Protecting Our Grid Lines

kWh Analytics, the leading provider of Climate Insurance and risk management solutions for renewable energy, released its 7th annual Solar Risk Assessment (SRA), a comprehensive report designed to provide an objective, data-driven evaluation of solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) risk. The annual report includes contributions from academia, technology, financing, and insurance leaders in the solar energy and BESS industries.

This year’s report arrives at a pivotal moment for the renewable energy industry as solar and wind energy production have become imperative to the U.S. energy mix, and new renewable energy deployment shatters expectations and records. At the same time, these assets face challenges from intensified climate impacts, operational and safety concerns, and increased cybersecurity threats.

“As renewable energy becomes the backbone of the electrical grid, ensuring system resilience is no longer optional—it’s imperative," said Jason Kaminsky, CEO at kWh Analytics. “Keeping these assets operational requires unprecedented collaboration among asset owners, operators, financiers, insurers, brokers, and manufacturers. We are grateful for the valuable research and articles by this year’s Solar Risk Assessment contributors, who are helping to establish higher industry standards required to build infrastructure that withstands heightened risks.”

The 2025 report consists of 15 articles written by U.S. and global industry partners and provides an objective analysis of the top extreme weather, operational, and battery risks facing the renewable energy sector. Top findings by category include:

“Insurance plays a key role in protecting our infrastructure,” said Isaac McLean, Chief Underwriting Officer, kWh Analytics. “The Solar Risk Assessment enables us to identify emerging risks and understand what data we need to inform accurate underwriting and promote resiliency among project developers and asset owners.”

Key takeaways from the 2025 report include:

• Hail continues to represent one of the most severe financial risks. Implementing proper module selection with thicker glass and advanced stow protocols that allow for steeper tilt angles can significantly reduce damage probability during severe storms.
• While the emergence of AI technologies presents powerful opportunities for renewables, improperly trained models can give false results. Data quality will be imperative to incorporating these tools into the industry.
• Cyber threat activity targeting renewable energy infrastructure is growing, necessitating enhanced protection strategies.
• Quality inspections of energy storage systems identify issues with fire suppression systems and thermal management components, highlighting the critical need for improved manufacturing and monitoring systems.

To access the complete 2025 Solar Risk Assessment, please visit https://learn.kwhanalytics.com/solar-risk-assessment. This year’s report is also available in audio format on all major podcast platforms.

kWh Analytics | https://www.kwhanalytics.com/

Leap, the leading platform for building and scaling virtual power plants (VPPs), and Xos, Inc., (NASDAQ:XOS), a leading electric truck manufacturer and fleet services provider, announced a new partnership to unlock grid revenue opportunities for electrified fleets. By connecting Xos Hub charging technology to energy markets through Leap’s automated platform, the companies will create new value for fleet owners and deliver crucial support for the grid during energy emergencies.

Xos manufactures electric stepvan vehicles used by some of the country’s most recognizable logistics companies, including FedEx and UPS. The company’s Xos Hub is a mobile, battery-integrated charger designed to speed up fleet electrification without the delays or costs of traditional infrastructure. It provides a versatile, scalable solution for stopgap charging, remote deployments, semi-permanent charging, and backup power.

Now, by using Leap’s software-only VPP platform, Xos can enroll its customers in California’s Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) grid services program. During emergency grid events, participating fleets will automatically shift charging from the grid to their Xos Hub battery-integrating chargers, relieving grid strain while generating revenue.

Last summer, with major contributions from Leap, DSGS helped California avoid blackouts during prolonged heatwaves. With the addition of Xos’s rapidly growing portfolio, Leap and its partners are poised to scale their impact and deliver even greater support to the grid.

“Leveraging our complementary technologies, Leap and Xos are tapping new value streams for commercial truck fleets, the transportation services that power our economy,” said Jason Michaels, CEO of Leap. “Together, we’re making these fleets cleaner, smarter, and more cost effective, while contributing to a more resilient energy landscape.”

Leap’s universal API suite automates energy market operations, enabling Xos to quickly deploy and scale its own VPP offering without additional hardware or significant additional operational overhead. This means that Xos can immediately start generating new grid revenue, reducing the total product cost for customers and driving ongoing energy savings.

