AI Rewrites the Rules of Power Resilience

Runergy has recently announced the commencement of production at its state-of-the-art solar module manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama, USA. This significant milestone represents an important step in Runergy's strategic expansion into the North American market, reinforcing its commitment to delivering innovative solar solutions globally. The facility is set to fulfill its first customer orders this October, marking a new chapter for both the company and the local community.

The launch event featured the symbolic signing of the first solar module off the production line by all employees, celebrating the collective effort and dedication that made this achievement possible. This facility underscores Runergy's pivotal role in the global solar industry, as it continues to scale its operations to meet increasing demand. With an annual nameplate output of 2 GW, the Huntsville site is poised to become one of the leading solar manufacturing hubs in the United States.

"We are thrilled to start producing solar modules right here in Alabama," stated Jet Li, General Manager of Runergy Alabama. "This factory not only brings new jobs and opportunities to the area but also represents our commitment to advancing renewable energy and supporting America's clean energy goals. We couldn't be prouder of our team's hard work."

As the first U.S. production plant under Runergy Group's expansion plan, this facility plays a crucial role in establishing a robust supply chain in America and is integral to Runergy's globalization strategy.

"With the increasing demand for solar energy in the U.S., We aim to meet the country's renewable energy targets by producing our solar modules locally," said Dr. Jusong Wang, Managing Director of Runergy Alabama. "Runergy Alabama will reduce lead times, minimize reliance on overseas suppliers, and provide customers with more reliable, cost-effective access to our solar technology. Runergy Alabama's mission is to deliver its cutting-edge, high-efficiency N-type solar modules to meet the growing demand for clean energy solutions. As part of its long-term strategy, the company is dedicated to enhancing its production capabilities while maintaining rigorous quality standards and sustainability practices."

Founded in 2013, Runergy is a leading international photovoltaic (PV) technology company specializing in the research, development, manufacturing, and global distribution of solar cells and modules. By the end of 2023, Runergy's cumulative solar cell shipments surpassed 65GW. With a strategy anchored in globalization, the company has established an extensive network of production facilities for polysilicon, wafers, cells, and modules across China, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States. By offering comprehensive solar project solutions, the company adeptly addresses the dynamic and diverse needs of its international customer base, ensuring its competitive edge in the global market. Now, Runergy has successfully established itself as a prominent solar module brand in the United States. Recognized by BloombergNEF as a Tier 1 module manufacturer, Runergy is dedicated to delivering high-performance solar products and collaborating with global partners to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Runergy | www.runergy.com

SolarBank Corporation (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: GY2) ("SolarBank" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its plans to develop a 2.9 MW DC ground-mount solar power project known as the Silver Springsproject (the "Project") on a site located in Gainesville, New York. With a secured site lease and interconnection study underway, the Project is another key addition to SolarBank's expanding development pipeline and presence in the region.

Following the interconnection study, the Company will continue to work to complete the permitting process and secure the necessary financing for the construction of the Project. The Project is expected to be eligible for incentives under the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority ("NYSERDA") NY-Sun Program.

Once completed, the Project will be operated as a community solar project. The clean energy generated by a community solar project feeds directly into the local electricity grid. Depending on the size and number of panels the project has, dozens or even hundreds of renters and homeowners can earn credits on their electric bill and save money from the electricity that is generated by the project. By subscribing to a project, community members can access the benefits of renewable energy without having to install panels on their home. SolarBank's strategic focus on community solar aligns with its goal of powering thousands of homes with clean and affordable energy.

There are several risks associated with the development of the Project. The development of any project is subject to receipt of interconnection approval, required permits, the continued availability of third-party financing arrangements for the Company and the risks associated with the construction of a solar power project. In addition, governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for solar power, which could result in future projects no longer being economic. Please refer to "Forward-Looking Statements" for additional discussion of the assumptions and risk factors associated with the projects and statements made in this press release.

