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.
Voltalia secures maintenance deal for European renewable leader
Voltalia, a global renewable energy player, has inked a maintenance contract with an undisclosed European renewable energy leader. Under the agreement, Voltalia will oversee maintenance services for a 266 MW PV project in Lajes, Rio Grande do Norte. The contract encompasses predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance, with services including module cleaning, waste management, and spare parts management. Voltalia aims to provide swift assistance, with on-call services available within two hours. With this contract, Voltalia will manage over 900 MW for the same client. Currently, Voltalia operates and maintains 5 GW worldwide for third-party clients and 2.4 GW for its own account.
Trina Solar tops 205 GW cumulative shipments
Trina Solar, a leading provider of smart PV and energy storage solutions, has reported that its cumulative module shipments has surpassed 205 GW as of the end of Q1 2024. In 2023, the company generated $16.09 billion (RMB 113.392 billion) in revenue, marking a 27.26% increase from 2022, with module shipments reaching 65.21 GW, surging 51.33% from the previous year. Trina Solar shipped 20 GW of solar mounting systems and 5 GWh DC container and energy storage systems in 2023. The company’s cumulative module shipments include 120 GW of 210 mm modules. TrinaTracker has a global presence in over 60 countries, with an annual production capacity of 10 GW+ solar mounting systems.
Avaada Energy secures INR 4,471 crore refinancing
Avaada Energy, the renewable energy arm of Avaada Group, has concluded a significant refinancing deal worth INR 4,471 crore (around $535 Million) with NaBFID, a state-owned lender in India. The transaction involves four solar projects with a combined capacity of approx. 1,700 MW in Rajasthan. Rated ‘AA (Stable)’ by CareEdge Ratings, the deal enables the prepayment of existing loans and provides an exit for multiple lenders. NaBFID, a specialized institution under the Government of India, has sanctioned the 20-year Rupee Term Loan (RTL) facility, marking a substantial improvement over previous arrangements.
UMB collaborates with CI Renewables for PV canopy project
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) has entered a PPA with CI Renewables LLC for a solar project aimed at achieving a 100% carbon-neutral campus by 2045. CI will design, finance, install, own, and operate PV systems atop UMB’s Penn Street Garage and Pearl Garage. The 1.386 MW portfolio will collectively generate 1,504,000 kWh annually, equivalent to the electricity consumption of 207 homes yearly. UMB will purchase all electricity produced, adhering to a per-kilowatt-hour rate. Besides the CI PPA, UMB engages in three other PPAs through the University System of Maryland aligning with state Renewable Portfolio Standards and the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022. UMB has also acquired Green-e Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) since 2022, ensuring 100% renewable electricity usage.
Birch Creek Energy’s 547 MW order for First Solar
First Solar, Inc. has finalized an agreement with Birch Creek Energy to supply 547 MW of Series 6 Plus Bifacial thin film PV modules for various projects in the latter’s development pipeline in the United States. Additionally, First Solar claims to be on track to become the largest solar manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere with a projected annual US nameplate capacity of 14 GW by 2026, up from 6 GW by the end of 2023. This expansion is anticipated to have a positive impact on job creation with an estimated 30,060 jobs expected to be supported by First Solar’s operations by 2026 up from approximately 16,245 jobs in 2023.
Hyundai partners with Matrix for Stillhouse PV project
Matrix Renewables, supported by TPG Rise, has secured a renewable energy power purchase agreement with Hyundai Motor Group affiliates for 147 MWac from its Stillhouse Solar project in Bell County, Texas. Scheduled to commence operations in the latter half of 2025, the project, with a total capacity of 284 MWdc / 210 MWac, aims to provide clean energy, bolster grid resilience, and offset 200,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. Matrix Renewables will manage the development, construction, and operation of the project, with a focus on community benefits. In the US, Matrix oversees over 6.7 GW of operational and developmental projects across regions such as CAISO, MISO, ERCOT, and WECC, aligning with the increasing demand for renewable energy. Globally, Matrix’s portfolio exceeds 14 GW, encompassing solar power, battery storage, and green hydrogen initiatives. Sidley and 3Degrees provided legal counsel to Matrix and Hyundai Motor Group, respectively.