Higher Power PV Modules Drive Up BOS Costs

Buzz Solutions, an AI software company that enables a smart, stable, and resilient energy infrastructure, announced an expansion of its PowerAI platform to support inspections of utility-scale solar assets.

As utility-scale solar capacity grows rapidly, operators are facing a new challenge: how to efficiently inspect and maintain vast installations spanning hundreds of acres and millions of panels. While traditional transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure inspections focus on delivering power reliably, solar introduces a dual objective: maximizing energy output while extending asset lifespan.

With supply chain constraints making panel replacement more costly and complex, proactive maintenance is increasingly critical. Operators must quickly identify underperforming assets while preserving long-term panel health to maximize overall system performance and return on investment.

Today, drone programs used for solar inspections are generating massive volumes of RGB and thermal imagery that cannot be analyzed manually at scale. This is driving the need for automated solutions that can turn visual data into actionable insights.

The expanded PowerAI capabilities enable utilities to analyze inspection imagery using AI to detect thermal anomalies across PV panels, connectors, combiner boxes and inverters. Inspectors can also use PowerAI to manually identify and label visual equipment issues such as cracked panels, soiling and vegetation encroachment.

PowerAI enables teams to manage and analyze large volumes of inspection data by automating visual analysis and connecting insights directly into GIS, asset management and maintenance systems. By transforming imagery into actionable intelligence, utilities can identify issues faster, prioritize maintenance and improve overall asset performance.

PowerAI for Solar: AI-Enabled Inspection Workflows for Solar Asset Management

The expanded solar capabilities extend PowerAI’s end-to-end inspection workflows, from ingesting drone-collected data to delivering actionable insights for operations teams. The platform combines visual data management, geospatial mapping and automated thermal defect detection to support proactive, performance-driven maintenance.

Key capabilities include:

• AI Detection of Solar Defects: Identify thermal anomalies

• Inspectors can also use PowerAI to identify and label cracked panels, damaged cells, connector failures and other performance issues using RGB imagery.

• Geospatial Asset Mapping: Map solar panels and equipment using geospatial analytics and Esri-based tools.

• Automated Analysis of Drone Data: Process large volumes of inspection imagery collected by drones equipped with RGB and thermal cameras.

• Actionable Reporting: Export results into PDF, JSON or Excel and integrate insights into GIS and asset management systems.

“Solar is fundamentally changing how the grid operates, and it’s introducing a new layer of operational complexity for utilities,” said Kaitlyn Albertoli, CEO and Co-Founder of Buzz Solutions. “This isn’t just about adding more generation, it’s about managing performance at scale. Utilities need modern, data-driven approaches to ensure these assets are delivering the energy output the grid now depends on.”

PowerAI enables teams to manage and analyze large volumes of inspection data by automating visual analysis and connecting insights directly into GIS, asset management and maintenance systems. By transforming imagery into actionable intelligence, utilities can identify issues faster, prioritize maintenance and improve overall asset performance.

“For utilities, the challenge is the sheer volume and complexity of visual data being generated from inspections,” said Vikhyat Chaudhry, CTO and Co-Founder of Buzz Solutions. “PowerAI applies advanced visual intelligence to RGB and thermal imagery, automatically detects thermal defects, and integrates those insights directly into existing utility systems allowing inspection workflows to scale efficiently.

Proven Impact Across Scaled Inspection Programs

Early deployments of PowerAI have demonstrated the ability to reduce manual image review and accelerate inspection timelines, enabling faster issue detection and more effective maintenance prioritization across large-scale infrastructure.

The solar inspection capabilities build on Buzz Solutions’ broader visual AI platform used across transmission, distribution and substation infrastructure. By extending PowerAI to solar assets, utilities can manage inspection data across multiple infrastructure types within a unified system, reducing fragmentation and improving operational consistency.

Buzz Solutions | www.buzzsolutions.co 

UNIGRID Inc., the ultra-safe sodium-ion battery company, announced a breakthrough in long-cycle life cell performance, setting a new benchmark for the stationary storage industry. Its proprietary NaCrO2 (NCO) sodium-ion chemistry has achieved 5,000 full-depth cycles (100% depth of discharge) with greater than 95% capacity retention in commercial-grade cells. This milestone translates to an expected cycle life of 20,000 and operational life of up to 25 years, finally bringing battery lifespan in line with the multi-decade warranties of solar PV assets.

For more than a decade, solar-plus-storage projects have operated with a built-in mismatch. Solar panels are designed to perform for 25 years or longer, yet conventional lithium-ion batteries typically degrade within 7 to 10 years under daily 100% depth of discharge cycling. This disparity forces project owners to budget for costly mid-life battery replacements, introducing reinvestment risk, complicating financing structures, and undermining long-term bankability.

