08/6/2025-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves
- Viridian Energy
- 13 minutes ago
- 6 min read
German Solar News
Sonnenkraft & Smartfox: Austrian Power Duo for Solar Efficiency
Sonnenkraft and Smartfox, two Austrian clean energy specialists, have joined forces to deliver enhanced solar energy utilisation.
Sonnenkraft’s photovoltaic and solar thermal systems will now be integrated with Smartfox’s intelligent energy management technology, enabling customers to maximise solar self-consumption by smartly redirecting surplus energy.
The collaboration aims to increase household energy independence, reduce reliance on the grid, and make sustainable energy more accessible. This strategic partnership sets new standards for energy efficiency and aligns with Austria’s broader transition to renewable energy sources through smart innovation and system integration.
GP JOULE Expands Solar Capacity at Sande Hybrid Energy Park
German energy solutions provider GP JOULE has commissioned a new 35-megawatt (MW) solar power plant at its Sande Hybrid Energy Park in Lower Saxony, Germany.
This addition enhances the park's renewable energy portfolio, which already includes wind and hydrogen production facilities.
The integration of solar power aims to optimise energy generation and storage, contributing to Germany's transition towards sustainable energy sources. GP JOULE's initiative reflects the growing trend of hybrid energy systems that combine multiple renewable sources to ensure a stable and efficient power supply.
Big Battery Deutschland: Two New Large-Scale Storage Projects
Big Battery Deutschland has advanced two large-scale battery storage projects in Eschweiler and Osnabrück to construction-ready status. These systems are designed to stabilise the power grid and support renewable energy integration. Each project boasts significant storage capacity and utilises state-of-the-art technology to manage fluctuations in solar and wind generation. These developments are a major step in Germany’s push for energy independence and grid resilience. Once operational, the batteries will help balance supply and demand, reduce curtailment of renewables, and enhance the overall efficiency of the energy system.
PV Meets Nature Conservation: SWS Develops Project in Schwerin
Stadtwerke Schwerin (SWS) is launching a new solar power project in Schwerin that carefully integrates biodiversity and environmental protection.
The initiative involves building a photovoltaic plant on a site designed to support local flora and fauna, with ecological landscaping and conservation measures. SWS demonstrates how renewable energy expansion can align with nature conservation goals, contributing not only to the energy transition but also to local biodiversity. This model could serve as a blueprint for similar projects across Germany.
USA Solar News
Opinion: Put American Energy and Jobs First
This editorial argues for prioritising domestic energy production and American job creation in clean energy policies. It emphasises supporting U.S.-based manufacturers and workers amid global competition, particularly from Chinese solar imports.
The piece advocates for stronger industrial policy, supply chain investments, and regulatory support to ensure the U.S. remains competitive in clean tech. By focusing on energy independence and job creation, the author calls for bipartisan action to build a robust and secure energy future.
Meyer Burger Files for Insolvency, Cuts Over 900 Jobs
Swiss solar panel manufacturer Meyer Burger has filed for insolvency and laid off more than 900 employees due to financial struggles and intense international competition. The company cited a lack of European policy support and market pressures from cheaper imports as contributing factors.
This development marks a major setback for Europe's efforts to develop a strong domestic solar manufacturing industry. The layoffs and shutdown impact not only workers but also the regional economy and Europe's clean energy ambitions.
U.S. Installs 4.4 GW of Utility-Scale Solar in Q1 2025
In Q1 2025, the U.S. installed 4.4 GW of utility-scale solar, reflecting a 30% decline compared to the same period in 2024.
The downturn is attributed to project delays, interconnection bottlenecks, and uncertainty in permitting processes. Despite this drop, analysts remain optimistic about long-term growth driven by federal incentives and improved supply chains. Industry stakeholders are calling for regulatory reforms to streamline development and maintain momentum toward national clean energy goals.
Sunnova Subsidiary Seeks Bankruptcy Protection
Sunnova’s subsidiary has filed for bankruptcy protection amid financial difficulties, raising concerns about the stability of parts of the U.S. residential solar market. The company cited cash flow issues and high customer acquisition costs as key factors. While Sunnova’s core operations remain unaffected, the filing could prompt reevaluation of financing models within the industry. It also highlights the risks smaller or overleveraged solar entities face, even as overall demand for solar energy continues to grow.
Tariffs to Increase Costs and Disrupt U.S. Solar and Storage Market
The Biden administration’s decision to reimpose tariffs on Chinese solar components is expected to significantly raise costs and disrupt supply chains in the U.S. solar and energy storage sectors.
Industry experts warn this move could hinder the deployment of clean energy projects and delay progress toward national climate goals. The tariffs primarily target cells and modules, impacting utility-scale projects reliant on affordable imports. While aimed at supporting domestic manufacturing, critics argue that the policy risks slowing growth and deterring investment unless accompanied by faster buildout of U.S. production capacity.
NextEra Commissions 100MW Solar Facility in Louisiana
NextEra Energy Resources has officially commissioned a 100MW solar project in Louisiana, marking a significant milestone in the state’s renewable energy expansion.
The facility, which includes more than 300,000 solar panels, will supply clean energy to Entergy Louisiana customers under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA). This project is part of Louisiana’s broader efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce emissions. It also contributes to NextEra’s growing U.S. solar portfolio and reinforces its commitment to clean energy development, job creation, and sustainable economic growth in the region.
Peoples Move
Matthias Abst – Head of Technical Project Management at Blue Elephant Energy GmbH
As of June 2025, Matthias Abst has joined Blue Elephant Energy GmbH as Head of Technical Project Management – Utility Solar PV, Wind, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
In this leadership role, he is responsible for overseeing the technical execution and delivery of large-scale renewable energy projects across solar, wind, and storage. His focus lies in ensuring quality, cost-efficiency, and timely implementation across multiple project stages, from development through commissioning. With extensive experience in renewable energy, Abst brings strategic and technical oversight to support Blue Elephant Energy’s continued expansion in the utility-scale clean energy sector.
Fullmark Energy announced the appointment of Blake Crosby as senior vice president, Project Delivery.
Fullmark Energy, an independent power producer (IPP) focused exclusively on energy storage, announced the appointment of Blake Crosby as senior vice president, Project Delivery. Crosby is the first executive hire since the company rebranded from Hecate Grid to Fullmark Energy on May 7, 2025. In this role, Crosby will oversee Fullmark Energy’s portfolio of grid-scale energy storage projects across the United States, managing all aspects of project performance from development handoff through commercial operation. He will lead the company’s efforts to enhance project delivery capabilities as Fullmark continues its strategic expansion in key markets.
Avantus announced that David Flory has been appointed as the company’s chief financial officer.
Avantus, a U.S. developer of utility-scale solar and solar-plus-storage projects, announced that David Flory has been appointed as the company’s chief financial officer.
Flory will lead the financial strategy as the company continues to grow its strong development pipeline and operating asset portfolio. Flory brings nearly 30 years of experience in energy finance, spanning corporate and project finance, private equity, and M&A.
Most recently, he served as executive vice president and global head of project finance at Sonnedix, where he led the financing of more than $10 billion in solar projects across the U.S., Chile, Europe, and Japan. Earlier in his career, Flory held several senior leadership roles at AES Corporation, including vice president of project finance at its solar subsidiary, Silver Ridge Power.
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