28/12/2025-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves

USA News

Agrivoltaics Meets Cattle Ranching

Oregon-based RUTE SunTracker has deployed its first commercial solar system designed for cattle grazing land, demonstrating the potential of agrivoltaics to expand renewable energy use on ranchlands. The 120 kW, one-acre installation on an Angus ranch in Jackson County elevates PV panels to 13 ft, allowing cattle to graze freely beneath while benefiting from cooler, shaded ground that enhances grass growth and panel performance. RUTE’s elevated tracking system, built with recycled materials and tested for wind strength, targets future regional deployments and aims toward larger utility-scale projects. Read the full article here 

House Passes SPEED Act Permitting Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the SPEED Act, a bill intended to accelerate environmental reviews and federal permitting for energy and infrastructure projects by amending the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Supporters argue the reforms will reduce costly delays, spur investment, and boost energy and infrastructure development. However, critics — including environmental and renewable energy advocates — contend the changes could undercut critical environmental protections, reduce public input, and disadvantage wind and solar projects due to amendments limiting review requirements. The bill now advances to the Senate. Read the full article here

T1 Energy Secures Major Solar Supply Deal

T1 Energy Inc. has signed a three-year agreement to supply a minimum of 900 MW of U.S.-made solar modules to independent power producer Treaty Oak Clean Energy. The deal strengthens domestic solar manufacturing by using modules paired with solar cells from T1’s planned Austin, Texas facility, which is expected to offer over 60 % domestic content by late 2026 in line with tightening federal trade and content rules. This supply certainty enhances financing prospects for large-scale U.S. solar projects navigating new regulatory and trade dynamics. Read the full article here

Solar Power Comes Online at Former Coal Mine

A 160 MW solar project — the CPV Backbone Solar facility — is now fully operational on a reclaimed, decommissioned coal mine site in Garrett County, Maryland. Developed by CPV Renewable Power and constructed by Vanguard Energy Partners, the project exemplifies how brownfield redevelopment can advance clean energy while revitalizing previously unusable lands. The facility not only produces substantial renewable power but also includes community support investments like a multi-year contribution to the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation to bolster local environmental stewardship and economic benefits. Read the full article here 

Appalachian Clean Energy Jobs at Risk

A new report from ReImagine Appalachia finds that 67 % of projected clean energy jobs in the Appalachian region are now at risk due to recent federal policy shifts. The analysis shows a significant decline in clean energy investments across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky, reversing prior growth fueled by federal acts like the Inflation Reduction Act. The downturn threatens blue-collar job creation in manufacturing and construction just as funding stagnates, potentially increasing energy costs and weakening U.S. clean energy leadership amid broader market pressures.

Read the full article here

Germany News

Orrön Energy Sells 234 MW of German Solar Projects

Swedish renewables developer Orrön Energy AB has agreed to sell a portfolio of three solar development projects in Germany to Gülermak Renewables Deutschland Holding GmbH, marking a strategic divestment of early-stage assets. The projects, located in eastern Germany with a combined estimated capacity of 234 MW, are being developed as agrivoltaic installations that integrate solar generation with agricultural land use and optional battery storage. The total consideration could reach up to €14 million, with payments tied to milestone achievements through permitting and ready-to-build stages. Orrön will continue development until the projects reach maturity. Read the full article here

Germany Adds 1.56 GW of Solar in November, Offshore Expansion Begins

Germany continued its solar deployment in November 2025, adding an estimated 1.56 GW of new photovoltaic capacity as developers connected both ground-mounted and rooftop systems to the grid. This monthly build reflects ongoing momentum in the German PV market, contributing to a broader cumulative capacity that continues approaching national targets. In parallel, the country recorded its first offshore wind expansion of the year, signaling a more diversified renewable energy rollout. The sustained additions underscore how solar remains a cornerstone of Germany’s energy transition despite broader challenges in permitting and supply chain dynamics. Read the full article here

Germany’s PNE Exits Panama with Sale of Local Unit

German renewable developer PNE AG has exited the Panamanian market by selling its local unit and portfolio to the managing director of that business. This move consolidates PNE’s focus on core markets and assets, aligning operations more closely with strategic priorities in Europe. The sale reflects broader industry trends in project portfolio rationalisation, where companies streamline international operations to sharpen competitive positioning or respond to shifting regulatory and investment environments. The transition is poised to enable the local management team to drive future projects within Panama’s renewable energy sector independently.

Read the full article here 

Repowering and Revamping of Photovoltaic Plants on the Rise

In Germany and across Europe, repowering and revamping of aging photovoltaic installations are gaining traction as a key strategy to boost renewable generation without new land take-up. Operators like CEE Group are investing in replacing older modules with higher-performance technology, increasing output significantly—sometimes more than doubling capacity on the same footprint. Upgrading existing sites also leverages existing grid connections and infrastructure, shortening deployment timelines versus greenfield projects. Industry stakeholders see repowering as essential to accelerating the energy transition while extending the productive life of PV assets nearing the end of their initial operational terms. Read the full article here

Peoples Move

Anne Ekern Appointed SVP, CEO Office at T1 Energy Inc.

Anne Ekern serves as Senior Vice President, CEO Office at T1 Energy Inc., where she plays a strategic role in supporting executive leadership and advancing company-wide priorities. In this position, she works closely with the CEO to drive operational alignment, manage cross-functional initiatives, and support long-term growth strategies. Anne is known for her ability to translate high-level vision into actionable plans, ensuring execution across teams and stakeholders. Her role is critical in maintaining organizational focus as T1 Energy scales its operations and strengthens its position in the energy sector, contributing to effective decision-making and leadership coordination at the highest level.

Wade Gungoll – Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel, Stella Power Co.

Wade Gungoll serves as the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel at Stella Power Co., where he plays a dual leadership role spanning operations, legal strategy, and corporate governance. With deep experience in renewable energy development, Wade oversees project execution, risk management, and regulatory compliance across Stella Power’s solar and energy storage portfolio. His legal background strengthens contract structuring, financing support, and stakeholder negotiations, enabling efficient scaling in competitive U.S. power markets. Known for aligning operational discipline with legal foresight, Wade is instrumental in driving Stella Power’s growth, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently while meeting complex regulatory and commercial requirements.