• October 30, 2026

CPP Wind Engineering, a global wind engineering consulting firm, is launching a wind certification program for utility-scale solar projects, which it considers the first of its kind in the industry. This new initiative aims to enhance the performance and durability of utility-scale solar systems under various wind conditions. The project offers two types of services. Site certification verifies that each project has been properly assessed for climatic and site conditions, implemented effective parking strategies, appropriately deployed wind speed meters, and utilized qualified trackers or fixed tilt systems. System certification involves a one-time review of the wind engineering design data and methodologies for the tracker or fixed tilt product line. The new CPP project is built upon the organization's 45 years of experience in wind energy engineering, encompassing wind tunnel testing for solar projects, wind energy layout and site selection studies, as well as forensic investigations into wind damage to solar projects. Tornado risk is not within the scope of the certification program but is assessed separately using probabilistic risk methods. "Wind determines the construction method of solar power plants, but there has been no consistent approach to verify that the wind loads behind the design are correctly derived and applied," said David Banks, President of CPP Wind Engineering. "Most of the wind damage we investigated occurs at wind speeds seen annually, and much of it can be mitigated through engineering. This project provides owners, manufacturers, and their consultants with an independent basis to confirm the reliability of wind engineering. On the other hand, tornadoes cannot be eliminated through engineering means. We must predict the loss probability of such events." For project owners and developers, CPP's site certification provides a comparison of installation design solutions and documentation for wind engineering due diligence used in financing, insurance, and project sales. For manufacturers, CPP's system certification evaluates the wind engineering foundation of tracker or fixed tilt product lines, offering a basis for determining their suitability for specific site wind conditions. For independent engineers, CPP serves as a partner, providing wind engineering expertise for the due diligence they lead.

• October 29, 2026

Autonomous technology developer Mach is launching a platform to retrofit commercial lawn mowers for autonomous deployment at solar project sites. The technology factory can be integrated with mainstream commercial lawn mowers. "Public utility-scale solar farms are among the most challenging operating environments for autonomous off-road operations: narrow spacing, dense panel shading, GPS signal attenuation zones, and zero tolerance for infrastructure collisions," said Colin Hurd, CEO of Mach. "As a Tier 1 partner providing our full-stack autonomous system to commercial OEMs, we offer solar asset owners the rugged, dealer-supported machinery they trust, while infusing it with autonomous capabilities. This ecosystem approach enables solar developers to expand their gigawatt-scale vegetation management footprint while providing OEMs a ready-to-deploy pathway to dominate the autonomous solar market." Utilizing Mach's proprietary RTK-GNSS automated infrastructure, the lawn mowers are designed to operate autonomously in dusty, tall grass, and sun-glare conditions while avoiding structures and electrical components on solar panels. These mowers can be deployed across multiple sites and managed by a single operator. Due to Mach's platform being compatible with existing equipment, maintenance can still be performed through the original manufacturer of the lawn mower. Mach will showcase its autonomous solar-powered mowing platform at booth W16676 in the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 16 to 19, participating in the RE+ 26 exhibition.

• October 28, 2026

Distributed Energy Infrastructure (DEI), an EPC company for solar and battery storage, has completed a 3.37-megawatt DC sapphire solar project in Jefferson County, New York. Shallow bedrock and high groundwater table pose site challenges that require the team to adjust their design during construction. During the excavation process, DEI encountered shale bedrock only 16 to 20 feet below ground level in multiple areas of the site, while groundwater continued to infiltrate open trenches. These conditions have affected the installation and equipment cushion areas, making the initial design of underground DC cable conduits difficult to implement. DEI's engineering, construction, procurement, and contracting teams worked closely together to quickly develop a revised design that converted some of the DC underground range into a surface CAB system. Underground excavation has been preserved at inter row intersections and other still applicable locations. The revised design also retains the on-site access required for long-term operation and maintenance by the owner. The complete redesign, material procurement, and on-site implementation were all completed within the originally planned scope of the underground trench project. When we encounter unexpected challenges, our goal is to quickly solve the problem and adjust our methods based on the site conditions to find the most suitable solution for the location, "said Rusfid Haroon, Senior Project Manager at DEI

