California is taking steps to approve virtual power plants (VPP) to compete in statewide reliability markets. The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Commerce voted today to approve the Clean Local Power Act (SB 913). Introduced by Sen. Josh Becker (Menlo Park), SB 913 would give solar-charged batteries, electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps and other… The post California legislature considers VPPs and solar-charged battery compensation appeared first on Solar Power World.

ABB’s 47-year-old electrification service manufacturing facility in Florence, South Carolina, now meets 80% of its electricity with power from a nearby solar array. “We saw an opportunity to reduce our environmental impact while simultaneously improving our bottom line and resilience,” said Mateusz Zajac, Sustainability Leader for ABB Electrification Service. “Our Florence facility and its staff… The post ABB manufacturing facility in SC to meet 80% of electricity needs with on-site solar appeared first on Solar Power World.

In an April filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), solar panel manufacturer Maxeon revealed it has applied to be placed under “judicial management” in its headquartered country of Singapore. This is a method of debt restructuring when a company is under financial distress, but is not a bankruptcy filing. Maxeon stated that… The post Maxeon claims ‘financial distress’ in Singapore court appeared first on Solar Power World.

kWh Analytics has launched a data-sharing pilot program to reward renewable energy assets for extreme weather mitigation efforts. kWh Analytics is expanding its risk modeling capabilities by leveraging data from solar projects that employ advanced resilience measures beyond the information typically captured in standard insurance submissions. The initial focus of the pilot is on improving… The post kWh Analytics to reward hail-ready solar projects with lower insurance costs appeared first on Solar Power World.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into the sales practices of residential solar companies in the state. As part of the initiative, Paxton has issued civil investigative demands (CIDs) to a number of companies (including Freedom Forever, Sunrun, Lone Star Solar Services and CAM Solar). Collectively, there have been over 100 complaints… The post Texas attorney general launches investigation into residential solar sales practices appeared first on Solar Power World.

Nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors published a new report, “PPAs & Solar Leases: A practical guide to understanding third-party solar ownership,” to help consumers navigate these pathways to rooftop solar adoption. The report highlights how third-party ownership (TPO) models — including power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar leases — are expanding access to clean energy… The post Solar United Neighbors publishes consumer guide to PPAs, leases appeared first on Solar Power World.

The Trump Administration has reaffirmed existing tariffs on imported metals but is reducing some rates for products with differing levels of metal content that will go into effect today. President Donald Trump imposed Section 232 tariffs on imported steel and aluminum in 2018, and they lasted beyond his first term. Last week, the White House… The post Trump metal tariffs stick around, with some new exceptions appeared first on Solar Power World.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) approved a first-of-its-kind virtual power plant (VPP) program that will spur between 50 to 200 MW of new capacity, but renewable energy groups are criticizing the program’s approach. MPUC passed Phase 2 of Capacity*Connect from Xcel Energy, a utility-owned storage program, on Thursday. Capacity*Connect will deploy battery energy storage… The post Renewables groups believe Minnesota VPP program ‘misses the mark’ appeared first on Solar Power World.

Geronimo Power started commercial operations at its 117-MW Dodson Creek Solar Project in Highland County, Ohio. “Together with our community members and project partners, we’re proud to expand our commitment to Ohio,” said Andy Cukurs, COO for Geronimo Power. “With Dodson Creek, our total Ohio operating portfolio has reached 675 MW — that equates to… The post Ohio solar project built with modules manufactured in state appeared first on Solar Power World.

New York is allocating millions in funding to bolster the clean energy workforce in the state. Clean energy career development programs are receiving an additional $50 million, bringing the initiative’s total funding to $320 million. “Washington Republicans’ assault on renewables won’t stop New York from continuing our nation-leading clean energy progress,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “These investments… The post New York funds $50 million more for renewables workforce development appeared first on Solar Power World.

Solar industry partners collaborated recently to donate the solar system for the most recent St. Jude Dream Home in California’s Coachella Valley. The 2026 Coachella Valley St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway house includes a 3.8-kW Tigo EI Inverter donated by Tigo, Tigo TS4-A-O MLPE devices donated by Greentech Renewables and installation provided by GOAT Solar. The 5.72-kW… The post Solar companies donate system to St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway appeared first on Solar Power World.

A years-in-the-making solar panel assembly outfit in College Station, Texas, is now officially in operation but with a twist — all solar panels coming off the lines will be used in projects developed by the parent company. US Modules‘ first production line can produce 400 MW of utility-scale solar panels annually. A second line should… The post US Modules opens solar panel assembly plant in east-central Texas appeared first on Solar Power World.