Solar Industry Magazine

Nelnet Renewable Energy has shifted in its solar EPC operations to focus exclusively on the commercial market. 

“Nelnet is committed to being an industry leading commercial solar EPC contractor and consultant with resources, knowledge and people to deliver high quality projects and solutions for our customers,” says Jim Kruger, Nelnet chief financial officer.

Nelnet Renewable Energy will honor its existing warranty and contractual obligations for residential projects installed to date.

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The U.S. Department of Interior has permitted more than 25 GW of clean energy, including solar, wind and geothermal projects, surpassing this goal ahead of its timeline to do so by next year. 

“Since Day One, the Biden-Harris administration has worked tirelessly to expand responsible clean energy development to address climate change, enhance America’s energy security and create good-paying union jobs,” says Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. 

“Surpassing our goal of permitting 25 GW of clean energy by 2025 underscores the significant progress we have made in helping build modern, resilient climate infrastructure that protects our communities from the worsening impacts of climate change. The Interior Department will continue to advance projects that will add enough clean energy to the grid to power millions more homes and help ensure a livable planet for future generations.”

The Department today also announced a final Renewable Energy rule from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that aims to lower consumer energy costs and the cost of developing solar and wind projects, improve renewable energy project application processes and incentivize developers to continue responsibly developing solar and wind projects on public lands. The final rule also includes additional incentives for use of project labor agreements and American-made materials. 

In addition, the BLM announced that two solar projects in California, the Arica and Victory Pass projects, are now fully operational, adding 465 MW of clean electricity to the grid. These projects, the first two approved under the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan, are located in eastern Riverside County. 

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Arcadia has closed on a growth round to support expansion of its community solar program, alongside products leveraging AI to unlock new use cases built on the company’s energy data.

The round includes a fund managed by Macquarie Asset Management as a new equity investor, alongside existing investors Energy Impact Partners, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, BoxGroup, G2 Venture Partners, Camber Creek, Triangle Peak Partners and Broadscale Group.

“With this funding, Arcadia can continue to meet growing demand from our 300-plus enterprise customers and 75-plus community solar developer partners, all of whom are accelerating deployment and adding new solutions like battery storage, heat pumps and EV charging to their portfolios,” says Kiran Bhatraju, founder and CEO of Arcadia.

Concurrent with the close of the financing round, Arcadia closed a new $30M credit facility with J.P. Morgan.

The post Arcadia Raises $50M to Accelerate Community Solar Product Growth appeared first on Solar Industry.

Repsol has completed construction of its Frye Solar project located in Swisher County, Texas, with a total installed capacity of 637 MW and 570 MW currently in operation.

Frye Solar is comprised of nearly one million solar panels, the company says, and its largest PV project to date. Repsol has signed a PPA for 89% of the project’s output.

“Repsol views completion of our largest U.S. renewable facility to date as a major milestone that will contribute to our commitment to become a net-zero emissions company by 2050,” says Repsol’s Federico Toro. “Our growth ambition in this country is significant.”

Repsol entered the U.S. renewable energy market in 2021 with the 40% purchase of Hecate Energy, a domestic company specializing in the renewable development and energy storage projects.

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Bekaert has joined the Nautical SUNRISE project, aimed at advancing the mooring technology for offshore floating solar power generation and is set to support what the company calls the world’s largest offshore floating solar power installation. 

The project aims to design and build a 5 MW offshore floating solar system using the modular solution of Dutch floating solar company SolarDuck. RWE will provide investment for the installation and deployment, with the system planned to be electrically integrated, certified and located within RWE’s OranjeWind (Hollandse Kust West VII) wind farm off the west coast of the Netherlands.

“As part of this collaboration, our team will evaluate the performance and cost-effectiveness of various mooring solutions, including polyester, nylon and new technologies such as the TFI Marine SeaSpring load reduction device,” says Bekaert’s Christof Dewijngaert. “We are committed to exploring the stiffness characteristics of different mooring options under varying conditions, ensuring the optimal design for offshore floating PV.”

The project’s collaboration partners are: project lead Dutch Marine Energy Centre, SolarDuck, RWE, Blunova, Bekaert, Deltares, Hasselt University, KU Leuven, Oxford PV, SINTEF Industry, SINTEF Ocean, The Catalonia Institute for Energy Research, INESC TEC and WavEC Offshore Renewables.

