Higher Power PV Modules Drive Up BOS Costs

GridCARE, the company accelerating time-to-power for artificial intelligence, and National Grid (NYSE: NGG) announced a collaboration that aims to more quickly connect large-load customers to the power grid while reducing costs for new infrastructure.

Utilities are seeing a surge in requests for new large loads, thanks to the reshoring of manufacturing and the global rise of AI infrastructure. Data center developers, for instance, often face delays of three to seven years to secure power through traditional interconnection processes. At the same time, significant grid capability often remains underutilized. Research from Stanford University indicates grid infrastructure operates at roughly one-third utilization under normal conditions. The GridCARE EnergizeTM platform uses advanced AI models, grid simulations, and real-time system intelligence to identify underused capacity. The approach can reduce time-to-energization from years to as little as 6-12 months, protecting grid reliability and customer rates.

In this first collaboration, National Grid and GridCARE will focus on identifying and unlocking capacity in New York for large-load customers.

Unlocking Capacity Already Built

GridCARE’s platform uses Generative AI models to evaluate quadrillions of grid operating scenarios — precisely identifying the rare conditions and hours when the grid might become constrained. The platform then identifies operational strategies, including flexibility solutions such as batteries and distributed energy assets, to overcome those constraints, safely delivering additional capacity from infrastructure already in place.

“We use AI to deploy AI faster by turning hidden grid capacity into a fast lane, compressing years into months, and solving the defining constraint on AI – power – to enable an era of abundance.”

— Amit Narayan, CEO and Founder, GridCARE

Accelerating Growth While Protecting Affordability

Electric grids are predominantly fixed-cost networks. Improving asset utilization spreads those fixed costs across a broader load base, strengthening system economics for all customers. By accelerating large-load development onto infrastructure already built and paid for, utilities can increase transmission utilization, broaden the cost base supporting the grid, create headroom for continued modernization, and avoid or defer unnecessary capital expenditures.

GridCARE’s model enables faster capacity delivery while maintaining rate stability – and in some cases, reducing long-term rate pressure through improved efficiency.

“The fastest and least-expensive way to add capacity to the grid is to leverage megawatts already hidden there. By responsibly unlocking latent capacity through modern, physics-based AI tools, we can support economic growth, strengthen reliability, and protect affordability for the customers and communities we serve.”

— Steve Smith, President, National Grid Partners and Group Chief Strategy Officer, National Grid

New AI capacity represents potentially transformational economic impact. According to JLL’s 2026 Global Data Center Outlook, hyperscale development typically requires approximately $10 million per megawatt in infrastructure investment, supporting thousands of jobs, expanded supply chains, and significant new tax revenues. At the same time, utilities and regulators are mindful of the need to ensure infrastructure costs are justifiable and minimized. This first project aims to demonstrate that modern, physics-based AI can simultaneously accelerate economic expansion and reinforce affordability.

Narayan added, “We are at a critical juncture. Real-time intelligence on our energy assets lets us make strategic investments with confidence, deliver power now, and build the infrastructure the future demands – all at once.”

GridCARE | https://www.gridcare.ai/

National Grid  | https://www.nationalgridus.com/Upstate-NY-Business/Default.aspx

Cornview Development LLC announced it has reached a key platform milestone, with more than 165 megawatts direct current (MWdc) of small utility‑scale solar facilities in Illinois financed into construction to date. This milestone is part of Cornview's broader 250+ MWdc pipeline in the state that was originated in 2022 and 2023.

Cornview's Illinois portfolio spans projects from notice‑to‑proceed through late‑stage construction and commercial operation across all regions and investor‑owned utility footprints in the state. To date, Cornview's projects have paid more than $50 million in public utility interconnection upgrades across both Illinois investor‑owned utilities and are expected to generate over $500,000 per year in aggregate real estate taxes for local communities, schools, and roadway districts across dozens of counties. Upon completion, these projects will be able to generate enough power for nearly 45,000 Illinois residents to benefit from.

"This milestone demonstrates Cornview's ability to de‑risk, structure, and execute on development assets in a highly competitive and dynamic market," said a representative from Cornview. "With more than 250 MWdc in our Illinois pipeline and over half a gigawatt of projects invested in since 2022, Cornview has shown its ability to take long‑term generation positions within an ever-expanding Illinois energy market where demand will continue to grow in the coming years."

