The Hidden Risk in Your Battery Storage System: Why cable cleats belong in every BESS specification

TotalEnergies announced the completion of a 4.1 MW solar and 1.55 MWh battery storage project at Sonoma State University (SSU), one of the largest solar plus battery systems in Sonoma County, California. Driven by the California State University (CSU) system-wide commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2045, the project advances campus sustainability strategy and expands TotalEnergies’ robust, decade-long partnership modernizing CSU energy infrastructure across the state. 

“Sonoma State University’s investment in solar infrastructure is a meaningful example of how CSU campuses are advancing the system’s broader goal of carbon neutrality by 2045,” said Lindsey Rowell, chief of energy, sustainability and transportation in the California State University Office of the Chancellor. “TotalEnergies has been a significant partner in this work, supporting more than 30 percent of the CSU’s solar projects across our 22 campuses.”

"For many years, TotalEnergies has had the privilege of partnering with the CSU system to advance sustainable energy across California, with more than 20 MW of completed solar and battery storage projects—and more on the way,” said Eric Potts, managing director of TotalEnergies Distributed Generation USA. “Together with SSU, we are building more than just modern energy infrastructure, we’re inspiring a cleaner, more resilient future for the next generation of climate leaders."

Powering Campus Resilience and Hands-On Education  

The solar carports, which span five campus parking lots, are expected to generate more than 7.9 million kWh of clean energy in the first year of production while also providing shade and shelter for vehicles. The site’s battery storage system captures surplus energy to be deployed when grid demand and utility costs peak, a strategy that is estimated to save the university over $5 million in utility costs over the first five years. 

Designed with advanced microgrid-ready capabilities, the system can also seamlessly isolate from the grid during localized Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) common in California to ensure critical campus infrastructure remains fully operational.

Beyond energy generation and storage, the project serves as a powerful hands-on educational tool. At Sonoma State University, faculty and students are leveraging the new infrastructure as a living laboratory to analyze real-time clean energy data for a deeper, practical understanding of today’s evolving energy landscape. 

“Projects of this scale are complex and often take years to move from concept to completion,” said Dana Twedell, SSU’s associate vice president for facilities operations and planning. “TotalEnergies was a collaborative and responsive partner, working closely with us to navigate challenges and bring the project across the finish line.” 

No Upfront Costs Drive Savings Back into Academic Priorities 

Through a structured Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), TotalEnergies fully financed, designed and constructed the solar and storage system at zero upfront cost to Sonoma State University. Under this agreement, the university purchases the clean energy generated at a rate lower than local utility prices, while TotalEnergies manages all ongoing operations, performance and maintenance.

By avoiding capital outlay, SSU was able to preserve its funds for critical campus infrastructure and core educational needs. Meanwhile, the resulting utility savings are being redirected into the Green Revolving Fund to support students, research, and academic excellence.

Sonoma State University is the latest addition to TotalEnergies’ expansive higher education portfolio, which spans hundreds of solar and storage installations across university campuses, community colleges, and K-12 school districts nationwide. 

TotalEnergies | https://totalenergies.com/

Mercom Capital Group, LLC, an integrated communications, research, and media firm focused exclusively on clean energy markets, released its report on funding and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity for the global Smart Grid sector for the first half of 2026. 

To get a copy of the report, visit: https://mercomcapital.com/product/1h-2026-funding-ma-report-smart-grid/ 

Corporate funding for Smart Grid companies, including venture capital (VC) funding, debt, and public market financing, totaled $1.9 billion across 41 deals in the first half of 2026, a 36% increase YoY compared with $1.4 billion raised across 48 deals in 1H 2025.

VC funding for Smart Grid companies in 1H 2026 decreased 35% YoY with $711 million across 34 deals, compared with $1.1 billion raised across 41 deals in 1H 2025.  

Smart Grid Communications companies accounted for the largest share of VC funding in 1H 2026, followed by Smart Charging and Distributed Generation and Integration companies. 

