Looking Ahead to 2026

Exus Renewables North America, a leading independent developer and operator of utility-scale renewable energy projects, announced the acquisition of Ozone Renewables, adding new assets and expertise to the company's greenfield development team and early-stage project pipeline. The acquisition marks Exus' first organizational acquisition and represents a strategic shift toward building integrated development capabilities across wind, solar, and storage projects.

The acquisition enables Exus to internalize early-stage project origination rather than relying solely on acquisitions from third-party developers. Ozone's team brings extensive experience in securing land control and advancing projects from concept through early development stages. The team has helped partners commercialize over 3GW of operational wind projects and added gigawatts of utility-scale solar projects to development pipelines across multiple markets, with particular expertise in challenging regulatory environments including New York, Pennsylvania, and the Pacific Northwest. Larry Seiler, of Ozone Renewables, will lead Exus' new greenfield development team.

"This strategic partnership allows us to bring proven greenfield expertise in-house at a critical time for the industry," said Jim Spencer, President and CEO of Exus Renewables North America. "Rather than continuously acquiring early-stage projects from external developers, we can now originate and develop projects internally with a tried-and-true team. This positions Exus to focus our development efforts in markets where we see the strongest competitive future for renewable energy."

"As the industry consolidates and the days of small independent developers become increasingly challenging, joining Exus provides the resources and platform to continue successful greenfield development work," said Tommy Hudzik, Head of Development at Exus Renewables North America. "This acquisition ensures that the relationships we've built and the expertise we've developed will continue driving renewable energy projects forward across North America."

"When we started Ozone, our goal was simple: build a disciplined greenfield development platform capable of originating high-quality renewable projects in complex markets. With more than 9 GW of assets originated to date, I'm incredibly proud of what our team has built. Exus recognized both the strength of our pipeline and the culture behind it, and I'm confident this partnership will allow that development engine to continue scaling and delivering meaningful impact in this next chapter," said Daniel Boyd, Founder of Ozone Renewables.

"There's never been a more important time to accelerate the development of reliable, efficient renewable energy," said Larry Seiler, Director, Greenfield Development. "With power demand rising quickly, success requires strong early-stage execution and the ability to deliver projects at scale. By joining Exus, we're bringing those strengths together, pairing disciplined greenfield development with an experienced operating platform to responsibly advance the next generation of wind, solar, and storage projects."

The acquisition includes Ozone's existing pipeline of early-stage wind, solar, and storage projects, as well as project concepts currently in various stages of land control and early development. Ozone's team will focus on greenfield development across PJM, MISO, WECC, and SPP territories, complementing Exus' existing regional development teams.

Exus Renewables North America | https://www.exusrenewables.com/north-america

EnergySage, the leading home electrification platform for homeowners to shop, compare, and save on clean energy solutions, announced the winners of its third annual Installer of the Year awards, recognizing 43 companies across the U.S. for exceptional quality, service, and commitment to consumer trust.

Selected from EnergySage's nationwide network of solar and storage installer partners, the 2026 award recipients consistently exceeded expectations for quality, experience, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction. These companies distinguished themselves by delivering reliable project outcomes, clear homeowner education, and transparent business practices aligned with EnergySage's core values. Notably, they did so during a record-breaking year marked by unprecedented demand ahead of the federal tax credit expiration.

The 2026 EnergySage Installer of the Year award recipients are:

Regional winners: All Energy Solar (Midwest), Green Power Energy (Northeast), Solar Optimum (West Coast)

