15/02/2026-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves
- Viridian Energy
- Feb 13
- 5 min read
USA News
American Securities’ SOLV Energy Prices IPO at $25
SOLV Energy, a major U.S. solar and battery storage infrastructure builder backed by American Securities, priced its initial public offering at $25 per share at the high end of expectations.
The offering raised roughly $513 million, signalling solid investor interest in renewable energy infrastructure despite broader market volatility. SOLV has built over 20 GW of solar capacity through more than 500 projects and provides operations and maintenance services under long-term agreements. Trading under the “MWH” ticker on the Nasdaq, the IPO proceeds will fuel growth, reduce debt, and support expansion of EPC and storage project capabilities in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Aggreko Completes Solar at Two U.S. Service Centers
Aggreko has finished constructing and commissioning two solar installations at major U.S. service center facilities, enhancing operational resilience and cutting energy costs.
The projects supply clean power to support onsite operations and sustainability goals while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. These installations underscore the growing trend among utilities and large commercial operations to adopt renewable energy solutions that lower carbon footprints and provide reliable electricity. By integrating solar generation with existing infrastructure, Aggreko and its partners are helping accelerate the deployment of distributed energy resources in support of broader decarbonization and energy security efforts across key service hubs in the country.
National Laboratory of the Rockies Lays Off 134 Employees
The National Laboratory of the Rockies, formerly the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, recently cut 134 jobs amid funding pressures and shifting federal energy priorities. The layoffs impact both research and operational staff as the lab adjusts to current Department of Energy directives.
This downsizing comes amid broader changes at the institution, including a rebranding that reflects a wider “applied energy” mandate beyond renewables. Employees impacted by the cuts have contributed to decades of work on clean energy technologies, making the workforce reduction a notable moment in U.S. federal lab history as priorities evolve and funding landscapes tighten.
Greenbacker Secures $440M Tax Equity for NY’s Largest Solar Project
Greenbacker Renewable Energy closed a $440 million tax equity commitment for the Cider Solar project in Genesee County, New York, marking a key financing milestone for what will be the state’s largest solar farm. U.S. Bank and M&T Bank provided the tax equity, completing the capital stack required for construction.
The 674 MW utility-scale project is expected to power around 120,000 homes and includes agrivoltaics land use. With financial backing secured, the project aims to be fully operational by late 2026, delivering significant clean energy capacity while generating local employment and economic benefits throughout its lifecycle.
Missouri Declares “War on Solar” with Moratorium Bill
Missouri legislators introduced a bill imposing an immediate moratorium on both new and ongoing utility-scale solar project construction until environmental regulations are established. Senate Bill 849 would halt project development through the end of 2027 unless specific rules are promulgated sooner.
Supporters argue the pause is needed to address siting and environmental concerns, while critics warn it could deter clean energy investment and slow emissions reductions. Missouri currently derives only a small fraction of its electricity from solar, meaning the proposed restrictions could stifle regional renewable growth as states compete to expand clean power portfolios amidst mounting energy demand.
TerraForm Power Acquires 1.5 GW Solar Project in Illinois
TerraForm Power has agreed to acquire the Steward Creek Solar project, a 1.56 GWdc solar development in Lee County, Illinois, from Hexagon Energy. The acquisition significantly expands TerraForm’s renewable pipeline to nearly 7 GW and includes a critical 600 MW interconnection agreement with PJM Interconnection, reducing grid queue delays.
The project will be developed in two phases, with construction beginning in 2027 and operations expected by 2029–2030, and accommodates future battery storage capacity. This deal underscores growing investor and developer confidence in large-scale solar as utilities and power purchasers seek low-carbon generation to meet future demand.
Germany News
Germany Launches Most Innovative Floating Solar Plant
Germany inaugurated what is described as the world’s most innovative floating solar plant on a gravel-pit lake in Bavaria. The installation uses vertically oriented bifacial solar panels on floating platforms covering only about 4.65% of the lake’s surface, yet it delivers around 1.87 MW of clean electricity annually — enough to power hundreds of homes.
This vertical floating design enhances energy capture throughout the day, increases efficiency, and minimizes land use. Early operation has already cut local grid electricity consumption significantly, and the project demonstrates a scalable model for renewable energy production on inland water surfaces without competing for land.
Cooperative Breaks Ground on PV Plant for Direct Supply to Industrial Partners
In Regensburg, Germany, the Bürger Energie Region Regensburg eG (BERR eG) marked the start of construction for an 11 MW photovoltaic plant that will supply renewable electricity directly to corporate partners including Aumovio, Schaeffler, and Siemens via dedicated lines.
Despite facing planning and site challenges, the ground-mounted project remains on schedule, with power delivery expected by July. The initiative triples the cooperative’s project portfolio and allows both local citizens and company employees to participate in the energy transition through shared membership. This model highlights community-based renewable energy development linked to industrial consumption.
ZE Energy Secures 145 MW Battery Partnership in Germany
French solar-plus-storage specialist ZE Energy has signed a strategic agreement with German developer SPP Development GmbH to co-develop two large battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in Brandenburg with a combined capacity of 145 MW and over 300 MWh.
SPP will advance the projects to shovel-ready status, and ZE Energy will operate the systems once built, targeting completion by 2028. The collaboration supports ZE Energy’s European expansion and aims to help meet Germany’s growing need for grid flexibility as its energy storage market accelerates.
Peoples Move
Paul Williams – Director of Construction Development at The Clary Group
Paul Williams serves as the Director of Construction Development at The Clary Group, where he plays a key role in overseeing construction planning and project execution.
His responsibilities likely include managing project timelines, coordinating with engineering and procurement teams, and ensuring construction activities meet safety and quality standards. With strong expertise in construction development, he supports the delivery of complex infrastructure and energy-related projects. His role is crucial in driving smooth project implementation from early-stage development through to final build completion. Paul’s leadership helps ensure projects are delivered efficiently, within budget, and aligned with client and company expectations.
Dan Kotkin – President at DEPCOM Power
Dan Kotkin is the President at DEPCOM Power, a leading EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) company specializing in utility-scale solar energy projects.
In his role, he is responsible for guiding the company’s overall business strategy, operational growth, and project delivery performance. He likely oversees major departments including construction, engineering, project management, and client relationships. Under his leadership, DEPCOM continues to expand its presence in the renewable energy market and deliver large-scale solar installations across the United States. Dan’s position reflects strong leadership experience in energy infrastructure and renewable project execution.
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