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Enphase Energy has launched its Power Control software that can integrate with the company’s Energy System in North America. 

The company says this software dynamically controls the power produced by its Energy System to give installers more flexibility in system design while meeting utility and national electrical code requirements. It adds that software benefits include the ability to avoid main panel upgrades and increased battery capacity.

“At Enphase, we’re focused on consistent product innovation to provide homeowners and businesses with best-in-class technologies,” says Mehran Sedigh, senior vice president of sales in the Americas at Enphase Energy. 

“Enphase Power Control software was designed with installers and customers in mind, allowing for simpler system design and installation, while enhancing the efficiency of our industry-leading home energy systems.”

The post Enphase Energy Launches Control Software for Home Solar, Battery Systems appeared first on Solar Industry.

Maxeon Solar Technologies has introduced its latest line of SunPower Performance 7 panels designed for distributed generation projects, which are certified by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. 

The company says the panels feature its TOPCon cell technology in a shingled-cell design, offering power advantages, including shade management and hotspot mitigation. 

“Maxeon has built a strong patent portfolio over nearly four decades of innovation and this is delivering exceptional value to solar customers with our new SunPower Performance 7 products,” says Bill Mulligan, CEO of Maxeon. 

“We are confident that the new Performance Line provides the right combination of price and performance, helping our customers meet their financial and energy goals, with the peace-of-mind offered by our comprehensive, industry-leading warranty.”

The company is offering a 30-year warranty with the panels.

The post Maxeon Introduces Latest Solar Panels with Cradle to Cradle Certification appeared first on Solar Industry.

Apricus Generation, a new holding company designed to build a national distributed solar and battery development platform as an independent power producer, has launched. 

The company says it has closed an initial $28 million Series A funding round, within a total offering of $100 million set to close over the next few months. It added that this funding is slated to be used for acquiring and partnering with developers, as well as provide strategic management offerings. 

“We are thrilled to have secured this funding in these challenging market conditions,” says Gautam Chandra, executive chairman and co-founder of Apricus Generation. 

“Many developers have more project opportunities than access to capital, and this investment is a testament to our creative business model and our investors’ trust in us based on our past success in the renewable energy and energy sectors in general. Our model has demonstrated potential to provide investors with significant financial results in this fast-expanding industry.”

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Nexamp has secured $520 million in a capital raise led by Manulife Investment Management, alongside existing investors Diamond Generating Corp. and Generate Capital. 

The company will leverage the investment to expedite deployment of its national project pipeline, accelerate expansion and developer partnerships in new and existing markets, and fuel the continued growth of its generation and consumer-driven offerings.     

“This landmark financing comes at a pivotal moment in the evolution of America’s energy economy, and underscores the indispensable role of community solar in democratizing access to clean, affordable energy solutions for every American,” says Nexamp CEO Zaid Ashai. 

“This unprecedented investment reflects swelling confidence in the ability of independent renewable energy providers to reimagine outmoded infrastructure and reshape our grid. Nexamp is committed to deep collaboration with communities across the nation in building a more sustainable future for us all.”

BofA Securities served as exclusive placement agent to Nexamp.

The post Nexamp Raises $520M in Capital to Power Renewables Growth appeared first on Solar Industry.

Quickscrews International/QuickBOLT has appointed Rick Gentry as its vice president of product development, tasked with leading the strategic development of products tailored to the needs of woodworkers and solar installers.

With over 30 years of dedicated service to the company, including his previous role as VP of sales, Gentry brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new position. His unique skills and deep understanding of the market position him to make a significant impact by introducing ingenuity into product categories where Quickscrews International/QuickBOLT aim to expand its presence, the company says.

“I am excited about the opportunities ahead in leading product development at Quickscrews International/QuickBOLT,” Gentry comments. “I look forward to collaborating with our teams to drive innovation, deliver exceptional products and exceed customer expectations.”

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Yamaha Motor Corp. plans to install solar arrays at the company’s Southeastern Headquarters in Kennesaw, Ga., and Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC) in Newnan, Ga. this summer.

The initiative supports Yamaha’s goal to reduce emissions produced as a direct result of business activities and achieve carbon neutrality within its manufacturing operations and facilities by 2035. Yamaha expects conclusion of the solar installations by the end of 2024.

