Higher Power PV Modules Drive Up BOS Costs

Charge Rigs announced the general availability of Install Planner, a comprehensive cloud-based platform that enables electrical contractors to design EV charging installations, generate professional proposals, manage customer approvals, and coordinate field operations — all within a single, integrated environment.

As the electric vehicle market accelerates and charging infrastructure demand surges nationwide, electrical contractors face mounting pressure to deliver accurate quotes quickly while maintaining compliance with evolving National Electrical Code (NEC) standards. Traditional workflows that rely on disconnected CAD software, spreadsheets, and manual email correspondence create bottlenecks that cost contractors both time and contracts.
Install Planner was built to eliminate those bottlenecks entirely.

A Complete Workflow, Reimagined

At the core of the platform is an interactive Canvas Designer — a professional-grade, drag-and-drop interface where contractors lay out site plans with pixel-perfect precision. With a library of more than 183 pre-loaded EV components, including Level 2 and Level 3 chargers, transformers, panels, and conduit routing, users can visualize complete installations on top of aerial imagery or uploaded site plans with calibrated real-world measurements.
As components are placed and conduit is drawn, the platform's Live Cost Engine calculates project pricing in real time, giving contractors instant visibility into material and labor costs before a single proposal is generated. When the design is complete, one-click PDF generation produces branded, itemized quotes ready for client presentation — a process that previously consumed hours of manual work.

"Our contractors were spending two to four hours assembling a single quote using spreadsheets and generic drawing tools," said the Charge Rigs development team. "Install Planner compresses that entire cycle into under 30 minutes, and the output is a polished, professional proposal that inspires client confidence."

AI-Powered Design Intelligence

Install Planner introduces an AI Design Advisor that provides real-time engineering oversight during the design process. The system delivers an instant Design Quality Score on a 0-to-100 scale, evaluating each installation against NEC standards for service capacity, conductor sizing, grounding requirements, and ADA compliance.

When the advisor identifies potential issues — an undersized conductor, an overloaded panel, or a conduit fill violation — it provides prioritized recommendations with specific NEC article references, enabling contractors to resolve compliance gaps before submitting for permit review. The integrated Wire Sizing Calculator automates conductor selection based on load characteristics and derating factors, replacing manual table lookups that are prone to human error.

"Catching an engineering mistake in the design phase costs minutes. Catching it during inspection costs days and damages your reputation," the team noted. "The AI advisor acts as a second set of eyes on every design, every time."

Customer Collaboration and E-Signatures

The platform extends beyond internal operations with a branded Customer Portal — a secure, password-protected environment where clients can review installation designs, examine itemized cost breakdowns, leave contextual comments, and execute electronic signatures to approve proposals. This streamlined approval process eliminates the delays inherent in back-and-forth email chains and accelerates the path from proposal to signed contract.

Field Operations, Built for the Crew

Recognizing that the contractor's work does not end at the signed proposal, Install Planner includes a mobile-optimized Field Operations module. The "My Day" view provides installation crews with clear site plans, task checklists with one-tap completion, on-site photo documentation capture, and automatically generated Material Pull Lists derived directly from the approved design. This ensures that field teams arrive prepared, reducing costly return trips for forgotten materials.

Early Results

Contractors using the platform during its early access period have reported significant operational improvements. Quoting capacity has increased dramatically, with some firms reporting close rate improvements of up to 40 percent. To date, contractors on the platform have collectively designed more than 2,500 installations and generated over $12 million in professional quotes.

Availability and Pricing

Install Planner is available immediately with a 14-day free trial requiring no credit card. For more information or to start a free trial, visit Install Planner Website

Charge Rigs | https://chargerigs.com/
 

As electricity costs continue to rise and grid reliability becomes an increasing concern across the United States, demand for home battery storage systems has grown significantly. One of the most widely recognized solutions in this space is the Tesla Powerwall, a home energy storage system designed to provide backup power and improve energy efficiency. Charge Home Solutions, a nationwide platform connecting homeowners with licensed electricians, announced the expansion of its Tesla Powerwall installation services across all 50 U.S. states.

The expansion is intended to simplify access to qualified installers and reduce delays often associated with residential battery and energy storage projects.

Homeowners searching for solutions such as Tesla Powerwall installation, home battery backup systems, and solar battery storage are contributing to increased demand for integrated energy systems that support both resilience and efficiency.

The Tesla Powerwall allows homeowners to store electricity from solar panels or the grid and use it during outages or peak pricing periods. It is commonly used as part of a broader home electrification strategy that may include electric vehicle charging and smart electrical panels. According to company representatives, the service model focuses on connecting customers with licensed professionals who can provide in-home assessments, system design, and full installation.

“Our goal is to simplify access to modern energy solutions,” said a spokesperson for Charge Home Solutions. “By expanding our installer network nationwide, we are helping homeowners move toward more reliable and flexible energy systems.”

