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SolarCity Opens 5th Maryland Operations Center
Upper Marlboro operations center meets growing solar demand; expansion brings new jobs to area
Global Solar Street Light Industry 2016: Overview
Report Reveals Impact of Growing Urbanization on Global Solar Street Light Industry
Viridian Energy Lights the Way: Connecticut-based Company Brings Solar Power and Security to Albanian Community in Need
Sixth Project in Viridians 7 Continents in 7 Years Effort Demonstrates the Power of Off-Grid Electrification
Neoen, First Solar To Deliver Lowest Cost Solar Electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa
Consortium secures 47.5MWAC project in Zambia, under the World Banks Scaling Solar program
LG Chem’s New High Voltage Batteries Now Compatible With SolarEdge StorEdge
SolarEdge Technologies, Inc., a global leader in PV inverters, power optimizers, and module-level monitoring services, and LG Chem Ltd announced the compatibility of SolarEdges StorEdge solutions and LG Chems new high voltage RESU10H and RESU7H batteries. The product compatibility will help further advance the accessibility to cost-effective residential solar generation, storage, and consumption.
Black & Veatch Completes an Independent Assessment of ViZn Energys Z20 and GS200 Redox Flow Energy Storage Systems
ViZn Energy Systems Inc. (ViZn), a leading provider of energy storage systems for utility and microgrid applications, as part of its ongoing commitment and comprehensive approach to transparency, quality and reliability, selected and hired the world-leading engineering, construction and consulting firm Black & Veatch to conduct an independent assessment of its Z20 and GS200 Redox Flow Energy Storage Systems.
In the process, Black & Veatch methodically reviewed documents and test results, visited the facilities of both ViZn and its manufacturing partner Jabil, and reviewed the performance of ViZns energy storage technology.
In the process, Black & Veatch methodically reviewed documents and test results, visited the facilities of both ViZn and its manufacturing partner Jabil, and reviewed the performance of ViZns energy storage technology.
In its assessment of ViZns Z20 and GS200 flow batteries, Black & Veatch stated that it believes:
- The ViZn batteries outperform systems with lithium-based chemistries at high ambient temperatures due to the fact that the ViZn energy storage systems perform well at high ambient temperature without any HVAC load.
- Jabils vendor qualification and monitoring process is well established and should be able to ensure quality materials and components for ViZns products.
- ViZns zinc-iron redox storage technology is designed and manufactured for large scale energy storage applications. Key differentiators from other flow battery technologies are: safety and non-flammability of the electrolytes and chemistry, abundance of core raw materials, a 20-year expected system life, an HVAC system is not required to operate at high ambient temperatures, and ViZns battery life and warranty are independent of the duty cycle imposed on the system.
- ViZns senior management team has experience in the manufacturing commercialization of novel products in the energy industry and appears to have the skills required to manage ViZn.
The results of Black & Veatchs assessment are consistent with our own internal test results for performance and longevity and, in some cases, exceeded our expectations, said Ron Van Dell, President and CEO of ViZn Energy Systems. Weve dedicated an extensive amount of R&D to continuously improve our batteries which, we believe, has resulted in the best value energy storage technology on the market.
ViZn sought Black & Veatch’s expertise in conducting the independent assessment to demonstrate bankability and ensure project financing of ViZn systems. Black & Veatchs comprehensive assessment evaluated the design, performance, and manufacturing of ViZns Z20 and GS200 flow batteries and assessed ViZn as a company. ViZn is happy to share the report with interested parties upon request.
ViZns flow batteries are designed with the customer in mind, which is why the company has built in both high-power and long-duration capabilities, low O&M and a 20-year operating life, allowing end users to incorporate multiple value streams and realize more favorable payback periods than other energy storage technologies on the market. ViZn is currently building the largest flow battery in North America and is on track to be the largest global producer of flow batteries by the end of the year.
ViZns flow batteries are designed with the customer in mind, which is why the company has built in both high-power and long-duration capabilities, low O&M and a 20-year operating life, allowing end users to incorporate multiple value streams and realize more favorable payback periods than other energy storage technologies on the market. ViZn is currently building the largest flow battery in North America and is on track to be the largest global producer of flow batteries by the end of the year.
FPL launches innovative energy storage project in conjunction with White House summit on scaling renewable energy and storage
Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) announced an innovative new energy storage pilot project in conjunction with today’s White House summit on scaling renewable energy and storage with smart markets. FPL’s project aims to strengthen the electric grid by testing multiple applications of advanced battery technologies under real-life conditions.
FPL will install several different types of battery systems at locations in the southern Florida counties of Miami-Dade and Monroe to research a range of potential future benefits of energy storage, including grid reliability and power quality. In addition, the research has the potential to improve the integration of renewables in the future as FPL continues to expand its use of solar energy to serve its 4.8 million customers.
