Energy Storage: 2025 and Beyond

If a wind or solar installation doesn’t last as long as its expected 20-30 year service life, is it really a sustainable use of resources? With corrosion as a key enemy of wind and solar longevity, Cortec reminds manufacturers and investors not only of the importance of proper materials selection during the design phase, but also of the benefits of a few simple corrosion preventative steps during shipping and maintenance.

Shipping Solar and Wind Components Corrosion-Free

One of the first corrosion prevention tasks is to get solar panels and wind turbines to the jobsite in like-new condition. This can be challenging when fluctuating temperatures, humidity, and even salt spray heighten the risk of corrosion during the journey. The right protective packaging can eliminate this problem.

ESD Packaging for Sensitive Solar Components

When packaging photovoltaic equipment, manufacturers should think of protecting ESD (electrostatic discharge) sensitive components such as bypass diodes, as well as the metal supports, frames, wires, and electrical contacts that could be subject to corrosion. EcoSonic VpCI-125 HP Permanent ESD Films and Bags take care of both concerns. Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors in the film inhibit corrosion on a variety of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, including galvanized steel, aluminum, and brass; while permanent static-dissipative properties help reduce or eliminate static buildup in the package.

Outdoor Shipment of Large Wind Components

In the case of wind turbine components, size, rather than ESD protection, is one of the big issues. Large wind turbine shafts, rings, and hubs often receive the brunt of attack from harsh weather because they may be transported on open truck beds or stored onsite for several years until installation is completed. Fortunately, VpCI-126 HP UV Shrink Filmand MilCorr VpCI Shrink Film are two anticorrosion films designed to hold up well in outdoor conditions and available in sizes large enough to shrink wrap giant components. If needed, additional protection can be added, such as VpCI-368 D removable coating for more vulnerable surfaces and/or Desicorr VpCI Pouches for additional corrosion protection plus desiccant action within equipment and packaging voids.

Corrosion Prevention in Control Panels

Once solar panels and wind turbines are put into service, the job of corrosion protection is not over. Solar panels and wind turbines are inherently equipped with wires and electrical contact points that merge inside control boxes potentially subject to the ingress of oxygen, humidity, and chlorides. Placing a small self-stick device such as the VpCI-105 or VpCI-111 Emitter inside is an easy and effective way to guard against corrosion surprises that would require early repair or replacement of any exposed electrical contact points within the panel. Similar to VpCI films, these devices release corrosion inhibiting vapors that diffuse throughout the space and adsorb on metal surfaces (ferrous and non-ferrous) to which they are attracted. It is much easier to replace these once every two years as part of routine maintenance rather than risk the potential of corroded metal contacts that could interrupt operations and require more extensive repair.

Extra Coatings for Structural Protection

In some cases, extra coatings may be desirable on various structural components. For instance, wind turbine base bolts are especially prone to corrosion and are good candidates for VpCI-368. Although classified as a removable coating, VpCI-368 offers such heavy duty corrosion protection that it is often used in offshore platform layups. If (unlike normal) solar panel frames and supports are made of carbon steel rather than corrosion resistant aluminum or galvanized steel, an extra protective coating such as EcoShield VpCI-386 or a primer/topcoat combo such as VpCI-396 and VpCI-384 is definitely in order to reduce solar structural corrosion. In some extreme conditions, owners may even find supplementary coatings warranted for an additional layer of protection on aluminum or galvanized steel in the severest environments. In these cases, a wash primer such as VpCI-373 should be used before top-coating for better adhesion.

Keep Renewable Energy Sustainable

While the suggestions above do not cover all possible corrosion concerns for wind and solar energy, they are good places to start for basic corrosion prevention. Protecting solar and wind components during transit is critical to getting off to a good start, while protecting control panels and vulnerable structural components as part of routine maintenance can promote desired longevity by reducing corrosion at some of the easiest points to address. Contact Cortec to learn more about protecting solar and wind components during shipping and maintenance to maximize the sustainability of renewable energy.

Cortec Corporation | http://www.cortecvci.com 

Aggreko, a global leader in energy solutions, announced that, for the first time, one of its United States service centers is almost completely operating on renewable energy for its electrical needs. At the company’s New Orleans service center, Aggreko expects newly installed rooftop solar panels to provide over 92% of the facility’s power needs, generating 258 kWh of the 279 kWh the building typically uses each year. With the New Orleans service center able to rely almost entirely on independently generated cleaner energy, the facility stands as an example of Aggreko’s progress on its goal to reach 100% renewable generation at its service centers.

