• October 22, 2025

The 177-megawatt Richley Solar Project in Lackawanna County, Tennessee, is now operational for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Located approximately 100 miles north of Memphis, the project was designed by LRE. Ridgely Solar began its development in 2020 and created approximately 700 jobs during the construction process. LRE's engineering team collaborated with Nextracker and First Solar, and continues to maintain long-term partnerships with these two leading American companies. Nextracker's NX Horizon-XTR terrain-following solar tracking system, as well as First Solar's thin-film solar modules, provide industry-leading performance and reliability. "Ridgely Solar is a significant milestone for LRE's first project in Tennessee," said Eran Mahrer, Chief Commercial Officer of LRE. "This project provides reliable energy, drives investment in Lake County, and demonstrates our role as a community partner by supporting local priorities. Furthermore, by establishing long-term relationships with American technology leaders, prioritizing domestic employment and manufacturing, and integrating innovative solutions that reduce impact and accelerate deployment, Ridgely showcases a forward-thinking project that strengthens the communities where we operate and contributes to our country's long-term energy security.". ” In addition to providing reliable and affordable energy, Ridgely Solar has become a partner of the Lake County community, supporting initiatives that enhance education, safety, and family well-being. Through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Northwest, the project has funded scholarships, helped build an inclusive playground for children with disabilities, and supported local flood relief efforts in the Red Cross's South Central region. Ridgely Solar has also provided public safety infrastructure for first responders and resources to The Nest, a daycare center at Margaret Newton Elementary School that provides free childcare services to local families. "Projects like Ridgely Solar have had a lasting impact on our community," said Lake County Mayor Danny Cook. "This project expands opportunities, supports the long-term growth of Lake County, and provides reliable energy to the region."

• October 21, 2025

CleanCapital announced the official commencement of commercial operations for its latest solar project in downtown Buffalo, New York. With an installed capacity of 3.59 megawatts, the project is located on Elk Street, demonstrating CleanCapital's expertise in brownfield development and the company's ongoing commitment to distributed energy generation and the revitalization of underutilized land. The solar project is located north of the Buffalo River, covering 11 acres, and was originally part of an ExxonMobil oil depot. The project will transform a covered and lined brownfield adjacent to a wastewater treatment plant into a productive energy asset for the city of Buffalo. Through the National Grid's "Everyone Solar" (E-SFA) initiative, it will provide affordable solar power to local residents, including low- and middle-income households. The Elk Street Solar Project is part of CleanCapital's Western Electric Field (WEF) portfolio, alongside two other projects in New York—the West Shore Project in West Park and the Fork in the Road Project in Milan. These three projects provide renewable energy to National Grid customers, enhance grid reliability, stabilize energy prices, and expand community solar coverage in New York State. CleanCapital's Chief Development Officer, Paul Curran, stated: "CleanCapital is delighted that the Elk Street Solar Project has commenced operations and will continue to invest in distributed generation and brownfield development. This project exemplifies how solar energy can positively impact local communities, support grid resilience, and deliver tangible benefits to residents of Buffalo."

• October 20, 2025

On October 17, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved a key update to the Illinois Power Agency's Long-Term Renewable Resource Procurement Plan (LTRRPP) for 2024-2026, aimed at expanding solar capacity and protecting Illinois consumers from rising energy costs. The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) ruling authorizes an immediate doubling of the Adjustable Block Program (ADB)—expanding the community, commercial, and small-scale solar categories—while advancing new utility-scale competitive procurements before the gradual phase-out of the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This decision enables developers to connect hundreds of megawatts of additional affordable clean energy to the grid, while ensuring lower taxpayer costs through the efficient utilization of existing funds. "This decision represents a major victory for the future of clean energy in Illinois," said Andrew Linhares, Senior Manager for the Midwest at SEIA. "By expanding solar generation capacity, the commission is helping ensure Illinois residents benefit from lower costs, greater reliability, and well-paying local jobs. This is the forward-thinking action we need to keep Illinois at the forefront of the national renewable energy landscape." Illinois' approach stands out nationwide. While many states have slowed procurement due to uncertainty in federal policies, Governor Pritzker's administration and the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) swiftly acted to accelerate renewable energy investments. These efforts aim to create local jobs, stabilize electricity prices, and enhance grid reliability. The expanded generation capacity will also prioritize projects capable of starting construction before the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) expires, ensuring Illinois consumers and workers receive the greatest economic benefits.

