The Solar Product Registry Set to Boost Solar Deployment

S-5!, the industry leader in solar mounting solutions for metal roofs, will introduce its solar carport application and celebrate a major product certification milestone at RE+, taking place Sept. 8-11 at the Venetian Resort, Las Vegas.

Visit S-5! at Booth #V9681 (Level 2) to explore its versatile solar attachment technologies, now being applied to solar carport structures, including purlin-constructed canopies. S-5! will also highlight its PVKIT—the industry’s original and most widely used rail-less solar mounting system—now Florida Product Approved (FPA) for High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ). This certification represents a significant step forward in simplifying code compliance and permitting for solar professionals.

A Major Milestone in Hurricane-Ready Solar Mounting

Florida’s product approval process is known for its stringent standards, designed to protect structures in regions prone to high winds and extreme weather conditions. S-5!’s PVKIT has now been rigorously tested and certified to meet these requirements, making it easier for architects, builders, and inspectors to specify with confidence.

S-5! is the first metal roof attachment manufacturer to earn FPA certification for HVHZ—a designation backed by more than 5,000 load tests across all major roof profiles, material types, and gauge thickness.

Carport Application Built on Proven Performance

S-5! attachments are engineered to support solar installations on carports and overhead canopies, providing:

• Fast, efficient installation with fewer components
• Watertight, secure connections
• Exceptional wind uplift and downslope resistance
• Full compliance with UL 2703, UL 3741, FPA and FM Approvals
• Compatible with most Cee and Zee purlin-framed structures

These solutions are ideal for contractors and developers seeking robust solar integration on canopy-style structures without compromising structural or waterproofing performance.

Connect With the Experts at RE+

The S-5! team will be on-site to provide technical insights and product demos. 

Don’t miss:

• Happy Hour at the S-5! Booth (#V9681)
  Tuesday, Sept. 9 | 2–5 p.m.
  Enjoy drinks and networking with S-5! solar experts.

• Partner Happy Hour with SnapNrack
  Wednesday, Sept. 10 | 2–5 p.m.
  SnapNrack Booth #V11071

To schedule a one-on-one meeting during the show, email: [email protected].

“Our team continues to innovate and adapt our technologies to serve evolving solar applications—including carports,” said Rob Haddock, CEO and founder of S-5! “And with our PVKIT now Florida Product Approved for HVHZ, our partners can trust it to perform even in the most extreme conditions.”

S-5! | www.s-5.com

Amprius Technologies, Inc. (“Amprius” or the “Company”) (NYSE: AMPX), a leader in next-generation lithium-ion batteries with its Silicon Anode Platform, announced that Nordic Wing, a leading European drone manufacturer, has selected Amprius’ high-energy-density SiCore cells to power ASTERO ISR, a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in defense operations.

The selection follows a successful evaluation and qualification process, where Amprius’ SiCore cells delivered a 90% increase in flight endurance in Nordic Wing’s ASTERO ISR compared to conventional graphite cells. This dramatic increase extends mission time to up to four hours without adding weight and improves the UAV’s surveillance and mapping capabilities.

“Amprius’ batteries have fundamentally changed how our drones operate in the field,” said Jonas Dyhr, founder of Nordic Wing. “With a significant increase in flight time, our drones can stay airborne longer, cover more ground, and deliver real-time intelligence without interruptions. This enhanced endurance doesn’t just improve performance; it redefines what’s possible in every mission and can mean the difference between success and failure.”

In modern defense operations, endurance isn’t just a performance metric; it’s mission critical. Amprius’ SiCore batteries provide the consistent power needed to operate in GPS-denied and electronically contested environments, where drones can’t afford to fail. That reliability enables longer surveillance windows, deeper situational awareness, and fewer compromises in the field, giving operators a clear tactical advantage when it matters most.

“Energy is rapidly becoming a critical factor in drone operations,” said Tom Stepien, president of Amprius Technologies. “As mission requirements grow more complex, the need for lightweight, long-lasting, and dependable battery solutions continues to rise. Amprius is proud to be at the forefront of this evolution, delivering next-generation batteries that meet the dynamic needs of our defense partners like Nordic Wing.”