Local winners: The Integrity Energy Group (AL), Solar Topps (AZ), Good Faith Solar (AR), Sunergy (CA), Solar Power Pros (CO), Infinity Energy (Infinity Solar Systems LLC) (CT), Revolution Solar (DC), Transform Solar (FL), Solar Energy Partners (GA), Sunspear Energy (HI), CertaSun (IL), Bone Dry Solar (IN), SolQ (IA), King Solar Inc. (KS), Solar Alternatives (LA), Lumina Solar (MD), Viridis Energy Solutions (MA), Strawberry Solar (MI), Centauri Systems (MN), The Solar Guys (MO), Freedom Energy (MT), Panda Solar (NV), SRsolarNH (NH), Public Service Solar (NJ), Sunforce Solar (NM), New York State Solar Farm (NY), 8MSolar (NC), Gold Path Solar (OH), Sunpath Services (OR), Pennsylvania Solar Energy (PA), Rooftop Power (RI), Renu Energy Solutions (SC), ReNew Solar Solutions (TN), Atma Energy (TX), Intermountain Wind & Solar (UT), HB Energy Solutions (VT), Nova Solar (VA), Blossom Solar (WA), Watts Up Engineering (WI), The Electric & Solar Specialist (WY)

"These awards recognize installer companies that consistently deliver for homeowners and uphold the highest standards of professionalism," said Naman Trivedi, Group CEO of EnergySage and VP of Home Energy at Schneider Electric. "In a year marked by extraordinary demand and policy change, these partners maintained operational discipline, consumer education, and a strong commitment to doing business the right way. That's what builds lasting trust in home energy."

The 2026 awards follow a pivotal period for the market. According to EnergySage's recently released 22nd Home Electrification Marketplace Report, homeowner demand surged 205% in the second half of 2025 ahead of the sunset of the federal tax credit for solar and other clean home energy projects. Installers nationwide faced compressed timelines, capacity constraints, and equipment availability shifts as demand accelerated. Amid those pressures, this year's award recipients preserved high service standards, maintained transparency in pricing and expectations, and continued to meet EnergySage's strict partner criteria.

As the home energy market evolves beyond an incentive-driven cycle and into a broader phase shaped by rising electricity demand, resilience concerns, and energy independence, EnergySage remains committed to elevating installer partners that prioritize long-term consumer trust.

Beyond the Installer of the Year awards, EnergySage supports its network partners with access to high-intent shoppers, dedicated Partner Success Management, enhanced marketplace visibility, and exclusive market intelligence. These resources help leading installer companies scale efficiently while empowering homeowners to make confident, informed decisions about rooftop solar, energy storage, heat pumps, EV charging, and broader home electrification upgrades.

EnergySage | https://www.energysage.com/

Otovo (Euronext Oslo Børs: OTOVO), an AI-native energy service provider for residential and commercial customers, announced the successful completion of a private placement raising approximately NOK 161 million (approximately $16.6 million) through the issuance of approximately 14.0 million new shares (the “Offer Shares”) at a subscription price of NOK 11.50 per Offer Share (the “Offer Price”). The financing included participation from new and existing investors, including Encompass Capital Advisors LLC (“Encompass”), acting for certain fund entities and managed accounts for which Encompass exercises investment discretion, Franklin Templeton, and Electron.

The net proceeds from the private placement will be used to fund Otovo’s previously announced acquisition of all shares in EnergyAid Inc., a leading provider of residential solar service and repair solutions in California, Arizona, and Nevada. A portion of the proceeds may also be used to support major OEM partnership initiatives in Europe, including to support Otovo’s recently announced joint venture with Green Panel to deliver service capabilities across Europe for a major global OEM, subject to definitive agreements and customary conditions. Additional uses may include preparatory work related to a potential U.S. dual listing and general corporate purposes, including working capital and transaction-related fees.

“This financing marks a major step forward in Otovo’s mission to build the world’s leading home energy service platform at global scale,” said William J. (John) Berger, CEO of Otovo. “EnergyAid brings scale, an exceptional reputation, and a fast-growing subscription base — and we’re pairing that with Otovo’s Endurance™ AI platform to deliver what homeowners want most: maximum service at minimal cost, with faster diagnosis, fewer truck rolls, and more reliable uptime. With this acquisition, Otovo takes a meaningful leap toward becoming the leading home energy service provider across Europe and North America.”