• October 17, 2025

Commercial rooftop solar projects primarily utilize metal mounting systems, whether anchored with on-site concrete ballast or mechanically fastened to the roof. However, alternative materials have also been proven suitable as primary mounting structures for flat roof applications. Some manufacturers have shifted from extruded metals to specialized molded plastics, even incorporating concrete traditionally used as ballast into the shelving itself. Sun Ballast introduced its proprietary concrete anchoring technology to the United States in the fall of 2023. Founded in 2011 by Italian solar contractor Maurizio Iannuzzi, the company aimed to seek simpler solutions for Italy's complex flat roof market. Edoardo Brignoli, CEO of Sun Ballast USA, stated, "He came up with the idea of integrating ballast and brackets into a single component and began producing them in-house to facilitate installation and improve efficiency. He manufactures the brackets in the morning and installs them in the afternoon." The Sun Ballast product is a three-piece system: it features three orientations (embedded, east-west, and southward tilt of 5 to 10°), three components (concrete ballast frame, laid rubber mat, and clamping fixture for installation modules), and three weight options (32, 64, and 96 pounds). The difference between Sun Ballast and ready-mix concrete lies in its curing method. This concrete has a strength of 5,000 psi, which is the standard strength for load-bearing construction projects. "People have come to realize from painful experiences that not all concrete is created equal," Brinoli said. "We often encounter situations where installers or EPC contractors don't access the roof until ten years after the initial installation, essentially just scooping up sand that was once in blocks but has broken apart over the years due to freeze-thaw cycles.". ” The company designated the Northeast region as a test site for Sun Ballast to demonstrate its ability to withstand the winter conditions of the area. "We thought, 'If we can handle New England, we can handle the rest of the country,'" he said. Sun Ballast is cast domestically. Since concrete is non-conductive, it is awaiting UL 3741 compliance approval—which will allow contractors to meet fire safety requirements without installing rapid shutdown devices on the roof. Plastic, polymer, and fiberglass shelves DynoRaxx first entered the solar mounting market in 2007 when the company introduced a steel mounting structure, but its representatives found the assembly process cumbersome. In 2011, the company launched a mounting system made from proprietary molded fiberglass composite. The DynoGrip Evolution flat roof system is a ballasted mount that can be installed without any tools. The fiberglass material means the rack is not affected by thermal expansion like metal racks. DynoGrip is installed in areas exposed to direct sunlight, featuring UV resistance and fireproof properties, meeting UL 2703 standards. The rack ...

• October 16, 2025

EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) has completed the 180-megawatt Azalea Springs Solar Project in Angelina County, Texas. The Azalea Springs Solar Project will generate enough electricity annually to power over 27,800 average Texas households. "The Azalea Springs Solar project demonstrates the powerful role that energy infrastructure can play in building stronger, more resilient communities," said Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDPR NA. "This project serves as a model for clean energy applications—it not only provides reliable residential power to the Texas grid but also drives economic growth in Angelina County and the broader region. We are deeply proud that the Azalea Springs Solar project will generate long-term revenue for essential public services, foster local economic development, and deliver lasting benefits to Texas.". ” The Azalea Springs Solar Project has contributed over $75 million to the local and statewide economy, including $35 million in revenue for local governments to support schools, roads, and essential community services, with the remaining funds allocated for regional expenditures. The construction of the Azalea Springs Solar Project created 250 construction jobs for the local area. Additionally, EDPR NA has made donations to the Central Independent School District. "The collaboration with EDP, the Azalea Springs Solar Project, and Central ISD holds extraordinary significance for our school district," said Justin Risner, Director of Central ISD. "EDP is eager to serve students and meet their needs, far exceeding our expectations. Their team has repeatedly reached out to us and provided resources to help our students and district improve. The impact of EDP Renewables on Central ISD will be profound, benefiting not only our district but also our entire board. Central ISD deeply appreciates EDP's support and generosity and looks forward to establishing a long-term partnership between both parties.". ” With the commissioning of the Azalea Springs Solar Project, EDPR NA operates six utility-scale energy projects across the state, with a total installed capacity exceeding 1.6 gigawatts. In addition to the Azalea Springs Solar Project, these six utility-scale projects include the 386-megawatt Lone Star Wind Farm, the 300-megawatt Los Mirasoles Wind Farm, the 209-megawatt Reloj Del Sol Wind Farm, the 175-megawatt Wildcat Creek Wind Farm, and the 390-megawatt Cattlemen Solar Park.

