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FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc. announced that its home energy management and storage solution is approved for Ava Community Energy’s SmartHome Battery program, a virtual power plant (VPP) serving more than two million households in Alameda and San Joaquin counties.

Income-qualified participants enrolled in California's California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs can receive upfront incentives of up to $6,000 for enrolling a FranklinWH System in the program. Market-rate customers are eligible for upfront rebates of up to $1,080. All participating homeowners receive ongoing monthly payments of $3 per kilowatt-hour of enrolled battery capacity, distributed quarterly over a five-year period.

Under the program, enrolled FranklinWH Systems discharge stored energy to Ava's VPP during periods of peak electricity demand. Homeowners choose how much of their battery capacity to share, 40, 60, or 80 percent, while retaining backup power for their homes. A homeowner enrolling 80 percent of a 15 kWh FranklinWH aPower battery would receive approximately $1,080 upfront at market rates, or up to $6,000 under CARE or FERA, plus approximately $36 per month in ongoing payments.

"As the residential energy market continues to evolve, homeowners are looking for new ways to maximize the value of their energy investments," said Vincent Ambrose, CCO of FranklinWH. "Virtual power plant programs like SmartHome Battery help create that value while supporting a more reliable and sustainable grid."

Enrollment is available on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible Ava customers in Alameda and San Joaquin counties.

"SmartHome Battery was created to give residential customers more access to solar and battery storage while supporting grid reliability," said Howard Chang, CEO of Ava Community Energy. "Adding FranklinWH Systems as an approved provider advances our goals of expanding access, delivering reliable backup power, and creating a simple homeowner experience."

The Ava program adds to FranklinWH's portfolio of more than 25 utility-led VPP and demand response programs across the United States.

FranklinWH Energy Storage | https://www.franklinwh.com/

Ava Community Energy | avaenergy.org

GameChange Energy, a global energy infrastructure company, is announcing the opening of a new office in the Roma district of Mexico City, marking a milestone in its expanding presence in Mexico and Latin America.

Mexico represents a key strategic market for GameChange Energy, due to its strong solar generation potential, the increasing technical sophistication of its photovoltaic projects, and the country's growing commitment to the energy transition and the decarbonization of its power system.

The new office will host the team led by Juan González, Director of Business Development for Latin America at GameChange Energy, and will strengthen the company's ability to provide technical, commercial, and operational support from Mexico. Including projects currently under execution in the Mexican market, GameChange Solar has approximately 2 GW of projects in Latin America.

"The opening of our office in Mexico City is a natural step in the evolution of GameChange Energy in Latin America. Mexico is a priority market for us, not only because of its size and solar potential, but also because of the technical quality and sophistication of its photovoltaic projects," said Oscar Aira, General Manager for Europe and Latin America at GameChange Energy. "We want to work closely with our customers, from the early stages of design and engineering through construction, commissioning and plant operation, bringing the global experience, execution capabilities and technological innovation that distinguish us."

From its new office in Mexico, GameChange Energy will strengthen its response capabilities in engineering, project management and field services, providing localized support aligned with regional language, time zone and regulatory requirements.

The company will place a particular focus on developing solutions that optimize energy performance, accelerate installation, improve terrain adaptability and reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for utility-scale and distributed generation solar projects across Mexico.

"Our objective is to become the technology partner of reference for Mexico's major solar projects, strengthening long-term client relationships while helping drive the country's transition toward cleaner, more competitive, and more resilient energy infrastructure," added Aira.

GameChange Energy | www.gamechangeenergy.com

Otovo ASA (Euronext Oslo Børs: OTOVO; “Otovo”), a leading global energy service provider for residential and commercial customers, announced it has entered into a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire Green Panel Solar Energy Systems Ltd. (“Green Panel”) for $11 million to be settled partly in cash and in Otovo shares. Green Panel is Israel’s dominant behind-the-meter energy service provider with expanding European operations.

• Green Panel is expected to generate revenue and adj. EBIT of $12.8 million and $2.9 million, respectively, in 2026
• At completion this acquisition will accelerate Otovo’s expansion into the Middle East and further strengthens its position as a global leader
• Synergies expected through integration of Green Panel's field operations onto the Endurance®™ AI platform, automating intake, dispatch, scheduling and supply chain
• Acquisition also enables Otovo to enter into a service agreement with a leading global OEM of solar and energy storage equipment, covering 250,000+ installations at launch across multiple European markets, representing a significant expansion of Otovo's addressable customer base beyond its existing 1.4 million legacy customers

Green Panel provides field service, replacement, maintenance, and logistics services for residential and commercial energy systems, including solar, batteries, EV chargers, and load management equipment. It operates the largest solar power command and control center in Israel and brings a profitable business with a dominant market position. The acquisition adds Hungary and Israel to Otovo’s growing global footprint, extending its geographic reach and service capabilities, while further expanding the company’s existing base of more than 30,000 customers.

