• January 22, 2026

Earlier this month, Duke Energy Florida launched its DeBary hydrogen production and storage system in Volusia County, Florida, which is capable of producing, storing, and combusting up to 100% green hydrogen. The system is located at Duke Energy's existing DeBary solar site in Florida, which powers two electrolysis units that split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen atoms. The generated oxygen is released into the atmosphere, while the green hydrogen is transported to reinforced containers for safe storage. At times of peak energy demand, the system delivers stored green hydrogen to an existing gas turbine, which has been upgraded using GE Vernova technology to operate on a mixture of natural gas and hydrogen, or up to 100% hydrogen. "Diversified power generation is robust and reliable," said Melissa Seixas, President of Duke Energy Florida. "The DeBary hydrogen project underscores Duke Energy Florida's deep understanding of this concept and our commitment to making strategic infrastructure investments that will enable us to continue providing value to our customers while meeting their rapidly growing energy needs.". ” Green hydrogen is an on-demand energy source, so turbines can be started at any time, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. "The DeBary system can safely and reliably generate and store clean energy," said Reggie Anderson, Vice President of Regulation and Renewable Energy at Duke Energy Florida. "Duke Energy Florida is proud of this successful innovation and its lasting impact on our industry, our company, and most importantly, our customers."

• January 21, 2026

Sunstall, a utility-scale solar construction company, has launched SunRobi, a robot-assisted solar installation platform designed to accelerate, standardize, and reduce the risks associated with large-scale solar construction. SunRobi serves as the digital and operational hub for RAIS (Robotic Assisted Installation of Solar), a technology-agnostic framework that integrates robotic assistance, GPS precision guidance, AI-supported on-site intelligence, and field-proven construction expertise into a deployable solar installation value chain. Helge Biernath, President and CEO of Sunstall, stated, "At Sunstall, we have always believed that the development of solar buildings must be as rapid as the energy transition itself. "SunRobi is not just a website; it serves as a platform to realize our RAIS vision, integrating intelligent machines, GPS precision, AI-driven planning, and practical construction experience to build superior solar power plants. ” SunRobi brings together an evolving ecosystem of robotic assistance and digital construction capabilities, including: GPS-guided, operator-controlled pile driving can enhance placement accuracy and eliminate traditional string layouts Machine-assisted material handling and logistics support Robot-assisted hardware and module installation workflow Digital topographic surveying and pre-construction design verification to identify constructability issues before mobilization Conduct data-driven quality control and record-keeping from the early stages of construction While many of these systems still require human attendance and operator control, SunRobi focuses on how robotics, automation, and software intelligence can enhance human capabilities, reduce rework, and improve consistency across large sites. SunRobi does not promote a single proprietary robot or a fully autonomous system, but rather aims to be technology-agnostic. The platform is designed to integrate best-in-class robotic assistive devices, GPS systems, and software tools into Sunstall's construction workflow. This approach enables SunRobi to adapt as the technology matures — supporting multiple equipment providers, site conditions, and deployment strategies, without locking developers or EPCs into a single solution. SunRobi is not about replacing construction personnel. It is about supporting skilled operators with better tools. By reducing physical strain, improving layout accuracy, eliminating manual wire-pulling processes, and resolving design issues early on, robot-assisted workflows can help workers work safer and smarter, while maintaining full control over equipment and results. "Sunstall's role is very clear," Beirnath added. "We are integrators, connecting robot innovators with real-world construction. Our job is to transform advanced technology into deployable, financeable, and repeatable solutions on-site." SunRobi serves as a central hub for developers, EPCs, technology partners, and investors to explore how robot-assisted solar ener...

