• August 30, 2024

Encore Renewable Energy has partnered with EPC GreenSpark Solar to develop a 3.6 MW agricultural photovoltaic solar project in Constable, New York. Constable Solar is Encore's first solar project in New York, currently under development with a capacity of 90 megawatts. Encore Renewable Energy founder and co CEO Chad Farrell said, "With ambitious clean energy targets set in New York and the energy supply market constantly evolving, renewable energy is becoming an increasingly cost-effective way of energy production, and the demand for solar energy has never been higher. In terms of wider adoption of clean energy, utilities are at the forefront, and collaborating with the NYSE on such projects is crucial to meeting the growing energy demand at a cost that taxpayers can afford The J&R Pierce family farm located in West Chazi will provide sheep rotation grazing to meet the vegetation management standards required for solar energy production. This agricultural photovoltaic solution avoids the need for using fossil fuel lawn mowers, while improving soil quality and promoting the health of local pollinating insects. We look forward to collaborating with Encore on this agricultural energy project, "said Rebekah Pierce of J&R Pierce Family Farm. As a small family farm, collaborating with local solar companies is crucial to supporting our business and maintaining land for agricultural production. We not only help harvest solar energy, but also support the feasibility of the local food system by producing local, healthy, and affordable meat for the community The land used for this project was used to produce hay, which was owned by brother and sister Michelle, Danielle and Steve Sirois. They have maintained this land for 29 years They said, "This project provides an exciting opportunity for us to protect our father's land by supporting clean energy in the community and fully utilizing it GreenSpark Solar has started construction and is currently conducting surveys and civil engineering activities. We are pleased to welcome Encore as a new portfolio partner and launch our first collaboration in Vermont, while also launching another project in our hometown of New York State, "said Scott Abbett, co owner of GreenSpark Solar. Our value aligned partnership is highlighted by the fact that both teams have been designated as certified owners of Company B and members of the national Amicus Solar Cooperative. Working with Encore's development expert team allows GreenSpark to easily focus on building high-quality solar solutions for our shared projects

• August 29, 2024

The California Public Defender's Office (PAO) released a report on net metering at the end of August, claiming that the state's rooftop solar incentives will cost users without solar energy approximately $8.5 billion by the end of the year. PAO is a state agency tasked with advocating for California regulated utility customers to minimize billing costs as much as possible. PAO stated that although the new NEM 3.0 net billing tariff (NBT) is an improvement over the previous net metering plan, it does not address the ongoing "cost transfer" issue from traditional NEM 1.0 and 2.0 customers to non solar taxpayers. PAO suggests that the state government take one of the following two measures: providing compensation to NEM 2.0 customers based on the effective electricity prices at the time of adopting incentive measures, or converting NEM 1.0 and 2.0 accounts to NBT when selling homes or after 10 years of interconnection. Bernadette Del Chiaro, Executive Director of the California Solar and Energy Storage Association (CALSSA), told Solar World that she is not concerned about the impact of the report on California's solar policies, but she is uneasy about PAO's stance on solar energy issues. The California Public Defender's Office (PAO) recently released a fact sheet that repeats key points of discussion from utility companies regarding rooftop solar energy and the serious inaccurate costs of rooftop solar energy, advocating for changes to contract terms for 2 million solar consumers. PAO's unprecedented anti solar action is misleading and erroneous, "the PAO said in a press statement.

• August 28, 2024

The National Storage Alliance Trust (NSA) is a real estate group that invests in self storage properties and plans to collaborate with Solar Landscape to install solar projects on NSA properties nationwide. The group plans to develop at least 100 megawatts of solar capacity. The NSA has granted exclusive rights to Solar Landscape to evaluate approximately 1000 properties in 42 states and Puerto Rico to determine their potential for use in building community solar projects. We look forward to collaborating with NSA to install community solar projects on their self storage facilities, "said Shaun Keegan, CEO and co-founder of Solar Landscape." Community solar is a win-win situation: it reduces the community's carbon footprint, provides discounted clean energy for residents, and creates income for homeowners The development work of the first batch of venues for cooperation has begun. These projects do not require NSA capital expenditures. Solar Landscape will develop, own, and operate these projects, and pay monthly rent to NSA. NSA President and CEO David Cramer said, "This is an exciting step towards our corporate responsibility goals and demonstrates our commitment to building a more sustainable future. NSA has long been customer-centric and community focused. This collaboration will enable us to produce clean energy for households around the facility at discounted prices, thereby increasing this value and creating value for NSA shareholders

