• March 27, 2026

A new report from several industry groups in the United States states that millions of homeowners face unnecessary barriers in owning rooftop solar and battery projects.  Frontier Group、 The Environmental Research and Policy Center and Permit Power in the United States have released the "Solar Licensing Scorecard," which evaluates solar licensing policies in all 50 states and recommends modifications to make residential rooftop solar and battery more feasible. Home solar energy and batteries can reduce household electricity bills by over 80%. However, due to the high cost of red tape, the savings from rooftop solar energy are out of reach for many people, "said Nick Josefowitz, founder and CEO of Permit Power. If American households can install rooftop solar energy and household batteries at the same price as households in other countries, it will enable millions of households to install rooftop solar energy and reduce utility bills. Permit Power stated in a press release that bureaucratic barriers in solar licensing may increase the cost of residential solar projects by $6000 to $7000. The Rocky Mountains National Laboratory (formerly the National Renewable Energy Laboratory) estimates that 10% to 20% of residential solar projects that have obtained construction permits are still unfinished. Out of the 50 states rated on the Solar License Scorecard, only four states scored higher than "D" - California (B), Texas (B), New Jersey (C), and Colorado (C). No state has received an "A" rating. The rest will receive the title of "D" or "F". These levels are determined based on how each state handles residential project permits: do they reduce costs and simplify processes? Are these processes standardized across the state? Do they use licensed software? New Jersey Senators John McKeon and Asma stated, "This report clearly states that cutting solar licensing red tape is a low-cost way to help households lower their electricity bills." Robert Karabin Chuck said in a joint statement. Through bipartisan legislative action, New Jersey has passed practical reforms that save time and money for homeowners, installers, and local governments. This is one of the most direct and cost-effective steps that states can take to strengthen the power grid while providing real relief for taxpayers. In a recent report, Permit Power estimated that by simplifying residential solar permits, the country could save customers $1.2 trillion in utility costs. Emily Rusch, Senior Director of the State Office at the Center for Environmental Research and Policy in the United States, said, "Millions of Americans hope to provide their homes with sufficient and reliable solar energy; most states have done little to adopt common sense licensing practices to reduce costs and delays. Unreasonable red tape has placed a burden on residents, installers, and local authorities. States should 'move towards solar energy' as quickly and smoothly as possible without compromising health and safet...

• March 26, 2026

Maximo, a solar robotics company incubated by AES, has successfully installed 100 MW solar panels in the AES Bellefield project, a 1GW project under construction in Kern County, California. Maximo President Chris Shelton said, "Reaching 100 MW is an important milestone for Maximo and robotics technology to play a role in solar energy construction. It indicates that on-site robotics technology can go beyond experimentation and provide consistent results on a utility scale. As solar energy deployment accelerates globally, technologies to improve installation speed, quality, and reliability will become increasingly important.  ” The Bellefield project has evolved from a single robot to a coordinated fleet consisting of four Maximo robot units running in parallel. The peak device installation rate reached 474 modules per day, with Maximo's direct staff installing up to 24 modules per person per hour. Due to the optimized integration between robot placement, skilled fastening technicians, and union team members, this is 60% higher than the traditional method of 10-15 modules per hour in the region. NVIDIA technology supports the development and preparation of the Maximo robot fleet deployed in California. With the help of NVIDIA AI infrastructure, NVIDIA Omniverse library, and NVIDIA Isaac Sim open robot simulation framework, the Maximo team is able to develop, test, and refine robot functionality through physics based simulation and AI driven modeling before deploying updates on site. The combination of artificial intelligence, vision, robotics technology, and simulation driven engineering has shortened development and validation time, and increased confidence in on-site performance as robot fleets expand. NVIDIA Energy Senior Director Marc Spieler said, "Physical AI is a powerful force in accelerating the construction of real-world energy infrastructure. ”By combining artificial intelligence infrastructure, simulation, and edge artificial intelligence, Maximo and other platforms demonstrate how physical artificial intelligence can help accelerate solar panel installation while maintaining high reliability in complex environments. ” Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides support for the development, deployment, and operation of Maximo's AI driven on-site systems. AWS provides scalable computing, automated software delivery, and advanced data analytics (including real-time construction intelligence) to enable Maximo to collect operational robot data and continuously improve performance. Innovation in carbon free energy development is crucial for meeting the world's growing energy demand, "said Amazon's Chief Sustainability Officer, Callahurst. By combining artificial intelligence and robotics technology, Maximo and other technologies demonstrate how we can accelerate the transition to carbon free energy while improving safety and efficiency. Amazon is proud to support projects that push the boundaries of sustainable infrastructure possibilities

