• January 06, 2026

A 250-megawatt solar project is now online in Michigan, located on 1,900 acres of land at the Musgrove Resource Recovery Center, which includes a wastewater treatment facility, landfill, and other environmental sites. Muskegon Solar is Consumers Energy's largest solar energy project. "Consumers Energy is building the power grid of the future to serve homes and businesses in Michigan. Muskegon Solar is an example of the reliable and cost-effective projects we are creating to ensure we continue to meet our customers' needs," said Sri Maddipati, president of electric supply at Consumers Energy. Burns & McDonnell served as the EPC contractor for this project, which features First Solar Series 7 modules, Array Technology trackers, Siemens Gamesa inverters, and cable management tools from Shoals Technologies Group and CAB Solar. "This project showcases the skills and dedication of local male and female workers, and we are proud to collaborate with Consumers Energy on this landmark project for the region," said Chad Cotter, Vice President of Burns & McDonnell's Construction Group. The project includes approximately 0.75 miles of new high-voltage transmission lines to connect the facility to the existing grid infrastructure. A dedicated open-air 34.5/138 kV collection substation is equipped with a main power transformer (MPT) to step up the power generation to 138 kV dead tank circuit breakers and continue the connection to a single access structure for interconnection. The Burns & McDonnell team also designed a 20-foot by 40-foot control box to accommodate all relay, protection, and control systems. A new single-circuit 138 kV transmission line, approximately half a mile long, is designed to connect the collection substation and the remote interconnection switch station.

• January 05, 2026

Okovate Sustainable Energy, a developer of agro-photovoltaic complementary projects, has acquired the assets of Fundusol, a modeling platform born out of Stanford University and Carnegie Mellon University. This acquisition, supported by the Schmidt Family Foundation behind Okovate, brings data-driven precision to the colocated locations of solar energy and agriculture. Okovate is now directly integrating Fundusol's proprietary modeling engine into its development pipeline - a complex technology stack designed to simulate the intricate interactions between solar array architecture and crop phenotyping. This acquisition enables Okovate to transcend traditional development and become a technology data partner for the agricultural community. "By acquiring the Fundusol platform, Okovate is fulfilling its mission to enable American farmers to reliably and data-based enjoy the benefits of agricultural-solar complementarity," said Miles Braxton, CEO of Okovate. "We are building predictive AI tools on top of this genetic model engine, transforming complex solar engineering into actionable insights for rural farmers. This ensures that we are not just building energy projects, but also providing the data-based clarity needed to strengthen the economic foundation of our agricultural communities." The Symbiotic Science Integrated Platform utilizes the SIMulated PLant Ecosystem (SIMPLE) plant biomass model to predict the yields of over 60 different crops. By combining this framework with proprietary irradiance and thermokinetic models, Okovate offers: Genome optimization: Utilizing a customized internal genetic algorithm to determine the ideal configuration of solar panels - such as panel spacing, height, and inclination - to meet the light saturation requirements of individual crops. Accurate phenological insight: High-fidelity modeling to predict the response of specific crops in the microclimate created by solar energy infrastructure. Advanced data visualization: Utilizing 3D system representation and digital twins, farmers and landowners can visualize optimized farm layouts before construction begins.

• January 04, 2026

Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, announced its intention to acquire renewable energy developer Intersect. Google already holds a minority stake in Intersect through a previous funding round, but will now acquire the company for $4.75 billion in cash, plus assumption of debt. This acquisition was previously announced This acquisition will enable Google to more rapidly develop and add more power generation capacity for its data centers. This transaction includes Intersect's team and its successful existing partnerships, as well as multiple gigawatt-scale energy and data center projects that are either under development or under construction with Google. Intersect will also explore a range of emerging technologies to increase and diversify energy supply, while supporting Google's data center investments in the United States to meet the needs of its cloud customers and users. The operations of Intersect will continue to remain independent under the brands of Alphabet and Google. It will work closely with Google's technical infrastructure team to continue preparations for ongoing development and new collaborative projects; this includes the company's first announced joint data center and power station in Haskell County, Texas, which is currently under construction. Intersect's existing operational assets in Texas, as well as its operational and development assets in California, will not be included in this acquisition. These assets will continue to operate as an independent company, supported by existing investors TPG Rise Climate, Climate Adaptive Infrastructure, and Greenbelt Capital Partners. Intersect anticipates a seamless transition and service continuity for these assets' customers. "Intersect will help us expand our capacity, synchronize new power production with new data center loads more flexibly, and reimagine energy solutions to drive innovation and leadership in the United States," said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet. "Intersect has always been committed to bringing innovation to the industry, and we look forward to accelerating our development on Google's platform," said Sheldon Kimber, founder and CEO of Intersect. "Modern infrastructure is key to the competitiveness of the United States in the field of artificial intelligence. Together with Google, we firmly believe that energy innovation and community investment are pillars that must be relied upon in the future.". ” The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the first half of 2026.

