• April 21, 2026

The Trinity-St. Peter's Episcopal Church in San Francisco is a historic landmark built in the 19th century, now equipped with a 19.74 kW solar power system. The system was installed by SunSource and supported by RE-volv and California Interfaith Power & Light (CIPL), saving the church over $261,000 in electricity costs over its lifetime. These savings will be directly reinvested into social justice initiatives, including food insecurity programs and community cleanups. "In every chapter of San Francisco's history, our church has been a constant presence in this community. Committing to solar energy ensures our doors remain open and our mission remains sustainable for the next century," said Mike Chambers, the senior warden of Trinity Saint Peter Church. "Releasing these funds means we can focus less on administrative costs and more on our neighbors. We take pride in demonstrating that a faith community with deep historical roots can lead the way toward a fairer world." Susan Stephenson, Chief Executive Officer of CIPL, added: "Faith communities have a moral mandate to lead climate solutions." "St. Peter's Trinity Church is truly inspiring, as it is a sacred space with a century-old history that embodies the future of our clean energy." This Wednesday, the church will lead an Earth Day cleanup event to showcase and invite community members to participate in their outreach program. RE-volv provided the church with a zero-down loan, enabling the congregation to start saving on energy costs from day one. RE-volv Executive Director Andreas Karelas stated, "For 175 years, Trinity-St. Paul's has been a pillar of the San Francisco community. Community leaders like Trinity-St. Paul's demonstrating their commitment to sustainability by adopting clean energy is profoundly significant. This is an example of the kind of genuine community leadership needed to address the climate crisis."

• April 20, 2026

PowerSecure, a subsidiary of Southern Company, will construct a 1.25 MW solar and 21.6 MWh energy storage project for Powder River Energy Corporation (PRECorp) in Moorcroft, Wyoming. The project aims to help PRECorp address the grid-level peak demand challenges posed by industrial growth and rural load expansion, while reducing its members' annual electricity costs and enhancing system reliability through increased reserve capacity. The system is also expected to assist PRECorp in cutting wholesale power costs by up to $1 million annually, while providing critical backup power capacity during outages and extreme conditions. "This project aims to deliver genuine value to PRECorp members," said Jim Smith, President of PowerSecure. "By combining battery storage and solar generation, we are helping the cooperative manage peak demand, enhance reliability, and control costs, while also ensuring the system is prepared to support future growth." The project is expected to take approximately two years, with the system target set for operation by 2027. PRECorp CEO Brian Mills stated, "Our value to members is always about being a trusted energy partner. The entire project is rich in technology and expertise, offering highly valuable benefits to our cooperative members."

• April 17, 2026

Blue Ridge Power Agency (BRPA) is partnering with Lightshift Energy, Central Virginia Power Cooperative (CVEC), Craig Botetourt Power Cooperative (CBEC), and Salem Power Authority to deploy a range of battery storage projects in Virginia, with the possibility of more BRPA projects in the future. The first five projects are currently under construction and are expected to be launched in 2026. The initial project portfolio will save approximately $100 million for BRPA utilities throughout the project lifecycle. BRPA General Manager Alice Wolfe said, "We are pleased to see these facilities go live and save costs for members and customers of CBEC, CVEC, and Salem. ”For some time now, the continuously rising transmission and capacity costs have been a focus of attention, and these new battery projects will begin to control these costs These five project portfolios have been strategically deployed in three CVEC locations in rural areas of Virginia, one in CBEC and one in Salem. These projects have an installed capacity of approximately 5 megawatts and are connected to the power distribution system, enabling them to bring benefits to the distribution and transmission system as well as the local community. Mike Herbert, co-founder and managing partner of Lightshift Energy, said, "As Virginia's demand for energy storage continues to increase, power cooperatives and municipal utilities are in a unique position to lead innovative applications that directly benefit their members." "By partnering with BRPA, CVEC, CBEC, and Salem, this coordinated effort demonstrates that distribution connected storage combinations can not only save significant costs for participating utilities, but also provide fast and cost-effective capacity during a time when the PJM market is competing to introduce new resources and maintain low electricity prices.

