Energy Storage
Craig Tropea
Solar
Jonathan Lwowski
Solar
Steve Macshane, CESSWI
Silfab Solar, North America’s leading PV module manufacturer, is proud to announce it has once again earned a Top Performer status for its Silfab Commercial series of PV modules including SIL 530XM and SIL 580XM+. This rating is based on the rigorous Kiwa PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) product qualification testing program.
“Silfab Solar continues to deploy new and strategically important technologies while adhering to our own stringent quality control standards, resulting in PV modules that provide customers with superior and sustained power performance, and incredible durability and reliability,” said Paolo Maccario, Silfab President and CEO. “I wish to thank our incredible team at Silfab for their dedication and commitment to place Silfab as the best made-in-America PV module manufacturer.”
Kiwa PVEL, a global solar energy certification agency, evaluates the reliability of solar modules and is the industry’s most sought-after designation due to its rigorous evaluation of stress tests and climate simulations to rate durability and efficiency retention. 2025 marks the seventh year Silfab has been awarded by the internationally recognized independent testing authority. As the only North American-owned company manufacturing in the U.S., this recognition further solidifies Silfab as one of the most trusted and reliable solar module manufacturers for commercial and residential uses.
“Silfab’s test results for performance and reliability have earned them Top Performer status for the seventh year, underlining the company’s commitment to manufacturing and product quality under our rigorous PQP requirements,” said Tristan Erion-Lorico, Vice president of Sales and Marketing at Kiwa PVEL. “We congratulate them on being a U.S. manufacturer consistently included on our Scorecard.”
In 2024, Silfab earned a Top Performer rating for its Elite series of panels. Details for Silfab panels that earned this year’s ranking will be included in the Kiwa PVEL’s full 2025 report released today.
This year’s award comes as Silfab is set to expand its leadership position in USA-made PV module production by adding domestic solar cell manufacturing.
The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and Elemental Energy have reached financial close on a $97 million loan to support a new wind energy project, Wedgeport Wind, located in the Municipal District of Argyle, Nova Scotia. The project includes construction and installation of 12 Nordex seven-megawatt wind turbines with the capacity to generate up to 84 megawatts of renewable energy. The development also includes construction of transmission and interconnection infrastructure, to link new renewable energy to the provincial power grid. This added electricity capacity will supply more than 30,000 homes and businesses throughout the region with reliable, low-cost energy.
The project includes construction and installation of 12 Nordex seven-megawatt wind turbines with the capacity to generate up to 84 megawatts of renewable energy. The development also includes construction of transmission and interconnection infrastructure, to link new renewable energy to the provincial power grid. This added electricity capacity will supply more than 30,000 homes and businesses throughout the region with reliable, low-cost energy.
The project is expected to support up to 85 jobs at the peak of construction, with additional full-time employment opportunities for operations and maintenance.
Wedgeport Wind is a partnership between Elemental Energy, Stevens Wind and Sipekne'katik First Nation (SFN). The partners have retained the Mi'kma'ki Municipal Limited Partnership (MMLP), a partnership between Wskinjnu'k Mtnm'tanqunuow Agency Limited (WMA) and the Municipal Group of Companies to construct the project. WMA is an economic development organization representing all 13 Mi'kmaq communities in Nova Scotia and through this partnership, MMLP is committed to maximizing Mi'kmaq participation in projects through workforce creation, local development and training initiatives.
Construction is already underway, with operations to commence by late 2026.
The project supports Nova Scotia's goal of attracting lower-cost innovative energy solutions and the project is expected to reduce emissions by more than 100,000 tonnes annually.
This is the CIB's second partnership with Elemental Energy and partners SFN and Stevens Wind, as part of Nova Scotia's Rate Based Procurement process. The CIB's loan accelerates the construction of the energy project, at a lower cost to Nova Scotians.
The project is being financed under the CIB's $10 billion Clean Power priority sector, which addresses financing gaps in new projects such as renewables, district energy systems and energy storage.
Elemental Energy | https://elementalenergy.ca/
CIB | https://cib-bic.ca/
The second quarter of 2025 delivered the sharpest single jump in battery energy storage prices since Anza’s inception in 2021, exceeding even the industry-wide lift seen between 2021 and 2022 as the industry dealt with post-pandemic supply chain woes. Successive layers of United States tariffs landed within a forty‑day window, and manufacturers reset quotes almost overnight. This report analyzes two common project sizes: a 40 MW distributed‑generation project and a 200 MW utility‑scale project, each configured for four hours of duration. All prices come directly from manufacturers through the Anza platform and include the latest tariffs, shipping, and duties.
Important notes:
● All figures are shown on a project CapEx basis for the U.S., covering costs like materials, commissioning, and applicable tariffs.
● Data runs through May 19, 2025, and reflects the 90 day China tariffpause effective beginning May 14, which temporarily lowers the rate on Chinese battery imports.
● AC system prices cover the battery block, Power Conversion System (PCS), and Energy Management System (EMS).
● DC systems cover the battery block only.