“Having service centers powered by renewable energy is a central part of Aggreko’s sustainability drive, and the New Orleans facility’s success with solar represents real progress in reaching our sustainable energy goals,” says Todd Aston, Vice President of ESG at Aggreko. “Our Energizing Change campaign represents how, as an energy solutions company, we’re not only focused on building greener solutions for our customers - we’re also determined to be an example in the industry of how to transition to a greener future. Now, customers in Greater New Orleans visiting our service center can see for themselves how Aggreko is striving for sustainability.”

Aggreko expects the solar installation in New Orleans to save the company almost $24,000 a year in electricity costs, as nearly all the service center’s power needs shift off the grid. Over 20 years, the facility’s solar will offset approximately 4,036 tons of carbon emissions, the equivalent of 9.2 million car miles. The company selected New Orleans as one of its first service centers to receive solar roofing installation due to the area’s high solar potential, as well as the particular benefit of having distributed energy. South Louisiana’s severe weather causes frequent power outages, and an independent power source means the New Orleans facility can continue operations even if weather interrupts grid power.

Dozens of service centers across the United States support Aggreko’s operations in the country, and these are a primary point of contact between Aggreko and the company’s customers. The brick-and-mortar outposts are a natural focus for Aggreko’s Energizing Change campaign to reduce company emissions, and the New Orleans facility is the first of many slated to receive a rooftop or ground-mounted solar installation, with deployments continuing throughout 2025.

To learn more about Energizing Change and Aggreko’s sustainability strategy, visit https://www.aggreko.com/en-us/about-us/energizing-change. A review of the company’s other sustainability accomplishments in 2024 can also be read at https://www.aggreko.com/en-us/news/aggreko-underscores-support-for-sustainability-with-a-year-of-greener-upgrades-at-company-facilities.

Aggreko | https://www.aggreko.com/

Quidnet Energy (“Quidnet”), a pioneer in long-duration energy storage solutions for delivering baseload power, announced that the company has successfully completed demonstration and testing of its Geomechanical Energy Storage (GES) technology at megawatt-hour (MWh) scale. The tests confirm that Quidnet’s innovative GES solution is prepared to deliver robust, grid-scale energy storage to meet the fast-growing demand for reliable power.

At the company’s test site in Greater Houston, Quidnet completed MWH scale functional testing and accelerated lifetime testing of the GES technology. In addition to proving the viability of its technology at grid-scale, Quidnet’s results validated the capabilities of the GES technology across critical performance benchmarks, including negligible self-discharge and capacity degradation. These metrics provide real-world validation of GES as a long-life asset for supporting grid stability and delivering reliable power.

“Achieving this level of performance and scale marks a major milestone in our development of the GES technology,” said Joe Zhou, CEO of Quidnet Energy. “These tests confirm that our storage technology is ready for commercial deployments just as electrical grids grapple with the rapid rise in load growth from industrial electrification and AI data centers. With a mature, well-established supply chain and proven technology, we look forward to delivering GES at scale at a critical time for the energy industry.”

In conducting its MWh field test in Texas, Quidnet highlights the great market potential for reliable power in its home state, which will experience one of the largest increases in electricity demand in the years ahead. The growth in energy-intensive data centers and the need to prepare for weather-related grid events underscore the essential demand for the stable power provided by Quidnet’s GES. These tests also mark a key technology milestone in Quidnet’s developmental support from Dallas-based Hunt Energy Network following their $10 million investment announced in 2024.

“With the completion of these tests, we are excited to see Quidnet demonstrate the viability of their GES technology at MWh scale and further establish confidence for the durability of this storage solution,” said Pat Wood, CEO of Hunt Energy Network. “As Quidnet prepares for commercial projects, we look forward to collaborating with the company on our 300 MW partnership for storage in Texas.”

Quidnet | https://www.quidnetenergy.com/

DCE Solar proudly welcomed Francisco Robredo, General Manager USA of Axial Structural Solutions, to its headquarters last week. As a key figure in the industry and an expert on the Tracker Twin technology, Francisco’s visit was a pivotal moment in deepening the collaboration between Axial and DCE Solar. 

