Brad Kramer
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Articles by Brad Kramer
ETC 2026 sets new attendance record as Canadians eye energy affordability
ETC 2026 sets new attendance record as Canadians eye energy affordability More than 3,400 attendees and 225 exhibitors gathered at Electricity Transformation Canada 2026 (ETC), Oct. 19-21, in Toronto, Ontario. The event connected the leaders, businesses, Indigenous partners, regulators and investors shaping Canada’s clean energy sector at a time when national investment in generation, transmission and storage is set to grow significantly.
S 5! unveils new online design tool and carport clamps | The Pitch
S 5! unveils new online design tool and carport clamps | The Pitch Solar design just got smarter. S-5! has redesigned its Solar Calculator for a more user-friendly experience. The online tool takes installers from a metal roof and panel layout, straight to a complete system design and bill of materials. Instead of piecing together layouts and specs by hand, designers get a streamlined path from concept to a ready-to-use design — cutting the guesswork that used to slow projects down.
Deadline to submit Solar Builder Canada Project of the Year nominations is Nov. 20
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Vote: Over 10 MW | 2026 Project of the Year Awards
Vote: Over 10 MW | 2026 Project of the Year Awards Here are the Over 10 MW finalists for the 2026 Solar Builder Project of the Year awards. The form is at the bottom of the page. You are allowed to vote once per day from now until Friday, Oct. 16 at midnight (ET). (FYI: Our voting widget will let you vote more than once a day, but we filter these out in the back-end.
Vote: 1 MW to 10 MW | 2026 Project of the Year Awards
Vote: 1 MW to 10 MW | 2026 Project of the Year Awards Here are the 1 MW to 10 MW finalists for the 2026 Solar Builder Project of the Year awards. The form is at the bottom of the page. You are allowed to vote once per day from now until Friday, Oct. 16 at midnight (ET). (FYI: Our voting widget will let you vote more than once a day, but we filter these out in the back-end.
Vote for the 2026 Solar Builder Project of the Year Awards
Vote for the 2026 Solar Builder Project of the Year Awards It’s time to vote! Keep your ballot-punching skills sharp by casting your vote for your favorite candidates in the 2026 Solar Builder Project of the Year Awards. Stakeholders from all corners of the solar industry have sent in their top nominees, and your diligent Solar Builder editors have narrowed the field down to these 31 projects across six categories — and now it’s time for you to choose the winners.
Vote: 101 kW to 1 MW | 2026 Project of the Year Awards
Vote: 101 kW to 1 MW | 2026 Project of the Year Awards Here are the 101 kW to 1 MW finalists for the 2026 Solar Builder Project of the Year awards. The form is at the bottom of the page. You are allowed to vote once per day from now until Friday, Oct. 16 at midnight (ET). (FYI: Our voting widget will let you vote more than once a day, but we filter these out in the back-end.
Vote: Under 100 kW | 2026 Project of the Year Awards
Vote: Under 100 kW | 2026 Project of the Year Awards Here are the Under 100 kW finalists for the 2026 Solar Builder Project of the Year awards. The form is at the bottom of the page. You are allowed to vote once per day from now until Friday, Oct. 16 at midnight (ET). (FYI: Our voting widget will let you vote more than once a day, but we filter these out in the back-end.
Exploring ETC 2026 | What solar installers need to know before attending
Exploring ETC 2026 | What solar installers need to know before attending Canada’s largest renewable energy gathering returns to Toronto this fall, and for solar and energy storage installers, it’s shaping up to be one of the more consequential stops on the trade show calendar. Electricity Transformation Canada (ETC) 2026 runs Oct.
Ohio’s largest solar project back in business after permit approval
It was approved. And then it was revoked. But now it’s approved again. After facing a long legal and regulatory battle, Ohio’s biggest solar and battery project can finally proceed. The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) has granted a permit for Oak Run Solar, an 800 MW solar + 300 MW battery storage project in Madison County. The project will also include an agrivoltaics component, with approximately 1,000 sheep grazing amid the project site.
