08/02/2026-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves
- Viridian Energy
- Feb 6
- 5 min read
USA News
Sunny Skies Ahead for U.S. Solar in 2026
The U.S. solar market is positioned for continued growth in 2026 despite recent policy uncertainty, according to pv magazine USA. Solar remains the cheapest form of electricity, with prices for modules down more than 80 % over the past decade, and domestic supply chains now increasingly onshored. Safe harbor provisions are helping developers secure tax credits by starting projects early, bolstering the pipeline. Large-scale solar and community installations improve grid affordability and shield consumers from price volatility. Continued investment in U.S. manufacturing capacity is expected to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and drive job creation as demand for reliable, affordable clean energy expands.
Qcells, LG Energy Solution Vertech Ink 5 GWh U.S. Battery Storage Deal
Qcells and LG Energy Solution Vertech have signed a multi-year agreement to deploy 5 GWh of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS) across utility-scale sites in the United States, with installations scheduled between 2028 and 2030. The deal secures American-made LFP battery systems manufactured at LG facilities in Michigan and Arizona for Qcells’ projects and aligns with U.S. domestic content requirements to strengthen clean-energy supply chains and support job creation. This partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to integrating large-scale storage into solar deployments and boosting grid reliability with local manufacturing.
Enlight Advances US$3 B, 1.2 GW Solar + 4 GWh BESS Complex in Arizona
Enlight Renewable Energy is advancing the CO Bar Complex in Arizona, a major utility-scale development featuring roughly 1.2 GW of solar generation paired with 4 GWh of battery energy storage. The multi-stage project, valued at about US$3 billion, recently hit key milestones in transmission and offtake arrangements and is moving into full execution. Scheduled for phased operations through 2027–2028, this solar-plus-storage facility will support grid reliability, deliver large-scale clean power, and contribute to renewable energy growth in the U.S. Southwest when fully operational.
Meta Procures Another 176 MW of Solar to Support Data Centers
Meta Platforms has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with renewable energy company Zelestra for the full output of the 176 MWdc Skull Creek Solar Plant in Texas, marking its seventh PPA with the developer and bringing its total contracted solar capacity to about 1.2 GWdc across projects. The agreement supports Meta’s goal of powering its growing data center operations—especially energy-intensive AI facilities—with clean, renewable energy. Zelestra is also advancing other projects, including the 81 MWdc Jasper County Solar Project now operating in Indiana and additional developments in Ohio. This collaboration illustrates Meta’s expanding commitment to U.S. solar procurement and grid decarbonization.
Clean Slate Solar Completes Two Community Solar Projects in Maryland
Clean Slate Solar has brought two new community solar installations online in Landover, Maryland, delivering 1.7 MW of clean energy capacity across commercial rooftops. The sites—3101 Pennsy and 3333 Pennsy—will serve hundreds of local subscribers, with more than half the capacity dedicated to low- and moderate-income households, offering guaranteed electricity bill savings with no upfront costs or credit checks. These projects reflect the company’s mission to expand access to affordable renewable energy in underserved communities and demonstrate how community solar can help address rising electricity costs while increasing clean energy participation at a neighborhood level.
Poll Finds Republicans Support Utility-Scale Solar Power, Especially If It’s American-Made
A national poll by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates, commissioned by First Solar, reveals that a majority of Republican, Republican-leaning independent, and Trump-supporting voters endorse utility-scale solar power. About 51 % favor large solar projects, and support jumps to 70 % when respondents are told solar panels are American-made and free of Chinese ties. Additionally, 68 % agree the U.S. needs all forms of electricity generation, including solar, to help lower energy costs, while 79 % say all energy types should compete without political interference. The findings challenge assumptions about conservative opposition to renewables.
Germany New
Brookfield Explores Sale of Solar Developer X-Elio
Brookfield has initiated the sale of solar developer X-Elio, appointing Santander and Barclays to oversee the transaction, which values the company at more than €4 billion (about $4.7 billion) including debt. X-Elio, fully owned by Brookfield since 2023, has built roughly 3 GW of solar capacity with about 2.5 GW under construction and a development pipeline near 23 GW across 12 countries, including the U.S., Spain, and Australia. The firm, known for expanding into energy storage, represents a major asset in global photovoltaics. This sale would mark Brookfield’s second significant renewable energy divestment in Spain in two years.
GP JOULE Energises 49-MW Solar Plant at German Wind Farm
German renewable energy company GP JOULE GmbH has commissioned a 49 MW solar park adjacent to a wind farm in Bosbull, Schleswig-Holstein. The photovoltaic installation, developed over five years and completed in under a year, is expected to produce about 50 million kWh annually, with plans to integrate a battery energy storage system to store surplus power for broader use. The output is secured through a five-year direct power purchase agreement (PPA), enhancing revenue certainty. This project is GP JOULE’s third community solar park in Bosbull, following earlier developments, and underscores hybrid renewables co-location trends.
Zenobē Enters the German Battery Storage Market
British grid-scale battery storage specialist Zenobē has officially entered the German energy storage market by acquiring existing and under-construction battery assets with a combined 1.3 GW power and 2.5 GWh capacity. Supported by infrastructure investors KKR and M&G Infracapital, the company targets further acquisitions totaling at least 1 GW/4 GWh by 2030, focusing on transmission-level projects that are ready to build. Zenobē aims to leverage its UK expertise—from project development through operations—to support Germany’s energy transition and grid reliability. The firm is also expanding its local team to strengthen execution and technical capabilities.
Peoples Move
Geronimo LeBaron – Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), United Services
Geronimo LeBaron serves as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at United Services, where he plays a key role in shaping the company’s long-term growth and business direction. In this leadership position, he focuses on developing strategic initiatives, improving operational alignment, and identifying new market opportunities. His responsibilities typically include driving expansion plans, supporting executive decision-making, and ensuring the organization stays competitive in a fast-changing industry. As CSO, he also contributes to strengthening partnerships, streamlining internal processes, and supporting innovation. His strategic leadership helps United Services build sustainable business growth and improve overall performance.
Luis Velasquez – Senior Vice President, ANS
Luis Velasquez serves as the Senior Vice President at ANS, where he plays a major leadership role in driving business growth, operational performance, and strategic execution. In this position, he is responsible for overseeing key departments, managing high-level client relationships, and supporting company-wide initiatives. His role typically involves guiding teams to meet performance targets, improving internal processes, and ensuring customer satisfaction through strong delivery standards. As Senior Vice President, he also contributes to long-term planning, market expansion, and business development efforts. His leadership supports ANS in maintaining competitiveness and achieving sustainable growth.
Joe Broom – Executive Vice President of Operations, Strata Clean Energy
Joe Broom serves as the Executive Vice President of Operations at Strata Clean Energy, where he leads operational execution across the company’s renewable energy project portfolio. In this senior leadership role, he is responsible for managing construction and delivery performance, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget. His work supports the successful development of large-scale solar and energy storage projects. He also plays a key role in overseeing field teams, strengthening internal processes, and maintaining quality standards. His operational leadership contributes to Strata’s growth and reliable project delivery in the utility-scale market.
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