• December 24, 2025

The Christmas bell rings, bringing warmth and beauty as promised. Thank you to every partner who moves forward side by side. It is your wholehearted effort that makes ordinary days shine brightly. Thank you to every customer who trusts us. It is your choice and support that give us the strength to move forward. May the stars of Christmas light up our path forward, and may the new year be warm, smooth, and worry free!

• December 23, 2025

The 160 MW CPV backbone solar project is now online in Garrett County. The project is developed by a subsidiary of competing power company CPV Renewable Power and is located in a restored abandoned coal mine in Maryland. The CPV backbone solar project embodies our mission to support responsible energy transition, "said Sherman Knight, CEO of CPV. By transforming abandoned coal mining areas into productive solar facilities, we demonstrate how brownfield transformation, innovative engineering, and strategic partnerships can tackle complex project challenges and deliver new electricity in Maryland The CPV backbone solar project is constructed by EPC Vanguard Energy Partners. We appreciate the continued cooperation with CPV and the opportunity to complete the CPV backbone solar project. This is a complex site, and our team has remained focused, resilient, and committed from start to finish, safely delivering a high-quality project, "said Geoffrey Fairclough, President of Vanguard Energy Partners. CPV Backbone Solar began development in 2020. Throughout the process, CPV is committed to establishing strong and lasting relationships with local stakeholders to have a positive impact in Garrett County. The project also includes investments to enhance community and environmental protection, including a donation of $100000 to the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation over a four-year period to help strengthen the long-term vitality of the region's natural resources.

• December 22, 2025

A new report released today by ReImagine Appalachia found that 67% of the 92282 expected clean energy jobs (over 61000 positions) in the region are now at risk due to policy changes under the Trump administration. Tracking Appalachian Impact: What's in Danger When Federal Funds Stagnation "documents how clean energy investments in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky stagnated after historic growth. This analysis tracks quarterly data from 2018 to the third quarter of 2025, examining federal and private investments in three categories: energy and industrial deployment, clean energy manufacturing, and retail purchases of greenhouse gas reduction technologies. According to the report, clean energy investment tripled between 2021 and 2024, reaching a peak of $4.7 billion in the third quarter of 2024, but has now stagnated, with energy and industrial spending plummeting from $1.27 billion in the third quarter of 2024 to $445 million in the third quarter of 2025. The report also covers how the Trump administration's funding changes affect local projects. The Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Employment Act have brought unprecedented investment and employment opportunities to our local communities, "said Diana Polson, co-author of the report. We have recorded $9.85 billion in investments in energy and industry, $18.8 billion in clean energy manufacturing investments, and $22.3 billion in retail clean technology purchases since 2022. These are changing our communities and creating high paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Now, we see these opportunities gradually disappearing as federal funding stagnates Analysis predicts that the One Beautiful Bill (OBBBA) will raise residential energy prices, disrupt job creation, and hand over America's leadership in clean energy and manufacturing to foreign competitors, with Appalachian communities bearing the majority of these impacts. The data tells a grim story. The clean energy manufacturing industry started from almost zero in 2018 and has grown to large-scale investment by 2023, with 72% dedicated to battery manufacturing and 19% dedicated to zero emission vehicles, "said Rike Rothenstein, co-author of the report. But this momentum has stopped. When President Trump takes office for the second time, federal clean energy investment is significantly reduced, and the proposed Beauty Act may completely cancel the remaining plans. From the canceled furnace upgrade at Cleveland Cliffs Steel Plant in Middleton, Ohio, to the stalled solar project on former coal mine land in Nicholas County, West Virginia, our case studies show how these cuts affect our communities The complete report includes detailed analysis of each state and quarterly investment tracking. It is particularly distressing that the majority of threatened jobs are in the construction and manufacturing industries, which are urgently needed blue collar jobs in our community, "said Dana Kuhnline, co-author...