Report: U.S. adds 11.4 GW of solar capacity in Q2
Report: U.S. adds 11.4 GW of solar capacity in Q2 The U.S. solar industry hit a new milestone in the second quarter of this year. With 11.4 GWdc of new capacity added, the country’s cumulative solar capacity is now enough to power one-third — or more than 50 million — households nationwide.
Array unveils new manufacturing facility in Albuquerque
Array Technologies has cut the ribbon on a new 216,000-sq-ft manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Company representatives say the new plant represents a significant advancement for domestic manufacturing of U.S. solar technology. The New Mexico-based developer of solar tracking technology and fixed-tilt products, foundation and other balance-of-system solutions, software and services celebrated the opening of its more than $50 million manufacturing facility on Sept. 9.
Moment Energy first U.S. BESS maker with verified FEOC status
Moment Energy first U.S. BESS maker with verified FEOC status An independent legal review has confirmed Moment Energy’s non-PFE status and FEOC compliance for its new battery energy storage system. The milestone provides U.S. energy storage buyers certainty as federal requirements tighten.
SolarEdge, Infineon extend deal to fix DC fault protection for AI data centers
Two companies are extending their partnership to solve fault protection challenges associated with DC power used in AI data centers. SolarEdge and Infineon are building a faster, all-electronic “circuit breaker” for the high-power DC systems that run AI data centers. This replaces slower mechanical switches, allowing power faults to shut off almost instantly, which company officials claim makes it easier to pack more computing power into less space. SolarEdge Technologies Inc.
Video: Opportunities in the commercial solar market | Power Forward!
As the residential solar market has faced challenges recently, now might be the perfect time for installers to consider commercial solar. However, before diving into the C&I space, it’s important to know the market trends and policy changes driving the market, which could mean the difference between sinking or swimming.
Vehicle-to-grid infrastructure to boost Calif. energy affordability, reliability
A new report shows that unlocking vehicle-to-grid (V2G) infrastructure and other customer-owned resources could help solve California’s energy affordability and reliability challenges.
Report: U.S. data center development slows in Q1
Data center development has slowed in the United States, according to a new report. However, capacity continues to grow at a slower pace. Developers added 36 GW of new data center capacity to the U.S. pipeline in Q1 2026, according to a new report from Wood Mackenzie. Data center additions were down 19% from Q4 2025, as as the analysis showed that established developers shifted attention to their existing project pipelines amid a more challenging development and regulatory environment.
Vermeer MT500 automates pile shakeout process on largescale solar jobsites
Vermeer has unveiled a new material transporter aimed at improving efficiency and safety on ground-mount solar projects. The new MT500 automates the pile layout process to offer accurate and repeatable placing of 10- to 25-ft long W-beam piles on ground-mount, utility-scale solar jobsites with minimal labor. Operated by one person with the push of a button, the MT500 eliminates manual pile lifting, helping to eliminate human error in the pile driving process on larger scale solar projects.
Unirac acquires Terrasmart racking business for $5 million
Unirac has acquired the assets of Terrasmart from Gibraltar Industries for a reported $5 million. Unirac is one of North America’s largest manufacturers of solar PV mounting systems. The Terrasmart brand is associated with a long-standing track record serving the ground-mount, tracker, and canopy segments of the DG market across the United States. “This acquisition is a natural extension of our DG platform,” says Peter Lorenz, CEO of Unirac.
Are you a DGenerate? How distributed generation is shaping the solar industry
Are you a DGenerate? How distributed generation is shaping the solar industry Federal policy upheaval hasn’t slowed the distributed generation (DG) solar market — it’s accelerating it. In the cover story for the Q2 2026 issue of Solar Builder, I spoke with industry leaders to unpack why the “middle market” of solar — too big for rooftop, too small for utility-scale — is becoming the industry’s most dynamic segment.
