• August 26, 2025

Bila Solar is collaborating with Origami Solar to provide steel frame solar panels to its American customers. Bila's 550 watt dual glass solar module will be equipped with Origami's steel frame as an option, and the module will also use solar cells made in the United States. By using American made steel frames and solar cells, Bila's solar panels assembled in Indiana have increased domestic content, helping developers more easily obtain the 10% domestic content incentive for investment tax credits. The new steel frame 550-W module series will be exhibited at the upcoming RE+trade show in Las Vegas. Mick McDaniel, Vice President and General Manager of Bila Solar, said, "This cooperation closely integrates the future of renewable energy with the core manufacturing industry in the United States, further promoting the goal of the US solar supply chain returning to the US and solving practical problems for customers. Our mission has always been to build a resilient domestic solar ecosystem. By integrating Origami's innovative and high-strength steel frame and using it with US made solar cells, we can not only provide stronger and more reliable components, but also offer customers higher domestic content, helping them obtain a 10% domestic content reward. ” The agreement also takes advantage of the increasing cost competitiveness of domestic steel compared to imported aluminum affected by tariffs, making it an economically and logistically reasonable decision. Origami CEO Gregg Patterson said, "From the beginning, Origami's goal has been to collaborate with leading manufacturers such as Bila Solar to provide products that can drive the solar industry towards stronger and more reliable system performance, support US employment and national energy security, and ensure that American innovation remains at the forefront of the renewable energy transition. ” The new module series is expected to begin delivery in the second quarter of 2026.

• August 25, 2025

On August 22nd, Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill officially launching the Garden State Energy Storage Program (GSESP). According to the A5267 bill, the state will promote a competitive procurement process for grid scale energy storage while utilizing existing funds to avoid new costs for taxpayers.    The GSESP program (formerly known as the New Jersey Energy Storage Incentive Program (NJ SIP)) aims to significantly increase the energy storage capacity of the New Jersey power grid. This plan aims to directly address the issues of demand growth and insufficient supply (i.e. the root cause of the recent increase in energy storage rates), while making important contributions to the future development of clean energy in the state. This is a critical moment in the energy landscape of New Jersey, "said Christine Guhl Sadovy, President of the New Jersey Business Utility Association. The Garden State Energy Storage Program is one of our commitments to address the root causes of rising electricity prices, ultimately returning more funds to the pockets of New Jersey households. This is not only to achieve our climate goals, but also to ensure that every household can afford lighting and a comfortable living environment GSESP is a phased implementation project aimed at deploying a 2000 MW energy storage system by 2030, as mandated by the 2018 Clean Energy Act. Energy storage systems are crucial for integrating intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar energy, enhancing the grid's ability to withstand power outages, and reducing carbon emissions. This project is the result of extensive stakeholder participation over the past two years, incorporating valuable feedback from experts, environmental organizations, and public representatives from various industries.

• August 22, 2025

Global metal roof accessory supplier S-5! We are launching a new scholarship program to support individuals in pursuing further studies in the fields of architecture and solar energy. S-5! The scholarship will award a prize of $1500 to students majoring in architecture at vocational schools, community colleges, or universities. This scholarship aims to assist those who are passionate about contributing to the built environment. S-5! Founder and CEO Rob Haddock said, "Supporting the education of future architecture professionals aligns with our mission to lead, serve, and give back to the industry that shapes us. This scholarship embodies our belief that knowledge and opportunities drive progress in the construction and solar industries To qualify, applicants must be admitted to recognized vocational schools, colleges, or universities in the field of architecture; Submit an online application and two recommendation letters; Willing to work with S-5! Maintain communication and provide progress updates; And authorized to reside and study in the United States We are pleased to launch this project and help establish a strong talent pool, "said Haddock. This is a meaningful way for us to give back to society, while also supporting those who will lead and shape the future of our field The application deadline is November 1, 2025 and will be handled by S-5! Scholarship Committee review. Interested applicants can click here to learn more information and apply.