The top Smart Grid VC funding deals in 1H 2026 were by SPAN, which raised $163 million, plus an additional $75 million financing from Eaton; verse, with $54 million; metiundo, with $48 million; and InCharge Energy, which raised $46 million. 

Announced debt and public market financing for the Smart Grid sector totaled $1.1 billion across seven deals in 1H 2026, a 267% YoY increase compared to the $300 million raised in the same number of deals in 1H 2025. Although deal activity remained flat, the significant increase in first-half funding was driven by larger deals completed in the first quarter of 2026. 

Smart Grid corporate M&A activity increased with seven transactions in 1H 2026, a 75% YoY increase compared to four transactions in 1H 2025.  

To get a copy of the report, visit: https://mercomcapital.com/product/1h-2026-funding-ma-report-smart-grid/ 

Mercom Capital Group | http://www.mercomcapital.com

The NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York launched the Energy Storage Engine Scholars Initiative, a workforce program designed to train at least 400 scholars annually for careers in the nation's growing energy storage sector. Binghamton University, the Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University and the University at Buffalo will lead four regional coalitions spanning the NSF Engine's service region, creating a connected talent pipeline from K–12 through university training into industry placement.

"This Initiative was built through two years of listening to industry partners, students, and the institutions that will deliver it," said Tim Thomas, Chief Workforce Development Officer for the NSF Energy Storage Engine. "What emerged is a connected pathway that allows a student who first encounters energy storage in a high school workshop to follow a clear, supported route through university training and into a paid placement at a leading energy storage company or defense laboratory."

Scholars will complete technical modules aligned to the Engine's focus areas of safety, advanced manufacturing, power engineering and AI for energy storage, alongside capstone projects, innovation challenges, and paid internships with industry partners, defense laboratories, utilities and energy agencies. Community colleges within each coalition provide defined transfer pathways, while K–12 students gain early exposure to the field through STEM workshops and dual-credit opportunities.

Beginning in September, details on program categories, curricula, eligibility and application details will be available through participating university and community college partners and linked on the NSF Energy Storage Engine's website.

Four coalitions, one shared goal

"The future of energy storage will be shaped by the talent we develop today," said Dr. Atul Kelkar, Dean of Engineering at Binghamton University. "Through the NSF Engines initiative, Watson College and Binghamton University are honored to partner with regional education and industry leaders to create forward-looking pathways that prepare tomorrow's workforce while advancing Upstate New York as a national hub for energy storage innovation."

"RIT is honored to be selected as part of this important regional effort to strengthen battery workforce development in Upstate New York," said Dr. Howard Tu, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at RIT and Principal Investigator for the Rochester-based coalition. "Through the coalition, we look forward to working with our partners to build a connected pathway from K–12 through university training, preparing students for leadership in battery engineering, energy systems, and advanced manufacturing."

"Central New York is emerging as a national leader in battery innovation, and developing a strong workforce is essential to maintaining that momentum," said Quinn Qiao, Professor and Department Chair of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Syracuse University. "This award equips students at every stage of their educational journey to explore energy storage, gain hands-on experience, and pursue meaningful careers in this rapidly growing field."

"The greatest breakthroughs happen when brilliant minds are given both opportunity and purpose. Through the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York's Scholars Initiative, the University at Buffalo is helping shape students into the scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and leaders who will drive the next generation of innovation in battery and energy storage. Their success will strengthen our region, advance our nation, and secure our leadership in the energy technologies that power it," said Stacey Johnson, Director of Workforce and Industry Relations at UB's Battery and Energy Storage Program.

"Energy storage is a national priority, and the workforce we develop today will help determine whether the United States remains a global leader in this critical industry for decades to come," said Dr. Meera Sampath, CEO of the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York. "This Initiative is a strategic investment in Upstate New York's future and in the talent that will drive the nation's energy economy."