Federal oversight puts $121 billion in renewable energy investment at risk
A new reports highlights how federal policies are putting more than $121 billion investment in renewable energy at risk, with solar facing the most exposure. According to a new analysis from Wood Mackenzie, permitting changes and federal funding withdrawals directly contributed to 7 GW of project cancellations or inactivity on federal lands in 2025. Meanwhile, heightened federal oversight could expose an additional 12 GW on federal lands and 80 GW on private lands.
U.S. installed 8.4 GWh of BESS in Q1, surpassing previous record by 54%
U.S. installed 8.4 GWh of BESS in Q1, surpassing previous record by 54% The U.S. energy storage market hit new heights in Q1 2026, with a 54% increase over the previous Q1 record, according to a new report.
APsystems brings EZ1 Plug-In Microinverter to U.S. solar market | The Pitch
APsystems brings EZ1 Plug-In Microinverter to U.S. solar market | The Pitch Plug-in solar — also called balcony solar — has become a growing trend in the United States, with several states considering or already passing laws to allow the technology. After gaining a foothold in Europe, this DIY solar technology is seeing increased interest in the U.S. market.
5% safe harbor rule restored: What solar developers need to know
5% safe harbor rule restored: What solar developers need to know A U.S. District Court ruling has vacated Treasury Department guidance from last August that had eliminated a critical tax credit qualification pathway for solar developers. The decision restores — at least temporarily — the 5% safe harbor rule, which allows solar projects to prove construction eligibility by demonstrating that 5% or more of a project’s total cost has been spent.
Video: Understanding Safe Harbor Programs | Power Forward!
Ever since Congress passed the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) last summer, the solar industry has been focused on looming deadlines to meet eligibility requirements for expiring tax credits. A key part of that process involves safe harboring materials and supplies for upcoming projects.
Nextpower enters BESS + AI data center markets with Prevalon acquisition
Nextpower has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Prevalon Energy for $365 million. The deal is expected to close in Q2 2027. The acquisition marks Nextpower’s entry into the battery energy storage system (BESS) and AI data center markets. Prevalon is a U.S.-based joint venture between Mitsubishi Power Americas and EES. The $365 million cash and stock transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including antitrust regulatory review.
Market drivers for renewables and BESS from kWh Analytics
Market drivers for renewables and BESS from kWh Analytics Renewables and battery storage are poised for growth amid accelerating demand for data centers, according to recent data from kWh Analytics. In an interview earlier this year, CEO Jason Kaminsky discussed how data centers are impacting the market in 2026, as well as potential policy headwinds. As tech companies’ growth ceilings increasingly depend on electricity availability, power will become a business constraint if demand is not met.
Report: Top risk management challenges for renewables and BESS
The annual Solar Risk Assessment report from kWh Analytics underscores the critical importance of industry collaboration as grid dependence on renewables intensifies the need for resilience strategies. A leader in underwriting the energy transition through its licensed insurance subsidiary, Solar Energy Insurance Services, kWh Analytics released its 8th annual Solar Risk Assessment (SRA) report today.
Video: Resetting the solar market in 2026 | Power Forward!
Last year was a tumultuous year for the solar industry as Congress voted to claw back tax credits. With the 25D residential solar tax credit ending in December and the ITC ending this summer, installers are looking at a new landscape in 2026 and beyond.
How SiteCapture is slashing costs for solar companies with AI | The Pitch
How SiteCapture is slashing costs for solar companies with AI | The Pitch SiteCaptureAI for Solar is an AI-powered field reporting and quality control tool developed by SiteCapture. The product is designed to automate jobsite documentation, quality control and reporting workflows across solar field operations. The platform enables solar site surveys, installations, TPO financing, O&M, and more.
125 MW solar + storage VPPA: How the Blevins project powers corporate renewable energy goals
FUJIFILM Holdings Corp. has announced a landmark 100% renewable electricity offset for all North American group operations, powered by a new 125 MW solar + storage facility in Texas. The deal — structured as a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Minneapolis-based developer Geronimo Power — is backed by the Blevins Solar & Storage Project, a 2,300-acre solar park that reached full commercial operation in March 2026.
