Neglected PV Maintenance Fuels Fire Risk

Tigo Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: TYGO) (“Tigo”), a leading provider of intelligent solar and energy software solutions, announced a three-stop training roadshow for UK solar installers. The golf-themed Tigo Hole-in-One Tour will feature hands-on technical education sessions in Glasgow, Rugby, and Bristol from November 3 to 6, 2025. The training roadshow follows the rapid growth in the number of solar installers in the region who choose Tigo for safe, monitored, and optimized solar with the Tigo TS4 Flex MLPE (Module Level Power Electronics) product family.

With the UK reaching over 2GW of operational solar capacity this year alone, the Kingdom has also become one of Tigo’s fastest-growing European markets. Driven in part by the Ofgem ECO4 program specifications for solar monitoring as well as innovations that deliver performance uplift, UK installers have adopted Tigo TS4 MLPE devices that deliver more energy through Reclaimed Energy with optimization, and remote monitoring via the Tigo Access Point (TAP) and Cloud Connect Advanced (CCA). Of the tens of thousands of monitored Tigo installations now deployed across the UK, more than 75% were installed in the last 5 years alone. In response to this strong momentum and an increase in the number of installers deploying Tigo products, the Company will increase the support, business, and training resources locally, starting with the Hole-in-One Tour.

“We have relied on Tigo optimizers for years because of how well they perform in UK conditions, which often include suboptimal roof orientations for modules, and not infrequent cloud-related system shading,” said Anthony Dixey, CEO at AWD Electrical Ltd T/A Economy Energy Group. “These new training sessions will be a great opportunity to do a deep dive with the Tigo EI Residential Solution and connect directly with the Tigo team. It’s good to see a solar equipment manufacturing company investing in installers and making hands-on learning accessible.”

Each of the three training sessions will feature hands-on product training, system design guidance, and direct access to Tigo experts. Installers will receive practical experience with the Tigo EI Residential Solution, an all-in-one system that integrates inverter, battery, and optimization technologies for simplified installation, intelligent energy management, and reliable backup power for multiple household loads. The training will also cover the Tigo TS4-A-O MLPE models, which deliver advanced module-level monitoring, enhanced energy harvesting through optimization, and increased power and current to keep pace with the increase in high-current solar modules deployed by installers to offer customers the most energy production per available rooftop space. Tigo TS4-A-O devices support solar modules up to 700W and are rated for a maximum short-circuit current of 20A and a maximum input voltage of 80V per module. The TS4-A products are fully backward-compatible with other Tigo TS4 products and are certified compatible with hundreds of inverter models.

“With hundreds of thousands of monitoring-enabled Tigo MLPE devices installed across the region, it was time to ensure that our growing list of installer partners has the training and support to keep making them successful with a complete Tigo optimized Energy Storage System," said Mirko Bindi, Senior VP Sales EMEA & MD Europe at Tigo Energy. “Installers are at the center of our growth around the world, and our UK training tour reflects another part of our ongoing investment in training, personnel, and support for the installer community across the UK.”

Building on strong engagement from UK installers at the Greentech trade show in September, the Hole-in-One Tour also supports the Tigo Green Glove installer success program, which provides advanced technical training, certification, and ongoing support for Tigo installation partners. Installers can register for one of the training sessions in Glasgow, Rugby, or Bristol from November 3 to 6, 2025, here.

Tigo Energy | www.tigoenergy.com

Nextracker (NASDAQ: NXT), a leading solar technology platform provider, and T1 Energy Inc. (NYSE: TE), an advanced manufacturer of solar modules, announced a strategic framework agreement to use Nextracker’s patented steel module frame technology for T1 Energy’s new 5-GW G1_Dallas solar manufacturing facility. The agreement is expected to accelerate the industry’s transition away from imported aluminum frames toward made-in-the-USA frames using locally manufactured specialty steel, and support demand in the U.S. for durable solar technology.

