The Solar Product Registry Set to Boost Solar Deployment

Nextracker (Nasdaq: NXT), a leading solar technology platform provider, announced the launch of a new AI and robotics business initiative, anchored by the appointment of its first chief AI and robotics officer and a series of strategic technology acquisitions. Over the past four quarters, the company has invested over $40 million to acquire three AI and robotics technologies. These acquisitions strengthen Nextracker’s end-to-end digital platform and enhance solar power plant deployment, quality, reliability, and long-term return on investment (ROI) for asset owners.

Nextracker has appointed Dr. Francesco Borrelli as chief AI and robotics officer, a newly created executive role focused on advancing the company’s global AI and robotics strategy. A pioneer in predictive control systems, Dr. Borrelli brings decades of experience developing and commercializing autonomous technologies across robotics, automotive, and industrial sectors. In his new role, he will lead the integration of AI, machine learning, and advanced robotics into Nextracker’s products and solutions to support global scalability and long-term innovation.

“With millions of sensors and control nodes already deployed over approximately 100 GW of operating systems in 40 countries, Nextracker has a unique opportunity to harness AI and robotics at scale,” said Dan Shugar, founder and CEO of Nextracker. “Dr. Borelli brings the vision and expertise to lead this evolution, allowing us to deliver deeper insights, timely and incisive actions, and greater customer ROI across our global technology platform.”

“Scaling solar to meet global energy demand requires a new level of autonomy in how we build and operate power plants,” said Dr. Borrelli. “I’m excited to join Nextracker in this role and help lead the integration of AI and robotics—turning field data into real-time action that drives solar plant performance, reduces risk, and accelerates deployment.”

As a key component of its digital and robotics technology platform, Nextracker acquired OnSight Technology, a pioneer in autonomous robotic inspection and fire detection systems for solar power plants. OnSight’s AI-driven tools enable predictive maintenance by identifying and forecasting common mechanical and electrical failures—helping asset owners reduce operational risk, improve uptime, and manage site health proactively. OnSight’s team of robotics engineers, field operations specialists, and product developers have joined Nextracker, and OnSight products are now commercially available in the U.S. with a global rollout planned for next year.

“Joining Nextracker is an exciting new chapter for OnSight Technology,” said Derek Chase, CEO of OnSight. “From day one, our mission has been to bring advanced robotics and intelligence into the solar field. Together with Nextracker, we can deliver smarter diagnostics at scale to improve response time, reduce risk, and strengthen ROI.”

Nextracker also announced two previously undisclosed complementary acquisitions:

• SenseHawk IP (August 2024): IP that enables the creation of high-resolution 3D as-built maps of solar project sites using AI-enabled drone-captured imagery. The maps support precise geolocation and digital model alignment to enhance site commissioning and integration with optimization software such as TrueCapture®.

• Amir Robotics (March 2025): Developer of a lightweight, water-free robotic cleaning technology designed for daily operation at large-scale solar sites. This innovative solution will be integrated into Nextracker’s existing data infrastructure to reduce soil-related yield loss and is currently being tested at several commercial sites.

“Integrating robotics and AI into Nextracker’s technology platform is a smart move,” said Sheldon Kimber, CEO of Intersect Power. “We were early adopters of OnSight’s robotic inspection technology and believe that Nextracker has the expertise and global footprint to scale these types of products and services to multi-gigawatt deployment levels.”

Nextracker | https://www.nextracker.com/

The U.S. energy storage industry is at a crossroads of economic pressure, regulatory reform and rising energy demand. From tariffs and trade dynamics to the reshaping of material strategies and regulatory compliance, the trends shaping this year reflect a broader industry movement toward resilience, transparency and innovation. Stryten Energy offers a deeper look at what’s driving momentum for the industry’s supply chains in 2025:

1. Tariffs and other trade challenges accelerate the race to reshore

Tariffs dominate the supply chain conversation. Recent trade actions have increased the cost of critical, imported materials and components, including those linked to lithium battery production. These increases are not limited to direct imports − they move through domestic suppliers who rely on foreign-sourced raw materials. This is pushing manufacturers to re-evaluate procurement strategies.