My Point of View: It’s time for Americans to wake up, hold leaders accountable
As Americans, it is our duty to hold every elected official accountable, regardless of party. As a Catholic Christian and Republican, I denounce President Trump’s recent comments about Pope Leo. That does not mean I regret voting for him or that I no longer support his presidency. He is the most effective and patriotic president of my lifetime, rivaled only by Ronald Reagan.
Solar architecture firm MMPV Design converts to worker-owned business model
Renewable energy-focused architecture firm MMPV Design has transitioned into a worker-owned cooperative. In this model, employees own and control the company, electing their peers to the board of directors and sharing profits. The company made the change when Mariana Moncada, who was the owner of MMPV Design for 15 years, chose to sell the company to her employees so that ownership would be in the hands of those who helped her build the business.
California legislature approves VPP bill to reduce energy rates
California lawmakers have voted in favor of deploying virtual power plants (VPPs) to help reduce energy costs for residents. The California Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Commerce approved a bill to reduce electricity rates by turning networks of customer energy devices into VPPs that can compete with large power plants in statewide reliability markets. The Clean Local Power Act (SB 913) introduced by Sen.
kWh Analytics’ new data sharing program lowers insurance costs for hail-ready solar projects
kWh Analytics has launched a data-sharing pilot program to reward renewable energy assets for extreme weather mitigation efforts. The company is expanding its risk modeling capabilities by leveraging data from solar projects that employ advanced resilience measures beyond the information typically captured in standard insurance submissions. The initial focus of the pilot is on improving how project-level resilience data is captured and relayed to insurance carriers.
My Point of View: Partake in events that build community, heritage, culture
What summer activities do you join to weave patriotism, family and faith into your daily life? Today’s younger generations have missed out on a strong, shared culture that grounded us in our heritage and identity. For example, three sets of my great-great-great-grandparents helped found Bechyn, Minnesota. Last year at Czech Fest, I felt that deep connection: attending Mass in the church they built, sharing the foods they brought from Europe and experiencing their customs.
Did fake public comments cancel a 94 MW Ohio solar project?
The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) on March 19 rejected an application for a $98 million solar project in Morrow County, Ohio. However, the board’s opinion about the project may have been swayed by a flood of fabricated public comments. The 94 MW Crossroads Solar Grazing Center was a proposed dual-use project from developer Open Road Renewables that would have included livestock grazing on the site.
Locking in value and incentives for solar projects in 2026
Locking in value and incentives for solar projects in 2026 By Martin Pochtaruk, CEO of Heliene | There are many reasons to be optimistic about the solar market and future of domestic clean energy manufacturing in the United States right now. Solar continues to enjoy broad public and bipartisan support. More importantly, it remains the cheapest form of energy, making it the economical choice even amid rhetorical headwinds.
Mass. Gov. Healey signs executive order to build 5 GW of energy storage by 2035
Mass. Gov. Healey signs executive order to build 5 GW of energy storage by 2035 Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is taking steps to build more affordable and reliable energy in state, ordering the expansion of renewable energy and energy storage by 2035. The governor signed Executive Order 654 on March 16, establishing a target of 10 GW of new energy resources to come online over the next decade.
Qnetic raises $5M to start up U.S. manufacturing for flywheel energy storage systems
Qnetic raises $5M to start up U.S. manufacturing for flywheel energy storage systems Renewable energy startup company Qnetic has closed a $5 million funding round to help expand U.S. production of its long-duration fly-wheel energy storage systems. The company recently established a manufacturing center in Sacramento, California, and plans use the newly raised capital to fit out the facility for low-volume production of the Q500.
Trina Storage to present BESS fire testing results at Energy Storage Summit 2026
Trina Storage will be presenting its findings from full-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) fire testing at a conference in Dallas next week. The company is serving as a Gold Sponsor at the Energy Storage Summit USA 2026, March 24-24, in Dallas, Texas, and Mike Watson, head of product North America for Trina Storage, will be giving a presentation on the BESS fire testing results.