“Clearway applauds Nextracker’s technology and manufacturing program to bring next-generation, American-made steel module frames to support the domestic photovoltaics (PV) industry. These new steel frames increase the domestic content of the module, create a stiffer, more reliable module, and with Nextracker's ongoing innovation, will enable faster installation rates compared to legacy aluminum frames,” said Ross Heiman, vice president of engineering at Clearway Energy Group.

“We’re proud to offer our customers leading-edge solar module frame technology from Nextracker,” said Daniel Barcelo, Chairman and CEO, T1 Energy. “These are American companies and factories with American workers delivering American energy security. With potential for surging demand from data centers and AI infrastructure, the U.S. needs to establish critical energy supply chains built on domestic capacity and industrial expertise. This is exactly what T1 and Nextracker are doing, together.”

“Solar panels were invented by Bell Labs in the 1950s, and it is fantastic to see reshoring of PV manufacturing facilities at real scale in the USA,” said Dan Shugar, founder and CEO of Nextracker. “It is a privilege to be supporting T1 Energy’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Dallas with our patented steel module frames using high quality and low carbon U.S.-produced steel. Our technology enables lower cost solar power by improving PV module durability and installation velocity.”

Most solar frames are produced with extruded aluminum and imported from Asia. Through this partnership, Nextracker will reshore critical manufacturing capacity and enable a domestic supply of specialty steel frames that are competitively priced and are expected to be more durable, and less exposed to tariff and global supply chain risks.

To support this initiative, Nextracker plans to increase its existing U.S. steel frame capacity in the Midwest with additional manufacturing lines in Texas, creating high-quality jobs. This would complement Nextracker’s Texas footprint of more than a dozen manufacturing partners that produce key solar tracker components.

Nextracker | https://www.nextracker.com/

T1 Energy I www.t1energy.com 

StormFisher Hydrogen, a Canadian leader in low-carbon energy solutions, announced the acquisition of Recyclage Carbone Varennes (RCV) following a court–approved process. By building on RCV's existing infrastructure and expertise, StormFisher will create North America's first large-scale low-carbon methanol plant.

With more than 20 years of experience in low-carbon energy, StormFisher brings a proven track record of turning complex projects into reliable, large-scale solutions. StormFisher aims to transform the partially built RCV site into the first large-scale Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO)-compliant low-carbon methanol plant in North America. Scheduled for operation in 2028, the facility will supply low-carbon fuels to global maritime, aviation, and chemical markets.

 "We have long wanted to establish ourselves in Québec, and we are delighted to have found the right opportunity with this project. This is more than an acquisition: it is a commitment to Québec and to the decarbonization of local and industries worldwide," said Judson Whiteside, CEO of StormFisher Hydrogen.

StormFisher will collaborate with its Varennes team and build on their expertise. Unlike the initial RCV project, which relied on biomass gasification to produce methanol, StormFisher  will use clean hydrogen and captured CO₂ to produce methanol. This proven approach is simpler, cleaner, more reliable and more resilient, while reusing part of RCV's existing infrastructure and lowering overall risk.

"We are excited to join forces with StormFisher," said David Vincent of RCV. "With their expertise, resources, and global reach, we are confident that Varennes will play a leading role in low-carbon fuel production."

At the Varennes plant, the combination of hydrogen from water and clean electricity with captured local CO₂ is designed to produce more than 72,000 tonnes of low-carbon methanol annually. By sourcing CO₂ from emitters, the project will help reduce emissions in Québec by transforming a by-product into a valuable resource with over 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ expected to be captured and repurposed annually instead of being released into the atmosphere.

The methanol produced in Varennes aims to support the decarbonization of the maritime industry in Québec and around the world by providing a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. StormFisher is committed to maintaining an open dialogue with maritime stakeholders, governments, and communities to identify new ways to further accelerate maritime decarbonization in Québec.