China’s bans and limits on exporting certain critical minerals are also causing disruption. In some cases, the nation is the sole supplier of certain materials.

The impact of these trade challenges will likely stay for years, so many companies are exploring onshoring and nearshoring options. Building a lithium cell plant, though, can often be a $300-$500 million investment, which is a significant hurdle for most companies. Large original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and automakers circumvent the cost by partnering with large battery producers, some of which already have battery manufacturing capabilities onshore. 

The cost barrier for onshoring and nearshoring remains a significant issue for the hundreds of small- or mid-sized battery providers in the U.S. To better afford domestic manufacturing investments, many companies may begin consolidating through partnerships, joint ventures, or mergers and acquisitions − a trend that stands to strengthen the entire supply chain over the long term.

The industry was already shifting from importing complete battery packs to assembling modules domestically, with ambitions to eventually localize cell manufacturing and even raw material sourcing. While this transition is both expensive and complex, the goal is to build a resilient domestic supply chain. Though this transformation will take years, many players across the energy storage industry are stepping up to lead the shift.

2. Resilience comes through diversifying the energy storage mix

Energy resilience refers to the ability to recover from and withstand power disruptions. The U.S. electrical grid faces several challenges to reliably deliver a steady source of power to homes and businesses. The integration of more renewable energy sources intensifies pressure on U.S. grid operators to modernize their aging infrastructure. Brownouts and blackouts caused by extreme weather events, like heatwaves, winter storms and floods, are also becoming more frequent and increasing pressure on the grid.

These challenges underscore the urgent need for smarter integration of energy storage systems that can help stabilize the grids, provide backup power and support renewable integration. While lithium has been a leading energy storage material for years, its heavily concentrated global supply chain with China projected to control almost 70% of total capacity by 2030, has raised concerns about strategic reliability. Tariffs are also likely to raise the price of lithium batteries significantly, and a domestic supply chain is years away from being mature.

Therefore, expect to see manufacturers diversifying their battery energy storage system (BESS) technologies this year to provide an ample supply of different, reliable energy storage solutions. Diversification is a key defense against supply shocks and trade bottlenecks. Two alternatives to lithium for BESS systems are  vanadium flow batteries (VFB) and lead BESS batteries.

VFBs, ideal for long-duration essential power applications, can support the deployment of clean energy from renewable sources like solar and wind. Energy storage manufacturers are fielding inquiries from data centers about the technology. A domestic supply chain is already being built to provide a reliable supply of this technology.

Advanced lead BESS is also a key technology, especially when domestically sourced materials are a priority. This technology is designed to safeguard against power outages when conventional sources fail. It can also function as a critical grid support tool, providing rapid response capabilities to mitigate fluctuations, stabilize voltage and enhance overall grid resilience. Lead BESS already has a well-established domestic supply chain and a complete circular economy, making it a sustainable and reliable energy storage option.

By diversifying battery chemistry supply this year, manufacturers can help ensure the grid can withstand whatever comes next.

3. Future-proofing around new rules

We expect regulatory pressure to evolve in 2025. Governments are introducing policies to increase transparency, sustainability and security across many supply chains, including energy storage sourcing. Manufacturers must prepare for a future where traceability is not optional, but foundational to market access and success.

In the U.S., new Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) restrictions are now in place for manufacturers that supply the Department of Defense. Additionally, the clean energy tax credits available to domestic manufacturers in the recent passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act include FEOC provisions. To qualify for the tax credits, companies must ensure full supply chain transparency and provide detailed documentation of their ownership structure to comply with the new FEOC requirements.

Beginning in 2027, the European Union (EU) will require a Digital Battery Passport for electronic vehicles (EVs), along with industrial and light mobility batteries under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. This regulation mandates a digital record, which will be accessible through a mechanism like a QR code, that documents a battery’s origin, composition, performance and recycling history throughout its lifecycle. Although U.S.-based companies are not directly subject to EU law, those serving European customers will be expected to comply, putting pressure on global manufacturers to adopt new tracking capabilities.

