It’s no secret that California is the nucleus of the solar industry in the United States, with the country’s largest market generating over 30 percent of the state’s electricity, supporting tens of thousands of jobs. The state took an early and large lead in distributed solar compared to others. This was not by luck; policymakers in Sacramento have long been aggressive advocates of solar power. A significant driver of California�....
Power grids are fundamental to the energy supply for commercial and residential electricity. There is growing energy demand around the world, and more renewable energy sources are being built all the time. Unfortunately, many existing grids and transmission networks are not equipped to handle these changes. In this article, we’ll look at some of the challenges facing power grid systems today, and the importance of expanding and modernizing them....
The United States is racing towards an electric future, with its goal of 50 percent electric vehicle (EV) sales by 2030 rapidly coming into view. This ambitious target has driven a dramatic expansion in public charging infrastructure, more than doubling since 2021 to over 192,000 stations nationwide. With the 2030 deadline looming, the pace of charger installations may not keep up with rising demand, posing an important questi....
At every recent energy industry event, the highlight reel echoes the same three themes: the clean energy transition is underway, climate change and weather volatility are now constants, and AI is reshaping how we live and work while increasing energy demand. Weather forecasting is at the intersection of these shifts, playing a pivotal role in the energy sector’s adaptation and evolution. In this article, we’ll explore how advanced forecast....
Solar
Daniel E. Chartock
Energy Storage
Emerson
Solar
Garth Schultz and Mark Cerasuolo
Meadow Ridge, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Redding, Conn., flipped the switch to solar on Wednesday, energizing an installation that will supply 897,700 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. The project is the long-time vision of Meadow Ridge’s resident-led Solar Committee and broke ground in August with the support of the community’s ownership and management company, Senior Care Development, LLC and Benchmark Senior Living.
“This is an exciting day on many levels,” said Meadow Ridge Chief Operating Officer Brett Mehlman. “We can all feel good that we are making this investment in the future of our community and our planet while realizing immediate benefits. In 2025, we expect that over 20-percent of the power we use at Meadow Ridge will be generated by solar.”
The solar arrays at Meadow Ridge will save an estimated $7.6 million in electricity costs over the life of the project while offsetting 605 metric tons of carbon each year. That’s the equivalent of the annual emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles driving over 1.5 million miles.
In a ceremony attended by state and local dignitaries, Mehlman and resident Susan Auslander symbolically energized the project by flipping a giant switch. Two of the project’s three solar arrays are on top of carports over employee parking areas. The third is on the roof of Ridge Crest, Meadow Ridge’s sub-acute rehabilitation and skilled nursing center.
“I’m so proud that we are leading by example at Meadow Ridge,” said Auslander, who has been dubbed the “Green Granny” for her work leading the Solar Committee and advocating for the project. “It took both shared vision and courage for the residents, ownership and management of Meadow Ridge to bring this project to life. I’d also like to thank all of the partners who helped make this happen.”
The project was designed and built by West Hartford-based Verogy and financed through a combination of zero-emission renewable energy credits (ZRECS) through Eversource, investment tax credits, and a commercial property-assessed clean energy (CPACE) loan from the Connecticut Green Bank.
“It has been a pleasure to work with the Meadow Ridge community to bring this solar energy project to life,” said William Herchel, CEO of Verogy. “This system not only reflects Meadow Ridge’s dedication to sustainability but also highlights what can be achieved when committed individuals come together with a shared purpose. At Verogy, we are honored to play a role in helping Meadow Ridge’s residents reduce their environmental footprint as they inspire others to embrace clean energy.”
“At the Connecticut Green Bank, we are excited to see all projects that support our state’s green economy become reality. This project is a special inspiration because it connects to our vision statement: a planet protected by the love of humanity. It shows the heart behind the project and the combined effort from the management, the installer, and especially the residents who are a driving force for this community improvement that will benefit Meadow Ridge for years to come. Congratulations to all who made this happen,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank.
Meadow Ridge | www.meadowridge.com/solar
Verogy | verogy.com
REC Group, an international pioneering solar energy company, announces a strategic initiative to support US-based solar installers expand into the growing Commercial solar market. This effort is anchored by the recent production start of the new REC Alpha Pro M solar panel, specifically engineered to meet the demands of commercial installations in the US.
