Drafting vs. Engineering: Choosing the right partner for commercial projects

Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA), the nation’s leading trade association representing competitive retail energy suppliers, has released its 2024 energy trend report based on the latest U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data.

The report highlights that more than 16.5 million residential customers received power from competitive retail suppliers in the previous year. This represents 47.1% of the residential load in the 14 energy choice states and jurisdictions where consumers have a choice in their retail energy supplier.

EIA data also shows that 87% of power supplied to commercial and industrial customers in competitive markets came from retail suppliers. Additionally, since 2008, the average power price for all customers (residential, commercial and industrial) in competitive markets increased by 14.3%, compared to a much steeper 46.5% increase for customers in monopoly states.

“Year after year, the numbers tell a consistent story: competition works,” said Tracy McCormick, executive director of RESA. “When consumers have the freedom to choose, they gain access to innovation, competitive pricing and renewable options that meet their needs. Monopoly markets cannot offer that level of consumer empowerment.”

The EIA data further confirms that customers in monopoly states may have missed out on more than $776 billion in potential savings over the past 16 years had their price trajectory followed that of competitive states. These unrealized savings include $250.7 billion for residential customers, $322.8 billion for commercial customers, and $189.4 billion for industrial customers. By contrast, consumers in 14 competitive states and jurisdictions saved an estimated $530.6 billion between 2008 and 2024, compared to the pricing trends in monopoly states.

“Energy choice is not just about economics, it’s also about progress,” said RESA’s president, Edwin Dearman. “Competitive suppliers are leading the way in delivering sustainable energy solutions, helping states meet ambitious clean energy targets. Without competition, those goals become harder—and in many cases, impossible—to achieve.”

RESA | https://www.resausa.org

SiteCapture has partnered with Palmetto LightReach to remove the friction from this process. With a new direct integration, all required photos and data captured with SiteCapture sync seamlessly to Palmetto LightReach, ensuring lender-ready documentation is complete, accurate, and ready for rapid review.

The SiteCapture and Palmetto LightReach integration enables significant efficiency gains for solar EPCs:

Seamless Photo and Data Transfer — Photos, videos, and documentation captured in the SiteCapture mobile app sync directly to Palmetto LightReach for financing milestone review.

Prebuilt Mobile Form Templates — Prebuilt forms tailored for TPO project requirements make it easy for field crews to ensure every milestone is documented completely and correctly the first time.

Faster Milestone Funding Approvals — Error-free milestone reports that are easily submitted in a click increase first-time approval rates and slash time from milestone completion to payment.

“In a landscape where TPO financing has become essential, our partnership with Palmetto LightReach simplifies and accelerates the funding process for solar installers”, said Kamal Shah, Founder & CEO of SiteCapture. “Our integrated solution empowers installers to optimize field operations, improve quality, and get paid faster so they can be well-positioned for a post-tax credit market in 2026 and beyond.”

Case Study: EMPWR Solar

EMPWR Solar, a fast-growing solar EPC headquartered in South Carolina, has already seen dramatic results. By implementing SiteCapture and the Palmetto LightReach integration, they: 

• Cut QA/QC review time by 66%
• Doubled their first time approval rate for milestone reports
• Slashed average milestone funding time from 22 days to just 9

Read EMPWR Solar’s full case study here.

“At Palmetto, our mission is to make clean energy more accessible by removing friction from the financing process,” said Paul Platt, VP, Quality Programs, Operations. “This partnership with SiteCapture helps ensure that the documentation required for TPO projects is complete, accurate, and ready for rapid approval. Together, we’re giving installers a powerful advantage in today’s evolving solar market.”

Getting Started 

To learn more about streamlining solar field operations and TPO financing with SiteCapture’s Palmetto LightReach integration, contact [email protected].

SiteCapture | https://sitecapture.com/

Palmetto LightReach | https://palmetto.com/products/lightreach

Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, is pleased to announce that Clean Energy Associates (CEA) is now Intertek CEA, providing seamless end-to-end quality assurance solutions for its global customers as part of Intertek’s integrated portfolio. 

As the global clean energy industry continues to grow rapidly, the vast range of emerging technologies, companies, factories, markets and business models brings new challenges, risks and opportunities. 

Buyers and manufacturers are facing increasing difficulty when it comes to understanding industry trends and market dynamics, managing supply chains, negotiating contracts, ensuring high quality production, testing equipment, and performing technical and acquisition due diligence – all factors which influence large investment decisions. ​At the same time, the pace of decarbonization is intensifying and the regulatory environment is becoming more complex. This means that clean energy buyers need specialized expertise to ensure the quality of the products they count on for project success.​

Intertek CEA delivers industry-leading technical and advisory services across the solar and energy storage sectors. Its experts are uniquely positioned to help customers navigate the complex and ever-changing clean energy landscape, as well as mitigate quality, safety and investment risks by addressing dynamics in supply chains, factories, diverse markets and job sites. Having supported in projects in over 85 countries, Intertek CEA is a trusted partner to some of the world’s leading clean energy developers, owners and financiers.  