Additionally, the Critical Mineral Transparency and Reporting in Advanced Clean Energy (TRACE) Act, known to many as H.R. 8187, is a proposed U.S. bill that aims to increase accountability in the sourcing and use of critical minerals. If enacted, the legislation would require digital tracking identifiers for battery components and minerals throughout their lifecycle. This move signals a shift toward deep supply chain traceability as a baseline for market participation. 

These regulatory developments will require major investments in data infrastructure, supply chain visibility and internal coordination. Energy storage manufacturers should continue to closely watch as the EU and the U.S. work to clearly define the rules for each regulation.

Simultaneously, it’s important to remember that global and U.S. regulators are targeting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” because of their environmental persistence and health risks. PFAS, which are in everyday household products like carpets, cosmetics, pesticides and paint, have also been widely used in battery manufacturing and electronic components for their thermal stability and chemical resistance.

Regulatory restrictions are expanding, and as PFAS phase-outs progress, product design and material sourcing will need to evolve.

While the challenge is tough, it also unlocks opportunity. Companies that proactively phase out PFAS and innovate with safer alternatives will lead the pack. Compliance will become a differentiator.

A defining year for energy storage supply chains

For energy storage stakeholders, 2025 is not business as usual. It’s a pivotal moment. This year’s trends signal deep structural changes to how energy storage systems are sourced, built and sustained. To lead through this transition, companies should focus on three strategic moves:

• Embrace domestic sourcing. Structure supply chains under the assumption that domestic manufacturing will be the new norm.
• Invest in chemistry diversity. Integrate alternative storage technologies to ensure energy resilience and mitigate material dependencies, performance risk and pressure on the grid.
• Prioritize compliance and traceability. Equip operations to meet emerging regulations and turn transparency into a market advantage.

In today’s unpredictable environment, those who adapt fastest will lead the way. These companies will shape the future of the energy storage industry.

Stryten Energy | https://www.stryten.com/

Apex Clean Energy announced that four utility-scale wind and storage projects totaling over 625 MW have reached commercial operations across Illinois, Maine, and Texas—bringing Apex’s total operating and construction portfolio to over 3 GW. These facilities—each of which came online in the first half of 2025—underscore the company’s ability to deliver energy solutions across diverse markets and technologies. With a combined local economic impact of nearly $150 million and significant investments in conservation efforts for the regions surrounding these four projects through the Apex Conservation Grant Program, the operational facilities highlight clean power’s role in supporting local economic and ecological resilience.

“From Maine to Texas, these sites reflect the strength of the Apex team and our ability to execute at scale—delivering the infrastructure our country needs at the moment it’s needed most,” said Ken Young, CEO of Apex Clean Energy. “As we continue to expand our operating portfolio, we’re focused not only on supplying the grid with reliable, low-cost energy, but on maximizing the long-term value our projects create for the communities where we work.” 

More about the newly operational facilities:

• In Piatt County, Illinois, Prosperity Wind (300 MW) is Apex’s fifth wind farm in the Prairie State and will generate around $93 million in tax revenue for the surrounding area, including $58 million for neighboring school districts. The facility is also providing $200,000 to support rewilding and restoration initiatives in Rockford and along the Illinois River.
• In Washington County, Maine, Downeast Wind (126 MW) marks Apex’s first operational facility in the ISO New England market. In addition to creating close to $20 million in new revenue for the county and nearby town of Columbia, the project has already driven $156 million of direct, indirect, and induced economic activity statewide and has committed $126,000 to rebuild habitat for the federally endangered Atlantic salmon.
• In Hidalgo County, Texas, Great Kiskadee Storage (100 MW/200 MWh) is the first operational asset of SA Grid Solutions, a joint venture between Apex, SK Gas, and SK Eternix. The facility will enhance the reliability of the Texas grid and is expected to generate more than $23 million in tax revenue over its lifetime, in addition to contributing $100,000 to conserve 200 acres of wetland habitat.
• In Tom Green County, Texas, Angelo Storage (100 MW/200 MWh) is Apex’s third storage facility to reach operations and its latest wholly owned grid asset. The project supports ERCOT’s resilience by absorbing excess renewable generation and responding rapidly to demand and is projected to create more than $13.6 million in local tax revenue over its lifetime.

