Energy Storage: 2025 and Beyond

As the solar industry faces concerns over solar module defects, MaxSolar, a leading German solar developer and independent power producer (IPP), has taken a decisive step to eliminate equipment quality and project downtime risks. The company has partnered exclusively with Sinovoltaics, a global leader in photovoltaic (PV) quality assurance, to ensure 100% defect-free solar modules across its utility solar projects. 

As a prominent IPP in Germany/Europe, MaxSolar procures its PV modules from suppliers worldwide. The agreement calls for Sinovoltaics to employ its proprietary Sinovoltaics EL Mass Analysis (SELMA) technology to inspect over one million solar modules per year at PV manufacturing facilities in Europe, India, and Asia.

Unlike traditional batch sampling methods that examine only 1% to 3% of a module order, SELMA’s AI-driven defect analysis software will inspect 100% of MaxSolar’s procured modules at the factory. SELMA identifies microcracks, soldering issues, and other hidden defects. When issues are found, Sinovoltaics’ onsite inspectors ensure that every defective module is corrected or replaced, then retested before shipping.

“With our expansive utility project pipeline, quality assurance is required to ensure long-term performance and revenue,” said Christoph Strasser, CEO of MaxSolar. “Traditional sampling methods leave too much to chance — defective modules can slip through undetected, compromising solar production and profitability of entire projects. By partnering with Sinovoltaics and using their SELMA inspection, we can be confident that every module MaxSolar procures meets the highest performance and reliability standards.”

Sinovoltaics’ SELMA technology has tested more than 15 million solar modules globally since 2020. In the first half of 2024 alone, across various projects using Tier 1 manufacturers, SELMA revealed that over 12.5 MW of PV modules had non-conforming cell-inherent defects, such as microcracks and soldering anomalies. Thus, SELMA saved project developers and investors from replacing over $2 million in defective modules.

“We are excited to be supporting MaxSolar’s commitment to reducing solar project risks and ensuring the PV module quality and reliability,” said Arthur Claire, Sinovoltaics’ Director of Technology. “By utilizing SELMA’s 100% inspection and defect-prevention approach, MaxSolar is setting a new benchmark for utility developers and solar asset owners that want to reduce long-term financial and operational risks for their solar projects.”

Sinovoltaics | https://sinovoltaics.com/

MaxSolar GmbH | https://www.maxsolar.com/en/

GameChange Solar, a leading global supplier of solar tracker and fixed-tilt racking technology, announces that its MaxSpan fixed-tilt system is setting a new benchmark in efficiency and cost reduction with up to 70% fewer posts than competing systems, using as few as 96 posts per megawatt. This significant achievement is made possible by MaxSpan’s rugged design, incorporating high-strength steel and truss engineering.

The use of stronger steel enables longer spans and fewer posts, leading to reduced foundations, lower material costs, and streamlined installation. These innovations make MaxSpan an ideal solution for projects in regions with high labor costs or challenging terrains.

“MaxSpan’s low post count and robust design deliver significant cost savings, making it an ideal fixed-tilt system for streamlined installation,” said Derick Botha, Chief Commercial Officer at GameChange Solar. “This is a game-changer for developers aiming to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.”

The MaxSpan fixed-tilt system is engineered to simplify installations, reduce ground disturbance, and lower overall project expenses.

GameChange Solar | https://www.gamechangesolar.com/

Stracker Solar, a leader in elevated, high-efficiency solar tracking systems that follow the sun's path, has launched a new partner program that makes its best-in-class tracking technology available to solar professionals worldwide.

Engineered for maximum efficiency and durability, Stracker’s elevated solar trackers are a long-awaited missing link in photovoltaic efficiency. They can produce up to 50-70% more energy than traditional fixed systems while maintaining full land use below, making them ideal for parking lots, agricultural fields, and other open spaces.

The company’s solar solutions are designed to withstand extreme weather and seismic events, ensuring long-term reliability for diverse applications.

Program Opportunities

The Stracker Solar Partner Program offers four levels of collaboration:

• Distributor Partners – Authorized to sell and market Stracker Solar’s tracking systems with full access to sales support and project services.

