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Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) has completed its 200-MW Morrow Lake Solar project in Frio County, Texas, now supplying Microsoft with renewable energy under a long-term power purchase agreement. This solar facility is the first of two projects developed with Microsoft and the second for LRE in Frio County, joining the nearby 200-MW Horizon Solar project. The Morrow Lake Solar project generated over 300 construction jobs, with 112 local hires, supporting the local workforce. It features First Solar thin-film modules and follows environmentally responsible practices, including the use of sheep grazing to control vegetation and enhance soil health. LRE also implemented land stewardship practices to preserve native plant species and improve biodiversity at the site. In addition to its environmental focus, the Morrow Lake Solar project has made contributions to the local community, supporting educational initiatives and participating in events such as toy drives and holiday celebrations. Acquired by LRE in 2023 from the Red River joint venture, which began development in 2017, the Morrow Lake Solar project further strengthens LRE’s renewable energy portfolio and commitment to sustainable power generation for global companies like Microsoft. This milestone highlights the growing role of solar energy in powering major corporations and advancing clean energy solutions.

Ampion Renewable Energy has launched a 25-MW community solar portfolio in Maine, adding clean energy to the state’s grid. The five solar projects, located in Franklin, Aroostook, Penobscot, and Washington Counties, became operational in November 2024. These projects provide solar energy to both Versant Power and Central Maine Power utility territories, contributing significantly to Maine’s renewable energy goals. The community solar program serves over 1,700 residential and 70 commercial customers, offering them up to 15% savings on their electricity bills. By enrolling in the program, participants support the generation of clean energy while also benefiting from reduced energy costs. Ampion will manage the billing and customer care for these projects for the full 20-year duration, ensuring long-term customer support. The projects not only provide immediate financial savings but also help reduce Maine’s carbon footprint by increasing the state’s reliance on renewable energy sources. Ampion’s community solar model gives local residents and businesses the opportunity to access solar energy without needing to install panels on their properties, making renewable energy more accessible. With this new solar portfolio, Ampion is playing a key role in advancing clean energy adoption in Maine. As the state continues to push for sustainable energy solutions, community solar projects like these offer an efficient and impactful way to meet the growing demand for green energy while supporting the local economy.

Primergy Solar has successfully launched its 100-MWAC Amazon Solar Farm Arkansas – Prairie Mist in Ashley County, Arkansas. Now fully operational, the project is providing clean, renewable energy to the grid, marking an important milestone in Primergy’s 2024 renewable energy initiatives. The solar farm, operating under a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Amazon, generates enough electricity to power approximately 22,000 homes annually, reducing the region’s dependence on fossil fuels and supporting Amazon’s ambitious sustainability goals. Beyond delivering clean energy, the Prairie Mist project is making a positive impact on the local community. The project created 200 construction jobs and is expected to contribute $10 million in tax revenue for Ashley County over its operating life. As part of its commitment to community development, Primergy Solar funded the construction of an ADA-accessible playground and a shade structure at Hamburg High School, providing long-term benefits to residents of the area. Financing for the solar farm was secured in 2023, with $300 million in debt and tax equity funding. The financing was led by SMBC, alongside Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale, Societe Generale, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, with tax equity investment from PNC Bank. This strong financial backing underscores the viability of the project and highlights Primergy’s ability to deliver large-scale renewable energy solutions. The Prairie Mist solar project reinforces Arkansas’ commitment to clean energy and energy independence by reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the state’s power generation mix. Primergy Solar’s collaboration with Amazon and local stakeholders highlights the potential for renewable energy projects to drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and community enrichment, positioning Arkansas as a leader in the transition to clean energy.