• August 27, 2024

Clearway Energy Group has begun construction of its Rosamond South I solar and energy storage project in Kern County, California. The Rosamond South 1 solar power plant has a capacity of 140 megawatts and an energy storage power plant capacity of 118 megawatts. Its purchaser refers to it as Golden Fields Solar IV LLC. The project has signed long-term contracts with multiple power service companies in California, including a 15 year agreement with MCE, the University of California, the Rancho Cucamong Municipal Utility Company, the Eastern District Electricity Authority, and the City of Moreno Valley. Brooks Friedeman, Vice President of Clearway Capital Markets, said, "Kern County has long been an important supplier of energy in our country. We are pleased to invest in and help Kern County maintain its energy leadership position through our Rosamond South solar and energy storage project, which will provide reliable and low-cost electricity when it is most needed In order to fund a $550 million construction loan for solar and energy storage projects, Clearway has formed a banking consortium that includes Societe Generale, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Siemens Financial Services, Deutsche Bank, CoBank, DNB Bank ASA, and Nord/LB. During the construction period, more than 400 union labor positions will be created, led by EPC contractor McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. Labor partners include Labor Union 220, Southwest Regional Carpenter Council, Operating Engineers Local Union 12, IBEW Local Union 428, Steelworkers Local Union 416, and Local Union 433. The project is expected to enter commercial operation in 2025.

• August 26, 2024

Nexamp and TurningDoint Energy recently celebrated the completion of their partnership to build a 9.4MW solar power plant in Warren, Rhode Island. The solar power plant includes two co located solar cell arrays, which are a unique reuse of land previously developed as a golf course. TPE developed the project, while Nexamp is responsible for its construction, ownership, and operation. The project started construction at the end of 2022 and delivered electricity to the grid for the first time last month. The project is located in the Rhode Island Energy Service Area and is part of the Rhode Island Virtual Net Metering Program, specifically designed to serve schools, non-profit organizations, and municipal authorities. This is our largest solar project in Rhode Island to date, adding new content to our rapidly growing national solar investment portfolio and expanding our long-term partnership with TPE as an important development partner, "said Jenn DeLaney, Vice President of Channel Operations at Nexamp. Every project we build, whether we develop it ourselves or collaborate with partners, represents a long-term commitment to the community and an opportunity to make renewable energy more widely accessible to everyone. We are pleased to bring the benefits of solar energy to important local organizations through Warren's latest project TurningDoint Energy President Salar Naini said, "We are delighted to work with a trusted partner like Nexamp on this unique project. Transforming an old golf course into a solar power plant not only revitalizes unused land, but also creates a greener future for Rhode Island This solar project has saved energy for 15 regional non-profit organizations, schools, cities, and towns that have signed energy sales agreements with Nexamp and obtained electricity from Rhode Island Energy Company. The project is expected to generate approximately 11.5 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually throughout its entire lifecycle, contributing to Rhode Island's goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity throughout the state. Chris Kearns, Acting Commissioner of the Rhode Island State Office of Energy Resources, said, "Congratulations to the town of Warren and all parties involved in advancing this solar project. The system has made a significant contribution to Rhode Island's climate goals and supports us in achieving 100% renewable energy standards by 2033 One of the local groups benefiting from solar energy projects is Hope&Main located in Warren, a non-profit cooking incubator dedicated to empowering an inclusive entrepreneurial community to launch and nurture thriving food businesses, laying the foundation for a more just, sustainable, and resilient local food economy.

• 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.