EnergyAid Acquisition

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Santa Ana, California, EnergyAid has built a specialized solar service business focused on diagnostics, repair, maintenance, and system upgrades. EnergyAid has completed service jobs for approximately 60,000 homes and has approximately 8,000 active customers. EnergyAid generated approximately $18.7 million in total revenue in 2025, up 20% from 2024, and recently launched a subscription service that has grown to approximately 2,800 members.

Expanding a Single, Seamless Service Layer for Home Energy Assets

The combination strengthens Otovo’s ability to deliver a single, seamless service experience for home energy assets — from issue detection to resolution — supported by real-time monitoring, intelligent triage, and coordinated field repairs.

In parallel, Otovo continues to advance European expansion initiatives, including its recently announced joint venture with Green Panel intended to support a major global OEM’s service needs across Europe, subject to definitive agreements and customary conditions.

Otovo is also evaluating a potential dual listing in the United States, in addition to its listing on Euronext Oslo Børs, to broaden investor access and support long-term growth, subject to market conditions, regulatory requirements, and customary approvals.

Otovo | otovo.com

Habitat Energy announced its first U.S. co-located solar + storage partnership, working with Birch Creek to co-optimize its solar and battery operations behind a shared point of interconnection in ERCOT’s South Zone. For the Bee County, Texas, asset, Habitat has achieved the Production Load Date (PLD) with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas on behalf of Birch Creek and is now in the early stages of commissioning. Solar commercial operations are expected in August 2026, with the battery expected to follow in October 2026.

As the project’s Qualified Scheduling Entity (QSE), Habitat is responsible for representing power injected and withdrawn from the site beginning at PLD. During commissioning, Habitat is also supporting telemetry alignment, validating data flows to ERCOT, and building the trading framework that will govern live operations.

The project represents an early operational example of co-located solar and storage optimization in ERCOT’s rapidly scaling hybrid market. Sharing a point of interconnection means the assets must be coordinated in real time. During peak solar hours, the battery can absorb excess generation while positioning for price volatility later in the day. Managing that interaction requires integrated weather and price forecasting, disciplined risk management, tools for congestion management, and a platform capable of co-optimizing between two assets at a node within ERCOT’s RTC+B environment.

“Consistent responses to market signals are essential to both asset performance and grid stability in ERCOT,” said Fred Short, Director of Commercial Strategy at Birch Creek. “Working with Habitat to optimize dispatch decisions will help ensure the Honeycomb project delivers the full value of the clean energy it generates and stores to the market and the surrounding community.”

Once fully operational, Habitat will co-optimize solar and battery revenues, forecasting weather-driven output, managing energy price and basis risk around solar generation hours, firming positions with the battery, and maximizing value across the full daily dispatch profile.

“Co-locating solar and storage improves the economics of both assets, but it also raises the bar for operational sophistication,” said Mike Kirschner, U.S. Managing Director at Habitat Energy. “Our platform is built to manage that complexity, optimizing solar DART strategies alongside battery operations while respecting POI constraints.”

This Birch Creek partnership reflects the continued evolution of integrated renewable operations in ERCOT.

Habitat Energy | https://habitat.energy/

Birch Creek Energy | birchcreekdev.com

Arevon Energy, Inc., a leading American energy developer, owner, and operator, announces the start of operations at the company's 430 megawatt (MWdc) Kelso Solar Project in Scott County, Missouri. Arevon developed, constructed, and will own and operate the more than $500 million Kelso Solar Project. The two-phase facility, Arevon's first utility-scale projects in Missouri, increased the state's solar capacity by nearly 50% and generates enough energy to power more than 62,000 homes each year.

Beyond its energy generation, Kelso Solar has also contributed to a significant increase in economic activity in Scott County. During construction, the project employed more than 450 personnel, and this increase in foot traffic and activity resulted in a sizable boost in spending at area stores, hotels, and restaurants. In addition, Kelso Solar is estimated to disburse more than $62 million in property tax payments over its lifetime, supporting schools, infrastructure, and first responders.