Update on At-The-Market Equity Program

The Company also announces that it has entered into a second amended and restated equity distribution agreement (the "Restated Distribution ‎Agreement") with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC ("Wainwright"), Research Capital Corporation ("RCC") and Research Capital USA Inc. ("RC US", and together with Wainwright and RCC, the "Agents") to add Wainwright as a sales agent under the Company's existing at-the-‎market equity program (the "ATM Program"). The Restated Distribution Agreement restates and supersedes the previous amended and restated equity distribution agreement, dated May 23, 2024, among the Company, RCC and RC US. There can be no assurance that the Company will issue and sell any common shares under the ATM Program. The timing of any sales and the number of shares sold, if any, will depend on a variety of factors to be determined by the Company.

The Company will pay the Agents a commission of up to 3.0% of the gross offering proceeds from each ‎sale of common shares sold under the ATM Program and has agreed to provide the Agents with customary indemnification and ‎contribution rights. The Company will also reimburse the Agents for certain specified expenses in ‎connection with the entering into and performance of the Restated Distribution Agreement. ‎

Please refer to the Company's press release of May 23, 2024, for further details concerning the ATM Program.

SolarBank Corporation | www.solarbankcorp.com

Oceantic Network opened registration for its 2025 International Partnering Forum (IPF), the largest offshore wind and ocean renewables conference in the Americas, taking place April 28 to May 1 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. New in 2025, IPF will host an Ocean Renewables Summit, the Ventus Gala, tours showcasing the thriving U.S. supply chain and a utility-scale offshore wind project, as well as popular networking events including OSW Drinks, WindMatch, and more.

“IPF’s constant evolution has created the Americas’ most important offshore wind industry gathering, rewarding new and returning attendees with business and network-building events and opportunities,” said Liz Burdock, CEO at Oceantic Network. “In 2025, IPF will Power ON alongside the thousands of companies that make up the offshore wind industry and its supply chain. The engaging programming and networking events you’ve come to expect at IPF are all coming to the site of our nation’s largest offshore wind project in Virginia Beach.”

2025 IPF will be a conference experience like none before as the industry convenes to Power ON – celebrating the U.S. offshore wind industry that now has a completed commercial-scale project, with nine more at various stages of construction, supported by a thriving supply chain that stretches across 39 states. The offshore wind industry is creating jobs from California to Maine, delivering new business to local companies while contributing to the nation’s clean energy transition.

“We are honored Oceantic Network has chosen our city to host IPF in 2025 and are excited to welcome industry leaders and experts from around the world to Virginia Beach,” said Virginia Beach City Manager Patrick Duhaney. “Virginia Beach works each day to ensure we remain an attractive destination for events like this, and we appreciate the opportunity to showcase the best Virginia Beach has to offer.”

This year, the annual Ventus Gala will also take place at IPF for the first time, celebrating innovation and achievements from across the offshore wind and ocean renewables industries while immersing attendants and winners in the connective atmosphere of the conference. Another first for IPF is hosting the annual conference in a location where a commercial-scale project is underway. Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, promised to become one of the world’s largest offshore wind ventures, will be under installation, which attendees will have the opportunity to visit as an IPF tour option.

“Virginia is leading the way for offshore wind in the United States, with our Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, the country’s largest offshore wind farm, under construction off the coast of Virginia Beach,” said G.T. Hollett, director of offshore wind at Dominion Energy. “The industry is taking notice as more businesses are locating to Hampton Roads, bringing new jobs and transforming the region into the nation’s premier offshore wind supply chain hub. Sponsoring events, such as Oceantic Network’s International Partnering Forum, really highlight the positive work occurring in Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth.”

Registration to attend this premier week-long event offers attendees full access to a host of programming tracks, focused summits, tours, business matching services, startup support, networking opportunities, and social gatherings, bringing together organizations from across the global offshore wind industry to drive innovation, collaboration, and solutions.

