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16/11/2025-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves

  • Writer: Viridian Energy
    Viridian Energy
  • Nov 15
  • 5 min read

USA News


Pine Gate Renewables files for bankruptcy


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Pine Gate Renewables, a U.S.-based utility-scale solar developer with more than 100 operational sites and about 10 GW of development pipeline, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.


The company cited mounting regulatory, supply-chain and capital-market challenges, and has launched a court-supervised sales process for essentially all of its assets. The filing marks a significant sign of stress in the solar development sector, especially for companies with high leverage and large pipelines.

 


 

Nextracker changes name to Nextpower


Logo with the text "NEXTPOWER" on a gradient background from orange to purple, conveying a modern and dynamic feel.

Nextracker announced its corporate rebrand to “Nextpower, Inc.” as it positions itself beyond simply solar trackers, evolving into a broader integrated energy-technology provider. 


The change reflects a strategic shift toward a full-platform offering that includes trackers, eBOS, yield-management software and services across utility- and distributed-scale solar. The company will retain its existing ticker symbol (NXT) and leadership while accelerating its global technology expansion.

 


 

Governance, not financing, is the next big hurdle for commercial solar


Despite financing availability and favourable policy tailwinds, the commercial & industrial (C&I) solar segment faces a key bottleneck: governance. Project complexity increases in multi-tenant or shared-asset settings—roof leases, tenant moves, shared rooftop infrastructure and risk allocation often undermine smooth implementation. The article argues developers must address governance structure, contracting clarity and stakeholder alignment, not just capital-stack issues, to fully unlock C&I solar growth in commercial real estate.

 


 

Create Energy & Stäubli announce partnership to revolutionize PV-connector technology


CREATE logo on a black starry background, text reads "Reimagining Renewables" in blue, conveying innovation and futuristic energy.

Create Energy (USA) and Swiss connector-vendor Stäubli announced a strategic manufacturing partnership aimed at developing a next-generation PV DC connector tailored for solar tracker applications.


The new connector is designed to withstand dynamic mechanical stress and harsh environmental conditions unique to tracker (single-axis) systems, with a planned market launch in 2026 across North America and internationally. By combining Stäubli’s electrical-connectivity heritage with Create’s agile manufacturing and engineering, the collaboration aims to set new standards for reliability, safety and performance in utility-scale solar balance-of-system components.

 


 

Green Lantern Solar acquired by new renewable-energy developer


Green Lantern Solar logo with green circular gradient pattern on a white background. The text is bold and dark green, conveying a clean energy theme.

Green Lantern Solar, a Vermont-based developer specialising in community and commercial solar projects, has been acquired by a larger renewable-energy development company (unnamed in the brief article). The acquisition signals consolidation in the North-American C&I/community-solar space, potentially allowing Green Lantern to scale development, access new markets and broaden its project pipeline under new ownership. Details on the acquiring entity, transaction size or strategic integration remain limited in the public announcement.


 

 

 


Germany News

 

Strong Growth 2025 – Green Cells GmbH


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German-based solar company Green Cells has reported significant growth in 2025, driven by expanded operations, increased EPC deployment and international market entry.


The company emphasises a strengthened balance sheet, backlog improvement and enhanced module manufacturing capacity to support utility-scale ground-mount as well as C&I solar projects. The growth is framed as validation of its strategy to integrate development and delivery across solar value-chain segments. With demand dynamics favourable, Green Cells is positioning for further geographic expansion and operational scale in the near term.



 

Grid Parity in preliminary insolvency

Grid Parity AG, founded in 2012 and active in photovoltaics, filed for preliminary insolvency at the Munich court on 24 October. According to the company, political delays and announcements blocked new orders, undermining business viability. The appointed provisional administrator is lawyer Stefan Strüwind from Lecon. The move signals distress in project timing and order flow in the German PV sector, especially for firm’s dependent on stable contract pipelines.

