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
Solvari, the maker of an all-in-one residential solar panel, is raising capital through equity crowdfunding on the StartEngine platform as part of its Seed Round of financing. StartEngine has facilitated capital raises for over 1,000 startups, totaling more than $1 billion.
Several cleantech companies have had success raising on StartEngine including YouSolar (6.5M), Storen ($11M), Flower Turbines ($16M), and Aptera Motors, the world’s first solar powered car manufacturer that has raised over $100M on StartEngine.
For Solvari, this crowdfunding Seed Round follows their successful $3M non-dilutive pre-seed round funded by grants and awards from the CEC and the DOE, and by the company’s founder. With product development complete, Solvari is transitioning to commercialization and this funding round will support the transition, so they can serve solar installers, roofers, and home contractors looking to deploy Solvari SR across north America.
Success by other companies on StartEngine does not guarantee the success of Solvari’s campaign or future returns. For more information about the offering, including the SEC Form C, visit their StartEngine page startengine.com/solvari. Investments under Regulation Crowdfunding are speculative and involve the risk of loss. Please review the offering materials carefully before investing.
The Crowdfunding Advantage
Instead of SAFE’s, Convertible Debt or other complex high risk startup investing vehicles, most of the companies on the StartEngine platform, including Solvari, offer straight equity in the form of common shares. StartEngine’s standard offering docs eliminate legal fees on both sides of the transaction, allowing investments to go further. In addition, through the StartEngine platform, investors can generally accumulate significant amounts of bonus shares, accelerating their investment beyond the standard offer. It doesn’t take an investment shark to understand that more for less is a good deal. In addition, with StartEngine Marketplace, investors on their platform can buy and sell shares from prior funding rounds allowing them to potentially unlock liquidity from their investments.
Crowdfunding also enables non-accredited investors to participate in buying shares of a company pre-IPO. A privilege typically afforded only to professional investors and investment firms.
“Crowdfunding is exciting because it not only provides a structured vehicle for our professional investors who have shown interest in Solvari, but it also provides an opportunity for our community to take part in our journey. Recent SEC regulation updates and the rise of credible professional platforms, such as StartEngine, have had a considerable impact on my enthusiasm with this funding approach,” said Solvari’s CEO, Samuel Truthseeker.
Solvari | https://www.startengine.com/solvari
Twenty months after work began on its new factory, ARMOR BATTERY FILMS, a company within the ARMOR GROUP, transfers its team to the new facility. This is accompanied by the commissioning of equipment dedicated to the production of En' Safe coated current collectors, key battery components. The new plant will enable ARMOR BATTERY FILMS to increase its production capacity fivefold, while preparing for the future in the rapidly expanding global battery market.
A new factory comes on stream
With the recent move-in of staff dedicated to R&D, the ARMOR BATTERY FILMS teams are gradually moving into the brand-new industrial site in La Chevrolière (44), a few kilometers from Nantes. Dedicated to the production of primed current collectors, the 8,000 sqm building is designed to operate 24/7 and includes an ink formulation workshop, three coating and cutting workshops and a large storage warehouse. More specifically, the entire 1st floor is dedicated to R&D activities, with three laboratories, with a dry room. These areas are used for developing formulations, assembling and testing batteries (coin and pouch cells
Pierre Guichard, RDI & Industrial Manager at ARMOR BATTERY FILMS, comments: ‘We have reached a crucial milestone with the qualification by our customers of our products from the new line. This phase enables us to guarantee our ability to achieve the quality standards they demand. What's more, the machines installed on the new site will not only enable us to increase our production capacity, but also to offer new product specifications - wider widths and continuous and intermittent patterns - that meet the expectations of our battery manufacturer customers.’
Optimizing resources for maximum performance
The En' Safe current collectors developed by ARMOR BATTERY FILMS respond to today's challenges of optimizing resources and represent a significant technological advancement for the battery industry. These solutions offer key benefits for manufacturers, such as improved electrode adhesion, protection against corrosion, higher energy density and better battery capacity retention. All of these benefits are designed to improve battery safety and extend battery life by up to 20%. En' Safe current collectors therefore promote a more rational use of resources, responding to today's economic and ecological challenges.
Thierry Dagron, Marketing and Business Development Director adds: ‘We are proud to offer solutions that not only optimize battery performance, but also improve the efficiency of the resources used. With En' Safe, we're doing more with less, an approach that is essential in today's environment.’
A booming global market
The size of the lithium-ion battery market reached $4 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 11% from 2024 to 2032. What's more, this type of battery has become an essential part of the energy industry, accounting for 57% of the global rechargeable battery market today, up from just 13% in 2014. By positioning itself in growth sectors such as energy storage systems (ESS), electric buses and data centers, and thanks to a network of North American, European and Asian customers, the Nantes-based manufacturer is establishing itself as the essential Western alternative to Asian manufacturers of coated current collectors.
