22/6/2025-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves
- Viridian Energy
- Jun 20
- 7 min read
Germany News
Aiko and Brunel Solar Team extend World Solar Challenge partnership
Aiko Energy and the Brunel Solar Team from the Netherlands have renewed their partnership for the 2025 World Solar Challenge. Aiko, a global solar cell leader, will continue to supply its high-efficiency ABC modules to power the solar race car.
The collaboration combines innovative technology with competitive performance, aiming to break new efficiency records. The World Solar Challenge, set in Australia, is one of the most prestigious solar car races globally. Both partners see the event as a platform for demonstrating cutting-edge solar solutions in real-world, high-performance applications.
Segen and BNP Paribas offer PV and storage financing for businesses
Segen Germany and BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions have introduced a new financing program for commercial solar PV and battery storage systems. The partnership enables companies to access flexible leasing options, eliminating high upfront costs and encouraging sustainable investments.
Targeting installers and business owners, the offering supports the deployment of renewable energy and storage in commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors. The program aligns with Germany’s energy transition goals and responds to increasing demand for green technologies with financially accessible solutions.
Project SYNEA: Synchronizing PV, wind, and grid expansion in Baden-Württemberg
The SYNEA project, led by the state of Baden-Württemberg, aims to align the expansion of photovoltaic, wind power, and grid infrastructure in a coordinated manner. Recognizing bottlenecks in energy transmission, the initiative seeks to ensure simultaneous development of generation and grid capacities.
Key partners include universities, grid operators, and industry players. The pilot will assess regional energy needs and grid capacity, identifying optimal rollout strategies. The project exemplifies how synchronized planning can accelerate the energy transition and prevent costly delays in renewable integration.
Voltfang secures funding and opens Europe’s largest second-life battery factory
Voltfang, a German startup specializing in second-life battery storage, has closed a significant funding round and opened Europe’s largest factory for repurposed EV batteries.
Located in Aachen, the facility will scale up production of sustainable energy storage solutions for C&I customers. The company’s technology gives used EV batteries a second life, reducing waste and raw material dependency. Investors include PwC’s sustainability-focused fund and other strategic partners. With the new facility, Voltfang aims to expand market reach and contribute to a circular economy in energy storage.
Agri-PV plant completed but not yet connected to the grid
An agrivoltaic (Agri-PV) installation in Rhineland-Palatinate is fully constructed but remains inactive due to missing grid connection.
The project combines food production with solar energy, using elevated PV modules over farmland. Despite completion, the system is awaiting utility coordination, highlighting regulatory and infrastructural hurdles facing Agri-PV development. Stakeholders are calling for faster permitting and clearer guidelines to prevent delays. The case underscores the potential and current challenges of Agri-PV in supporting Germany’s dual goals of renewable expansion and agricultural viability.
USA News
D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments begins 205 MW solar + 1000 MWh storage project in Arizona
D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) has started construction on the Sancho Solar + Storage project in Pinal County, Arizona.
The site will include a 205 MWac solar array and a 1000 MWh battery energy storage system. Set to be operational in 2026, the project will provide clean energy to Arizona Public Service under a long-term power purchase agreement. The facility will support grid reliability during peak demand and advance Arizona’s decarbonization goals. DESRI emphasized the project’s local economic benefits, including job creation and investment in infrastructure, as part of its commitment to a sustainable energy future.
California fast-tracks largest battery storage project
California has approved the swift development of the state’s largest battery energy storage system, a 1.6 GW/6.4 GWh project proposed by Hydrostor. Known as the Willow Rock Energy Storage Center, it will use advanced compressed air energy storage (A-CAES) technology.
Located in Kern County, the facility is designed to deliver up to 12 hours of energy storage, enhancing grid flexibility and reliability. With expedited approval from the California Energy Commission, the project addresses the state’s increasing need for long-duration storage to support renewable integration. It represents a milestone in the shift toward cleaner, resilient energy infrastructure.
U.S. Senate committee proposes major cuts to clean energy tax credits
A U.S. Senate Finance Committee draft bill proposes significant reductions to federal clean energy tax credits, potentially disrupting the growth of solar, wind, and energy storage sectors.
The bill targets provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, slashing credits for projects using prevailing wages, domestic content, and energy community bonuses. Industry leaders warn the move could deter investment, stall job creation, and reverse climate progress. Clean energy advocates are mobilizing to oppose the changes, emphasizing the credits’ role in driving innovation and reducing emissions. The proposal, if passed, would reshape the economic landscape for U.S. renewable energy projects.