FPL will install several different types of battery systems at locations in the southern Florida counties of Miami-Dade and Monroe to research a range of potential future benefits of energy storage, including grid reliability and power quality. In addition, the research has the potential to improve the integration of renewables in the future as FPL continues to expand its use of solar energy to serve its 4.8 million customers.
"President Obama believes in the need to transition to a cleaner, more reliable, and affordable 21st century power grid. Under his leadership, transformations in how we produce and consume electricity are decreasing carbon pollution, scaling up renewable energy, and generating savings on consumers’ energy bills," the White House noted in a statement announcing a series of federal and private-sector commitments, including FPL’s project.
"FPL is one of the cleanest, most affordable energy providers in the nation because of our persistent commitment to investing in the future. We are always looking long-term, and we recognize that energy storage has enormous potential for both the reliability of the grid and the advancement of affordable clean energy," said Eric Silagy, the company’s president and CEO.
"FPL is one of the cleanest, most affordable energy providers in the nation because of our persistent commitment to investing in the future. We are always looking long-term, and we recognize that energy storage has enormous potential for both the reliability of the grid and the advancement of affordable clean energy," said Eric Silagy, the company’s president and CEO.
FPL’s energy storage pilot program will look at various applications of battery technologies to study potential benefits. Key components of the project:
- Repurposing used "second-life" batteries from more than 200 BMW electric vehicles to test "peak shaving" for better grid management during periods of high demand via a storage system to be installed in a densely populated residential area in southwestern Miami.
- Designing a mobile storage system that could be relocated as needed to prevent power interruptions at major, economically important events (e.g. nationally televised sports, etc.). FPL plans to build the portable battery system in time for testing during the 2017 Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on the island of Key Biscayne.
- Building a battery back-up system in the Flamingo community of Monroe County the southernmost tip of Everglades National Park, where a visitor center, campground and water treatment facility lie 45 miles from any other electric customer to study ways to improve reliability for isolated areas and develop microgrid foundations.
"Many miles from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Flamingo is the southernmost developed area in Everglades National Park, providing essential support and amenities so visitors have the opportunity to view wildlife in their natural, undisturbed setting.
Because of our remote location, the concept of having clean, quiet, on-site back-up power is exciting. FPL’s project could make a big difference for us and our ability to provide uninterrupted access to this national treasure for thousands of people around the world," said Mike Jester, chief of facilities management for Everglades National Park.
Because of our remote location, the concept of having clean, quiet, on-site back-up power is exciting. FPL’s project could make a big difference for us and our ability to provide uninterrupted access to this national treasure for thousands of people around the world," said Mike Jester, chief of facilities management for Everglades National Park.
FPL expects to begin construction on the project this summer with most components in operation by the end of the year.
The project is an extension of FPL’s clean energy research program, which includes a major, commercial-scale distributed solar energy system that opened in April at Florida International University’s College of Engineering in Miami.
The project is an extension of FPL’s clean energy research program, which includes a major, commercial-scale distributed solar energy system that opened in April at Florida International University’s College of Engineering in Miami.
In addition, the company continues to make progress on the construction of three new solar power plants that will be among the largest solar power facilities ever built in the eastern U.S. Comprising more than 1 million solar panels, the new, cost-effective plants will begin powering FPL customers later this year, tripling the company’s use of energy from the sun.
FPL’s commitment to clean energy is not new. In fact, because of investments that have been made year after year, FPL is already cleaner today than the 2030 carbon emissions rate goal set for Florida by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan. At the same time, FPL’s typical residential customer rates are about 30 percent lower than the national average.
FPL’s commitment to clean energy is not new. In fact, because of investments that have been made year after year, FPL is already cleaner today than the 2030 carbon emissions rate goal set for Florida by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan. At the same time, FPL’s typical residential customer rates are about 30 percent lower than the national average.
In addition, as part of NextEra Energy, Inc., a global leader in clean energy, FPL is able to leverage the learnings and technical expertise of its sister company, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which has energy storage installations in operation or development in Arizona, California, Maine, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Canada.
SunRISE TechBridge Challenge winners announced by DSM, Fraunhofer TechBridge and Greentown Labs
Five early-stage companies are announced as winners of the SunRISE TechBridge Challenge, which was designed to identify innovations in solar materials and technologies to reduce the levelized cost of energy for photovoltaic systems.
D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments Announces the Acquisition of Portal Ridge Solar Project
D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments, L.L.C. (DESRI) today announced the acquisition of the Portal Ridge solar project from First Solar, Inc. Portal Ridge is a 31 MW-ac solar facility located in Lancaster, California, with 20-year power purchase agreements with Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Southern California Edison. The project, which was developed by First Solar, was acquired by an affiliate of DESRI in partnership with Bright Plain Renewable Energy.
The facility will be built by Blattner Energy Inc. pursuant to an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract, and will utilize First Solars advanced thin film solar modules. The project is expected to produce more than 90,000 MWhs of clean energy per year for customers in Southern California.