Cornview's remaining tranches of financing are expected to close by the end of 2026.

Cornview Development | https://www.cornview.com/

Maximo, the solar robotics company incubated by The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), announced the successful installation of 100 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale solar capacity at AES' Bellefield complex. Demand for electricity continues to grow rapidly, driven by data center expansion, electrification and industrial manufacturing. Solar construction faces increasing pressure from labor constraints, compressed project timelines and cost volatility.

Maximo's robotic solar installation solution is helping close the gap between the need for faster time to power and construction capacity. Today's 100 MW achievement marks the transition of robotic module installation from early deployment validation to sustained commercial production.

"Reaching 100 MW at a single site is an important milestone for Maximo and for the role robotics can play in solar construction. It demonstrates that intelligent field robotics can deliver consistent results at utility scale. As solar deployment continues to accelerate globally, technologies that improve installation speed, quality and reliability will become increasingly important," said Chris Shelton, President of Maximo.

The Bellefield project scaled from a single robot to a coordinated fleet of four Maximo units operating in parallel. By tightly integrating robotic placement into standard construction workflows alongside skilled union technicians, the fleet delivered a step‑change in productivity while maintaining high safety and quality standards. Maximo's version 3.0 units' technical performance rate consistently surpassed one module per minute, with crews installing as many as 24 modules per shift hour per person, nearly double the output of traditional installation methods in the region. The upcoming major release of Maximo version 4.0 builds on the industry leading scale and performance accomplished at Bellefield.

NVIDIA technologies supported the development and readiness of the Maximo robotic fleet deployed in California. Leveraging NVIDIA AI infrastructure together with NVIDIA Omniverse libraries and NVIDIA Isaac Sim open robotics simulation framework, the Maximo team was able to develop, test and refine robotic capabilities through physics-based simulation and AI driven modeling before deploying updates in the field. The combination of AI, vision, robotics and simulation driven engineering reduced development and validation timelines and increased confidence in field performance as the robotic fleet scaled. 

"Physical AI is a powerful force for accelerating real world energy infrastructure," said Marc Spieler, Senior Director of Energy, NVIDIA. "By combining AI infrastructure, simulation, and edge AI, platforms like Maximo demonstrate how physical AI can help accelerate solar panel installation while maintaining high reliability in complex environments."

Amazon Web Services (AWS) powered the development, deployment, and operation of Maximo's AI-driven field systems. AWS provides scalable computing, automated software delivery, and advanced data analytics, including real-time construction intelligence, enabling Maximo to collect operational robotics data and continuously improve performance.

"Innovation in carbon-free energy development is critical to meeting the world's growing energy needs," said Kara Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer, Amazon. "By combining AI and robotics, technologies like Maximo demonstrate how we can accelerate the transition to carbon-free energy while improving safety and efficiency. Amazon is proud to support projects that push the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable infrastructure."

Utility-scale solar construction must expand rapidly to meet growing electricity demand, and the United States is expected to deploy hundreds of gigawatts of new solar capacity this decade. Robotic installation solutions like Maximo allow Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) firms to increase productivity, improve workforce safety and standardize installation quality while operating within complex construction environments.

The Bellefield project installation demonstrates that robotics can now operate reliably at a gigawatt scale in solar construction.

Maximo | https://maxrobotics.ai/

Brooklyn SolarWorks, New York City's leading solar developer and installer, has successfully installed the first residential battery energy storage system (BESS) within city limits. Located in Chinatown, the landmark project pairs a 19.6 kilowatt-hour battery system with a solar canopy and represents a monumental step forward for clean energy and urban resilience.

The Briggs & Stratton AccESS energy storage system, the only residential storage system permitted for installation on New York City's rooftops, was installed as a complimentary feature on an existing solar canopy – Brooklyn SolarWorks' patented design that maximizes solar production in urban settings.

New York City's notoriously restrictive permitting guidelines for residential BESS systems have held back residential BESS, making this project a significant victory for the industry and for homeowners seeking energy independence. This trailblazing system came online after a nearly eight-year effort by Brooklyn SolarWorks and Briggs & Stratton to not just navigate the city's complex regulatory hurdles but assist in developing the city's permitting framework surrounding the siting and installation of residential energy storage in New York City.

