Sustainability
businesswire | July 13, 2023
Ampt, the #1 DC optimizer company for large-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems, today announced that it is working with Edison Power Co., Ltd. to integrate Ampt String Optimizers into a solar+storage microgrid project being developed by Tocoo, Inc. (HQ: Tokyo) for the utility Okinawa Electric Power Company in Miyakojima, Japan. The project supports Miyako Island’s goal to source 55 percent of the region’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030.
Edison Power is using Ampt technology to enable a Direct-to-BatteryⓇ DC-coupled architecture, which marks the first project of this kind for the utility. Ampt String Optimizers provide the critical link between the PV array, battery system, and inverter to manage intermittency, control frequency, and achieve two percent or less power fluctuation of rated output per minute, as required by the Okinawa Power Company and local legislation. Edison Power is deploying Ampt String Optimizers with lithium iron phosphate batteries from Gotion and string inverters from Huawei. The microgrid system consists of 1200 kWp of solar linked through optimizers to 1700 kWh of batteries and 700 kW of inverters.
Ampt String Optimizers are DC/DC converters that perform maximum power point tracking (MPPT) on each string of PV modules to increase the lifetime performance of the system. In a Direct-to-Battery design, the optimizers deliver array power to the DC bus that is directly connected to the battery system. Ampt’s patented V-matchⓇ technology enables the optimizers to automatically match and follow the DC bus voltage as it changes with the battery's state of charge. Ampt’s Direct-to-Battery architecture simplifies the controls of a PV+storage system while improving dynamic response capabilities and system-wide efficiency. It also eliminates the need for bidirectional battery converters. Ampt optimizers are inverter and battery technology independent.
“Our partnership with Edison Power is a testament to the capabilities of our industry-leading DC/DC converter technology to enable lower-cost and higher-performing DC-coupled solar projects,” said Levent Gun, CEO, Ampt. “We look forward to expanding our relationship with Edison Power and having this project serve as an example for the surrounding region to support its energy transition goals, while meeting utility requirements.”
“We are pleased to be working with Ampt on Edison Power’s first DC-coupled solar project. We were seeking a power solution that meets our high standards for system responsiveness and performance, and we were impressed with Ampt’s expertise and global footprint of successful DC-coupled installations,” said Mr. Nakamura, general manager of Edison Power’s storage battery business. “With Ampt String Optimizers, we are able to significantly improve roundtrip energy efficiency while saving on capital costs compared to other solutions.”
About Ampt
Ampt delivers innovative power conversion and communication technology that are used to lower the cost and improve performance of new PV systems, repower existing systems, and enable lower-cost DC-coupled storage. With installations and experience serving markets around the world, Ampt is the number one DC optimizer company for large-scale systems. The company is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, and has sales and support locations in North America, Europe, and Japan as well as representation in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
About Edison Power
Edison Power is a renewable energy solutions company that started developing and manufacturing storage battery systems in 1991. In addition to the storage battery system business, Edison Power is developing a solar power generation business, a biomass power generation business, a bark pellet production business, and a solar sharing business.
About Tocoo Inc.
Tocco Inc. aims to create new value to illuminate the future through various businesses, including renewable energy projects.
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Energy, Industry Updates
PRNewswire | August 17, 2023
Origis Energy, one of America's leading renewable energy platforms, announced today the close of a $750 million construction warehouse facility. The facility will fund large scale solar and energy storage project construction totaling approximately 2 gigawatts (GW) across 15 states over the next three years.
Today's announcement follows the March 2023 close of an upsizing amendment to the company's $750 million development finance facility.
The new warehouse facility will fund the construction of solar, storage and colocated solar plus storage projects, with expected completion dates up to 2026. Power Purchase Agreements, serving a variety of utility and corporate clients, have been secured on all assets. Origis is in development on an industry leading clean energy pipeline which currently stands at 18 GW of solar and 36 GWh of storage capacity. The company is active in 31 states to date.
"Origis is in an unprecedented growth cycle fueled by customer demand and the Inflation Reduction Act," said Guy Vanderhaegen, Chief Executive Officer & President, Origis Energy. "Advancing construction of our renewable energy pipeline is a top priority, one served by this new financing. The arrangement also demonstrates the continued trust of the financial community in our team. We thank Santander, Rabobank, and Natixis for their collaboration. Together we are delivering clean, cost-effective energy to our customers."
Santander Corporate and Investment Banking was the structuring agent, green loan coordinator and coordinating lead arranger. They were joined by Rabobank and Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking, who served as coordinating lead arrangers, hedge providers, and letter of credit issuers.