This partnership highlights Amprius’ continued execution in scaling its high-performance silicon anode batteries across key electric mobility sectors. With commercially available cells powering applications in unmanned aerial systems, high-altitude platforms, and electric mobility, Amprius is uniquely positioned to deliver the performance, reliability, and scale required for the next generation of aviation and defense systems.

Amprius | amprius.com

Nordic Wing | https://nordic-wing.com/

TruGrid, a leading engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company specializing in energy storage and solar, has successfully completed three battery energy storage projects in Texas ahead of schedule and within budget. In an industry where delays and cost overruns are common, this achievement underscores TruGrid's disciplined planning, seamless integration across teams, and commitment to client success.

"Finishing just one project early and on budget is something to be proud of," said Josh Richardson, Chief Operating Officer at TruGrid. "To do it three times in a row, under challenging conditions, speaks volumes about our people, our planning, and our commitment to doing things the right way."

The projects faced considerable challenges, from record-setting storms to delays in critical component deliveries. TruGrid's ability to deliver ahead of schedule came down to a proven approach that ensures alignment, accountability, and adaptability at every stage:

• Planning starts before proposals are submitted. Budgets, schedules, and resources are aligned early to prevent costly surprises later.
• Collaboration is built into the process. Supply chain, engineering, and construction teams work side by side to solve issues in real time.
• Daily communication keeps stakeholders in sync. Frequent updates between field crews, project managers, and clients maintain focus and accountability.
• Rapid adaptability to unexpected challenges. Severe weather or delayed shipments are met with fast, coordinated responses that keep work moving.
• Commitment beyond industry norms. Crews work weekends, arrive early, and extend shifts when needed to maintain momentum.
• Client goals are treated as TruGrid's own. Every decision prioritizes the shared objective of project success.

Richardson credits these results to what he calls "teamwork that is optimized," a philosophy that starts well before construction begins and carries through to project completion.

Looking ahead, TruGrid is embracing emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and automation to further enhance efficiency, safety, and adaptability in challenging conditions. "These projects show what's possible when you combine great people, smart planning, and a shared vision," said Richardson. "We're building for the future, not the past."

TruGrid | https://trugridpower.com/

Trina Storage, a global leader in energy storage solutions, will showcase its recently launched Elementa 2 Pro Platform at RE+ 2025 in Las Vegas, September 8 – 11. At booth V9071, the company will present a full-scale immersive display of the platform. The Elementa 2 Pro Platform is a fully wrapped, cell-to-AC solution designed for the specific demands of the grid-scale energy storage market. This marks the first major exhibition of the platform following its North American launch on August 26, 2025.

Having shipped more than 12 GWh globally, including over 1 GWh in North America, Trina Storage brings extensive experience in delivering utility-scale energy storage. The Elementa 2 Pro Platform, built on Trina’s proprietary battery cell technology and validated through local integration testing in the U.S., is optimized for applications including grid balancing, renewable integration, and capacity services. Its streamlined architecture integrates battery cells, power conversion, and control systems, helping developers and EPCs reduce integration complexity and accelerate deployment.

Beyond technology, Trina Storage provides end-to-end project support, including traceability, regulatory compliance, and local service expertise. Experts will be available to discuss how developers, operators, and financiers can achieve smooth execution, consistent quality, and long-term operational value.

“With North America leading large-scale energy storage deployment, RE+ 2025 is the perfect stage to share our latest solutions and insights,” said Terry Chen, Vice President of Trinasolar North America. “We look forward to engaging with industry stakeholders, exploring new applications, and demonstrating how our innovations can enhance project efficiency, reliability, and bankability.”

