Data center firms could buy utilities and add renewables, says trade group executive
Simon Mahan, executive director of the Southern Renewable Energy Association, has talked about the possibility that data center firms could buy electric utilities and then add the fastest, least-cost generators, namely renewables. The association he leads represents the wind, solar, storage and transmission industries. We interviewed him to learn more; here are his condensed remarks.
U.S. scientists claim 15-fold performance increase for solar thermoelectric generator
A research team have fabricated a solar thermoelectric generator (STEG) that is reportedly 15 times more efficient than current state-of-the-art devices by concentrating on the managing the hot and the cold sides of the device rather its semiconductor materials.
Paired Power receives patent for integrated solar Canopy and EV charging system
The company says its PairTree units can be installed in a day, adding onsite solar and Level 2 EV charging ports. The unit can be installed where specialized lift machinery may not be available.
What can be learned from grid-scale battery fires?
Battery fires, while a rare occurrence given the number of lithium-ion batteries manufactured and deployed each year, are common enough to worry insurers and others in the industry. Following high-profile battery fires in 2024 and 2025, the industry is busy implementing solutions not only to reduce the risk of fire breaking out in the first place, but to contain and mitigate the risk of injury or damage should it happen. Conclusions from large-scale fire testing will be key.
Rooftop solar, battery storage could offer a lifeline in energy insecurity
A study explored the relationship between energy insecurity and severe energy-limiting behaviors to lower bills, and how interventions with rooftop solar and energy storage systems can allow recipients to live safely and comfortably in their homes while also being able to afford necessities like food and medicine.
Pivot Energy and CU Boulder break ground on 5 MW solar project
The university will source electricity from the Weld County, Colorado project via a virtual net metering project.
Florida rooftop solar company merges with concentrated solar power tower specialist
Zeo Energy Corp. completed its merger with Heliogen, which builds concentrated solar power towers.
South Korea urges U.S. to exempt firms from polysilicon tariffs
South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) is urging the United States to exempt its companies from Section 232 polysilicon tariffs, warning that restrictions could disrupt $2.8 billion in U.S. solar investments.
Grid-scale energy storage could cut energy bills in Central U.S. by $7 billion
The Southwest Power Pool is expected to have the largest increase in peak demand among grid regions in the United States. Energy storage can help serve this demand cost effectively, said Aurora Energy Research.
How one Texas solar company cut engineering and permitting time from 40 days to four
New tools in the residential solar space help reduce the time it takes for engineering and permitting, providing streamlined processes and lowering costs as the industry faces the end of the solar tax credit.
