Focus
California orders utilities to add 6 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2032
Utility Dive – February 27
The California Public Utilities Commission voted on February 26 to order state load-serving entities to procure a total additional 6 GW from 2029 to 2032 to cover an anticipated reliability shortfall resulting from demand growth. “Eligible new resources must be either zero-emitting or otherwise eligible under the [renewables portfolio standard] program,” the order states.
News
BESS deployments to increase to 70 GWh this year, SEIA says
Energy Storage News – February 24
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a trade group, U.S. battery energy storage system (BESS) deployments will increase to 70 GWh in 2026. Over 2025, BESS installations surpassed 57 GWh/28 GW, a year-over-year increase of 29%, SEIA states.
Senate proposes return of 5% safe harbor rule for utility-scale solar projects
Solar Builder – February 26
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Chuck Schumer, and Ron Wyden have introduced a joint resolution to Congress to overturn a recent IRS ruling concerning utility-scale solar projects. The resolution would reverse the federal government’s August 2025 decision blocking utility-scale projects from the 5% safe harbor rule of the investment tax credit.
Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm
Canary Media – February 26
As of February 25, legislators in 27 states, including California, and Washington, D.C., have introduced legislation to make plug-in solar systems permissible, according to nonprofit Bright Saver. As utility bills climb and contribute to broader cost-of-living challenges across the U.S., legislators see the portable tech as an affordability tool.
Projects
Soleil Renewable advances California solar-storage hybrid project
Renewables Now – February 26
Soleil Renewable Energy has moved to the execution phase of its recently unveiled solar-plus-storage project in Kern County. The company’s flagship project will feature a 700 MWac solar park with a 460 MW battery energy storage system (BESS).
Largest U.S. solar and battery project proposed in WA sold to new developer
Tri-City Herald – February 22
Hecate Energy, picked by the Department of Energy to build what could be the largest solar and battery storage project in the nation, has sold the project to Savion before starting construction. The 2 GW Cereza Solar and Storage Project is located on the southeast edge of the Hanford site in eastern Washington.
Iron Mountain partners with energy storage firm Calibrant to deploy 23 MWh BESS unit at New Jersey data center
Data Center Dynamics – February 19
Calibrant Energy and data center developer Iron Mountain will deploy a 23 MWh on-site battery energy storage system at the latter’s New Jersey data center. Calibrant will integrate the battery unit with a 7.2 MW rooftop solar installation in operation at the facility.
Solar portfolio powers farms, communities in New York and Vermont
FingerLakes1 – February 24
Sheep now graze beneath rows of solar panels in parts of New York and Vermont, as two renewable energy companies wrap up an agrivoltaic community solar portfolio. GreenSpark Solar and Encore Renewable Energy have completed three projects totaling 13 MW across the two states.
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