• Installation Partners – Certified to install Stracker systems, backed by technical training and ongoing support.

• Fabrication Partners – Manufacture Stracker components in licensed regions, supporting localized production and economic growth.

• Seed Partners – Early adopters who purchase Stracker’s technology and introduce them parallel or as white label to new markets in licensed regions.

Key Advantages for Partners

• Higher Energy Output – Dual-axis tracking increases solar generation by up to 70% compared to fixed-mount systems.

• Efficient Land Use – Elevated 22 feet above ground ensuring a minimum 14-foot clearance at all times, Strackers—each occupying only a 30” round space—allow full access to parking lots, pastures, or commercial spaces beneath the panels.

• Proven Durability – Certified for 120 MPH winds, heavy snow, hail protection, and worst-case seismic events, backed by a 30-year structural warranty.

• Exclusive Market Rights – Defined partner territories prevent oversaturation and maximize business potential.

• Full Support – Partners receive access to sales, engineering, monitoring, and warranty services.

• Faster Payback – Partners provide high-efficiency solar solutions and accelerate payback for customers.

Addressing the Solar Industry’s Efficiency Challenge

Fixed solar arrays produce less energy and require larger land areas or rooftops, restricting where solar can be deployed in urban and rural settings. Stracker Solar’s high-efficiency tracking technology solves both challenges by significantly increasing energy generation per solar panel while preserving full land usability.

“Stracker Solar’s technology is a game-changer for the industry,” said Freddy Sennhauser, chair of global expansion. “Stracker’s elevated high-efficiency systems change the equation and can transform parking lots and pastures into paydirt for businesses where fixed solar has not penciled out.”

The unrivaled efficiency of Stracker Solar installations means that commercial customers can pay back projects and achieve net zero twice as fast as fixed-mounted solar. In some cases, a combination of favorable financing, local incentives, and tax credits can reduce initial capital outlay to close to zero.

“It's been a pleasure to work with Stracker Solar to bring the elevated dual-axis solar trackers to Minnesota. It is a product that has been needed for a long time. It has an excellent design and superb quality material. We did extensive research to ensure that Stracker can stand up to the test of time, and now that we have completed our first project sites, it is proving to be as advertised. The systems have produced better than expected,” said Ken Valley, president of EPF Solar.

How to Join the Stracker Solar Partner Program

Stracker Solar is now accepting distribution, installation, fabrication, and seed partners to expand the deployment of its high-efficiency solar tracking systems.

Stracker Solar | https://stracker.solar

EDP Renewables North America LLC (EDPR NA) is proud to announce the launch of its Ragsdale Solar Park (Ragsdale) in Madison Country, Mississippi. The 100 MW project, which went operational in late Q4, 2024, will provide power directly into Entergy Mississippi’s transmission system while providing economic benefits to the surrounding community. Amazon has contracted for all 100 megawatts (MW) through a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA). This newest project solidifies EDPR NA’s position as a leading renewable energy developer in the southern United States.

Development of Ragsdale was initiated in 2016 by Acadian Renewable Energy (Acadian), a joint venture between SunChase Power and Eolian, L.P. EDPR NA acquired Ragsdale from Acadian in early 2022 and subsequently completed development of the project.

In addition to generating enough energy to power the equivalent consumption of more than 15,700 Mississippi homes each year, Ragsdale will boost the local economy through a variety of local benefits. Approximately $34.6 million will be paid in taxes over the life of the project to local governments and will go towards enhancing schools, roads, and other essential services. Approximately $15 million will also be paid to local landowners, who lease a portion of their land to host the solar park’s infrastructure. Ragsdale employed more than 100 people to construct the projects and will fill up to 3 full-time positions to safely operate and perform routine maintenance on the solar park throughout its multi-decade operational life.

The construction and operations of Ragsdale will continue to increase local spending, seen primarily at restaurants, hotels, and retailers near the projects, currently amounting to approximately $2.7 million. Additionally, the project will yield environmental benefits - including saving more than 127 million gallons of water each year - which is the amount of water that conventional generation sources would need to produce the same amount of energy as the solar park. Ragsdale has also committed to a net-zero future with an expected 3,200+ solar panels – approximately 120 tons of damaged or discarded panels – to be recycled with Close the Loop Program partner, SOLARCYCLE.

