07/9/2025-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves
- Viridian Energy
- Sep 6
- 5 min read
Germany News
Agora Energiewende: Don’t slow renewables — boost electricity demand
The think tank Agora Energiewende warns that Germany is falling behind in electrification and urges continued expansion of wind and solar energy instead of scaling back. Its analysis emphasizes lowering emissions, strengthening flexibility, reducing system costs, and bolstering electricity demand via strategies like integrating CO₂ pricing into the EU ETS, promoting EVs and heat pumps, modernizing infrastructure, and using dynamic rates.
Higher renewables deployment could cut electricity prices by up to 23 % by 2030. With demand projected to rise to 701 TWh by 2030, the focus must remain on advancing renewables and network readiness—not slowing progress.
SMA Altenso and MEAG realize second grid-scale battery park project in Germany
SMA Altenso and Munich-based asset manager MEAG have announced their second grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Located in Höxter, the ready-to-build project features a capacity of 354 MWh and output of 130 MW, using advanced Sunny Central Storage UP-S inverters with silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET technology for high conversion efficiency, low noise, and durability.
Two Power Plant Managers will handle central control and real-time monitoring. Altenso will manage development, construction, and maintenance, with grid connection slated for 2027. This follows the Metelen BESS (92.5 MW/231 MWh), currently entering commercial operation and underlines Altenso’s role in delivering Europe’s battery storage platform.
Nearly All Employees at Meyer Burger Germany Dismissed or Suspended
In early September 2025, Meyer Burger’s German subsidiaries—Meyer Burger (Germany) GmbH in Hohenstein-Ernstthal and Meyer Burger (Industries) GmbH in Bitterfeld-Wolfen—ceased operations as insolvency proceedings commenced.
The expiry of insolvency benefits led to widespread layoffs and suspensions, with only small handling teams retained to assist the administrator. At Meyer Burger (Germany) GmbH, 206 employees were suspended and 62 continue for administrative wrap-up. At Meyer Burger (Industries) GmbH, 271 were terminated, including 38 in the handling team; others with special protection await clearance from authorities.
Solar Fabrik Wins 35 MW of PV Module Orders in Germany
German solar technology firm Solar Fabrik GmbH has secured contracts to deliver photovoltaic modules for two new solar parks in Germany, totaling 35 MW in capacity.
The projects include a 26.7 MW ground-mounted installation in Bad Orb and an 8.3 MW development near Brühl, close to Cologne—implemented in collaboration with ASH Solar GmbH & Co. KG.
These additions will bolster regional renewable energy supply and support Germany’s climate targets. Solar Fabrik, now family-run since reviving in 2016, currently manufactures in China and is building a new module factory in the Aschaffenburg area.
USA News
Massachusetts finalizes SMART 3.0 following emergency solar regulations
Massachusetts has issued final regulations for its Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART 3.0) program, introducing an annual assessment to adjust program capacity and per-kWh incentive rates based on market conditions, emissions progress, costs, and environmental goals.
For 2025, rates range from $0.1729 to $0.2821 depending on system size, with flat rates of $0.03/kWh for sub-25 kW projects—or $0.06 for low-income systems. The program includes capacity set-asides, environmental exclusions, and equity provisions including low-income and community solar thresholds. The new rules take effect September 12, with a short program year starting October 15 and ending December 31, 2025.
Trina Storage showcases next-generation utility-scale storage solution at RE+ 2025
Trina Storage unveiled its latest utility-scale energy storage solution at RE+ 2025, underscoring its strategic expansion into the U.S. market. The demonstration booth showcased advanced storage technology with local integration testing and emphasized bankable project credentials.
This signals Trina’s commitment to strengthening its presence in U.S. solar-plus-storage deployments, contributing to grid flexibility and resilience in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
SEIA’s new policy agenda pushes for electric reliability
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) released a comprehensive “Solar and Storage Industry Policy Agenda for a Reliable, Secure Grid,” urging federal, state, and local leaders to support grid modernization.