The acquisition will combine Otovo’s pan-European and North American (EMEA) footprint with Green Panel’s established field service experience in Israel, Hungary, and the broader EMEA region. Green Panel’s proven capabilities in dispatch, logistics coordination, and on-site execution by certified technicians complement Otovo’s AI-Native platform, Endurance®™, which continually monitors installed equipment and optimizes the entire service process from problem detection to resolution.

“Green Panel’s leadership in the Israeli market, combined with their operational excellence and established command and control infrastructure, makes them an ideal addition to our global energy services platform,” said William (John) Berger, Chief Executive Officer of Otovo. “We’re excited to welcome David Touti, an industry veteran that brings extensive global leadership experience to the Otovo team. This is our 8th successful acquisition and our largest to date, demonstrating Otovo’s commitment to delivering the highest-quality field services to its partners and customers worldwide.”

“Joining Otovo creates tremendous opportunities to leverage our operational expertise across a broader geographic footprint and integrate Endurance®™, the industry’s premier AI platform, to bring more value to our customers,” said David Touti, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Green Panel. “Together, we can accelerate our mission to deliver quality, speed and operational excellence in energy services across multiple markets.”

The transaction is subject to completion of due diligence with a satisfactory outcome, as well as the parties entering into definitive agreements. An update will be provided to the market as and when available.

OEM partnership

Green Panel and Otovo have entered a relationship with a large, global original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of batteries, inverters, and other equipment for homes and businesses to support end customers in multiple European markets. The agreements will initially cover Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, among other countries, representing more than 250,000 installations/homes at launch, with the expectation that additional countries will be added over time.

Otovo | otovo.com

Green Panel | https://greenpanel.co.il/homepage-eng/

The “Solar in the Southeast” report illuminates data, trends, and industry leaders and laggards throughout the region, which includes Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

On Thursday, June 25, at 1 PM ET, SACE Clean Energy and Equity Director, Stacey Washington; SACE Energy Analyst, Anne Morrison; SACE Research Director, Maggie Shober; and SACE Executive Director, Dr. Stephen A. Smith, will discuss report highlights, including: 

• Solar growth continued in the Southeast, reaching a cumulative 30 gigawatts (GW) in 2025 as the region is projected to nearly double its amount of solar by 2030. 
• Florida remains the state with the most installed solar capacity in the region, with over 15 GW installed in 2025. 
• Solar continues to be cost-competitive as costs associated with fossil fuel infrastructure trend upward and are passed directly on to customers.
• With utilities across the region forecasting significant demand increase, each utility resource plan is an opportunity to add more solar and battery storage to the grid.

There will be time for Q&As following the report presentation. For those who are unable to tune into the live webinar, a recording, along with the report and a summary article, will be sent to all registrants. The webinar on June 25 is an ideal opportunity to hear more about this year's highlights and the forecasted trends for the next four years, plus ask any clarifying questions. 

Webinar: "Solar in the Southeast" Ninth Edition Report
Thursday, June 25 | 1 - 2 PM ET
Register

Background: Since 2018, SACE’s “Solar in the Southeast” reports have shed light on the critical role that utilities, policymakers, and customers play in the growing solar market in the Southeast. As a regional organization, SACE tracks and compiles information from electric utility integrated resource plans (IRPs) that Southeastern utilities file with state-level regulators. These resource plans, along with data on currently operating utility-scale and rooftop solar, are used to produce near-term forecasts for total installed capacity of solar power (in megawatts, MW) for the entire region out to 2030.

In the "Solar in the Southeast" Ninth Edition report, SACE once again offers detailed analysis and information on solar trends at the regional, state, and utility levels at a pivotal moment in our region's energy future. 

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy | www.cleanenergy.org

Volt Carbon Technologies Inc. (TSXV: VCT) (OTCQB: TORVF) (BE: WNF) ("VCT", "Volt" or "Volt Carbon") and Charge CCCV LLC ("C4V") are pleased to provide an update on their strategic relationship, originally announced on November 17, 2023 and subsequently expanded through collaborative development activities and the Memorandum of Understanding announced on March 24, 2025.