“LS GreenLink is excited to participate in the 2025 International Partnering Forum and showcase our contributions to the offshore wind industry,” said Patrick Y. Shim, Managing Director at LS GreenLink. “As a leading provider of high-voltage direct current submarine cables, we are proud to support the expansion of offshore wind solutions in the U.S. and beyond. IPF offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry leaders, share best practices, and advance the future of sustainable energy. We look forward to the continued growth of the offshore wind sector and its positive impact on global clean energy initiatives.”

The 2025 IPF Call for Workshops submissions and Ventus Awards nominations are open through November 1. IPF Hotel reservations can be made online.

Oceantic Network | https://oceantic.org/

Erthos, a large-scale renewable energy technology company and inventor of Earth Mount Solar, has reached an agreement with an undisclosed manufacturing partner that secures US-manufactured PV modules for Earth Mount Solar projects and enables US domestic content tax credits for its plants beginning in January 2025. 

Earth Mount Solar marks a milestone advancement in the evolution of large-scale solar plant design. The PV modules are placed flat on the ground, eliminating the need for driven piles and steel tracking structures. This reduces installation time and materials and simplifies operations and maintenance, ultimately boosting returns for solar developers. 

We are thrilled to announce this new agreement, which provides Erthos with a significant supply chain advantage in an increasingly competitive market,” said Colin Caufield, Vice President of Sales at Erthos. “Demand for US-manufactured PV modules far outpaces supply, and securing this access, with first-right-of-refusal, positions Erthos to meet the IRA’s domestic content requirements over the next two years. This is truly a monumental achievement.”

For solar plants starting construction in 2025, at least 45% of the plant’s applicable manufactured products and components must be manufactured in the US to qualify for the full domestic content tax credit. In 2026, this threshold increases to 50%. Under the elective safe harbor method outlined in IRS Notice 2024-41, Earth Mount Solar plants can achieve a domestic content percentage of 54.4% – well above the domestic content thresholds for the next two years.

This agreement ensures that solar developers looking to take advantage of the IRA’s domestic content tax credit can move forward without delay.

“While we’ve secured our module manufacturing partner’s entire production capacity going forward, the clock is ticking for those looking to participate,” Caufield added. “Solar developers that don’t act now may miss out on this unprecedented opportunity.”

Erthos | www.erthos.com

Across the United States, millions of people rely on electricity delivered by thousands of miles of transmission lines. 

As the nation continues to electrify all aspects of society—vehicles, buildings, appliances—utilities need strategies to provide the necessary power at a reasonable cost to consumers. And with extreme events like heat waves, cold snaps and drought becoming more frequent, the grid must remain reliable when power is needed the most.

Doubling or even tripling the number of transmission lines would both support the growing demand for energy and maintain the grid’s reliability during extreme events, according to a new report from the Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office. DOE teamed up with the agency's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and National Renewable Energy Laboratory to study transmission expansion.

The report, called the National Transmission Planning Study, emphasizes the benefits of interregional transmission. Currently, transmission planning is done at a local or regional level, with utilities generally planning only within the region they serve. Expanding more transmission across regions—say, between the Midwest and the Great Plains—could lead to billions of dollars in savings, they report. By 2050, the researchers calculate that transmission expansion would lead to $270–$490 billion in cost savings. For every one dollar spent on new transmission, the researchers found, $1.60–$1.80 would be saved in system costs.

More transmission lines would allow the connection of more solar power, wind power and energy storage to the electric grid. In turn, carbon emissions would drop. The report estimates that by 2050, carbon dioxide emissions would drop by 10 billion to 11 billion metric tons.

“In this new report, we show that with careful planning and coordination across regions, expanded transmission can lower costs and carbon dioxide emissions while maintaining reliability,” said Nader Samaan, chief systems engineer at PNNL and a contributor to the report. 

Modeling power flow across the nation

To explore how expanded transmission would save money and retain reliability while lowering carbon emissions, the team simulated the nation’s power grid using models at a sub-regional level. The team started with a model developed by NREL that represents the evolution of the power grid through 2035. 

NREL and PNNL researchers then developed a high-resolution model that incorporated data from some 130,000 individual electricity substations across the country. Substations are vital for bringing electricity to customers. They convert high-voltage electricity flowing from transmission lines to low-voltage electricity that flows into neighborhood powerlines. 