During his visit, Francisco met with the technical team and Product Specialists at DCE Solar, providing in-depth training on the Tracker Twin, Axial’s advanced dual-row tracking system. This hands-on training ensures that every team member—from business development to engineering and operations—will gain a comprehensive understanding of the system’s capabilities, benefits, and installation process. 

In addition to training sessions, Francisco and the DCE Solar team strategized on upcoming projects and aligned on best practices to streamline execution. The visit also served as preparation for the highly anticipated RE+ 2025 conference, where DCE and Axial will collaborate to showcase the Tracker Twin’s cutting-edge technology to the solar industry’s top developers, EPCs, and stakeholders. 

"This visit was a crucial step in ensuring that our partnership continues to drive innovation and deliver top-tier solutions to the market," said Bill Taylor, Founder and CEO of DCE Solar. "With Francisco’s expertise and the combined strengths of DCE and Axial, we are positioned to offer the most advanced, cost-effective tracking solutions for solar projects across the U.S." 

DCE Solar and Axial Structural Solutions are committed to pushing the boundaries of solar technology and providing clients with industry-leading solutions that maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate project performance. 

DCE | https://www.dcesolar.com/

Axial Structural Solutions | https://www.axialstructural.com

Anker SOLIX, a consumer energy series from Anker Innovations, offering accessible, reliable, and sustainable full-scenario power solutions for every household into the future, unveiled its latest products at Intersolar North America, held February 25-27 in San Diego. These innovative solutions are designed to deliver unmatched power, portability, and performance, addressing the growing demand for travel, outdoor and home experiences. Let's see how they backup power as you need.

Anker SOLIX X1  Energy Storage System: Extreme Performance Whole-Home Backup Solution

Anker SOLIX X1, as the flagship series of Anker SOLIX, is an extreme performance energy storage system that combines a 5.9'' ultra-thin design, module-level power optimization, and reliable power in all circumstances. It can provide whole-home backup power during outages, helping you achieve energy independence and reduce electricity costs.

In the face of increasingly frequent large-scale power outages caused by extreme weather or power grid system failures, Anker provides the most resilient and comprehensive whole-home backup power. Unlike many manufacturers that can only offer a single backup power solution,the X1 is compatible with existing generators, allowing seamless multi-mode switching. By accessing US weather disaster info, the system auto-charges at max rate. A 10 kWh system can be fully charged in 2.68 hours for disaster electricity. 

With the advanced backup controller, you'll never lose an important file or have your air fryer stop cooking. It instantaneously detects power outages and switches to backup power in just 20 milliseconds. 

X1's module solution can meet the energy needs of a variety of types of homowners, with battery capacity ranging from 5 kWh to 180 kWh and output power from 3 kW to 36 kW. Users can flexibly combine new batteries to work at their peak performance without being limited by the old ones. Additionally, through the modular deployment of the panels, even Anker SOLIX portable power station (PPS) can be used both at home and outdoors, maximizing the efficiency of use.

Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus Portable Power Station : The Most Accessible Whole-Home Backup Power

Designed for whole-home backup power in North America, the X1 and F3800 Plus meet the rising demand for reliable energy. Paired with the Anker SOLIX Home Power Panel, the F3800 Plus becomes a complete backup system. It integrates with grid and solar power sources.

Based on the original F3800, the F3800 Plus has upgrades. It boosts solar input power by 30% and integrates with gas generators. It has dual 165V solar inputs, supports 3,200W Max Solar Input, recharges in 1.5 hours, and powers devices while recharging.

The F3800 Plus now works with any 240V gas generator when using a Generator Input Adapter (sold separately). Just 1.5 hours of generator runtime fully recharges it, providing extended backup power while reducing generator noise and fuel use. This setup delivers continuous power with 6,000W Bypass during outages. Once charged, the unit supplies quiet power for hours after turning off the generator.

Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 Electric Cooler: The Ultimate Cooling Solution for Outdoor Adventures

The Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 Electric Cooler redefines outdoor cooling with great performance, long battery life, and durability. It comes in three sizes  23L(24 qt), 40L(42 qt), 58L(61 qt). The 58L version has two compartments. Powered by FrostFlow™️ technology, it cools 30% faster and has a temp range of -4°F to 68°F. The detachable 288Wh LFP battery lasts up to 39 hours, and a second battery can extend use to 78 hours. It also serves as a power bank with 2 ports, can charge small electronics devics. The EverFrost 2 is built for outdoor use with 6-inch wheels, a fold-down tray, and an IPX3 rating. Users can control it remotely via the Anker app. The pre-sale of this product is about to start. Please pay attention to the information on the official website.

