18/5/2025-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves
- Viridian Energy
- May 16
- 7 min read
Germany Solar PV News
Greencells GmbH has signed an EPC contract for the Camblesforth solar project in the UK with Pacifico Energy Partners
Greencells Group has signed an EPC and O&M contract with Enray Power for a 68.48 MWp solar project in Camblesforth, UK.
This initiative includes a 25.15 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), enhancing grid stability by storing excess solar energy for use during peak demand. The project underscores Greencells' commitment to the UK renewable energy sector.
Enray Power secured financing from Rabobank, facilitating the project's execution without third-party investment. This development contributes to the UK's renewable energy goals and supports the local economy through job creation and sustainable infrastructure.
RWE Builds 86.5 MW Solar Plants Along Autobahn in Rhenish Mining Region
RWE is constructing photovoltaic plants totaling 86.5 megawatts along the A44n highway between Bedburg and Jüchen, on reclaimed land from the former Garzweiler open-pit mine.
Scheduled for completion by year-end, this initiative is part of RWE's goal to establish at least 500 MW of new solar and wind capacity in the region. The project symbolizes the area's transition from coal mining to renewable energy, aligning with Germany's broader energy transformation efforts.
SunIsUs Launches with AI-Driven PV and Battery Project Management
SunIsUs Group has officially launched, offering integrated services in photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) project development and management.
The company comprises two divisions: SunIsUs Projects, focusing on developing market-ready PV and BESS projects, and SunIsUs Analytics, which provides AI-powered operational management through its SunIsUs+ software. Founder and CEO Adeel Y. Khan aims to deliver economically viable and regulatory-compliant projects, seeking opportunities at all development stages to meet the growing demand for smart energy solutions.
SolarPower Europe Expels Huawei Amid EU Corruption Investigation
SolarPower Europe (SPE) has expelled Chinese tech giant Huawei from its membership amid an ongoing EU corruption investigation. The decision, made on April 28, 2025, follows the European Commission's move to sever ties with trade groups representing Huawei's interests due to the probe.
Huawei has declined to comment but maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption. Other EU industry groups, including DigitalEurope and BusinessEurope, have also suspended Huawei recently. The investigation involves allegations of bribery and corruption linked to Huawei's lobbying activities within the European Parliament.
RWE Starts 2025 Strong and Reaffirms Earnings Forecast
RWE has reported a solid start to fiscal year 2025 and reaffirmed its full-year earnings guidance. The energy company emphasized the continued strength of its diversified portfolio, particularly its renewable energy assets.
RWE's strategic focus on green transformation and investment in wind and solar contributed significantly to its stable performance. The company reiterated its EBITDA forecast of €5.2 to €5.8 billion for 2025. CEO Markus Krebber confirmed that despite market volatility, RWE is on track with its long-term growth and sustainability targets, underscoring confidence in delivering robust results throughout the year.
GridParity AG Named One of Bavaria’s Top Mid-Sized Companies
GridParity AG has been recognized as one of Bavaria’s strongest mid-sized enterprises in 2025. The award highlights GridParity’s consistent growth, innovation, and contribution to the regional economy, particularly in the renewable energy sector. The company’s focus on sustainable development and cutting-edge solar solutions has positioned it as a key player in the Bavarian energy transition. GridParity continues to expand its footprint in commercial and industrial solar installations, underscoring its role as a reliable and forward-thinking energy partner. The recognition affirms the company’s strong operational performance and its commitment to clean energy leadership.
USA Solar PV News
RM Capital Partners Acquires ISO Solar
RM Capital Partners has completed the acquisition of ISO Solar, a move aimed at strengthening its presence in the U.S. solar market. ISO Solar, known for its residential and commercial solar installations, brings a solid pipeline of ongoing projects and a skilled team. The acquisition aligns with RM Capital’s strategy to invest in scalable clean energy assets and expand its renewable energy portfolio. The firm aims to support ISO Solar’s growth by providing financial backing and strategic oversight. This deal reflects ongoing consolidation in the solar industry and increasing investor interest in high-potential solar companies.
Ideematec and Parliament Energy Holdings Extend U.S. Solar Partnership
Ideematec and Parliament Energy Holdings have extended their strategic partnership to advance solar projects across the United States.
The collaboration focuses on deploying Ideematec's advanced solar tracking systems to enhance the efficiency and output of solar installations. By combining Ideematec's technology with Parliament Energy's project development expertise, the partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions and contribute to the U.S.'s clean energy goals.