Energy Storage Engine Scholars Initiative | upstatenyengine.org 

EnPower, Inc., a U.S. manufacturer of high-power lithium-ion battery cells, and Echion Technologies Ltd, the developer of XNO niobium-based anode technology, announced a partnership to develop and manufacture in the United States, advanced battery cells for the North American industrial robotics market. Under the collaboration, formalized in a recently signed memorandum of understanding, the two companies will combine Echion's XNO active material with EnPower's cell design and manufacturing capabilities to deliver cells purpose-built for automated guided vehicles (AGVs), industrial robots like humanoid systems, and other critical infrastructure such as AI datacenter power. The agreement establishes EnPower as a North American XNO cell-manufacturing partner for these markets, and the companies intend to deepen the relationship as their joint programs advance.

The partnership comes as the United States moves decisively to secure the supply chains behind next-generation robotics. In late July 2026, the Federal Communications Commission added foreign-made humanoid, quadruped, and other mobile robots, along with connected power inverters, to its Covered List of equipment deemed to pose an unacceptable national-security risk, a step widely described as targeting China. The action echoes earlier federal measures against Chinese-made drones and restrictions on Chinese-manufactured batteries under the National Defense Authorization Act, and points to a clear trajectory: the critical technologies of the coming decade will run on bifurcated, trusted supply chains.

As industrial robotics scales across North America, manufacturers will need secure, non-Chinese sources for their most critical hardware and the battery is a common denominator across all. EnPower is among the only end-to-end "powder-to-product" North American cell manufacturers right-sized to serve robotics, mission critical systems, and critical-infrastructure customers, positioning the company to become a trusted battery partner for a nascent robotics industry competing with China.

Industrial robots live and die by uptime. Every minute that fleets of AGVs, autonomous mobile robots, and emerging humanoid and quadruped platforms spend on charging is productive time lost, and every cycle loss due to capacity fade under aggressive workloads is an accelerated capital expenditure burden. Echion's XNO anode technology is engineered for exactly these conditions, leveraging a unique material chemistry and structure to enable cells that charge in minutes, repeatedly deliver symmetric high-rate charge and discharge over tens of thousands of cycles, operate across a wide temperature range, and maintain high intrinsic safety. Unique to this chemistry is that it completely avoids the unwanted lithium plating behavior that limits fast-charging in conventional cells.

EnPower will bring that material advantage into production at its Indianapolis facility. Furthermore, EnPower intends to pair Echion's material with its own integrated ceramic separator technology for enhanced heat dissipation, thermal stability, and cell-level safety, increasingly important metrics as robots operate at higher power in close proximity to people. The combination of technologies result in a highly differentiated made-in-America cell portfolio.

"EnPower is building up battery manufacturing to unleash American autonomy," said Adrian Yao, Founder and CEO of EnPower. "The same forces that redrew the drone supply chain are now reshaping robotics, and we are right-sized to manufacture high-performance batteries purpose-built to serve these emerging critical technologies. Echion's anode material enables exactly the kind of differentiated capabilities you just can't get from commodity cells."

"XNO was built to power the industrial machines that cannot afford downtime, and the United States is moving quickly to build those machines at home," said Jean de la Verpillière, Co-founder and CEO of Echion. "We are pleased to partner with EnPower to produce XNO-enabled cells in North America. We have been impressed by the depth of their engineering capabilities and recognize domestic production as a decisive advantage for the U.S. market."

While the partnership's initial focus is industrial robotics, the companies intend to extend their collaboration across markets that share the same demands for ultra-high power, uptime, and total cost of ownership. This includes batteries to power heavy industrial vehicles, industrial hybrids, and the high-power storage required for AI datacenter load buffering. Specific programs will be formalized under separate agreements as they mature.

