• March 05, 2025

Schneider Electric announced that Caneros Winery (a producer and grower of premium Caneros sparkling wine and limited edition Pinot Noir wine) reduced carbon emissions last year by deploying solar microgrids, saving $70000 annually. In the heart of Napa Valley, Caneros Winery has deployed Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Microgrid, a standardized and validated microgrid platform for managing the winery's on-site power generation. By deploying solar panels and microgrids, Caneros Winery can independently produce nearly 80% of its energy for winery operations such as fermentation, bottling, and wine tasting. Given the significant threat posed to California's brewing industry by the increasing number of public safety power outages and extreme weather events, deploying resilient and energy-efficient microgrid solutions is crucial for the operation of breweries, "said Jana Gerber, North American President of Schneider Electric Microgrid. This system allows breweries to manage energy from solar panels, batteries, and generators, providing backup power. All of this is managed through our microgrid control, providing seamless power to the distillery The winery manages its energy usage through Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Microgrid Advisor software platform, which uses artificial intelligence to monitor the on-site distributed energy (DER) generation. The deployment of microgrids has doubled the power generation of Domaine Carneros compared to the solar system originally installed by the winery 20 years ago. Excess solar energy is stored in on-site batteries for use at night or during power outages, while backup generators can provide additional energy when solar energy is unavailable. Remi Cohen, CEO of Domaine Carneros, said, "Our ability to produce the highest quality wine and create the most unforgettable wine experience depends on reliable and efficient energy. With Schneider Electric's advanced microgrid technology, we are able to completely transform our energy infrastructure and maximize the use of renewable energy. This is crucial for maintaining our operations during times when power outages due to wildfires and severe weather are becoming increasingly common The microgrid enables Caneros Winery to be completely self-sufficient during power outages. It allows wineries to connect and disconnect from the power grid, allowing for operation in "island mode" with batteries storing energy for emergency use. If the power grid experiences a power outage or electricity prices reach their peak, microgrids will respond by providing continuous power supply during the outage and helping to avoid excessive electricity demand costs during peak hours. Schneider Electric collaborated with the PowerFlex division of EDF Renewables to design a microgrid. PowerFlex provides power infrastructure to integrate solar energy and battery storage systems.

• March 04, 2025

Renewable America announced that its West Tambo Clean Power II (WEST-II) site has achieved commercial operation. This 8.5-acre, 2.93-megawatt DC solar project is located in Livingston, California, in a community designated as vulnerable (DAC) and low-income (LIC). WEST-II will provide clean renewable energy to San Jose, California. The WEST-II site integrates environmentally vulnerable groups and low-income communities into one project, forming a strong mutually beneficial cycle - providing employment, cleaner air, and economic growth for one side, while providing affordable renewable energy for the other, "said Ardi Arian, President and CEO of Renewable Energy USA. We also celebrated several important milestones in this development, such as a promising new partnership with San Jose Clean Energy Company, successful union labor contracts, and expanding opportunities for vulnerable groups to use solar energy A key aspect of the WEST-II development project is the integration of local union labor halls to ensure that the project supports workers in the region, especially those participating in apprenticeship training programs. In addition, the project also received a 20% ITC under the Low Income Community Reward Points Program for selling electricity to low-income households. Renewable America led the development of WEST-II, utilizing internal resources for end-to-end project development, including land survey, lease negotiation, engineering, licensing, design, and initiation. The project was built with higher efficiency, quality control, and coordination throughout all stages of development and construction, while the majority of the work was completed independently by the licensed C-10 and General B construction departments.

• March 03, 2025

The main trends of solar energy from the beginning of the year to the present (YTD) are: EIA stated in its latest monthly "Electricity Monthly Report" (data as of December 31, 2024) that the total utility scale and "estimated" small-scale (such as rooftop) solar energy increased by 26.9% in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The scale of solar thermal and photovoltaic power generation in public utilities increased by 32.0%, while small-scale solar photovoltaic power generation increased by 15.3%. Overall, solar power accounted for nearly 7.0% (6.91%) of the total electricity generation in the United States for the year. In December alone, the scale of solar power generation by public utilities increased by 42.0% compared to December 2023. Small scale solar energy (i.e. systems with a capacity of less than 1 megawatt) accounts for 27.9% of all solar power generation and will provide 1.9% of the United States' electricity supply by 2024. [1] In fact, the electricity generated by small-scale solar photovoltaic power generation is almost twice that of utility scale biomass power generation, and more than five times that of utility scale geothermal power generation or petroleum liquid and coke mixture power generation. Key milestones for renewable energy structure in 2024: In 2024, the power generation of wind farms in China will increase by 7.7% compared to a year ago. Wind energy remains the largest source of renewable energy generation, accounting for 10.3% of the country's total electricity generation. By 2024, the combination of wind and solar energy will provide over 17.2% of the country's electricity generation. The combination of all renewable energy sources (i.e. wind, solar, hydro, biomass, and geothermal) will provide 24.2% of the total electricity production in the United States by 2024, compared to 23.2% a year ago. From January to December this year, renewable energy generation increased by 9.6% compared to the same period last year, almost three times the growth rate of natural gas generation (3.3%) and more than ten times the growth rate of nuclear power generation (0.9%). In December alone, renewable energy generation increased by 10.1% compared to December 2023. Other noteworthy developments: By 2024, wind power generation will exceed hydropower by 87.2%, while solar power generation will exceed hydropower by 25.2%. [2] In addition, this year's wind and solar power generation is 15.9% higher than coal, approaching the share of nuclear energy in total power generation (17.2% vs. 17.8%). The renewable energy structure has consolidated its position as the second largest source of electricity generation after natural gas. Renewable energy currently provides a quarter of the country's electricity, "said Ken Boson, Executive Director of SUN DAY Campaign. Therefore, the reckless actions of the Trump administration to disrupt wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources will have serious negative impacts on the country's power supp...

