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The installation, featuring 13,000 solar panels, will be the largest of its kind at any U.S. airport terminal. This project is part of a $19 billion transformation effort led by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to modernize and expand JFK’s infrastructure. The solar array will generate 6.63 megawatts (MW) of power and will be integrated into a 12-MW microgrid. The microgrid will combine energy from solar power, fuel cells, and battery storage, providing a sustainable energy source for the terminal. As JFK’s largest terminal, Terminal One is designed to reduce its environmental footprint and lead the way in renewable energy usage. Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority, noted that the project aligns with the agency’s sustainability goals. By incorporating green energy into the new terminal’s design, JFK aims to lower emissions and advance its long-term goal of reaching net-zero carbon output. In addition to the terminal’s solar array, a solar canopy is being built at JFK’s long-term parking lot. This structure will feature a 7.5-MW battery system and 6 MW of community solar, further boosting the airport’s renewable energy capabilities. Completion of Terminal One is anticipated by 2026, positioning JFK as a leader in energy-efficient airport operations.

Wunder has partnered with global real estate investment firm Jamestown to install a 350-kilowatt (kW) solar energy system at The Exchange at Larkspur Landing, an office complex located in Larkspur, California. This installation, which came online in June 2024, is expected to generate over 570,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy in its first year. By adding solar energy to the 196,000-square-foot campus, the project aims to reduce both energy costs and carbon emissions for the property. Jamestown’s focus on sustainability plays a central role in this collaboration. Since launching its sustainability program in 2008, the firm has integrated environmentally friendly practices across its operations, including setting ambitious goals such as achieving net-zero operational carbon emissions by 2050. Michael Phillips, president of Jamestown, highlighted the importance of the partnership with Wunder, stating that clean energy is essential for meeting these targets and positioning the company for future success. The Exchange at Larkspur Landing, a 9.4-acre office campus, is designed with sustainability in mind. All three buildings at the site are LEED Platinum or Gold certified, and in 2023, the complex achieved an average ENERGY STAR score of 86, reflecting its energy efficiency. Beyond solar energy, the campus features EV charging stations, bike parking, green spaces, and outdoor seating, further enhancing its environmental appeal. This solar installation is part of a larger initiative between Jamestown and Wunder to explore and implement solar energy solutions across more properties in Jamestown’s portfolio. By focusing on reducing property-generated and landlord-generated emissions, the company has committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, based on a 2018 baseline, and this project marks a step forward in that direction. As renewable energy continues to gain traction, Jamestown and Wunder are expected to collaborate on additional solar projects in the future. The solar system at Larkspur Landing underscores the growing importance of clean energy in commercial real estate and aligns with Jamestown’s long-term sustainability objectives.

The project, acquired from Invenergy, a prominent developer of sustainable energy solutions, is a key addition to the state's growing renewable energy sector. With advanced solar technologies, the facility will provide emission-free power to Entergy Arkansas customers, contributing to the company's long-term clean energy goals. The Walnut Bend Solar Energy Center features cutting-edge bifacial solar panels and sun-tracking racking systems designed to maximize energy production. These panels capture sunlight from both sides and adjust throughout the day to follow the sun’s movement, significantly improving overall energy output. This efficient technology supports Entergy Arkansas' mission to provide reliable, affordable renewable energy while reducing environmental impacts. In addition to generating clean energy, Walnut Bend will deliver economic benefits to Lee County, contributing an estimated $700,000 in annual property taxes. These funds will support local community services and infrastructure. Arkansas Senator Ron Caldwell praised the project, highlighting its role in boosting the local economy and reinforcing the state’s commitment to renewable energy development. Walnut Bend is the fourth solar facility Entergy Arkansas has brought online, joining Stuttgart Solar (81 MW), Chico Solar (100 MW), and Searcy Solar (100 MW). Together, these facilities generate 381 MW of renewable power. With additional projects like West Memphis (180 MW) and Driver (250 MW) expected to come online by the end of 2024, Entergy is solidifying its position as a leader in Arkansas' transition to clean, sustainable energy.

Hoymiles, a global leader in solar microinverter technology, has launched its first overseas manufacturing plant in Monterrey, Mexico, strengthening its presence in North and Latin America’s renewable energy markets. This facility is part of Hoymiles' strategic plan to expand its production capabilities and meet the growing demand for solar energy solutions. Located in the Vynmsa Industrial Park, just six kilometers from Monterrey International Airport, the 6,700-square-meter factory is equipped with advanced production technologies. The site includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) section, material warehouses, and a finished goods storage area. With a workforce of 170 employees, the facility has an initial annual production capacity of 500,000 microinverter units. Hoymiles’ Monterrey facility will produce microinverters for both residential and commercial solar applications, including the HMS-2000-4T and HMS-2000DW-4T series. The company has plans to expand operations with additional production lines, aiming to double its output in the coming years. Dr. Yang Bo, CEO of Hoymiles, highlighted the significance of the new facility, stating: "This new manufacturing site in Monterrey is a key part of our global strategy. By producing closer to our customers in North and Latin America, we can improve delivery times, offer more competitive pricing, and provide faster, localized support for solar energy projects." With this new facility, Hoymiles aims to enhance its service capabilities, reduce shipping times, and offer high-quality microinverters tailored to local market needs. The expansion will also support the growing shift towards renewable energy in the region, helping to meet the increasing demand for solar and energy storage solutions.