Yamaha will work with VeloSolar in Atlanta for the installation of the solar array panels. With more than a decade of experience designing, installing and maintaining commercial solar installations, VeloSolar is one of Georgia’s largest solar installation companies. The company’s extensive portfolio includes numerous other Georgia-based companies including COX Enterprises.

“The installation of these solar panels represents a substantial step forward in Yamaha’s quest to substantially reduce carbon emissions,” says Mike Chrzanowski, president and CEO, Yamaha Motor Corp.

“We anticipate the solar array in Kennesaw will supply about 60% of the facilities’ electricity needs. At the Newnan facility we anticipate avoiding roughly 13,600 tons of carbon dioxide over the life of the array. That’s equivalent to eliminating approximately 14,930,000 pounds of coal emissions. These panels are in addition to the already existing solar arrays at YMMC.”

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ComEd is planning an expansion of its 345 kV Elmhurst, Ill., transmission substation, with construction currently under way and an expected completion date by the end of next year.

“ComEd is proud to maintain and grow the most reliable grid in the country, which requires proactive planning to meet the future power needs of our customers,” says Mark Baranek, senior vice president technical services at ComEd. “Investments like the expansion of the Elmhurst substation will ensure the grid is primed to support local business growth for many years to come.”

Engineering and design for this $93 million project began last year. Construction of this substation is being completed by a local firm, Ruiz Construction Systems.

The post ComEd Announces Northern Illinois Substation Expansion Project appeared first on Solar Industry.

After testing at CFV Labs and the Renewable Energy Test Center, Origami Solar has released data it says demonstrates that modules incorporating the company’s steel module frames passed frame-related industry-standard tests required to support module maker certifications. 

Certifications included those of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), specifically IEC 61215 static mechanical load testing and IEC 61701 salt-mist corrosion testing and continuity testing of equipotential bonding.

CFV ran both required static load testing and optional test-to-failure tests.

RETC’s salt mist corrosion and continuity testing on modules using Origami’s steel solar frames demonstrated similarly successful results, says the company, confirming corrosion protection performance of its zinc-aluminum-magnesium coatings. 

“As our modeling predicted, Origami steel module frames demonstrated excellent performance across the full range of certification tests,” says Origami Solar’s Lauren Ahsler. 

“The tests prove to the industry that there is minimal risk to module makers’ ability to get modules certified when they switch to steel solar frames. These rigorous, third-party tests also show that switching to steel module frames has the potential to address the decrease in allowable loading specifications for large format modules and to improve overall PV plant reliability. The steel frames’ excellent performance in the salt-spray test sequence should resolve any concerns about corrosion protection. This independent testing demonstrates that Origami’s steel solar frames represent a big step forward for the solar industry.”

The post Origami Solar Releases Third-Party Testing Results of Module Frames appeared first on Solar Industry.

Excelsior Energy Capital has entered a multiyear agreement to acquire 2 GW of PV modules from Heliene, with the two companies expected to work closely as a part of the agreement.  

The modules supplied under the agreement are slated to primarily be produced at a Heliene factory in Mountain Iron, Minn., and at a new factory Heliene plans to build in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

“The Excelsior team is excited by the wide-ranging benefits of this new agreement, which materially derisks supply of PV modules for our projects and allows us to work collaboratively alongside an established industry player as they expand and innovate over time,” says Chris Frantz, partner at Excelsior.

A majority of the PV modules supplied by Heliene are slated to be produced in the U.S. 

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RWE Clean Energy has established a strategic relationship with WhiteRock Renewables, with the aim of accelerating the company’s expansion of its onshore U.S. pipeline.

WhiteRock is expected to originate and develop up to 5 GW of onshore wind, solar and BESS projects, with RWE having the option to acquire such projects as they reach maturity.

“RWE is investing billions to expand our U.S. portfolio, which will make up 30% of the company’s global green installed capacity by 2030,” says RWE’s Hanson Wood.

“To support our world-class development team in executing towards RWE’s ambitious U.S. growth strategy, we are enlisting WhiteRock — a top-tier developer with a proven track record of delivery and more than 70 years’ combined development experience — to help supercharge our growth trajectory over the next five years.”

RWE currently has 36 GW of onshore wind, solar and BESS projects in its U.S. development pipeline. 