Hithium, a leader in energy storage technology, has introduced three groundbreaking products aimed at advancing renewable energy solutions. The company launched the ∞Power 6.25-MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a next-generation sodium-ion battery for utility-scale applications, and the HeroES home microgrid system during a recent event. These innovations are set to enhance energy efficiency and scalability across both residential and large-scale energy storage systems. The ∞Power 6.25-MWh BESS offers two configurations: a two-hour version with a 587 Ah battery cell and a four-hour version with a 1,175 Ah battery cell. Both setups are housed in a 20-foot container and feature Hithium’s new "loose coupling" design, which separates the system components, including power, thermal management, control, and fire safety, to improve efficiency and adaptability. Deliveries of the ∞Power 6.25-MWh BESS are scheduled to begin in Q2 2025. In addition to the BESS, Hithium introduced the ∞Cell N162Ah, a high-performance sodium-ion battery designed for utility-scale energy storage. Featuring a polyanionic cathode and hard carbon anode, the ∞Cell N162Ah offers over 20,000 cycles, high efficiency, and wide temperature range capabilities. This product is now available for global sampling, with mass production set to start in Q4 2025, positioning it as a key solution for large-scale energy storage needs. For residential applications, Hithium launched HeroES, a home microgrid system that requires no installation. The system combines a smart storage module (Storage series) and a smart control module (SynergyBox) that can be set up in just 30 minutes. HeroES features a proprietary energy management algorithm that improves home energy efficiency by 10%, while its wireless and scalable design offers a flexible solution for home energy needs. HeroES will be available globally in Q3 2025

Trina Storage, a global leader in energy storage solutions, has published a white paper on energy storage system (ESS) safety, developed in collaboration with TÜV NORD. The report highlights critical safety challenges in energy storage systems, including risks like thermal runaway, fire hazards, and electrical failures. By addressing these issues, the white paper provides a framework to enhance reliability and safety across ESS applications in energy generation, transmission, and demand-side solutions. A key focus of the white paper is battery cell safety, which forms the foundation of reliable energy storage systems. Trina Storage emphasizes the need for electrochemical stability, rigorous failure analysis, and compliance with global standards such as GB/T 36276, UL 1973, IEC 62619, and UL 9540A. These measures ensure batteries can withstand extreme mechanical, electrical, and thermal stresses, reducing the risk of failures and improving system safety. The white paper also underscores the importance of system-wide safety designs, including thermal management, structural integrity, and fire protection. A lifecycle approach to quality management is recommended, involving rigorous testing during research and development, strict production controls, and real-time monitoring during operation. Trina Storage advocates for third-party validation to verify performance under extreme conditions, ensuring energy storage systems meet industry standards. Dr. Kai Yang, Director of the Advanced Institute for Energy Storage at Trina Storage, urged industry collaboration to advance safety benchmarks: “The clean energy transition depends on safe and reliable energy storage. We must work together to raise safety standards and ensure long-term system performance.” With this white paper, Trina Storage delivers actionable solutions to mitigate risks, enhance system reliability, and support the growing global adoption of energy storage technologies.

PV Hardware (PVH), a leader in solar tracker technology, has launched PVH Terra, a foundation system designed specifically for large-scale solar installations. Made entirely in the United States, PVH Terra qualifies for the domestic content credit under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This system is engineered to tackle challenging soil conditions, providing a reliable solution for utility-scale solar projects across diverse terrains. The innovative design of PVH Terra features a screw that is driven into the ground at an angle using specialized machinery, which reduces embedment depth by up to 70% depending on the site. This approach speeds up installation and reduces costs, making it a game-changer for developers looking for an efficient, scalable foundation solution. According to PV Hardware, “PVH Terra is more than just a product; it’s a step forward for renewable energy and American manufacturing.” The system not only provides a solution for solar developers but also supports local jobs and strengthens the U.S. supply chain, demonstrating a commitment to both sustainability and economic growth. As one of the first solar foundation systems to meet 100% domestic content standards, PVH Terra offers significant benefits. It allows solar developers to take full advantage of federal incentives while ensuring long-term durability for large-scale projects. With this launch, PV Hardware continues to lead the industry with innovative solutions that advance the clean energy transition.

Verogy has successfully completed two rooftop solar installations at FedEx facilities in Connecticut. The solar projects, located in Stratford (866 kW) and Middletown (2,075 kW), are designed to support FedEx’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. FedEx is focused on reducing its carbon footprint and increasing its use of renewable energy as part of its goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. These solar installations are a significant step in that direction, contributing to the company’s sustainability strategy. William Herchel, CEO of Verogy, shared his thoughts on the collaboration: "We are excited to partner with FedEx on these impactful solar projects. These installations reflect a shared commitment to reducing environmental impact and advancing clean energy solutions." Lonnie Mattison, Manager of Sustainability and Global Vehicles at FedEx, added, "By bringing solar energy to our Stratford and Middletown locations, we are advancing our efforts to reduce emissions and transition to more sustainable energy sources." These rooftop solar installations are the first for FedEx in Connecticut and align with the company's broader goal of sourcing more energy from renewable sources. Both Verogy and FedEx are hopeful that these projects will encourage other companies to invest in clean energy solutions as part of their sustainability efforts.