StormFisher brings a strong track record of successful turnarounds, international capital fundraisingand foreign direct investment. By repositioning RCV with proven technology, the company is reducing risk and ensuring the facility becomes a cornerstone of North America's low-carbon fuel supply chain.

The project will create about 75 jobs across construction, operations, administration, and logistics. StormFisher has pledged long-term engagement with local partners, governments, and communities, including direct outreach to citizens and participation in any required environmental reviews.

"We want to be a trusted and valued neighbour in Varennes.," added Mr. Whiteside. "We are committed to listening, collaborating, and ensuring this project delivers lasting benefits."

StormFisher Hydrogen | https://www.stormfisher.com/

Lightsource bp and Pinnacle Financial Partners announced the closing of an $97.9 million tax equity deal to finance the 187 MW Peacock Solar in San Patricio County, TX.

This marks the second tax equity transaction between Lightsource bp and Pinnacle, and Pinnacle’s first production tax credit (PTC) equity deal.

To date, Lightsource bp has raised over $5 billion in third-party capital to support USA projects.

“We’re proud to collaborate with Pinnacle Financial Partners on this tax equity deal for Peacock Solar,” said Emilie Wangerman, Lightsource bp Chief Operating Officer and Head of USA. “Our partnership reflects our shared commitment to develop creative, effective capital solutions that support growth and deliver value to all stakeholders. This deal is an important step forward in advancing the renewable energy infrastructure in Texas and across the USA.”

“Pinnacle Financial Partners is delighted to participate as a tax-equity investor in the Peacock Solar project developed by Lightsource bp,” said Frank Conley, head of Pinnacle Financial Partners’ solar capital advisory. “This investment builds upon Pinnacle’s growing relationship with Lightsource bp and reinforces our commitment to supporting clean energy initiatives that benefit local communities, create jobs, and advance a more sustainable future.”

Lightsource bp | https://lightsourcebp.com/us

Pinnacle Financial Partners | www.pnfp.com

Optimum Energy announced the strategic addition of two senior executives to its leadership team: Jeffrey Cepler, Sr. Director, Project Development, and German W. Krug, Vice President, Financial Analytics and Modeling.

The appointments immediately strengthen Optimum Energy’s capacity to scale its Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) platform, ensuring clients achieve financial goals and operational reliability.

“We’ve built a team of top-tier leaders who have collectively managed over $6 billion in energy projects. Jeffrey and German strengthen this foundation, ensuring Optimum continues to deliver measurable results and the next generation of Energy-as-a-Service solutions,” said Lisa Roy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Optimum Energy.

Cepler, with nearly three decades in finance at firms including UBS and Citigroup, is a trusted advisor who has structured complex transactions for investment-grade health systems nationwide. Krug joins Optimum with 20+ years of experience managing risk for structured energy and infrastructure deals, having recently led a modeling team that closed more than $1.5 billion in EaaS projects.

Redefining Energy-as-a-Service

Optimum Energy’s EaaS model sets a new standard for Healthcare, Higher Education, and Advanced Manufacturing facilities that demand more than simple risk transfer or asset monetization. The platform is centered on continuous optimization and measurable outcomes through:

• Integrated Solutions: Combining design, finance, and operations for peak efficiency.
• Performance-Driven Technology: Leveraging advanced analytics for continuous system improvement.
• Client-Centric Flexibility: Structuring agreements around a client’s specific KPIs.

“The combined technical and financial mastery Jeffrey and German bring allows us to immediately elevate our platform, delivering a true Gen2 EaaS solution, meaning greater financial certainty and deeper optimization for our clients,” said Ken Bernhard, Vice President of Project Development at Optimum Energy.