As the US Commercial solar sector continues to experience strong growth, REC is enabling residential-focused installers to expand into this flourishing market. By doing so, REC aims to support the long-term sustainability of their businesses and the continued adoption of clean energy solutions across diverse markets.
“We are excited to help residential installers succeed in the Commercial space,” said Cary Hayes, President REC Americas. “The REC Alpha Pro M offers them a powerful opportunity to diversify and unlock new revenue streams.”
The REC Alpha Pro M: A Perfect Fit for Carports and Commercial Rooftop Installations
The REC Alpha Pro M solar panel is designed with cutting-edge heterojunction cell technology (HJT) to deliver superior performance, durability, and efficiency tailored to the demands of Commercial applications. With governments worldwide implementing stricter environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulations, such as the SEC climate disclosures in the U.S.A., this new panel empowers businesses and investors to successfully meet their carbon emissions reduction targets and benefit from financial security. Key features include:
Expert Insights: Leveraging Three Decades of Solar Experience
With almost 30 years of experience in the solar industry, REC Group has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of renewable energy. Its deep expertise across residential, commercial, and utility markets enables REC to deliver tailored solutions that meet evolving customer needs while providing valuable market insights.
“The Commercial solar market is in a pivotal moment,” Hayes states. “Businesses are recognizing the economic and environmental benefits of high-quality solar energy. Our long-term experience uniquely positions us to guide installers through this expansion, ensuring they can confidently meet the specific needs of commercial clients.”
REC’s commitment to innovation is exemplified by the REC Alpha Pro M, built on its advanced HJT technology. This sixth innovation based on REC’s Alpha HJT platform reflects REC’s continuous refinement since 2019. The panel offers power output from 610 to 640 watt-peak (Wp), efficiency of up to 22.5%, a leading low temperature coefficient of -0.24%/K, and a robust performance warranty of 92% after 25 years—making it a reliable choice for commercial clients.
Mark Miller, Chief Operating Officer at Legacy Solar & Electric in Illinois, proudly acknowledges REC after the successful completion of the first REC Alpha Pro M installation nationwide at the Bloomington-Normal JATC training facility: “For almost 30 years, REC has combined high-efficiency technology with sustainable business practices. Choosing REC means investing in performance and sustainability.”
Market Trends Highlight a Growing Opportunity
REC analysts believe that the Commercial & Industrial solar market continues to show strong momentum, with growth expected to increase by 13% in 2024, driven by a variety of state-level incentives and a rising focus on sustainability. REC predicts continued stability in the sector over the coming years. REC’s initiative is designed to help installers seize these emerging opportunities and build resilient, future-proof businesses.
Comprehensive Support for a Seamless Expansion
To support installers in broadening their business in 2025, REC will provide their Certified Solar Professionals:
“Our goal is to ensure our certified installers succeed in their expansion,” added Hayes. “With the REC Alpha Pro M and our suite of support services, we are equipping installers with the tools they need to thrive in their evolving solar business.”
REC Group | https://www.recgroup.com/en-us
Affter a bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives introduced the SHIPS for America Act, aiming to revitalize America's shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries, Liz Burdock, founder and CEO of Oceantic Network, issued the following response:
“The connection between offshore energy and defense lies in the shared use of maritime vessels, infrastructure, and technologies that serve both civilian energy production and military needs. Increasing the number of dual-use vessels is a strategic investment that will help the country meet our increasing energy demand and ensure our energy security. Developing a diverse and robust offshore energy industry requires dozens more new or retrofitted vessels and the SHIPs for America Act, introduced by Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Congressman Trent Kelly (R-MS), Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA), and Senator Todd Young (R-IN) would accelerate this progress by directly supporting shipyards, expanding financial incentives, and targeting investments to critical vessels for offshore energy production and national security. The resulting increase in vessel production and rule changes would enable more efficient development of offshore energy projects, including offshore wind projects, contributing to our country's energy security and availability at a time of significant demand growth. Oceantic Network welcomes the introduction of this legislation and looks forward to collaborating with Congress on its passage.”