• February 28, 2025

In order for a community solar energy project to operate, a group of users need to pay for the project and receive renewable energy credit lines for their contributions. Although this type of subscription is usually lower than customers' usual electricity bills, community solar is not a widely adopted energy option nationwide. How to educate, attract and retain customers has always been a huge challenge, "said Dan Clarke, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Nexamp, a community solar developer. This is not a challenging product, but a product with low visibility in the field. It's not like buying soft drinks, people know it's like Coca Cola, Pepsi, and some other brands The National Renewable Energy Laboratory reports that community solar projects have covered 44 states, with 23 states and Washington D.C. explicitly allowing the use of such solar energy through legislation as of June 2024. Unlike independent projects, community solar cell arrays require financial support from community residents and businesses, so promotion is a crucial step in project development and long-term maintenance. The promotion method of new community solar energy projects depends on the community's cognitive level. Then, it depends on the degree of involvement of the city or municipal authorities in the project. The traditional promotion methods include holding face-to-face meetings to introduce the basic knowledge of community solar energy; Sending emails (sometimes printed on official letterhead of the municipal authorities) to residents, informing them of new projects in the community; Or carry out digital marketing activities and produce informational videos. Education always comes first, "Clark said. We have delved into many details to help customers understand what it is; its benefits, we are not third-party energy suppliers, we are different, how it operates. We have spent a lot of time, effort, and resources creating educational content to truly help explain a plan that may be a bit difficult to understand. What I mean is, energy itself is complex Nexamp develops, builds, and maintains community solar arrays and subscription services, which Clarke says will help launch solar arrays in new towns. If successful, the array will exist for 30 years and will require a subscription service during this period. For new markets and locations, you need to start from scratch because community solar energy is not within the scope of national attention, "said Keith Hevenor, Nexamp Communications Manager. It is actually only within the scope of concern of each state The company assists advocacy organizations such as the Solar Energy Industry Association and the Community Solar Energy Usage Alliance in raising awareness of the concept of community solar energy and its project operation methods. New York solar developer UGE does not manage community solar subscriptions, but still finds promotion to be a necessary element for project initiation. UGE leases land for community so...

• February 27, 2025

Industry quality assurance provider Intertek has verified that GameChange Solar's Genius Tracker single axis solar tracking system is compatible with approved components and can be used for the operation of 2 kV solar projects. The Genius Tracker is installed in a 5-megawatt project in the southeast that uses a 2 kV electrical system. The transition from 1500 V to 2 kV technology improves electrical efficiency by increasing voltage instead of current, reducing voltage drop, and allowing more energy to reach the inverter. This transformation can reduce material costs, improve power processing capabilities, and lower the levelized energy costs of the project. Scott Van Pelt, Chief Engineer of GameChange Solar, said, "Verifying the compatibility of 2kV operation is an important step forward for the industry. Our successful deployment in the southeastern United States demonstrates that GameChange Solar's Genius Tracker is ready for the next generation of high-voltage solar projects, providing higher efficiency and lower system costs Intertek evaluated the Genius Tracker according to UL 2703 standard to assess the impact of voltage rise. The review confirms that no additional testing or modifications are required to verify the compatibility of the Genius Tracker bracket system with the 2 kV system.

• February 26, 2025

Onyx Renewables announced that the third phase of its on-site solar project at its US Army base in Fort Riley, Kansas, has been completed. The project is being implemented in collaboration with sustainable infrastructure solutions provider Corvias, and the latest development phase will generate an additional 4.23 megawatts of clean energy, providing stable electricity prices and energy security for the Leyburg residential community. The total installed capacity of solar energy in military bases has now exceeded 16 megawatts, making it one of the largest renewable energy projects in Kansas. The third phase of the project includes the installation of the first batch of ground solar cell arrays in Leyburg. The first few stages - completed in 2018 and 2021- include roof installation. About 40% of the annual electricity demand in the Lailibao housing community is now met by reliable clean energy sources. Onyx's Chief Commercial Officer, Patty Rollin, stated, "Onyx Renewables is honored to enhance the energy resilience of Leyburg through innovative on-site solar solutions. By expanding clean energy generation throughout the entire base, we have not only strengthened energy security, but also enhanced the long-term combat readiness of our armed forces In order to complete the latest installation in Fort Riley, Onyx collaborated with Power Factor, a preferred subcontractor that employs a large number of veterans and prioritizes hiring former military personnel. Through the Department of Energy's Solar Ready Vets program and employment programs such as USO Pathfinder, the development team is able to provide high paying clean energy jobs for former military personnel. Jim Champagne, Senior Vice President of Asset Management at Corvias, said, "Through our partnership with Onyx Renewables, we will continue to bring direct and tangible benefits to the Leyburg community. These solar plans not only provide cleaner energy, but also improve the quality of life for military personnel and their families