• April 16, 2026

Opterra Energy Services has completed a $33 million modernization project for the Yucapa CaliMesa Unified School District (YCJUSD) in California. In addition to upgrading lighting systems and HVAC equipment, the school district has also installed 3.1 megawatts of solar energy for 12 schools. This project represents an important step forward for our school district, "said Cathy Bogh, Chair of the YCJUSD Education Committee. We are proud to invest in modern, efficient, and sustainable facilities that directly benefit our students and faculty, while also being responsible managers of taxpayer funds. This partnership allows us to improve our school for the current student and teacher community, while responsibly planning for future development. This modernization project is expected to bring significant financial and environmental benefits, including net savings of over $42 million over 20 years. YCJUSD will also receive over $5 million in grants under the Inflation Reduction Act. In order to ensure that the improvement of project infrastructure also has a direct impact on regional education goals, the energy plan includes a customized student engagement program that provides multiple services. One of the key activities focuses on student internships, aimed at enriching YCJUSD's vision, expanding workforce development, and preparing students in the fields of energy and sustainable development. Led internally by Operra, the program is advised by the energy education team and district leaders, and includes the development of a Basic Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) learning suite that aligns with the district curriculum, which will be distributed to all elementary schools. Through the unique combination of upgrading energy infrastructure and customized education, YCJUSD's project is helping educators equip practical tools to enable students to understand sustainable development, energy, and engineering concepts. Courtney Jenkins, CEO of Opterra Energy Services, said: "Our team is very proud to support YCJUSD's vision for future success by successfully completing our project together this spring. YCJUSD's leadership demonstrates how the school district takes a proactive strategic approach to modernizing facilities while bringing measurable financial and environmental benefits. ”By utilizing a comprehensive energy plan, the school district has transformed its campus into a more efficient and sustainable learning environment without increasing community costs.

• April 15, 2026

Suniva announced that it will open its second monocrystalline silicon solar cell manufacturing plant in the United States. The company has reached an agreement to build a 4.5 gigawatt factory in Lawrence, South Carolina, expected to open in the second quarter of 2027. The factory will work together with Suniva's existing 1-gigawatt manufacturing plant on the outskirts of Atlanta to increase the company's total domestic manufacturing capacity to 5.5 gigawatts per year. Suniva has long defended the United States' leadership position in solar manufacturing. Solar energy is the fastest and most economical way to increase our country's energy supply, "said Tony Etnyre, CEO of Suniva. Our expansion means that domestically produced renewable energy will ensure America's energy future more than ever before. We are proud to collaborate with South Carolina on this important initiative Suniva has experienced a roller coaster ride in the US solar market. The company was founded in 2007 and is the largest manufacturer of dual solar cells and panels in the United States. Suniva suspended operations in 2017 due to high prices of foreign imported products, and subsequently restarted its silicon cell manufacturing business in Georgia at the end of 2024. Suniva will invest $350 million to build a 620000 foot 2 Laurens factory, which will create over 550 job opportunities. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said, "With 564 new jobs added in advanced manufacturing and energy, Suniva's decision to root in Palm State will create new opportunities for our workforce. This investment strengthens our commitment to innovative energy solutions, and we are proud to welcome Suniva to Lawrence County. ” 30 miles south of the Lawrence factory is ES Foundry's 3 gigawatt silicon solar manufacturing plant, which is currently the largest battery manufacturing plant in the country. Once Suniva's new factory opens, the company will be regarded as the largest silicon battery manufacturer in the United States.

• April 14, 2026

The University of Hawaii, Western Europe, plans to invest $14 million to build solar and storage projects on campus. The project will install a solar powered garage on the existing parking lot. Planning is underway and construction is expected to begin in August 2026. The university expects the project to generate approximately 2.38 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, which could be equivalent to a 1.3 megawatt system. This project is expected to support the broader net zero energy goals of the University of Hawaii system, contribute to the sustainable development goals of the entire system, and provide approximately 50% of the net zero energy needed to power the University of Hawaii's Western Pacific campus. The next stage of the university's efforts to achieve complete net zero emissions is to replace its coolers with new efficient devices and control systems. The upgrade plan is scheduled for the fiscal year 2027. The new photovoltaic system aims to offset 100% of the park's cooling load, significantly reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels while lowering greenhouse gas emissions, "Miles Topping, Director of Systems Energy Management at the University of Hawaii, said in a press release. Producing clean energy while providing shade is meaningful, it is the right approach, and it also enhances our resilience as a community. All campus buildings of the University of Hawaii at Western Oahu are LEED certified and equipped with energy-saving systems, with each building equipped with approximately 100 kilowatts of solar installations. The campus also utilizes rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation and benefits from proximity to public transportation, including on campus buses and railway services. The new solar energy project is implemented through multiple funding sources, including approximately one-third of campus funding, one-third of state capital improvement program funding, and one-third of federal tax incentives. The project management is led by the Project Delivery Office of the University of Hawaii and the Planning and Design Office of the University of Hawaii in Western Europe. The team also includes local industry partners Elite Pacific Construction and RevoluSun.