“Ragsdale signifies EDP Renewables’ ongoing commitment to Mississippi, its communities, and local businesses. The opportunity to develop utility-scale solar and contract directly with customers like Amazon, who are also committed to expanding their own presence in Mississippi, has been invaluable. We are proud to aid the state’s commercial and industrial growth with homegrown energy solutions,” noted Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDP Renewables North America.

Participating in local events and opportunities to strengthen the community, EDPR NA’s development team contributed to a variety of activities throughout central Mississippi. Ranging from donating a “Jaw of Life” rescue tool to the local fire department and participating three years in a row in the neighboring county’s Pearl River clean-up to sponsoring a bass fishing tournament, Ragsdale team members have been dedicated to the deep, long-standing relationships that have to date ensured Ragsdale’s success.

During the development of Ragsdale, EDPR NA collaborated with Signal Energy and Beta Engineering to educate community leaders and stakeholders on how renewable energy can stimulate economic growth in communities.

“The team at EDPR NA is passionate about effecting positive growth within the communities where they build,” says Lindsey Launius, Director of Market Strategy for Beta. “Often, this means engaging with the community directly throughout the project lifecycle to ensure transparency and buy-in from the landowners and nearby residents. It’s an honor to collaborate alongside clients like EDPR NA and their stakeholders to help them tell their story and present a unified approach to the energy transition.”

Signal Energy and Beta Engineering provided high-voltage engineering, procurement, and construction services to interconnect Ragsdale to the grid.

EDPR NA continues to remain an active player in Mississippi’s growing renewables market. Ragsdale Solar Park is the company’s second utility-scale project in the state. Pearl River Solar Park, located near Bienville National Forest, has an installed capacity of 175 MW, generates energy equivalent to the consumption of 26,000 Mississippi homes, will pay $50+ million to local governments, and saves 222+ million gallons of water, annually.

EDP Renewables North America | www.edpr.com/north-america

Aspen Power, a leading distributed generation platform dedicated to building the clean energy future, announced multiple new financings to support its expansion across the U.S. The company announced the successful closing of an additional investment from Carlyle, building on the firm’s initial commitment in 2022, while also securing a new $142 million construction-to-term credit facility with MUFG to fund its 2025 project pipeline.

Aspen Power also announced a $50 million revolving credit facility with BMO, replacing its prior financing arrangement with Lombard Odier Asset Management Corp.

“This additional investment from Carlyle, facility from BMO, and financing from MUFG provide Aspen Power with the support and capital to accelerate renewable energy projects that deliver economic and environmental value for communities and stakeholders,” said Jorge Vargas, CEO of Aspen Power. “We are deeply grateful to Lombard for their early and steadfast support, which played a crucial role in establishing Aspen Power as a market leader. Their confidence in our vision provided the foundation for our growth, positioning us to secure new strategic partnerships like the one with BMO and to continue expanding our impact in the clean energy sector.”

“Aspen Power has consistently demonstrated strong execution in developing distributed generation projects and successfully scaling its platform to drive meaningful economic and environmental impact,” said Saurabh Anand, Managing Director, Carlyle. “We are proud to deepen our partnership and support Aspen’s continued growth. Their innovative approach and strategic vision position them as a key force in accelerating the clean energy transition.”

The Carlyle investment further solidifies Carlyle’s strategic relationship with Aspen Power and underscores the firm’s confidence in Aspen’s ability to capture emerging market opportunities within the renewable energy sector. Aspen Power will leverage these funds to accelerate the development of high-impact projects across its community solar, commercial and industrial (C&I), multifamily, and small-scale utility portfolios.

Aspen’s new facility with BMO enhances its ability to invest in project development, optimize its existing pipeline, and bring more clean energy solutions to businesses and communities nationwide.

“BMO is committed to supporting the financial progress of our customers, clients and the communities we serve – helping economies to thrive,” said Carrie Cook, Global Head of Investment and Corporate Banking, BMO. “We are proud to support Aspen Power with a development facility that will provide energy solutions for communities and businesses across the country.”