• February 25, 2025

The US solar industry is testing the feasibility of simultaneously developing solar photovoltaics and agriculture on the same site, and the use of solar brackets on these projects makes this possible. Combining solar energy projects with agriculture is not yet an exact science, but activities carried out beneath or near photovoltaic arrays (such as raising livestock, planting crops, or pollinating insects) typically require higher supports and larger module spacing. This combination of solar energy and agriculture is a dual-purpose photovoltaic power generation, also known as agricultural solar energy or agricultural photovoltaic power generation. According to the 2022 Agricultural Census, there are over 1.9 million farms managing 880 million acres of farmland in the United States. Although this still covers millions of square miles of land, according to census reports, the agricultural land area in the United States has decreased by nearly 75 million acres since 1997. According to an analysis released by FarmDocDaily, the majority of these disappearing farmlands are used for livestock grazing and are in line with policy changes that allow farmers to keep animals in captivity. Farmers are very willing to accept the idea of agricultural photovoltaics, but are very hesitant to take on risky projects, "said Ian Skor, owner and CEO of Sandbox Solar. Sandbox Solar is a solar contractor based in Fort Collins, Colorado and an advocate for agricultural photovoltaics. Making small changes to their farming methods could have a significant impact. Their profits are already very meager Solar energy is regarded as the lifeline of farmers, a stable source of income, and can help families maintain their farmland. Proving that agricultural activities within the range of solar cell arrays can continue has a greater economic impact than choosing one of the methods. Agricultural photovoltaic solar bracket Making the solar bracket suitable for agricultural photovoltaic projects mainly means raising it to a higher column to provide sufficient clearance for anything that happens below the module. Increasing the height of the array will increase the impact of wind and other environmental conditions, requiring additional engineering to ensure that it can withstand the extra pressure. If the solar cell array still shares land with active agricultural equipment or livestock (especially cows), it must also be built to cope with possible collisions. Based on our previous design decisions, we were born with the ability to resist or waterproof cows, "said Travis Jordan, CEO of MT Solar, a Montana solar bracket manufacturer. Even for large agricultural equipment, we can handle some slight rough shells. If the seeder is thrown off and hits a pillar, it won't cause any harm MT Solar produces pole top mounted solar brackets for agricultural photovoltaic projects, inspired by Jordan's upbringing on off grid family farms. This pole type bracket uses a single ground installation poi...

• February 24, 2025

On February 19th, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) announced the release of the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) power export permit standard, which defines the technical parameters that allow electric vehicle owners to use their vehicles as mobile energy storage devices and sell excess energy back to the grid. This standard outlines the characteristics of devices to achieve bidirectional charging instead of traditional unidirectional current flow to vehicles, effectively allowing electric vehicles to transmit power back to the grid. This standard defines the characteristics of key areas such as electrical, communication, and network security to allow for power output between EVSE and the power system. With the help of bidirectional or vehicle to grid (V2G) and vehicle to building/home (V2B, V2H) technologies, electric vehicles can act as energy storage devices or mobile energy storage units on the wheels, providing power to homes, buildings, and the grid itself. In addition, this standard can also make it easier for electric vehicle owners to store energy at night or when turned off, and then sell the electricity back to the grid in a profitable way during peak hours, allowing electric vehicle owners to earn back money. Patrick Hughes, Senior Vice President of Technical Affairs at NEMA, said, "Advanced bidirectional charging technology will play a key role in improving the resilience of our country's power grid and helping electric vehicle owners use their vehicles for more purposes than just from point A to point B. NEMA's Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) power export licensing standards are an important tool for achieving these goals, and local jurisdictions should refer to this standard when licensing these systems NEMA's mobile division has developed this standard as a practical resource to enhance grid resilience and reflect today's electrification landscape.

• February 21, 2025

Three years after launching its first studable solar tile to the market, GAF Energy today launched its second-generation Timberline Solar product. The Timberline Solar ES 2 provides 23% more electricity than its predecessor -57 W per tile. The Timberline Solar ES 2 represents everything we have learned about solar roofs and has been further refined through extensive feedback from contractors and homeowners. This is an innovation that provides a more powerful, easier to install, and versatile solar tile than ever before GAF Energy President Martin DeBono said. In addition to higher power output, the Timberline Solar ES 2 has also improved its appearance through a smaller conversion box and simplified wiring. It has a depth of less than 1/4 inch and is compatible with the complete GAF Timberline tile series. The product is assembled at GAF Energy's manufacturing plants located in Texas and California.