To commemorate Kelso Solar's operations, Arevon hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday for the project's partners, Scott County leaders, local business owners, landowners, and community members to celebrate the collective effort to bring the facility online. Justin Johnson, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Arevon, delivered the opening remarks, followed by Danny Tetley, Presiding Commissioner at Scott County Commission; Sarah Mitchell Garner, Marketing and Foundation Outreach Manager at Missouri Delta Medical Center; Clay Schermann, Chief Development Officer at Southeast Missouri Food Bank; and Missy Marshall, Director at Three Rivers College, Sikeston and Dexter. Kiana Khalilnejad, Construction Project Manager at Arevon, served as the event's master of ceremonies.

"After years of responsible development and construction, I am proud to see the Kelso Solar Project, Arevon's first large-scale project in Missouri, generating safe, domestic-made energy," said Johnson. "Kelso Solar reflects the strong collaboration among Arevon, our partners, and Scott County's landowners and local leaders, who all played a critical role in bringing this project to fruition. We look forward to Kelso Solar serving America's energy needs for many decades."

"The Kelso Solar Project is a meaningful investment in Scott County's future — it strengthens our tax base, supports critical public services, and adds a new energy resource to our region," said Tetley. "We value the community-first approach Arevon has taken and continues to exercise as well as the lasting benefits the project brings to our community."

Arevon has been actively engaged with the Scott County community throughout Kelso Solar's development and construction, supporting an array of initiatives and organizations, including:

• Donating $525,000, in partnership with Primoris Services Corporation's Renewables group, the project's construction contractor, to the Scott County Central School District for a solar-powered bus carport. The new carport will help to ensure students are safely shielded from the weather's elements and will increase ongoing energy savings. Arevon also provided funding to help with the removal of asbestos flooring from classrooms.
• Contributing $300,000 to the Kenny Rogers Children's Center, a pediatric out-patient therapy facility serving children with special needs, to aid in the construction of a new gymnasium. Arevon also provided new soft play equipment and therapy mats.
• Giving $300,000 for new Chromebooks for Scott County R-IV School District students and an additional $145,000 to support safety initiatives and the STEM program for the school district.
• Funding a side-by-side vehicle for the Scott County Rural Fire Protection District to help fight fires that are inaccessible to traditional fire trucks and on-road vehicles due to terrain challenges and tight spaces.
• Supplying the funds needed to install a secondary water well in the City of Blodgett — an essential investment in public health and long-term infrastructure resilience.
• Participating in Food Distribution events for the Southeast Missouri Food Bank, which provides resources to thousands of residents facing food insecurity in Scott County.

"Arevon has been an incredible supporter of the Kenny Rogers Children's Center and the entire Scott County community. As we prepare for our largest annual fundraiser — the Telethon — which raises about $300,000 each year to provide free physical, occupational, and speech therapy to local children, their generosity means everything," said Michelle Fayette, Executive Director at the Kenny Rogers Children's Center. "When Arevon announced at the Kelso Solar groundbreaking that they would match our Telethon total, I was speechless — nothing like that had happened in my 24 years at the Center. As we continue raising funds and working toward building a new gym, Arevon's support for the Center and other deserving organizations in Scott County is truly a game changer."

"Arevon's support has helped the Southeast Missouri Food Bank reach families across the region through our Food Distribution events," said Schermann. "We are grateful for their involvement and their willingness to invest in our community as host of the Kelso Solar Project."

Arevon is actively growing its portfolio in the Midwest region of the United States. In the past several months, the company announced the start of the operations at its Ratts 1 and Heirloom Solar Projects, a cumulative investment of $400 million and 264 MWdc of new domestic solar power in Indiana, and continues to advance construction on its $200 million, 124 MWdc Big Muddy Solar Project in Illinois. In addition, Arevon developed and managed construction of the 251 MWdc Gibson Solar Project and the 228 MWdc Posey Solar Project in Indiana on behalf of local utilities while ensuring the projects were successfully integrated into each community. Arevon is also actively advancing development on other proposed renewable energy facilities in the region.

