14/06/2026-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves
- Viridian Energy
- Jun 13
- 5 min read
USA NEWS
US Solar Installations Fall to 7.8 GW in Q1 2026
The United States installed 7.8 GW of solar capacity during the first quarter of 2026, representing a significant decline from the same period in 2025. Despite the slowdown, solar remained the largest source of new electricity generation capacity, accounting for around 60% of all additions.
Industry experts attribute the decline to project delays, policy uncertainty, permitting challenges, and interconnection bottlenecks. However, long-term growth prospects remain positive due to increasing electricity demand, corporate renewable energy procurement, and utility-scale project development. Solar energy continues to play a central role in the country’s clean energy transition and decarbonization strategy.
Common Energy to Build 16 MW Community Solar Portfolio in Chicago
Common Energy has announced plans to develop five community solar projects totaling 16 MW in the Chicago region. The initiative will benefit Trinity Services, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health needs.
More than 120 Trinity facilities will subscribe to the projects and receive electricity bill credits, generating substantial long-term savings. Residential facilities are expected to reduce energy expenses by approximately 20% over the next twenty years. The project demonstrates how community solar programs can deliver both environmental benefits and economic support to nonprofit organizations and underserved communities.
RWE Secures Meta PPA for 298 MW Texas Solar Project
RWE has signed a long-term power purchase agreement with Meta for electricity generated by the 298-MW Rabbit’s Foot Solar project in Texas. The facility is currently under construction and is expected to begin operations by the end of 2027. The agreement expands the renewable energy partnership between the two companies and supports Meta’s commitment to powering its growing data-center operations with clean energy.
The project is expected to create nearly 200 construction jobs and contribute more than $50 million in local tax revenues over its operational life, providing both environmental and economic benefits.
Meta and Zelestra Expand US Solar Partnership to 1.4 GW
Meta and renewable energy developer Zelestra have expanded their renewable energy collaboration through a new agreement covering the 180-MWdc Palmera Solar Plant in Texas.
The latest deal increases their combined portfolio to approximately 1.4 GWdc across eight solar projects in the United States. All projects are expected to become operational by 2028. The partnership supports Meta’s sustainability objectives while driving investment in large-scale renewable energy infrastructure. In addition to supplying clean electricity, the projects are expected to generate employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth in local communities.
Permitting Delays Expected to Limit US Solar Growth
Industry experts warn that permitting and grid interconnection delays may constrain solar deployment in the United States over the next five years. Lengthy approval processes and transmission infrastructure limitations are increasing project development timelines and costs.
Although demand for renewable energy remains strong, these challenges are expected to slow the pace of installations. Stakeholders are calling for permitting reforms and grid modernization measures to accelerate project approvals and improve access to transmission networks. Addressing these barriers will be critical to maintaining the growth trajectory of the U.S. solar sector and meeting future electricity demand.
Tech Giants Drive Nearly 1 GW of New U.S. Solar Capacity
Three of the world’s largest technology companies—Google, Meta, and Microsoft—have announced major clean energy agreements with U.S. solar developers, collectively supporting about 940 MW of new solar capacity across Texas and North Carolina.
Google signed a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Linea Energy for 500 MW of solar power in Texas. Meta expanded its partnership with Zelestra through a long-term agreement for a 180 MW solar project in Texas, while Microsoft secured renewable energy from MN8 Energy projects totaling 260 MW.
GERMANY NEWS
LichtBlick Begins Construction of New Solar Park
German renewable energy company LichtBlick has started construction of a 10-MW solar park in Bad Zwischenahn, Lower Saxony. The project will utilize approximately 14,000 solar panels and generate an estimated 10.2 GWh of renewable electricity annually.
Once operational, the facility will provide enough clean energy to power more than 3,000 households. Scheduled for completion in October 2026, the solar park supports Germany’s renewable energy expansion goals and demonstrates continued investment in domestic solar infrastructure. The company emphasized cooperation with local stakeholders and authorities throughout the planning and development process.
Chint Solar Sells 56 MW Battery Storage Portfolio
Chint Solar Europe has completed the sale of a 56-MW/180-MWh battery energy storage portfolio in Germany to investment company Second Foundation. The portfolio includes five battery storage projects located across Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Brandenburg.
Chint Solar will continue to manage engineering, procurement, construction, and operational activities for the projects. Several facilities are already under construction, with grid connections planned between 2026 and 2027. The transaction reflects increasing investor confidence in battery energy storage systems, which are becoming essential for integrating renewable energy and improving grid stability across Germany.
Entrix Markets First Grey Co-Location Facility for Suntec
German energy trading specialist Entrix has signed its first Grey Co-Location battery storage marketing agreement with Suntec. The project combines a 13.5 MWh battery energy storage system with an existing 5.8 MW solar park in Gochsheim, Bavaria.
Under the agreement, Entrix will optimize and market the battery’s flexibility in power markets, enabling additional revenue streams while supporting grid stability. The project is considered a milestone for grey-power co-location models in Germany, where batteries operate independently of renewable generation. Commercial operation is expected to strengthen the business case for solar-plus-storage projects and accelerate the integration of battery storage into Germany’s evolving energy system.
Peoples Move
Nha-Uyen “Gwen” Nguyen – VP of Operations, Infinium Solar Inc.
Nha-Uyen “Gwen” Nguyen serves as Vice President of Operations at Infinium Solar Inc., a California-based solar, roofing, and electrical contractor serving residential, commercial, and new-construction customers throughout the Bay Area. In her leadership role, Gwen oversees operational execution, project coordination, and customer delivery processes that support the company’s end-to-end renewable energy solutions.
Infinium Solar has built a reputation for managing projects in-house, covering design, permitting, installation, and long-term support services. Her operational leadership helps ensure project quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction while supporting the company’s mission of expanding access to clean energy, battery storage, EV charging, and energy independence solutions across Northern California.
Dr. David Costas – Senior Director of Project Management | Associate Principal, Pure Power Engineering
Dr. David Costas, PE, serves as Senior Director of Project Management and Associate Principal at Pure Power Engineering, one of the leading solar and energy storage engineering firms in the United States.
He leads project management teams responsible for coordinating complex commercial, community, and utility-scale solar and storage projects nationwide. Pure Power Engineering specializes in electrical, structural, power systems, and owner’s engineering services, supporting developers, EPCs, and asset owners. With extensive engineering and leadership experience, Dr. Costas plays a key role in ensuring efficient project execution, client satisfaction, and high-quality engineering deliverables. His work contributes to the successful deployment of large-scale renewable energy infrastructure across the country
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