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The urgent need to accelerate solar installations across the United States stands at the forefront of the nation's commitment to significantly decarbonize the energy grid in the fight against climate change. Achieving this ambitious target necessitates a concerted effort to overcome the existing barriers to rapid expansion. Streamlining the installation process, improving regulatory frameworks, and standardizing product names and specifications a....
As the world rapidly electrifies, the demand for clean, scalable, and cost-effective energy storage is skyrocketing. While renewable energy sources like solar and wind offer an abundant and sustainable supply of power, much of their potential remains untapped due to one major challenge: storage. The inability to store and distribute renewable energy efficiently results in enormous daily losses. The good news is that this problem has a solution: c....
Despite generally widespread support for clean, renewable energy, a growing number of solar, wind, and battery storage projects are being met with resistance at the local level. In fact, community opposition has become a leading cause of delays and cancellations, with a recent study revealing that roughly one-third of wind and solar projects are scrapped due to pushback — and nearly half experience delays of six months or mor....
The energy industry is in the midst of massive change, exacerbated by a new administration and an alarming increase in demand that has characterized the past few years. Many industry experts are closely watching the Trump administration’s rhetoric, policies, and legislation to understand what the future energy landscape may look like. However, even during this transitionary period, there are several new opportunities for battery energy stora....
Wind
William “Bud” Frabell
Energy Storage
Schaltbau North America
Solar
Robert J. Munnelly, Jr.
Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO), an advanced nuclear technology company, and its subsidiary, Atomic Alchemy Inc., have been selected for three of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) reactor pilot projects under the newly established Reactor Pilot Program. Oklo was selected for two projects, and Atomic Alchemy was selected for one.
The Reactor Pilot Program aims to demonstrate criticality in at least three test reactors by America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. The selections are expected to accelerate deployment timelines while providing operational insights that can support long-term commercial licensing and readiness. The program is part of a broader federal initiative to modernize and streamline nuclear licensing and demonstration, made possible through the executive orders signed in May 2025.
“We’re proud to be selected by the DOE for these three projects,” said Jacob DeWitte, co-founder and CEO of Oklo. “This shows that the DOE is ushering in a new era of building new nuclear in America by unleashing its unique capabilities to enable American nuclear innovators to build. The DOE is opening the door to the market so new ideas, new approaches, and new designs can be built more quickly and efficiently. American innovation is one of our strategic advantages, and the DOE’s selection of a number of projects provides a sweeping injection of urgency to meet the moment and unleash American nuclear innovation.”
These selections reflect growing national momentum behind energy innovation and the role of public-private collaboration in delivering bold solutions to America’s energy needs.
Best known for their applications in consumer electronics and electric vehicles, batteries power far more than our daily tools. Innovations in energy storage — the capture of energy produced at one time for later use — can protect against supply chain disruptions, reinforce the grid and foster U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.
At the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, researchers are advancing breakthroughs at every stage in the energy storage lifecycle. From discovering substitutes for scarce, critical materials to pioneering new, real-world applications to making end-of-life recycling more cost effective.
Energy storage offers many benefits, but it also is complicated by supply chain challenges that affect how technologies are developed and used. Over the last few decades, scientists have dramatically improved lithium-ion batteries in terms of how much energy they can store and how long they last.
As a result, they are now widely used in appliances, vehicles and on the grid. They enable the grid to be more dependable in the face of rising electricity demand and natural disasters. Lithium-ion batteries, however, rely heavily on critical elements like lithium, cobalt and nickel, which are predominantly found abroad. Consequently, battery supply chains are often vulnerable to disruption.
DOE and the national laboratories are working to protect energy infrastructure from potential supply shocks — whether from market fluctuations or national security threats. This requires safe and low-cost energy storage solutions that utilize domestic materials. To meet this need, researchers are working to improve the performance and lifespan of sodium-ion and water-based battery alternatives.
Argonne has long served as a global leader in battery science. Most notably, Argonne researchers played a key role in the development of the nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide cathode, which is in many electric vehicles today.
Currently, the laboratory is deploying artificial intelligence (AI) for materials discovery, testing cutting-edge chemistries and supporting U.S. innovation ecosystems to ensure that Argonne innovations match what the market demands.
“Batteries are a foundation for American energy abundance, and Argonne researchers can help ensure that tomorrow’s energy storage technologies are safe, efficient, long-lasting and domestically produced,” said Venkat Srinivasan, director of the Argonne Collaborative Center for Energy Storage Science and the Low-cost Earth-abundant Na-ion Storage Consortium. “Rooted in fundamental science, our approach supports the U.S. energy storage landscape through practical innovations that use a wide array of battery materials. We’re also harnessing the power of AI to accelerate the pace of discovery and leapfrog current energy storage paradigms.”
