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Norwich Technologies, a leading company in the renewable energy sector, has launched Breakaway Renewables, a new division focused on expanding its development and financing capabilities. This move allows Norwich Technologies to diversify its operations and develop renewable energy projects for other companies’ portfolios, increasing its impact across New England and beyond. Breakaway Renewables will focus on site acquisition, project evaluation, permitting, design, and financing, providing more opportunities for business partners and stakeholders. The new division will work alongside Norwich Solar, the company’s EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) arm, to deliver specialized expertise in both development/financing and EPC processes. Norwich Technologies has been a key player in the renewable energy industry since its founding in 2011, having successfully developed and installed over 100 solar projects across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. By creating Breakaway Renewables, the company aims to strengthen its offerings and support the growth of clean energy projects. As a Certified B-Corp since 2023, Norwich Technologies remains committed to its core values, focusing on financial, social, and environmental sustainability. Breakaway Renewables will continue to advance clean energy solutions, supporting the company’s mission to move communities toward a fossil-free energy future. Martha Staskus, Chief Development Officer at Norwich Technologies, highlighted the benefits of the new division, stating, "Breakaway Renewables will leverage our proven processes and strong stakeholder relationships to deliver high-quality renewable energy projects." With the launch of Breakaway Renewables, Norwich Technologies is set to expand its footprint in the renewable energy sector, offering innovative solutions that enhance financial, social, and environmental outcomes for its partners and the communities it serves.

Catalyze has successfully launched a 4.29-MW standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the Bronx, New York. This project is among the first to be fully approved through New York City's updated battery storage permitting process. The system, consisting of four Tesla MegaPacks with a total capacity of 8.58 MWh, is now operational and dispatching electricity to the grid. Designed to support the grid during periods of high demand, the BESS plays a key role in managing seasonal energy peaks. Catalyze leveraged incentives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) under the Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) program to complete the project. The construction was completed in just 171 working days, reflecting Catalyze's focus on efficient deployment of energy storage solutions. Jared Haines, CEO of Catalyze, highlighted the project’s significance in New York’s renewable energy efforts. "This BESS project aligns with New York's climate goals, and we’re committed to expanding our work with local authorities to deploy more renewable energy projects statewide," said Haines. Catalyze’s new Bronx energy storage system is a major step forward in New York’s renewable energy landscape, setting the stage for future projects that will contribute to the state's energy resilience.

Sunvoy has launched a new API designed to simplify solar energy monitoring for installation companies. The Sunvoy API allows solar asset managers to integrate multiple monitoring platforms into a single interface, making it easier to manage different brands of solar inverters and hardware. This new tool addresses a key challenge in the solar industry: the need to use various platforms to monitor different types of solar equipment. The Sunvoy API offers a solution by providing a unified system for tracking and managing all solar hardware in one place. "We’re excited to introduce the Sunvoy API as part of our efforts to improve solar energy management," said Herve Billiet, CEO of Sunvoy. "With this API, businesses can streamline their operations and enhance efficiency by reducing the complexity of monitoring multiple solar systems." Joe Marhamati, co-founder of Sunvoy, emphasized the API's user-friendly design. "We’ve made sure that developers can quickly integrate the API with comprehensive documentation, clear guides, and dedicated support." The Sunvoy API is set to become an essential tool for solar installation companies looking to optimize their operations. By simplifying solar asset management, Sunvoy is helping businesses improve efficiency and drive innovation in the industry.