• October 27, 2026

Puerto Rico has long been known to suffer from energy issues. Aging power grids and frequent hurricane activity have rendered the island's electricity supply unreliable. Persistent and prolonged blackouts have forced many Puerto Ricans to turn to solar power. As the owner of Ingenious Solution Services, Ricardo Fonseca has been installing solar and battery storage systems in Puerto Rico for over two decades. By helping households and businesses enhance their energy resilience, his business has continued to grow. "Our business started with providing validation services for the pharmaceutical industry," Fonseca said. "Later, demand for services such as power, piping, refrigeration, household appliances, and thermodynamic research continued to grow. After Hurricane Maria, our power system collapsed, and the demand for photovoltaic systems began to surge." Over the years, Fonseca has installed battery systems of various brands and types. Recently, Fonseca installed a unique solar system equipped with Briggs & Stratton SimplePHI 6.6 batteries in a two-unit apartment building in Bayamón, northern Puerto Rico. "The power supply in this region frequently experiences outages, which led us to install a photovoltaic system," said Fancika. "Since the building occupies the entire plot, we were unable to install a generator." "The client is very familiar with our company and had previously commissioned us to install a 30-kilowatt three-phase backup system for his business, equipped with a 46-kilowatt battery." For this apartment building in Bayamon, what appears to be three battery systems are actually three independent systems supplying power to three different zones. Each of the two apartment units is equipped with a SimpliPHI 6.6 tri-battery system. Additionally, a SimpliPHI 6.6 battery system powers the four electric doors controlling access to the building's parking area and the lighting in common spaces. This is a clever design that is both aesthetically pleasing and space-efficient. "These systems operate independently, with no communication between them or backup generators," Fanciulli said. "Each apartment is equipped with eighteen 550-watt solar panels and a 19.8-kilowatt-hour Briggs & Stratton battery. After installing these three systems, the building operated in self-use mode for five months while we awaited power approval from Luma Energy.". ” Each electrical system in an apartment imposes a significant load on that system, as it needs to support air conditioning, heating, stoves, lighting, and all other electrical components typical of a household. "This system is running exceptionally well," Fonseca said. "They have never experienced power outages. If sunlight is sufficient, the batteries can be charged via solar panels in 75 minutes. If the sunlight is less abundant, it takes up to 150 minutes. With the installation of the meter and completion of electrical certification, they will be able to begin feeding energy back into the grid." F...

• October 26, 2026

A community solar garden in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is now powering low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents. The 704-kilowatt system is installed at a city-owned maintenance facility in the East District and serves 100 LMI subscribers, with 25 spots still available. The Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) and Greenway Solar developed the project, which received partial funding from a $150,000 grant under Minneapolis' "Green Cost Sharing Program," designed to support solar initiatives for buildings across the city. "Expanding access to clean energy means we must work together to ensure its benefits reach those in greatest need. The $150,000 funding from our Green Cost Sharing Program helped make this project a reality and delivered immediate positive impacts for our residents," said Megan Hoy, Director of Climate Equity Action at the City of Minneapolis. "Even as our grid becomes cleaner, local solar remains a vital tool to reduce bills and make electrification more affordable." "We believe this community solar garden powerfully demonstrates what is possible. When public investment partners with local clean energy initiatives, we can advance both environmental goals and economic opportunities." It is estimated that subscribers can save approximately $25 per month on their energy bills. Since subscriptions remain open, interested individuals can visit the MRES information page.

• October 23, 2026

As energy affordability becomes a decisive issue ahead of the midterm elections, the latest analysis from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) shows that solar and energy storage are reducing power costs in both red and blue states. According to the analysis, from the summer of 2021 to the summer of 2026, the growth of solar and energy storage helped lower Texas' average wholesale power prices by 42% and California's by 51%. According to the new analysis, despite growing electricity demand in both states, power prices have continued to decline. Over the same five-year period, solar power generation in Texas increased by 421%, while in California it rose by 90%. Meanwhile, battery storage capacity in Texas expanded over 26-fold, and in California, it nearly multiplied sevenfold. From June to August 2026, compared to the same period in 2021, solar and storage systems saved Texas approximately $3.55 billion and California about $2.5 billion. As the midterms approach, providing affordable and reliable electricity is a priority that transcends partisan lines, and Texas and California serve as proof that the growth of solar and storage is driving down costs, said SEIA CEO Tim Penny. In California, electricity usage increased by 2.5%, while the average wholesale price dropped from $77.54 per megawatt-hour to $38.32 per megawatt-hour after adjusting for inflation. In Texas, electricity demand surged by 30%, but the average wholesale price fell from $54.97 per megawatt-hour to $31.77 per megawatt-hour. The decline in wholesale prices helps reduce residential customers' electricity generation costs, although other fees drive up bills. From the summer of 2021 to the summer of 2026, residential electricity generation costs in Texas dropped by 4%, while in California, they fell by 10%. Growth in solar and energy storage helps curb energy prices, though during the same period, transmission and distribution costs led to a 3% increase in overall electricity bills for Texas residents and a 22% rise for California residents. This analysis compares the weighted average hourly wholesale electricity prices in the CAISO and ERCOT markets between June and August 2021 and the same period in 2026, calculated using inflation-adjusted U.S. dollars for 2026.