EnPower | https://www.enpowerinc.com/

Echion Technologies | https://www.echiontech.com/

Trinasolar, a global leader in smart PV and energy solutions, supplied its Vertex N PV modules for a 1.3 MW rooftop and carport solar PV system at Drake Plastics Ltd. Co.'s new headquarters and manufacturing facility in Cypress, Texas. Completed late in 2025, the project was engineered and installed in partnership with Spear Commercial & Industrial(Spear), a leading solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm. The commercial and industrial (C&I) solar system features 324 of Trinasolar's Vertex N PV modules (NEG19RC.20) integrated across the facility's rooftop and custom-designed carport for employees and visitors.

Through creative collaboration, Drake and Spear engineered the carport's module layout to spell out "DRAKE" in large letters. The unique design transformed the installation into both a renewable energy asset and a branded statement visible to the high volume of air traffic that flies over the Drake complex on its approach to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

Spear specified Trinasolar's Vertex N modules for their high-efficiency N-type TOPCon cell technology, which reduced the number of modules needed to meet Drake's performance goals, allowing for more design flexibility while lowering balance-of-system (BOS) costs and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Vertex N's low temperature coefficient also ensures strong output in the hot Gulf Coast climate.

The new PV system daytime output is typically 120% of Drake’s afternoon power consumption, which corresponds with their highest loads as well as peak grid demand. Drake’s goal to achieve 30% overall energy use offset has been achieved. The system is projected to deliver an internal rate of return (IRR) of nearly 20% with a payback period of under four years. It is also estimated to eliminate 719 tons of CO2 annually — equivalent to removing 137 cars from the road each year.

“Trina’s Vertex N modules let the system maximize solar energy generation despite the constrained footprint of the rooftop and carport design,” said Mark Rangel, executive vice president of Spear. “We’re pleased that it provides Drake a very attractive rate of return in a short payback period and satisfies their energy objectives cost-effectively. And we enjoyed working with Drake to inject some creativity into the project by using the modules to display a highly visible brand statement.”

“The new solar installation fulfills several important goals,” said Steve Quance, president of Drake Plastics. “It aligns precisely with our Mission Statement commitment to “Be good stewards of our environment and an asset to our community.” Our solar plant puts power into the grid when it is needed the most- doing the right thing never goes out of style. It also tracks with our “Lean” ethos to eliminate waste and inefficiency; the direct power offset provides cost benefits that help Drake compete and grow.”

The project moved from contract signing to commissioning in six months, thanks in part to the decade-long partnership between Spear and Trinasolar, which has spanned roughly 20 MW of installed capacity annually.

Download the full Drake Plastics Customer Success Story here to read more about this innovative PV system and Trinasolar’s Vertex N.

Trinasolar | https://www.trinasolar.com/en-glb/

Drake Plastics | www.drakeplastics.com 

Solect Energy, a leading commercial and public-sector solar and energy storage developer serving the Northeast, released a new market update examining how federal tax-credit deadlines, expanding building-performance requirements, and rising electricity costs are reshaping how commercial real estate owners evaluate and structure solar projects. Under current federal law, solar projects that begin construction now must be placed in service by December 31, 2027, to remain eligible for the federal investment tax credit — a timeline that remains workable for contracts in 2026, but leaves little room for delays to complete development, installation and commissioning new project purchases.

At the same time, building-performance ordinances such as Boston’s BERDO and Cambridge’s BEUDO require non-compliance payments for commercial properties that do not conform. Under BERDO, building owners may make Alternative Compliance Payments of $234 for every metric ton of CO₂e above a building’s emissions limit. Owners that remain out of compliance may also face penalties of $1,000 per day for larger covered buildings. In 2024 Massachusetts implemented Large Building Energy Reporting requirement for every building over 20,000 square feet.