“Our VPP offering gives fleet customers advanced energy capabilities without compromising control or convenience,” said Dakota Semler, CEO of Xos, Inc. “It’s a powerful way to lower the cost of infrastructure ownership even further, maximize the value of our products, and support customers in meeting their electrification goals.”

Leap | leap.energy

Xos | www.xostrucks.com

As the global spotlight turns once again to the urgency of climate action, SANY Renewable Energy is making that commitment tangible, not just in words, but in megawatts. Recently, SANY R.E. signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and Contract for Difference (CfD) with Serbia's Alibunar Project. More than just a new market entry, the project reflects SANY R.E.'s resolve to drive clean energy solutions where they're needed most.

The Alibunar project is situated in eastern Serbia, which is one of the country's richest areas for wind resources. Expected to achieve commercial operation in 2028, the project has an operation period of 25 years. With a total installed capacity of 168MW, the project can produce electricity of about 480 million kWh annually after completion. When grid-connected, it will offer Serbia a large amount of clean energy, which will help optimize the local energy structure and reduce the reliance on traditional fossil energy.

The Alibunar project is SANY R.E.'s first investment in Serbia and a milestone in its global clean energy layout. Zhou Fugui, Chairman of SANY R.E., said: "The Alibunar wind project is of great importance to us, marking our entry into the wider European market. We will actively co-operate with local partners and introduce advanced wind power technologies and solutions to help Serbia realize its energy transition and sustainable development goals."

As a leading global provider of wind power solutions, SANY R.E. has been committed to providing efficient and reliable wind power equipment and support. In the process of the project, SANY R.E. will leverage its technical advantages to ensure the efficient advancement and stable operation of the project. Meanwhile, the company's local professional operation and maintenance team will provide comprehensive support for the project.

SANY R.E. has made climate action central to its sustainability strategy, supporting the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. In 2024, its wind turbines generated 135.8 billion kWh of electricity, cutting CO₂ emissions by 72.87 million tons — equal to planting 3.3 billion trees. The company also advances eco-friendly turbine design, aiming to raise the recyclability of mainstream models to 95% by 2030, based on 2020 levels.

Looking ahead, SANY R.E. will continue to contribute to the global energy transition by providing high-quality wind power solutions to more countries and regions, collaborating to create a cleaner energy future.

SANY Renewable Energy | sanre.com

Origis Energy, one of America's leading renewable energy and decarbonization solution platforms, announced the successful financial closing of the Wheatland solar project with MUFG, one of the 10 largest financial groups in the world. The portfolio financing package supports two major Origis Energy projects. The Wheatland Solar project in Knox County, Indiana, will provide 150 MWac of solar capacity and is slated for completion in the first half of 2026. It is supported by a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with CenterPoint Energy. Meanwhile, the Optimist Solar + Storage project in Clay County, Mississippi, will deliver 200 MWac of solar power and 50 MW 4HR of energy storage.

This project is expected to be operational by early 2026 and is supported by a PPA with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The Optimist portion of the MUFG deal closed in late 2024. Origis Energy serves as the developer, owner, and operator for both projects.

"Origis Energy is excited to have achieved this financing milestone on Wheatland Solar with MUFG and other financing partners. We continue to see unprecedented growth in demand for electricity and look forward to completing this project for CenterPoint and its customers," said Vikas Anand, Chief Executive Officer of Origis Energy.

"We are proud to have partnered with Origis on this financing. It is a testament to our strong relationship and MUFG's commitment to supporting the development of renewable energy projects across the country," said Patrick Klein, Managing Director on the Project Finance Americas team at MUFG. "Supporting our clients' development projects and business goals is one of the tenets of our bank. We relish the opportunity to be a part of the Optimist and Wheatland projects that will provide clean and affordable power while creating jobs and economic opportunities in the region."

MUFG was Coordinating Lead Arranger, Green Loan Coordinator and Administrative Agent, and participating banks included: Associated Bank, CoBank, National Bank of Canada and NatWest, as Joint Lead Arrangers, and Amalgamated Bank and Siemens Financial Services as Lenders.