The facility will be built by Blattner Energy Inc. pursuant to an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract, and will utilize First Solars advanced thin film solar modules. The project is expected to produce more than 90,000 MWhs of clean energy per year for customers in Southern California.
Financing for the acquisition, construction, and operation of the project was provided by CoBank, ACB, and KeyBank National Association, alongside a commitment for tax equity financing from an affiliate of U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation.
We are excited to partner with First Solar as we expand DESRIs renewable energy footprint on the West Coast, said Bryan Martin, managing director and head of U.S. Private Equity at the D. E. Shaw group. DESRI has a strong presence in California with multiple projects in construction and operation. We are delighted to add Portal Ridge as we work to provide clean and cost-efficient green energy to the states residents and businesses.
We are excited to partner with First Solar as we expand DESRIs renewable energy footprint on the West Coast, said Bryan Martin, managing director and head of U.S. Private Equity at the D. E. Shaw group. DESRI has a strong presence in California with multiple projects in construction and operation. We are delighted to add Portal Ridge as we work to provide clean and cost-efficient green energy to the states residents and businesses.
We’re very pleased to have completed our first transaction with DESRI at Portal Ridge, and we look forward to partnering together in the future on a variety of fronts, said Georges Antoun, First Solars Chief Commercial Officer. We bring to the relationship our industry-leading product technology and project development expertise, which offer great synergies with DESRIs depth and experience as a leading investor in renewable energy assets.
OneRoof Energy Secures US$50 Million Construction Loan Facility and Additional Working Capital Funding to Support Solar 2.0 National Growth Strategy
OneRoof Energy, a residential solar services provider and wholly-owned subsidiary of OneRoof Energy Group today announced that certain of its affiliates have signed a US$50 million construction loan facility, with Black Coral Capital, a current investor in the company. In addition, Black Coral has funded $9.05 million of working capital to the company, in the form of secured non-convertible notes.
David Field, president and CEO of OneRoof, said the funds borrowed under the facility will be used to finance construction of new solar projects for the company’s Solar 2.0 national growth strategy, where OneRoof secures distribution and fulfillment partnerships with major consumer services providers with strong existing homeowner relationships.
David Field, president and CEO of OneRoof, said the funds borrowed under the facility will be used to finance construction of new solar projects for the company’s Solar 2.0 national growth strategy, where OneRoof secures distribution and fulfillment partnerships with major consumer services providers with strong existing homeowner relationships.
"This new round of financing from Black Coral will support our Solar 2.0 strategy to partner with leading energy retail providers, home services providers and other sales partners that are already selling a key product or service to homeowners, thereby reducing our customer acquisition costs across the board," Field said. "We are pleased to be working with Black Coral, which continues to be immensely important to the company’s growth and helping bring the benefits of environmentally sensitive renewable energy to new markets throughout the U.S."
Black Coral loaned an initial tranche of US$36.55 million under the facility and subsequent tranches may be funded from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions of the facility. Principal and interest on the facility will mature and be payable on May 31, 2018 and interest will accrue on borrowed funds at a fixed rate of 6% per annum. Subject to the prior approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the facility will be secured by certain solar project assets that are not otherwise pledged under the company’s other secured loan facilities. The facility requires that the borrowers use the net proceeds of any equity issuances and asset sales in excess of $100,000 to pay all accrued and unpaid interest and outstanding principal under the facility. Amounts borrowed under the facility will be used to finance the construction of solar projects.
Black Coral loaned an initial tranche of US$36.55 million under the facility and subsequent tranches may be funded from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions of the facility. Principal and interest on the facility will mature and be payable on May 31, 2018 and interest will accrue on borrowed funds at a fixed rate of 6% per annum. Subject to the prior approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the facility will be secured by certain solar project assets that are not otherwise pledged under the company’s other secured loan facilities. The facility requires that the borrowers use the net proceeds of any equity issuances and asset sales in excess of $100,000 to pay all accrued and unpaid interest and outstanding principal under the facility. Amounts borrowed under the facility will be used to finance the construction of solar projects.
The company also announced that it has agreed to a financing totalling US$9.05 million, consisting of secured non-convertible notes (the "notes") issued to Black Coral. The notes are secured by the assets of the company that are not otherwise pledged under project financings (the "available assets"). The available assets are already pledged as security under the company’s senior credit agreements, as well as the agreements governing the company’s subordinated convertible and non-convertible notes. The notes are subject to the same terms and conditions as the company’s outstanding subordinated non-convertible notes. Proceeds from the notes will be used for general working capital purposes.
The completion of the facility and the notes are subject to all applicable regulatory approvals, including the acceptance of the TSXV.
The completion of the facility and the notes are subject to all applicable regulatory approvals, including the acceptance of the TSXV.