• October 15, 2025

Floating solar mounting company Ciel & Terre has introduced Fusio, a new type of floating mounting system inspired by architectural principles in its triangular design. These floating triangular structures are installed in a honeycomb pattern to enhance stability and optimize weight distribution. Compared to its flagship floating support Hydrelio, Fusio features a more compact design, easier logistics, and shorter delivery times, aiming to achieve larger-scale construction. Additionally, Fusio occupies a smaller project footprint while having taller solar panels, thereby increasing airflow. Ciel & Terre is collaborating with CEA to develop a digital model for predicting the gains of solar panels related to airflow cooling. Considering the need for project maintenance, Ciel & Terre also developed a specially designed catamaran capable of navigating between rows of solar panels. Technicians can inspect modules, electrical equipment, and project cables aboard the vessel. Ciel & Terre launched Hydrelio in 2011, and since its introduction, the mounting system has been installed in 1.4 GW of solar projects worldwide.

• October 14, 2025

Paired Power, a manufacturer of solar microgrid systems and software, has partnered with PHNXX, an Australian modular microgrid system designer and manufacturer, to create a portable microgrid solution called PairPHXXX that does not require assembly. PairPHXXX can be installed and set up within one day, providing power to power systems with limited or no grid connections, including pastures and agriculture, construction, mining, and military applications. Other uses include emergency management and response, as well as providing power to remote communities that are off grid or lack energy infrastructure. The Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy is a 501c3 non-profit organization led by Indigenous peoples, dedicated to supporting the transition of Native American tribes from extractive energy systems to renewable energy systems. The alliance has included PairPHXXX in its preferred supplier program. According to the terms of the agreement, Paired Power and PHNXX have become approved partners to provide clean energy solutions for Native Americans and Indigenous tribes in the United States. Tom McCalmont, CEO of Paired Power, stated, "The global energy transition requires innovative solutions to expand the use of renewable energy beyond the capacity of the grid. Paired Power is the first to provide solar and energy storage systems for electric vehicle charging, and we are currently expanding other microgrid applications through PHNXX. PairPHXXX allows for the production and deployment of clean energy wherever and whenever needed, helping us reach the final frontier of decarbonization in industries and regions constrained by grid limitations and infrastructure costs. Our goal is to truly benefit everyone and every place with clean energy. ” The transportation space of PairPHXXX is equivalent to a 20 foot ISO container, transported by a flatbed trailer, and can be placed, unfolded, and powered within a day. PairPHXXX can provide solar power generation capacity of 46.4 kW, 69.6 kW, or 92.8 kW, battery storage capacity of 42.4 to 636 kWh, output power of 30 to 60 kW per container, voltage of 208 V AC or 480 V AC three-phase, or 120/240 V AC single-phase. PHNXX CEO Joel Tay said, "PairPHNXX is bringing clean energy to places where the grid cannot cover it. By combining Paired Power's energy management software with our modular microgrid, we are able to provide renewable energy to any place in need. From tribal communities and farmers to businesses and the military in remote areas, this collaboration will provide resilient clean energy for areas that cannot be covered by the power grid, and this is just the beginning

• October 13, 2025

TotalEnergies announced the completion of a 7-megawatt solar project at a closed landfill in Maryland. The solar array installed at the Parkton Landfill will supply approximately 11% of the annual electricity demand for the Baltimore County government. "This project demonstrates how Baltimore County transforms yesterday's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities," said County Executive Kacy Clawson. "We are cutting costs for taxpayers while making investments that will benefit our community for decades." It is projected that by 2028, the Harnwood Landfill Solar Project will be completed, at which point renewable energy will account for 55% of the county's power generation.

• October 11, 2025

A brand-new 218-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array is now supplying power to Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut's facility in Deerfield. The project includes solar and lighting upgrades, funded through the Green Horizon Commercial Real Estate Clean Energy (C-PACE) program. The system was installed by Facility Solutions Group based in Oxford, Connecticut. "We are deeply grateful for the collaboration with Connecticut Green Bank, which has enabled us to upgrade our facilities, install solar power and smart lighting, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability," said Robin Sharp, President and CEO of Easter Seals Capital Region and Eastern Connecticut. "What's even better is that the savings and revenue generated from these improvements will be directly reinvested into community services, allowing us to further fulfill our mission." The energy upgrade project secured approximately $714,000 in C-PACE financing. Additionally, Easter Seals utilized the direct pay option for the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) under the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that allows tax-exempt entities to access expanded clean energy technology tax credits. This provision makes it easier for non-taxpaying organizations like Easter Seals to access C-PACE and solar energy.