• January 19, 2026

Workers' representatives from various unions across New Jersey have formed an alliance, aiming to promote the state's clean energy economy and create new union positions. Climate Jobs New Jersey aims to address the state's escalating energy costs by implementing a statewide solar and energy storage program led by union labor. The coalition will also advocate for the state government to control the planning and procurement of energy projects to meet New Jersey's energy needs, and "ensure that workers benefit from every new project," according to a press release. "New Jersey has a long history of construction and innovation, but when it comes to building our own energy, we have lost our way. We import too much energy from outside the state, which exacerbates the rise in energy prices and takes away jobs in the energy industry," said Charlie Wowkanech, President of the New Jersey AFL-CIO and Chairman of New Jersey Climate Jobs. "Through the new agenda of New Jersey Climate Jobs, we can take control of our energy future and start building our own energy again. This will create local union jobs, bring economic growth to our communities, and provide us with the clean energy we need to meet our growing energy demand and address the climate crisis." The mission of Climate Jobs NJ will be guided by a report issued by the Cornell Institute for Climate Employment Research, which details the steps needed to strengthen the state's clean energy economy, address a warming climate, and create union jobs. "Under the leadership of workers, we can build the clean energy and infrastructure needed to address the climate crisis, while reducing energy costs and creating high-quality, family-supporting jobs. A cleaner, more resilient future will create thousands of good jobs – and we must ensure that these jobs provide good wages and benefits for New Jersey residents. This is real climate action for the working class," said Ana Maria Hill, Vice President and New Jersey Director of 32BJ SEIU. "Members of 32BJ have experienced firsthand that the climate crisis is already here. That's why we are working to expand clean energy projects in New Jersey and ensure that these projects create union jobs with good wages and benefits for workers."

• January 16, 2026

Flat roofs are traditionally home to large, low-profile solar cell arrays, designed to maximize energy output within the footprint of the building. However, some flat roofs may be more suitable for smaller solar canopies, serving as elevated shading structures on shared roofs. Compared to ground-mounted garages and canopies, roof canopies have completely different structural requirements from buildings. Solar canopies are usually installed on structural beams on the parapet or roof, rather than poured concrete columns as a foundation. Brooklyn SolarWorks, a photovoltaic contractor headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, sees the potential to install solar canopies in a city where rooftop gathering spaces far outnumber lawns. New York City fire regulations require a 6-foot clear passage from front to back and from side to side on residential buildings for firefighters to access; roof obstacles such as hatches and ventilation pipes significantly reduce the potential size of solar projects installed on rooftops. Gaelen McKee, President and Co-founder of SolarWorks in Brooklyn, said, "We knew that if [the canopy] was 9 feet tall, it should meet the fire code requirements. "We collaborated with the design studio and engineers to finalize the concept, then handed it over to the manufacturer and produced a prototype." The company has iterated on its first solar canopy, making it lighter and faster to install, yet still capable of withstanding the harsh weather conditions of New York City rooftops. Brooklyn SolarWorks is manufacturing aluminum canopy structures for its own projects, but other contractors across the country also want to build these arrays. Therefore, Brooklyn SolarWorks has begun distributing them under the name Brooklyn Solar Canopy Co. "In the end, the situation was reversed, and we actually sold more canopies to third parties than we used ourselves," said McKee. Brooklyn Solar Canopy produces four different types of canopies and garages. Its Type A frame and column truss structure can be installed on the ground or on the roof. The A-frame utilizes paired triangular supports connected at the top to the truss, with guide rails securing the solar panels. The rear truss employs upright columns as its foundation, with support trusses extending along the exterior and between the columns, topped with module guide rails. The canopy assembly can be lifted, and if there is sufficient space in the stairwell, it can also be manually transported to the roof. Installing a solar canopy requires reviewing the architectural blueprints to determine the dimensions of the rafters beneath the roof surface, their spacing, and the materials used. The base rails on the posts are parallel to the top of the masonry/parapet or other roof surface, so that the square-head bolts can be driven vertically into the rafters (usually made of wood). The connection points should be distributed across different rafters to achieve proper load distribution. "Therefore, all the ...

