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Solis, a leading provider in solar energy technology, has recently received LUMA certification for its S6 Home Hybrid Energy Storage String Inverter and 25-100K 1000V Commercial String Inverters, making these products eligible for use in Puerto Rico. This certification underscores Solis’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality solar solutions designed to meet Puerto Rico's rigorous energy standards, which are essential for grid resilience in the region. This milestone marks an important step toward supporting Puerto Rico’s increasing demand for sustainable, dependable power options. The S6 Home Hybrid Energy Storage String Inverter is tailored for residential use in Puerto Rico, offering flexible, scalable energy storage that can support backup power during outages. This inverter enables homeowners to optimize their energy usage, providing both energy independence and resilience in times of need. Its design aligns well with the needs of Puerto Rican households, ensuring reliability and cost-efficiency even under the island’s unique grid demands. For commercial applications, Solis’s 25-100K 1000V Commercial String Inverters bring enhanced performance and durability, designed to handle large-scale solar installations effectively. Recently expanded to include a new 125kW model, these inverters offer Puerto Rican businesses a dependable solar solution that meets the diverse needs of the commercial sector. The robust design and efficiency of this series help companies manage energy costs and support sustainability goals while maintaining consistent performance. James Qiao, General Manager at Solis, expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing that the LUMA certification aligns Solis’s products with Puerto Rico’s renewable energy objectives. “Achieving this certification allows us to contribute meaningfully to Puerto Rico’s sustainable energy future,” Qiao noted. “We’re excited to offer our advanced solar technology to both residential and commercial customers on the island, supporting their energy resilience and efficiency.” With these certified inverters, Solis is set to play a crucial role in Puerto Rico’s push for sustainable, resilient energy solutions.

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) recently announced the launch of its FY25 SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program, designed to accelerate solar energy adoption across Maryland. With a $3.9 million budget, the grant program will provide Maryland jurisdictions with the necessary resources to implement the U.S. Department of Energy’s SolarAPP+ software. This initiative supports the Brighter Tomorrow Act of 2024, which requires local governments to adopt automated solar permitting solutions. The SolarAPP+ platform, developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, enables instant permit approvals for solar installations, significantly cutting down wait times for homeowners and installers while ensuring safety compliance. The program aims to help Maryland counties, cities, and towns cover essential costs associated with SolarAPP+ implementation, including software integration, staff training, and contractual support. MEA Director Paul Pinsky emphasized the platform’s role in Maryland's renewable energy efforts: “SolarAPP+ simplifies solar permitting, making it faster and safer for Marylanders to install solar systems. This program ensures a smoother path to clean energy for communities statewide.” The grant program’s launch has received strong backing from the Streamline Solar for Maryland coalition, a group of environmental organizations including Solar United Neighbors, Sierra Club, and the Maryland Rooftop Solar Coalition. These groups recognize the grant as a critical step toward accessible and efficient solar installations.

Bridge Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of Bridge Investment Group Holdings, has teamed up with WATTMORE, an innovative energy management software provider, to develop a 3-MW/12-MWh energy storage project in Lincoln, Nebraska. This project, in collaboration with the Lincoln Electric System (LES), aims to enhance local grid reliability and support community microgrid initiatives. Located near an electric substation, the new energy storage system will play a vital role in stabilizing the distribution grid while providing backup power during outages. LES is focused on delivering reliable and affordable clean energy, and this partnership will equip the utility with hands-on experience in advanced battery storage technology. WATTMORE will implement its Intellect Operate EMS, which utilizes machine learning and analytics to optimize battery performance. This software will manage charging and discharging cycles and monitor battery health to maximize efficiency and cost savings for LES. Eos Energy Enterprises will supply the project with its cutting-edge Eos Znyth batteries. These zinc aqueous batteries are designed for long-duration energy storage, are non-flammable, and are entirely manufactured in the United States. The Eos Znyth systems will provide a sustainable solution that meets the evolving demands of modern energy infrastructure. "This collaboration highlights the significant role that energy storage can play in enhancing grid reliability and supporting clean energy initiatives," said Justin Vagnozzi, senior VP of global sales at Eos. “By leveraging U.S.-made technology, we are contributing to a more resilient energy future.” The Bridge Renewable Energy and WATTMORE partnership represents a key advancement in Nebraska’s clean energy landscape. By focusing on innovative energy solutions, the project not only aims to improve local energy resilience but also supports broader clean energy goals throughout the region.

