UGE International Ltd. has signed a service agreement with MaxSolar, a renewable energy project operator and maintenance provider. UGE, known for its leadership in commercial and community solar, transitioned to a full-cycle developer and IPP in 2020. With a decade of EPC experience, UGE has rapidly developed a portfolio of 12 operating projects, totaling 6.6 MW, with nine more projects, totaling 18.6 MW, under construction across six states. The development pipeline now stands at approximately 1 GW. Recognizing the importance of robust portfolio operations and maintenance, UGE has chosen MaxSolar to deliver US-wide services, including preventative and corrective maintenance, system monitoring, emergency response, and array cleaning. MaxSolar currently oversees 550 assets and 450 MW of capacity across 20 states and D.C.
First Solar reports Q1 2024 results
First Solar, Inc. has reported financial results for Q1 2024 ending on March 31. The company’s net sales totaled $794 million, down $0.4 billion from the previous quarter. Earnings per diluted share were $2.20, compared to $3.25 in Q4 2023. The company produced 2.4 GW of S6 modules and 1.2GW of S7 modules in Q1 2024. First Solar’s 2024 guidance forecasts net sales of $4.4 billion to $4.6 billion and operating income of $1.5 billion to $1.6 billion.
Sunrun boosts Puerto Rico’s energy resilience
Sunrun, a clean energy subscription provider, has enrolled nearly 1,800 customers, totaling over 2,000 batteries, in its PowerOn Puerto Rico virtual power plant. Since last fall, the program has supplied dependable solar-plus-storage energy to the island’s grid. Sunrun leads Puerto Rico’s Battery Emergency Demand Response Program, set to compensate customers for participation. When LUMA foresees power shortfalls, Sunrun’s fleet dispatches stored solar energy to stabilize the grid while reserving 40% capacity for customer backup. After years of development, Sunrun partnered with LUMA, enrolling customers in PowerOn Puerto Rico. Participants earn compensation of $550 on average while helping prevent blackouts and fossil fuel use while Sunrun earns management fees. Puerto Rico extends net energy metering, encouraging residents to generate clean energy. Sunrun and LUMA anticipate 50 to 125 annual events requiring on-demand energy on average.
Zambia signs 1 GW solar PPA with SkyPower
SkyPower Global and Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) have signed a 1 GW Power Purchase Agreement to enhance Zambia’s renewable energy capacity. Construction is set to begin next year, with financial arrangements and environmental studies to be completed. The project is expected to increase Zambia’s power generation capacity by 30%, create thousands of jobs, and provide power to several million homes. This initiative aims to supply electricity to around 4 million homes and boost renewable energy capacity.
MN8 Energy orders solar modules from First Solar
First Solar, Inc. has announced an order from MN8 Energy LLC for 457 MW of advanced thin film solar modules. The deal includes 170 MW of Series 6 Plus bifacial modules and 287 MW of Series 7 modules, intended for projects across the northeastern and southern United States. With a 6 GW annual US nameplate capacity as of 2023, First Solar plans to expand its Ohio footprint to over 7 GW this year. The company will invest over $2 billion in new manufacturing facilities in Alabama and Louisiana, set to come online in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Additionally, around $450 million will be commissioned in R&D infrastructure in Perrysburg, Ohio, in the latter half of this year. MN8, formerly known as Goldman Sachs Renewable Power, operates a 3.2 GW portfolio, catering to corporates, government entities, and utilities. MN8 has previously collaborated with First Solar on the American Kings Solar project acquisition in California.
Alternus Clean Energy expands US solar footprint
Alternus Clean Energy, Inc., a transatlantic IPP, has signed definitive agreements with a US-based fund to acquire over 80 MW of operating portfolio across the US. This acquisition will nearly triple its operational projects to over 120 MW, distributed across eight states. The portfolio includes 33 projects with PPA averaging over 12 years, involving 16 different counterparties. Approximately 20% of these agreements fall within the AAA and AA rating categories, such as Duke Energy, bolstering financial stability. The portfolio is expected to generate an average of $6.7 million in revenue and $5.1 million in operating income annually. The total consideration, including existing project debt, is approximately $60 million. Alternus plans to fund the acquisition at the project level, aiming for completion by the end of Q2 2024, subject to certain closing conditions, including restructuring and assumption of existing debt.
Growatt launches NEO 800M-X microinverter solution
Growatt has introduced the NEO 800M-X microinverter, tailored for European markets, especially Germany, to meet the rising demand for balcony solar setups. Available in 600 W, 800 W, and 1000 W models, the microinverter is said to achieve 97.3% efficiency with dual MPPTs and IP67 waterproofing. The ShinePhone App allows panel-level monitoring for performance tracking. With a 10-year warranty, the company claims that the compact design ensures easy plug-and-play installation, enabling users to self-install within 5 minutes, overcoming space constraints and reducing reliance on installers.
GAF Energy inaugurates Timberline solar manufacturing facility in Texas
GAF Energy, a specialist in roof-integrated solar solutions and a part of Standard Industries, has inaugurated a new 450,000 sq ft solar roof Timberline Solar production facility in Georgetown, Texas. This new manufacturing facility, the company’s second, will increase its capacity by 500% and bring the total production of its solar shingle to 300 MW annually. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the community by creating high-paying jobs and career opportunities in advanced manufacturing and clean energy sectors. With the facility set to increase GAF Energy’s production capacity, it positions the company as a significant player in the global solar roofing market.
Southern Power advances Millers Branch Solar expansion
Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, has announced the expansion of its Millers Branch Solar Facility in Haskell County, Texas. The Phase II expansion adds 180 MW to the existing 200 MW Phase I facility, potentially reaching a total of 500 MW. Southern Power oversees the project’s development and construction, targeting commercial operation for Phase II by the second quarter of 2026. Notable companies including Cisco, Juniper Networks, and IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., among others, have signed power purchase agreements with Southern Power for the renewable energy credits from Phase II. With this expansion, Southern Power’s solar portfolio now exceeds 2,920 MW in operation or under construction.
Aspen Power acquires Illinois community solar projects
Aspen Power, a distributed generation platform, has partnered with a developer to acquire 20 community solar projects, primarily in Illinois, totaling up to 19 MW. The portfolio includes projects at various stages, some already in construction, set to commission this year. Community solar in Illinois has grown due to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), aiming to make solar energy accessible to low- and moderate-income communities. Aspen’s move reflects favorable market conditions in Illinois due to ongoing policy support. This acquisition broadens Aspen’s community solar presence across Maine, New York, Maryland, California, and Illinois, targeting gigawatt scale by mid-decade. Aspen collaborates with Common Energy to manage these projects, enabling local households to save on electricity bills and reduce emissions.