Latham & Watkins represented Origis Energy in the Wheatland transaction, with Taft Stettinius serving as Local Counsel. Milbank, LLP acted as MUFG's counsel, with Dentons serving as MUFG's Local Counsel.

More information is available about the projects here:
Optimist Solar + Storage https://origisenergy.com/project/optimist-solar-storage/
Wheatland Solar https://origisenergy.com/project/wheatland-solar/

Origis Energy | https://origisenergy.com/

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group |  www.mufgamericas.com

Soltage, a leading independent power producer (IPP) specializing in the development, financing, and operation of distributed utility-scale solar and energy storage assets, announced the closing of a $260 million construction and term debt financing facility. The funds will support the near-term deployment of solar and storage projects from the company's more than 2-gigawatt development pipeline across the United States.

The innovative financing structure includes a revolving construction loan, tax equity bridge loan, and term loan facility, offering Soltage flexible capital to continue developing, building, and operating its growing portfolio of clean energy infrastructure assets.

The facility was structured and led by National Bank of Canada, alongside First Citizens Bank, with BankUnited, Cadence Bank, and Siemens Financial Services joining as joint arrangers. Legal counsel was provided by Foley Hoag LLP on behalf of Soltage, and Norton Rose Fulbright LLP represented the lending syndicate.

"This financing marks Soltage's continued deployment of innovative financial structures that enable efficient capital investment in domestic energy infrastructure," said Jesse Grossman, CEO of Soltage. "With the support of National Bank of Canada, First Citizens Bank, and our valued financial partners, this facility will enable construction of the next 250 megawatts of distributed solar and storage projects across our national portfolio."

"NBC has been a strong supporter of Soltage's entrepreneurial story which has evolved into a great partnership between our firms," said Vincent Guimond, Managing Director, Project Finance for National Bank of Canada, "We are honored to play a key role in this adaptable financing structure, empowering Soltage to achieve its growth ambitions."

"We are proud to deepen our relationship with Soltage through this flexible and strategic capital structure," said Mike Lorusso, group head for First Citizens Bank's Energy Finance. "Our collaborative approach with National Bank of Canada helps ensure streamlined execution and strong alignment across construction and term financing phases."

Soltage's expanding portfolio reflects the company's ongoing commitment to delivering resilient, clean energy solutions to communities and businesses nationwide.

Soltage | www.soltage.com

First Citizens Bank | https://www.firstcitizens.com/

National Bank of Canada | nbc.ca 

Chartwell Marine, a trusted pioneer in next-generation vessel design, announces the successful completion of its trimaran fast ferry TriFoiler demonstrator project. The electric trimaran vessel, developed in partnership with Southampton Solent University and Newcastle Marine Services, under the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC3), has concluded initial sea trials on Southampton water. This follows its successful on-time, on-budget launch in March.

Set out to explore the feasibility of zero-emission passenger ferries, sea trials revealed the TriFoiler is five times cheaper to run than an equivalent fossil fuel powered monohull vessel of the same size and displacement. Demonstrating clear potential for reducing energy consumption in commercial operations – with or without foils – the trials highlighted the suitability of the innovative electric trimaran for inland and inshore waterways ferry operations, such as the Solent and other categorised waters across the UK.

The project was part-funded by a £1.86 million grant via the UK SHORE programme – a Department for Transport (DfT) initiative – delivered by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

“Successfully completing the TriFoiler project is a big milestone and testament to the team’s hard work. The sea trial results clearly show that a trimaran, coupled with electric propulsion systems, will provide an efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly solution for the ferry industry,” said Andy Page, Managing Director at Chartwell Marine. “Working closely with Solent University and Newcastle Marine Services, we’ve taken this promising concept from R&D to real-world testing, and the results are encouraging. This was delivered by a dynamic, nimble team in a short time frame, and shows real commercial promise.”

