Xcel Energy has completed the third phase of the Sherco Solar project in Becker, Minnesota, which is sited to replace a retiring coal plant. With the first three phases online, Sherco Solar produces 710 MW of power. A proposed fourth phase would bring the Sherco Solar’s total generating capacity to 910 MW – capable of… The post Minnesota solar project set to replace retiring coal plant reaches 710 MW appeared first on Solar Power World.

Energy storage technologies manufacturer Fortress Power is partnering with Flip Energy to expand distributed energy resources’ access to virtual power plant (VPP) and grid services programs across the United States and Puerto Rico. “Virtual power plants represent the future of energy management, and Fortress Power is committed to helping homeowners and small business owners unlock… The post Fortress Power partners with Flip Energy for VPP programs appeared first on Solar Power World.

Comstock Metals has signed an materials recycling agreement with Illuminate USA, which operates a 5-GW solar panel assembly facility in central Ohio. Comstock Metals will provide comprehensive recycling services for leftover materials from Illuminate’s manufacturing lines. The services include safe transportation, sorting and environmentally responsible recycling for a broad range of solar panel manufacturing byproducts.… The post Comstock to recycle scrap material from Illuminate USA’s Ohio solar panel factory appeared first on Solar Power World.

rPlus Energies has commissioned the 125-MW Pleasant Valley Solar 2 project and begun construction on the 400-MW Blacks Creek Energy Center, both in Idaho. Including projects already in operation, currently under construction or under contract, rPlus Energies has now developed more than 1 GW of solar and storage projects across Idaho. “Pleasant Valley Solar 2… The post rPlus advances two utility-scale solar projects in Idaho appeared first on Solar Power World.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro passed a bill yesterday that requires decommissioning plans for solar projects 2 MWAC and larger in the state. Senate Bill 349 was drafted and sponsored by Republican senators, but garnered bipartisan support while working through the state’s legislative chambers. “This is a bipartisan win for energy affordability, economic strength and supporting… The post Pennsylvania passes law establishing solar decommissioning plans appeared first on Solar Power World.

Avantus‘ Aratina 1 project in Kern County, California has started commercial operations and is now delivering 200 MW of solar and 500 MWh of energy storage to the grid. The project has long-term power purchase agreements with Central Coast Community Energy and Silicon Valley Clean Energy, two community choice aggregators (CCAs), for the full output… The post Avantus completes 1st phase of Aratina solar + storage project in California appeared first on Solar Power World.

StellarNet has expanded its RadiantSuite spectral measurement software, which providers renewable energy professionals with real-time solar spectral irradiance measurement and monitoring tools. Originally developed as a comprehensive platform for radiometric and photometric measurements, RadiantSuite has evolved into a flexible software environment supporting both laboratory characterization and continuous outdoor solar monitoring applications. One of the newest… The post StellarNet expands RadiantSuite irradiance measurement software appeared first on Solar Power World.

Nextpower has finalized its previously announced acquisition of energy storage manufacturer Prevalon Energy, marking the start of its energy storage business. Prevalon domestically produces energy storage products for the utility-scale energy market, of which there are 6 GWh currently deployed globally. “We are very pleased to welcome the talented Prevalon team to Nextpower. The team… The post Nextpower finalizes Prevalon acquisition, enters energy storage market appeared first on Solar Power World.

Willard Scoops in South Portland, Maine, is now likely the first 100% solar-powered ice cream maker in the state. The small-batch, high-butterfat ice cream shop makes its flavors on-site and has a commitment to sustainability, local ingredients and community. The shop features a sign broadcasting its solar association. “This was about building a business that… The post Solar power added to ingredient list at Maine ice cream shop appeared first on Solar Power World.

After reviewing industry data, the Dept. of Commerce has decided to initiate a country-wide investigation to determine whether imports of silicon solar cells from Ethiopia using Chinese components are circumventing long-standing antidumping/countervailing duty (AD/CVD) orders on solar cells from China. The investigation was requested in May by American solar cell and panel brands DYCM Power,… The post US will investigate solar cells from Ethiopia for potential tariff circumvention appeared first on Solar Power World.

ARRAY Technologies, a solar tracker company, is acquiring Affordable Wire Management, a wire management, cable protection and electrical balance-of-system solutions provider for utility-scale solar and energy storage projects. “The acquisition of AWM will further broaden our balance-of-system portfolio and deepen our relevance to our customers as well as create new growth vectors for us in… The post ARRAY Technologies is acquiring Affordable Wire Management appeared first on Solar Power World.

Siemens Energy announced that it would unite its Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy brands under a single name: Omterra. The rebranding process will be performed over the next year. “Since our spin-off [from Siemens AG in 2020], it has been clear that the licensed Siemens Energy brand would be available to us for… The post Siemens to unite energy businesses under new brand Omterra appeared first on Solar Power World.