While solar tracker software is known for its role in maximizing production, it also plays a key role in mitigating risks. It can increase energy production in challenging situations, minimize damage from weather events, and reduce O&M costs. In the face of escalating climate change threats and heightened solar industry pressures, tracker software is rising to the challenges to keep solar sites productive and protected. Q:&n....
As wind development pushes into more remote and environmentally sensitive terrain, site access is no longer a secondary concern. It is a primary project risk. Unstable soils, seasonal flooding, protected wetlands, and water crossings can derail permitting, trigger regulatory violations, and expose developers to costly remediation. Temporary bridging, when done properly, is a genuine project enabler. Done poorly, it becomes a liability that compou....
The solar industry has spent the last decade relentlessly driving down cost. Module prices fell. Installation efficiencies improved. Supply chains have globalized. In many ways, the playbook worked. But as development pushes into more challenging terrain: rocky soils, variable geotechnical conditions, and remote locations, that same cost-first mindset is beginning to show its limits. Developers now routinely confront conditions earl....
As the clean energy industry continues its rapid expansion, utility-scale solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) are being deployed in increasingly challenging environments. From extreme desert heat in the Southwest to hurricane-prone regions along the Gulf Coast, today’s projects are operating in conditions that test both infrastructure and human performance. Extreme weather is no longer an exception — it is the operating environmen....
Energy Storage
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Jeremy Sheldon
Wind
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Vestas has secured a 40MW turbine order for the Reken Hülsterholt wind project in Germany. The order was placed by EnergieGemeinschaft Hülsterholt GmbH & Co. KG and BBWind Projektberatungsgesellschaft mbH and includes four V172-7.2MW turbines and two V162-5.6MW turbines.
As part of the contract, Vestas will also provide a 20 year Active Output Management service agreement, covering the long-term operation and maintenance of the turbines. Delivery of the turbines is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027, with commissioning expected to start in the fourth quarter of the year.
The Reken Hülsterholt project will contribute additional renewable generation capacity to the German grid as the country continues to expand its wind energy fleet and reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based power generation.
Vestas | https://www.vestas.com/en
Vesper Energy broke ground on Nazareth Solar, a 201-megawatt utility-scale solar project in Swisher County, Texas. The project will add to the company's growing operating fleet alongside the adjacent 600 MW Hornet Solar, one of the largest single-phase solar projects in the United States. Spanning roughly 1,000 acres of private land, Nazareth Solar follows Hornet Solar's first year of operation, which delivered more than $5 million in local tax revenue and 1.5 million megawatt hours to the ERCOT grid.
Nazareth Solar is expected to be commercially operational by Fall 2027 and will generate enough electricity to power more than 53,000 Texas homes annually.
The project builds on Hornet Solar's economic benefits. Nazareth Solar is expected to generate $34 million in long-term tax revenue for Swisher County, supporting schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. The project is also expected to create more than 200 construction jobs, while providing stable income for participating landowners.
"Breaking ground on Nazareth Solar is another milestone for Vesper Energy,” said Juan Suarez, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Vesper Energy. “We have a proven track record in this community, a team that knows how to deliver at this scale, and capital partners who have invested in us and in energy for Texas’ growing electricity demand. Nazareth Solar is the next step in that commitment."
“Nazareth Solar represents a significant investment in our community and our future. During construction, the project will create hundreds of jobs and generate economic activity that will benefit local businesses throughout the region,“ said Ja’Nell Wafer, Director of the Tulia Chamber of Commerce. “We are also grateful for Hornet Solar’s commitment to giving back through community investments and partnerships that support local organizations, businesses, and our economy.”
Nazareth Solar presented the Tulia Fire Department with a $30,000 donation to support the purchase of a new pickup truck. “We appreciate Vesper Energy and Nazareth Solar’s support for the Tulia Fire Department and our tight-knit community,” said Johnny Shelburne, Chief of the Tulia Fire Department. “The new truck will enhance our ability to respond to emergencies more efficiently and better serve the residents of Tulia.”
Vesper Energy secured $236 million in financing for Nazareth Solar through a construction-to-term loan and letter of credit facility supported by leading financial institutions, as Vesper Energy continues converting its development pipeline into operating assets across Texas.
