RE+ Northeast 2025: Focusing on the new era of American energy dominance
With uncertainty surrounding the effect of changing federal policies on the renewable energy industry, the importance of strong state energy policy was a topic of discussion at this week’s RE+ Northeast.
Sunrise brief: Global utility-scale solar additions hit 182 GW in 2024
Also on the rise: Canadian startup secures patent for solar module cooling tech, job moves and more.
Canadian startup secures patent for solar module cooling tech
Enertopia has developed a solar module cooling system that uses a moisture collection layer to transfer heat while capturing water for irrigation in arid regions. The design channels heat from the panel to a liquid transfer system, improving efficiency and water use.
People on the move: REWI, REC Solar, ConnectDER and more
Job moves in solar, storage, cleantech, utilities and energy transition finance.
The next industrial revolution
The past 20 years have seen remarkable shifts in technology, from smartphones to solar and the electrification of transport. Clean energy and technology consultant Gerard Reid argues that an even bigger shift is looming, with the combination of clean electricity and AI set to usher in an “era of electrification intelligence.”
Sunrise brief: Tariff on aluminum and steel has solar ramifications
Also on the rise: Large batteries with grid-forming inverters can increase renewables hosting capacity. How utilities use financial models to justify higher rates of return. And more.
Trump executive order places 25% tariff on aluminum and steel
Aluminum is used in solar panel frames and racking and steel is used in solar ground mounts and trackers.
Large batteries with grid-forming inverters can increase renewables hosting capacity
Researchers recommended that transmission system operators consider adopting grid-forming battery energy storage systems system-wide to improve grid stability and to maximize system hosting capacity for solar and wind generation.
Community solar steps ahead in Maine with 15 new operational projects
Nautilus Solar, a community solar specialist, grew its Maine portfolio by over 78 MW in 2024 and now has over 13,000 subscribers in the state.
Tesla begins production at Shanghai Megapack Factory amid intensifying price war
Tesla’s first overseas energy storage plant starts operating as global competition from Chinese firms and pricing pressures mount.
