04/01/2026-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves
- Viridian Energy
- Jan 2
- 4 min read
USA News
U.S. on track to reach 737.8 GW of solar by 2035
The U.S. solar market is projected to deploy a total of 737.8 GW of capacity by the end of 2035, according to analysis by GlobalData. Annual solar additions are expected to range between about 41–52 GW throughout the 2025–2035 period, with growth accelerating in the early 2030s. Solar expansion will help drive total U.S. renewable capacity past 1 TW by 2035, supported by state targets, distributed solar policies, and large utility contracts. However, trade measures and rising costs for imported components present challenges for project timelines and investment.
REI Co-op throws support behind renewable energy projects nationwide
REI Co-op is accelerating its climate strategy by backing multiple renewable energy projects across the U.S. In 2025, the co-op supported a 2.5 MW community solar initiative in Minnesota that allocates subscriptions for low- to moderate-income households.
It also joined a virtual power purchase agreement with partners to develop an 18.5 MW solar portfolio in Texas. In addition, REI launched a renewable energy project in South Carolina and expanded its collaboration on renewable energy certificates with key partners. These efforts reflect REI’s commitment to expanding clean energy access and reducing environmental impact.
Google buys renewable energy project developer Intersect for $4.75 billion
Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has agreed to acquire renewable energy developer Intersect Power for approximately $4.75 billion.
The acquisition will integrate Intersect’s substantial pipeline of solar, wind, and battery projects with Google’s infrastructure planning, helping the company secure clean energy supply for its expanding data center footprint. Intersect will continue operations under its leadership while collaborating with Google’s technical teams on ongoing and future energy projects, including co-located energy and data center sites. The move highlights Big Tech’s strategy to bring more renewable capacity online and support long-term energy resilience.
What’s next for battery technology in 2026
Battery technology in 2026 is expected to evolve toward longer-duration energy storage, improved safety features, and a diversity of chemistries beyond lithium-ion, driven by growing grid demands and data center needs.
Industry experts anticipate broader adoption of longer-duration systems, enhanced domestic supply chains, and a focus on recycling and non-flammable chemistries as safety and resilience priorities. Regulatory shifts such as Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) compliance and tariff pressures are reshaping battery sourcing strategies. Storage is increasingly seen not just as solar-paired assets but as essential grid infrastructure capable of addressing reliability and flexible power challenges.
A solar + storage playbook for New York City Mayor-elect Mamdani
A coalition of solar and storage advocates has outlined a comprehensive playbook for New York City’s incoming mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, aimed at accelerating clean energy deployment.
Key recommendations include setting ambitious targets of 2 GW of solar by 2035 and 2 GW of energy storage by 2030. The plan proposes updating building and fire codes to enable safe installation of residential batteries, granting fair grid access for community-scale storage, and streamlining inspection processes for solar projects. Public education and scaling up solar plus storage on city properties are also emphasized to improve affordability, resilience, and job creation.
Germany News
Orrön Energy sells three German agrivoltaic projects
Orrön Energy agreed to sell a portfolio of three solar development projects in eastern Germany to Gülermak Renewables Deutschland, with a combined capacity of 234 MW and potential total consideration of up to €14 million.
These agrivoltaic projects, which pair solar generation with agricultural use and include co-located battery options, are still in early stages and expected to reach “ready-to-permit” in 2026 and “ready-to-build” in 2027, contingent on permits and grid reservations. Orrön will continue development up to ready-to-build, and the deal underscores ongoing interest in combined solar and storage solutions in Europe.
Germany floats tender for 282.7 MW solar projects
Germany’s Federal Network Agency has issued a tender for 282.72 MW of solar installations under its latest auction round, opening bidding for projects to receive support under the Renewable Energy Sources Act.
The tender’s tariff ceiling is set at €0.068/kWh, and bids must be submitted by the specified deadline. This initiative is part of Germany’s broader annual target of tendering approximately 9,900 MW of solar capacity across three rounds in 2025. The auction framework remains under review by the European Commission for state-aid compliance, with key provisions awaiting approval. Read the full article here
ADSTEC Energy secures 20 MW battery storage contracts
ADS-TEC Energy PLC has secured new contracts in Germany and Austria for large-scale battery energy storage systems with a combined capacity of 20 MW and 40 MWh. These projects, now in detailed planning, build on the company’s existing BESS portfolio and reflect growing utility demand for grid-scale storage integration.
ADS-TEC’s systems, including modular BESS5000 units, help stabilize grids by storing surplus renewables, smoothing peak loads, and supporting ancillary services. The company is also advancing a flagship German project targeting a 1 GW connection with 2 GWh of capacity, potentially expanding to 4 GWh as planning proceeds.
Enerparc pushes for clarity on EEG 2.0
Enerparc, a major German solar and storage developer, is urging policymakers to accelerate clarity on the EEG 2.0 renewable energy law update to avoid delays in tenders and project financing.
COO Stefan Müller emphasized the need for a cabinet decision and EU approval to finalize the law, which could introduce Contracts for Difference (CfDs), raise auction size limits, and resolve long-pending Solar Package I provisions. Enerparc is also adapting its strategy for power purchase agreements and battery storage deployment amid regulatory uncertainty, stressing that clear frameworks are essential for investment and growth in combined solar-plus-storage markets.
Peoples Move
Nexus PMG Appoints Ross Faransso as CEO of Project Development Services
Nexus PMG has appointed energy industry veteran Ross Faransso as the new CEO of its Project Development Services (PDS) division. Faransso brings over two decades of experience in energy transition, project management, and business development, having held senior roles at KBR, Black & Veatch, and ExxonMobil.
At Nexus PDS, he will lead advisory, commercial project development, front-end engineering, and operational readiness services, supporting corporates with decarbonization and sustainable infrastructure goals. Nexus PMG CEO Ben Hubbard highlighted Faransso’s strategic expertise as key to growth amid rising demand for energy transition services across North America.
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