U.S. residential solar market faces sharp decline
The U.S. residential solar market is nearing collapse due to a combination of rising interest rates, policy uncertainty, and weakened consumer demand. Analysts report dramatic declines in new installations and revenues among leading solar companies.
Financing has become costlier, and recent policy rollbacks, particularly in states like California, have made rooftop solar less attractive. Installers are laying off staff, and some firms face bankruptcy risks. Experts warn that without supportive policy interventions, the residential solar sector—which has been a key driver of renewable adoption—could experience lasting damage, jeopardizing broader clean energy and climate targets.
US Senate bill seeks to end solar and wind tax credits by 2028
A Senate Finance Committee draft—spearheaded by Sen. Mike Crapo—proposes accelerating the phase‑out of federal tax incentives for solar and wind energy: the credits would be cut to 60% of current value in 2026 and eliminated entirely by 2028.
In comparison, incentives for hydropower, nuclear, and geothermal would be extended through 2033 and phased out in 2036 The bill offers smoother terms than the House version—allowing projects to begin construction rather than complete—and preserves credit transferability to third parties, but clean‑energy advocates warn the rollback could derail investments, threaten jobs, and spook markets.
Peoples Moves
Simone Peter steps down as BEE president
Simone Peter is stepping down from her role as president of the German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE) after seven years. Under her leadership, BEE strengthened its advocacy for renewables, sustainability, and energy transition policies.
Peter emphasized the importance of citizen energy, grid expansion, and the role of renewables in securing energy independence. Her departure marks the end of a significant era in German energy policy advocacy. A successor has yet to be announced, but Peter will continue to support the energy transition in other roles.
Tandem PV appoints Frank Blohm as VP of Operations
Tandem PV, a U.S. developer of high‑efficiency perovskite‑silicon tandem solar panels, has brought on Frank Blohm as Vice President of Operations .
With prior executive leadership at Relyion Energy, EnerVenue, Infinera, Velodyne LiDAR, and Extreme Networks, Blohm will direct scaling of domestic supply chains, facility strategy, and real estate initiatives.
His addition follows Tandem’s recent $50 million Series A raise, aimed at scaling production of panels boasting up to 30% greater output than standard models. CEO Scott Wharton says Blohm’s expertise will help build resilient U.S. manufacturing and reduce foreign dependence, aligning with Tandem’s mission to strengthen American solar leadership
Thomas Cimino appointed interim CFO of Spruce Power
Spruce Power Holding Corporation has named Thomas Cimino as interim chief financial officer, effective June 5, 2025.
This leadership change follows the departure of Sarah Wells, the former CFO, who has left to pursue an opportunity at a private company. Cimino will oversee the company’s financial operations during the transition period.
Spruce, which focuses on residential solar and energy efficiency services, is actively searching for a permanent CFO. The company noted that Cimino brings deep financial expertise and will ensure continuity as it navigates key strategic and financial priorities amid a dynamic market landscape.
Boralex appoints Robin Deveaux as EVP and GM, North America
Boralex has named Robin Deveaux as executive vice president and general manager for North America, succeeding Hugues Girardin, who will retire at the end of 2025.
Deveaux has over 20 years of experience in renewable energy and professional services. He has held key leadership roles at Boralex, including vice president of finance and senior vice president of finance and asset management for North America. His deep knowledge of the company and the energy sector positions him to guide Boralex’s continued growth across its North American wind, solar, and energy storage assets.
Origis Energy appoints Alice Heathcote as CFO
Origis Energy has appointed Alice Heathcote as its new chief financial officer (CFO), effective immediately.
Heathcote will lead the company's capital markets strategy and oversee all financial operations.
She brings extensive renewable energy finance experience, having previously served as CFO at Strata Clean Energy. There, she led corporate finance, M&A, and capital markets initiatives, chaired the Risk Committee, and served on the Investment Committee. Her expertise in managing complex financial portfolios and strategic investments will support Origis’ mission to accelerate decarbonization through utility-scale solar, storage, and clean energy infrastructure across the U.S.
Jeremy Teresinski has joined Qcells USA Corp. as Vice President of Construction.
Bringing extensive experience in utility-scale solar and energy infrastructure, Jeremy steps into this strategic leadership role to oversee and scale Qcells’ construction operations across the U.S. Previously, he held senior roles at companies like Origis Energy and NextEra Energy, where he led multi-GW solar and storage project builds.
His appointment aligns with Qcells' ambitious growth in vertically integrated solar manufacturing and deployment.
As VP of Construction, Jeremy is expected to drive execution excellence and support Qcells’ mission of expanding clean energy infrastructure across North America.
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