10/08/2026-Solar Energy Investment News & People's Move
- Viridian Energy
- 10 minutes ago
- 7 min read
USA NEWS
Ørsted adds 500 MWh of Tesla BESS to ERCOT grid
Ørsted is expanding its presence in the Texas energy market by adding 500 MWh of Tesla battery energy storage to the ERCOT grid. The project highlights the growing role of large-scale battery storage in Texas, where renewable generation, particularly solar and wind, can create periods of excess electricity and grid balancing challenges.
The Tesla BESS system is expected to provide flexibility by storing electricity when supply is high and releasing it when demand increases. For the U.S. renewable-energy market, the project demonstrates continued investment in utility-scale BESS and reinforces Texas as one of the most active markets for solar-plus-storage development.
WE Energies breaks ground on three major energy projects in Wisconsin
WE Energies has begun construction on three significant energy projects in Wisconsin, representing continued investment in the state’s electricity infrastructure and clean-energy transition. The projects are expected to strengthen generation capacity and improve the reliability and flexibility of the regional power system.
Wisconsin utilities are increasingly combining renewable generation with battery storage and other technologies to meet rising electricity demand while maintaining grid reliability. The developments are important for the solar and energy-storage sectors because they demonstrate how utilities are investing in large-scale projects rather than relying solely on traditional generation. The projects also indicate continued demand for construction, engineering, electrical and project-management professionals.
Northern Illinois public storage sites to soon be solarized
Public storage facilities in Northern Illinois are set to receive solar installations through a major community-focused energy agreement. The initiative demonstrates how existing commercial and public-facing properties can be used to deploy distributed solar without requiring large amounts of new land. Solarizing these facilities can help reduce electricity costs, increase renewable-energy generation and provide long-term energy savings for participating organizations.
The project also reflects the growing interest in C&I and distributed solar, particularly where businesses can utilize existing rooftops or property space. For the U.S. solar industry, such developments create opportunities for solar developers, EPC contractors, electrical contractors and project managers specializing in commercial installations.
USITC ends patent probe against Philadelphia Solar USA and Trina Solar
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has formally ended its investigation involving Philadelphia Solar USA and Changzhou Trina Solar Energy after First Solar withdrew its complaint.
The investigation, initiated in March 2026, concerned alleged infringement of a U.S. patent involving TOPCon solar cells, modules, panels and related products imported into the United States. First Solar filed to terminate the investigation against the two companies in June, and the Administrative Law Judge granted the request. The USITC subsequently decided not to review that determination, formally terminating the investigation. The decision removes the two companies from this particular Section 337 patent proceeding.
Europe News
Zelestra and Centrica Energy agree toll for 99MW/297MWh Germany BESS
Zelestra has signed a long-term tolling agreement with Centrica Energy for its 99MW/297MWh Hilgermissen battery energy storage system (BESS) in Lower Saxony, Germany. Under the arrangement, Zelestra will build, own and operate the standalone battery, while Centrica Energy will trade and optimise the contracted capacity in exchange for a fixed fee.
The agreement provides Zelestra with the commercial certainty needed to move the project into construction. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with operations expected during the second half of 2028. The deal highlights growing use of tolling agreements to support large-scale BESS development in Germany.
Deutsche Bahn signs 10-year PPA for German solar-storage park
Germany’s MaxSolar has attracted DB Energie, a subsidiary of railway operator Deutsche Bahn AG, as the power off-taker of a solar-plus-storage project in the federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.Deutsche Bahn has signed a 10-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for electricity from a German solar-and-storage project.
The agreement is notable because it represents the railway company's first hybrid PPA, combining renewable solar generation with battery storage. Long-term PPAs provide project developers with predictable revenue while allowing large corporate or industrial energy users to secure renewable electricity over an extended period. The combination of solar and storage can also improve the reliability and flexibility of renewable power supplied to the grid. The deal demonstrates the growing importance of corporate PPAs and hybrid solar-storage projects in Germany's transition toward a more renewable electricity system.
European Energy divests 90-MW shovel-ready PV project in Italy
European Energy is divesting a 90-MW shovel-ready solar PV project in Italy, demonstrating the increasing activity around renewable project development and asset rotation in the European market. A shovel-ready project typically has progressed through key development stages, such as permitting, land arrangements and grid-related preparation, allowing the new owner to move more quickly toward construction.
For developers, selling mature projects can release capital that can then be reinvested into new development opportunities. For investors and energy companies, acquiring ready-to-build projects provides access to renewable capacity without having to complete the entire early-stage development process. Italy remains an important European solar-growth market.
Why Shell sold its European renewables arm to TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies has agreed to acquire Shell's entire European onshore renewables business, including approximately 500 MW of existing or under-construction solar and wind capacity and a 3.5-GW pipeline covering solar, wind and battery storage projects across Italy, the UK and Spain.
The acquisition supports TotalEnergies' strategy of building an integrated electricity business combining generation, flexible capacity and customer supply. For Shell, the transaction continues its strategy of recycling capital and focusing on areas where it believes it has stronger competitive advantages, including power trading and customer solutions. Separately, TotalEnergies is selling a 50% stake in a 1.2-GW portfolio to KKR for €1.8 billion.
