• October 21, 2024

Aspen Power held a ceremony this week to celebrate the completion of two community solar power plants in Collins and Prospect, Maine, which together provide 8.5 megawatts of renewable energy capacity. These projects are not just milestones in the construction of Aspen Power Company - they are tangible steps towards a cleaner and more sustainable future for Maine, "said Jorge Vargas, CEO of Aspen Power Company. We are proud to work with our dedicated partners to make these projects possible, and we appreciate the cooperation of local landowners to help create new sources of income while contributing to the state's renewable energy goals. This is an exciting moment for Aspen, Maine, and our progress towards a cleaner and more sustainable world The Corinth and Prospect solar power plants are part of Maine's net energy billing program, which enables subscribers to benefit from clean energy while contributing to the state's ambitious goal of 80% of electricity coming from renewable sources by 2030. The subscribers of these community solar projects will enjoy lower electricity savings than those offered by local utility companies, helping to make renewable energy not only cleaner but also cheaper for Maine residents. The Maine Prospect Town Planning Committee specifically supports this project, working closely with Aspen Power to ensure that wildlife from bears to ducks can still enjoy the area located on the picturesque Maine pond. Similarly, in the Collins project, pollinator friendly vegetation was planted to encourage the return of local wildlife such as bees and butterflies, while also improving the surrounding ecosystem and promoting sustainable land use. News report from Aspen Electric

• October 18, 2024

New Energy Equity has completed 14 public energy storage solar projects in Minnesota. Public Storage has committed to installing solar energy in over 1300 of its properties by 2025. We are pleased to collaborate with public storage companies on these important projects, "said Nick Kerwin, Senior Vice President of Commercial and Industrial Division of New Energy Equity. Our team works hard to ensure that every installation is completed within the expected time while keeping customers informed of the high-quality results our team delivers. These solar projects not only help establish a cleaner grid, but also provide long-term economic benefits for public storage The total installed capacity of these 14 projects is 2.28 megawatts, including a 350 kilowatt solar cell array that has been put into commercial operation at the Como Saint Paul facility for public storage. The Como S ã o Paulo solar array is the second largest rooftop solar array in the national solar energy portfolio for public storage. Gareth Thomas, Vice President of Asset Management at Public Storage, said, "We are pleased to see the results of these solar projects." "As we continue to seek opportunities to expand our solar power generation cluster, New Energy Equity proves that we can deploy solar energy in enough locations in Minnesota to make a meaningful contribution to achieving our solar installation goals

• October 17, 2024

Today, the Eastern Cotton Tail Solar Energy Project announced the implementation of sheep grazing to assist in vegetation management at the project site, thereby helping to maintain the agricultural use of the land. The commitment to implementing herd grazing has been added as a supplement to the permit application submitted by Eastern Cottontail Solar to the Ohio Power Site Selection Commission. The project will seek to collaborate with local shepherds to provide and manage sheep herds. Our commitment to shepherding sheep is a major initiative for Eastern Cottontail Solar, as its goal is to become the first American project by developer EDF Renewables to implement agricultural photovoltaics, where land is used for dual purposes of clean energy generation and agricultural operations, "said Nick Lucania, chief developer of the Eastern Cottontail solar project. The dual use of solar powered agricultural land will support local agriculture and help protect the agricultural heritage of Fairfield County, while increasing the land use of our project Lucania continued, "Over the past four years, one characteristic of our project has been substantial engagement with local communities to listen to concerns and incorporate feedback, thereby building trust and establishing strong partnerships." "The most common concern we hear is that although solar energy utilizes private land, it may replace active farmland. In response, we recommend incorporating grazing sheep into the community, providing a solution to help land improve energy production and agricultural productivity. This is a win-win situation for everyone in Fairfield County and meaningful for the entire community Eastern Cottontail Solar, developed by EDF Renewables, is a proposed utility scale solar facility with a capacity of up to 220 MW that will generate approximately enough electricity to power 42000 ordinary households in the United States.

• October 16, 2024

Paired Power has partnered with Santa Clara University to provide direct clean energy for the university's maintenance fleet and other electric vehicles for the first time. Paired Power has installed two PairTree solar electric vehicle (EV) chargers at its facility at Santa Clara University. Unlike typical electric vehicle chargers powered by the public grid, these chargers come entirely from clean solar energy. These devices mark an important step towards SCU's ambitious goal of reducing carbon pollution, and these measures go beyond traditional measures such as behavior change activities in dormitories and lighting upgrades in campus buildings. This device is an important aspect of our climate action work, "said Sean Collins, Assistant Vice President of University Operations at Santa Clara University. By integrating Paired Power's solar electric vehicle chargers into our operations, we can not only generate renewable energy to charge our fleet, but also model for our students how an organization can take responsibility for reducing carbon pollution Santa Clara University is located in the heart of Silicon Valley and has long been a leader in sustainable development and environmental management. The installation of PairTree solar electric vehicle chargers by Paired Power is in line with SCU's energy goals of reducing energy use through conservation and improving efficiency, and installing a more self-sufficient energy system; Decarbonize purchased energy and improve sustainable transportation options. PairTree charger is a fully integrated solar canopy system that combines solar energy with available grid power and battery storage to charge electric vehicles. PairTree has wind speeds of up to 130 miles per hour and is designed with low maintenance to be durable in various environments, such as extreme or unpredictable weather conditions. This system can provide reliable electric vehicle charging and energy storage 24/7, making it an ideal solution for SCU electric maintenance vehicles and equipment fleets. We are delighted to collaborate with Santa Clara University to help them become a model of energy independence, "said Tom McCalmont, CEO of Paired Power, who previously served on the SCU Engineering Advisory Committee. Our PairTree charger provides a flexible solution that can harness solar energy while reducing the university's reliance on fossil fuel powered grids. It also provides a perfect model for forward thinking institutions on how to use solar technology to achieve their sustainable development goals, which is important for both students and stakeholders This charger features one-day quick installation, no digging settings, and a unique double-sided panel design that captures both direct and reflected light from the sun and road surfaces to maximize energy production.