UNIGRID’s proprietary NCO chemistry eliminates that structural weakness. By delivering more than three times the cycle life of conventional lithium-ion systems, UNIGRID transforms energy storage from a depreciating, replacement-driven component into long-life, financeable infrastructure. The result is energy storage designed to last as long as the assets it powers.

“This 25-year lifespan changes the economics of energy storage,” said Darren H. S. Tan, CEO of UNIGRID. “Instead of planning for costly battery replacements halfway through a project, operators can now align storage with the full life of their solar assets. That opens the door to more predictable financing models like Battery-as-a-Service and long-term energy leasing, while reducing risk and lowering lifetime costs across the grid.”

UNIGRID’s technology is uniquely suited for high-utilization applications where reliability, safety, and longevity are critical. From renewable energy storage systems (RESS) that cycle daily alongside solar and wind assets, to commercial and industrial (C&I) microgrids requiring dependable, long-life performance, UNIGRID’s sodium-ion platform is built for sustained operation. The technology is also well positioned for datacenters and UPS systems, where uptime is non-negotiable, as well as extreme weather backup scenarios where conventional lithium-ion batteries often suffer performance degradation.

UNIGRID | https://unigridbattery.com

PowerBank Corporation (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: 103) ("PowerBank" or the "Company"), a leader in North American energy infrastructure development and asset ownership, is pleased to announce an update on the development of the NY-South Park project (the "Project"), located on a closed landfill site in Buffalo, New York. The Project was first announced here, with a progress update shared here. The Project has now secured all discretionary municipal approvals to enable the project to move forward, including a negative declaration under SEQRA, area and use variances and a zoning map amendment.  The Company is currently pursuing NYS Department of Environmental Conservation approval to enter construction on the Project.

Following receipt of the final construction approval and financing, the Company intends to commence the construction of the Project. Once completed, the Project will be operated as a community solar project. Community solar is a group of solar panels with access to the local electricity grid. Once the panels are turned on and generating electricity, clean energy from the site feeds into the local power grid. Depending on the size and number of panels the project has, dozens or even hundreds of renters and homeowners can save money from the electricity that is generated by the project. By subscribing to a project, a homeowner earns credits on their electric bill every month from their portion of the solar that's generated by the project, accessing the benefits of solar without installing panels on their home. This allows homeowners to realize a reduced cost per kW/hour from the power they consume versus standard utility rates.

PowerBank's proven expertise, with over 100 MW of completed projects and a development pipeline exceeding 1 GW, underpins the Project's execution. Strategic partnerships and institutional-grade development capabilities position PowerBank to deliver reliable, high-impact renewable energy solutions.

The Project advances New York's ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal of 6 GW of solar capacity by 2025. As a national leader in community solar, New York accounts for nearly one-third of the United States' 6.2 GW of installed solar capacity, and PowerBank is honored to contribute to this transformative milestone.

PowerBank Corporation | www.powerbankcorp.com

Doral Renewables LLC ("Doral"), a leading, U.S. utility-scale solar and battery storage developer and independent power producer, announced the successful financial close for the Cold Creek Solar + Storageproject in Schleicher and Tom Green Counties in Texas.

This 430 MWac solar generation + 340 MWh storage project marks Doral's largest venture to reach construction financing, behind the 1.3 GW Mammoth Solar complex in northwest Indiana. The project's forecasted generation will be able to power the equivalent of nearly 66,000 homes. Full construction has now begun with Notice to Proceed ("NTP") issued this month; commercial operation is expected in summer of 2028.

MUFG acted as Lead Arranger for the transaction, with Santander, HSBC, Ally, and IDB rounding out the syndicate of debt providers. The debt facilities are comprised of over $400 million of construction-to-term financing, close to $35 million of tax equity bridge loan financing, and approximately $55 million of Letters of Credit. The project will also monetize $360 million of Production Tax Credits through a 10-year PTC Tax Credit Transfer Agreement with an investment-grade rated corporate buyer.

"We are delighted to announce the close of these financings for Cold Creek," said Evan Speece, Chief Financial Officer at Doral Renewables LLC. "Partnering with such a robust lender group led by MUFG and expanding our network with new collaborators while also closing the PTC Transfer transaction positions us well for continued growth. This project will be a cornerstone for our future work across the Lone Star State."

"We are proud to support Doral Renewables on the Cold Creek Solar + Storage project, which underscores our commitment to standing alongside clients as they advance critical infrastructure," said Louise Pesce, Head of North American Power, Project Finance, MUFG. "Projects like Cold Creek play an important role in strengthening U.S. energy independence while helping meet growing power demands with reliable, utility‑scale solutions. MUFG is pleased to work with Doral and the broader lender group to deliver unique financing solutions that support long‑term growth."