The U.S. utility solar market set new records in Q3 2024, with 9,200 MW of new capacity added, a 25% increase from the previous quarter. Total installed solar capacity now exceeds 119,000 MW, driven by incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act and demand from major corporations like Amazon and Meta. Texas remains a leader in solar development, adding over 3,500 MW, including the 600-MW Lone Star Solar Field. Despite the growth, the industry faces challenges like permitting delays, interconnection issues, and rising costs due to tariffs on imported panels. Some developers, like AES Corp., are managing these risks by securing equipment through 2026. Looking ahead, the U.S. needs an additional 60 GW of solar capacity by 2030 to meet clean energy goals. Though obstacles remain, strong policy support and corporate demand keep the market on track for continued growth.

Madison Energy Infrastructure (MEI) has completed the largest school rooftop solar array in Virginia, installed at North Stafford High School. The 1.8-MW solar project features 3,300 panels that will generate significant long-term savings for the school district. Over the next 25 years, the array is expected to save the district approximately $2.8 million in electricity costs, while reducing its carbon footprint. A ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 15, 2024, marked the official launch of the solar array, attended by key figures including Dr. Heather Boushey from the White House’s Investing in America Cabinet, and Virginia State Senators Tara Durant and Jeremy McPike. Local school officials praised the project for its environmental and educational impact. Acting Superintendent Chris R. Fulmer emphasized the dual benefits of sustainability and practical learning opportunities for students. The solar array not only cuts costs but also serves as a dynamic learning tool. Through MEI’s Solar Empowered Schools curriculum, students at North Stafford High will have access to real-time data from the rooftop solar panels, integrating it into energy science and environmental studies. Virtual reality (VR) tours of the rooftop installation will further enhance hands-on learning, offering students a deeper understanding of renewable energy technologies. This initiative highlights Virginia’s commitment to clean energy in education, positioning North Stafford High School as a model for other schools across the state. MEI’s Vice President of Energy Solutions, Rich Allevi, noted that this project underscores the importance of investing in clean energy while simultaneously supporting educational growth. The solar array is designed to inspire other school districts to follow suit. As more schools nationwide look toward renewable energy solutions, North Stafford High’s solar project sets a new standard. By combining sustainability with innovative education, the project equips students with the knowledge and skills to address future energy challenges while benefiting from reduced utility costs and a greener environment.

GE Vernova has unveiled its new 2,000-VDC utility-scale inverter, designed to increase solar farm efficiency and reduce costs. The FLEXINVERTER 2,000 is capable of delivering 30% more power output within the same footprint, offering a major breakthrough in renewable energy technology. This innovation aims to support the global shift to affordable solar energy and decarbonization. The 6 MVA inverter is set to be installed in a North American solar park by early 2025, part of a pilot project aimed at enhancing energy output and scalability. "Our new 2,000-V inverter will help maximize energy production while reducing overall costs," said Ed Torres, Business Leader at GE Vernova Solar & Storage Solutions. "It’s designed to meet the increasing energy demands as the world moves toward a more sustainable future." In partnership with Shoals Technologies Group and a major PV module supplier, GE Vernova’s inverter technology will lead the way for more efficient utility-scale solar deployments. Shoals Technologies will provide the electrical balance of system components, while the project’s PV module partner will supply solar panels. Jeff Tolnar, President of Shoals Technologies Group, emphasized the collaboration’s role in reducing the cost of solar energy projects, saying, "This project will set a new benchmark for affordable solar power, driving adoption and advancing solar as a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels." With this new inverter, GE Vernova continues to push the boundaries of solar technology, helping to make renewable energy more accessible and efficient on a global scale. Keywords: GE Vernova, 2,000-V Inverter, Utility-Scale Solar, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy, Solar Farms, Decarbonization, Energy Efficiency, Solar Innovation, Shoals Technologies Group, PV Modules, Utility-Scale Solar Projects, Affordable Solar Energy