• October 15, 2024

Intelligent power management company Eaton has announced a partnership with Lunar Energy to simplify installation and maximize the functionality of home energy storage and solar systems. The integration of Eaton's new AbleEdge intelligent circuit breaker with Lunar System will make it easier for installers and homeowners to deploy solar energy and storage, manage loads, optimize costs, and extend the lifespan of solar cell systems. These joint solutions are expected to be launched in early 2025, and Eaton will become Lunar Energy's preferred supplier of load management. Eaton's AbleEdge intelligent circuit breaker will add load management functionality to lunar systems in new construction and renovation projects. Eaton intelligent circuit breakers can be added to Lunar Bridge, any Eaton BR load center, or instrument circuit breakers. Homeowners and installers will be able to use Lunar's application to install, debug, and control the technology of both companies, simplifying installation and ongoing home energy management. Eaton's collaboration with Lunar Energy will simplify installation and maximize the functionality of home energy storage and solar systems. Paul Ryan, General Manager of Eaton's Connected Solutions and Electric Vehicle Charging, said, "Every household has unique energy needs and infrastructure, so we have created a modular and scalable home energy management ecosystem that is suitable for retrofitting and building new homes." "We are opening the door to more resilient, sustainable, and electrified homes, with technology that can be used with any solar and storage provider out of the box. Our collaboration with Lunar Energy will simplify solar and storage deployment, help homeowners maintain power supply in the event of grid disruptions, and reduce their carbon footprint This cooperation is in line with Eaton's "Home as a Grid" strategy, helping homeowners achieve energy transition. By creating a flexible power system that manages energy consumption in an integrated manner, Eaton's collaboration with leading energy storage suppliers such as Lunar Energy is changing the possibilities of household energy. When we founded Lunar Energy, we were committed to providing customers with simple and elegant clean energy solutions. For us, 'excellent design' refers to designing customized solar and battery systems for each household and providing an intuitive experience for every family member, "said Kunal Girotra, founder and CEO of Lunar Energy. Our modular battery system achieves this goal by adapting to households of all sizes. By adding Eaton's AbleEdge smart circuit breaker, we will provide an excellent solution that makes the transition to clean energy both simple and outstanding

• October 14, 2024

General Motors Energy has officially launched fixed energy storage products to all 50 states in the United States. GM Energy PowerBank offers 10.6 kWh and 17.7 kWh sizes, which can be paired with electric vehicle chargers or used separately. One of the core differences in General Motors Energy's product portfolio is its modularity, "said Wade Shaffer, Vice President of General Motors Energy. The flexibility of our energy management tools, combined with one of the largest vehicle to home electric vehicle series on the market, enables our customers to better control their energy usage, help mitigate the impact of power outages, integrate renewable energy options, and unleash additional value GM Energy PowerBank can be purchased as part of the GM Energy Home System bundle, which also includes the GM Energy PowerShift charger and GM Energy Vehicle to Home Support Kit. Customers who previously purchased the GM Energy V2H bundle only need to add GM Energy PowerBank. For customers who integrate solar power generation, GM Energy will recommend the preferred installer Qmerit for on-site evaluation, compatibility checks, and personalized pricing. Like existing GM Energy V2H products, GM Energy PowerBank and compatible solar systems will be accessible through GM branded mobile applications for seamless energy management.