• August 21, 2025

The 1.038 MW solar carport at Richfield High School in Connecticut has now been completed. The system is expected to save the school $1.5 million over the next 25 years. The project was completed in collaboration between Davis Mountain Development Company and Connecticut Green Bank. Micah Brill, Vice President of Asset Management at Davis Mountain Development, said, "This project demonstrates the enormous potential that visionary communities and strong partners can create together. Richfield has a clear vision, and with the support of Greenshore and Patriot Renewable Energy Capital, we were able to turn this vision into reality - bringing true savings, clean energy, and long-term value to the town The project adopts an innovative financing structure, including support from Connecticut Green Bank and tax equity investment from Patriot Renewable Energy Capital. AEC Solar served as the general contractor for the project and accelerated the summer construction schedule to avoid affecting the academic year. The project also benefits from the federal investment tax credit granted by the Inflation Reduction Act, highlighting how national support policies translate into local cost savings and environmental benefits. At Green Bank, we are committed to building partnerships to make the benefits of clean energy projects a reality, including significant energy savings and creating employment opportunities for our communities, "said Marianne Cardenas Treff, Investment Director of the Connecticut Green Bank." This is the latest of multiple solar projects we have completed in collaboration with DHD Renewables and the Connecticut government. We are honored to continue providing support to help them reduce energy costs and push Connecticut closer to its clean energy goals. ” This solar energy system is uniquely integrated into four independent town and school meters, allowing for optimal utilization of on-site solar energy production and full participation in programs such as Connecticut Non Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (NRES), Zero Emission Renewable Energy Credits (ZREC), and Class I REC.

• August 20, 2025

Good Energy Solutions is pleased to announce a new partnership with Brightwell Capital aimed at accelerating the adoption of clean energy by non-profit organizations, churches, and government agencies. This plan will open the door for mission oriented organizations, helping them reduce operating costs, improve energy resilience, and reduce their carbon footprint, while also providing investors with opportunities to receive returns that align with their values. Many institutions serving the public, whether providing food for families, educating students, or offering important services, are interested in using solar energy but face significant financial barriers. Due to the inability to enjoy the same tax benefits as for-profit enterprises, many institutions have found that solar energy is out of reach. Through this new collaboration, Good Energy Solutions provides expertise in engineering and installation, while Brightwell Capital offers financing solutions utilizing tax credits, incentives, and innovative investment structures. Ultimately, these organizations can obtain solar energy without incurring high upfront costs. The working principle of this model is as follows: Investors provide eligible funding for solar and energy storage projects to non-profit organizations, churches, and public sector organizations. They receive returns through tax incentives and long-term project income, while generating measurable environmental and social impacts. Organizations can immediately save energy, reduce dependence on the power grid, and avoid the impact of rising electricity rates. By constructing the project in this way, Good Energy Solutions and Brightwell Capital enable non tax paying organizations to still enjoy the value of tax credits, effectively directing federal incentives to local communities. Kevin Good, the owner of Good Energy Solutions, stated that the collaboration with Brightwell Capital is not only about building solar projects, but also about helping organizations that work hard to serve their communities eliminate barriers. By combining our expertise in clean energy with Brightwell's innovative financing, we enable non-profit organizations, churches, and public institutions to harness the savings and resilience brought by solar energy, while also providing an effective way for impact investors to fully leverage their funds. ” For community organizations, reducing energy costs means having more funds available to fulfill their mission. For investors, this is an opportunity to participate in the transition to clean energy, while also knowing that their funds are helping schools, shelters, churches, and public services thrive.