“Nazareth Solar adds 201 MW of electricity to the Texas grid, providing energy at the local and regional levels. Breaking ground at Nazareth reflects what Vesper Energy proved at Hornet Solar, and we’re thrilled to bring the same discipline and execution to this project from day one,” said Karl Smith, Senior Manager, Project Management at Vesper Energy. “Every project is an opportunity to raise our standards for safety and quality. We have assembled an exceptional team, and our focus is on delivering this project safely, on schedule, and to the high standard our partners and communities have come to expect from us.”
The project team will remain actively engaged with the Swisher County community through construction and operations, maintaining the same standards of transparency, local hiring, and long-term community investment that Hornet Solar established. As Nazareth Solar advances toward its Fall 2027 commercial operation date, it will mark another step in Vesper's expanding operating portfolio.
Vesper Energy | www.vesperenergy.com
Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA), the U.S. solar and storage trade event series, concluded its Midwest conference and tradeshow last week at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. The three-day event brought together over 700 developers, EPCs, installers, distributors, utilities, and investors for market intelligence, product evaluation, and peer-to-peer connection.
"The MISO and PJM markets are among the most active and consequential solar and storage environments in the country right now, and the conversations at IESNA Midwest reflected that,” said Beckie Kier, Event Director, Intersolar & Energy Storage North America. “We saw an industry that knows the work ahead—shifting federal policy, grid planning, project finance, supply chain strategy—and is showing up to do it. We're already looking forward to 2027.”
Conference Highlights
Four keynote sessions anchored the 2026 conference program, addressing grid transformation, project execution, AI-driven demand, and clean energy finance in a post-OBBBA market. Thirteen conference sessions covered storage market dynamics in MISO and PJM, U.S. and Illinois solar policy (the 25D credit expiration, 48E ITC milestone, FEOC compliance, and Section 232 tariffs), data center demand, project finance, and supply chain onshoring. Six hands-on workshops—four offering NABCEP CEUs—provided practical training in PV system O&M, cybersecurity for energy systems, post-ITC project structuring, and workforce strategy.
Exhibit Hall
45 companies showcased solar modules, racking and mounting systems, inverters, energy storage systems and components, software platforms, and EPC services across the exhibit floor. Attendees sourced supply chain partners, evaluated proven products and services, and built relationships with leading trade associations.
Community & Networking
IESNA Midwest drew professionals spanning the clean energy economy, including developers, EPCs, installers, utilities, manufacturers, distributors, financiers, and policy professionals, as well as industry associations, clean energy advocates, and consultants. Represented companies included Arch Electric, ENGIE North America, Exelon, Illinois Power Agency, Kraemer North America, Michigan EIBC, Orsted, Qcells North America, and WEC Energy Group, among others.
An opening reception kicked off the event on June 15, followed by Renewables UnWind Chicago. On June 16, a happy hour and Pop-A-Shot competition sparked conversations ahead of Illinois Solar Energy Association’s Solar Drinks on the Roof.
Experience the IESNA Event Series
Intersolar & Energy Storage North America | www.iesna.com
Diversified | www.divcom.com
Avangrid, Inc., a leading energy company and member of the Iberdrola Group, announced it will build a battery storage project in Gilliam County, Oregon. Shutler Energy Storage will be a 41 Megawatt/82 Megawatt-hour facility that strengthens reliability and resilience across Avangrid’s 3GW footprint in the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, Avangrid will donate $110,000 annually on behalf of the project to two Gilliam County nonprofit organizations to support early childhood education and childcare.
“Shutler Energy Storage reflects Avangrid’s long‑term commitment to Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. This project adds a flexible resource that will strengthen grid reliability, support good‑paying jobs, and help ensure the energy we generate is available when communities need it most,” said Avangrid CEO Jose Antonio Miranda. “Furthermore, we are proud to have worked closely with local leaders in finding ways to support the community’s critical needs.”
“Shutler Energy Storage gives us another tool to effectively manage our regional portfolio, improving how we coordinate across our generating assets and make better use of our existing infrastructure,” said Avangrid Power CEO Sy Oytan. “This added flexibility will allow us to respond quickly to changing grid conditions and operate our fleet more efficiently every day.”
Each year for the life of the project., Avangrid will contribute $55,000 to Condon Early Learning Center and $55,000 to Arlington Childcare Center for the life of the project.