Generac adds PWRmicro to home energy ecosystem | The Pitch
Generac recently unveiled its newest addition to the microinverter space with their PWRmicro technology. The dual-input 820 W microinverter fits within Generac’s ecosystem of residential energy technology solutions. Rex Liu, VP of product management, clean energy, at Generac Power Systems, came on The Pitch to provide an overview of the PWRmicro and how it fits into Generac’s wider product ecosystem. What inspired the development of the PWRmicro?
Report: Minnesota program aiding equitable access to solar
A new report shows that Minnesota’s Low- and Moderate-Income Accessible Community Solar Garden Program (LMI Accessible CSG Program) is benefiting residents as intended. In fact, the program acts as a kind of “price shield” for energy consumers in a volatile market, according to Logan O’Grady, executive director of the Minnesota Solar Energies Industries Association (MnSEIA), which helped design the solar program.
Qcells brings workforce back to resume solar panel production in Georgia
Qcells is resuming its solar panel production at its factories in Georgia. The company operates two facilities in the state, one in Dalton and another in Cartersville. The manufacturer announced its solar panel output is returning to normal production after its temporary pause because of a customs clearance process. Meanwhile, its Cartersville, Georgia, factory is expected to have the capacity to manufacture 3.3 GW of ingots, wafers and cells by the end of 2026.
Solar pioneers documentary set to debut Oct. 31
The solar industry is ready for its close-up, Mr. DeMille. Coming this fall, a new documentary about the pioneers of solar will be making its debut. Developed by Jeff Spies and Jason Vetterli, Solar Roots: The Pioneers of PV will make its official public debut at the Solar Roots Party, Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 in Grass Valley, California.
Anza launches new tools to aid utility-scale and DG battery storage developers
Anza launches new tools to aid utility-scale and DG battery storage developers Anza has unveiled new capabilities within its Energy Storage Pro platform that provide automated scenario modeling and configuration tools for operators and developers. The new features introduce the first market-wide scenario intelligence engine purpose-built for utility-scale and DG battery energy storage system (BESS) development and procurement, while expanding supplier coverage to 95% of the U.S. battery market.
SiteCapture launches AI tool to automate solar jobsite operations
SiteCapture has unveiled SiteCaptureAI for Solar, a new AI-powered product designed to automate jobsite documentation, quality control and reporting workflows across solar field operations. SiteCaptureAI helps solar companies manage site surveys, installations, financing benchmarks and operations and maintenance (O&M) workflows more efficiently by automatically reviewing jobsite photos, videos and field reports in real time.
My Point of View: Prepare for upcoming election by studying important issues
We have an important election season coming up, and right now is the time to prepare for the privilege of voting — the same freedom people die trying to win overseas and our forefathers paid for with their blood. Taxes are out of control — and I’m seeing it up close. I’m elected and appointed to local and state boards, and the new paid-leave law was the last straw that made me vote to raise a property-tax levy. Board members must stay legal, meet payroll and follow employment rules.
MacLean-Fogg acquires OMCO Solar with continued growth expected
Arizona-based solar tracker and fixed-tilt manufacturer OMCO Solar has been acquired by MacLean-Fogg, a family-owned, U.S.-based manufacturing company. The partnership between OMCO and MacLean-Fogg has strong alignment and common values. The acquisition brings together two successful manufacturing companies and is driven by OMCO’s strong growth in the U.S. tracker and fixed-tilt markets.
My Point of View: Let’s bring some humanity to the season of Lent
Politics should not just be “my side good, your side bad.” Yes, there are right and wrong sides of issues and ideas that need to be hashed out, and the process isn’t as polite as it should be. Done right, politics should be taking our deepest, most cherished values and beliefs about how we want society to be governed and what we want our culture to look like. I’m writing this column on the eve of Ash Wednesday. The day Christians begin the season of Lent.
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