Conservative leaders across the U.S. are increasingly championing renewable energy solutions that combine agriculture and solar power. Following the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)’s recent resolution, states are advancing policies to promote agrivoltaics and community solar projects. These initiatives offer farmers new revenue opportunities by integrating solar installations with agricultural activities, helping them withstand economic challenges while contributing to clean energy growth. Agrivoltaics, which involves placing solar panels on farmland to support both energy generation and agricultural production, is proving to be a game-changer. By utilizing unproductive or marginal land, farmers can generate passive income without compromising crop yields or grazing. Weld County Commissioner Lori Saine, who introduced the ALEC resolution, emphasized that agrivoltaics keeps farmland in use while helping farmers manage financial uncertainty. Additionally, young farmers can benefit from these programs by making farmland ownership more affordable. Community solar programs are also gaining traction, enabling multiple participants to share the benefits of solar energy generated on farms and other local sites. Republican-led states like Wisconsin, Iowa, and Missouri are introducing bipartisan legislation to expand these programs, which provide affordable clean energy while supporting rural economies. Research from the Conservative Energy Network (CEN) shows strong support for community solar, with 60% of Republicans and 65% of Independents in favor, highlighting the growing appeal of these solutions among conservative voters. Beyond financial benefits, agrivoltaics offers environmental advantages such as reducing soil erosion, conserving water, and maintaining biodiversity. As states adopt policies inspired by the ALEC resolution, conservative lawmakers are proving that renewable energy can align with free-market principles, energy independence, and rural development. By integrating clean energy with agriculture, this approach paves the way for a sustainable and economically resilient future for American farmers.

ACCURE Battery Intelligence has launched Warranty Tracker Plus, an advanced tool designed to streamline the management of performance warranties for battery energy storage systems (BESS). This upgraded platform uses artificial intelligence and real-time data monitoring to help operators maintain compliance with strict warranty conditions, such as temperature and voltage limits. By identifying potential risks early, Warranty Tracker Plus empowers users to take corrective action, protecting their investments and extending the lifespan of their battery systems. BESS warranties are often complex and supplier-biased, making them challenging for owners to navigate. Violations of warranty terms can lead to costly penalties or voided coverage, creating significant financial risks for operators of multi-million-dollar storage systems. ACCURE’s platform addresses these concerns with features like predictive alerts, automated claim documentation, and multi-supplier coordination, ensuring that BESS owners can effectively manage their assets without confusion or conflict. Safety is another critical focus of Warranty Tracker Plus. The platform leverages AI-driven insights to detect early warning signs of battery degradation or thermal runaway, providing actionable recommendations to enhance system safety and reliability. By offering independent, third-party monitoring, ACCURE removes the potential conflict of interest that arises when relying solely on suppliers for performance oversight, giving operators a transparent view of their system’s health and compliance status. With renewable energy adoption surging worldwide, tools like Warranty Tracker Plus are becoming indispensable for the energy storage sector. Early users, such as esVolta, have praised the platform for its proactive capabilities and cost-saving benefits. As ACCURE plans further innovations, including blockchain integration and benchmarking tools, Warranty Tracker Plus positions itself as a game-changing solution for ensuring transparency, optimizing performance, and protecting assets in the growing BESS market.

Arevon Energy has launched Phase 1 of the Eland Solar-plus-Storage Project in Kern County, California, marking a step forward for renewable energy in the state. This phase, located in Mojave, includes a 384-MWDC solar farm integrated with 150 MW/600 MWh of battery storage. The second phase of the project is under construction and is expected to be complete by early 2025. Once finished, the entire project will have a capacity of 758 MWDC of solar energy combined with 300 MW/1,200 MWh of energy storage. The project is designed to provide clean, reliable energy during periods of high electricity demand. By combining solar power with energy storage, the system helps stabilize the grid and supports California’s shift to renewable energy. Eland Solar-plus-Storage is backed by a long-term agreement with the Southern California Public Power Authority. The energy produced will serve the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Glendale Water and Power, supplying renewable electricity to homes and businesses in the region. San Diego-based SOLV Energy led the engineering and construction for Phase 1. This project highlights the role of solar-plus-storage systems in meeting energy demand and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while supporting California’s renewable energy goals.