“Commercial property owners are navigating the convergence of federal incentive deadlines and state and local building-performance policies, and it’s affecting our customers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York,” said Matt Shortsleeve, SVP of Policy & Marketing at Solect Energy. “Owners are evaluating properties for new solar installations now to capture 30% or 40% of project costs before federal tax credits expire. These planning meetings provide our customers clarity and more flexibility to planfully align solar investments with compliance strategies, capital plans, and long-term energy cost containment strategies across the portfolio.”

In preparation for the ITC safe-harbor deadline, Solect invested in more than 100 MW of solar equipment to support future projects. Because Solect can finance and own site-lease and power-purchase-agreement projects, deploying ITC-eligible equipment flows through to more competitive site lease payments and energy pricing. The analysis highlights Solect's work with Parsons Commercial Group, where 22 completed projects are split nearly evenly between direct ownership and Solect-financed site leases — an example highlighting winning financing structures applied property by property within a single portfolio.

Read "The Changing Economics of Solar for Commercial Real Estate," which covers the federal incentive timeline, compliance cost exposure under building-performance ordinances, ownership and financing structures, and how to evaluate a solar partner capable of executing within the current deadlines.

Solect Energy | www.solect.com

OnePlanet, a U.S.-based advanced materials recovery company, unveiled PRISM, a proprietary, fully automated process that recovers copper, aluminum, and high-purity silicon carrying ore-grade silver from end-of-life solar panels at the company's Florida facility. PRISM has completed all engineering testing, with anticipated production beginning in 2027. PRISM ("Photovoltaic Recycling through Integrated Systems and Mechanics") is the Company's next-generation, ground-up redesign of the line running at OnePlanet's commercial demonstration facility in Green Cove Springs, Florida, which has processed end-of-life crystalline-silicon modules for more than two years.

Developed over the past 15 months, the process is fully mechanical, using no thermal or chemical separation steps.

In repeated, staged testing of the complete equipment configuration, PRISM removed 99.5% of module glass at 99% glass purity before any size-reduction step; recovering clean, saleable glass while leaving the silicon- and silver-bearing cell material concentrated rather than diluted through mixed, crushed streams. Performance held on monofacial and bifacial modules alike, whether intact or storm-damaged. Proprietary downstream stages then concentrate that material into a silicon stream exceeding 95% purity carrying approximately 1% silver, as well as a 99% pure copper granulate stream, and a 99.9% pure aluminum (6063) product. The results are supported by testing at independent third-party laboratories.

"One percent silver is not a trace amount. In metallurgical terms, that's a substantial grade, richer than most mined ore," said André Pujadas, Chief Executive Officer of OnePlanet. "Combined with silicon above 95% purity, you have a single feedstock that can feed both an MGS and silver refinery under one roof. Achieving this level of purity for the silicon stream is a substantial milestone in our pursuit of entering the metallurgical grade market, while further diversifying the process to enable 5N silver."

Before co-founding OnePlanet, Pujadas spent his career in steel and metals recovery at Nucor Corporation, PSC Metals and Severstal, where he helped lead the electric-arc-furnace transformation that made recycled scrap the backbone of American steel production.

Silicon and silver were both added to the U.S. Critical Minerals List in November 2025, and both are materials the United States today imports in volume even as domestic solar and advanced manufacturing grow. OnePlanet has been awarded a $14.5 million investment tax credit allocation under the federal Qualifying Advanced Energy Project (48C) program to support construction of its first industrial-scale facility, dubbed 'River City', which will house the first fully integrated PRISM production lines.

OnePlanet's next development program is the metallurgical-grade silicon (MGS) refining process itself –designed to recover the contained silver within the refining step, so silver emerges as a second finished product – targeted for 2030. Silicon above 95% purity requires far less upgrading to reach MGS specification, significantly reducing the energy and emissions intensity of the refining step compared with producing MGS from virgin quartzite. Once the refinery is online, the silicon output from PRISM would be consumed internally, completing OnePlanet's transition from materials recovery into the multi-billion-dollar MGS and silver refining markets.

OnePlanet | www.1planetrecycling.com