Building upon the successful battery and graphite validation results announced on February 4, 2025, a second round of lithium metal coin cell testing utilizing Volt Carbon's proprietary electrolyte and C4V's proprietary Bio-Mineralized Lithium Mixed Metals Phosphate ("BMLMP") cathode technology has surpassed 850 charge-discharge cycles, representing an approximately 30% improvement in demonstrated cycle life over the previously announced results exceeding 650 cycles.

Dr. Shailesh Upreti, Founder and CEO of Charge CCCV LLC, stated: "Our relationship with Volt Carbon has continued to advance since the initial strategic agreement announced in 2023. The latest lithium metal battery results demonstrate continued progress with Volt Carbon's electrolyte technology and our proprietary BMLMP cathode platform. At the same time, ongoing graphite qualification activities and the upcoming evaluation of Volt Carbon's low-temperature electrolyte represent important next steps in our shared objective of advancing innovative battery technologies and strengthening North American battery supply chains."

Fig. 1. BMLMP lithium metal coin cell utilizing Solid UltraBattery electrolyte; C/4 charge rate and C/2 discharge rate, demonstrating stable cycling performance beyond 850 cycles. Note: Test results have not been independently verified.
(https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9904/301670_1a4f099664e10a9e_001full.jpg)

In parallel with the battery program, Volt Carbon is preparing additional shipments of its high-crystallinity graphite material for continued qualification under C4V's Green Anode initiative. The program is intended to evaluate Volt Carbon's dry-separated graphite as part of a secure and sustainable North American battery materials supply chain. In addition, Volt Carbon will participate in C4V's Digital DNA (DDNA) program, leveraging C4V's rapid data access and performance benchmarking platform to generate comprehensive electrochemical performance data, accelerate material validation, and provide pathway for commercialization.

Volt Carbon is also preparing a batch of its proprietary low-temperature electrolyte for shipment to C4V for the next phase of lithium metal battery testing utilizing C4V's proprietary BMLMP cathode to take place in Binghamton.

The next phase of development is expected to include low-temperature battery testing and progression toward pouch cell validation, consistent with the objectives outlined in the companies' March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding. The collaborative development program is focused on advancing next-generation lithium metal batteries through continued cycle-life validation, low-temperature performance testing, and larger-format cell development.

The collaboration between Volt Carbon and C4V now encompasses two strategic development pathways:

• Advancement of a North American battery materials supply chain through qualification of Volt Carbon's graphite within C4V's Green Anode platform, coupled with accelerated material evaluation and performance benchmarking through C4V's Digital DNA (DDNA) program.

• Development of next-generation low-temperature lithium metal batteries utilizing Volt Carbon electrolyte technologies and C4V's proprietary BMLMP cathode chemistry, consistent with the development objectives previously established under the companies' March 2025 MOU, including battery systems approaching 300 Wh/kg.

V-Bond Lee, President and CEO stated: "Exceeding 850 cycles marks another important milestone in our collaboration with C4V. We are now advancing toward pouch cell testing using C4V's proprietary BMLMP cathode technology. Moving from coin cells to larger-format cells brings us closer to evaluating the technology under practical operating conditions where cycle life, energy density, safety, and low-temperature performance are critical."

Volt Carbon Technologies | www.voltcarbontech.com

The SQUID system designed by Encomara and manufactured by Aurora Energy Services (AES) which will fundamentally improve how floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) are installed, has received product design assessment (PDA) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The PDA marks the next stage of international certification following approval in principle (AIP) granted last November for Squid, developed by the Aberdeen-based floating wind deployment systems and subsea engineering specialist.

The company’s pioneering connection solution integrates pre-installed mooring lines and electrical connections into a single subsea unit. Where conventional installation requires multiple vessels and sequential operations spread across unpredictable weather windows, the patented technology allows rapid pre-installation of all subsea infrastructure, enabling FOWTS to be installed more efficiently and safely with ‘plug & play’ simplicity. 

Modelling studies, supported by Scottish Enterprise and key developers, estimate that Squid could half the installation time, when compared to traditional methods. This faster assembly, combined with the benefits of increased weather windows and ‘tow to port’ maintenance strategies, means Squid can save developers £1 billion per gigawatt.