It advocates strengthening domestic solar and storage supply chains, speeding interconnection, expanding transmission capacity, investing in long-duration storage, and reforming market design and planning to reflect solar contributions. SEIA CEO Abigail Hopper emphasizes that embracing these policies is vital to meet growing energy demand—especially from AI and data centers—and keep energy affordable for families.
U.S. installs 14.5 GW of large-scale solar in the first half of 2025
In the first half of 2025, the U.S. solar industry installed 14.5 GW of large-scale solar capacity (projects over 1 MW), accounting for 75% of the 19.4 GW total grid capacity added during that period. Wind added 3.1 GW and natural gas contributed 1.7 GW; coal retirements amounted to just 57 MW.
Total generation mix includes natural gas (42.3%), coal (14.8%), solar (11.3%), wind (11.8%), nuclear (7.8%) and hydro (7.6%). Over the next three years, FERC forecasts high-probability additions of 92.6 GW solar, alongside 23.3 GW wind and 22.5 GW natural gas, while expecting more than 25 GW in coal retirements.
Landfill Transformed: New Haven’s Biggest Solar Project Yet
New Haven is turning its long-unused Middletown Avenue landfill into a major 1 MW solar farm, with 1,920 panels set to be installed over the next 6–8 months .
Led by Greenskies Clean Energy under a 20-year lease, the project will generate over 1.4 million kWh/year, enough to power 200+ homes, and deliver $72,000 annually to the city—totaling about $1.4 million in revenue. City officials highlight its visibility from Interstate 91, environmental and health benefits, and its status as the city’s most profitable and largest solar installation to date.
People Move
Tilman Beller – Partner/Head of Europe, OSDA Solar
Tilman Beller serves as Partner and Head of Europe at OSDA Solar, a leading global provider of photovoltaic solutions. With extensive expertise in renewable energy, he is responsible for driving the company’s European market strategy, partnerships, and expansion.
His leadership focuses on strengthening OSDA Solar’s presence in utility-scale and commercial solar projects across the region. Beller’s role includes aligning product innovation with regional energy transition goals, building strong client relationships, and supporting sustainable growth. His work highlights the importance of European solar deployment in meeting climate targets and advancing clean energy adoption.
Jingjing Zhang – Country Manager, BLUES
Jingjing Zhang is the Country Manager at BLUES, overseeing the company’s operations, strategy, and business development in her designated market. With a strong background in international management and renewable energy, she plays a vital role in expanding BLUES’ footprint, ensuring successful project execution, and fostering partnerships with local stakeholders.
Zhang is responsible for aligning corporate objectives with regional energy policies while maintaining operational efficiency and client satisfaction. Her leadership underscores the company’s commitment to advancing solar energy solutions, driving innovation, and supporting sustainability goals in the fast-evolving renewable energy sector.
Ryan Kennedy Promoted to Vice President at RWE
Ryan Kennedy has been promoted to Vice President of Project Controls and Estimating at RWE .In this role, he will oversee project planning, cost management, and execution strategies for RWE’s U.S. solar and renewable energy portfolio.
Kennedy’s leadership aims to enhance efficiency and risk management across utility-scale projects, ensuring financial and operational success. His promotion reflects RWE’s continued expansion in North America, where the company is actively scaling solar, wind, and storage capacity. Kennedy’s expertise positions him to strengthen RWE’s competitive edge in delivering reliable and cost-effective renewable solutions.
Preston Schultz Elevated to Senior Vice President at Hecate Energy
Hecate Energy has promoted Preston Schultz to Senior Vice President, recognizing his contributions to advancing the company’s solar and battery storage development pipeline. Schultz will play a central role in leading project origination, structuring, and execution for Hecate’s growing U.S. portfolio.
With extensive experience in renewable development and strategic partnerships, his leadership will support Hecate’s mission to accelerate clean energy deployment nationwide. The promotion comes as Hecate expands its large-scale solar and storage projects to meet rising demand for sustainable energy. Schultz’s expanded responsibilities highlight the company’s focus on scaling operations and driving long-term growth in the competitive U.S. market.
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