"Santander is very pleased to be supporting Origis with this strategic financing that will provide an efficient and innovative means of financing their project pipeline and help unlock the Company's future growth. This transaction is an example of Santander's ongoing commitment to the financing of green projects," said Andrew Platt, Head of Structured Finance US, Santander Corporate and Investment Banking.
Rabobank is a premier corporate and investment bank to the food and agribusiness industries and an energy transition leader through the renewable energy sector. Natixis CIB is a leading global financial institution that provides advisory, investment banking, financing, corporate banking and capital markets services to corporations, financial institutions, financial sponsors and sovereign and supranational organizations worldwide.
Origis Energy is majority owned by funds managed by Antin Infrastructure Partners.
Latham and Watkins represented Origis Energy in the transaction. Norton Rose Fulbright acted as lenders' counsel.
About Origis Energy
Origis Energy is bringing clean and cost-effective solar, energy storage and clean hydrogen solutions within reach for utility, commercial and industrial as well as public sector clients. The Origis team has worked to ensure the interests of all stakeholders are upheld in 170 projects worldwide totaling more than 5 GW to date of developed solar, energy storage and clean hydrogen capacity. Headquartered in Miami, FL, Origis Energy delivers excellence in solar, energy storage and clean hydrogen development, financing, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) and operations, maintenance and asset management for investors and clean energy consumers in the U.S. Visit Origis Energy here.
About Antin Infrastructure Partners
Antin Infrastructure Partners is a leading private equity firm focused on infrastructure. With over €30 bn in assets under management across its Flagship, Mid Cap and NextGen investment strategies, Antin targets investments in the energy and environment, digital, transport and social infrastructure sectors. With a presence in Paris, London, New York, Singapore and Luxembourg, Antin employs over 200 professionals dedicated to growing, improving and transforming infrastructure businesses while delivering long-term value to portfolio companies and investors.
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Solar+Storage, Energy
prnewswire | August 29, 2023
Stellar Solar, one of the most experienced solar and battery installers in Michigan and San Diego since 1998, is providing sponsorship support and educational content on solar and battery storage for Planet Detroit, the independent nonprofit local news organization whose mission is to inform and educate on environment and public health issues in Detroit and Michigan. Given the heightened profile of both solar and battery storage in Michigan due to the extension of the 30% tax credit for both solar and batteries, the electrification of the auto industry, and the proliferation of battery production in Michigan, more homeowners than ever before are exploring how they might benefit from both.
Planet Detroit Founder and Editor Nina Ignaczak had this to say about the collaboration
"Given Stellar Solar's 25 years in business, A+ Better Business Bureau ranking and educational approach to presenting homeowners with all their options, we felt they would be the perfect partner to help Planet Detroit provide valuable content for people new to solar and battery storage in Michigan."
David Boylan, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Stellar Soar added: "Stellar Solar has built our business over the past 25 years by educating homeowners on the benefits of solar and battery storage, presenting them with all their options, and guiding them through the process, rather than a hard sell. That approach is reflected by our number one source of new business coming from customer referrals. We seek the same qualities in our industry partners and Planet Detroit certainly fits that bill given the valuable content and reporting they provide. Our team of industry experts is excited to have this new platform to help educate Michiganders on the benefits of both solar and battery storage. It's an exciting time for renewable energy in Michigan and we are proud to be taking this leadership role by partnering with Planet Detroit."
Stellar Solar offers quick, easy, no-pressure virtual residential solar and battery quotes for Michigan homeowners interested in solar and battery storage.
About Stellar Solar
Headquartered in Oceanside, California and Royal Oak, Michigan, Stellar Solar is a leading California and Michigan residential and commercial PV solar and battery storage design and installation company since 1998 with over 15,000+ installations across Southern California and Michigan including notable commercial installations on The Salk Institute, US Foods, Cedars Sinai Hospital and more. Readers of the Union Tribune have voted them best solar panel company again in 2022 marking the sixth year in a row and tenth time in twelve years winning the award. Their 5 Star Reviews on Yelp, A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and high customer ratings on Angie are further testament to their standing as the leading solar, battery storage, and EV connectivity provider to homes, businesses, nonprofits and faith-based organizations in Southern California and Michigan.
About Planet Detroit
Planet Detroit is an independent nonprofit local news organization designed to inform you about the environment and public health in Detroit and Michigan. We focus on accountability, solutions and community reporting, and we have a deep commitment to engaging with the community. Our mission is to produce quality climate, equity, health and environment journalism in the public interest that centers grassroots voices, holds power accountable, spotlights solutions + serves the community.
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