23/11/2025-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves
- Viridian Energy
- Nov 21
- 5 min read
USA News
First Solar Invests $330M in South Carolina Factory
First Solar announced a $330 million investment to build a new solar module manufacturing facility in Gaffney, South Carolina. The plant will add 3.7 GW of annual production capacity and create approximately 600 jobs. This expansion strengthens First Solar’s U.S. footprint and supports domestic supply chain goals amid rising demand for renewable energy. The company aims to start operations by late 2026, positioning itself as a leader in American-made solar technology. Read the full article here
Federal Cuts Hit Solar Incentives
The U.S. government has eliminated the $7 billion Solar For All program and will end the 30% residential solar tax credit after December 2025. These cuts have shocked homeowners and installers, leaving thousands of rooftop solar projects in limbo. Industry experts warn that this decision could slow adoption rates and undermine climate goals. Many families who planned installations now face higher costs, creating uncertainty for the residential solar sector.
Versiris Energy Completes Logistically Tricky Rooftop Solar Project
Versiris Energy has successfully installed a 575.36-kWDC rooftop solar system for a national retail facility in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The project, featuring 992 solar modules and seven inverters, faced significant logistical challenges due to restricted driving access and frequent truck deliveries.
Versiris engineered custom switchgear and implemented a detailed logistics plan to ensure smooth operations without disrupting business. The fully ballasted system will provide clean energy for years, showcasing collaboration between Versiris and Cedar Creek Energy. This project highlights adaptability and innovation in commercial solar deployment.
5-MW Solar Project at Wastewater Plant Should Save City $25 Million
ForeFront Power completed a 5-MW solar and storage project at Vacaville’s Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant in California. Generating 8.1 million kWh annually, the system offsets the facility’s electricity demand and is projected to save the city over $25 million in energy costs.
Developed under a 20-year power purchase agreement, the city benefits from fixed, lower electricity rates and zero maintenance costs. This initiative supports Vacaville’s sustainability goals, ensuring reliable operations for a plant treating 7.5 million gallons of wastewater daily while reducing environmental impact.
Maryland Opens $13 Million in Grants for Commercial and Canopy Solar Projects
The Maryland Energy Administration has launched a $13 million grant program to help businesses and nonprofits adopt solar energy systems, including canopy installations. Part of the FY2026 Commercial and Canopy Solar Program, these grants aim to cut energy costs, reduce emissions, and promote sustainability. Funded by the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund, the program reinvests proceeds from greenhouse gas auctions into clean energy initiatives. Applications are open until February 9, 2026, offering organizations a chance to lower expenses while supporting climate goals.
Germany News
Statkraft has inaugurated Germany’s largest solar-plus-storage hybrid plant
Statkraft has inaugurated Germany’s largest solar-plus-storage hybrid plant near Zerbst, Saxony-Anhalt. The €45 million facility combines a 46.4 MW solar farm with a 16 MW battery system capable of storing 57 MWh. Built on a former gravel pit, the plant will generate 50,000 MWh annually, cutting 32,000 tons of CO₂. This project demonstrates how hybrid systems can stabilize grids and optimize renewable energy use under Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act.
Germany Adds 1.15 GW Solar in October
Germany installed 1,146 MW of new solar capacity in October 2025, up from 942 MW in September. Ground-mounted PV systems drove the surge, while rooftop installations slowed. Cumulative capacity now exceeds 113 GW, keeping Germany on track toward its 2030 target of 215 GW despite recent policy challenges.
Brandenburg Approves Special Levy for Solar and Wind
Brandenburg’s parliament has passed a new “Renewable Energies Special Levy Law” (BbgEESG), merging its wind-and solar-levy rules into a single framework. Solar Park operators with more than 1 MW capacity (commissioned after 31 Dec 2024) must pay €2,000 per MW per year to the host municipality. For wind power, new turbines from 2026 will pay €5,000 per MW annually — moving from a flat rate to a performance-based system. Municipalities and developers can now agree on advance payments of up to ten years. Critics warn that the higher charges could burden wind projects significantly, and they raise concerns about removal reporting requirements.
Solmotion begins construction on three agri-PV plants
Solmotion Project GmbH has started building three agricultural-photovoltaic (agri-PV) plants in southern Germany, with a combined capacity of over 15 MWp, despite the political uncertainty around EU subsidy approval The sites are in Bad Waldsee, Böhringen and Kißlegg. By deploying modern tracker systems and bifacial modules, Solmotion aims to maximize solar yields while preserving agricultural usability of the land.
Peoples Move
Sharlon Webb – Principal Chief Executive Officer, Sacred Element Solar, LLC
Sharlon Webb leads Sacred Element Solar, LLC as Principal Chief Executive Officer, driving the company’s mission to deliver innovative and accessible clean-energy solutions.
Under Webb’s leadership, the company focuses on solar development, community-focused renewable projects, and sustainable energy adoption across local markets. Webb is recognized for a strategic approach that blends technical insight with strong stakeholder engagement, enabling the company to expand its impact in residential, commercial, and community solar sectors. Through a commitment to quality, transparency, and long-term value creation, Webb continues to position Sacred Element Solar as a trusted partner in the rapidly evolving U.S. solar landscape.
James Van Laar – President and Founder, Lumen Point Energy LLC
James Van Laar founded Lumen Point Energy LLC with the vision of advancing distributed solar and energy-efficiency solutions for commercial and industrial clients. As President, he oversees company strategy, project development, and key partnerships that support scalable clean-energy deployments.
Van Laar’s background in business operations and energy management enables Lumen Point Energy to deliver optimized, cost-effective systems tailored to customer needs. His leadership emphasizes reliability, system performance, and long-term client relationships. Under his direction, the company has strengthened its presence in the C&I solar market, helping organizations reduce energy costs while contributing to broader sustainability and decarbonization goals.
Leonard Voges – Head of Operations & Engineering, Peeek Industry Solutions
Leonard Voges leads Operations & Engineering at Peeek Industry Solutions, overseeing the company’s technical strategy, project execution, and operational performance.
In this role, he drives process optimization, engineering excellence, and continuous improvement across all service lines. Voges supports the delivery of high-quality industrial solutions by aligning engineering teams, enhancing workflow efficiency, and ensuring strong technical compliance. His leadership contributes to seamless project delivery, improved reliability, and scalable operational structures. With a focus on innovation and customer-centric execution, Voges plays a key role in strengthening Peeek Industry Solutions’ position as a trusted provider in industrial engineering and operations.
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