Why domestic solar manufacturing matters now more than ever
The United States is at a critical inflection point where speed to deployment of energy technologies contributes to economic strength and energy security, but policy certainty is paramount, according to a panel of three solar manufacturing experts.
U.S. ITC opens Section 337 probe into global TOPCon supply chain
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has opened a Section 337 investigation into tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cells, modules, panels, and related products following a complaint by First Solar, naming 47 entities across 11 countries as respondents.
EnerSys shifts next-gen lead-acid manufacturing to Missouri for AI-era data centers
Industrial battery manufacturer EnerSys is closing its legacy lead-acid facility in Tijuana, Mexico, consolidating production at its Springfield, Missouri plant, where it makes a new type of lead-acid battery it says is better suited to the demands of modern data centers.
California bill would unlock distributed energy participation in grid resource adequacy market
A new California bill, SB 913, would require state regulators to integrate customer-owned batteries and electric vehicles into the official Resource Adequacy market to bolster grid reliability.
New report finds adoption of solar permitting best practices eludes even the best states
The all-new Solar Permitting Scorecard grades all 50 states on how well they support straightforward residential solar permitting. The report finds that bureaucratic barriers significantly increase costs in all states, with only two states managing to earn a “B” grade.
Budderfly raises $550 million to scale its Energy-as-a-Service platform
The Connecticut-based company secured an additional $250 million, reaching $550 million total, led by Global Infrastructure Partners to accelerate the deployment of solar and energy efficiency upgrades across the U.S. commercial mid-market.
Zelestra secures $600 million for 440 MW Texas solar portfolio to supply Meta
The $600 million project financing supports 440 MW of new capacity in the ERCOT market as Big Tech continues to dominate a shifting corporate PPA landscape.
Remote inspection of new residential solar saves time and can improve safety
A report from nonprofit group IREC presents evidence that remote inspection of new residential solar and/or storage installations can yield improved code compliance and safety, compared to on-site inspection. In Texas, installers can hire an approved third-party remote inspector.
Aurora Solar releases 2026 Solar Snapshot report detailing shift toward third-party ownership
The company’s fourth annual snapshot report highlights an industry transitioning from incentive-driven growth to a focus on affordability and resilience. Third-party ownership is becoming the preferred financing method as consumer concerns over upfront costs and policy changes reshape the residential market.
Solar professionals talk microgrids, repowering and more at NABCEP CE 2026
The annual training conference saw nearly 900 attendees participate in more than 80 training sessions, enjoy several themed events and connect with friends new and old from solar companies around the country.