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Avangrid says construction has commenced at its 57 MW Camino Solar Project in Kern County, Calif.

“It is always exciting to see another important renewable energy project break ground,” says Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO. “With this major milestone, we are one step closer to delivering clean solar energy in California to go along with our six wind energy facilities in the state. This is yet another example of our commitment to developing projects that create jobs, support the local community, and accelerate the clean energy transition.”

The site is adjacent to Avangrid’s 189 MW Manzana Wind Farm, which reached commercial operation in 2012, and is slated to include 105,000 solar panels. It is located on a combination of private land and more than 200 acres of public lands managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

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In a move aimed at accelerating New York community solar adoption, Solar Simplified is acquiring state-eligible low and moderate income (LMI) subscribers at no additional cost to its partners, who are primarily independent power producers (IPPs) and community solar asset owners. 

The initiative is aimed at bolstering the new Community Adder and Inclusive Community Solar Adder programs. Under the structure, the company will cover acquisition costs for LMI subscribers required to meet the 40% quota for the Community Adder. 

“We understand the challenges faced by IPPs and asset owners in acquiring and managing LMI subscribers for community solar projects,” says Aviv Shalgi, CEO of Solar Simplified. 

“Our decision to absorb these costs is a reflection of our dedication to advancing clean energy projects in New York and a testament to our success acquiring and managing this crucial segment of the market across multiple states, including New York. We believe this will significantly ease the financial burden on our partners and their financial backers, both lenders and tax equity, and make their projects more viable. It will surely help projects that are borderline financially viable to now pencil out and get built, driving faster expansion of community solar in the state while bringing tangible savings to communities that need them.”

The post Solar Simplified Offers Free LMI Subscriber Acquisition for Community Solar Projects appeared first on Solar Industry.

Lydian Energy has announced its launch as an independent power producer specializing in the development, construction and operation of utility-scale North American solar and BESS projects.

Backed by Excelsior Energy Capital, the company owns nine projects representing 1.75 GW of solar and battery storage capacity in Texas and New Mexico.

“We are excited to announce the official launch of Lydian Energy as we embark on our mission of ‘Connecting People + Power’ through impactful renewable energy projects,” says Emre Ersenkal, Lydian Energy CEO. 

“As highly credible partners and engaged neighbors, our aim is to lead meaningful economic and environmental opportunities by developing and operating renewable energy assets that serve the needs of all stakeholders: landowners, communities, utilities, customers and investors.”

The post Lydian Energy to Focus on North American Solar and BESS Projects appeared first on Solar Industry.

DWS has reached an agreement with X-ELIO to acquire three Spain PV plants, located in the municipality of Medina de las Torres, Badajoz, allowing German retail and institutional investors to invest directly into the infrastructure projects. 

The projects, with a total of 147 MW in capacity, began operations last year. X-ELIO plans to remain in the Spain solar market with a remaining 14 GW portfolio in different stages of advancement.

“We are very pleased with three further investments for our European infrastructure strategy for German investors,” says DWS’ Peter Brodehser. 

“Investments both from institutional and from retail clients are needed to drive change and enable European transformation projects, particularly in the energy sector. Investors in our strategy can participate in infrastructure projects, supporting Europe’s energy transition ambitions as well as receiving a return on their investment. It is a pleasure for us to be able to walk part of this path together with the team at X-ELIO.”

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The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) is allocating $19 million to install solar panels over irrigation canals in California, Oregon and Utah, with the aim of both decreasing water supply evaporation and advancing clean energy goals.  

“Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we have historic new resources to invest in innovative solutions that advance our clean energy goals and make Western communities more resilient to drought and climate change,” says DOI’s Michael Brain. 

“In partnership with state, Tribal and local stakeholders, the Interior Department will continue to invest in essential water infrastructure projects that mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and invest in communities across the country.” 

The projects are part of an initiative to study the water efficiency gains and amount of clean energy produced for future larger scale implementation. They are being funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, which makes available $25 million for the design, study and implementation of projects to cover Reclamation-related water conveyance facilities with solar panels. 

The announced projects include $15 million for the San Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority, Delta-Mendota Canal Floating Solar Project in California, $2.55 million for the North Unit Irrigation District, Main Canal Floating Photovoltaics Project in Oregon and $1.5 million for the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, Solar Panels Over the Layton Canal Project in Utah. 

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