Whether it's for disaster preparedness, outdoor activities, or power outages, choosing Anker SOLIX for power backup in various scenarios is sufficient. Anker SOLIX would like to help our customers in all different senarios and environments, by providing stable and reliable energy to ensure a worry-free life.

Anker SOLIX | www.ankersolix.com

The nation’s electrical manufacturers are hard at work to meet America’s growing energy needs at a time of unprecedented electricity demand. As one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the U.S. economy, with a market exceeding $375 billion, the electroindustry plays a pivotal role in shaping critical infrastructure, driving innovation, and securing economic prosperity.

NEMA President and CEO Debra Phillips will lead a discussion with Axios on how the electroindustry is building a grid that is secure, resilient and equipped to meet future energy needs.

The discussion will also feature bipartisan insights from Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Reps. Bob Latta (R-OH-5) and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) who will discuss the policies, technologies, and industry shifts expected to play a role in modernizing and expanding electrification.

What: Discussion with Axios on powering the electric future 

Who:  

Speakers:

• Debra Phillips, President and CEO, National Electrical Manufacturers Association
• Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), Co-chair, Bicameral Electrification Caucus 
• Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH-5), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Co-chair, Congressional Grid Innovation Caucus 
• Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Co-chair, Bicameral Electrification Caucus

When: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 | 7:30am-9:00am ET 

Where:

The Showroom

1099 14th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20005

To RSVP: To attend either in person or to watch livestream virtually, register here. 

NEMA | www.nema.org

RoboForce, the world's most advanced "Robo-Labor" provider, debuts its AI Robot workforce solution publicly for the first time at Intersolar 2025 in San Diego, CA. During Intersolar, attendees will be able to see the latest generation of RoboForce's AI-enabled, all-terrain robot at Booth #3634 in the Startup Pavilion, and see the technology and mechanisms that enable Robo-Labor to build solar panels from ground to grid.

This is the first public unveiling of RoboForce's technology after the company announced $10M in early stage funding at the beginning of 2025. Its robots are capable of 1mm precision in fine motor movements and manipulations, in tandem with its internally designed and developed AI expert model, to install and secure solar modules for large-scale commercial and utility-scale projects. The robots can perform this installation labor at three times the efficiency and productivity rate of human labor and at a third of the average US labor cost for the same work. With many solar projects of this scale being in harsh environments and remote, isolated locations, empowering the industry with Robo-Labor advances both decarbonization goals and increased energy demands at an accelerated rate, while filling the current labor storage and saving human labor from having to endure difficult working conditions. 

With pilot projects commencing for early customers in early 2025 and commercial launch at the end of 2025, RoboForce is addressing the solar industry's ongoing labor shortages. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) recently reported that worker shortages and rising labor costs are flattening industry growth over the next five years, at a time when over 4,400 GW of solar power is projected to be built globally by 2030. RoboForce and its Robo-Labor fleet can safely, efficiently work alongside humans where needed, while saving human laborers from repetitive and high force-demanding tasks. Ultimately, solar developers are enabled to meet demand without exceeding project costs or timelines.

"With over 100 years of combined team experience in the AI robotics field, RoboForce is prepared to help solar customers enable AI and automation needed to complete large- and utility-scale projects faster and cheaper," said Leo Ma, founder and CEO, RoboForce. "Those already employing our 'super worker' fleet will be able to overcome industry-wide challenges to bring us closer to the sustainably powered world we need."

For Intersolar attendees, RoboForce's CEO Leo Ma will speak in a panel discussion, "From Prototype to Market - Bringing Cutting-Edge Energy Solutions to Scale," and Head of Business Development, Veeral Hardev, will also take part in a separate panel, "Powering Progress: Building a Skilled & Inclusive Solar Workforce."

As part of the progress towards commercialization this year, RoboForce has recently built an outdoor mini-farm solar testing site and is actively engaging with additional partners and customers. The company is also exploring real-world applications of general use Robo-Labor in additional sectors such as mining, nuclear power and space.

RoboForce | https://www.roboforce.ai/