The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) this week finalized portions of its community solar program that solar advocates continue to describe as “unworkable and destined for failure.” “California remains committed to delivering on clean energy options for all customers,” said CPUC President John Reynolds. “Our decision makes sure that competitive community solar programs grow responsibly,… The post CPUC passes through ‘failed’ community solar program, industry advocates say appeared first on Solar Power World.

The Vertex N Shield solar panel from Trinasolar is now available to the North American market. The 620-W Vertex N Shield with 23% efficiency is engineered to withstand the extreme weather and common risks found in nature while maximizing system performance and lowering LCOE. Built on Trina’s 210-mm n-type TOPCon platform, Vertex N Shield combines… The post Hail-resistant Trina Vertex N Shield solar panel now available to US market appeared first on Solar Power World.

Solar racking and tracker manufacturer ARRAY Technologies crossed the 100 GW line for shipping solar tracker product. “Surpassing 100 GW of tracker products delivered worldwide is a significant milestone not just for ARRAY, but for the continued growth and maturation of the global solar industry,” said Kevin Hostetler, CEO of ARRAY. “It’s not just about… The post ARRAY ships 100 GW of solar trackers globally since founding appeared first on Solar Power World.

RWE and Meta have arranged a long-term corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) for the electricity generated by the 298-MWAC Rabbit’s Foot Solar project in Northeast Texas. Rabbit’s Foot began construction earlier this year. Once operational, the energy generated at Rabbit’s Foot will support Meta’s operations and expanding data center energy demands. The solar project is… The post RWE secures Meta PPA on 298-MW Texas solar project appeared first on Solar Power World.

On September 27, 2024, the remnants of Hurricane Helene hit Asheville, North Carolina. The devastating storm caused historic flooding, triggered landslides, downed trees and power lines, closed bridges and roads, destroyed homes and businesses and left entire communities without drinking water and power. In the immediate aftermath, Firestorm Books in Asheville became an essential site… The post After Hurricane Helene outage, NC bookstore installs microgrid for Asheville community appeared first on Solar Power World.

Brigham Young University-Hawaii is launching the second phase of its University Solar Project, which will allow the campus to meet 100% of its electrical energy needs through solar. Once completed, the project portfolio will not only power the university but also extend its renewable energy services to the adjacent Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) and the… The post Second project portfolio should take Hawaii university 100% solar-powered appeared first on Solar Power World.

Climate insurance provider Descartes Underwriting has partnered with Nextpower to integrate its data-driven insurance solutions to help protect solar power plants. This coverage is based on wind condition data gathered from project sites, and concerns the growing presence of dangerous “straight-line winds.” Descartes’ climate scientists and natural risk modelers use real-time wind speed data captured… The post Descartes Underwriting offers wind insurance through Nextpower project network appeared first on Solar Power World.

Sodium-ion battery company Peak Energy announced a partnership with General Motors to develop and deploy sodium-ion battery cells for grid storage applications. GM will develop the sodium-ion cell in its Michigan battery labs and retain exclusive manufacturing rights, while Peak will incorporate the cell into its proprietary energy storage systems. This will strengthen American leadership… The post GM to manufacture sodium-ion battery cells for Peak Energy BESS appeared first on Solar Power World.

The United States added 7.8 GW of new solar capacity in the first quarter of 2026, surpassing 6 million cumulative installations as solar remained the leading source of new power added to the grid. Despite changing tax policy and regulatory actions targeting clean energy, solar and energy storage represented 91% of new capacity installed in… The post Permitting delays to hold solar install numbers flat over next 5 years appeared first on Solar Power World.

Qcells has begun manufacturing silicon solar cells at its integrated factory in Cartersville, Georgia. The company has invested $2.5 billion into the Cartersville campus, which already assembles solar panels and will soon also make silicon ingots and wafers. Qcells will operate the only fully integrated silicon solar panel manufacturing site in the United States. Qcells… The post Qcells starts production of solar cells in United States appeared first on Solar Power World.

Community solar developer Common Energy plans to work with local nonprofit Trinity Services to build five community solar projects totaling 16 MW in the greater Chicago area. Trinity Services serves over 6,800 adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs. More than 120 Trinity Services locations will subscribe to the community solar… The post Common Energy to build 16 MW of community solar to benefit Chicago nonprofit appeared first on Solar Power World.

EDP Renewables North America and Salt River Project (SRP), a not for-profit public power utility serving more than 2 million people in central Arizona completed Flatland Energy Storage, a 200-MW/800-MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Coolidge, Arizona. Located in Pinal County, Flatland Energy Storage has the capacity to power approximately 44,500 homes, helping ensure… The post EDP Renewables commissions 200-MW standalone Arizona energy storage project appeared first on Solar Power World.