• March 25, 2026

EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) has completed the Pleasantville Solar, a 150 MW clean energy project located in Fulton County, Illinois. This project will generate sufficient electricity to meet the annual electricity demand of over 39500 households and businesses. Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDP R NA, stated, "Amidst soaring electricity demand in Illinois, Pleasantville Solar is leveraging reliable local energy to power the economy and communities of Prairie State. ”Projects like Pleasantville Solar ensure the benefits of long-term income, job creation, and resilient energy infrastructure for local households and businesses, while supporting the state's economic development goals and growing electricity demand. ” The total power generation of the 150 MW project was signed through a long-term power purchase agreement with Microsoft. Pleasantville Solar will generate over $31.6 million in revenue to support schools, roads, emergency services and equipment, and other basic public services. The project provided approximately 300 job opportunities during the construction period. Cole McDaniel, President of Hometown Consulting and Fulton County Economic Development Advisor, said, "Fulton County is grateful for the close collaboration between county staff, elected officials, and EDP Renewable Energy Company's development team to complete the Pleasantville solar project. This project reflects the possibility of cooperation between local government and private investment in a transparent and mutually respectful manner. ”Apart from the construction phase, the long-term impact of this project will last for decades by strengthening the tax base and supporting basic public services in multiple tax jurisdictions, including Fulton County and the South Fulton School District. We appreciate the commitment demonstrated throughout the entire process and look forward to this investment bringing lasting benefits to Fulton County EDP R NA has developed a 1.6 gigawatt clean energy project in Illinois, including Harvest Ridge Wind、Bright Stalk Wind、Rail Splitter Wind、Top Crop Wind I & II、Twin Groves Wind I & II、Hickory Solar  And Wolf Run Solar. EDP R NA's energy infrastructure investment portfolio has created 79 permanent jobs and 880 construction jobs, maintained 7 operational and maintenance facilities, and opened a technical personnel training facility in Bloomington. The facility trains an average of 100 solar and wind energy technicians annually, who are dispatched to EDPR NA's operational assets across Illinois and the United States.

• March 24, 2026

Due to the expansion of legal protection and the implementation of new safety regulations, the development and construction of Massachusetts Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have become more feasible. Energy storage is known as the 'Swiss Army Knife' because it can achieve a wide range of applications, including peak shaving, grid stability, and distributed generation grid integration. Despite the multifunctionality and growing energy demand of BESS, its development still faces significant obstacles. Local safety issues and inconsistent municipal permit procedures often delay or hinder projects. Despite these challenges, energy storage remains crucial for the Commonwealth's clean energy transition, with the 2024 Clean Energy Act calling for 5000 megawatt hours of energy storage to be achieved by 2030. A major turning point in the development of BESS occurred in the 2025 decision of the Massachusetts Land Court regarding the Daksbury energy storage project. The case argues that federal "solar power supply" applies to independent BESS systems. Solar energy supply regulations: No zoning regulations or bylaws shall prohibit or unreasonably regulate the installation of solar energy systems or promote the construction of structures for solar energy collection, unless necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare. The court's reasoning is that the legislative body intends to promote solar power generation through solar energy supply, and the regulation explicitly includes structures that support or promote the use of solar energy, including the construction of independent BESS facilities. The court rejected the argument that BESS facilities must only store solar power to meet the protection conditions of the Dover Amendment Solar Energy Clause, expanded the protection scope to such storage systems, and further argued that the BESS structure meets the meaning of the Solar Energy Clause. Therefore, municipal authorities cannot prohibit or unreasonably regulate such systems. Duxbury's ruling is consistent with Massachusetts' long-standing precedents in supporting renewable energy infrastructure, including Tracer Lane II Realty, LLC v. Waltham, where the Supreme Court held that restricting solar energy development without a reasonable purpose to protect public health, safety, or welfare violates the solar energy provisions of the Dover Amendment. In the past few years, applying for permits instead of installation has been a real obstacle to the development of BESS. Duxbury eliminated one level of complexity by forcing the municipal authorities to make BESS requirements essentially the same as solar energy. After the summer of 2025, Massachusetts has been working together to standardize the licensing procedures for all BESS systems. This takes the form of new zoning regulations, which explicitly mention cases such as Duxbury and Tracer Lane, providing a framework for municipal authorities to clarify which restrictions are no longer appropriate ...