• April 13, 2026

Independent power producer REC Solar, commercial solar developer, and EPC Dynamic Energy have completed an 881 kW rooftop array at Kingspan Insulation North America's facility in Mendota, Illinois. This is Kingspan's third solar project in North America, which will help the company achieve its goal of 60% direct renewable energy utilization by 2030. The project utilizes Kingspan's 50000 square foot industrial rooftop space and is expected to generate approximately 1 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy annually. Realizing solar power generation at our production base is a milestone, and we are immensely proud of it, "said Kyle McEnroe, President of Kingspan Insulation North America. This project is a concrete manifestation of our commitment to 'loving the earth'. We continuously reduce operational carbon emissions, increase the use of renewable energy, and invest in long-term solutions to enhance our environmental performance and business. This is another step for us to integrate sustainable development into North American manufacturing, operation, and growth. REC Solar will own and operate the solar cell array under a 25 year power purchase agreement. In addition to the Mendota project, REC Solar also owns and operates a 1.05 MW canopy and rooftop solar cell array at its Kingspan plant in Delan, Florida, which is scheduled to be completed in 2023. Rob Jetty, CEO of REC Solar, stated, "As businesses increasingly seek strategies to reduce emissions and enhance supply chain sustainability, this project demonstrates how clean, reliable, and affordable solar energy provided through long-term power purchase agreements can help achieve these goals. By owning and operating these systems, REC Solar is proud to support Kingspan's leadership in renewable energy and its continued progress in sustainable development. ” Dynamic Energy developed and served as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company for the project. Kingspan also has a 1.36 MW rooftop solar cell array at its Winchester plant in Virginia, which was developed and built by Dynamic Energy and completed in 2024. Oliver Davis, President and Chief Operating Officer of Dynamic Energy, said: "As a trusted solar partner for Kingspan, Dynamic is honored to partner with REC Solar to deliver another rooftop solar project that supports its net zero emissions and renewable energy goals. ”As industrial electricity prices continue to rise in the United States, this project demonstrates how sustainability and sound business planning can go hand in hand. We appreciate their forward-looking approach of reducing emissions while controlling rising energy costs.

• April 10, 2026

Greensol, the US subsidiary of Greening, has started construction on a 102 MW Murch solar project located in Van Buren County, Michigan. The project developer is Heelstone Renewable Energy (Qualitas Energy). Greensol is the executing agency for Greening's renewable energy project construction in the United States, combining the group's global experience with its technological capabilities to adapt to the North American market. This model enables this Spanish company to provide turnkey EPC solutions for solar and energy storage projects for utility scale and industrial clients. Greening Executive Chairman Ignacio Salcedo said, "Through Greensol, we will continue to advance our roadmap, with the United States as a priority market. Our goal is to meet the clear needs of the North American industrial market by providing highly specialized and reliable technology partners who can execute complex solar and storage projects in a high-quality, efficient, and fully compliant manner. ” Greensol is also building an 82 megawatt solar power plant in Indiana.

• April 09, 2026

California is taking measures to approve virtual power plants (VPPs) to compete in the statewide reliability market. The Senate Energy, Utilities, and Commerce Committee voted today to approve the Clean Local Electricity Act (SB 913). Proposed by Senator Josh Becker (Menlo Park), SB 913 will provide more opportunities for solar rechargeable batteries, electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps, and other on-site energy devices to participate in California's resource adequacy program, helping to meet peak demand and reduce costs for everyone. Californians are struggling to cope with rising electricity bills, and we need to use our power grid more intelligently and cost effectively, "Becker said. We should not always build expensive new infrastructure to meet the demands of several peak periods, but should better utilize the resources already available at home. Millions of Californians already have tools such as smart thermostats, home batteries, and electric vehicles that can help support the power grid. SB 913 ensures that we can use these resources to reduce costs, minimize pollution, and improve reliability. ” The current CPUC program aims to ensure that the state has sufficient power generation capacity to meet peak energy demand, and to utilize alternative solutions to traditional power sources during periods of maximum demand, excluding most of California's growing customer on-site battery packs. CPUC does not calculate any electricity output from the customer site to the grid. Batteries in homes and businesses can only earn points for reducing customers' personal electricity consumption, and there are no incentives for the device to send electricity back to the grid. This limits the ability to create virtual power plants, which can replace more expensive and frequently polluting power plants to provide peak power generation. SB 913 provides a common sense solution that enables customer battery networks to provide more energy to VPPs. It requires CPUC to consult with CAISO and the California Energy Commission to develop a method for providing credit for energy output from customer devices to the grid. Jon Hart, Director of Policy at CALSSA, said, "Utilizing solar rechargeable batteries and other customer devices at the cheapest option is an important strategy to make energy affordable in California." "California currently has 300000 solar rechargeable batteries installed in garages, campuses, and farms across the state, with an additional 2000 added every week. They have already lowered costs for everyone, but we are not fully utilizing them. This year, the legislative body will also consider the Electricity Utilization Act (AB 1975) proposed by Congressman Nick Schultz (Burbank). The bill will require utility companies to better utilize the grid capacity already built and paid for in the state, thereby helping to lower energy prices in California. Traditionally, whenever utility companies estimate that they may need to provide more energy, they ...