The Rincon Reservation in San Diego County, California, has launched a significant 1.8-MW solar and storage project. This initiative marks a key step in the Tribe's commitment to renewable energy and was made possible through the collaboration of Bridge Renewable Energy, Solaris Energy, and WATTMORE. The project follows nearly three years of meticulous planning, design, grant writing, and financial analysis. Chairman Bo Mazzetti of the Rincon Tribe expressed enthusiasm for the project's benefits: “We are excited to advance this project and provide renewable energy to our community. This solar + storage system will help lower our carbon footprint and reduce energy expenses.” The project aims to enhance energy efficiency and cut costs for the reservation. Adam Haughton from Bridge Renewable Energy highlighted the strong teamwork involved. “Reaching this milestone demonstrates the great collaboration with the Tribe-elected board, staff, and consultants. We are eager to begin construction and bring this solar + storage project to fruition.” The project's development was bolstered by the expertise of Solaris Energy and WATTMORE, who utilized incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act and various grants to maximize benefits. Nick Perugini, CEO of Solaris Energy, praised the collective effort behind the project. “We are proud to contribute our renewable energy expertise to this impactful Tribal project. We appreciate the Tribe’s commitment and the support from partners like Prosper Sustainability, Microgrid Initiatives, the Department of Energy, and the California Energy Commission.” The project is set to be a leading example of successful renewable energy initiatives.

Sugar Hollow Solar has teamed up with the North Carolina Clean Energy Fund (NCCEF) to launch a new solar lending program aimed at making solar energy more accessible and affordable for North Carolinians. This program offers below-market rates and no dealer fees, providing homeowners and landlords with inclusive financing options to overcome financial barriers to adopting solar energy. This partnership is based on the "Green Bank" model, which has been successfully used in other states to accelerate clean energy investments and enhance climate resilience. The NCCEF program focuses on benefiting underserved populations by offering financing with transparent terms, regardless of credit score, allowing more residents to take advantage of federal tax credits and Duke’s PowerPair program, which offers rebates up to $9,000. Michelle Myers, Program Manager at NCCEF, highlighted that the program's inclusive approach ensures broader access to solar energy, promoting long-term financial and environmental benefits for participants. Clary Franko, COO of Sugar Hollow Solar, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that it will make solar energy accessible to many who previously found the upfront costs prohibitive. The program allows customers to lock in fixed monthly payments, stabilizing household expenses against rising utility rates. Additionally, the flexible terms and the ability to re-amortize loans enable customers to further reduce their payments by leveraging incentives like the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The solar lending program can be used for various projects, including rooftop or ground-mounted solar installations, battery backup systems, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. This initiative represents a significant advancement in North Carolina’s clean energy landscape, providing a model for other regions to follow in promoting renewable energy solutions. For more information about the solar lending program and how to apply, visit the Sugar Hollow Solar and North Carolina Clean Energy Fund websites.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has made history by purchasing energy attribute certificates (EACs) from Seneca Environmental, a tribal majority-owned company. This landmark contract aligns with the Biden Administration’s push to integrate tribal businesses into the renewable energy market and will enable 185 federal buildings across 12 states to operate on 100% clean electricity. The procurement involves 349,108 MWh of energy, roughly equivalent to the annual consumption of 32,780 households. The move is anticipated to save the GSA $800,000 compared to last year's average costs for carbon-free electricity EACs. This deal highlights the competitive edge of tribal enterprises in the renewable energy sector. Jeffrey Ellis, CEO of Seneca Holdings, emphasized that the contract underscores the company’s expanding role in renewable energy and its commitment to forming genuine partnerships with tribal businesses. This historic purchase utilizes the Indian Energy Purchase Preference (IEPP) established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Julie Ramey, GSA Tribal Liaison, praised the purchase as a significant step in implementing long-awaited policy provisions. The deal supports the Biden Administration’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy for federal operations by 2030 and reflects a broader trend of increasing opportunities for tribal enterprises in the renewable energy sector.

Today, AES Corporation introduced "Maximo," a revolutionary AI-powered robot designed to streamline solar panel installation. This cutting-edge technology aims to address the rapidly growing demand for renewable energy. Advancing Solar Technology Building on the success of its first AI robot, Atlas, Maximo can install solar panels in half the time and cost. With solar energy additions expected to triple by 2035, Maximo's efficiency is crucial for meeting future energy needs. CEO’s Insight AES President and CEO Andrés Gluski emphasized the importance of Maximo, stating, "This innovation will accelerate our ability to bring projects online faster and with greater efficiency." Economic Impact Maximo not only enhances installation speed but also creates new high-tech job opportunities, marking a significant advancement in the renewable energy sector. Future Deployments Maximo has already installed nearly 10 MW of solar power and is projected to install 100 MW by 2025. AES plans to utilize Maximo in constructing the 2-GW Bellefield project in California, further solidifying its role in the industry. Collaborative Vision Chris Walker, Director of AWS Sustainability, highlighted the collaboration with AES, noting the importance of innovative technologies in achieving a carbon-free energy future.