Pairing a lightweight trimaran hull with electric propulsion, the TriFoiler achieves high efficiency and manoeuvrability at both high and low speed. Its enhanced stability, made possible by the trimaran configuration and foil-mounted electric motors positioned widely on the foil, offers a simple, robust design, using commercial off the shelf equipment that has the potential to meet the demands of day-to-day commercial operations.

“The project exemplifies how collaboration between academia and industry can accelerate innovation,” said Giles Barkley, at Southampton Solent University. “We created a full-size digital twin of the vessel to replicate its performance on water at the university. Now validated with data from the trials, this enables us to enhance future designs while also supporting the training and development of the next generation of naval architects.”

Mike Biddle, Executive Director for Net Zero at Innovate UK, said: "Chartwell Marine’s TriFoiler technology is a good example of UK innovation driving decarbonisation in a vital international sector. It shows that net zero doesn’t mean compromise – delivering lower emissions can also be cheaper to run, faster and more manoeuvrable."

“We’re proud to work in partnership with DfT to deliver the UK SHORE programme and this demonstration exemplifies everything it set out to achieve, paving the way for a more sustainable, efficient and investable UK maritime transport sector."

Chartwell Marine will exhibit the TriFoiler at Seawork 2025, taking place from June 10th-12th in Southampton. Following the event, further testing will resume on the vessel incorporating the latest findings to inform the next stage of development.

Chartwell Marine | http://www.chartwellmarine.com/

Hidden-Fastener Solar Mount (HFSM) was recently submitted to independent mechanical testing by CSA Group in order to determine maximum load capacity and failure mode.

When tested in the up-lift direction in conjunction with Unirac rails and panel clamps, HFSM maintained structural integrity up to 6x the standard load listing per UL 2703, which includes an additional safety factor of 1.5x.

“Up-lift resistance has always been HFSM's weakest aspect,” said Preston Nelson, Director of Martin Solar, and Co-Inventor of Hidden-Fastener Solar Mount. “Seeing that HFSM's weakest point endures to a load six-times greater than the standard requirement provides confidence in our mount's long-term form and function. According to this data, HFSM is one of the most resilient solar mounts available on the market, especially in direct-to-deck format comparisons, although it can be installed into trusses as well.” 

Mode of Failure: Beyond its maximum load allowance, HFSM exhibited slow deformation after 2,673lbs of total system weight. At 3,500lbs total, a panel clamp dislodged from the rail to conclude testing.

“We invented HFSM to be leak-proof, but its unique utility extends even to failure mechanics,” said Nelson. “Most all other mounting hardware on the market is totally rigid, meaning that things break during extreme up-lift events, like tornadoes, which are not uncommon in the Midwest. What breaks first? It could be a panel clamp, a rail splice, or a section of roofing. In the unique case of HFSM, the extreme forces are first absorbed over a deformation range, which divides force over space and time, similar to the function of an air bag, or bungee cord. This reduces the likelihood of hardware breakage, which only occurred in testing after HFSM reached the end of its deformation range.”

Hidden-Fastener Solar Mount is a new solar attachment for synthetic slate and asphalt shingle roofs, designed by a conjunction of solar and roofing professionals at Martin Solar and Martin Roofing, in Mascoutah, IL. HFSM features a purported leak-proof design, that avoids penetrating external shingles by locating attachments underneath the shingles via the traditional nail strip. The attachment mechanism works to preserve the integrity of the shingle roof and prevent premature problems.

Martin Solar and its Hidden-Fastener Solar Mount was recently awarded a $50,000 prize by the U.S. Department of Energy in the first phase of American-Made Solar Prize Round 8. Martin Solar is a current semifinalist in this challenge to jump-start the commercialization of U.S.-based solar innovations via financial incentives and access to the American-Made Network of laboratories, incubators, investors, and other support facilities.

This summer, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is anticipated to announce the finalists advancing to the final stage of American-Made Solar Prize Round 8. Finalists are awarded $100,000 in prize funding, a $90,000 voucher for use at a national laboratory, and the opportunity to present at RE+. RE+ is the world's largest renewable energy exposition, scheduled this year September 8-11 in Las Vegas, NV.

Martin Solar | https://www.martinmount.net/