Apex Clean Energy | https://www.apexcleanenergy.com/

Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) announced the launch of its new LITX 95F conductive carbon developed for use in lithium-ion batteries for energy storage systems (ESS). Engineered for ESS cells used in residential, commercial and industrial applications, this high-performance conductive additive delivers enhanced conductivity, long cycle life, and improved processability, which is essential for systems that demand durability and stability under frequent cycling.

The global ESS market is growing rapidly, driven by the rising demand for grid flexibility, the transition to renewable energy, and the need for reliable power across residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Meeting these evolving needs requires advanced lithium-ion batteries that offer superior cycle life, optimal power delivery and long-term reliability. ​As the market continues to scale, battery manufacturers need to deliver solutions that are both high-performing and cost-effective. Cabot’s LITX 95F solution addresses these challenges by delivering key performance and efficiency advantages that are vital for accelerating ESS adoption.

The LITX 95F grade is formulated to improve cycle life and increase energy density. It has demonstrated excellent capacity retention in pouch cell performance testing with thick electrode design, offering ideal flexibility for battery manufacturers to optimize formulations across a wide range of ESS designs. Its high structure morphology helps to enhance conductivity and stability during repeated charge-discharge cycles. It also enables thick cathode design, helping to reduce material costs without compromising battery performance.

“As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, the ESS market requires advanced materials that deliver both performance and efficiency,” said Jeff Zhu, executive vice president and president, Carbon & Silica Technologies, Battery Materials and Asia Pacific Region. “Our new LITX 95F product is a direct response to the needs of the market and our battery customers — leveraging our deep industry expertise with proven performance to help scale ESS applications faster and more efficiently. This launch reflects our commitment to enabling a more sustainable future by delivering innovative solutions for battery technologies that support the energy transition at a global scale.”

Cabot Corporation | cabotcorp.com/batteries

700 Santana Row, an innovative mixed-use development, brings a new dimension to San Jose’s acclaimed Santana Row district by offering a seamless blend of modern design, sustainability and vibrant public spaces. 700 Santana Row encompasses 28,000 square feet of retail space, 290,000 square feet of Class A office space and a 450,000-square-foot parking structure with 1,300 stalls. Its dynamic façade, made of Solarban 70 glass by Vitro, and its LEED Silver certification underscore its commitment to both aesthetic innovation and environmental responsibility.

This year marks two decades of Solarban 70 glass, the industry’s most trusted and widely specified triple-silver-coated low-e glass. With over 700 million square feet shipped since its debut, Solarban 70 glass has become a benchmark in performance and design. In a standard one inch insulating glass unit (IGU), Solarban 70 glass delivers a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.27 and a visible light transmittance (VLT) of 64%.

The ideal balance of VLT, solar control and exceptional clarity provided by Solarban 70 glass aligned perfectly with architect WRNS Studio’s vision for a dynamic and engaging design.

700 Santana Row features a metal facade with flowing curves that reflect sunlight and a translucent curtain wall design that brings natural light into its eight stories. A breezeway connects the public plaza to the office lobby and parking garage for better accessibility and connectivity. At the center, the building includes a public plaza that serves as a space for community gatherings, events, and activities.

700 Santana Row showcases a range of environmentally sustainable features, including cool roofs, water-efficient landscaping, an eco-friendly irrigation system, and the use of recycled materials. This innovative development transforms its surroundings, elevating the district from a renowned shopping and entertainment hub into a dynamic, integrated space for living, working, and leisure.

Project Credits:

·        Architect: WRNS Studio

·        Fabricator: Glassfab Tempering Services

·        Glazier: Walters & Wolf

·        Photography: Bernardo Grijalva

Vitro Architectural Glass | vitroglazings.com 

A new report from Aurora Energy Research, commissioned by the American Clean Power Association (ACP), finds that the deployment of 10 GW of battery storage— enough to power 8 million homes during peak demand —across the Midwestern and Central U.S. could result in $25 billion in energy cost savings for American consumers, while significantly boosting reliability for the region.  