 


 

Green Flexibility offers EPC and financing support for storage developers


White storage containers are situated on a gravel lot surrounded by lush green trees, with a calm lake in the background under a cloudy sky.

Green Flexibility, a battery storage specialist based in the Allgäu region, has launched its partner programme "elevate", aimed at assisting other developers with engineering, procurement & construction (EPC) and pre-financing of grid connections. The initiative addresses major risks in large-scale battery projects — such as delayed permits, complex construction and upfront costs of grid hooks — thereby helping de-risk development and accelerate deployment.

 


 

First solar park of HT Clean Energy goes live — major Gumtow project initiated


Rows of solar panels in a vast field under clear skies, set on brown soil with a hint of grass and distant trees. Eco-friendly energy scene.

HT clean energy GmbH, founded by Martin Hetzner (of Hetzner Online) and Joshua Tlapak, has commissioned its first photovoltaic park with ~6.5 MW capacity covering ~7 ha and supplying approx. 1,800 households. The next major project is a 135 MW PV park combined with a 150 MWh battery located in Gumtow (Brandenburg) covering around 100 ha, slated for mid-2026.

 


 

WEMAG AG has installed a rooftop PV system on the newly built inclusive Mosaik-School in Grevesmühlen.


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WEMAG AG has installed a 49.5 kW peak rooftop PV system (110 modules × 450 Wp) on the newly built inclusive Mosaik-School in Grevesmühlen. The solar energy generated is consumed directly on-site, contributing to the school’s electricity needs while promoting renewable energy education. The Diakonie Nord Nord Ost, which runs the school, praised the smooth partnership with WEMAG.



 

Otovo merges with itself through Onvis tie-up


Otovo ASA, the European residential PV & battery marketplace, announced a merger with Onvis Inc. (USA). The deal sets up Onvis as its US operating platform with a 60:40 (Otovo:Onvis) pre-money ownership split and valuations around NOK 445 million. Leadership will change: Onvis founder John Berger will become CEO, while Otovo founder Andreas Thorsheim shifts to Chief Product Officer. The strategic pivot highlights Otovo’s ambition to scale across US and European markets.


 

 

 

Peoples Move


Appointment of Craig Cornelius to the Board of Sunrun Inc.


Man in blue "Clearway" logo polo smiles in front of leafy background, conveying a professional and approachable vibe.

Sunrun Inc., a leading U.S. residential solar and battery provider, announced on 6 November 2025 that Craig Cornelius has joined its Board of Directors. Cornelius brings two decades of renewable-energy leadership, including as CEO of Clearway Energy and earlier roles at NRG and Hudson Clean Energy. Sunrun’s CEO Mary Powell noted that his expertise in large-scale energy development and operations will support the company’s growth and margin-focused strategy. Cornelius will serve on the Audit Committee and the Nominating, Governance & Sustainability Committee.


 

 

 

Charles Santora – Vice President, Project Procurement, RWE Clean Energy


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Charles Santora has been appointed Vice President of Project Procurement at RWE Clean Energy, where he will oversee strategic sourcing, supplier partnerships, and procurement operations for the company’s expanding U.S. renewable energy portfolio. His role will focus on optimizing supply chains for wind, solar, and storage projects, ensuring cost-efficient delivery and strengthening vendor relationships. With extensive experience in large-scale energy procurement, Santora is expected to support RWE’s growth plans and improve project execution across multiple markets. His leadership will play a key role in managing procurement risks and accelerating renewable development initiatives.



Joe Brotherton – Senior Vice President, CEC


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Joe Brotherton has stepped into the role of Senior Vice President at CEC, bringing his deep expertise in engineering, construction, and program management to the organization. In this leadership position, he will guide strategic operations, expand client partnerships, and drive project execution excellence across CEC’s portfolio. Brotherton’s background in infrastructure and energy projects positions him to strengthen CEC’s service delivery and support the company’s national growth objectives. His appointment reflects CEC’s commitment to reinforcing senior leadership as it scales operations and takes on increasingly complex environmental and engineering initiatives.

 


 
 
 

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