Solar Energy

Connecticut completed two solar installations totaling 1.404 MW DC at its Department of Veterans Affairs campus in Rocky Hill through the Green Bank’s Solar MAP+ program. The public-private model separates EPC delivery from long-term ownership and operations, with projected taxpayer savings of $2.2 million over 20 years.

SpaceX signed a commercial supply contract with SINGULUS for solar-cell manufacturing equipment supporting Texas operations and more than 100 GW of equipment, according to the source. SINGULUS expects to ship the first heterojunction production line in the first half of 2027 for Starmind satellites; contract value and any government involvement were not disclosed.

ZenaTech announced two awards totaling more than $110,000 for solar-related surveys at school campuses and municipal projects. The work signals demand for drone-based early-stage site services, but the customer, locations, and procurement details were not disclosed; a further approximately $60,000 project remains prospective.

Los Angeles is pursuing a two-year initiative to repair or replace up to 60,000 streetlights, with nearly 5,000 solar units installed and nearly 6,500 expected by year-end 2026. The effort signals potential municipal demand for solar lighting, components, installation, and maintenance, but no active solicitation, contract value, or procurement contact is identified.

The Commerce Department authorized T1 Energy to import up to 1.725 GW of solar cells, supporting its Dallas module factory while its Rockdale cell facility is under construction. The company expects domestic cell production in Q1 2027; the waiver provides a transition period ahead of Section 232 tariffs and minimum import prices scheduled for December 4, 2026.

Rep. Rob Menendez introduced legislation proposing a Department of Energy program that would provide $100 million annually in grants to states for rebates of up to $1,000 per eligible low- and moderate-income household buying plug-in solar. The bill also addresses safety standards and barriers affecting access, including for renters, but it creates no current solicitation or award opportunity.

RWE has signed a transformative 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Google for the Crooked Creek solar project in Oklahoma. This partnership underscores the increasing demand for renewable energy sources driven by the growth of AI and data centers, presenting new procurement opportunities.

Arkansas finalizes solar energy agreements to power Facebook and Instagram, signaling growth in renewable energy. This development underlines the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions in data center operations, creating opportunities for contractors and service providers in the solar industry.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is investing $23.8 million to support MSolar Manufacturing’s new solar panel facility in Mount Jackson. This investment aims to create 150 jobs, boost local economic growth, and enhance renewable energy capabilities in the state, reflecting a significant strategic push towards domestic clean energy production.

The Texas Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against CAM Solar Inc. for deceptive sales practices targeting consumers. This legal action highlights increasing regulatory scrutiny in the solar industry, which could influence vendor selection and contract compliance for procurement professionals.

The Oklahoma Senate has passed Senate Bill 237, which eliminates the five-year tax exemption for solar and battery storage facilities. This shift reflects a reduction in incentives for large out-of-state solar companies, prompting local contractors to reassess project viability and investment strategies moving forward.

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources has awarded **$394,643** in grants to Cape Abilities and Springfield Partners for Community Action to install rooftop solar systems. These initiatives are part of the Low-Income Services Solar Program and aim to significantly reduce electricity costs for nonprofits, thus enhancing their operational sustainability while benefiting Environmental Justice communities.