Services offered include Tesla Powerwall system design and installation, home battery backup solutions, electrical panel upgrades, integration with solar systems, and EV charger and battery combined installations. Industry trends indicate continued growth in residential energy storage driven by increased electrification of homes, adoption of electric vehicles, time-of-use electricity pricing, and grid reliability concerns in multiple regions.

The company reports that services are now available nationwide, including major markets such as California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, and New York.

Charge Home Solutions | https://chargehomesolutions.com/

Nexra, Cadeler’s dedicated service platform, confirms the signing of an additional firm contract for an Operations & Maintenance (O&M) campaign to be executed and completed during 2026.

The campaign will service two offshore wind farms in Taiwan and will be executed using Cadeler’s wind installation vessel Wind Maker, which was delivered to the company last year. The contract, with an undisclosed client, is expected to run for approximately 3-4 months. Today’s announcement follows another recent Nexra contract award for a separate O&M campaign to be conducted by Wind Maker.

Nexra is Cadeler’s dedicated Operations & Maintenance (O&M) service platform, established in 2025 to support the growing global offshore wind aftermarket. As more turbines start spinning worldwide, particularly in the larger 10–15 MW segment, demand for complex maintenance and major component exchange continues to grow. Nexra brings together technical expertise, capable vessels, and lifecycle support capabilities to meet these evolving service requirements while strengthening long-term client partnerships. The O&M market accounted for roughly one fifth of Cadeler’s revenue in 2025.

Jacob Gregersen, Cadeler’s Chief Growth Officer, comments: “Securing campaigns like this reflects our ability to mobilise quickly where and when our clients need us. With a versatile fleet operating around the world, we can respond on short notice and execute safely and efficiently across different jurisdictions. This flexibility allows us to support the operational phase of offshore wind farms while maintaining high utilisation across our fleet.”

Mikkel Gleerup, Cadeler’s CEO, adds: “As offshore wind markets mature, the need for reliable, high-capacity service support increases. With our modern fleet and established presence in Asia-Pacific, we are well positioned to support clients not only during installation, but throughout the operational life of their assets.”

Cadeler | www.cadeler.com

McDermott has received the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 50001 certification for energy management of three of its flagship vessels: the Derrick Barge 32 (DB32), Derrick Barge 50 (DB50) and Derrick Lay Vessel 2000 (DLV2000). The certification process for all three vessels was completed in 2025, building on the successful certifications at four McDermott fabrication yards.

ISO 50001 provides a structured framework for organizations to improve energy performance through data-driven strategies and continuous improvement. Extending energy efficiency to its marine operations – from shallow-water to deepwater – demonstrates the company's consistent approach to integrating sustainable energy practices across its global operations.

"Certification of these vessels creates measurable benefits for our customers and advances our Sustainability vision," said Rachel Clingman, McDermott Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer. "It enhances our ability to support customer decarbonization goals and reinforces our role as a trusted partner in sustainable offshore execution."

In connection with the certification, McDermott implemented a formal energy management system across DB32, DB50 and DLV2000 that aligns with the ISO 50001 "plan–do–check–act" framework. This included vessel-specific energy reviews, measurable performance baselines and integration of real-time monitoring and reporting tools. Internal assurance teams conducted comprehensive audits, and a multistage, third-party audit confirmed ISO 50001 compliance.

"ISO 50001 certification for DB32 and DB50 reinforces our ability to deliver shallow-water projects with efficiency and predictability," added Mike Sutherland, McDermott Senior Vice President, Offshore Middle East. "This achievement demonstrates how McDermott aligns operational excellence with our customers' strategic objectives at a time when energy transition and energy and cost optimization are critical."

"Deepwater developments are central to global energy security, and they demand solutions that balance performance with sustainability," remarked Mahesh Swaminathan, McDermott Senior Vice President, Subsea and Floating Facilities. "The certification of DLV2000 under ISO 50001 reflects McDermott's commitment to helping operators advance complex projects while reducing environmental impact."

To learn more about McDermott's sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives, visit: Sustainability Performance.

McDermott | www.mcdermott.com

Yaskawa Electric Corporation and Variadores SAS are very pleased to announce that Variadores SAS has been completely acquired by Yaskawa America, Inc., the wholly owned subsidiary of Yaskawa Electric Corporation.

Founded in 1915, Yaskawa Electric Corporation is a global leader in factory automation solutions, with leadership positions in Drives, Motion Control, and Robots. Yaskawa also has a significant presence in the Photovoltaic (PV) inverter market in North America and Japan.

The entire management and staff of Variadores will remain in place with Headquarters in Bogotá, and additional locations in Medellín, Cali, and Barranquilla. Variadores has partnered with Yaskawa as an independent company since 1991 and has grown to become today’s #1 variable speed drive supplier in Colombia.  Variadores supplies low and medium voltage Yaskawa Drives across all the major industrial, municipal, and commercial automation segments, capped with a very large presence in the Oil and Gas market segment.