• October 22, 2026

Generate Capital and TurningPoint Energy celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a new 3.5-MWac community solar project located in Sandwich, Illinois, marking another community solar project developed in Kendall County. This project is part of TPE's 8-project, 34.5-MWac portfolio, which is financed, constructed, owned, and operated by Generate. The single-axis tracking system covers approximately 23 acres, and the bifacial solar panels are expected to generate over 8 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually. Construction is set to be completed in mid-2026, utilizing local wage standards for labor, with qualified workers consistently present on-site throughout the building period. The project currently provides renewable energy and utility bill savings to 90 local residents and small businesses. As part of the "Illinois Shines" initiative, it expands solar access for customers who may otherwise be unable to install solar panels on their own properties. The project integrates agrivoltaics with pollinator-friendly land management practices, utilizing sheep grazing to naturally maintain vegetation and planting native flowering plants to support pollinator populations and enhance biodiversity. These practices contribute to improving soil health and demonstrate how renewable energy can work in tandem with agriculture and responsible land stewardship. "Community solar serves as a prime example of how sustainable infrastructure can deliver immediate, tangible benefits to local communities," said Peggy Flannery, Managing Director of the Investment Division at Generate Capital. "By partnering with TurningPoint Energy, we are providing reliable local power generation to communities across Illinois while helping residents and small businesses reduce energy costs. We are proud to invest, build, and operate such projects over the long term and expand access to affordable clean energy throughout the state.". ” TPE President Sarah Naini stated, "This project demonstrates how meticulously planned energy infrastructure can deliver tangible benefits to communities beyond power generation." "By partnering with Generate, we are advancing a project that integrates community solar with responsible land stewardship, creating long-term value for subscribers, host communities, and Illinois' broader clean energy transition."

• October 21, 2026

Madison Energy Infrastructure and Verogy have completed a 7.2-megawatt solar system for the Beaver Water District (BWD) in northwestern Arkansas. The project is expected to generate approximately 12,300 megawatt-hours annually, meeting 15% to 20% of the district's electricity demand. "This solar facility enhances our ability to provide safe, economical, and reliable water to serve our community," said M. Ryan Cridle (P.E.), CEO of Beaver Water District. "It reduces long-term operational costs, supports regional development, and strengthens our commitment to sustainability. Our customers will benefit from this investment for decades to come." Located in Lowell, Arkansas, the Beaver Water District serves over 425,000 customers in northwestern Arkansas. The district has received national recognition for its sustainability achievements, including the 2023 Sustainable Water Management Award from the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. Through a competitive RFP process, BWD selected Madison Energy Infrastructure to implement the solar project, with Madison responsible for development, contracting, and financing, while collaborating with Verogy to oversee design, procurement, permitting, and construction. BWD estimates the solar installation will save $7 to $11 million in costs over its entire lifecycle, helping manage long-term operational expenses amid the continuous growth in water demand.

• October 20, 2026

Duke Energy Florida recently completed the construction of the Bailey Mill Solar Center, a 74.9-megawatt facility located near Monticello in Jefferson County. "The launch of Bailey Mill is another step in reducing our customers' long-term energy costs," said Melissa Seeks, President of Duke Energy Florida. "For every solar project we bring online, we reduce our need to purchase fuel, and these savings are directly reflected on customers' bills. We appreciate the Jefferson County community for partnering with us to make this project a reality." Duke Energy Florida currently owns, operates, and maintains over 25 solar projects across the state, with a total installed capacity of approximately 1,850 megawatts. The Bailey Power Plant is one of the five solar power stations built since 2025. By the end of 2028, the company plans to construct an additional 11 solar power stations to further expand its renewable energy portfolio. By the end of 2033, the company is expected to have over 5,500 megawatts of utility-scale solar power generation capacity.