At RE+ 2025, attendees are invited to visit booth V9071 to connect with experts, explore the platform, and exchange insights on enabling a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

Trina Storage Solutions U.S. | https://www.trinasolar.com/us/Storage/Solution

VDE Americas and RETC, part of the VDE Group, introduced the Hail Resiliency Curve (HRC) Test, a groundbreaking test protocol designed to evaluate solar panel resilience against hail damage. The innovative HRC Test represents a significant advancement over current industry standard testing by characterizing resiliency across a broad spectrum of impact energies and testing products to failure.

Unlike current hail certification tests for solar panels, the HRC Test simulates real-world hailstorm conditions where solar panels face numerous impacts from a range of hailstone sizes and wind speeds during severe hailstorms. The test involves firing a series of small to large hailstones at low to high speeds at solar panels representing specific models and brands until glass fracture occurs, which gives solar developers, owners and operators accurate data for a panel’s ‘breaking point.’

The new HRC protocol enables:

• Solar panel manufacturers to optimize hail-hardened product designs and demonstrate their performance advantages relative to conventional products;
• Project developers to perform cost-benefit analyses of different solar panels and tracker tilt angle (known as hail stow) combinations to mitigate hail damage risk; and
• Insurance providers to appropriately rightsize hail damage coverage and premiums based on empirical data rather than speculation.

VDE Americas, a global leader in technical advisory and catastrophic risk assessment services, and RETC (Renewable Energy Test Center), a leading certification testing provider for the solar industry, are leveraging their knowledge and experience to arm the solar industry with information to better protect solar panels from catastrophic hail.

"The solar industry has long needed a more rigorous approach to hail testing," said Cherif Kedir, president and CEO of RETC. "The Hail Resiliency Curve Test fills this knowledge gap by providing our customers with actionable data on solar panel hail resilience across the complete impact energy spectrum of real-world hailstorms. Moreover, the rigorous sample size ensures a more thoroughly vetted solar panel characterization."

Glass industry expert Mike Pilliod, president and chief technical officer at Central Tension, who collaborated in the development of the test, emphasized its value: “What really interests me as a glass reliability engineer are measurement systems that provide a statistically representative probability of failure. The use case doesn’t really matter. Automotive glass, cellphone displays, architectural glass, you name it. If you’re not breaking glass—and not testing a representative number of samples to failure—you’re not doing your job as a reliability engineer.”

HRC Test data provide solar project stakeholders with unprecedented visibility into solar panel performance under real-world hailstorm conditions. Pilliod explained: “If you gradually increase kinetic impact energy and test a meaningful number of samples to failure, you can generate Weibull distribution curves that plot the probability of glass failure on a product- or bill of materials-specific basis with low uncertainty. Now you can stack these Weibull curves and compare them. Do the curves overlap? If not, you can be reasonably certain that there is a statistical difference in resiliency.”

Early adopters of the test program represent a broad cross section of the solar manufacturing landscape, ranging from publicly traded module and tracker companies to venture-backed startups. “We use the Hail Resiliency Curve Test to qualify glass suppliers and innovative product designs,” said Chad Medcroft, Senior Vice President of Global Energy Services at Erthos. “As the inventor of Earth Mount Solar, our focus is on module resilience rather than tracker operation. Because this approach challenges convention, we commission rigorous third-party testing to give customers, insurers, and finance partners full confidence in our technology.”

“Conventional hail risk models that are relied upon by many in the insurance community are severely antiquated and outdated,” said Brian Grenko, president and CEO of VDE Americas. “Hail Resiliency Curve Test results provide a superior characterization of solar panel hail resiliency, reducing uncertainty for investors and insurance providers.”

RETC | www.retc-ca.com

VDE Americas | www.vde.com/en/vde-americas

Continental Battery Systems (CBS), a leading national distributor of batteries and battery accessories, announced the promotion of John Rauco to the role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Rauco most recently served as Senior Vice President of Sales, where he played a pivotal role in accelerating growth, deepening customer relationships and advancing the company’s integrated national go-to-market strategy.