• August 19, 2025

Indigenized Energy, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting tribal energy sovereignty, has completed its third solar energy collaboration project with Freedom Forever. The common mission of this collaboration is to bring clean energy to indigenous communities. The latest fully off grid solar and battery system is currently supplying power to a remote water buffalo farm on the North Cheyenne Reserve in Montana, providing reliable, emission free electricity to this culturally significant area that cannot be connected to the grid. This is the third deployment of solar energy projects by indigenous energy companies and the "Eternal Freedom" organization. Prior to this, they had already deployed solar energy projects in the North Shayan community, as well as the Oglalasu and Chipawakri reservations. Each project aims to create long-term community benefits, promote indigenous self-determination and environmental protection. Our goal has always been to provide our community with tools to support its prosperity, "said Cody Two Bears, founder and CEO of Indigenous Energy Company. Solar energy is not just energy - it represents sovereignty, sustainability, and hope. These projects are helping us gradually restore indigenous peoples' right to self-determination Many communities where we work do not have local solar labor or contractors, "Two Bears added. These communities are located in remote rural areas with complex environments. Freedom Forever has a strong drive to carry out these projects in places beyond market reach. This is precisely why this collaboration is so important. ” The cooperative relationship between the two parties is still constantly developing. In addition to ongoing new projects, the two institutions recently collaborated on a short documentary called 'Beautiful Energy', which tells the story of tribal solar energy students, elders, and communities working together to regain energy sovereignty and resilience. The film praises clean energy not only as infrastructure, but also as a source of healing. With the implementation of more installation projects and support for the national "National Solar Energy" plan, local energy and free eternal are not only building solar energy systems. We are honored to work alongside local energy companies and support their mission of achieving energy sovereignty through concrete and down-to-earth actions, "said Brian Eglsaer, Chief Operating Officer of Freedom Forever. These projects are not just solar installations, but also powerful measures towards long-term transformation of tribal communities

• August 15, 2025

Residential solar projects are usually built on the roof by default, as homeowners typically have a roof but may not have space in their yard to install solar arrays. If there is enough space outside the residential area to install solar energy, installing and maintaining photovoltaic arrays will be more advantageous and, in some cases, more economical. Taylor Mills runs Advancing Solar Solutions, a photovoltaic contractor located in Ripley, West Virginia. He is one of the few residential installers who works more on ground installations than on rooftops. He estimates that 65% of his business comes from ground mounted solar projects, with a portion coming from rural areas in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, which typically have ample land for such construction. I will never receive a phone call again saying, 'Hey, my roof is leaking, I think it's because of the solar panels you installed.' I no longer have to answer calls to install solar panels on the ground, "Mills said. Although this situation is not common, the cost of installing ground-based solar cell arrays by Advancing Solar Solutions is lower than that of rooftop projects. Mills shared a pricing example for a solar project that installed both rooftop and ground solar arrays for a client, with the latter being cheaper by over $3000. The cost difference is mainly due to Mills' tendency to use Enphase micro inverters in rooftop projects to meet fast shutdown needs and provide module level monitoring for customers. However, some cost saving advantages are not limited to the selection of components. Compared to courtyards, roof space may be limited. Rooftop solar arrays may be able to meet most of a household's energy needs, but the exact quantity depends on available space, while ground mounted solar arrays can provide over 100% of energy, using solar energy to deliver more electricity to the grid, resulting in higher net metering compensation and shorter system investment payback period. Hilary Fiene, Chief Office Manager of Stateline Solar, stated that the prices for residential floor and roof installations are comparable. Stateline Solar's customers are located in rural communities and towns, with approximately half of the company's residential solar power generation coming from ground installations. Rural people can choose rooftop installation instead of ground installation, while those living in the city usually can only choose rooftop installation, "Fien said. The approval process in most towns does not allow for ground installation. However, due to the large number of rural residents in our region, this has given us more opportunities for ground installation. Compared to rooftop projects, the cost of installing support structures on the ground is higher. These systems use steel brackets that need to be driven into the ground, fixed to a concrete base, or secured using non penetrating heavy-duty ballast blocks. Then connect the steel brackets to these brackets to secure the solar...

