22/02/2026-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves
- Viridian Energy
- Feb 19
- 5 min read
USA News Capped Rhode Island landfill adds 5.74 MW of solar power
The Coventry Landfill in Rhode Island has been transformed from underutilized waste land into a productive clean-energy site with a 5.74 MW solar installation completed by Ameresco and Luminace.
The project demonstrates how capped landfills can be repurposed for renewable energy generation, avoiding new land disturbances while providing financial benefits to local communities. The solar array will generate lease revenue, pay taxes, and contribute roughly $4.4 million in economic value over the initial lease period, supporting landfill cap maintenance and job creation in the region. This initiative strengthens Rhode Island’s solar footprint and serves as a model for sustainable land reuse.
Perch Energy acquires community solar management company Solstice
Perch Energy announced the acquisition of community solar customer acquisition and management specialist Solstice, significantly expanding its footprint in the U.S. community solar market.
The deal enhances Perch’s technology, sales, and operational capabilities, adding a portfolio of contracted projects representing about 550 MW of capacity. Post-acquisition, Perch will manage over 3 GW of solar across more than 1,000 projects in 16 states, serving over 450,000 residential equivalents. The deal follows Perch’s 2025 venture with Arcadia and underscores the company’s strategy to scale through M&A, deepen market penetration, and deliver clean energy savings for consumers and developers alike.
Imagine if Tesla’s 100 GW solar factory gets built
An ambitious thought experiment explores what a 100 GW-per-year fully integrated solar manufacturing facility in the United States might look like, sparked by Elon Musk’s comments about pursuing such capacity. A factory of this scale could span ingots to finished modules, requiring substantial capex potentially exceeding $30 billion but leading to significant domestic production scale and reduced reliance on imports.
Modelled over a decade, such a facility might produce 1,000 TWh annually by 2035, potentially supplying about 15 % of U.S. electricity demand. Yet realizing this vision will face supply-chain, permitting, and labor hurdles, making it uncertain whether it will materialize.
Treasury, IRS interim guidance on prohibited foreign entities for solar tax credits The U.S. Treasury and IRS released interim guidance under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act detailing how solar and energy storage projects determine eligibility for tax credits amid restrictions on material assistance from prohibited foreign entities (PFEs).
The guidance introduces the Material Assistance Cost Ratio (MACR), requiring a minimum percentage of direct costs from non-PFE sources for Clean Electricity Production and Investment Credits. For 2026 builds, thresholds include 40 % for facilities and 55 % for storage. The document also outlines safe harbors to ease compliance and has invited public comments before final regulations, offering clarity for project developers navigating tax incentives.
Lydian secures US$689 million for three U.S. BESS and solar projects
Lydian Energy has secured approximately US$689 million in financing to develop three combined battery energy storage system (BESS) and solar projects in the United States, advancing grid resilience and renewable integration.
The funding will help construct utility-scale solar paired with energy storage, enabling more reliable clean power and flexible operation during peak demand. This investment reflects growing capital flows into hybrid renewables and storage assets as the U.S. grid transitions to low-carbon energy. With battery storage increasingly key for balancing intermittent solar generation, Lydian’s projects exemplify how large-scale solar plus storage can support grid stability and expand renewable energy deployment.
Germany News
ABO Energy wins 50 MW in latest German solar tender, securing tariffs for three new solar parks and completing a clean sweep of all 2025 tender rounds
ABO Energy achieved success in Germany’s latest Federal Network Agency solar tender, securing tariffs for three new solar parks totalling around 50 MW.
Projects in Schlangenbad (Hesse), Ober-Olm (Rhineland-Palatinate) and Schieder-Schwalenberg (North Rhine-Westphalia) continue the company’s strong performance, following victories in earlier 2025 rounds, marking awards in all three tender rounds last year. Construction is expected to begin in autumn 2026, with battery storage added in 2027 to improve grid flexibility. These sites are part of a broader hybrid portfolio totalling about 100 MW of PV and 80 MW of storage.
German court declares development plan for 180 MW solar park invalid
A higher administrative court in Berlin-Brandenburg ruled that the development plan for the 180 MW Boitzenburger Land solar park in Brandenburg is invalid due to significant substantive defects in assessing the site’s suitability.
The 128-hectare photovoltaic project, commissioned in 2023 and built by GP JOULE, was challenged by an environmental group alleging inadequate environmental evaluation. The court found errors in both factual investigation and evaluation. Although the ruling does not require immediate plant dismantling, it underscores increasing legal scrutiny of solar planning and may signal heightened permitting risks for future projects.
Photovoltaic additions in Germany hit about 1.1 GW in January
Germany’s photovoltaic capacity growth in January 2026 is forecast at around 1.1 GW, according to early data from the Federal Network Agency’s market register.
This figure is roughly 21 % below December’s additions and nearly 29 % lower than January 2025’s total. The new installations include roughly equal shares on rooftops and ground-mounted systems, reflecting ongoing diversification of deployment. Despite solid growth, the January pace remains below the deployment rate needed to reach Germany’s long-term goal of more than 215 GW of PV capacity by 2030, suggesting continued policy and market efforts will be necessary to accelerate expansion.
New partnership to strengthen the solar energy sector in Zambia and Malawi
The German Solar Association (BSW-Solar) has partnered with the Solar Industry Association of Zambia (SIAZ) and the Renewable Energy Industry Association of Malawi (REIAMA) in a three-year initiative to bolster solar energy development in both countries.
Supported by sequa, the collaboration aims to build institutional capacity in organizational development, services, and communication while promoting the energy transition and stronger ties with Germany’s solar and storage industries. Zambia faces energy shortages due to drought impacting hydropower, while Malawi’s electrification rate remains low. The partnership seeks to expand solar deployment, strengthen industry representation, and foster job creation and climate mitigation.
Peoples Move
Stephen Lynch – COO | Co-Founder | Belenus Power Group
Stephen Lynch is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Belenus Power Group, playing a key leadership role in driving operational strategy and business execution.
With strong experience in renewable energy and project delivery, he supports the company’s growth across the solar and clean energy infrastructure sector. As COO, Stephen focuses on improving internal processes, managing large-scale project operations, and ensuring efficient delivery for clients and partners. His role is critical in scaling Belenus Power Group’s capabilities while maintaining high standards in performance, safety, and execution. He is also actively involved in strategic decision-making and long-term business development.
Jack Bennett – CEO | Belenus Power Group
Jack Bennett is the Chief Executive Officer of Belenus Power Group, leading the company’s overall strategy, expansion, and market positioning within the renewable energy sector.
As CEO, he is responsible for building partnerships, strengthening client relationships, and driving business growth across solar and energy infrastructure projects. Jack plays a central role in shaping the company’s vision, supporting talent development, and ensuring Belenus Power Group remains competitive in a fast-growing market. His leadership focuses on scaling the organization, delivering high-quality project outcomes, and expanding the company’s presence across key regions.
Jose Rojas – Chief Operating Officer | Earthbound Solar
Jose Rojas serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Earthbound Solar, where he leads operational strategy and oversees the execution of solar energy projects. In his role, he is responsible for driving efficiency across project delivery, managing internal teams, and ensuring high standards in safety, scheduling, and quality.
Jose plays a key part in scaling the company’s operations as demand for renewable energy continues to grow. His leadership supports Earthbound Solar’s ability to deliver reliable solar solutions for clients while maintaining strong performance across construction and implementation. He also contributes to strategic planning and long-term growth initiatives.
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