• December 19, 2025

The Sitting Solutions project has released its new 'Sitting Policy Handbook', a guide designed for state leaders and advocates of renewable energy sitting reform. The manual uses recent state reforms and real-world examples as recommendations for policy formulation and implementation. The site solution project was initiated by Clean Tomorrow, a non partisan, results oriented organization dedicated to advancing practical decarbonization solutions. States don't need to start from scratch - successful models already exist, "said Nelson Falkenburg, co-author and sitting policy manager of the Sitting Solutions Project. This manual demonstrates how states can adopt clear, fair, and predictable sitting rules while promoting the growth of clean energy and strengthening community trust. ” The United States is facing increasing demand for electricity and soaring electricity costs. Renewable energy projects, such as solar energy, can stabilize and reduce energy costs for stakeholders. The Site Selection Policy Manual calls for a calm review of outdated and fragmented state-level site selection processes. This manual combines internal analysis and external research, and utilizes insights from industry partners, including Data for Progress and strategic economic research. The 'sitting policy field guide' advocates the use of clear rules, timely decision-making, fair procedures, economic opportunities, community interests, and land management positioning policies. Sitting is a bottleneck that hinders the potential of clean energy in the United States, "said Alex Breckel, co-author of the Sitting Solutions project and senior director of project planning. By implementing the right policies, states can reduce energy costs for consumers, attract investment, and bring real benefits to workers, landowners, and host communities.

• December 18, 2025

Seal Solar is building a 13.05-megawatt array for Baptist Health, the largest private non-profit healthcare organization based in Arkansas. This array is one of the largest non-public scale systems installed in Arkansas. Seal Solar is installing 22300 double-sided solar panels on 49 acres of land in the former rice field. Baptist Health is delighted to be a part of this new solar farm - a step towards generating cleaner, more sustainable electricity and reducing costs, "said Brent Beaulieu, Chief Financial Officer of Baptist Health. This project reflects our commitment to becoming a more environmentally friendly organization and is built upon our strong energy efficiency record, with Baptist Health Medical Center Little Rock receiving an energy star rating of 83%. ” Seal Solar has a long history of collaborating with businesses, farmers, and non-profit organizations across Arkansas to incorporate solar energy and energy storage into their energy demand mix. We are proud to collaborate with the Baptist Health team to help them meet their needs for sustainability and cost savings, "said John Buckley, project manager at Seal Solar, who oversees the construction of the project. The solar array of the Vermont Health System is scheduled to be completed in early spring 2026 and connected to Entergy Arkansas' power grid.

• December 17, 2025

Nelson Family Vineyards is located in Mendocino County, California, and has installed a floating solar system on an irrigation pond to operate 100% using renewable energy. This innovative project enables this 74 year old, 1800 acre family farm to fully utilize clean energy without reducing any agricultural land production. Combined with the existing solar system on the winery roof, this floating photovoltaic (FPV) system is expected to generate approximately 200000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually - enough to meet the electricity needs of the winery, agricultural pumps, wine tasting rooms, shops, and 12 on-site households. It is predicted that this will save Nelson Family Vineyards approximately $90000 annually, significantly reducing operating costs and also contributing to its commitment to sustainable operations. With the sharp rise in electricity costs on the grid, achieving energy independence will have a significant and immediate impact on our operations. This investment will save us a lot of money every year, "said Tyler Nelson, owner of Nelson Family Vineyards. The best thing is that because the system floats on the pond, it doesn't occupy an acre of production land. This means that all of our 1800 acres of land can be used for the most important things - agriculture and protecting wildlife habitats The FPV device will also serve as a key on-site site for research on the ecological impact of FPV technology. Scientists from the Wildlife Energy Center at the University of California, Davis will use this system to study how FPV systems affect water quality, aquatic life, microclimate, and biodiversity in agricultural environments. One of the main focuses of the research will be to determine whether the shadow of floating solar panels can help control invasive planktonic animals (water fleas) and aquatic plants that often clog efficient drip irrigation filters in vineyards - an issue that requires hourly maintenance during peak seasons. By limiting sunlight, solar panels are expected to slow down the growth of aquatic organisms and plants, reducing labor-intensive maintenance and the use of chemicals. The floating solar system was designed and installed by Noria Energy, a local contractor and affiliated company of Sunrock distributed power generation. We are honored to collaborate with the Nelson family and the University of California, Davis to help wineries save costs, achieve energy self-sufficiency, and protect natural resources, "said Ron Stimmel, President of Noria Energy. This project demonstrates how FPV technology can turn underutilized water areas into reliable and high-yield power sources, enabling growers to maintain full productivity of their farmland while improving operational sustainability