• August 14, 2025

Pivot Energy, a national independent renewable energy producer, and the University of Colorado Boulder officially started construction on a 5-megawatt DC virtual net metering solar project in Wilde County, Colorado last week. This milestone marks a new phase in the partnership first announced by both parties in July 2024, and will support the university's broader clean energy goals while advancing its climate action plan. Pivot Energy will develop, own, and operate the off-site project, which is expected to be completed in early 2026. According to a 20-year subscription agreement, the University of Colorado Boulder will benefit from the virtual net measurement program established by Colorado Senate Bill 21-261 in 2021. This project allows the university to subscribe to off-site energy production and earn points in its electricity bills, as well as 100% renewable energy credits for the project. The solar cell array will also offset the electricity consumption of the University of Colorado Boulder and advance its Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030, and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The project is cost neutral. Justin Schwartz, President of the University of Colorado Boulder, said, "The collaboration with Pivot Energy is a powerful example of how the University of Colorado Boulder leads the future with goals. We are not just talking about sustainable development - we are integrating it into our operations in a way that is both financially responsible and environmentally beneficial. ” After the completion of the project, it is expected to generate approximately 9.5 million kilowatt hours of solar energy annually. The approximately 8000 solar panels laid end-to-end in the project are enough to fill four football fields. In addition, the project will also integrate agricultural photovoltaic systems. From April to October each year, about 100 sheep will provide on-site "sheep house management" services to manage vegetation. Local ranchers will provide additional pastures at the project site. Mat Elmore, Senior Vice President of Strategic Clients at Pivot Energy, stated, "Pivot Energy is honored to collaborate with the University of Colorado Boulder on this project and looks forward to its commencement. For the largest university in Colorado and Pivot, this is a win-win situation - it not only helps the University of Colorado Boulder achieve its renewable energy goals, but also accelerates the country's transition to solar energy.

• August 12, 2025

A real estate investment group plans to transform an unfinished nuclear power plant site into an advanced manufacturing park, based on the new polysilicon manufacturer Highland Materials. The original site of the Phipsbend Nuclear Power Plant in Hawkins County, Tennessee, covering approximately 140 acres, is planned to be transformed into a "high-power, heavy-duty infrastructure destination. The nuclear power plant already has a regional transmission interconnection line owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and a 1-megawatt solar project completed in 2017. David Robbins, Managing Partner of Pivot Manufacturing Partners, said, "We are honored to invest in a unique location like Phipps Bend to support the development of Northeast Tennessee. The park integrates excellent critical mission infrastructure, rare high-voltage interconnection systems, and a licensed environment influenced by nuclear heritage - all located in an area eager for transformational capital investment. We are honored to collaborate with Highland Materials to advance their planned factory construction, and look forward to continuing to work with all local partners to make Phipps Bend the preferred destination for the next generation of high-power industrial revival. ” The Phipsbend Nuclear Power Plant was initially developed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in the late 1970s as a nuclear power plant. After the Three Mile Island nuclear accident, the project was cancelled in the early 1980s but was ultimately not completed. Although the nuclear power plant has never been put into operation, it still retains important historical heritage: important public infrastructure, strategic position in the TVA transmission network, and regional development concepts rooted in energy intensive industries. At least in the past year, there have been rumors that Highland Materials will establish a new polysilicon product factory at Phipps Bend. The company obtained a qualified advanced energy project credit (48C) of $255.6 million under the Inflation Reduction Act last year. At that time, the company stated that its initial annual production of solar grade polycrystalline silicon would be 16000 tons, and it would expand to 20000 tons, equivalent to producing 11 gigawatts of solar cells annually. Richard Lasseter, CEO of Highland Materials, stated that partnering with Pivot Manufacturing Partners is a crucial step in driving the development of Highland's polycrystalline silicon manufacturing plant in the Phipps Bend project. We are excited about the market opportunities, job opportunities created, capital investment, and continued support from the community and state government that this project brings. ”