• March 23, 2026

The Ohio Power Site Selection Board (OPSB) unanimously voted to reject the construction of a 94 MW agricultural photovoltaic project in Morro County, Ohio. Open Road Renewables is developing the Crossroads solar grazing center on 570 acres of land between the towns of Cardington, Lincoln, and Westfield. The solar project will be built on several different plots of land in Moro County and will host sheep grazing activities. Open Road initially applied for project permission in February 2025, with a project schedule starting construction in 2027 and operation in 2028. According to reports, Crossroads has obtained possible approval through the licensing process, but has faced local opposition during the public review period in the past few months. During this period, the majority of anonymously submitted comments were against the construction of Crossroads, and according to Canary Media, there were also 34 opposing comments submitted under pseudonyms. The Ohio Environmental Commission intervened in this case to ensure that decisions are based on facts, fairness, and the long-term interests of the people of Ohio. When objective analysis is overturned and public opinion takes precedence over its substantive content, it weakens people's trust in the process and makes it more difficult to build the energy system needed in Ohio, "said Nolan Rutschilling, Executive Director of Energy Policy at the Ohio Environmental Commission. Simply put, Ohio now needs more clean energy generation to address the soaring costs associated with data centers and geopolitical pressures on the energy supply chain. Staff changed this decision at the last minute, creating an uncertain regulatory environment that will hinder future investments by energy developers Although OPSB unanimously voted against the continued development of Crossroads, non voting state senator Kent Smith expressed concern that the committee may reject solar projects during a period of rising energy costs. At the same meeting, OPSB voted to approve a three-year extension of exemptions with Ohio natural gas supplier Columbia Gas and modified the certificates for proposed energy storage and solar projects. On Wednesday, the Ohio Public Utilities Commission (PUCO) also approved an increase in rates for Ohio AEP utility customers. The goal of PUCO and the organization is to have sufficient supply and affordable electricity supply. If we were to deny the ability of solar energy to compete in the Ohio market, I believe this would lead to Ohio consumers artificially raising prices... I am concerned that this project may initially be approved but ultimately rejected. I think this is a dangerous thing for the state's capacity and reliability, "Smith said. Another reason against solar energy is the state legislature. State Senators George Lang (R-52) and Mark Romanchuk (R-22) jointly drafted a bill that, if passed, would change Ohio's definition of "clean energy," which does not include wind, energy storage, or sol...

• March 20, 2026

Terabase Energy announced that its automated solar panel construction platform Terafab is ready for commercial transportation. The first generation Terafab has been deployed in five solar projects, and Terafab V2 has now been launched on the market. Terafab achieves automation of solar energy construction through artificial intelligence and autonomous robotics technology. Terafab Energy CEO and co-founder Matt Campbell said, "Our developed technology enables the deployment of the safest, fastest, and lowest cost solar energy. Terafab is a physical artificial intelligence applied in one of the largest infrastructure constructions in history. ”We shorten the construction schedule every week, which means project owners can earn income earlier, reduce financing costs, and deliver clean electronics to the grid faster. This is the advantage of power generation speed. Factory automation has been widely demonstrated indoors, where indoor conditions are controlled and predictable. Terafab operates in completely different outdoor environments. Terabase has invested years in research and development to design a system that can provide factory level accuracy and throughput year-round in uncontrolled conditions on active construction sites, ranging from fine desert dust and triple digit heat to wind, rain, and mud.