Variadores, founded in 1987 by three friends, has grown today to 148 employees who are the Drive Experts in Colombia, providing selection, design, application, packaging, solutions, systems, service, monitoring, and repairs. This mirrors the expertise and model of Yaskawa America, making this a logical transition from partner in Colombia to Yaskawa in Colombia.

Yaskawa America President and CEO, Mike Knapek, explains: “I have been directly involved with this partnership for the last 25 years of this 35-year partnership. Rarely have we had a partner that was more lockstep with our customer-centric philosophy of providing the highest quality solutions backed with the very best automation knowledge and customer service. For many years, it has been like we were already one company, and now we are formalizing that attitude and spirit into a legal business entity with the Yaskawa name.” 

David Giraldo, Managing Director, Variadores SAS: “Colombia stands out as a dynamic emerging market with strong industrial potential and regional connectivity. Together with Yaskawa, we see the opportunity to further strengthen Colombia’s role as a key platform for growth across Latin America.” 

Yaskawa America | https://www.yaskawa.com/

SunTracker, a customer relationship management (CRM) and operational platform built for the community solar sector, is scheduled to launch by Summer 2026 as demand grows for software that supports distributed solar sales teams across the United States. The launch comes at a time of rapid expansion in the U.S. community solar market. According to the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA), total installed community solar capacity has exceeded 7 gigawatts nationwide, with projections indicating continued multi-state growth driven by policy expansion and increased consumer adoption.

As the market scales, many solar organizations face operational challenges tied to managing decentralized sales teams, tracking deal flow across multiple utilities, and maintaining accurate commission reporting for independent contractors.
SunTracker has been developed to address these issues by centralizing sales management, reporting, and operational data into a single platform designed for community solar workflows.

Community solar programs allow renters and homeowners to subscribe to shared solar farms and receive credits on their utility bills. These programs often rely on large networks of field sales representatives operating across multiple jurisdictions, creating complex administrative and compliance requirements.

SunTracker is being positioned as a system to organize these processes.

Key features expected at launch include:
• Centralized deal tracking for community solar subscription sales
• Role-based access for sales reps, team leaders, and administrators
• Campaign and product management across multiple markets
• Performance dashboards for real-time sales visibility
• Automated commission reporting for accounting and payroll teams
• Sales rep portals with training and compliance resources
• Mobile-friendly access for field sales teams

The platform is also designed to generate structured commission reports, helping organizations manage non-employee compensation and reduce administrative overhead.

“Community solar is scaling quickly, but the operational side has not kept pace,” said Ryan McManus, President and Founder of PTM Solar. “SunTracker is being built from real-world experience to help companies manage sales activity, support their teams, and keep reporting accurate as they grow.”

The company plans to provide onboarding support to configure workflows, commission structures, and product offerings based on each organization’s operating model.

Industry analysts expect continued expansion in community solar programs across states such as New York, Illinois, Maine, and Minnesota, increasing demand for specialized software solutions that align with utility requirements and subscription-based sales models.

SunTracker is expected to become available to community solar organizations across the United States following its Summer 2026 release. Companies interested in early access or demonstrations can visit https://suntrackerapp.com.

PTM Solar | www.ptmsolar.com

IHI Power Services Corp. (IPSC), a leading provider of operations and maintenance (O&M), asset management, technical and compliance services for the power generation industry, announced that it has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Kyuden International Corporation, a part of the Kyuden Group, a Japan-based global energy leader with extensive experience in power generation and infrastructure, through its U.S. subsidiary, Kyuden International Americas, Inc. Upon completion of customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, IPSC will officially join the Kyuden Group—marking a significant milestone that positions the company to accelerate growth, expand its national footprint and enhance service delivery.

With decades of experience as an operator of power generation facilities, IPSC has built a strong reputation for safely optimizing plant performance, reducing operational risk and maximizing asset value across a diverse portfolio of services and technologies, including natural gas, renewable energy and other generation assets. The addition of Kyuden’s global expertise and resources will further strengthen IPSC’s ability to grow, broaden its capabilities and deliver even greater value to customers across an increasingly complex energy landscape.

“This is an exciting next chapter for IPSC,” said Tony Dabbene, IHI Power Services Corp. CEO and CFO. “Kyuden International brings deep operational experience and a strong global energy platform that aligns with our mission and values. Together, we are well-positioned to accelerate growth, expand our operations and maintenance and asset management capabilities, enhance operational excellence and build upon our reputation as a trusted partner to power generators across the U.S.”

Under the current leadership, IPSC will ensure a seamless transition with zero disruption to existing operations or the onboarding of new client assets. By merging its local O&M and asset management excellence with Kyuden Group’s global resources, IPSC is strengthening its commitment to safety and reliability while scaling capacity to manage the industry's most complex technical challenges.

This transaction represents Kyuden Group’s first investment in an O&M-focused business in the United States and reflects a shared vision to combine global capabilities with regional expertise to drive sustainable growth and long-term value creation.

IHI Power Services | https://www.ihipower.com 

Kyuden Group | https://www.kyuden-intl.co.jp/en/