Arevon | arevonenergy.com

Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE) (“Comstock” and the “Company”) and Comstock Metals LLC (“Comstock Metals”), a leader in the responsible recycling of end-of-life solar panels with the only certified, North American, zero-landfill solution, announced that significant portions of the industry-scale facility precision equipment, manufactured on proprietary specifications, has arrived at our Silver Springs, Nevada location for installation, testing and ultimate integration of the 100,000 ton per year solar panel recycling production line. Commissioning will continue through March 2026, and into early April with operations planned during the second quarter of this year. 

The manufacture of precision-machined equipment for Comstock Metals’ proprietary solar panel recycling begins with a highly engineered design process focused on durability, accuracy, speed, and maximizing throughput. Each system is modeled using advanced CAD platforms to ensure exact tolerances for shredding, conditioning, and ultimately, critical materials separation and recovery. The shredding systems are currently being assembled.

“Our team is now fully deployed and engaged in every aspect of our facility upgrades, storage build out and the all of the work associated with commissioning our first industry-scale recycling process and we have now received the major front-end components of our proprietary shredding systems,” said Dr. Fortunato Villamagna, President of Comstock Metals. “Installation involves a plurality of activities, from complex tasks like the interconnection of the various unit operations, completing the communication interfaces between the various systems, to things as simple as precision leveling, anchoring to reinforced and epoxied flooring, operational and electrical integration with facility power infrastructure, and calibration of automated control systems. Our design allows us to commission and evaluate each unit operation independently as they are installed, effectively streamlining the process and accelerating the full start-up and eventual ongoing, continuous operations.”

Final receipt and integration of all major components will continue through March and into April when the Company will confirm operational efficiencies, safety compliance, and optimized workflows within the dedicated recycling platform. The Company remains on schedule for continuous operations during the second quarter.

The Company has also completed and submitted its first major operating permit application with the State of Nevada for our second, integrated, industry-scale facility located in Clark County, in southern Nevada and has also begun the engagement with the city, county, and surrounding industrial neighbors and community. 

“Our disciplined approach with technology and systems readiness required a multi-year operation of the commercial demonstration facility, enabling this final, first of its kind design and ordering of the industrial-scale systems,” said Corrado De Gasperis, Executive Chairman and CEO of Comstock. “The ‘unit operation model’ deployed in the commercial demonstration facility is what enabled the Company to independently commission each part of the full scale plant independently, streamlining start-up. The project for readying, receiving, and commissioning this facility in Silver Springs is in full swing with frequent updates forthcoming on commissioning.”

Comstock I www.comstock.inc

Homeowners looking for peace of mind during grid instabilities have a new ally in PV Point Comfort. March 3, 2026, marks Fronius USA’s launch of PV Point Comfort, which provides dedicated backup to a branch circuit that remains live whether powered by the grid or by the inverter during outages. 

Building on the success of the standard PV Point, the PV Point Comfort provides an upgradable and seamless user experience while the sun is shining. Even without adding a battery, the PV Point Comfort ensures that one branch circuit supplying routers, refrigerators, or outdoor circuits stays powered at all times without the need for manual intervention when the lights go out. 

Key advantages of PV Point Comfort: 

• Continuous Power: Stay connected to a dedicated branch circuit that remains live during both normal operation and grid outages. 
• Automatic Transition: Offers a "set it and forget it" solution for essential loads. 
• Easy Installation in as little as 30 mins: The system is easily integrated via an additional circuit board installed directly in the inverter’s connection area. 
• Retrofit Ready: Existing Fronius GEN24 or Fronius GEN24 Plus compatible systems can be upgraded at any time to add PV Point Comfort, providing homeowners the flexibility to enhance their energy independence whenever they choose. 

The PV Point Comfort is available now through Authorized Fronius Distributors. Homeowners that are interested in upgrading their current Fronius GEN24 PV system can inquire for PV Point Comfort by contacting their local installer.

Fronius USA | https://www.fronius.com/en-us/usa