Middlebury College in Vermont has launched a cutting-edge 5-megawatt (MW) solar tracker array to support its renewable energy initiatives. Developed in partnership with Encore Renewable Energy and Greenbacker Renewable Energy, this solar installation, one of Vermont’s largest, will supply around 40% of the college’s energy needs, bringing Middlebury closer to its goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2028. The array features more than 15,000 solar panels equipped with single-axis trackers, which follow the sun’s movement throughout the day. This tracking capability increases the system's energy production by up to 20% compared to fixed panels, maximizing efficiency and reducing electricity costs. In addition to solar panels, the project includes a battery storage system, South Street Storage, which holds surplus energy for use during high-demand periods, improving grid reliability and campus energy resilience. Middlebury College President Lauri L. Patton emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, noting the active involvement of students and faculty in making it a reality. “This project highlights our commitment to climate justice and sustainable energy,” Patton said. “We are proud of our students for contributing to this meaningful step toward clean energy.” By integrating renewable energy credits from the array, Middlebury is advancing its sustainability goals and providing a model for other institutions. Chad Farrell, co-CEO of Encore Renewable Energy, described the project as an innovative model for affordable, customer-driven clean energy in Vermont. Owned and managed by Greenbacker Renewable Energy, this solar and storage system serves as a sustainable energy source for Middlebury while benefiting Vermont’s renewable landscape, showcasing how institutions can achieve significant environmental impact through dedicated partnerships and innovative technology.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden has taken a major step toward sustainability with the installation of a 2.8-MW solar canopy system in its main parking area. The project, led by Melink Solar and built with Terrasmart’s racking system, features nearly 5,000 bifacial solar panels that provide shade for about 800 vehicles while generating clean energy. The installation raises the zoo's total on-site solar capacity to 4.55 MW, further reducing its carbon footprint and electricity costs. By 2030, Cincinnati Zoo officials expect the increased solar output will reduce annual energy expenses to around $300,000, a significant decrease from the $1.6 million spent in 2005. This sustainability initiative will allow two-thirds of the zoo’s electricity needs to be met by solar power, according to Mark Fisher, Vice President of Facilities, Planning, and Sustainability. “The new system requires less space but nearly doubles the power generation of our original array,” Fisher stated. Additionally, the zoo is using its Community Solar Resiliency Program to support local energy needs. Through this initiative, 165 kW of solar capacity has been funded for installations at Cincinnati-area churches, schools, and community centers, helping offset energy poverty and promoting solar energy equity across the city. Terrasmart, a subsidiary of Gibraltar Industries, played a key role in the project’s completion. “This solar canopy represents our commitment to providing sustainable energy solutions,” said Yuri Reznikov, Terrasmart’s Chief Sales Officer. “We’re excited to see the positive impact this project will have for the zoo and surrounding community.” The Cincinnati Zoo’s solar expansion not only aligns with its commitment to environmental stewardship but also serves as a model for urban solar applications, contributing to both local and regional sustainability goals.

