Energy
Business Wire | October 25, 2023
SEW, a global leader in AI-Powered Connected Customer (CX) and Workforce (WX) Experience Industry Cloud Platforms, announces its acquisition of GridExchange, a cutting-edge Transactive Energy software platform, from Alectra Utilities Corporation.
GridExchange empowers energy consumers to transition from passive users to proactive prosumers, leveraging distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar panels, battery storage, and EV (Electric Vehicles). Through a secure and user-friendly Customer Experience (CX), GridExchange facilitates seamless exchanges of energy, driving a reduction in greenhouse gas CO2 emissions, lowering energy costs, and strengthening grid resiliency.
stated Deepak Garg, CEO and Founder of SEW.
At SEW, we are shaping a clean and sustainable energy future. The acquisition of GridExchange aligns perfectly with our vision and strategy of an intelligent, resilient, and sustainable energy ecosystem. Our journey towards a sustainable future begins with empowering and educating individuals and businesses alike to actively participate in the energy revolution," emphasized Deepak Garg. "By integrating GridExchange into our SEW connected platform, we are not only driving cleaner energy transition and adoption but also revolutionizing the way people and communities engage with their energy consumption.
[Source:Business Wire]
GridExchange’s web and mobile application allows utilities to engage customers with DERs, optimizing grid operations by managing peak load and maximizing GHG reduction. Customers, in turn, have the flexibility to contribute excess energy or adjust consumption patterns in exchange for financial incentives and loyalty rewards redeemable at local businesses.
Brian Bentz, President and CEO of Alectra, emphasized, "Our development of GridExchange, which helped to enable non-wires alternative pilots in our service territory, illustrates our commitment to enabling customers to participate in local energy markets. We are pleased that SEW will now be taking this platform to a global market.”
Key benefits of the SEW-GridExchange platform include
Empowering Energy Choices: Customers can harness the potential of existing DERs, transforming into proactive contributors to the energy ecosystem.
Reducing GHG Emissions: The incentivization of clean energy usage through GridExchange leads to a notable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Enhancing Grid Planning: The platform unlocks and optimizes DER values, increasing grid flexibility and resiliency; and contributes to integrated system planning with non-wires alternatives, reducing or deferring overall energy system costs.
Advocating for Policy Change: The initiative motivates regulators to propose standards and policies that pave the way for a cleaner energy future. GridExchange’s innovative application also demonstrates the following objectives
Leveraging cutting-edge transactive energy technology to facilitate DER participation in grid services and accurately track energy generation and consumption's GHG impact.
Incentivizing customers who own or operate DERsl by providing valuable grid services.
Introducing a pioneering customer rewards program, where points earned are redeemable for a range of goods and services from participating merchants.
SEW is committed to building a resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem through the integration of advanced technologies like AI, ML, and IoT. With over 1.2 billion users and adoption by 410+ utilities worldwide, SEW is at the forefront of driving the transition towards an intelligent energy future.
This landmark acquisition not only signifies a major stride towards sustainable energy, but also underscores SEW's commitment to pioneer a greener future through advanced technology. SEW's mission is to engage, empower, and educate billions of people worldwide to conserve energy and water. Now, with the addition of GridExchange, SEW is poised to take sustainability to new heights.
About Alectra Inc.
Alectra Inc., through its subsidiary Alectra Utilities Corporation, serves approximately one million homes and businesses across an 1,800 square kilometers service territory comprising 17 communities including Alliston, Aurora, Barrie, Beeton, Brampton, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Guelph, Hamilton, Markham, Mississauga, Penetanguishene, Richmond Hill, Rockwood, St. Catharine’s, Thornton, Tottenham and Vaughan. The Alectra family of companies includes Alectra Inc. (Mississauga), Alectra Utilities Corporation (Hamilton) and Alectra Energy Solutions (Vaughan).
About SEW
SEW, with its innovative and industry-leading connected cloud platforms, delivers the best Digital Customer Experiences (CX) and Workforce Experiences (WX), powered by AI, ML, and IoT Analytics to the global energy, water, and gas providers. At SEW, the vision is to Engage, Empower, and Educate billions of people to save energy and water. We partner with businesses to deliver platforms that are easy-to-use, integrate seamlessly, and help build a strong technological foundation that allows them to become future ready.
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Solar+Storage
Sol-Ark | September 13, 2023
On September 12, 2023, Sol-Ark, a leading solar and energy storage technology company, announced that it selected Enteligent's NMax Rapid Shutdown with Optimization platform for its line of direct-current (DC) module-level power electronics (MLPE) product line.
Sol-Ark's 0900-80V, powered by Enteligent, offers exceptional utility for photovoltaic (PV) solar adapters. The company recognized the market potential of 0900–80V as more than just a rapid shutdown device (RSD) and designed it to go beyond this role. By integrating the essential safety features of an RSD with additional energy optimization and data monitoring capabilities, this device provides a comprehensive solution to meet the core needs of Sol-Ark's customers.
The power optimization feature of the Sol-Ark 900-80V, powered by Enteligent, operates only when necessary, thus resulting in maximum energy efficiency, reduced internal heat generation, and increased device lifespan. When factors such as shading, snow loads, varying angles of incidence, or other conditions affect the output of PV modules, the embedded microprocessor adjusts the current output of each PV module to optimize Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) both individually and across the entire string.
According to Sol-Ark's testing, the Enteligent-powered 0900-80V module delivers between 25% and 38% more power under shaded conditions than rival RSD products.
The panel-level data is transmitted using powerline communications (PLC), simplifying installation without the need for a wireless network or additional wiring. This data can be accessed through Sol-Ark's PV Pro monitoring platform or a Windows application on a connected PC, enabling installers to verify installation integrity, assisting service personnel in troubleshooting performance issues, and allowing homeowners to monitor the performance of their solar investment.