Oceantic Network | https://oceantic.org/
Stardust Solar Energy Inc. (TSXV: SUN) (FSE: 6330) ("Stardust Solar" or the "Company"), North America's fastest-growing solar franchising company, is proud to announce the launch of its first Tesla Ride Share location in partnership with Tesla, in Sudbury, Ontario. This innovative initiative marks a significant step in a joint marketing venture designed to generate new customers for both companies while highlighting the ease of transitioning to electric vehicles.
Through this partnership, Tesla will park two Tesla vehicles at select Stardust Solar franchise locations in authorized provinces. The Sudbury franchisee, Brennen Chaput, has become the first to offer the Tesla Ride Share service, with plans to expand across all Stardust Solar locations nationwide as Tesla continues to gain provincial approvals.
"We're thrilled to kick off this exciting partnership with Tesla in Sudbury," said Mark Tadros, CEO of Stardust Solar. "This venture represents an incredible opportunity to introduce the Tesla experience to our growing network of customers while also driving interest in solar energy solutions. As people experience the convenience of Tesla's electric vehicles, we hope to showcase the advantages of pairing them with a Powerwall and solar installation."
Brennen Chaput, owner of the Sudbury franchise, expressed his excitement about the program: "This partnership is a win-win for our business and the community. It's an exciting time to be in the renewable energy sector, and having Tesla vehicles at our location gives us a unique opportunity to show customers how easy it is to embrace sustainable technology. It's a great way to introduce more people to the benefits of electric vehicles and clean energy."
The program aims to expand to all provinces across Canada for Tesla Ride Share locations, making every Stardust Solar franchise a Tesla Ride Share hub. The initiative allows customers to experience the convenience of hopping into a Tesla, driving to a nearby supercharger for a quick recharge, and returning the vehicle to the Stardust location. For Stardust Solar, this provides an avenue to engage with new customers and offer them a seamless solution by pairing their electric vehicle with a Powerwall and solar system, further driving demand for clean energy.
Stardust Solar looks forward to expanding this joint venture across Canada and beyond. It aims to transform energy consumption and revolutionize customers' experiences of sustainable living.
Stardust Solar | www.stardustsolar.com
A new independent study reveals that the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will deliver substantial economic benefits for the United States, notably growing the economy by $1.9 trillion over the next ten years. The benefits extend across the energy sector, positively impacting renewable resources, oil, gas, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and battery storage systems as well as the power sector, transportation, manufacturing, and more. Among the most significant impacts in the last two years is the substantial increase in domestic manufacturing of clean energy systems.
The report, commissioned by the American Clean Power Association (ACP) and conducted by ICF, analyzed the economy-wide impacts of the IRA’s energy tax credits, finding that the law will incentivize significant investments, create millions of jobs, and boost economic growth—having a lasting impact on the U.S. economy.
ACP is joined in support of the report findings by five organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Edison Electric Institute, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the National Hydropower Association, and the Nuclear Energy Institute. A copy of the endorsement letter may be found here.
The study examines the IRA’s impact across various sectors, including power, transportation, buildings, sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen, and manufacturing. The findings demonstrate the law’s ability to incentivize investments in clean energy technologies and infrastructure, driving economic growth and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This study underscores the immense potential of the law to drive economic prosperity and energy innovation—a powerful tool for attracting investment, creating jobs, and deploying more energy.
The report’s findings highlight the significant economic benefits that will result from the law’s implementation. Key findings include:
“The clean energy tax credits have significantly increased domestic energy production, revitalizing communities across the country and lowering consumer energy bills. By supporting our nation’s diverse array of energy resources, the IRA is strengthening our national security and enhancing economic competitiveness,” said ACP Chief Executive Officer Jason Grumet. “With energy demand skyrocketing, the American energy industry must rise together to provide electricity that is affordable, reliable, and clean. Simply put, consistent federal policy is essential to American power.”
“These provisions are catalyzing tremendous private sector investment in new manufacturing and energy infrastructure that will keep our economy competitive for decades to come and ensure the U.S. leads the world developing technologies to bolster energy security, while also reducing emissions,” said Marty Durbin, Senior Vice President for Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“Energy tax credits are driving innovation and job creation in communities across the country,” said EEI interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn. “This study further demonstrates how essential these tax credits are for U.S. economic competitiveness and for our member companies’ efforts to help keep electricity bills as low as possible for our customers.”