"We've spent years working with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and New York City government agencies to enable residential battery storage for New Yorkers," says Sequoya Cross, Vice President of Energy Storage for Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions. "Our AccESS system is the only residential ESS to receive a Certificate of Approval (COA) from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). The COA is significant since New York has some of the most stringent fire safety rules for energy storage systems anywhere in the world. Since they produce very little heat and have a reduced risk of thermal runaway, our batteries don't require additional fire suppression systems or cooling or ventilation measures."

With distributed energy sources contributing a growing share of power, BESS serves as a cornerstone of grid stability. Homeowners with BESS could soon be financially incentivized to discharge their batteries during peak demand, ensuring the grid's stable operations. Even now, these systems offer homeowners crucial protection against outages. 

"This installation is a testament to our commitment to bringing innovative, clean energy solutions to New York City, "said Brooklyn SolarWorks founder and CEO, T.R. Ludwig. "Our team led the charge on rooftop solar in this city a decade ago and now we have the opportunity to lay the groundwork for BESS infrastructure, which the city will need as energy demand continues to rise. We are incredibly proud to have made this groundbreaking project a reality."

"Energy storage, when combined with solar, makes New York City's homes more resilient and strengthens our city's grid," says building owner, Bruce Langone. "This project has laid the groundwork for millions of families in the five boroughs to take control of their energy needs. It's an honor to host the city's first residential battery system, and I am grateful to Brooklyn SolarWorks and Briggs & Stratton for their persistence in bringing this vision to life."

With this installation, Brooklyn SolarWorks and Briggs & Stratton created the framework for battery energy siting in New York City. Their heavy lifting has opened opportunities for residents across the five boroughs to pursue BESS installations for their homes, offering a new level of energy security for homeowners and strengthening the resilience of the city's energy grid.

Brooklyn SolarWorks | brooklynsolarworks.com

Briggs & Stratton | energy.briggsandstratton.com

A review by the SUN DAY Campaign of data just released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reveals that the mix of renewable energy sources provided over a quarter of U.S. electrical generation in January – 11% more than a year ago – and accounted for over 36% of installed generating capacity. In the past year, solar, wind, and batteries added over 55 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity while the net total from fossil fuels and nuclear was less than 1-GW. Projections for 2026 are even more dramatic.

In 2026, renewable energy sources continue to set new electrical generation records:

EIA’s latest monthly "Electric Power Monthly" report (with data through January 31, 2026), reveals that renewable energy sources continue to expand their share of U.S. electricity.

Electrical generation by utility-scale (i.e., >1-megawatt (MW)) solar thermal and photovoltaic expanded by 16.4% while that from “estimated” small-scale (e.g., rooftop) solar PV systems rose by 12.1% in January compared to the same month in 2025. [1] The combination of utility-scale and small-scale solar increased by 15.3% while wind-generated electricity grew by 1.9% and geothermal power output was up by 2.0%. Significantly, electricity from the nation’s hydropower dams also rose by 30.2%. [2]

Together, electrical generation by renewable energy sources (including biomass) in January was 11.5% more than a year earlier and provided more than a quarter (25.1%) of the nation’s total. Meanwhile, the power provided in January by U.S. coal and natural gas plants was lower by 12.8% and 3.4% respectively than a year ago.

Solar, wind and battery storage dominated capacity additions during the first 12 full months of the Trump Administration:

For the period February 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026, utility-scale solar capacity grew by 27,110.9 megawatts (MW) while an additional 6,305.6-MW was provided by small-scale solar. Solar now accounts for over a sixth (16.75%) of installed U.S. generating capacity. [3]

In addition, explosive growth was experienced by utility-scale battery storage, which added 15,788.8-MW of new capacity.

Wind also made a strong showing, adding 6,016.3-MW. Wind plus solar capacity is now almost 30% of the U.S. total – 29.24%.

Taken together, over the 12-month period, solar, wind and battery capacity ballooned by 55,221.6-MW.

Consequently, by the end of January 2026, renewables were 33.5% of utility-scale capacity (not including storage). Adding estimated small-scale solar capacity, renewables’ share of total generating capacity was 36.6%.

On the other hand, natural gas and nuclear power capacity increased by only 4,191,5-MW and 32.4-MW respectively while that of coal and petroleum coke & liquids (plus “other gases”) fell by 2,941.5-MW and 324.6-MW respectively. Thus, net capacity growth by fossil fuels and nuclear power combined was a mere 957.8-MW – less than 2% of that reported for renewables and batteries.  