Thierry Dagron concludes: ‘The battery market is seeing the emergence of new technologies, based on both electro-chemistry (LFP, sodium-ion) and manufacturing processes such as dry-coating, for which our products are perfectly suited. We are extremely confident about the future. The lithium-ion battery market continues to grow at a sustained rate, with considerable development prospects. As the only Western alternative, we are more than ready to play a major role in this rapidly expanding market!’
ARMOR BATTERY FILMS | www.armorbatteryfilms.com
SOLARCYCLE announced a multi-year agreement with Genesis Alkali to purchase Ecosoda, a low-carbon natural soda ash produced near Green River, Wyoming, to help facilitate the production of ultra-low carbon domestic solar glass at its factory in Cedartown, Georgia.
Soda ash is an essential raw material used in solar glass production. According to Genesis Alkali, naturally produced soda ash is approximately 37% less greenhouse gas intensive than compared to synthetically produced soda ash that is used by most solar glass producers overseas. Ecosoda, produced at Genesis Alkali’s recently expanded Granger facility, has an even lower greenhouse gas footprint than traditionally mined natural soda ash due to its proprietary solution mining and processing technology that was originally developed by Genesis Alkali and its predecessor companies over 25 years ago. SOLARCYCLE will combine Ecosoda with glass from recycled solar panels to produce domestic ultra-low carbon solar glass and further enhance the environmental benefits for its solar panel manufacturing customers.
SOLARCYCLE announced its five-gigawatt solar glass factory in Cedartown, Georgia in February 2024. The factory positions the company to be the only manufacturer of specialized glass for crystalline-silicon (c-Si) photovoltaics in North America and the first to use recycled materials from retired solar panels to make new solar glass. By using locally produced materials and recycled glass, SOLARCYCLE will save material costs, eliminate shipping and trade risks, and reduce energy consumption. These benefits allow the company to manufacture American-made solar glass that can compete with imported solar glass.
The glass will be sold directly to domestic solar manufacturers and fill a critical gap in the country’s supply chain to build more solar panels in America. Earlier this year, SOLARCYCLE announced partnerships with Runergy and Heliene Inc., who will purchase the company’s ultra-low carbon domestic glass to produce the next generation of American-made solar modules.
“Producing high-performance solar glass in Cedartown, Georgia will help America re-shore a critical piece of the solar supply chain. It will also reduce trade risk, promote innovation, and help solar manufacturers looking to benefit from domestic content clean energy tax credits,” said Suvi Sharma, CEO and co-founder of SOLARCYCLE. “Our agreement with Genesis Alkali is a key part of onshoring the supply chain to build solar in the US.”
“Genesis Alkali is uniquely positioned to reliably supply SOLARCYCLE from our trona mining and processing sites near Green River, Wyoming where we have been operating for over 75 years,” said Ed Flynn, President of Genesis Alkali. “This agreement with SOLARCYCLE is a direct result of the investments we have made in our Granger facility to increase the production of low-carbon Ecosoda to meet the growing demand from soda ash customers around the world who are looking to reduce their Scope 3 GHG emissions.”
SOLARCYCLE | https://www.solarcycle.us/
Genesis Alkali | www.genesisalkali.com
In New York City’s relentless pursuit of sustainability, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) has emerged as a transformative solution, reimagining how buildings interact with the environment. Beyond traditional façades and skylights, BIPV now extends to walkable surfaces like floors, decks and sidewalks, a groundbreaking solution that combines functionality with sustainability. Moving beyond conventional solar panels, which occupy valuable rooftop space, photovoltaic floor tiles offer walkable, safe, and visually seamless solar integration into any building’s design.
Step into the Future of Clean Energy: Photovoltaic Glass Floors
Photovoltaic glass floors represent a groundbreaking shift in solar energy integration. Unlike conventional solar panels that dominate rooftops, these floors offer a practical, walkable solution that seamlessly merges with a building’s design. BIPV floor tiles are crafted from durable materials, they withstand foot traffic while generating energy, meeting green building requirements, and maximizing rooftop usability. In cities like New York, where every square foot count, photovoltaic floors free up valuable rooftop space, transforming unused surfaces into contributors to the urban energy grid. This innovation not only enhances aesthetics but also supports compliance with Local Laws 92, 94, and 97, which mandate more sustainable, carbon-efficient building designs.
