01/6/2025-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves
- Viridian Energy
- 13 minutes ago
- 5 min read
German Solar News
Baden-Württemberg’s Largest Solar Park Goes Operational.
Baden-Württemberg’s largest solar park, developed by ZEAG Energie AG and Wirsol Roof Solutions, is now connected to the grid. Located in Möckmühl, the 58 MWp facility spans 40 hectares and will produce 66 million kWh of clean energy annually—enough to power 26,000 households.
The solar park is a key project in the state’s renewable energy strategy and showcases how former agricultural and military land can be repurposed for climate-friendly energy production. With this project, the region strengthens its commitment to achieving energy sovereignty and sustainability goals.
SolarEdge Unveils Innovations at Intersolar 2025
At Intersolar 2025, SolarEdge introduced new technologies tailored for residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar applications.
Highlights include upgraded inverters, smart modules, energy storage systems, and grid services tools aimed at improving efficiency, safety, and energy management.
The new offerings are designed to maximize solar output and grid compatibility, aligning with trends toward digitalized and decentralized energy systems. SolarEdge emphasized its commitment to enabling greater solar penetration across all market segments while supporting grid reliability and decarbonization. These innovations position the company to meet growing global demand for flexible solar solutions.
E.ON Next Launches “Kraken” Platform in Germany
E.ON Next has introduced the "Kraken" platform in Germany, a digital energy system developed by Octopus Energy, aimed at delivering cheaper and cleaner power.
The platform uses AI and smart technology to optimize energy use and integrate renewables more efficiently. By leveraging flexible tariffs and automation, Kraken allows users to save costs and support the grid. The system also helps E.ON Next scale its renewable offerings and improve customer service. This marks a key milestone in E.ON's digital transformation and clean energy strategy for the German market.
Vodasun Secures €20 Million for C&I Solar Roof Portfolio
Vodasun has secured €20 million in framework financing to support its commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop solar portfolio in Germany. The planned installations will deliver a combined capacity of 35 MWp.
The funding, provided by Berenberg, enables Vodasun to expand its turnkey solar offerings for businesses, helping them lower energy costs and reduce CO₂ emissions. This move underscores strong investor confidence in the C&I solar market and Vodasun’s project pipeline. The installations will contribute significantly to Germany’s decentralized renewable energy infrastructure and energy independence goals.
1Komma5° Builds Europe’s Largest Virtual Power Plant
1Komma5° has interconnected over 500 MW of decentralized energy assets—such as solar, storage, and heat pumps—into what is now Europe’s largest virtual power plant (VPP).
The VPP, managed via the company’s Heartbeat platform, helps optimize electricity consumption, stabilize the grid, and lower energy prices by trading flexibility on energy markets.
It links thousands of households and businesses, showcasing the potential of digitalized energy systems. This initiative supports the energy transition by reducing dependency on fossil fuels and increasing the integration of renewables through intelligent grid solutions.
Tricera Energy & Stadtwerke Karlsruhe Sign Battery Storage Contract
Tricera Energy and Stadtwerke Karlsruhe have signed an agreement to construct a battery storage system at the site of the former Heizkraftwerk West. The project aims to support the energy transition and stabilize the grid by storing surplus renewable energy.
This marks a strategic collaboration that leverages Stadtwerke’s local expertise and Tricera’s storage technology. Construction is expected to begin shortly, with commissioning planned for 2025. The battery system will play a key role in Karlsruhe’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and integrate more renewable energy into its power supply.
USA Solar News
California Solar Curtailment Increases Sharply
Solar power curtailment in California has risen significantly, reaching record levels due to overgeneration during midday hours.
The Independent System Operator (CAISO) curtailed nearly 2.6 TWh of solar energy in the first quarter of 2025, largely because grid infrastructure and storage lag behind solar capacity growth.
Analysts emphasize the need for faster investment in battery storage, grid enhancements, and demand-shifting strategies to utilize excess solar effectively. The trend highlights both the state’s solar success and the urgent need to modernize its grid to handle higher renewable penetration.
Anti-Solar Legislation Blocked in Texas House
A series of proposed anti-solar bills in Texas, including measures that would have restricted siting and operations of solar facilities, failed to pass in the state’s House of Representatives.
The outcome is seen as a victory for solar advocates and industry players who argued the bills would stifle clean energy investment and job creation. The defeat preserves favorable conditions for solar development in Texas, one of the fastest-growing solar markets in the U.S. It also reflects growing political and public support for renewable energy in the state.
U.S. Solar Power Generation Up 28% Year-Over-Year
Electricity generation from solar in the United States grew by 28% year-over-year, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
The country added over 30 GW of new solar capacity in the past year, driven by both utility-scale and distributed generation projects. States like California, Texas, and Florida led the growth. The expansion reflects continued investment, policy support, and declining technology costs. Solar now accounts for over 6% of total U.S. electricity generation, positioning it as a key contributor to the country’s clean energy transition.
Commercial Rooftop Solar Developer Secures $175M
A major U.S. commercial rooftop solar developer has secured $175 million in financing to support the construction of new projects nationwide. The funding will accelerate deployment of solar systems for businesses seeking to cut energy costs and meet sustainability goals.
The unnamed developer aims to significantly grow its rooftop solar footprint across multiple states, leveraging power purchase agreements (PPAs) and tax incentives. The investment signals strong financial backing for the commercial solar sector and rising demand among enterprises for clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions.
Peoples Move News
Admir Duracak has been promoted to Senior Sales Lead for Poland and Eastern Europe at Fluence.
Admir Duracak has been promoted to Senior Sales Lead for Poland and Eastern Europe at Fluence, a global leader in energy storage solutions.
With over a decade of experience in the energy sector, including key roles at Siemens Energy, Duracak brings a wealth of expertise in battery energy storage systems (BESS) and market development.
In his new position, he will spearhead sales strategies and drive growth across the region, focusing on innovative and sustainable energy solutions. Duracak's promotion reflects Fluence's commitment to expanding its presence in Eastern Europe and advancing the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Kenny Reck – Vice President of Construction at Blue Ridge Power
Kenny Reck serves as Vice President of Construction at Blue Ridge Power, a leading renewable energy construction firm.
With over 15 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, Reck began his career as an equipment operator and advanced through roles such as civil superintendent and civil director.
His hands-on expertise and leadership have been instrumental in executing large-scale solar and clean energy projects across the U.S. At Blue Ridge Power, Reck oversees construction operations, ensuring efficient project delivery and fostering innovation in sustainable infrastructure development.
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