• March 18, 2026

Idemitsu Renewables' Azalea solar and energy storage project achieved commercial operation on December 31, bringing 60 MW of solar energy and 38 MW of AC/152 MWh of energy storage capacity to Kern County, California. According to the long-term power purchase agreement signed with Sonoma Clean Power Authority (SCP), Azalea will provide clean renewable energy to the California power grid. This facility combines photovoltaic technology with battery storage to improve grid stability and optimize energy delivery during peak demand periods. The construction is led by SOLV Energy, a renewable energy EPC service provider. The battery energy storage system stores daytime power generation and schedules energy during nighttime and peak demand periods. The achievement of COD in Azalea highlights our team's ability to deliver complex renewable energy projects with environmental and economic value, "said Cary Vandenberg, CEO of Light Renewable Energy Company. We are honored to collaborate with forward thinking organizations such as United Bank, Mizuho Bank, Deutsche Bank, and Sonoma Clean Energy to advance California's clean energy goals. The project will generate sufficient clean electricity annually to power approximately 20000 households in Sonoma County and Mendocino County.

• March 17, 2026

Three companies are collaborating to build a community solar investment portfolio in New Mexico, consisting of 8 projects and 48.4 megawatts. These arrays are one of the first to be built in the New Community Solar Program in New Mexico. Pluma Construction in New Mexico is developing a community solar product portfolio with the support of ForeFront Power. Standard Solar has acquired these projects and will own and operate them upon completion. Solstice Power Technologies will handle customer subscription matters during operation. Making community solar plans a reality in New Mexico will greatly benefit residents across the state, "said Chris Pacheco, founder of Pluma Construction. This is an important step in New Mexico's pursuit of a clean and affordable energy future. We are pleased to partner with Forefront Power and now with Standard Solar and Solstice, who will drive operations, subscriptions, and customer acquisition. As these projects unfold, their leadership will reassure me and my fellow New Mexico citizens. ” These projects will be built on both public and private land - several of which are located on land under the New Mexico Land Trust Fund. The first few projects have been completed, and the remaining projects are expected to be launched throughout the year. Eric Partyka, Director of Business Development at Standard Solar, said, "The community solar market in New Mexico is growing rapidly, and the real milestone is getting the project into operation to start generating electricity and save users' monthly electricity bills." "As a long-term owner and operator, we are pleased to partner with Pluma and ForeFront to help put this product portfolio into commercial operation. We will continue to operate these sites with the discipline and reliability expected by users, so that customers can see sustained bill savings and communities can access sustainable clean energy as the project scales up. ” The first community solar project in New Mexico was completed by Affordable Solar in Texas in October. The state enacted the Community Solar Energy Act in 2021, but its implementation has been slow due to regulatory and utility barriers.

• March 16, 2026

Shelf manufacturer DCE Solar is installing the first Tracker Twin single axis tracker manufactured by Axial Structural Solutions in the United States. Tracker Twin is a dual row single axis tracker designed in collaboration between DCE and Spanish manufacturer Axial Structural Solutions. The tracker is being manufactured domestically in the United States. Tracker Twin is designed specifically for the structural stability and adaptive site configuration of utility scale solar projects. Compared to other tracker models, its dual row architecture reduces the number of driver units required for tracking. DCE founder and CEO Bill Taylor said, "This installation reflects our confidence in our products, partners, and employees." "Our collaboration with Axial allows us to introduce a highly engineered tracker platform to the US market while leveraging DCE's integrated platform advantages in rack, installation, and electrical design. Launching Tracker Twin in the United States is an important milestone, and our team is executing with the discipline and precision required for this scale. ” The first project using Tracker Twin is currently under construction in New York. Its installation subsidiary DCE Services is responsible for the mechanical and electrical construction of the project.