Key Market Factors Affecting Current Energy Storage Prices
1. TariffShock Drives the Market
A universal 10 percent tariff, a 145 percent total IEEPA tariffrate on China, and Section 301 pushed every manufacturer to pause quoting in early April. Most returned to the market by late April with shorter validity windows. The May reprieve cuts the IEEPA China rate to 30% for 90 days beginning May 14 (Section 301 remains in effect), but suppliers continue to protect their margin through contract contingency clauses.
2. Lithium-Carbonate Prices Fall
Spot lithium‑carbonate indices fell from 77,500 CNY per tonne in February to 64,500 by early May (-17%), reaching their lowest level since 2021. The savings on cell cost could not offset the tariffshock, so delivered system prices still rose.
3. Shipping Costs Increase
Asia-U.S. container production rose sharply due to the tighter vessel supply caused by tariffs. The 90-day tariffreprieve that went into effect on May 14 is expected to increase shipping costs in Q3 2025 as all industries try to bring imports into the US to take advantage of the lower tariffs.
4. Preliminary Anode-Material Ruling Under Review
The International Trade Commission released a preliminary countervailing‑duty decision on Chinese active anode material on May 20, 2025. The base duty of 6.55% may have minimal impact at the DC block level. Still, we are continuing to track this in depth, including the ongoing anti-dumping (AD) investigation and potential implications for affected OEMs.
DG 40 MW, 4-Hour System
Monthly trend
Weekly Trend (April 6, 2025 - May 18, 2025)
This month, we present a bonus chart. Because our data view uses medians, it smooths out the sharp, tariff‑driven jumps. A week‑by‑week lens shows how quickly Anza’s continuously updated pricing captures those swings, giving subscribers timely visibility that static price surveys miss.
Utility-Scale 200 MW, 4-Hour System
Tariffs eclipsed every cost tailwind this quarter. Falling lithium‑carbonate and incremental efficiency gains could not match the tariffshock, and freight premiums piled on. Compared with January 2025 levels, delivered AC system prices now sit 68% higher in the DG market and 56% higher at utility scale. DC‑only solutions climbed 68% and 69%, respectively. We expect prices to stay volatile until policy clarity returns.
Technology group Wärtsilä has expanded its long-term partnership with EDF Renewables UK and Ireland (hereafter EDF Renewables) to accelerate the United Kingdom’s progress toward achieving clean power by 2030. Construction has started on two additional projects, adding to the existing portfolio of six energy storage projects. In total, Wärtsilä will deliver eight sites for EDF Renewables, offering 404.5 MW / 709 MWh of energy storage capacity across the UK. Under the partnership, Wärtsilä recently completed the fifth and sixth grid-scale battery energy storage projects and signed additional long-term service agreements to ensure performance and reliability across all systems.
"Battery energy storage has a huge role to play in enabling the UK’s clean energy transition. This vital technology helps make the most of electricity generated by renewables, like wind and solar, while also improving grid reliability. Our partnership with Wärtsilä helps us to optimise our grid-scale projects,” says Simone Sullivan, Head of Storage, EDF Renewables. “By harnessing the power of data, we can provide stability to the grid, with batteries that are performing as efficiently and predictably as possible. Making sure that the UK’s essential energy storage capacity is operating to its full potential reduces energy waste and ultimately ensures the fastest, most efficient transition to clean power.”
To date, six out of eight facilities are operational. The projects that recently reached completion include the 50 MW / 100 MWh Sundon project in Bedfordshire, which began commercial operations in December 2024, followed by the 57 MW / 114 MWh Bramford project, located in Suffolk, in April 2025. The two additional projects—Indian Queens in Cornwall and Bredbury in Greater Manchester—are currently under construction. Bredbury (50 MW / 100 MWh) is scheduled for completion by late 2025 and Indian Queens (47.5 MW / 95 MWh) is expected to come online in the first half of 2026.
As more facilities become operational, ensuring optimal system performance becomes critical to business success. All eight projects are covered by Wärtsilä’s long-term service agreements, providing EDF Renewables with increased operational efficiency and cost predictability. The long-term service agreements for the Sundon, Bramford, Indian Queens, and Bredbury projects guarantee performance levels, backed by a dedicated support team.
“Together with EDF Renewables, we are enhancing the reliability and flexibility of the UK’s energy system—delivering tangible progress toward a 100% renewable energy future. Our long-term service agreements further reinforce this commitment by ensuring performance, minimising operational risks, and maximising lifecycle value,” says Chris Wolf, Sales Director for Europe at Wärtsilä Energy Storage.
Alongside Wärtsilä’s battery energy storage systems, all eight sites are managed by Wärtsilä‘s controls and optimisation software, GEMS. GEMS provides EDF Renewables with data-driven insights for comprehensive asset management, performance optimisation, and market trading. It also enables EDF to maximise revenue opportunities through grid services such as electricity market trading and frequency response, while simultaneously bolstering grid stability.
Wärtsilä’s total portfolio with EDF Renewables includes:
Cowley & Kemsley – each 50 MW / 50 MWh
Coventry & Bustleholme – each 50 MW / 100 MWh
Sundon – 50 MW / 100 MWh
Bramford – 57 MW / 114 MWh
Indian Queens – 47.5 MW / 100 MWh
Bredbury – 50 MW / 100 MWh
Wärtsilä Energy Storage | www.wartsila.com/energy
Sunhub, the largest online solar distributor, is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking Sales Portal, a private, next-gen sales and negotiation platform built specifically for solar manufacturers and suppliers.