A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators has introduced the "American Tax Dollars for American Solar Manufacturing Act" to prevent taxpayer money from supporting Chinese-controlled solar and clean energy companies. The legislation, supported by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Rick Scott (R-FL), aims to ensure that funds from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other taxpayer sources benefit only American companies, strengthening the domestic solar supply chain and creating jobs in the United States. Senator Brown emphasized the need to protect American solar manufacturing from foreign competition, stating, "We cannot allow American tax dollars to go to Chinese companies that cheat and undermine American solar manufacturing." The bill has received backing from First Solar, a prominent American solar manufacturer, and the Solar Energy Manufacturers for America (SEMA) Coalition. Mark Widmar, CEO of First Solar, highlighted the importance of supporting genuine domestic production rather than mere assembly of imported components. By targeting companies with ties to "Foreign Entities of Concern," the legislation would block access to the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit for Chinese firms. This move aligns with provisions from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, which also aimed to limit foreign influence on critical U.S. infrastructure. Companies like First Solar, which manufactures thin-film solar panels without relying on silicon wafers, and Qcells, set to produce its own wafers in the U.S., would benefit from this legislation. The bill seeks to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese supply chains and promote energy independence.

Amperon has introduced its new Asset-Level Renewable Generation Forecasts tool, designed to provide precise solar generation forecasts for renewable energy producers and utilities. This AI-powered tool offers 15-day hourly updates and two-day, 5-minute interval forecasts, enhancing transparency and operational efficiency in renewable energy management. Sean Kelly, CEO of Amperon, highlighted the tool's importance in managing renewable energy assets. Accurate forecasts help companies avoid high real-time power prices by minimizing discrepancies between scheduled and actual energy production, thereby optimizing the value of their generated power. Elliott Chorn, EVP of product at Amperon, emphasized the broader benefits of accurate renewable forecasts. Reliable forecasts ensure a safe, affordable, and green grid by reducing the need for expensive, polluting peaker plants when renewable output falls short of expectations. The tool also introduces the capacity normalized mean absolute error (cnMAE) metric, addressing the limitations of traditional forecasting metrics like mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and root mean square error (RMSE). By incorporating system capacity into error measurement, cnMAE enhances forecast accuracy and reliability.

In a significant move towards California's clean energy goals, Marin Clean Energy (MCE) and Golden State Clean Energy (GSCE) have partnered to develop a substantial solar and battery storage project in Fresno County. This initiative is part of the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan, which aims to convert up to 130,000 acres of water-challenged land in the Westlands Water District into renewable energy infrastructure, potentially supplying one-sixth of California's electricity needs by 2035. The agreement between MCE and GSCE involves the development of up to 400 MW each of solar power and battery storage. This project will provide 100% renewable energy, generate enough electricity to power over 160,000 homes annually, and create local jobs. MCE's COO, Vicken Kasarjian, stated, "This agreement with Golden State Clean Energy allows MCE to be deeply involved in the planning process for these resources. The project could provide MCE with a valuable solar and storage project and is a unique opportunity to build something really tailored to the needs of our customers and California as a whole." The Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan aims to transform water-challenged lands into productive renewable energy sites, potentially generating up to 20 GW of solar power and 20 MW of energy storage. Patrick Mealoy, COO of Golden State Clean Energy, emphasized the community benefits, saying, "We are thrilled that MCE will be the first customer in the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan. The plan is expected to benefit the communities in the valley by creating jobs, preserving family farms, while significantly bringing California closer to achieving its clean energy goals." This partnership aligns with MCE's mid-term and long-term procurement goals. The MOU offers MCE the flexibility to either directly build the project or procure the resources through a Power Purchase Agreement. The project is expected to be operational between 2028 and 2030, providing significant renewable energy benefits. For more updates on the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan and the MCE-GSCE partnership, stay tuned.