Notwithstanding the anti-renewables policies of the Trump Administration, even greater growth is projected for solar, wind, and batteries during the coming year:

EIA foresees continued strong solar growth, with even more utility-scale solar capacity - 41,552.7-MW - being added by the end of January 2027. (EIA does not provide a projection for new small-scale solar capacity but the SUN DAY Campaign estimates it will be about 6,000-MW. [4])

EIA also notes that planned battery capacity additions over the next 12 months total 22,713.0-MW - an increase of 43.9%.

Planned wind capacity additions in the coming year: 9,840.7-MW (on-shore) plus 4,155.0-MW (off-shore) would more than double those of the past year.

Should EIA’s forecasts come to fruition, new capacity additions by solar, wind, and batteries during the second year of the Trump Administration would be 60% more than those in its first year.

Meanwhile, forecasted growth for fossil fuels and nuclear power is even bleaker than that experienced last year. Zero growth is currently projected for nuclear power while net fossil fuel capacity is expected to fall by 4,261.3-MW [5]

Thus, during the coming 12 months, renewables and battery storage will account for all net new utility-scale capacity additions.

"EIA’s data show that the Trump Administration utterly failed to stop the nation’s transition to solar, wind, and battery storage during its first year in office," noted the SUN DAY Campaign's executive director Ken Bossong. “The second year of the Trump Administration is projected to be even more lop-sided in favor clean energy.”

EIA | https://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly

Table ES1.A (“Total Electric Power Industry Summary Statistics, 2026 and 2025”);

Table ES1.B (“Total Electric Power Industry Summary Statistics, Year-to-Date 2026 and 2025”);

Table 1.1.A (“Net Generation from Renewable Sources”);

Table 6.1 (“Electric Generating Summer Capacity Changes (MW), December 2025 to January 2026”);

Table 6.1.A (“Estimated Net Summer Solar Photovoltaic Capacity from Utility and Small-Scale Facilities”); and

Table 6.07.C (“Usage Factors for Utility-Scale Storage Generators”).

[1] In its “Electric Power Monthly” report, EIA refers to small-scale or distributed solar as “Estimated Small Scale Solar Photovoltaic.” Unless otherwise indicated, all calculations presented in this release include electrical generation by small-scale solar which EIA estimates to have totaled 6,051 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in January 2026. Utility-scale solar totaled 17,985-GWh in January 2026.

[2] In January 2026, wind produced 44,434-GWh (11.0%) of total U.S. electrical generation while utility-scale and small-scale solar combined produced 24,036-GWh (5.9%), hydropower produced 27,909-GWh (6.9%), biomass produced 3,993-GWh (1.0%), and geothermal produced 1,417-GWh (<0.35%).

[3] EIA presents its capacity data as “summer capacity” defined as the maximum output that generating equipment can supply to system load at the time of summer peak demand. See Table 6.1.

[4] Between February 1, 2025 and January 31, 2026, estimated small-scale solar accounted for 6,305.6-MW in new capacity additions. The SUN DAY Campaign is therefore assuming that at least 6,000-MW in new small-scale solar capacity will be added during the ensuing 12 months.

[5] Capacity factors for fossil fuels and nuclear power are generally higher than for solar and wind. For 2025, EIA reported capacity factors of 48.7%, 58.4%, and 91.0% for coal, natural gas, and nuclear power respectively. By comparison, the capacity factors for wind and utility-scale PV were 34.2% and 24.4% respectively. See Tables 6.07.A and 6.07.B. Capacity factors for small-scale solar systems (10%-25%.) are usually lower than for utility-scale solar.

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes Prince Edward Island’s new call for battery energy storage, an important step to strengthen the province’s grid and advance its clean energy future.

The Government of Prince Edward Island’s Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) seeks information on the potential development of between 10 and 50 megawatts of battery energy storage capacity. The proposed project may be distributed across multiple sites and is expected to provide between four and eight hours of backup power.

“Energy storage will play a critical role in enabling Prince Edward Island to integrate more renewable energy while maintaining a reliable and resilient electricity system,” said Jean Habel, Senior Director of Policy for Quebec and Atlantic Canada at CanREA. “We are encouraged to see P.E.I. taking proactive steps to explore how battery energy storage can deliver capacity and grid services at the lowest achievable cost.”

