stanley Wright, Cliff Gro, Andy Josephson, Alice Calvin, Donna Mills, and Calvin Schrage. This legislative victory, following the announcement of Earth Day by the US Environmental Protection Agency, has led the applicant, the Alaska Energy Agency, along with the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, to receive $62.5 million in funding and provide solar energy to low-income and vulnerable communities as a benefit for "urban, residential, and community scale rural projects across Alaska. Phil White, a policy analyst at the Alaska Public Interest Research Organization, said, "This is a logical piece of legislation that will allow Alaskans to enter the fastest-growing sector of the renewable energy industry. With huge funds from private financing and federal incentives, the bipartisan Energy Conservation Act will enable Alaskans to accelerate the deployment of low-cost and clean power generation methods, further diversify power sources, and save consumers a lot of energy costs. This is a good day for Alaska! This is a critical moment for Alaska's energy transition - as concerns about the Cook Bay gas crisis intensify, Alaska's utilities are seeking to diversify their energy sources through renewable energy. Community solar energy also provides opportunities for building stronger and more resilient power grids. Most Alaskans support the development of solar energy, but most people are unable to benefit from distributed renewable energy generation. Community solar energy will change this. Shantar de Alcuaz, the joint executive director of the Alaska Center, said, "The Alaska Center has a firsthand experience of the need for community energy reform. Through our Solarize project, we have heard the question multiple times: What if I am a tenant? What if I cannot afford to install solar energy myself? Ultimately, all Alaskans along the railway will be able to subscribe to community energy installation services and benefit from low-cost renewable energy. Alaskans can decide to access or create community energy - which will bring us closer to a fairer energy environment where all Alaskans can access clean energy. In the past decade, the number of countries that have formulated policies to support third-party sharing or community solar energy has expanded from a few to 22, including Washington D.C. So far, a total installed capacity of 6.6 gigawatts has been installed, and WoodMackenzie's latest outlook for the US community solar market p...

• August 15, 2024

Nautilus Solar Energy announced that it has expanded its strategic partnership with EnergyMark, an energy supplier and solar ordering management company based in Williamsville, New York. After a year of successful cooperation, the two companies have expanded their trading volume from approximately 17 megawatts to 24 megawatts, and increased their projects in the public utility sector of State Grid from 7 to 10. This collaboration will take place on September 4, 2024, at the community solar farm that has recently been electrified on the Big Island in New York State. The ongoing cooperation aims to bridge the gap between local small and medium-sized commercial enterprises, which have been excluded from the community solar revolution in the past. A major issue faced by many companies is the inability to obtain solar credit lines, thereby missing the opportunity to ensure energy cost savings. Traditionally, these enterprises have been marginalized due to credit rating requirements and long-term commitments, preventing many people from enjoying the benefits of community solar energy. The long-term partnership with Nautilus and EnergyMark provides additional energy savings pathways for these small and large non rated businesses in western and central New York State. Our mutually beneficial and successful cooperation with EnergyMark enables us to provide solar energy to non rated businesses through trusted local energy suppliers. Therefore, due to our strong and friendly relationship, we are able to quickly and on more favorable terms sign agreements with businesses, "said Daniel Bozer, Community Solar Business Development Manager at Nautilus. In addition, my collaboration with my fellow Buffalo compatriots has been a beneficial journey, working with local businesses of State Grid utilities to strengthen the power grid and the New York economy

• August 14, 2024

According to the latest announcement from the White House, President Biden will exempt the domestic solar panel manufacturing market from tariffs on imported solar cells. The President has revised the measures imposed earlier this year on imported crystalline silicon solar (CSPV) tariffs, increasing the number of silicon solar cells entering the United States duty-free to 12.5 gigawatts. The tariff quota (TRQ) for solar cells under Article 201 of the 1974 Trade Act was previously set at 5 gigawatts. In his latest statement, the President stated, "I have determined that domestic module production and related CSPV battery imports are expected to increase, and therefore it is necessary to modify the actions taken... to expand tariff quotas to the unchanged 12.5 gigawatt quota The import volume of solar cells increased significantly in the second quarter of 2024, with monthly imports exceeding 1 gigawatt for the first time in May. After importing only 3.6 gigawatts of silicon cells in 2023, American panel assemblers exceeded the tariff quota of 5 gigawatts in June 2024, with imports reaching 5.2 gigawatts that year. According to Article 201 tariffs, all imported solar cells and panels (regardless of country of origin, with few exceptions) are currently subject to a 14.25% tariff to protect domestic solar panel manufacturers from the impact of cheap products from overseas. Both single-sided and double-sided solar cells and panels are subject to tariffs. But now, the first batch of 12.5 GW imported solar cells can be tariff free. Earlier this year, domestic solar panel manufacturers Hanwha Qcells, First Solar, Heliene, Suniva, Silfab, Crossroads Solar, Mission Solar, and Auxin Solar petitioned the government to extend Article 201 tariffs and include double-sided solar panels in the tariff order. Some petitioners demanded a tariff quota of 20 gigawatts, but the Biden administration lowered it to 12.5 gigawatts. This year, as more domestic solar panel assemblers go online, there is a need to import more solar cells to manufacture finished solar panels. Before establishing solar cell manufacturing plants in the country, panel assemblers could only rely on imported batteries, and there are currently no solar cell manufacturing plants online in the country.

• August 13, 2024

Residential solar installers always have to deal with subtle size differences between solar panel brands. Even if the industry generally operates within the same 60 battery footprint, the blank space on the boundaries of one brand's solar panels may be larger than another brand's, but the difference is not significant. The current competitive wafer lineup (M10's 182mm wafer and G12's 210mm wafer) provides installers with a wider range of different panel sizes for screening. When the ultimate goal is to generate the most energy on the smallest area, today's installers have more optimal array options than ever before. Qcells is the most popular residential solar panel brand in the top solar contractor category for 2024, and its current residential module design is based on energy production, BOS and shelf compatibility, and logistics efficiency, rather than following the previously established 60 cell standard. This led the company to default to using larger M10 chips for the residential market with a 54 battery design. The company's latest Q The TRON BLK M-G2+panel is 4 inches wider than the old 60 battery panel. As the modules on the roof become larger, it is more important than ever to pay attention to fire regulations and fire escape requirements, "he said. Robert Santoleri, president of Pennsylvania installer TerraSol Energies, said that larger solar panels make it more difficult to overcome challenges while maximizing space utilization, but his company has found that certain brands of solar panels can bring success. I like the REC series panels because they are actually shorter, wider, and closer to a square, "he said. Although it remains to be determined whether the installation personnel handle the 48 inch wide panel ergonomically, it is better from a design perspective. We can use more longitudinal panels to maximize the use of light from the south roof Although large-sized panels are also larger energy producers - Qcells and REC update modules generate 100 W more electricity than their old 60 battery version - customers may not necessarily choose fewer panels to more easily meet certain system sizes. TerraSol discovered that all of this is aimed at maximizing the use of roof space. Last year, the average system capacity of installers was 11.6 kilowatts, and by 2024, the average capacity will reach 12.5 kilowatts. For most homeowners, if they have more available space on their roofs, they will install more solar panels, "Santoleiri said. Most homeowners either plan to upgrade their homes' power systems or hope to purchase electric vehicles in the next year or so. They want to plan more electricity usage in advance