A 500% increase in battery storage by 2035 in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) territory—which serves 45 million consumers—will be needed to maintain grid reliability as demand grows. During this time, MISO is expecting a significant increase in demand for electricity, which will place additional strain on energy generation infrastructure and transmission networks. 

As noted in the report, battery storage has the unique ability to capture excess power and deliver it to the grid when it is needed most, as well as its ability to provide instantaneous dispatchable power, making the technology a natural complement to both renewables and thermal power plants. 

“As power demand surges, battery storage is one of the fastest and most effective ways to strengthen reliability and lower electricity bills,” said Noah Roberts, ACP Vice President of Energy Storage. “Grid batteries deliver massive cost savings for families and businesses, while ensuring that the grid delivers power when it’sneeded most. With more than $25 billion in energy savings at stake, this is a generational opportunity for the Midwest to secure a more reliable and affordable energy future.” 

If MISO and state policymakers harness the potential of energy storage: 

• More than 10 GW of battery storage could be economically and quickly deployed over the next decade to meet rising demand for power and acute grid reliability needs. 

• States in the MISO region could generate more than $4.5 billion in energy cost savings over the next decade, and more than $25 billion over the next two decades. 

• Energy storage resources could cut evening energy price spikes by more than 60% between now and 2035. 

This summer, the MISO territory saw their capacity prices jump over 2,000%. If energy storage in the MISO electricity market is not built, the report’s modeling shows that peak electricity prices for consumers will continue to soar. Additionally, without batteries, the region faces limited options to maintain reliability. The report highlights how other markets have shown that battery storage benefits reliability by dispatching at times of highest system stress, while also freeing up thermal generation to operate as base power more efficiently.  

There are hundreds of energy storage projects in the MISO project queue, working through their lengthy interconnection and permitting process. These projects represent billions of dollars in economic investment, thousands of jobs, and billions of dollars in energy cost savings. Policymakers can act now to help deploy these projects, investing in future energy security and affordability. 

* MISO is the largest regional transmission organization (RTO) in the U.S. stretching across Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and the Canadian province of Manitoba. 

American Clean Power Association | cleanpower.org

An innovative student-led design-build project, combining hands-on architectural education with high-performance sustainability, has been completed in partnership with the University of Kansas School of Architecture. The project marks the 18th consecutive LEED Platinum-certified home completed through the university’s Studio 804 program and is the second to be supported by product donations from S-5!

Studio 804 is a unique, hands-on design-build program within the University of Kansas’ Master of Architecture curriculum. Founded by Professor Dan Rockhill, it provides graduate students in their final year with an immersive experience, challenging them to design, source materials for, and construct a fully realized building within just nine months—providing a practical foundation for sustainable architectural practice.

Photo Credit to Gaffer Photography

The 1040 New York Street House features a 2,000-square-foot primary residence alongside a 1,000-square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU), housing a garage and additional living space. The exterior is clad in white composite metal with a dynamic sheen, complemented by a sleek 22-gauge matte black standing seam metal roof. Situated on a previously vacant infill lot, the home seamlessly integrates into East Lawrence—a vibrant historic neighborhood near the Kansas “KAW” River and downtown Lawrence.

Sustainability was central to the students’ design intent. To help achieve LEED Platinum certification, the project incorporated a solar photovoltaic system. S-5! donated its PVKIT DirectAttach solar mounting system, enabling a streamlined, penetration-free installation of an 8.8 kW solar array using Navitas 550W Bifacial 144 Half Cut Mono modules. The solar array is expected to offset most, if not all, of the home’s energy consumption.

In addition, S-5! contributed its ColorGard snow retention system, engineered to match the roof’s aesthetics and provide reliable snow management through the harsh winter months, protecting both the roof and occupants.

“We’re honored to support a program like Studio 804 that combines high-level design, hands-on learning, and real-world sustainability,” said Rob Haddock, S-5! CEO and Founder. “These students are learning to build smarter and better—and that starts with quality materials and streamlined installation practices.”

S-5! remains committed to advancing sustainable building practices and supporting educational initiatives that prepare the next generation of architects to design responsibly and innovatively.

S-5! | www.S-5.com