Intertek CEA’s end-to-end solutions cover the entire product lifecycle of solar, energy storage, and key balance of system components, supporting risk mitigation and improved performance. ​From product testing and certification, inline production monitoring and quality assurance, project design and in-field inspection; to supply chain management and traceability, market intelligence and technical support; Intertek CEA provides the services, expertise and in-depth industry knowledge that businesses need to advance their decarbonization and energy sustainability initiatives. ​

Sunny Rai, President, Intertek Electrical, Connected World & Transportation Technology, commented: “As soon as Clean Energy Associates joined Intertek in 2022, we began to combine our complementary services and solutions and, more importantly, identify how they can better support the global solar and energy storage sectors. We've built a solid integrated team that is actively pursuing hundreds of projects, concentrating on how we can best support our global customers with the trusted expertise they’ve come to expect. It is exciting to reach this next chapter in CEA’s history.”

Learn more about Intertek CEA’s end-to-end services.

Intertek CEA | https://www.intertekcea.com/

Geronimo Power (Geronimo) hosted a ribbon-cutting event for its 125-megawatt (MW) Jackson County Solar (Jackson County) project, bringing together project partners, landowners, and community members. The event celebrated the significant efforts made to bring the project to fruition and highlighted the substantial benefits it will bring to the local community.

"I'm thrilled to be welcoming everyone who helped us bring the Jackson County Solar project to life," said David Reamer, Chief Development Officer at Geronimo. "Every successful project starts with people – from our landowners and project partners to the local community leaders. When industry and community come together, we're boosting rural economies that are at the heart of America, and delivering dependable, reliable energy that people can count on for years to come."

Event attendees participated in a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the project, providing an up-close view of the construction process. Stops on the tour included the Callahan Substation - which will connect the project to the electric grid – as well as a tour through the panel area to learn more about the technology. The event concluded with a formal ribbon-cutting with project partners and landowners to commemorate the project nearing completion.

"Consumers Energy is excited to partner with Geronimo Power to celebrate a project that will serve our customers in Jackson County and across Michigan," said Sri Maddipati, Consumers Energy's president of electric supply. "It's important that we can develop and support new sources of Michigan-made energy that will continue meeting the needs of our growing state."

"Huge credit to Geronimo for their vision and success on the Jackson County Solar project, Barnhart for their execution, and Consumers Energy for ensuring clean, reliable power to Michigan homes," said Nextracker founder and CEO Dan Shugar. "We're especially proud that critical steel components for Nextracker's solar tracker systems were built with U.S.-sourced steel from Ohio and Indiana and manufactured locally supporting American jobs and strengthening the Midwest supply chain. This project is proof that solar power is driving U.S. economic growth and building energy security for the region." 

Once operational, Jackson County is expected to contribute over $71 million in direct economic impact to the local area. This includes $28 million in new tax revenue which will be distributed to local counties, townships and school districts. Additionally, the project is expected to generate enough clean, renewable energy to provide the equivalent electrical usage of an estimated 33,600 homes each year. Using the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator, the project is estimated to offset carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 161,300 metric tons annually – the equivalent of removing an estimated 37,600 cars off the road for one year.

Geronimo Power | www.geronimopower.com 

Leading solar energy solutions provider All Energy Solar Inc. has achieved another honor for outstanding work. For the fourth year in a row, the company earned the distinction of being named Installer of the Year for the Midwest region by Renewable Energy Corporation (REC). Leaders for All Energy Solar received the award at the RE+ national renewable energy conference in Las Vegas in September.

With over 16 years of experience in the solar industry, All Energy Solar is one of the most well-established solar providers in the Midwest. Demonstrating a consistent history of proven customer satisfaction and operational excellence, All Energy Solar continues to build on its track record of outstanding achievements.

"We're honored to be recognized as this year's REC Installer of the Year for 2025 in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year," said Michael Thalhimer, Director of Business Development at All Energy Solar. "Our team puts in hard work and thoughtful collaboration on every project, and has been a proud installer of REC products for many years. This acknowledgement affirms our dedication and commitment to offering high-quality products to our thousands of customers, year after year."

The RE+ conference is North America's largest clean energy event, attracting over 37,000 professionals and featuring 1,325 exhibits. The event highlights the vital role of clean energy in meeting the increasing power demands across the United States and worldwide. It also serves as a valuable platform for learning and sharing knowledge about solar energy, energy storage, wind energy, electric vehicles and their infrastructure, microgrids, and fuel cells.

