30/08/2026-Solar & BESS Investment News & People's Move
- Viridian Energy
- 12 hours ago
- 6 min read
USA News
Solar carport + battery to save California county $21 million in energy costs
ForeFront Power is nearing completion of a 5.8-MW solar canopy and 1.9-MW battery storage project at the County Government Center in Ventura, California. Developed through a power purchase agreement with no upfront cost to the county, ForeFront Power will own and maintain the system.
The project is expected to generate more than $21 million in energy-cost savings over 20 years, while providing predictable electricity expenses and greater resilience. The initiative demonstrates how public agencies can use solar-plus-storage to reduce operating costs without significant upfront capital investment, supporting broader adoption of renewable energy infrastructure.
Northern Sun Energy building 23-MW New York community solar portfolio
Northern Sun Energy has started construction on two community solar projects totaling 23 MWDC in Waterford and Boonville, New York, for developer Seaboard Solar. Supported by NYSERDA grants, the projects will employ local workers and expand Northern Sun’s community-solar construction portfolio.
The sites present significant engineering and logistical challenges: Waterford is accessible through a bridge with a 20-ton weight limit, while Boonville faces some of the nation’s highest snow-load requirements. Northern Sun is working with GameChange Energy to develop suitable racking solutions. The projects highlight the importance of adaptable EPC execution for challenging sites and extreme weather conditions.
CenterNode invests in U.S. solar and storage EPC firm Aquila Energy
CenterNode has made a strategic investment in Aquila Energy, strengthening the renewable-energy EPC company’s financial position and bonding capacity. Aquila specializes in distributed-generation and small utility-scale solar and battery energy-storage projects.
The investment will support expansion of Aquila’s people, technology, project controls and execution capabilities across engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, safety and quality. The partnership targets a market increasingly underserved as larger EPC firms focus on major utility-scale projects. CenterNode’s capital and infrastructure expertise is expected to help Aquila scale while maintaining its customer-focused approach and supporting continued growth in U.S. renewable-energy construction.
Clean energy investments fall dramatically in Appalachia
Clean-energy and manufacturing investment in Appalachia has declined significantly from recent peaks, according to analysis from the Keystone Research Center and ReImagine Appalachia. Across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky, clean-energy deployment investment was 17% below its Q3 2024 peak, while clean-energy manufacturing investment was 26% below its Q4 2023 peak. Nationally, clean-tech manufacturing investment remained 24% below its Q2 2025 peak. However, consumer spending on clean energy and clean transportation increased during Q2 2026, supported by falling renewable-energy and battery-storage costs. The findings highlight both investment challenges and continued underlying clean-energy demand.
Avantus secures $300 million for California solar-plus-storage project
U.S. independent power producer Avantus has secured $300 million in tax equity from Truist Bank for its Aratina 2 solar-plus-storage project in Kern County, California. The project combines 150 MW of solar capacity with 452 MWh of battery storage and is currently under construction, with operations expected by the end of 2026.
Aratina 2 is part of the larger Aratina Solar Center, which will ultimately combine 350 MW of solar PV and 952 MWh of BESS. The financing demonstrates continued investor appetite for large-scale solar-plus-storage assets in California and supports Avantus’ expanding renewable-energy portfolio.
SWIF Rack and National Roofing Partners join services for commercial solar
SWIF Rack is partnering with National Roofing Partners (NRP) to provide integrated services supporting commercial solar deployment across the United States. The collaboration combines SWIF Rack’s solar-racking capabilities with NRP’s nationwide network of certified commercial roofing professionals.
The partnership is designed to streamline projects from initial roof assessments through rack installation, weatherproofing and long-term roof-warranty maintenance. By bringing roofing and solar expertise together, the companies aim to simplify commercial rooftop solar deployment and address an important challenge for C&I projects: protecting roof integrity while installing solar systems. The partnership could accelerate adoption of commercial rooftop solar nationwide.
Europe News
Zelestra powers up 27.5-MWp solar park in Germany
Spanish renewable-energy company Zelestra has reached full commercial operation at its 27.5-MWp Klevenow solar park in Germany, marking its first operational solar project in the German market. The project strengthens Zelestra’s European renewable portfolio and demonstrates its continued expansion into Germany’s growing solar sector.
The commissioning represents another step in the company’s strategy to develop and operate large-scale renewable-energy assets across Europe. Germany remains an important market for solar deployment as demand for clean electricity and renewable generation continues to grow. Zelestra’s entry also highlights increasing competition and investment among international renewable-energy developers targeting Germany’s energy transition.