• January 14, 2026

The 75-megawatt Whirlpool Duck Solar Energy Center has now been put into operation, providing solar power to four communities in Florida. Whistling Duck Solar is the fourth solar site in Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA)'s Florida Municipal Solar Energy Project, completing the second phase of the 300-megawatt project. Located in Lee County near Williston, Florida, the project was constructed by Origis Energy. Homestead, Key West, Fort Worth Beach, and Winter Park will each receive power from the Hooter Duck Solar Center. With the launch of the second phase of FMSP, Homestead, Fort Worth Beach, and Winter Park first received solar power from the Ridgecrest Solar Center in December last year. As the project coordinator, FMPA engages the municipal utility companies (member-owners of FMPA) to purchase electricity from the project. Origis Energy is the builder, owner, and operator of the facility. "We are proud to continue our collaboration with FMPA and its participating members. Windpipe Solar will directly contribute to FMPA's goal of providing efficient and stable solar power to the communities it serves," said Vikas Anand, CEO of Origis Energy. "We are excited about this project joining Florida's energy infrastructure." The Wheatstone Duck Solar Energy Project commenced commercial operations in December 2025, following the 75 MW AC Rice Creek Solar Energy Center, which was completed in December 2024.

• January 13, 2026

The expansion project of the Subaru manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, now features a 204-kilowatt solar system installed by Emergent Solar Energy. Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) boasts an 820-acre campus with a monthly production capacity of 33,000 vehicles. Long recognized for its leadership in environmental practices, SIA is the first automotive assembly plant in the United States to achieve zero landfill status and has consistently invested in technologies that reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The new solar energy project continues this tradition, demonstrating how one of Indiana's largest manufacturers places renewable energy at the core of its cost control strategies and environmental aspirations. Scott Brand, President and Chief Operating Officer of Subaru of Indiana, stated, "The expanded rooftop project completed by Emergent Solar Energy further demonstrates our commitment to continuously reducing our environmental impact. By expanding the use of renewable energy at our facilities, we continue to adopt sustainable technologies to help offset our carbon footprint.". ” SIA has selected Emergent Solar Energy, headquartered in the Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette, as its partner for project design and construction. Emergent specializes in providing turnkey solar and energy storage solutions to large manufacturers and agricultural operations across the state. "Subaru of Indiana Automotive has set the standard for sustainable manufacturing in Indiana and the Midwest. We are honored to realize this vision through a solar energy project that will bring long-term energy savings, reduce emissions, and demonstrate how renewable energy can be seamlessly integrated with advanced manufacturing processes. This project reflects the possibility for industry leaders to take bold steps in addressing the future of carbon emissions," said Jeremy Lipinski, managing partner of Emergent Solar Energy. Adam Bolen, Project Manager of Emergent Solar Energy, stated, "Executing solar energy installation within a busy manufacturing campus requires rigorous safety deployment and precise coordination. We worked seamlessly with the SIA facilities team to ensure the safe and efficient installation of the array, without disrupting operations. We are very satisfied to see that the system is now providing clean energy to this impressive facility."