McDermott Will & Schulte served as legal counsel to Doral with respect to both the construction financing and the PTC Transfer, while Norton Rose Fulbright acted as counsel to the lenders. Marathon Capital served as financial advisor to Doral in connection with the PTC transfer, while White & Case served as counsel to the PTC buyer, with Stonehenge Capital providing syndication and asset management services to the PTC buyer.

Doral Renewables | https://doral-llc.com/

Arevon Energy, Inc., a leading American energy developer, owner, and operator, announced the start of construction on its 250 megawatt (MW)/1,000 megawatt-hour (MWh) Cormorant Energy Storage Project in Daly City, California. Once operational in 2027, the $600 million facility will be capable of powering approximately 321,000 homes for up to four hours, strengthening grid reliability by delivering stored electricity during periods of peak demand.

Arevon will own and operate Cormorant Energy Storage, which is under a long-term offtake agreement with MCE, an electricity provider that serves more than 1.8 million residents and businesses across Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano counties. The project was originally planned at 188 MW/752 MWh and has since expanded to 250 MW/1,000 MWh, with the additional capacity also contracted under a long-term offtake agreement with MCE.

The Cormorant Energy Storage Project will use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, designed to provide safe, efficient, and flexible storage capabilities. Primoris Services Corporation's Renewables group is the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor, and at peak construction, the project is expected to employ approximately 175 workers. Construction activity will also support the local economy, with hotels, restaurants, stores, and other businesses benefiting from the increased activity in the area. Over its lifetime, Cormorant is expected to generate more than $73 million in property tax revenue that will help fund schools, infrastructure improvements, and public services.

"The start of construction marks an important milestone for the Cormorant project and the Daly City community," said Justin Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Arevon. "Projects like Cormorant are critical to strengthening California's energy grid by storing power when it's abundant and delivering it when it's needed most. Arevon is proud to continue investing in infrastructure that supports reliability, affordability, and California's long-term clean energy goals."

Arevon has made sustained investments in Daly City and the greater Bayshore community throughout the development of the Cormorant project, demonstrating a long‑term commitment to local well‑being, equity, and opportunity. The company has partnered with more than a dozen local and regional organizations through donations, sponsorships, scholarships, memberships, and volunteering efforts, including:

• Daly City Partnership (DCP)
   
• Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center (PBRC)
   
• Filipino American Arts Exposition
   
• Pacific Islanders Together (PIT)
   
• Jefferson Union High School District
   
• KAPWA Kultural Center
   
• Daly City Colma Chamber of Commerce
   
• Cow Palace
   
• City of Daly City – Department of Recreation Services
   
• John's Closet
   
• Bayshore Community Center
   
• Bayshore Senior Citizen Friendship Club
   
• San Mateo AAPI Alliance

"The Cormorant project demonstrates the importance of working closely with local leaders and community members as we develop projects that will operate for decades," said Shanelle Montana, Chief Development Officer at Arevon. "Community engagement is not simply a box to check — it is a commitment to being present, authentic, and aligned with the people who will live alongside our projects. Arevon looks forward to continuing its partnership with the community throughout Cormorant's construction and long-term operations."

Arevon is a nationwide renewable energy developer and a leader in California with more than 3.7 gigawatts in operation, representing over $5 billion in capital investment, and 550 MW currently under construction. The company has issued other announcements celebrating achievements at several of its other California projects, including the start of operations at its Peregrine Energy Storage Project, its Eland 1 Solar-plus-Storage Project, its Vikings Solar-plus-Storage Project, and its Condor Energy Storage Project. Arevon also executed an offtake agreement for its Avocet Energy Storage Project. Condor Energy Storage received Proximo's North America Storage Deal of the Year Award, and Vikings Solar-plus-Storage was the recipient of IJGlobal's Renewables Deal of the Year – Energy Storage Award and Proximo's North America Solar Deal of the Year Award.

Arevon | arevonenergy.com

Project InnerSpace, the leading independent research organization focused on accelerating geothermal energy, and XPRIZE, the world's leader in designing and operating large-scale incentive competitions to solve humanity's grand challenges, announced a collaboration to design a major incentive prize targeting breakthroughs in integrated geothermal surface plant systems, including turbo-machinery and other surface system components. The prize design, funded by Project InnerSpace, aims to catalyze the innovation and supply chain transformation needed to accelerate deployment and unlock the next phase of geothermal growth at scale.