New York’s Latest Solar Innovation: 625 Avenue of the Americas
In the heart of Manhattan, 625 Avenue of the Americas exemplifies New York’s progressive energy goals, serving a dual purpose by fulfilling the city’s clean energy requirements while transforming rooftop space into an amenity that embodies sustainability and cutting-edge design. Developed and patented by Onyx Solar, a global leader in BIPV technology, and in conjunction with Solar Deck, this photovoltaic glass floor system seamlessly combines durability, aesthetics, and high-efficiency energy production. It not only meets stringent local energy standards but also elevates the building’s architectural appeal, setting a new standard for integrating renewable energy into urban spaces. Combined with a contoured green roof, the project provides a simple yet lush recreational surface.
625 Avenue of the Americas, New York
How It Works: Installation and Energy Generation
The photovoltaic floor system at 625 Avenue of the Americas is installed as a raised-access floor, allowing electrical interconnections on the backside of each panel. The tiles are supported by various substructures, including IPE wood beams, aluminum, or simple pedestal systems, providing structural integrity and flexibility in design. The energy produced contributes to the building’s power needs, offsetting energy costs in shared spaces while complying with NYC’s energy codes. The project also qualifies for incentives like the IRA 30% tax credit, making it a compelling option for both new constructions and retrofitting.
Future-Proofing Real Estate: A Sustainable Investment
Whether for new developments or retrofitting older spaces, photovoltaic floor systems offer a forward-thinking solution. In new constructions, these floors reduce overall flooring costs while generating clean energy, adding value to the property. For renovations, photovoltaic floors enhance underused spaces, increase leasable value, and attract tenants who prioritize sustainability. As demand for energy-efficient buildings continues to rise, photovoltaic floors position properties as forward-thinking investments in urban sustainability.
Global Icons Embrace Photovoltaic Floors
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Apple Flagship, San Francisco
From the Apple Flagship Store in San Francisco to Spain’s City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, these floors are transforming iconic spaces around the world. Now, they have arrived to commercial properties in New York City, where savvy, sustainability-focused property owners are equipping their buildings with the latest in BIPV technology.
For those aiming to reduce operational costs in shared spaces or make a significant step toward net-zero energy, photovoltaic glass floors offer customizable, scalable solutions that seamlessly integrate sustainability into the built environment.
Onyx Solar at www.onyxsolar.com
As the global energy industry moves closer toward the 2050 net zero emissions target, the need for companies to employ greater initiative and agility to help achieve this goal becomes ever more critical.
The ability to respond to challenges in a way that maximises field efficiency, safety and project investment is crucial to success. For companies established in oil and gas, broadening their portfolio into emerging energy sectors such as carbon capture can sustain business longevity.
In the North Sea, concerns for the future are acute – it is a mature basin exposed to a challenging fiscal regime.
From operators to service companies, smarter thinking is required to successfully navigate the future. For many companies seeking a competitive advantage, that means the way they operate must change.
Amplus Energy is an example of a service company bringing fresh thinking to energy industry operations to improve field development.
Headquartered in Aberdeen and with bases in West Africa and Brazil, Amplus is a field development partner to operators that require creative and entrepreneurial solutions across the lifecycle of their asset.
From subsurface to technical development, operator engagement, safety and FPSO experience, Amplus combines innovative technical solutions with more than 100 years of senior management expertise to minimise operating costs and maximise value from field developments. Amplus will even consider financial partnerships for the right projects.
In line with its ambitious growth plan and the importance it places on the emerging carbon capture market to achieve net zero targets, Amplus invested in carbon capture and energy transition EPC provider Carbon Circle UK to enhance its existing field development and floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) operations. The company also made several key appointments, including Steve Gardyne as Managing Director of Amplus, a role that covers Carbon Circle UK.
One of the high-profile recruits is Iain Watt, who joined as Engineering Director. The former Head of Facilities and Projects at Repsol Resources UK has enjoyed a successful career spanning more than 30 years in project proposal, planning, modification, execution, technical management and integrity for the oil and gas industry. For Iain, the opportunity to bring his experience and expertise to Amplus’s existing markets and to support growth in carbon capture was too good to miss.
“I’ve joined a company with an ambitious, lean and accelerated approach to field development in an efficient manner. Modern service suppliers must be adaptable to face challenges on multiple fronts, and the Amplus business model reflects operator demands for innovation, flexibility and maximum value. The fact that it is committed to oil and gas but is also focused on carbon capture and the energy transition is important too. Amplus is a company that is on that net zero journey,” said Iain.
“Many skill sets in traditional engineering are transferrable to carbon capture, and Amplus’s growing international footprint means I’m able to use my delivery experience on North Sea projects to benefit field development operations in other locations. I draw on my experience and industry network to help move field development forward and support improvements in areas such as supply chain management,” he added.
The appointment of Iain, who is a voluntary regional board member of NESCOL and is well known in the local energy community, will leverage continued managed growth for Amplus.