Optimum Energy | www.optimumenergyco.com

DESRI announced the closing of its $129 million preferred equity investment in a 250-megawatt (MWac) utility scale solar development, comprised of two projects, located in West Texas. "DESRI is excited to support the construction of a leading US Independent Power Producer's projects, which will serve new industrial load in the area", said Peter Koczanski, Director at DESRI. "This investment demonstrates DESRI's capabilities as a capital solutions provider for renewable energy assets. DESRI's industry expertise, having successfully constructed over eight gigawatts of projects, enables us to move quickly and use our capabilities to provide added value to the assets in which we invest. Our team is able to reliably deliver desired outcomes for our partners."

King & Spalding LLP advised DESRI on the transaction.

DESRI | https://desri.com/

Those who want to generate electricity for their own consumption using wind power need a powerful small wind turbine. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, in collaboration with the BBF Group, have developed a lightweight rotor that is specifically designed for operation in regions with low wind speeds. The first prototypes have now been delivered. These systems enable private households, businesses, or disaster relief organizations to set up a decentralized energy supply and use renewable energy efficiently.

Small wind turbine in lightweight design: Optimization of aerodynamics and the manufacturing process enables the wind turbine to achieve up to 450 revolutions per minute and generate an output of 2500 watts

The newly developed wind turbines start moving even in a light breeze. Wind tunnel tests show that the rotor begins to turn at a wind speed of 2.7 meters per second – a key requirement for the efficient use of wind power in regions with low wind conditions. The starting speed for comparable systems is four meters per second.

Weak Wind, High Efficiency

"Our goal is to use the power of the wind as effectively as possible to generate electrical energy," emphasizes Marcello Ambrosio, Head of Simulation and Design in the Polymer Materials and Composite PYCO research division at Fraunhofer IAP. The lightweight construction experts at the Wildau site are taking a holistic approach to the development of the wind turbine: “We have optimized the aerodynamic design and the manufacturing process”, explains Ambrosio.

High-Performance Rotor Blades

The result: the wind turbine achieves up to 450 revolutions per minute. With an output of 2500 watts at a wind speed of 10 meters per second, it is on average 83 percent more powerful than comparable systems on the market. The system achieves an efficiency of 53 percent. "Physically, a maximum of 59 percent is possible," says Ambrosio, classifying the measurement data from the wind tunnel test. Raúl Comesaña M., Managing Director of the BBF Group, adds: "Efficient small wind turbines make an important contribution to an independent energy supply. As a project developer and construction company in the Berlin-Brandenburg region, we demonstrate with this project how end consumers and businesses can design decentralized energy generation individually and sustainably."

Customized Lightweight Construction: Optimized Design, Manufacturing, and Aerodynamic

The rotor blades of the small wind turbine are constructed from two shells in a lightweight design. They are made of fiber composite materials. Compared to conventional designs, which are constructed with a foam core, the newly developed components are hollow inside. This construction method reduces the overall weight up to 35 percent. Fiber composites are produced by precisely laying fiber strips in a mold, which is then hardened using resins or other plastics to form a component.

Marcello Ambrosio and his team specially designed the mold for the rotor blades. The scientists use an industrial 3D printer that can print objects up to two-by-two meters in size. A modern Automated-Fibre-Placement system handles the placement of the fiber strips in the mold. This automated method ensures high quality, reduces overlaps compared to manual placement, and allows for smaller component dimensions.

A special laminate structure also ensures that the rotor withstands strong winds. "We designed the individual layers of the composite material so that the rotor blades can flex elastically in a storm and turn out of the wind," describes Marcello Ambrosio. This automatically reduces the rotation speed of the turbine and protects it from overload. Complicated control technology and elaborate mechanics can thus be avoided.

Energy Transition on Site: Prototypes in Practical Testing

Five prototypes of the small wind turbine were recently delivered to the BBF Group to be installed at various locations. With this approach, the researchers and their development partner aim to find out how the position and height of the system affect performance. The next steps include further optimization of the rotors and the development of lightweight structures made of monomaterial – meaning chemically identical materials – instead of composite materials. Such components are easier to recycle and help improve the environmental balance of lightweight solutions.

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP | https://www.iap.fraunhofer.de/en