The collaboration comes as geothermal stands at a critical inflection point. While significant progress has been made in subsurface technologies and drilling, surface systems are emerging as a key constraint on deployment speed, cost, and replicability. As outlined in Project InnerSpace's March 2026 report, Spinning Up, Not Out: Scaling the Turbo-machinery Supply Chain for Rapid Geothermal Deployment, turbo-machinery remains a central bottleneck, with limited manufacturing capacity, long lead times, and highly customized designs poised to slow the pace of project development as geothermal scales.

A Prize Designed to Unlock Scale

The planned XPRIZE is being developed to address these structural bottlenecks directly by encouraging more modular, integrated, and high-performance geothermal surface plant architectures that can operate efficiently across real-world geothermal conditions and be deployed more rapidly at scale. Rather than narrowly focusing on a single component, the evolving design is aimed at surfacing solutions that lower costs, cut lead times and improve flexibility, manufacturability, and ease of deployment.

This broader systems framing reflects what the design team has gathered through interviews with manufacturers, developers, and technical experts: many of today's geothermal surface systems are still highly customized, creating long lead times, slowing project delivery, and limiting opportunities for supply chain learning. In many cases, the current market does not reward the type of risk-taking needed to pursue more transformative designs. At the same time, turbo-machinery performance is deeply coupled with the broader surface plant. Heat exchangers, cooling systems, and other balance-of-plant components account for a substantial share of cost and directly impact overall system efficiency and deployment timelines. Addressing turbo-machinery in isolation is unlikely to unlock the full step-change needed for rapid geothermal scale-up. The prize is intended to create a lower-pressure, high-visibility pathway for research, development, and demonstration that can accelerate innovations the market is not yet set up to deliver on its own.

Through the prize design process, the team is also exploring how to avoid over-constraining the solution space. Rather than prescribing a single technology pathway, the competition is expected to focus on performance-based outcomes that leave room for different approaches, including innovations in turbines, working fluids, heat exchange systems, and other integrated surface plant configurations. The goal is to identify designs that can deliver competitive system performance across a range of operating conditions, while enabling step-change improvements in standardization, manufacturability, transportability, and deployment speed.

Prize Design Discussions at CERAWeek 2026

Project InnerSpace and XPRIZE will convene key stakeholders this week at CERAWeek 2026 in Houston to advance the prize design process. Discussions will take place in two venues: in the Innovation Agora, where the collaboration will be featured among the conference's most forward-looking energy technology showcases, and in Geothermal House, where dedicated discussions will bring together geothermal developers, turbo-machinery manufacturers, and investors to help shape the prize's design, eligibility criteria, and judging framework.

These sessions will directly engage the ecosystem of actors whose coordination is essential to success: OEM manufacturers who can scale domestic production, project developers who need reliable and timely equipment supply, investors seeking standardized bankable hardware, and federal policymakers working to build resilient domestic clean energy supply chains.

"The subsurface solutions that will drive scaled development of next-generation geothermal energy are well on their way thanks to several years of disruptive innovation and frontier spirit in the field. We now need to match that momentum above ground," said Jamie Beard, Executive Director of Project InnerSpace. "In short order, the turbo-machinery supply chain will be the bottleneck standing between next-generation geothermal and the gigawatt-scale deployment the world needs. XPRIZE's model of ambitious, results-driven competition is exactly the kind of forcing function that can accelerate this transition."

"XPRIZE was built on the idea that the right incentive, at the right moment, can unlock innovation that markets alone are too slow or too constrained to deliver," said David Babson, PhD, EVP of Energy, Climate, & Nature at XPRIZE. "In geothermal, the opportunity is increasingly about creating more deployable, efficient, and scalable systems that can translate growing capital and demand into real projects on the ground. We are excited to work with Project InnerSpace to shape a prize that can help do exactly that."

The Urgency Behind the Prize

Two recent Project InnerSpace publications provide the evidentiary foundation for this prize. Spinning Up, Not Out: Scaling the Turbo-machinery Supply Chain for Rapid Geothermal Deployment documents current turbo-machinery supply chain constraints in detail — the concentrated OEM landscape, the 12 to 18-month lead times, the logistics barriers created by oversized international shipments, and the coordination failures that prevent manufacturers from investing in new capacity. Minding the Gap: Geothermal Finance at Oil and Gas Scale illuminates the broader financing landscape, showing how surface plant cost and schedule risk directly constrains the capital structures available to geothermal developers. Together, these reports make the case that targeted, incentive-based intervention — rather than incremental market development alone — is needed to compress the timeline to geothermal scale.

The prize design process will be informed by input gathered at CERAWeek and beyond, with a formal prize structure announcement expected later in 2026. Project InnerSpace and XPRIZE welcome engagement from turbo-machinery manufacturers, developers, investors, researchers, and policymakers who wish to contribute to the prize design process.

Project InnerSpace | www.projectinnerspace.org

XPRIZE | xprize.org