Buckhorn Children and Family Services – Rogers Cottage Recovery House, a women’s rehabilitation facility in Perry County, Kentucky, has taken a major step in sustainability by expanding its solar energy system. The facility, which provides critical recovery services for women, recently added a 26.9 kW ground-mount solar array to its existing installation. This expansion brings the total solar capacity to 47.4 kW, significantly increasing the facility’s ability to generate renewable energy and reduce its environmental impact. The expansion was made possible through a collaboration with Everybody Solar, HOMES, and the Mountain Association. With the additional 26.9 kW array, Rogers Cottage will generate an extra 36,724 kWh of clean electricity annually. This move not only helps to cut down on energy costs but also contributes to reducing the shelter’s carbon footprint, aligning with broader environmental sustainability goals. The financial savings from the expanded solar array will be directly reinvested into the facility’s recovery programs. Rogers Cottage offers vital services such as mental health support, life skills training, job preparation, and outdoor activities for women in recovery. The reduction in energy costs allows the facility to enhance these services, providing even more resources to support the participants in their journey to wellness and independence. Billy Smith, CEO of Buckhorn Children & Family Services, expressed the positive impact of the solar expansion on both the environment and the community. “This expansion not only helps us reduce our energy costs but allows us to reinvest in the lives of the women we serve. The savings we achieve will be channeled into enhancing the recovery programs and services that make a real difference.” As more nonprofits embrace renewable energy, the solar expansion at Rogers Cottage stands as an example of how clean energy can create financial sustainability and support critical community services. By reducing operational costs through renewable energy, the facility can continue to prioritize helping women in recovery while contributing to environmental conservation.

Generac Holdings has secured a $50 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as part of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership (GRIP) program. This initiative, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is designed to enhance the resilience of the U.S. power grid. In collaboration with the California Water Association (CWA), Generac will focus on deploying microgrids with battery storage solutions across 100 water utility sites in California. The project aims to improve grid flexibility, especially during extreme weather events and rising energy demands. The project will prioritize Disadvantaged Communities (DACs), with 59% of its benefits directed towards these areas. These microgrids, supported by distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS), will also function as virtual power plants (VPPs). This technology will ensure reliable backup power for water utilities during times of grid stress, reducing the reliance on traditional fossil-fueled generators. This development is particularly important given California's vulnerability to extreme weather, which has strained its aging power infrastructure in recent years. Additionally, the project is expected to generate economic benefits, including the creation of around 200 construction jobs and numerous direct positions. Local businesses owned by underrepresented groups will also benefit, with about $27 million in contracts allocated to these entities. This initiative not only addresses California's energy resilience but also aligns with the state's long-term clean energy goals, supporting its transition to a more sustainable power infrastructure. By integrating clean energy solutions into critical infrastructure, such as water utilities, Generac is playing a pivotal role in California’s journey toward a more resilient and environmentally friendly power grid. This project is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, improve air and water quality, and provide cost savings in the long run for both the state and its residents​

Solis USA has expanded its lineup of UL9540-certified energy storage solutions by partnering with Pytes HV Series batteries for the S6 Hybrid Energy Storage Inverter. This certification ensures that the S6 inverter meets high safety and performance standards for both grid-connected and off-grid energy storage systems (ESS). UL9540 certification is critical for validating the safety of energy storage devices, particularly in residential and commercial applications where reliability is essential. The UL 9540 certification includes comprehensive testing for electrical, mechanical, and environmental performance, ensuring that energy storage systems are both safe and effective. With this certification, Solis gives customers the confidence to integrate energy storage solutions that adhere to industry-leading safety standards. The addition of Pytes HV Series batteries further enhances the flexibility and efficiency of Solis’ energy storage offerings, particularly for solar energy storage and emergency backup power. The Pytes HV Series batteries combine a battery pack, high-voltage control box, and battery management system, making them highly versatile. They can be used in homes, businesses, and industrial settings for applications such as peak load reduction, power backup, and solar energy storage. This versatility makes Pytes batteries a powerful addition to Solis’ S6 Hybrid Energy Storage Inverter, offering customers a comprehensive energy solution. In addition to its collaboration with Pytes, Solis’ S6 Hybrid Inverter is UL9540-listed with a variety of other leading battery brands, including LG, BYD, HomeGrid, Fortress Power, Pylontech, Soluna, and Goldenmate. This broad compatibility allows customers to choose from a wide range of batteries to create the most effective and resilient energy system for their specific needs. Solis continues to lead the way in providing flexible, safe, and sustainable energy storage solutions for homes, businesses, and industries.