To support early-stage energy storage research, Argonne leads the Energy Storage Research Alliance, a DOE Energy Innovation Hub that includes Lawrence Berkeley and Pacific Northwest national laboratories and eleven universities across the U.S.
Argonne National Laboratory | https://www.anl.gov/
ESS Tech, Inc. (“ESS” or the “Company”) (NYSE:GWH), a leading manufacturer of iron flow long-duration energy storage (LDES) systems for commercial- and utility-scale applications, announced a significant addition to the executive leadership team with the appointment of Jigish Trivedi as Chief Operating Officer. Jigish brings over 30 years of executive experience in scaling global operations for high-growth technology companies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jigish to the ESS executive team,” said Kelly Goodman, Interim Chief Executive Officer. “His extensive experience in the energy and semiconductor sectors, combined with a proven ability to build world-class, scalable operations, is precisely what ESS needs as we execute on our strategic pivot to the Energy Base. Jigish’s leadership will be invaluable in driving operational excellence across the organization.”
Mr. Trivedi joins ESS from Electric Hydrogen, where as Senior Vice President of Operations and Global Supply Chain, he helped scale the company from 10 to over 350 employees and was instrumental to its rise to “unicorn” status. His career also includes senior leadership roles at First Solar and Micron Technology, where he led initiatives across operations, product development, and global supply chain management.
“I am excited to join ESS at such a pivotal moment in its journey,” said Jigish. “The company’s mission to enable the clean energy transition with innovative long-duration storage solutions is incredibly compelling. I look forward to working with the entire team to build a robust operational foundation and product that will support our rapid growth and deliver for our customers worldwide.”
ESS Tech | www.essinc.com
Paired Power, a leading manufacturer of solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging systems, announced the award of U.S. Patent No. 12,375,024 for its innovative PairTree solar canopy solution. The patent, titled “Solar canopy systems and methods,” formally recognizes Paired Power's proprietary approach to solar canopy installation, significantly expanding the deployment speed and accessibility of electric vehicle charging in situations with limited or no grid power. This marks the company’s fourth patent since 2016, reinforcing its position as the innovator in solar powered EV charging.
The newly patented technology covers a unique method for raising solar panels above a foundation using an integrated lift mechanism. Unlike conventional canopy installations that require elevated work, scaffolding, or external lifts, the PairTree™ system allows panels to be safely assembled at ground level before being elevated into place. This streamlined approach reduces installation time, labor costs, and safety risks, making deployment of EV charging infrastructure faster with fewer approval bottlenecks in a wider range of environments.
"Securing this patent for PairTree is a monumental achievement for Paired Power," said Tom McCalmont, CEO of Paired Power. “It embodies our commitment to making sustainable energy solutions more accessible, efficient, and deployable for everyone, everywhere. The ability to rapidly install solar canopies with minimal effort will accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by providing charging options in previously underserved locations."
PairTree reduces installation time from weeks to hours, enabling rapid deployment with immediate functionality and minimal site disruptions. Unlike traditional EV chargers that require trenching and major construction, PairTree preserves existing parking spaces and reduces or eliminates reliance on the grid during installation.
Paired Power’s signature combination of solar power and energy storage allows PairTree to create its own self-powered microgrid, further enhancing the solution’s utility for remote, off-grid or utility-constrained locations. By generating and storing its own energy, the system also empowers operators to avoid costly demand charges often levied by utilities during peak energy use. Its modular, flexible design enables fast, cost-effective EV charger deployment where and when it’s needed most.
To learn more about the PairTree system, visit https://pairedpower.com/solar-canopy-ev-charger-pairtree/. To delve further into the company’s full suite of microgrid EV charging solutions, join Paired Power on Thursday, September 18, for a live webinar at 2:00pm EDT/11:00am PDT.
Paired Power | pairedpower.com
Situated at 1664 W. Division Street, Centrum Wicker Park offers luxury living with top-tier amenities in the heart of one of Chicago's most dynamic and lively neighborhoods. These contemporary residences are designed with sleek floor-to-ceiling windows, offering abundant natural light and stunning city views. To achieve this while maintaining exceptional solar control, Hirsch MPG selected Solarban R67 glass by Vitro, ensuring both beauty and performance.
Solarban R67 glass (formerly Solarban 67 glass) offers exceptional solar control performance, surpassing expectations for its high level of transparency. It combines superior energy efficiency with remarkable color clarity and fidelity, precisely transmitting and reflecting ambient light and colors, ensuring true-to-life tones and brightness. Enhanced by its low interior and exterior reflectivity, Solarban R67 glass offers unparalleled crispness and visual clarity.