Incorporating substations into a model of the power grid allowed researchers to simulate precise power generation and demand fluctuations throughout a typical year. They applied the new model to different scenarios of transmission buildout to see how power generation costs would shift. 

The researchers also subjected part of the simulated grid to extreme weather events, such as droughts and heat waves, to understand the impact of transmission expansion. During a heat wave, people use more air conditioning to stay cool and safe, which puts more demand on the grid. Drought can exacerbate these events by decreasing the amount of hydropower.

The researchers found that interregional transmission can support the grid during such extremes. For instance, transmission that brings wind power from New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming can support both California and the Pacific Northwest when a heatwave coincides with drought. Interregional transmission can also support potential generation gaps in the early morning before solar power kicks in and overnight energy storage has run out. 

“Even if one part of the grid is disrupted by an extreme event, other, far-away generators will still be producing energy. What this report shows is that interregional transmission can help energy flow where it’s needed most,” Samaan said.

Future transmission planning

Ultimately, the study provides several tools for grid operators who are planning for a future of higher energy demand and more extreme weather, said Paul Wetherbee, a grid advisor at PNNL. Grid operators can use the models developed for the study to coordinate between regions during their own transmission planning.

Still, more work will be needed to fully understand the challenges of expanding transmission, especially between regions. The report notes that future work could focus on better understanding how transmission affects grid reliability, how to best coordinate transmission planning between regions and what technologies would enable the most cost-effective buildouts. 

Read more about the National Transmission Planning Study from DOE.

PNNL | https://www.pnnl.gov/

As the global shift toward renewable energy gains momentum, the role of solar power has never been more critical. Hounen Solar, a leader in solar module manufacturing, is at the forefront of this transformation. With its U.S. operations starting in 2023 with a $33 million investment in the U.S. renewable energy sector, the company is setting new standards in solar technology while making a significant economic and environmental impact.

In Orangeburg, South Carolina, Hounen Solar’s state-of-the-art facility is ramping up production to meet global and local demand. The facility is set to produce 1 GW of solar modules annually by 2024, providing high-quality, efficient solar panels to the U.S. market for everyone from utility companies to small businesses or homeowners. Hounen’s investment in U.S. production is creating over 200 new jobs, strengthening the local economy, and positioning South Carolina as a hub for renewable energy innovation.

A Commitment to Quality and Innovation

At the heart of Hounen Solar’s success is its unwavering commitment to producing solar modules with the highest quality standards. The company’s facility in South Carolina is equipped with cutting-edge technology, ensuring precision and efficiency at every step of the production process. From advanced photovoltaic cells to the meticulous assembly of each module, Hounen Solar prioritizes reliability, performance, and sustainability.

In an industry where efficiency and durability are key, Hounen Solar’s products stand out for their ability to meet the rigorous demands of commercial clients. Whether it's for commercial installations or large-scale solar farms, Hounen’s solar modules are designed to deliver maximum energy output while withstanding various environmental conditions.

Hounen Solar Shines at RE+ Anaheim 2024: A Milestone Event with Outstanding Results

Hounen Solar made a remarkable appearance at RE+ Anaheim 2024, one of the largest and most influential clean energy events in the world. This marked a significant milestone for the company as it introduced its U.S. operations to a wider audience, including both existing clients and potential new partners.

During RE+ Anaheim 2024, Hounen Solar’s team actively engaged with visitors at their booth, showcasing the company’s cutting-edge solar solutions. This event was not only an opportunity to highlight the technological advancements of Hounen Solar but also to strengthen relationships with existing clients and explore new partnerships.

“Our participation in RE+ Anaheim 2024 is a crucial step in our journey,” says Nick Wang, COO for Hounen Solar America. “We’re excited to meet with industry leaders, potential clients, and partners to form new alliances that will help us drive the clean energy transition.”

