The partners said that enabling peer-to-peer microgrid energy trading would allow even remote communities to store and distribute energy without connecting to large-scale power stations or distribution grids.

Also on the rise: Appalachian Power issues an RFP for 300 MW of renewables, Canadian Solar closes its Japan fund, and a battery recycler is acquired.

The Solar Ready Vets Fellowship program offers a pathway to connect solar companies with military veterans.

The projects include 200 MW slated to enter service in June and 700 MW in early-stage development.

Also on the rise: ERCOT orders rolling blackouts as 30 GW of resources are forced out, PNM shareholders OK merger with Avangrid, location is key when talking about DERs, and Dominion claws back from a big ice storm.

The Biden administration and Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill are moving quickly to advance energy and climate initiatives. To sweeten the pot, ARPA-E is offering $100 million in funding.

Also on the rise: ARPA-E offers $100 million in R&D funding, California hunts for generation resources for this summer, and CIT Group helps arrange financing for a handful of BESS capacity.

Data firm REsurety identifies four trends that illustrate how solar power markets performed in 2020.

Also on the rise: Wyoming considers a solar production tax, NREL updates a renewable energy data tool, and extensions may be sought to the FERC 2222 timeline.

Job moves in solar, storage, cleantech, utilities and energy transition finance.