In his expanded role, Rauco will oversee all commercial functions, including sales, marketing, pricing and strategic customer engagement. He will report directly to CEO Chris Alberta and will continue to shape the company’s commercial direction with a focus on delivering customer value, optimizing performance and driving long-term, sustainable growth.

“John has been a transformational leader at CBS,” said Chris Alberta, CEO of Continental Battery Systems. “His ability to align our commercial strategy with customer needs has been a cornerstone of our recent success. As CCO, John will play a critical role in scaling our platform and unlocking new opportunities in a rapidly evolving marketplace.”

Since joining the company in 2020, Rauco has been a key architect of CBS’ national expansion. He led the build-out of a high-performing sales organization, guided the seamless integration of over 25 acquisitions and championed initiatives that enhanced the company’s commercial agility and market responsiveness.

“I’m honored to take on this role at such a pivotal time,” said Rauco. “Our mission is clear: to deliver meaningful value through performance, reliability and innovation. As both our industry and the broader economy face ongoing disruption, I’m focused on helping our team stay agile, solve problems quickly and build stronger, lasting partnerships across our markets.”

This leadership transition reflects CBS’ ongoing commitment to a “customer-first” focus, strategic growth and industry leadership to face rapidly-growing demand.

Continental Battery Systems | www.gocbs.com

Veolia, the world leader in environmental solutions, is sharing preliminary results from the first half of its groundbreaking three-year partnership with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA).

In February 2024, Veolia announced a partnership with the PPA to support the growth of the nation’s fastest growing sport. Since then, Veolia has worked with professional pickleball to establish a model for sustainable sports, bringing its global environmental expertise through its recycled pickleball program, refillable water stations, and the first 100% recycled trophy in pickleball. 

With this month marking the midway point for the partnership between Veolia and the PPA Tour, the company shared an update on its role with the PPA, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in professional sports. Through the elimination of single use plastic, recycling pickleballs, educating fans through tours of its mobile water unit, Veolia has prioritized improving waste collection, increasing recycling percentages, providing sustainable water refill stations, and boosting the environmental performance of the PPA in each of its tournament markets.

Veolia Water Solutions: 

Throughout this year’s PPA tournament schedule, Veolia’s water solution have already helped save over 33,000 water bottles in three tournaments alone with new water refill stations, a visible and measurable impact for both players and fans.

Veolia Trophy: 

Veolia presents the championship trophy to the winners at each of their title events. In 2025, Veolia launched an effort to design, produce, and present a champions trophy that is constructed from 100% sustainable materials.

This is the first upcycled trophy in professional pickleball, made up of recycled acrylic, made from old windshields and signage, as well as utilizing biobased 3D prints.

Pickleball Recycling Program: 

Veolia offers an innovative pickleball recycling program with specially marked recycling stations for used pickleballs throughout the venue – finding new life though Veolia’s donation program to local community organizations or become transformed into alternative fuel for cement production to help lower cement’s carbon footprint.

Where used pickleballs are being collected at the tournament, and local pickleball clubs, recycled and converted into engineered fuel for cement kilns, reducing waste while creating low-emission energy at Veolia’s Wisconsin facility. 

Veolia Community Impact: 

In preparation for tournaments, Veolia works with local communities, pickleball professionals, and PPA staff to give back in meaningful ways. This has been activated based on the needs of that community. Initiatives have included river cleanups and youth sustainability workshops.

Pickleball is becoming the country’s fastest growing sport not just in participation but also in viewership and attendance. Tournament ticket sales have grown 101% between 1st quarter 2024 and today, with television ratings growing 20x in the same period.

Veolia is the title sponsor for six city tournaments across the United States through 2025. In a few weeks, Cincinnati will host one of the most important tournaments in pickleball - the Veolia Cincinnati Showcase will take place September 8–14, bringing out the best pickleball players in the world. 

With its new U.S. headquarters in Boston, Veolia provides water, waste and energy services for cities and industries, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, and energy consulting and resource recovery. It is the world's largest environmental company, with nearly 220,000 employees worldwide.

Veolia | https://www.veolia.com/en