In a standard one-inch insulating glass unit (IGU), Solarban R67 delivers a visible light transmittance (VLT) of 54% and a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.29. In addition to standard clear glass, Solarban R67 glass glass can also be paired with Vitro’s low-iron substrates, Starphire Ultra-Clear glass and Acuity glass, and range of blue, green and earth-toned tinted glasses.
Centrum Wicker Park offers the perfect mix of location and style. With a Walk Score of 97, an analysis of how easy it is to complete daily errands on foot, residents have easy access to everything the neighborhood offers, including public transportation, retail shops, restaurants and green spaces like Wicker Park and Pulaski Park.
Project Credits:
· Architect: Hirsch MPG
· Fabricator: Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
· Glazier: CK2 Contracting
· Photography: Tom Kessler
Vitro Architectural Glass | vitroglazings.com
Governor Kim Reynolds has designated today, August 13th, as “Solar Day in Iowa.” In honor of the occasion, solar industry leaders and advocates came together at the Iowa State Fair to celebrate all things solar at “Solar Day at the Iowa State Fair.”
“Iowa farmers have a long history of harvesting the sun to feed, fuel and power the world,” said Ray Gaesser, Chair of the Iowa Conservative Energy Forum. “Whether it’s powering farm facilities or leasing land for utility-scale projects, solar energy is a drought-proof resource that helps farmers hedge against fluctuating commodity markets.”
The Governor’s proclamation reads:
“From rooftops to row crops, solar energy benefits Iowans in both urban and rural parts of the state,” said Todd Miller, Board President of the Iowa Solar Energy Trade Association and co-founder of 1 Source Solar. “The Iowa State Fair is the perfect backdrop to celebrate solar’s impact in Iowa, especially our rural and agriculture communities.”
Governor Kim Reynolds | https://governor.iowa.gov/
Brooklyn SolarWorks, New York City’s leading rooftop solar developer and installer, has ranked on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list for the second year in a row. This continued recognition amidst volatile markets affirms the company's strong foothold in a crucial sector. As New York City's energy demand continues to rise, and its grid faces increasing strain, the company’s consistent growth underscores the demand for and importance of localized energy generation solutions for city residents and business owners.
This year marks Brooklyn SolarWorks’ tenth anniversary, and the company’s continued growth has been fueled by their relentless focus on maximizing benefits for their customers. The company has helped over 2,000 businesses and homeowners benefit from solar power, reducing their carbon footprint while saving on energy costs. This widespread adoption of solar is important in helping to decentralize and stabilize NYC’s energy grids as demand continues to climb.
"Our growth stems from our collective expertise in the New York City market and our team's dedication to educating customers on the benefits of electrification, not just installing solar,” said T.R. Ludwig, CEO of Brooklyn SolarWorks. “We go beyond providing a product; our true value lies in our knowledge of NYC's local laws, regulations, and the incentives that make solar accessible for everyone. I commend our entire team for this recognition.”
Brooklyn SolarWorks’ has doubled in size in the last few years, with revenues increasing from $8M in 2020 to $22M in 2024, and employee count climbing to more than 80 compared to its 45 employees in 2020. Key to the company’s growth is its expertise in navigating complex city regulations and designing innovative solar systems for limited rooftop spaces to deliver sustainable energy while offsetting the city’s energy demand.
“Making the Inc. 5000 is always a remarkable achievement, but earning a spot this year speaks volumes about a company’s tenacity and clarity of vision,” says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “These businesses have thrived amid rising costs, shifting global dynamics, and constant change. They didn’t just weather the storm—they grew through it, and their stories are a powerful reminder that the entrepreneurial spirit is the engine of the U.S. economy.”
To qualify for the Inc. 5000, companies must meet stringent growth criteria – companies are required to have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2021, and have generated at least $2 million in revenue in 2024. Brooklyn SolarWorks’ inclusion in this list is a testament to its achievement and positions the company as a leader in the solar industry.
For the full list, company profiles, and a searchable database by industry and location, visit: www.inc.com/inc5000.
Brooklyn SolarWorks | www.brooklynsolarworks.com
Alternative Energies Jul 31, 2025
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The energy industry is in the midst of massive change, exacerbated by a new administration and an alarming increase in demand that has characterized the past few years. Many industry experts are closely watching the Trump administration’s rhetoric,....
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As the world rapidly electrifies, the demand for clean, scalable, and cost-effective energy storage is skyrocketing. While renewable energy sources like solar and wind offer an abundant and sustainable supply of power, much of their potential remains....
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