• October 12, 2024

Wal Mart announced that it will invest in 74 Solar Landscape community solar projects in Maryland and Illinois. The commercial rooftop project is currently under construction and is expected to be electrified in 2024 and 2025. They will create nearly 43 megawatts of DC solar capacity for surrounding communities, enough to provide electricity for over 3600 households. About half of the product portfolio aims to reduce energy costs for low - and middle-income (LMI) households. Solar Landscape estimates that these projects will save subscribers approximately $1 million in energy costs annually. Frank Palladino, vice president of renewable energy strategy of Wal Mart, said, "Our investment in community solar energy portfolio is in line with our goal of helping people save money and live better." "Once put into operation, these projects will enhance the grid infrastructure of dozens of communities in Maryland and Illinois, expand access to affordable clean energy, and help thousands of families save energy costs." By placing community solar projects on commercial rooftops in densely populated areas (known as load zones) where it is difficult to generate new electricity using traditional methods, this investment portfolio will add significant value to the grid. This reduces the demand for additional power transmission, further promotes fairness in the transition to clean energy, and accelerates development. Clayton Avent, CFO of Solar Landscape, said: "Wal Mart's investment in community solar energy product portfolio is an important first step in our partnership, and also a catalyst for our mission to make solar energy more accessible and affordable nationwide." "Developing community solar projects on commercial roofs is the fastest and most effective way to save power for communities. We look forward to increasing the use of solar energy and saving money for residents around the portfolio project." Solar Landscape and Wal Mart plan to explore follow-up investment and opportunities to achieve the common goal of domestic community solar energy.

• October 11, 2024

Ø rsted and Salt River Project (SRP) celebrate the official launch of the Eleven Mile Solar Center, a 300 MW solar project and 300 MW/1200 MWh battery storage system (BESS) in Pinar County. This project is part of Ø rsted's $20 billion investment to build energy generation projects in the United States. The Eleven Mile Solar Center is SRP's largest co built solar and BESS project, providing power to businesses, households, and Meta data centers located in Mesa, Arizona. David Hardy, Executive Vice President and CEO of Ø rsted Group in the Americas, said, "As electricity demand grows, the combination of solar energy and battery storage is crucial for reliable power delivery." "Due to the surge in data centers and the return of manufacturing to the United States, Arizona is one of the states with the highest electricity growth rates in the country. With our first project in Arizona now completed, we are pleased to be able to help meet the growing demand in the state and region through reliable domestic energy To celebrate the economic benefits brought by the project to the local community and the significant contribution of clean electricity to Arizona, Ø rsted held a celebration event at the O&M facility on 11 Mile, with American suppliers, SRPs, community members, and local and state elected officials in attendance. The Eleven Mile Solar Center is a significant investment in southern Arizona and a support for our state's growing energy demand, "said Lea Marquez Peterson, a corporate commissioner for Arizona. The eleven mile project demonstrates how clean energy can help us achieve resource diversification while ensuring the reliability of the local power grid With the addition of the 11 Mile project, SRP has nearly 3000 megawatts of carbon free energy (including over 1400 megawatts of solar energy) to serve its customers. SRP also has nearly 1300 megawatts of batteries and pumped storage facilities to support its power grid. SRP is striving to at least double the amount of power generation resources in its power system over the next 10 years to meet the growing energy demand in the Phoenix metropolitan area, while advancing the planned retirement of 1300 megawatts of coal resources. The energy and storage capacity provided by the eleven mile solar system plays an important role in helping achieve SRP's ambitious decarbonization goals while providing our customers with affordable and reliable energy, "said Bobby Olsen, Deputy General Manager and Chief Planning, Strategy, and Sustainability Executive, in recommending retail prices. We appreciate the collaboration with Ø rsted and Meta to bring more clean energy to our customers

• October 10, 2024

CEP Renewables, NJR Clean Energy Ventures, and CS Energy have completed a 19 MW DC Foul Rift solar project located in Whitetown, Warren County, New Jersey. The project is built on a severely damaged brownfield, which has been the location of composting facilities for nearly 30 years. Chris Ichter, Executive Vice President of CEP, stated, "This project demonstrates New Jersey's strong policy support for brownfield and landfill solar projects, as well as the power to develop grid connected solar power plants to repair environmental damage that would otherwise remain unresolved. We can leverage our previous experience in challenging brownfield and landfill solar projects to establish an effective public-private partnership with the town of White, which will have a positive impact on future generations Prior to its closure, the factory had received multiple environmental violations penalties from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). When CEP first encountered the property, it had already been contaminated by the activities of composting facilities. An environmental survey has shown that soil is contaminated with metals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and arsenic, and requires institutional control. The investigation found a total of 92 different environmental violation notices issued by NJDEP. In order to make the site comply with regulations, CEP cleared the remaining compost embankment and waste, and negotiated with NJDEP to sign a pre order administrative consent order to effectively address the remaining violations and terminate the solid waste permit. CEP has repaired the environmental damage on site, while also providing reliable clean energy, pollinator habitats, and more tax revenue for the local community. Similar to CEP's Mount Olive and BEMS landfill solar projects, the Foul Rift project was also obtained through redevelopment and tax lien redemption processes, a method unprecedented before the Mount Olive project. CEP has resolved the multi million dollar tax lien issue arising from the website's public-private partnership with the town of White, which involved CEP obtaining tax liens from the town, repaying all overdue taxes, and canceling the redemption rights of the property. CEP is now the owner of the site, and White Town has been able to recover approximately thirty years of interest and tax payments. The Foul Rift project not only turned an environmentally hazardous site into a revenue generating asset, but also helped New Jersey maintain its ranking as the state with the highest solar installed capacity per square mile in the United States.