“The U.S. is witnessing enormous growth in electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence, onshoring of manufacturing, and other economic activity. Retaining and expanding our energy security through highly reliable nuclear energy generation allows for continued innovation and economic prosperity while supporting our national security interests. The provisions in the current tax code are crucial tools in supporting continued investment in a reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy grid of the future. The study released today demonstrates the positive impact the tax credits included in the IRA have on energy sector and the broader U.S. economy,” said Maria Korsnick, President and Chief Executive Officer at the Nuclear Energy Institute.
“NHA applauds American Clean Power Association and ICF for conducting this study, which confirms the immense benefits and opportunities for water power that are found in the Inflation Reduction Act. In our industry alone, this landmark law helps incentivize capacity additions at existing hydropower projects, new pumped storage projects, marine energy and adding generation to existing non-powered dams. These opportunities amount to billions of dollars in potential investments for water power. NHA is committed to working with the incoming administration and Congress to keep the IRA in place and make improvements to ensure that existing baseload resources at risk of premature license surrender also receive federal support. Our industry is confident that this law can help water power play a key role in implementing an all-of-the-above American energy strategy that keeps rates low and the lights on,” said Malcolm Woolf, President and CEO of NHA.
“This study underscores the Inflation Reduction Act’s pivotal role in increasing our domestic manufacturing capabilities to accelerate our economic growth and modernize and electrify our nation’s infrastructure to meet growing energy demand. NEMA’s members have already made $12 billion in investments to date around the country to strengthen domestic manufacturing. In the upcoming months, we look forward to working alongside our industry allies and with our partners in Congress and the new Administration to protect key provisions of the IRA that continue to facilitate our nation’s energy transition toward a more connected, resilient energy future,” said Debra Phillips, NEMA President and CEO.
About this report
ICF is a non-partisan, non-political company that delivers a broad and diverse range of independent, unbiased, objective analyses and related consulting services to clients. This report may not be construed as ICF’s endorsement of any policy, regulatory, lobbying, legal, or other advocacy position or organization or political party. Any conclusions presented herein do not necessarily represent the policy or political views of ICF. ICF’s services do not constitute legal or tax advice.
RatedPower, a part of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, is releasing new Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) design enhancements. RatedPower’s all-in-one software seamlessly integrates project designs with external tools such as AutoCAD, PhotoVoltaic (PV) systems, Power System Simulator for Engineering (PSS/E) and others, increasing users’ abilities to streamline workflows.
As BESS continues to dominate conversations in the renewables sector, industry experts are seeking innovative ways to optimize projects and stay ahead of emerging trends for a competitive edge. RatedPower remains at the forefront, consistently evolving its platform to meet changing market demands. In its 2024 Global Renewable Trends Report, which gathers insights from industry professionals, BESS emerged as a major focal point, highlighting its growing significance.
“The more storage, the better,” said Darren Bishop, RatedPower customer and sales team lead at Lincoln Infrastructure/Convalt Energy. “More storage means less natural gas and nuclear plants on standby to fulfill the capacity needs of the grid at high load.”
“Standalone BESS offers users more flexibility, enabling them to develop BESS projects independently of PV plants,” said Ignacio Alvarez Iberlucea, senior product manager at RatedPower. “This is a game-changer, and we're proud to lead the way as pioneers, delivering this seamless option within a single, powerful software platform.”
RatedPower stands out as the only solution on the market offering users the flexibility to design BESS for hybrid photovoltaic PV plants or as standalone systems, independent of a PV plant. With advanced tools that simplify and automate battery design, RatedPower delivers unparalleled efficiency for developers, engineering, procurement and construction firms, and more.
Key takeaways from RatedPower’s BESS design enhancements:
● This cutting-edge feature streamlines BESS design through advanced automation and precision tools, allowing users to configure plant capacity to match manufacturer specifications, optimize land use with detailed topography data, and generate accurate layouts in seconds. By automating critical processes such as grid compliance calculations, cable sizing, and layout generation, the platform eliminates the need for manual work.
