CPP Wind Engineering, a global wind engineering consultancy for solar, is launching a wind certification program for utility-scale solar projects, which the organization believes is the first of its kind in the industry. The new program aims to improve the performance and durability of utility-scale solar over a range of wind conditions. The program offers… The post CPP Wind Engineering develops wind testing certification for utility-scale solar appeared first on Solar Power World.

Autonomous technology developer Mach is launching a platform for adapting commercial lawn mowers for autonomous deployment on solar project sites. This technology factory integrates with major commercial mowers. “Utility-scale solar sites present one of the most demanding operational environments in off-road autonomy: narrow clearances, dense panel shadows, GPS-degraded zones and zero tolerance for infrastructure strikes,”… The post Mach debuts autonomous mowing platform for solar project sites appeared first on Solar Power World.

First Solar will today inaugurate the first phase of its new manufacturing facility in Gaffney, South Carolina. The $330 million facility onshores final production processes for the company’s Series 6 Plus modules. The Gaffney plant currently employs approximately 500 people, and First Solar expects that number to rise to 700 by mid-2027 when the facility’s… The post First Solar to inaugurate South Carolina solar panel finishing facility appeared first on Solar Power World.

SolSmart, a national program that helps local governments remove barriers to solar energy adoption, today marks its tenth anniversary. Since 2016, SolSmart has helped over 600 local governments and regional organizations cut red tape, increase energy choice for residents and strengthen community energy resilience. SolSmart is a free technical assistance program supported by the U.S.… The post SolSmart celebrates 10 years of helping local governments go solar appeared first on Solar Power World.

Renewable energy is still outpacing fossil fuels as the leading new sources of electricity on the U.S. grid. Electrical generation from renewable energy sources has increased by 10%, or more than 43 GW, in the first eight months of 2026, according to an analysis of Energy Information Administration (EIA) data by the SUN DAY Campaign.… The post EIA: Renewables could overtake natural gas output in 2027 appeared first on Solar Power World.

Distributed Energy Infrastructure (DEI), an EPC firm for solar and battery storage, has completed the 3.37-MWDC Sapphire Solar project in Jefferson County, New York. Shallow bedrock and a high water table presented site challenges that required the team to adapt its design mid-construction. During excavation, DEI encountered shale bedrock only 16 to 20 in. below… The post Distributed Energy Infrastructure completes New York solar project despite site challenges appeared first on Solar Power World.

Gov. Wes Moore announced that the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is launching “Megawatts for Maryland,” a $200 million auction program to build new clean energy generation over the next two years and help lower power costs for ratepayers. MEA will administer the program, which was established through the Utility RELIEF Act, Moore signed into law… The post Maryland state renewables program hopes to fill gap left by OBBBA appeared first on Solar Power World.

It’s no secret that Puerto Rico has an energy problem. An aging electrical grid and frequent hurricane activity have left the island with an unreliable power supply. Frequent and prolonged blackouts have led many Puerto Ricans to turn to solar energy. Ricardo Fonseca, owner of Ingenious Solution Services, has been installing solar and battery storage… The post Case study: Puerto Rican apartment complex relies on battery power appeared first on Solar Power World.

Community solar management service Neighborhood Sun has acquired Meadow Energy, a community solar aggregator with a substantial project portfolio in New York. The acquisition doubles Neighborhood Sun total project portfolio from approximately 300 MWDC to more than 600 MWDC, and quadruples its presence in New York state. Climate First Bank helped facilitate the transaction. “Climate… The post Neighborhood Sun acquires Meadow Energy and its NY community solar portfolio appeared first on Solar Power World.

Construction automation company Xpanner has unveiled the X1 Piling R6, a fully automated pile driving system for utility-scale solar and battery energy storage (BESS) sites. X1 pairs Xpanner’s automation stack with the Everstar R6 crawler base machine. Operators upload the pile plan, walk the machine to the row and press one button. X1 then travels… The post Xpanner unveils automated pile driving system for solar and BESS appeared first on Solar Power World.

A national bill proposing the legalization of plug-in solar was introduced in the House of Representatives on Oct. 19. Since late 2025, legislative bodies have been passing bills permitting the consumer-level use of these portable solar generation devices within particular states. HR 10851, also known as the “Socket Full of Sunshine Act,” is the first… The post Bill calling for nationwide plug-in solar adoption introduced in House appeared first on Solar Power World.

A new community solar garden in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is now producing power for low-moderate income (LMI) residents. The 704-kW system sits on the city-owned Eastside Maintenance Facility and serves 100 LMI subscribers, with 25 spots remaining. The Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) and Greenway Solar developed the project that was funded in part by a $150,000… The post Minneapolis unveils 704-kW community solar garden for LMI subscribers appeared first on Solar Power World.