"Being surrounded by like-minded, innovative professionals is truly inspiring. Our industry continues to evolve, delivering cutting-edge, efficient technology to communities while protecting our environment with clean energy solutions like solar and energy storage," said Thalhimer. "At All Energy Solar, we remain committed to our core values, even in the face of challenges, and strive to bring top-tier solutions to everyone we serve. In many ways, the products we choose to offer and install, like REC's line of solar panels, set the foundation for the kind of long-term growth and customer satisfaction we strive for every day."

All Energy Solar offers a variety of services, including residential solar, commercial solar, energy storage, electric vehicle chargers, smart electric panels, and roofing in limited locations. The company installs residentially in Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, and performs commercial installations nationally and internationally.

All Energy Solar | allenergysolar.com

DiagnaMed Holdings Corp. (CSE: DMED) (OTCQB: DGNMF) ("DiagnaMed" or "DMED" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC) ("QIMC") and the Témiscamingue First Nation ("TFN") to advance collaborative efforts in natural hydrogen development along the Ontario-Quebec hydrogen corridor in the Lake Témiscamingue region, located within TFN's traditional hunting and cultural territory spanning northwestern Quebec and Ontario.

This MOU strengthens DMED's partnership with QIMC and TFN to support the responsible exploration and development of natural hydrogen resources, combining advanced technology, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous knowledge to foster sustainable growth and innovation in Canada's emerging clean natural hydrogen sector.

A Framework for Partnership and Collaboration

The MOU establishes a framework for continued cooperation among DMED, QIMC, and TFN, guided by shared principles of transparency, respect, and mutual benefit. The collaboration is built upon the following commitments:

• Respect for Rights and Culture: Recognition of TFN's deep cultural, historical, and spiritual connection to the lands and waters surrounding Lake Témiscamingue.

• Environmental Stewardship: Integration of TFN's Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (ATK) into project design, environmental monitoring, and mitigation planning.

• Economic Participation: Creation of employment, training, and contracting opportunities for TFN members, supporting local capacity-building and long-term economic development.

Supporting Community Participation and Sustainable Development

Under the MOU, DMED and QIMC will support TFN's active participation in consultation, environmental monitoring, and community engagement related to natural hydrogen exploration and development activities.
In addition, DMED and QIMC will provide in-kind support for TFN-led community projects through the provision of equipment, materials, and technical expertise. Regular quarterly meetings will be held with TFN leadership to review exploration progress, employment outcomes, and environmental initiatives.

Commitment to Responsible Innovation

"This agreement represents a milestone in DMED's commitment to advancing clean energy technologies through meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities," said John Karagiannidis, President and CEO of DiagnaMed Holdings Corp. "By combining our technological expertise with QIMC's exploration experience and TFN's deep connection to the land, we are laying the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive natural hydrogen industry along the Ontario-Quebec corridor."

The partnership between DMED, QIMC, and TFN reflects a shared vision for responsible innovation, one that emphasizes respect for Indigenous knowledge, protection of the environment, and equitable participation in the rapidly growing clean natural hydrogen energy sector.

About Témiscamingue First Nation (TFN)

The Témiscamingue First Nation, located in Notre-Dame-du-Nord, Quebec, is an Algonquin (Anishinaabe) community whose traditional territory spans northwestern Quebec and Ontario around Lake Témiscamingue. TFN is dedicated to protecting its lands, culture, and environment while fostering sustainable economic development and community well-being.

DiagnaMed | www.diagnamed.com

Arevon Energy, Inc., a leading American energy developer, owner, and operator, announced its impressive rankings in the annual GRESB environmental, social, and governance (ESG) Benchmark Assessment. Arevon continues its strong performance from past years, earning the No. 1 ranking in the Americas for Renewable Power: Solar Power Generation and the No. 3 global ranking among all solar companies. 

“GRESB is more than a scorecard — it’s a reflection and acknowledgment of the meaningful work our dedicated, innovative team delivers every day,” said Kevin Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Arevon. “Each year, we use the assessment to challenge ourselves, to refine our ESG practices, and to raise the bar for what responsible energy development looks like. This recognition affirms the dedication of our team and the purposeful impact our projects have on the communities we serve.”

Arevon has participated in the GRESB Assessment for eight years, using it as a strategic tool to identify strengths, address gaps, and continually enhance its ESG program. This iterative approach has positioned Arevon as a consistent leader in advancing strong governance, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. 

Since 2009, GRESB has been the leading global ESG benchmark for infrastructure and real estate investments. Its assessments are aligned with key international frameworks, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Arevon’s dedication to ESG excellence is not just reflected in rankings — it’s embedded in every project we develop. From advancing homegrown energy to powering communities and supporting local economies, Arevon is driving meaningful change and setting a high standard for the energy industry.

Arevon Energy | arevonenergy.com