Three California Solar Projects Progress Despite Regulatory Uncertainty
Despite facing uncertainties at both state and federal levels, three significant solar projects in California are moving forward. These developments demonstrate resilience in the renewable energy sector, highlighting the commitment of developers and stakeholders to advance clean energy initiatives. The projects are expected to contribute substantially to California's renewable energy capacity, supporting the state's objectives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to sustainable power sources.
Canadian Solar Reports $1.2 Billion Revenue in Q1 2025
Canadian Solar announced Q1 2025 revenues of $1.2 billion, aligning with the upper end of its projected range. Despite a 10% year-over-year decline, the company achieved a 9.4% increase in solar module shipments, totaling 6.9 GW.
CSI Solar, its subsidiary, maintained profitability amid market challenges and reduced storage shipments, attributing success to manufacturing efficiencies in Asia and the ramp-up of its U.S. module facility. Additionally, Canadian Solar expanded its e-Storage grid-scale energy storage system order pipeline to 91 GWh, including a $3.2 billion contracted backlog, signaling robust growth in the energy storage sector.
Aligned Climate Capital Closes Solar Fund Above $200 Million Target
Aligned Climate Capital successfully closed its Aligned Solar Partners 6 LP (ASP6) fund, surpassing the $200 million target with commitments from leading institutional investors globally.
The fund focuses on acquiring construction-ready distributed solar projects across the U.S., financing their development, and generating returns through tax credit monetization, operating income distributions, and portfolio sales. ASP6 has already placed over 25 MW of distributed solar projects into service in Maine and Washington, D.C., with additional projects underway in other states. This achievement underscores the growing investor confidence in distributed solar energy investments.
Tariffs Reshape Economics of U.S. Energy Storage Projects
Recent tariffs imposed on imported energy storage components are significantly impacting the economics of U.S. energy storage projects.
The increased costs are causing developers to reassess project viability, potentially slowing the deployment of battery storage systems crucial for grid reliability and renewable integration. The industry is calling for policy adjustments to mitigate these effects and support the continued growth of energy storage as a key component of the clean energy transition.
Proposed Rule Changes May Alter Solar Supply Chains
The U.S. government is considering rule changes targeting foreign entities of concern, which could significantly affect solar supply chains.
The proposed regulations aim to reduce dependency on countries like China for solar components, promoting domestic manufacturing and supply diversification. While intended to enhance national security and economic resilience, these changes may lead to short-term disruptions and increased costs in the solar industry, necessitating strategic adjustments by stakeholders to maintain growth momentum.
Aypa Power closes $535 million for California utility-scale solar project
Aypa Power, a Blackstone portfolio company, secured $535 million in debt financing for a utility-scale solar and energy storage project in California.
The Vidal project will feature 160 MW of solar capacity and a 160 MW/640 MWh battery energy storage system. Scheduled to be operational by 2026, it aims to support California's goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045 .The project will provide electricity and renewable energy certificates to San Diego Community Power under a long-term agreement, generating 260 jobs and $13.5 million in local economic benefits.
Peoples Move
Andreas Plenk Appointed Chief Revenue Officer at sonnen
Andreas Plenk has been named Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at sonnen, a leading company in energy storage and smart energy systems. In this strategic role, Plenk will oversee global sales and drive growth across sonnen’s residential and commercial segments.
With a strong background in renewable energy and executive roles at major energy firms, he brings extensive experience in scaling clean energy businesses. sonnen aims to accelerate its expansion and innovation in decentralized energy solutions. Plenk’s appointment reflects sonnen’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global energy transition.
Dr. Maikel Strug Appointed Managing Director at GW Energytec GmbH & Co. KG
Dr. Maikel Strug has been appointed as the new Managing Director of GW Energytec GmbH & Co. KG. With extensive experience in energy systems and corporate leadership, Dr. Strug will focus on driving the company’s strategic direction and expanding its presence in the energy solutions market.
GW Energytec specializes in integrated and future-oriented energy systems for municipalities, industry, and utilities. Under Dr. Strug’s leadership, the company aims to enhance innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. His appointment signals a renewed focus on smart technologies and customer-centric energy solutions in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Anubhav Tandon Promoted to Vice President of Engineering at Gridworks
Anubhav Tandon has been promoted to Vice President of Engineering at Gridworks, where he will lead engineering and technical strategy across the company’s grid modernization initiatives.
With a strong background in energy systems, software, and product development, Tandon has played a crucial role in Gridworks' innovation efforts.
In his new role, he will oversee the development and deployment of advanced technologies that support resilient and efficient grid infrastructure. His promotion highlights Gridworks' commitment to nurturing internal talent and advancing its mission of accelerating the transition to a reliable, decarbonized energy grid through engineering excellence.
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