• January 12, 2026

Plug-in solar energy, also known as balcony solar energy, is a popular choice in Europe and is now starting to be introduced in the United States. Last year, Utah introduced legislation, becoming the first state to allow the use of a 1.2 kW plug-in solar panel system without utility approval. Now, the largest solar energy state in the country has shown interest in plug-in solar energy. Earlier this week, Senate Bill 868, drafted by Democratic Senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco, was introduced to the California Senate. The Access the Sun Act would eliminate red tape and establish statewide safety standards for portable solar systems, which are commonly found on balconies throughout Europe. Reducing permitting and interconnection barriers would enable households to generate their own clean electricity and reduce electricity costs through plug-and-play solar technology. According to the Environmental Working Group, balcony solar systems can be installed on railings or tilted in the backyard, and plugged directly into a standard 120V outlet using an integrated micro-inverter. Some plug-in systems also include batteries. The solar systems are small, typically no more than 1.2 kW, and cost little more than $1,000. UL Solutions has noticed this and has launched a new testing program for plug-in solar systems. The program is based on the evaluation of UL 3700 (Outline Investigation for Interactive Plug-in Photovoltaic Devices). It defines the construction, performance, and labeling standards for plug-in solar systems, providing a reliable foundation for manufacturers to design products that consistently meet safety and performance requirements. Ken Boyce, Chief Engineering Vice President of UL Solutions' Industrial Testing, Inspection, and Certification Division, stated, "Our new certification program for plug-in solar systems provides clear information for manufacturers and consumers, allowing them to confidently adopt plug-in solar systems. "By defining how to construct these systems, evaluate safety, and ensure safe installation, UL 3700 helps reduce potential risks and opens the way for more people to access resilient solar energy. ” Solar energy systems connected to household circuits pose certain risks, such as system overload and the potential for electricity to flow back into the lines. In addition to defining safety standards for manufacturers, UL 3700 addresses these additional risks by requiring features that reduce the risk of accidental contact with hazardous electrical components, promote safe installation, prevent overload, and prevent current from flowing in the wrong direction. Plug-in solar energy systems certified by UL 3700 are suitable for tenants and homeowners who cannot install rooftop systems and can be used to provide backup power for critical equipment during power outages.

• January 09, 2026

Residential solar operation and maintenance service provider Otovo has reached an agreement to acquire California-based solar service provider Solar Service Professionals (SSP). The acquisition of SSP is scheduled to be completed in early January, marking Otovo's entry into California, the largest residential solar + energy storage market in the United States. SSP, founded in 2017, has established a specialized solar energy service business with 38,000 installed customers. SSP will be integrated into Otovo's growing service business. Otovo will strive to convert SSP's existing California customer base to its subscription service, and this initiative is expected to increase net income by 2026. "This strategic acquisition marks a pivotal moment in Otovo's expansion into the United States, as we will launch innovative AI-based energy services in California, with the potential to expand to other markets subsequently, laying the foundation for significant growth in 2026," said William J. (John) Berger, CEO of Otovo. Otovo's integrated power partnership model combines retail electricity, energy services (operations and maintenance), and grid trading through a cloud-connected virtual power plant. Its AI-embedded Endurance platform can triage issues in real-time and arrange appropriate maintenance teams, connecting technicians, trucks, and installation equipment into a single response network. Real-time tracking functionality forms a closed loop with customers, while optimized routes improve first-time fix rates and reduce travel time.

• January 08, 2026

Terra-Gen, jointly owned by Masdar and Igneo Infrastructure Partners, has commenced commercial operations at the Lockhart CL I and II battery energy storage projects in San Bernardino County, California. The Lockhart CL I ESS project, built and located on the same site as the already operational Lockhart solar and battery resources, provides a capacity of 69 MW (276 MWh), while the Lockhart CL II ESS will add an additional 59.7 MW (238.8 MWh) of capacity. John O'Connor, CEO of Terra-Gen, stated, "California's clean energy goals are among the most ambitious in the country, and I am confident that our new Lockhart facility will positively impact the state's future through the provision of new, clean, and reliable energy sources." This 128.7 MW, four-hour lithium-ion battery energy storage system portfolio project comprises 164 battery enclosures and utilizes the existing generation tie-line connecting to the Edison Kramer Junction substation in Southern California. The utilization of resource adequacy capacity is fully contracted under two long-term resource adequacy agreements with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). Gus Luna, Chief Development Officer of Terra-Gen, stated, "We designed this expansion to seamlessly integrate with our existing facilities and maximize the use of shared infrastructure. The Lockhart Complex demonstrates our team's ability to deliver comprehensive projects on time, on a large scale, and to the highest performance and safety standards." The construction of the new factory created over 115 jobs during its peak period, and workers completed a total of over 85,000 hours of work during the construction and operational transition period.