ABS completed a detailed review of the Squid system against class and industry requirements for floating offshore wind applications. The PDA follows Squid’s AIP certification received just seven months ago and represents the next step in the qualification pathway towards Technology Readiness Level assessment and commercial adoption. A series of onshore demonstrations are scheduled for July at the Aurora Energy Services (AES) facility in Huntly, followed by inshore wet testing and customer demonstrations at Ardersier, in August.

Encomara was founded in 2023 by four industry stalwarts including the original patent holder Malcolm Bowie, each with more than 30 years’ energy sector experience and was subsequently  acquired by AES, one of the UK's fastest growing renewable energy services businesses, in 2025.

Encomara’s managing director Ian Donald, who has previous experience in the commercialisation of new patented technologies in the energy sector, said: "The Squid system allows pre-installation of moorings and cables followed by rapid hook up of the FOWT , thus reducing risk and potentially doubling the number of turbines that can be installed in a typical season , which tackles a key constraint in GW scale floating wind farm completion. We are drawing on our collective North Sea marine and engineering experience and applying it directly to one of the most pressing challenges in energy transition.  To reach this milestone is a testament to the team at Encomara and Aurora Energy Services.

"Moving into live testing is the next significant step. We developed this technology in Scotland, and we are building and qualifying it in Scotland. The ambition is for it to be operating in floating wind projects across the world."

Rob Langford, ABS Vice President for Global Offshore Renewables, added: "Some of the most practical solutions for floating wind will come from what has been proven to work in the traditional offshore sectors and adapting it to the unique risk profile of offshore wind. ABS is proud to support Encomara in bringing that approach to this sector, and this assessment reflects the technical depth behind it."

Squid is supported by Scottish Enterprise and the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership and patents are secured across Europe, Asia and Australia. AES’ Huntly facility has been identified as a potential site for high-volume manufacturing as the technology scales towards commercial deployment.

Encomara | https://encomara.com/

Verogy, a West Hartford, Connecticut-based distributed energy developer committed to delivering innovative, best-in-class energy solutions, announced that construction is underway on solar energy installations at four municipal landfill sites in the towns of Mansfield, Morris, Somers, and Suffield, CT. The projects (details below), all participating in Connecticut's Non-Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (NRES) program, represent a growing model for transforming closed landfills into productive clean energy assets that benefit host communities.

Connecticut’s NRES program compensates non-residential solar project owners for the clean power their systems deliver to the grid. Under NRES, projects sited on capped landfills and brownfields receive a 20 percent bid price preference in the state's procurement process, making landfill sites an attractive development opportunity for municipalities and developers alike. According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), 14 projects totaling more than 17 megawatts of power have been sited on landfills under the NRES program to date.

For the host municipalities, the arrangement is straightforward: towns receive rental income, increased tax revenues, and local job creation, with no ongoing operational responsibilities. Verogy handles all development and construction of these projects. 

"Every one of these projects tells a similar story: land that once represented a challenge for a community is now generating renewable energy and delivering lasting economic benefits to residents,” said Will Herchel, CEO of Verogy. “Connecticut is showing the rest of the country how to think creatively about clean energy development, and Verogy is proud to be part of that effort."

The Mansfield, Morris, Somers, and Suffield installations are the latest chapter in Verogy's growing landfill solar portfolio. When complete, the four projects will bring the company's total completed landfill installations in the state of Connecticut to seven, reinforcing Verogy's position as one of the region's most experienced developers of solar energy on landfill sites.

The four projects are also helping to advance Connecticut's statutory mandate for a 100 percent zero-carbon electric sector by 2040. By generating renewable energy on land that would otherwise sit dormant following landfill closure, the installations address both clean energy production and land reclamation goals simultaneously. 

“Combined, the four landfill installations are projected to offset approximately 3,145 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, the equivalent of removing 734 cars from the road annually,” added Herchel. “We’re pleased to work with municipal leaders across Connecticut in the fight against climate change."

Project details:

Mansfield, CT

System Size:  2,337.3 kW DC

Production: 3,212,947 kWh/year – enough to power 297 average homes for a year.

Morris, CT

System Size:  1,012.86 kW DC

Production: 1,449,399 kWh/year – enough to power 134 average homes for a year.

Somers, CT

System Size:  1,167.84 kW DC

Production: 1,660,277 kWh/year – enough to power 153 average homes for a year.

Suffield, CT

System Size:  1,300.14 kW DC

Production: 1,669,342 kWh/year – enough to power 154 average homes for a year.

Verogy | www.verogy.com