“We’re building Amplus in a sustainable manner. We’re following key opportunities in the North Sea, Brazil and West Africa which will trigger further growth and additional key appointments if they move forward. We are already industry accredited and our commitment to high quality will continue as we broaden our work scope. Our diversification into carbon capture while maintaining our support for oil and gas FPSO field development supports our plan to be a multi-sector, multi-regional organisation,” said Steve Gardyne.
“Internationally, the trend is towards the greater adoption of floating production systems. Rather than challenging for bigger projects, our strategy is to focus on the marginal end of that spectrum, working with clients to find the right solutions that fit their requirements.
“That can mean partnering on the field development plan right through to supporting the operational phase, engineering across the whole project lifecycle from early study inquiries to execution and asset life extension. But our smart thinking isn’t limited to engineering solutions. Unlike most service companies, we can link clients to established financial providers, and we may offer finance for the right projects. We’re willing to consider sharing risk and reward with them to deliver value to both of us,” he added.
“In today’s transitioning energy industry, smart, flexible thinking and being able to respond to changing market needs are essential to survive and thrive.”
Amplus Energy | https://amplus-energy.com/
Emobi, North America's leading EV charging digital infrastructure, announced its strategic partnership with Monta, a leading provider of EV charging software solutions for EV business actors and drivers. This partnership aims to support and accelerate Monta’s expansion into the U.S. market announced last month, by integrating Emobi’s extensive EV roaming coverage and AI-powered data refinement models. The collaboration will enhance Monta’s platform, delivering flexible, scalable and reliable EV charging solutions to all EV drivers in North America, which was first showcased at MOVE America 2024.
As EV demand continues to grow in North America, EV drivers need streamlined solutions to optimize and manage their day-to-day charging needs. Through Emobi’s EV charging ecosystem, Monta’s platform will offer seamless access to over 120,000 charge points across the U.S. and Canada, making it easier for EV owners to power their vehicles and fleets on the road. The partnership also enhances Monta’s platform by improving data quality, ensuring that EV drivers and fleets benefit from accurate and reliable information on charger availability, location, tariffs, and restrictions.
“Our partnership with Emobi is an invaluable addition as we enter the U.S. market," said Casper Ramussen, co-founder and CEO of Monta. "With our U.S. launch, we’ve teamed up with Emobi to ensure Monta users can access an expanding network of charge points from charge point operators like ChargePoint, EVgo, and Shell Recharge. This partnership allows Monta’s users to find and use charge points across the U.S., furthering our goal of making EV charging as accessible as possible.”
In Europe, Monta already connects users to over 600,000 roaming charge points, facilitating more than two million monthly charging sessions. Monta has experience working with global partners like Siemens, hardware manufacturers like Rolec, and charge point operators like Uno-X or Eliso, among others.
“Our partnership with Monta is a pivotal step toward creating a more cohesive and reliable charging experience for EV drivers in the U.S.,” said Lin Sun Fa, co-founder and CEO, Emobi. “As Monta’s partner for roaming coverage in North America, we’re proud to support their mission by delivering the largest share of charging station access in the region, making EV ownership a more attractive and accessible reality for everyone in the U.S.”
This strategic partnership underscores both Monta’s and Emobi’s commitment to supporting the broader transition to sustainable mobility. With passenger vehicles accounting for 16% percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, electrifying the transportation sector is critical to achieving net-zero goals. By offering EV owners a more expansive, efficient, and reliable charging infrastructure, Monta and Emobi are reducing barriers to faster EV adoption across all corners of North America.
Emobi | www.emobi.ai
Monta | https://monta.com/en-us
Vesper Energy is pleased to announce the appointment of Krish Koomar as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective January 2025. A seasoned leader in the energy sector, Koomar brings over 20 years of experience in renewable energy, conventional power, and the banking sector.
Koomar most recently served as Senior Vice President and CFO at esVolta LP. His prior roles include Vice President and Assistant Treasurer at NRG Energy Inc. and Managing Director of Finance at Edison Mission Energy, among other leadership positions.
"I am honored to join Vesper Energy during this exciting time," said Koomar. "I look forward to working with the talented team at Vesper Energy to advance the company's financial strategy as we continue to grow our footprint throughout the industry and beyond."
Koomar succeeds Robert Scheuermann, who has decided to pursue other opportunities. Scheuermann's leadership over the past four years was instrumental in Vesper Energy's growth.
"We extend our gratitude to Robert for his pivotal contributions in building our capital markets, FP&A, portfolio management, and accounting functions," said Mark Rostafin, co-CEO of Vesper Energy. "We are also grateful for his continued support during this transition."
Koomar and Scheuermann will collaborate through December to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
Vesper Energy | www.vesperenergy.com/about
Energy Storage Nov 30, 2023
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