DNV, a global leader in risk management for the energy industry, has introduced a new service aimed at helping solar developers address the increasing threat of hail damage driven by climate change. In partnership with Jupiter Intelligence, a leading firm in climate risk analytics, DNV’s service provides data-backed assessments of hail risk for solar photovoltaic (PV) projects across North America. This initiative is designed to help project developers better understand and mitigate the risks associated with hailstorms, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. Recent years have seen a surge in hail-related damage to solar installations, particularly in regions like Texas, where more than $600 million in damage has been reported over the past two to three years. This trend is concerning for solar developers, as traditional methods of assessing hail risk using historical data are no longer sufficient. Climate change is altering weather patterns, leading to hailstorms in areas that have not typically been prone to such events. As a result, insurance policies are evolving, and solar projects face increased financial uncertainty. DNV’s new service leverages advanced climate modeling from Jupiter Intelligence to project hail risk over the 30-year lifespan of solar projects. By providing precise, forward-looking data, the service enables solar developers to anticipate the probability and severity of hail events at specific locations. This allows project owners to take proactive measures to protect their installations, from adjusting design choices to securing better insurance coverage. The service not only covers current hail risks but also projects future trends as climate change progresses. Research indicates that severe hailstorms are shifting northward across the central and eastern United States, regions where solar installations are rapidly growing. This shift underscores the need for solar developers to stay ahead of emerging risks. DNV’s service addresses this by offering detailed assessments that combine historical data with cutting-edge climate projections, helping developers make more informed decisions about site selection, construction, and maintenance. As the solar industry faces the dual challenge of expanding renewable energy while adapting to the impacts of climate change, DNV’s hail risk assessment service provides a critical tool for safeguarding investments. By understanding potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies, solar developers can ensure the long-term success and financial viability of their projects. This new service aligns with DNV’s broader mission to support the renewable energy sector in navigating the challenges posed by climate change while advancing the global transition to clean energy.

Polar Racking has introduced a new Hail Protection feature for its SOL-X single-axis solar tracking system, aimed at reducing the risk of hail damage to solar panels during severe weather. The advanced feature automatically adjusts the solar trackers to an optimal high-tilt position, protecting solar PV panels from hail impacts without the need for manual intervention. Designed to respond to real-time weather data, the Hail Protection system positions solar panels at a bi-directional tilt angle of +/- 63°, aligning them with the wind direction during hailstorms. This strategic positioning helps minimize the risk of panel damage, offering a proactive defense against extreme weather events. By using live meteorological data from Polar Racking’s monitoring platform, the system activates when hailstorms are forecasted, ensuring the solar trackers adjust in advance. This automated approach provides increased protection and enhances the durability of solar installations in regions prone to hail. Vishal Lala, CEO of Polar Racking, highlighted the importance of this innovation, stating, "Our new Hail Protection feature is a key addition to the SOL-X tracker solution, which already includes 3D backtracking, overcast strategies, and iStow. This further ensures our system meets the needs of solar projects facing diverse environmental challenges." With the introduction of this hail protection technology, Polar Racking strengthens the SOL-X solar tracker as a leading choice for solar projects in regions with unpredictable weather, offering reliability across a wide range of terrains and climate conditions. Keywords: Polar Racking, hail protection feature, SOL-X tracker, solar panel protection, single-axis solar tracker, solar installations, photovoltaic panels, real-time weather data, automated solar tracker

Fluke Corporation has introduced two cutting-edge tools specifically designed for utility-scale solar contractors: the Fluke 283 FC Solar Digital Multimeter and the Fluke a283 FC True-RMS Wireless Clamp. These tools are built to enhance safety, accuracy, and efficiency for professionals working with high-voltage photovoltaic (PV) systems. The 283 FC multimeter features a CAT III 1500 V DC safety rating and Staubli MC4 test leads, enabling quick, secure connections for testing solar modules or strings up to 1500 V. This multimeter is ideal for safely working with inverters, combiner boxes, and entire solar arrays in large-scale solar operations. The Fluke a283 FC True-RMS Wireless Clamp simplifies current measurements with its non-contact design, allowing technicians to safely measure both AC and DC currents up to 60 A without touching live wires. Its slim jaw design is perfect for tight spaces like inverter cabinets and combiner boxes, providing accurate measurements even in confined areas. The wireless functionality eliminates the hassle of tangled wires, making troubleshooting faster and safer in solar installations and electrical systems. Both tools are equipped with Fluke Connect integration, enabling technicians to wirelessly transmit real-time data to smartphones or tablets. This cloud-based connectivity allows for remote analysis and troubleshooting, reducing downtime and improving efficiency in the field. The tools also allow for simultaneous voltage and current measurement, automatically calculating VA power without the need for multiple setups, streamlining the data collection process for solar professionals. As utility-scale solar installations continue to expand, Fluke’s new tools offer an all-in-one solution that prioritizes both safety and efficiency. With their CAT III 1500 V and CAT IV 1000 V safety ratings, these tools provide solar contractors with the confidence to work safely in high-voltage environments, meeting the growing demands of the solar industry.