With demand for electricity growing faster than it has in decades, battery energy storage systems are increasingly recognized as essential infrastructure. They help balance supply and demand, support grid stability and expand access to affordable, reliable and clean electricity.

“This REOI is a strong signal to the market that Prince Edward Island is preparing for the next phase of its energy transition,” said Eddie Oldfield, Director of Policy for the Maritimes at CanREA. “By engaging industry early, the province is positioning itself to attract investment, innovation and competitive solutions that will benefit residents.”

The REOI will help inform future procurement decisions by identifying available technologies, project configurations and delivery models that can meet the province’s needs. Submissions are due by April 23 at 2:00 p.m. ADT.

CanREA looks forward to continued collaboration with the Government of Prince Edward Island and PEI Energy Corporation to support the deployment of energy storage and other renewable energy solutions across the province.

Canadian Renewable Energy Association | renewablesassociation.ca

Mark Offshore has reached an agreement with Klaipėda University (Lithuania) to operate Research Vessel Mintis, further strengthening its position in the offshore renewables and subsea support market. Under this agreement, Klaipėda University has appointed Mark Offshore as commercial and operational manager for activities within the renewables and energy domains.

The addition of r/v Mintis represents a strategic expansion of Mark Offshore’s service offering towards flexible, cost-efficient subsea support solutions that are specifically tailored to the growing demands of offshore wind, marine survey, and nearshore energy projects.

Originally designed as a scientific research vessel, r/v Mintis combines high-end research capabilities with practical offshore functionality. This unique combination enables commercial clients to benefit from a highly versatile platform that bridges the gap between traditional Survey Vessels and dedicated Subsea Support Vessels.

Operational experience in offshore renewables

R/V Mintis is a 40-metre DP1 catamaran research vessel built in 2014, with proven operational experience across the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Mediterranean and Eastern North Atlantic. Since 2015, the vessel has been actively involved in international marine research projects, many of which are directly linked to offshore renewable energy developments. The vessel is currently located in Klaipėda and available for client inspections.

Mark van der Star, Mark Offshore’s founder and managing director, says: “Adding Mintis to our fleet is a significant step forward for Mark Offshore. The offshore renewables market increasingly demands flexible, multi-purpose vessels that can operate efficiently in both shallow and deeper waters. Mintis fits that requirement perfectly, and we thank Klaipėda University for their trust to have us manage this ship.

“What makes this vessel truly special is the combination of scientific capability, operational flexibility, and cost-efficiency. It is a beautifully designed catamaran with exceptional stability, a smart layout, and a proven track record in demanding environments. This allows us to offer our clients a highly capable platform that delivers real value across a wide range of offshore projects.”

RV Mintis - a versatile and cost-efficient subsea platform

With over 12 years of operational experience, r/v Mintis has successfully supported a wide range of offshore activities, including:

• ROV, AUV and USV operations

Equipped with a central moonpool between the twin hulls and a dedicated midship A-frame, the vessel enables safe and efficient deployment of a wide range of subsea vehicles. The onboard laboratory can be converted into a fully functional ROV control room, ensuring optimal working conditions offshore.

• Subsea equipment deployment

The aft deck features a 14-ton SWL A-frame and multiple winch systems, enabling the deployment and recovery of subsea equipment such as CPT systems, buoys, landers, clump weights, measurement pods and environmental monitoring equipment.

• Diving and shallow water operations

With a dedicated 4-point mooring system and shallow draft, Mintis is ideally suited for nearshore and shallow water projects requiring a stable working platform. The 120 m² free deck space accommodates project equipment and containerized diving spreads, including decompression chambers.

• Hydrographic and geophysical surveys

The vessel is equipped with a wet lab featuring a moonpool with Reson MBES, an SVP davit, and a survey pole capable of deploying MBES, SSS, and sub-bottom profilers, making it highly suitable for comprehensive survey campaigns.

• Accommodation and connectivity

The vessel accommodates up to 17 personnel, supported by a professional crew and onboard catering. Additional modular accommodation can be installed on deck if required. High-speed connectivity is ensured through Starlink, backed up by a 5G solution.

Mark Offshore | www.mark-offshore.com