How on-site batteries are fast-tracking data center grid connections
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are already regularly deployed in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) applications for data centers, but current market conditions are now driving new deployment needs and strategies. Blathnaid O’Dea hears from industry insiders about increasingly popular approaches like bring your own capacity (BYOC) and flexible grid connections (FGC), and why batteries can provide services beyond speed to power that gas turbines can’t.
Tackling the AI power conversion tax
SolarEdge and Enteligent are stripping away AC bottlenecks to reclaim gigawatts of wasted data center capacity.
Increased spacing between solar module rows boosts agrivoltaics viability
U.S. researchers developed a framework showing that wider spacing between solar PV rows can make agrivoltaic systems economically viable for large-scale mechanized farming. Their simulations in Colorado demonstrated that optimized row spacing maintains crop production while improving combined agricultural and energy revenues.
AI datacenters rewrite the solar PPA playbook
Power purchase agreements (PPAs) are evolving into complex risk-sharing structures as hyperscale data center operators trade fixed pricing for physical delivery and grid-bypass certainty. The US solar industry is entering 2026 as the foundational technology for a new era of power demand, even as the sector navigates a volatile federal policy landscape.
Mantis Space exits stealth with $10 million for orbital power delivery
Mantis Space closed a $10 million seed round to develop laser-based solar power transmission for satellites operating in the shadow of the Earth.
Interconnection queues cut across new renewable and fossil source timelines
Enverus’ 2026 study suggests jurisdictions are lowering barriers for priority projects.
Survey highlights technology shift in utility-scale solar
Bifacial PV modules, string inverters and advanced trackers are becoming the preferred technologies in utility-scale solar project design, according to new data from RatedPower.
U.S. solar industry adds 43 GW in 2025, leading capacity additions for fifth consecutive year
The latest Solar Market Insight report from SEIA and Wood Mackenzie reveals that solar and energy storage accounted for 79% of all new U.S. electrical capacity in 2025 even as installation volumes fell late in the year, while domestic manufacturing reached major milestones despite uncertain federal policy.
Repowering: A smarter path for aging renewable infrastructure
Many GW of aging U.S. solar installations will require electrical upgrades in the coming years, and smart owners will turn to repowering and cable rejuvenation as cost-effective ways to extend the lifespan of aging infrastructure at a fraction of the cost of new builds or full site reconstruction, with the added benefit of preserving existing interconnection rights.
Base Power announces 100 MW residential storage program with CoServ in Texas
The program, which is the largest of Base Power’s five utility collaborations, will deliver battery backup to an estimated 5,000 CoServ customers.