● With seamless AutoCAD integration and access to more than 400 editable technical documents, RatedPower empowers developers and engineers to maximize installed capacity, enhance project efficiency and simplify workflows.
● Additionally, users will have access to a BESS arbitrage system, enabling them to optimize their project profits by calculating the ideal charge and discharge levels based on energy prices, degradation, PV production and other key factors.
● RatedPower’s integrated tool enables users to seamlessly incorporate their designs with other essential software for project completion. In addition to AutoCAD compatibility, users can export designs and connect projects with leading power system analysis tools such as PSS/E, PowerFactory and ETAP.
● This new integration enhances project accuracy, minimizes manual effort, reduces the risk of errors and costs, and accelerates overall project workflows.
A screenshot from RatedPower’s most recent design enhancement which enables streamlined standalone BESS site creation and project design, enhancing efficiency and precision.
Additional Resources:
Register and watch this 45-minute, recorded webinar to discover how RatedPower’s innovative features can enhance workflow, enhance project efficiency, and unlock new revenue opportunities.
RatedPower | https://ratedpower.com/
Enverus | https://www.enverus.com/
Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI) ("Dragonfly Energy" or the "Company"), an industry leader in energy storage and battery technology, announced that it has secured a large purchase order for delivery of the Company's Battle Born All-Electric APUs from Stevens Transport, Inc., (“Stevens Transport”) one of the largest temperature-controlled freight carriers in North America. This partnership represents the latest milestone in Stevens Transport's ongoing mission to lead the trucking industry in adopting advanced, environmentally sustainable transportation solutions. As a family-owned and operated full truckload (FTL) carrier with operations across North America, Stevens Transport continues to demonstrate its commitment to state-of-the-art technology, efficiency, and sustainability.
After extensive testing and trials, Stevens Transport has committed to transitioning its entire fleet of 2,500 trucks to Dragonfly Energy's lithium power solutions. Implementation will begin with equipping 100 trucks with the Battle Born all-electric APUs in the first quarter of 2025, continuing through entire fleet completion. This commitment solidifies Dragonfly Energy as a key technology partner in the advancement of Stevens Transport’s fleet and furthers their commitment to reducing carbon emissions, enhancing fuel efficiency, and leading the logistics industry in practical, scalable green initiatives.
The Battle Born All-Electric APU (auxiliary power unit) is an advanced lithium-ion battery system that provides ample wattage to run auxiliary power on trucks, even when a truck's engine is not running. The product grants increased comfort to drivers by allowing the operation of HVAC, appliances, and other electronics while the truck is off. The product produces zero harmful emissions and eliminates the need for loud engine idling. The unit recharges during drivetime and reduces fuel costs while increasing sustainability through emission reductions.
While many companies in the transportation industry remain focused on full electrification of fleets, Stevens Transport and Dragonfly Energy are championing a more immediate and attainable approach: hybrid electrification. This strategy combines a combustion engine alongside lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, providing a cost-effective, sustainable solution that enhances fleet performance and decreases operational costs.
"Stevens Transport's decision to partner with Dragonfly Energy underscores their recognition that hybrid electrification is the practical next step in fleet sustainability," said Wade Seaburg, chief revenue officer for Dragonfly Energy. "Our All-Electric APU system is designed to deliver real-world benefits, combining reduced emissions with cost efficiencies and enhanced driver comfort. We're proud to support Stevens Transport as they lead the charge toward a more sustainable future."
By integrating Dragonfly Energy's Battle Born All-Electric APU system into its operations, Stevens Transport is reaffirming its position as a forward-thinking leader in the logistics sector. As more companies recognize the benefits of hybridization, this partnership sets a compelling precedent for sustainable innovation in trucking.
"At Stevens Transport, we're committed to integrating innovative, high-performance technologies into our operations," said Clay Aaron, president of Stevens Transport, Inc. "Dragonfly Energy's advanced battery solutions made them the clear choice for this partnership. The results from our testing and pilot phase exceeded our expectations in both performance and reliability. This initiative sets a new standard in not only enhancing our operational efficiency but in redefining the future of transportation."
Dragonfly Energy | https://dragonflyenergy.com/
Stevens Transport | www.stevenstransport.com
Wind Dec 18, 2024
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