The Sales Portal is an all-in-one solution — combining CRM, order management, and e-commerce functionality — designed to address the most pressing sales challenges in the solar industry.
“With the launch of the Sales Portal, we’re giving solar manufacturers and suppliers a powerful, private platform to run their entire sales cycle—digitally and efficiently. From client management to quote generation, online negotiation, and secure payment processing, Sunhub is modernizing how solar business gets done,” explains Kadeer Beg, COO, Sunhub.
Traditionally, manufacturers have been heavily dependent on distributors, with limited access to direct sales channels. The Sales Portal solves this by acting as a secure, digital sales channel that connects manufacturers directly with EPCs, installers, and resellers. Users can promote products, negotiate exclusive deals, and manage sales privately — all in one place.
Key benefits include automated quoting and contracting, improved cash flow via bulk and future inventory sales, better brand visibility, and secure transactions — all with zero subscription fees.
By streamlining complex sales processes and reducing overhead, Sunhub empowers solar businesses to take control of their sales cycles and grow faster.
Sunhub | https://www.sunhub.com/
Veolia is proud to announce that it has earned the exclusive Intel EPIC Supplier Award for 2025. This award recognizes the top performers in the Intel supply chain for their world-class commitment to continuous improvement and performance excellence over the past year.
“Congratulations to Veolia on receiving the Intel EPIC Supplier Award, Intel’s highest supplier recognition,” said Frank Sanders, corporate vice president and general manager of Global Supply Chain Operations at Intel. “Their unwavering commitment to quality, drive for excellence, and dedication to technology innovation make them vital to our success. We greatly appreciate their collaboration and continued focus on results.”
“As one of a select few companies awarded the Intel EPIC Supplier Award in 2025, Veolia is truly one of the best suppliers in the semiconductor industry,” said Dave Bloss, corporate vice president and general manager of Global Sourcing for Equipment & Materials at Intel. “Their customer orientation and commitment to superior performance is a testament to their dedication and serves as a global benchmark for others to follow.”
The Intel EPIC Supplier Award recognizes the top performers in the Intel supply chain for their dedication to “EPIC” performance—Excellence, Partnership, Inclusion and Continuous Improvement. Of the thousands of Intel suppliers around the world, only a few hundred qualify to participate in the EPIC Supplier Program.
To qualify for the Intel EPIC Supplier Award, suppliers must exceed the highest expectations and achieve aggressive strategic objectives aligned to Intel’s priorities.
Veolia | www.veolianorthamerica.com
Intel Newsroom | https://newsroom.intel.com
SolarBank Corporation (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: GY2) ("SolarBank" or the "Company") a leader in distributed solar energy, battery storage, and clean energy infrastructure across North America, announced that further to the announcement of its Bitcoin treasury strategy on June 3rd, it is taking the first step in implementing this strategy by allocating the net cash generated by its Geddes Solar Power Project (the "Geddes Project") to acquire Bitcoin. This positions SolarBank among the pioneering renewable energy companies to adopt a Bitcoin treasury strategy, joining other corporations that have successfully added Bitcoin to their balance sheets.
The Company is evaluating extending this Bitcoin treasury strategy to other solar and battery energy storage projects that it is developing as assets it intends to own as an independent power producer.
How the Solar-to-Bitcoin Model Works:
The Geddes Project, which has a designed capacity of 3.79 megawatts (MW) DC, is repurposing a closed landfill, addressing two critical challenges: the need for clean energy and the transformation of contaminated sites into valuable assets. The project represents part of SolarBank's broader 1+ gigawatt development pipeline, positioning the company for potential capacity growth over its current 32+ MW of operating assets. The Geddes Project is expected to become operational and commence producing power and revenue before the end of June 2025. The Company will provide specific Bitcoin allocation percentages after the project commences commercial operation.
Dr. Richard Lu commented: "I am pleased we are moving forward with the first step in our Bitcoin treasury strategy. Geddes is the largest power producing assets that SolarBank will have operational and this strategy provides a sustainable way to add Bitcoin to SolarBank's balance sheet. By converting solar energy revenue into digital assets, we're creating a unique value proposition that combines the stable cash flows of renewable energy with the potential appreciation of Bitcoin, while supporting grid decarbonization and distributed energy resources (DER) expansion."
Strategic Rationale and Market Opportunity
SolarBank's innovative approach leverages several key market trends:
The actual timing and value of Bitcoin purchases, under the allocation strategy will be determined by management in its discretion based on the net cash produced by the Geddes Project after taking into consideration capital and operating costs, and debt service obligations. Purchases will also depend on several factors, including, among others, general market and business conditions, the trading price of Bitcoin and the anticipated cash needs of SolarBank. The allocation strategy may be suspended, discontinued or modified at any time for any reason. As of the date of this press release, no Bitcoin purchases have been made.
SolarBank | www.solarbankcorp.com
Energy Storage May 15, 2025
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