Capalo AI and European Energy partner on Baltic assets
Capalo AI and European Energy have partnered to optimise two major hybrid solar-and-storage projects in the Baltic region. Together, the assets represent more than 140 MWp of solar generation and 71 MW/170 MWh of battery storage. The first project, Anykščiai in Lithuania, combines 78.5 MW of solar with a 25 MW/65 MWh battery. The second, Saldus in Latvia, will pair 65.7 MWp of solar with a 46 MW/105 MWh BESS. Capalo AI will manage trading, dispatch and optimisation across day-ahead, intraday and balancing markets, aiming to maximise revenues, reduce curtailment and minimise battery degradation.
Solar delivers as Europe’s power plants struggle amid heat and drought
Europe’s extreme summer heat and drought created significant challenges for conventional power generation, while solar power performed strongly. Nuclear, gas and coal plants faced reduced output because warmer, lower waterways limited cooling capacity, while low wind speeds also reduced wind generation.
Solar production, however, increased 17% above normal during heat waves, helping meet rising electricity demand from air conditioning. Battery storage extended the value of solar by shifting daytime generation into evening hours when demand and prices remained high. The events demonstrate how solar-plus-storage can strengthen grid resilience during extreme weather and support Europe’s growing electricity demand.
Germany sees no rush for small PV installations despite planned 2027 EEG changes
Germany’s small-scale photovoltaic market has not experienced the expected investment rush ahead of planned 2027 changes to the Renewable Energy Act (EEG). According to the Solarenergie-Förderverein Deutschland (SFV), installations in the residential segment up to 25 kW remain below last year’s level. Uncertainty surrounding future remuneration and grid-feed rules appears to be encouraging customers to delay investments rather than accelerate them.
SFV recommends that customers with already-planned systems consider commissioning them during 2026 to secure current conditions, while warning against accepting excessively expensive offers or compromising installation quality because of the limited timeframe.
PV becoming standard for new logistics and industrial properties in Germany
Photovoltaic systems are increasingly becoming a standard feature of new logistics and light-industrial properties in the Berlin region. A market report from Berliner Sparkasse and Bulwiengesa found that approximately 70–80% of logistics and light-industrial space completed since 2022 includes PV installations.
Large, relatively unobstructed roofs make these properties particularly suitable for solar generation. Developers are also combining PV with batteries, heat pumps, business processes and EV charging to increase self-consumption and manage peak demand. Energy performance is becoming increasingly important for financing, property value and marketability, while older buildings may face growing pressure to improve their energy efficiency.
Peoples Move
Tiare Tawil – Chief Executive Officer- Gridworks
Tiare Tawil has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Gridworks, taking on a senior leadership role focused on guiding the company’s strategic direction and growth.
As CEO, Tawil will be responsible for overseeing business operations, strengthening organizational performance, and advancing Gridworks’ position within the energy and infrastructure sector. Her appointment reflects the company’s focus on experienced leadership as it continues developing and delivering solutions related to grid infrastructure and energy transition. Tawil’s leadership will be important in supporting Gridworks’ future strategy, expanding its market presence, and creating value for customers and stakeholders across the evolving energy landscape.
Bob Bellemare – Chairperson of the Board- Gridworks
Bob Bellemare has taken on the role of Chairperson of the Board at Gridworks, providing strategic oversight and governance leadership for the company. In this position, Bellemare will work closely with the executive leadership team and board members to support long-term business objectives and organizational growth.
As Chairperson, his responsibilities include helping guide corporate strategy, strengthening governance practices, and ensuring effective board-level decision-making. His leadership comes at an important time as Gridworks continues operating within the rapidly evolving energy and infrastructure sector. Bellemare’s experience and guidance are expected to support the company’s strategic priorities and future development.
Matt Haddaway – Project Executive- Baker Electric
Matt Haddaway has joined Baker Electric as Project Executive, taking on a senior project leadership position within the company. In this role, Haddaway will likely oversee major project activities, coordinate teams and stakeholders, and support successful project delivery from planning through completion.
His responsibilities may include managing project schedules, resources, budgets, contractors, and client relationships while ensuring projects meet quality, safety, and performance requirements. The appointment strengthens Baker Electric’s project leadership capabilities and supports its ongoing work across the electrical and energy sectors. Haddaway’s experience will contribute to effective execution, operational coordination, and the successful delivery of complex projects.
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