“Gilliam County is aware that the cost and availability of childcare are barriers to a sustainable workforce,” said Gilliam County Judge Cris Patnode. “This public-private partnership developed through an annual investment in childcare and early learning, helps reduce the cost of childcare, and opens more available slots for families across Gilliam County. Thank you Avangrid, for your partnership and investment.”
“On behalf of the Condon Early Learning Center Board and myself, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Avangrid, Gilliam County Judge Patnode for her leadership in facilitating this agreement, and all parties involved for their collaboration and dedication in reaching this agreement,” said Haylee Andrews, Executive Director of Condon Early Leaning. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening our community and investing in the well-being of local children and families. We are grateful for the lasting support this agreement will provide for early childhood education in our region.”
"This generous investment by Avangrid will provide vital support not only for our organization, but more importantly for the families, children, and future of Arlington,” said Mark Moore, Arlington Childcare Center Board President. “This kind of community partnership provides working families with greater security, allows local businesses to thrive, and ensures that our community’s children have access to quality early learning experiences for years to come.”
Shutler Energy Storage will be located near two existing Avangrid facilities, and a third under construction. The project will function as a large power bank, capable of discharging 41 MW for two hours. A single discharge could power approximately 3,000 U.S. homes. Construction of Shutler Energy Storage will also support the local economy, creating approximately 35 local union jobs.
The project will be a key enabler for Avangrid’s independent Balancing Authority, which is responsible for balancing electricity supply and demand across the company’s Pacific Northwest generation fleet in real-time. By adding battery storage as a flexible, fast-responding resource, Avangrid will be better equipped to integrate its regional generation assets and enhance the system’s reliability. Shutler Energy Storage is expected to be operational in 2027.
Avangrid operates over 11 GW of installed capacity across its 25-state portfolio, spanning nearly 100 energy projects.
Avangrid | http://www.avangrid.com
Canadian Solar Inc. (the "Company" or "Canadian Solar") (NASDAQ: CSIQ) announced that e-STORAGE, its energy storage solutions business, will supply a 75 MW / 381 MWh DC battery energy storage system (BESS) to Apex Clean Energy in Branch County, Michigan. The system will be co-located with Apex's operating Coldwater Solar facility.
Under the agreement, e-STORAGE will deliver a complete, integrated solution that combines SolBank 3.0 battery blocks with Power Conversion Systems and e-STORAGE's proprietary EQ‑S Energy Management System into one coordinated utility‑scale platform. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in early 2027, with commercial operation targeted for mid-2027. e-STORAGE will provide its proprietary 'SolBank' battery pack powered by its lithium-Ion phosphate-based battery cells, all produced at Canadian Solar's manufacturing facilities, giving the customer full supply chain visibility and compliance.
Coldwater Storage enters service against a firm policy backdrop: Michigan law requires utilities to bring 2,500 MW of energy storage online by 2030, and the state's largest coal units are slated to retire through 2032, removing dispatchable capacity from the MISO grid that storage must replace. Once operational, the project will store low‑cost energy and discharge it when demand peaks, helping firm the supply that Michigan is shifting toward solar and wind.
Ken Young, CEO of Apex, said: "Power demand is rising rapidly, and storage projects like Coldwater enable our grid to keep pace. e-STORAGE has the technology and the scale to deliver this project, and we're glad to be working once again with our partners at Canadian Solar."
Jeff Roy, President of e-STORAGE, said: "Michigan is rebuilding its power generation mix on a fixed timeline, and this collaboration shows how that target turns into reliable capacity on the ground. By supplying the batteries, power conversion, and our EQ-S controls as one integrated system, we serve as Apex's single accountable technology partner across the project's lifecycle."
e-STORAGE | www.csestorage.com
Canadian Solar Inc. (the "Company" or "Canadian Solar") (NASDAQ: CSIQ) announced that its Baotou ingot manufacturing facility and Suqian solar cell manufacturing facility achieved the Silver Level Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) Supply Chain Traceability Certification. Canadian Solar is the first manufacturer to achieve Silver certification under the SSI Supply Chain Traceability Certification for both ingot and cell production. This certification demonstrates the Company's commitment to transparency and traceability across its upstream suppliers and to advancing responsible sourcing.
The SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard is designed to enhance visibility into material sourcing and manufacturing processes across the solar value chain, supporting industry efforts to advance responsible and sustainable production practices. All certification audits are performed by independent third-party firms under the defined SSI audit protocol (ingot and cell).
Colin Parkin, Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar, said, "Achieving SSI Supply Chain Traceability Certification for our ingot and cell manufacturing facilities marks an important milestone in strengthening transparency and accountability across our supply chain. As the industry continues to evolve, we are committed to advancing responsible manufacturing practices and enhancing confidence in the integrity of solar products worldwide."
In 2025, Canadian Solar's Suqian solar cell factory and Baotou ingot factory underwent the SSI ESG assessments and received Silver and Bronze certifications, respectively. The certified sites are publicly listed by the Solar Stewardship Initiative and can be viewed on its official website under Currently Certified Sites.
The announcement coincides with Intersolar Europe in Munich, where Canadian Solar will present its latest technologies and initiatives at booth B2.250.
Canadian Solar | www.canadiansolar.com
True Green Capital Management LLC ("TGC"), a specialized renewable energy infrastructure investment firm, acquired, through one of its managed private funds, on June 22, 2026 approximately 20.3 megawatts DC of operating solar assets from Gresham House Renewable Energy VCT 1 PLC and VCT 2 PLC. The acquisition consists of six projects located across the United Kingdom that have operated since 2011. Each project benefits from a 25-year Feed in Tariff contracted through 2036, short term Power Purchase Agreements with established UK energy retailers and Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin.
"This transaction marks TGC's second take private of UK-listed assets and reflects our continued conviction in the opportunities available within this segment of the market. With deep specialist sector knowledge, extensive public market experience, and strong execution capabilities, TGC is well-positioned to identify and pursue further acquisitions of this nature," said Panos Ninios, co-Founder and co-Managing Partner.
"As operating assets mature, technical expertise becomes a key driver of long-term value creation. Our differentiated in-house asset management and repowering capabilities allow us to capture value-enhancing opportunities, optimize performance, and generate meaningful upside for our investors," said Sam Salisbury, Managing Director, Europe.
Shoosmiths served as legal counsel to TGC.
True Green Capital Management | https://www.truegreencapital.com/
Alternative Energies Jun 16, 2026
American clean energy policy faces a gridlock. AI and cloud providers, the public, and government officials remain at odds over affordability and reliable power, imbuing tensions in regulatory dockets and legislative hearings throughout 2026. These s....
A decade ago, most utility-scale solar projects were built on flat, well-drained land. Today, those sites are largely gone. What remains are parcels that sit lower, drain poorly, or come with a history of standing water. At the same time, storms a....
The season for hail storms is getting longer, producing storms with large hail more frequently during an expanded season. Case in point: On March 10, 2026, softball-sized hail fell in northern Illinois. While that might not have been news had it occu....
The solar industry has spent the last decade relentlessly driving down cost. Module prices fell. Installation efficiencies improved. Supply chains have globalized. In many ways, the playbook worked. But as development pushes into more c....
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As wind development pushes into more rem....
They equip existing wind turbines with n....
Half of North America's installed wind f....
Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and blizzards have increased over the past several years. Alongside this trend, the need to protect critical onsite energy storage equipment has grown in order to maintain grid reliabi....
From hurricanes to ice storms and derechos, severe weather is hitting harder and more often. Energy infrastructure is under unprecedented strain, and the traditional methods of grid hardening are no longer enough. For decades, utilities have....
Americans are watching their electricity bills climb, and many are pointing the finger at the massive data centers sprouting up across the country. It's an understandable reaction. The U.S. Department of Energy U.S. says that data center energy ....
American clean energy policy faces a gridlock. AI and cloud providers, the public, and government officials remain at odds over affordability and reliable power, imbuing tensions in regulatory dockets and legislative hearings throughout 2026. These s....
The bond between solar energy and storage is undergoing a profound transformation. What started as a supplemental technology to reduce renewable energy intermittency is now becoming a defining prerequisite to how solar projects are financed, built, a....
When a complex, entrenched system faces immense strain, it can either generate the capacity for transformational change or distort in unproductive ways. The North American power grid is experiencing exactly this tension. After years of relative stasi....