Public Storage, one of the largest self-storage companies in the U.S., has furthered its commitment to renewable energy by completing solar installations on 14 of its Minnesota properties. These projects, with a combined capacity of 2.28 MW, are part of a broader initiative to install solar energy systems across 1,300 facilities by 2025. The company’s investment in solar power supports its goals to reduce its carbon footprint while lowering operational energy costs. A standout among the Minnesota installations is the 350 kW solar array at the Como St. Paul facility, now the second-largest rooftop solar system in Public Storage’s national portfolio. The new solar systems will help these facilities generate clean energy on-site, reducing their reliance on the traditional energy grid. This move aligns with Public Storage’s long-term sustainability strategy, which aims to enhance both energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness across its properties. New Energy Equity, a company specializing in commercial solar projects, partnered with Public Storage to deliver these installations. Nick Kerwin, Senior Vice President of New Energy Equity’s Commercial and Industrial division, emphasized the importance of the collaboration. According to Kerwin, the solar projects were completed on time and will deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits, helping Public Storage meet its renewable energy targets. Public Storage’s VP of Asset Management, Gareth Thomas, highlighted how these solar projects reflect the company’s broader vision for sustainability. As part of its continued push toward solar energy, Public Storage is looking to scale its renewable energy capabilities across the country. Thomas pointed out that this expansion is not only helping Public Storage achieve its sustainability objectives but also making a positive contribution to the clean energy movement. As the company works to meet its goal of solarizing 1,300 properties by 2025, Public Storage is positioning itself as a leader in adopting renewable energy within the commercial real estate sector. By embracing solar power, Public Storage is setting an example for other companies while reducing environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable future. These solar projects demonstrate how renewable energy can offer both environmental and financial returns for large-scale commercial operations.

Excelsior Energy Capital has partnered with Proximal Energy to launch an advanced AI-powered platform aimed at revolutionizing the management of utility-scale solar and energy storage projects. This multi-year collaboration will focus on enhancing Excelsior’s 2 GWh energy storage portfolio by integrating real-time monitoring and performance optimization through artificial intelligence. The platform is designed to improve overall efficiency while ensuring long-term project sustainability in the rapidly evolving renewable energy sector. At the core of this initiative is Proximal Energy’s Agentic Asset Management system, which uses generative AI to support asset managers and operations and maintenance (O&M) providers. This system features digital agents that can instantly access critical project documents, such as warranties, contracts, and technical manuals, allowing them to respond to complex questions in real time. This capability helps asset managers make informed decisions faster, improving response times to operational challenges and minimizing downtime. The digital agents also leverage AI to analyze time-series data, identifying performance issues like outages or equipment underperformance. These insights enable asset managers to calculate key performance indicators (KPIs) and pinpoint areas for improvement. By offering real-time data-driven recommendations, the platform helps users address potential problems before they escalate, thus enhancing the overall performance of energy storage assets. Excelsior Energy Capital views this partnership as a significant step toward advancing its asset management strategy. “Integrating AI allows us to optimize our solar and storage projects like never before, improving operational efficiency while reducing costs,” said Chris Frantz, Partner and Head of Operations at Excelsior Energy Capital. The collaboration is expected to not only enhance asset performance but also reduce operational overhead, further solidifying Excelsior’s position as an industry leader in the renewable energy market. As artificial intelligence continues to transform the energy sector, Excelsior and Proximal’s innovative approach demonstrates the potential of AI to reshape how solar and energy storage assets are managed. This partnership highlights the growing role of technology in streamlining operations, extending asset life, and maximizing value for renewable energy investments.