“MUFG is proud to continue our collaboration with Aspen Power through this construction-to-term credit facility,” said Alex Wernberg, Managing Director and Head of North American Power Project Finance, MUFG. “Aspen’s strong pipeline of distributed generation projects aligns with our commitment to financing innovative clean energy solutions. We look forward to supporting their efforts in expanding access to renewable energy nationwide.”

Aspen Power continues to prioritize strategic growth by partnering with property owners, municipalities, consumers, and businesses to create clean energy solutions.

Aspen Power | aspenpower.com

GAF Energy, the solar business unit of GAF, a Standard Industries company and North America's largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, is announcing the launch of Timberline Solar ES 2. The launch marks the latest evolution of the world's first nailable solar shingle first introduced in 2022. The ES 2 delivers 23% more power than its predecessor while offering enhanced installation efficiency and expanded design compatibility.

"Three years ago, we transformed the solar industry with Timberline Solar. Today, we're raising the bar again," said Martin DeBono, President of GAF Energy. "Timberline Solar ES 2 represents everything we've learned about solar roofing, enhanced by extensive feedback from contractors and homeowners. It's an innovation that delivers a solar shingle that is more powerful, even easier to install, and more versatile than ever before."

Timberline Solar ES 2 builds on GAF Energy's breakthrough approach to solar roofing. Key improvements include:

●      57 watts of power per shingle, a 23% increase in energy generation

●      Markedly more area than a traditional asphalt shingle, enabling superior installation speed

●      Enhanced StrikeZone for improved  installation efficiency

●      Compatibility with the complete GAF Timberline shingle collection

●      Refined aesthetics with smaller transition boxes and simplified wiring

The Timberline Solar ES 2 boasts an industry-defying depth of less than a quarter inch and integrates with traditional GAF shingles to create a sleek and attractive look. Timberline Solar meets a host of rigorous third-party safety standards covering both roofing and solar. The product is developed and assembled at the company’smanufacturing facilities in Georgetown, Texas, and San Jose, California. 

Consumers interested in learning more about Timberline Solar can visit: https://www.gaf.com/en-us/plan-design/homeowner-education/solar-roof

GAF Energy | 

Stardust Solar Energy Inc. (TSXV: SUN) ("Stardust Solar" or the "Company"), is pleased to report growth in its project backlog, with over $2 million in signed contracts for solar and energy storage installations set to commence in the spring of 2025 across its franchise network. Management believes that the Company is on track for a strong year in 2025 in which the Company expects to further expand its market presence.

"Our team is off to a great start in 2025, with strong project momentum that reflects both the growing demand for solar energy and the trust our clients place in us," said Mark Tadros, Founder and CEO of Stardust Solar. "With over $2 million in signed contracts across our franchise network and projects set to kick off this spring, we are excited for what is shaping up to be a strong year. We believe that the growth of our franchise network, coupled with strong industry demand, sets us up for continued success and increased market penetration across North America."

Backlog and Project Activity

Stardust Solar's backlog spans its extensive franchise network and includes a range of projects, from residential solar installations to commercial energy storage systems. Management believes that the Company's ability to secure this substantial backlog reflects its leadership in the clean energy sector and its franchise operators' trust in delivering high-quality solar solutions. With projects set to begin in the spring, Stardust Solar believes that it is positioned to continue its growth trajectory throughout 2025.

In 2024, the Company installed 1,200 kilowatts of solar capacity and 189 kilowatt-hours of energy storage, demonstrating strong operational efficiency. The current backlog is expected to ensure strong project activity in the coming months, contributing to a positive outlook for the year.

Expanding Franchise Network and U.S. Market Presence

Stardust Solar also remains focused on expanding its franchise network, with plans to surpass 100 franchise territories by the end of 2025. Strong demand for solar energy, strategic acquisitions, and favorable government incentives support the Company's expected expansion plans. The Company's growing presence in Canada and the United States positions it to continue leading the charge in renewable energy solutions across North America.

Stardust Solar | www.stardustsolar.com