The event served as the perfect platform for Hounen Solar to build long-term relationships, create new business opportunities, and solidify its position as a key player in the U.S. solar market.

Investing in the Future: A Vision for South Carolina

Looking beyond its current operations, Hounen Solar has ambitious plans to further contribute to the growth of renewable energy in the U.S. With a vision set on supporting the South Carolina community, the company is investing in a solar cell factory that is expected to be operational by early 2026. This investment will not only bolster Hounen Solar’s manufacturing capabilities but also enhance the local economy by creating additional jobs and business opportunities.

This new factory will be an essential component in Hounen Solar’s U.S. expansion strategy, allowing the company to integrate solar cell production into its supply chain, increasing efficiency, and meeting U.S. government goals for expanding domestic manufacturing sector. Producing solar cells locally will ensure greater control over the quality and availability of materials, leading to more efficient and cost-effective solar modules and helping Hounen Solar to become a Tier1 solar panel brand by the end of 2025. Tier 1 solar panels have a reputation for producing the most power and lasting longer.

Accelerating Impact of Public Investments

One of the strategic benefits of Hounen Solar’s investment in the Orangeburg solar cell factory is the project’s potential to further leverage federal incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA, which offers substantial tax credits and financial incentives for renewable energy projects, is designed to accelerate the transition to clean energy in the U.S.

By establishing a vertically integrated supply chain in the U.S., Hounen Solar will be well-positioned to qualify for IRA funding, which helps ensure US-produced solar products can be most  competitively priced, making solar energy more accessible and affordable for homeowners, businesses, and communities, and ultimately driving greater adoption of renewable energy across the country

Building the Solar Workforce

Hounen Solar’s commitment to solar and South Carolina extends beyond its business, because for the whole renewable energy sector to grow long term, it will take a new, highly skilled workforce. . 

The company plans to collaborate with local educational institutions to develop training programs that will equip residents with the skills needed for careers in renewable energy. Additionally, Hounen Solar is exploring ways to support community solar projects that will provide affordable clean energy to underserved areas.

“Our goal is not only to manufacture solar panels but to make a meaningful impact on the communities where we operate,” says Nick Wang. “We believe that by investing in the local workforce and supporting community initiatives, we can help create a more sustainable and equitable future.”

The Road Ahead

As Hounen Solar continues to expand its presence in the U.S., the company remains focused on its core mission: to provide high-quality, sustainable solar solutions that power the future. With its South Carolina facility reaching full capacity in 2024, its involvement in the local community and national renewable conferences,  and its upcoming solar cell factory, Hounen Solar is poised for growth and success in the years ahead.

By leveraging innovative technology, forming strategic partnerships, and aligning with federal initiatives like the IRA, Hounen Solar is positioning itself as a key player in the global renewable energy landscape.

As the world transitions to cleaner energy sources, Hounen Solar is committed to leading the way, one solar panel at a time.

Hounen Solar | https://hounensolar.com/

A new study the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory examines the value of adding batteries to wind and solar plants located in areas that face transmission congestion.

Berkeley Lab examine two types of areas facing transmission congestion. These areas represent portions of Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) or Independent System Operators (ISO) territory selected based on particular pricing patterns: The first type, called a Variable Renewable Energy (VRE)-rich area, has high local deployment of renewable energy relative to local energy demand. The grid in this type of area becomes congested during hours when the local renewable generation is high relative to the available transmission capacity to neighboring areas. In those hours, local wholesale energy prices will decline compared to neighboring areas. The second type, Load Centers are areas with high demand for electricity relative to local generation sources, such as cities and suburban areas. Load Centers tend to see local prices spike when demand peaks relative to the available transmission capacity into the areas. Wind and solar plants are located in both types of congested areas, though there are more plants located in VRE-rich areas.

This study explores the value of adding batteries in both types of areas, how optimal configurations of hybrid VRE+battery plants might vary between areas types and between solar and wind, and how the plants can contribute to both energy and capacity markets. The findings from this work can help to refine long term planning processes and provide insight into future conditions as renewable energy and battery deployment expands over time.