Peoples Move
Dennis Herron – DEPCOM Power, Inc. | Director, Construction
Dennis Herron has taken on the role of Director, Construction at DEPCOM Power, Inc., strengthening the company’s construction leadership. His position is expected to focus on overseeing project execution, field construction activities, safety, scheduling, and delivery across DEPCOM’s renewable energy portfolio, particularly utility-scale solar projects.
Jon Voltz – Cypress Creek Energy | Director
Jon Voltz has joined Cypress Creek Energy as Director, bringing leadership experience to the company’s renewable energy operations. In this role, he is likely to contribute to project development, execution, and operational strategy while supporting Cypress Creek’s continued growth across its solar and clean energy portfolio.
Corey Dellaire – Blue Horizon Energy | Director of Construction
Corey Dellaire has been appointed Director of Construction at Blue Horizon Energy. The role places him in a senior construction leadership position, responsible for supporting project delivery, field execution, contractors, schedules, safety, and quality. His appointment strengthens Blue Horizon Energy’s construction management capabilities within the renewable energy sector.
Red Strader – Radiance Solar | Field Operations Director
Red Strader has moved into the role of Field Operations Director at Radiance Solar. He will provide senior oversight of field operations, construction teams, project execution, safety, and operational performance. The appointment supports Radiance Solar’s ability to efficiently manage and deliver its growing portfolio of solar projects.
Iñaki Alejos – APEX Renewable & Construction Advisors LLC | Founder & Principal Consultant
Iñaki Alejos is serving as Founder & Principal Consultant at APEX Renewable & Construction Advisors LLC. His role focuses on providing strategic expertise across renewable energy and construction. With leadership responsibilities spanning project execution and advisory services, he is positioned to support organizations navigating complex renewable infrastructure and construction requirements.
Brandon Griffitts – Cypress Creek Energy | Senior Director, Project Execution
Brandon Griffitts has taken on the position of Senior Director, Project Execution at Cypress Creek Energy. The senior leadership role focuses on overseeing project execution, coordinating project teams, managing delivery schedules, and ensuring successful implementation of renewable energy projects. His appointment adds experienced project execution leadership to the organization.
Ankur Patel, MBA, PMP – Linea Energy | Director of Project Execution
Ankur Patel has joined Linea Energy as Director of Project Execution, bringing project management and execution expertise to the company. His responsibilities are expected to include coordinating project delivery, managing stakeholders, schedules, contractors, and execution strategies while supporting Linea Energy’s continued expansion across renewable energy projects.
Christopher Houck – Kiewit | Director, Renewable Markets
Christopher Houck has moved into the role of Director, Renewable Markets at Kiewit. The position places him in a strategic leadership role focused on renewable energy market opportunities, business growth, and project development. His appointment reflects Kiewit’s continued focus on expanding its presence across the rapidly growing renewable energy sector.
Jason Cannon – DEPCOM Power, Inc. | VP, Plant Services
Jason Cannon has been appointed Vice President, Plant Services at DEPCOM Power, Inc. In this leadership position, he is expected to oversee plant operations, maintenance, performance, and service activities across renewable energy assets. His role supports DEPCOM’s focus on long-term operational performance and reliable solar project operations.
Martin Brix – Cenergy Power | Operations Director
Martin Brix has taken on the role of Operations Director at Cenergy Power. His responsibilities are expected to include operational strategy, project support, team leadership, and performance management. The appointment strengthens Cenergy Power’s operational leadership as the company continues delivering renewable energy and solar projects across its target markets.
Riley Shea – Signal Energy | Project Director
Riley Shea has moved into the role of Project Director at Signal Energy, taking on senior responsibility for renewable energy project delivery. The position likely involves overseeing project teams, schedules, budgets, contractors, and execution strategies while ensuring projects meet safety, quality, cost, and schedule objectives throughout construction.
Cesar Aguilera – Clarion Solar | Co-Founder
Cesar Aguilera is serving as Co-Founder of Clarion Solar, taking on a key leadership role within the company. As a co-founder, he is positioned to contribute to business strategy, growth, project development, and overall company direction while supporting Clarion Solar’s expansion within the renewable energy and solar market.
Peter Zhang, P.Eng. – Matrix Renewables | Senior Project Engineer
Peter Zhang, P.Eng. has joined Matrix Renewables as Senior Project Engineer. He will support engineering and project execution activities, coordinating technical requirements, designs, contractors, and stakeholders. His engineering expertise will help address technical challenges, maintain quality standards, and support successful delivery of Matrix Renewables’ growing renewable energy project portfolio.
Jeremiah Carroll – Core Grid Partners, LLC | Director, Project Execution
Jeremiah Carroll has taken on the role of Director, Project Execution at Core Grid Partners. He will provide senior leadership across project delivery, coordinating teams, contractors, schedules, budgets, and execution strategies. His appointment strengthens the company’s project management capabilities and supports efficient delivery of renewable energy and grid infrastructure projects.
Brandon Doane – Ameresco | Senior Director of Construction – Solar PV and BESS
Brandon Doane has been appointed Senior Director of Construction – Solar PV and BESS at Ameresco. He will oversee construction strategy, project execution, contractors, field teams, schedules, safety, and quality. His leadership will support Ameresco’s expanding solar and battery storage portfolio, ensuring projects progress efficiently from construction through commissioning and operational readiness.
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