Figure 1. Annual hybrid plant energy revenues by battery duration and plant and location type across all markets. Standalone wind and solar plants are represented by zero duration for comparison. Outliers, represented by diamonds, are data points that fall outside the range of 1.5 times the inter-quartile range. Note, we excluded wind plants in ERCOT in this figure, due to outlier values that made the rest of the figure hard to read. The figure including all plants studied is available in the full text.

Key findings from the study include:

• Adding Up to 4 Hours of Storage Substantially Boosted Energy Value for Solar and Wind Plants: One metric examined was energy value, or the value plants could receive for selling their energy into the wholesale electricity spot market. In VRE-rich areas, wind and solar plants saw similar relative increases to value from adding storage. For example, in VRE-rich areas, adding one hour of storage boosted energy value for both wind and solar plants by ~80%, and extending storage from 1 to 4 hours duration boosted energy revenue by a further ~30%. One caveat is that storage value was based on the assumption that battery dispatch was optimized with perfect foresight into market prices, which represents an upper bound for the value boost – past research suggests that storage value estimates without perfect foresight may be 70% to 90% that of the value under perfect foresight, varying by the location and year.
• The Energy Value of Storage Plateaus After 4 Hours of Duration in Current Markets: Energy value increases notably when adding batteries with durations up to 4 hours. However, little additional energy value was found beyond 4 hours of battery duration in most locations and across both types of areas (Figure 1). Notably--and somewhat surprisingly--even in VRE-rich areas, batteries beyond 4 hours see relatively little gain in energy value.
• Wind Requires Longer-Duration Storage to Earn Capacity Credit than does Solar: Capacity credit, measured here simply as the ability to supply energy to the grid during the 100 highest net-load hours per year, reaches 90% with four hours of battery duration for solar plants, but requires 8 hours of battery duration for wind plants. This was true in both types of areas (Figure 2).
• Battery Degradation Assumptions Impact Results: An important technical detail was that the value added of battery storage was sensitive to the imposition of dispatch limits designed to minimize battery degradation over time. When a $25/MWh threshold for temporal arbitrage was imposed, revenue estimates were reduced by roughly 15% to 20%, with larger revenue declines for some plants in VRE-rich areas. This is an important finding because it shows that there are important trade-offs between optimizing for battery longevity and short term revenue optimization. These trade-offs are often treated in a simplistic manner, such as with warranty requirements that limit battery usage to one cycle per day. More sophisticated treatment of battery degradation may allow for greater value maximization for hybrid power plant owners.

Figure 2. The capacity factor of hybrid wind and solar plants with batteries during the 100 most critical hours per year (as measured by the net-load, that is, the total electricity demand less wind and solar generation). The darker bars represent the capacity factor possible when plants are optimally dispatched to meet the top 100 hour hours.

Limitations include:

• This analysis focused on energy and capacity markets, but did not assess value from ancillary services. Many hybrid plants, especially in ERCOT, derive high value from ancillary services. However, we chose to ignore ancillary service value streams because the depth of the market for these services is low; as hybrid and storage resources are deployed in greater numbers, it is likely they will become much more dependent on energy and capacity revenue, as has already started to occur in CAISO.
• The energy value analysis was based on real time wholesale prices from 2018 – 2021, which will not reflect dynamics that have occurred over the most recent years. Natural gas prices, and therefore overall electricity prices, were particularly high in 2021 and 2022, and only high prices from 2021 are captured in this analysis.
• We modeled the dispatch of hybrid renewable and battery plants assuming perfect foresight of real time prices, whereas actual hybrid plants must plan battery charging and discharging based on imperfect forecasts. With imperfect foresight, the value of battery storage would be lower than described here. Therefore, this paper represents a theoretical maximum value of adding storage. Other research efforts have focused, and will continue to focus, on the difference between perfectly planned dispatch and actual dispatch.

To learn more details, see the full study as published in the journal Renewable Energy.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory | https://emp.lbl.gov/