Tom Brennan, the CEO and CTO of Sol-Ark, commented,
Initially, I was skeptical that panel-level optimization would provide any appreciable benefit over the string-level MPPT of the inverter and the PV module diodes, but once we tested Enteligent’s technology, we knew this product would be a game-changer. The increased power optimization, the addition of panel-level monitoring, and the unique longevity of this device will provide exceptional benefits for our customers.
[Source: Business Wire]
About Sol-Ark
Sol-Ark is a leading energy technology company committed to reducing society's dependence on the vulnerable power grid by introducing innovative and sustainable technology solutions. Over the course of more than a decade, Sol-Ark has earned the trust of industry leaders, including Fortune 50 companies in telecommunications, retail, prominent technology firms, and even the world's largest space agency. The company's extensive ecosystem comprises numerous distributors, installers, EPCs (engineering, procurement, and construction companies), integrators, and battery manufacturers, forming a formidable network that is reshaping energy resilience for both residential and commercial purposes.
About Enteligent
Enteligent, headquartered in California, is a pioneering developer of intelligent solar power optimization and solar electric vehicle (EV) charging technologies. With a steadfast commitment to elevating energy utilization, enhancing returns on energy investments, and facilitating pivotal changes in energy consumption patterns for the impending green electrification revolution, Enteligent is at the forefront of sustainable energy innovation. Its NMax photovoltaic module power optimizers leverage intelligent digital technology to dynamically adapt optimization timings and deliver panel-level monitoring data. This transformative approach results in increased rooftop energy yield, improved energy harvesting efficiency, and heightened system reliability.
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Energy
PR Newswire | October 04, 2023
Cordia, a leading provider of safe, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions, today announced that it has signed a binding agreement to acquire three microgrids and district energy systems in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, from Essential Utilities, Inc. The acquisition is valued at $165 million.
The three energy systems included in the agreement are
The Pittsburgh International Airport Microgrid, the first of its kind, which allows the airport to operate independent of the electric grid thanks to a 21.25 MW natural gas power plant, making PIT one of the most resilient airports.
The district energy system at Allegheny Health Network (AHN) – Wexford Hospital, which provides the 160-bed hospital with all heating, cooling, and primary power needs via steam boilers, hot water boilers, chillers, and a 2.0 MW natural gas generator, along with emergency backup power. The Allegheny County District Energy System, which provides efficient and resilient steam and hot water services to six government buildings including the
Allegheny County Courthouse and City-County Building, using seven state-of-the-art steam boilers and one domestic water heater.
"We are excited to acquire these three energy systems,"
said Cordia CEO Earl Collins.
They are a perfect fit for our portfolio and will help us to further our mission of providing safe, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions to our customers. We look forward to working with the Pittsburgh International Airport, Allegheny Health Network, and Allegheny County teams to ensure a smooth transition and continue providing excellent service to their customers.
[Source: PR Newswire]
The acquisition is a strategic move for Cordia. The acquisition expands the firm's presence in the Pittsburgh region where it currently operates energy systems in Pittsburgh's Uptown and North Shore neighborhoods, and the on-campus energy system for Duquesne University. Cordia's assets have been operating in the region since 1964, and its existing investments in the area allow Cordia to deliver the most efficient solutions to its customers. This acquisition is a testament to Cordia's commitment to growing its regional presence and building on its existing customer base.
The three energy systems were developed by Essential subsidiary Peoples, leveraging Southwestern Pennsylvania's abundance of natural gas to deliver safer, more reliable and more resilient energy to some of the region's most critical institutions. All three began operating in 2021.
"Our teams at Peoples and Essential should be proud knowing their work to develop these innovative energy systems has made this region better," said Essential Utilities CEO & Chairman Chris Franklin. "Selling these unregulated assets to a skilled operator in Cordia allows us to focus more fully on our core business as a regulated utility."
"We are confident our customers will be in good hands with Cordia operating these energy systems," said Peoples President Mike Huwar. "Our team looks forward to providing clean, safe, affordable and reliable natural gas service to all three projects for years to come."
"This acquisition is a demonstration to Cordia's commitment to providing innovative energy solutions to our customers and growth in the Pittsburgh area," said Collins. "We are proud to be a part of this community and continue to work with our partners to build a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Pittsburgh."
The transaction is subject to various closing conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to close in late 2023 or early 2024.
About Cordia
Cordia is a leading provider of safe, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions. Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, Cordia serves over 700 customers with heating, cooling, and electricity throughout the U.S. Cordia is committed to driving change toward a more resilient, sustainable energy future and empowering people and communities to reach their full potential. Learn more at www.cordiaenergy.com.
About Essential
Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. With a focus on water, wastewater and natural gas, Essential is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.
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Solar+Storage
Business Wire | October 06, 2023
Tigo Energy, Inc. a leading provider of intelligent solar and energy storage solutions, announced the launch of the Green Glove service program to provide a premium support experience for installers of commercial and industrial (C&I) systems. The Green Glove program enhances the installer experience and drives quality across the solar value chain with a process that includes a set of formalized support engagements for Tigo C&I installers before, during, and after the installation.
After registering online, Green Glove support personnel work with the installer to determine the scope of the engagement, which can include service scheduling, technical training preconditions, and potential site visit requirements. Tigo customers can expect a no-cost design review prior to installation, on-call support from regional Tigo locations during installation, and a post-installation review and follow-up discussion to answer outstanding questions and gather feedback on the installation experience. Tigo-based commercial and industrial solar systems commissioned prior to March 2024 are eligible for the Green Glove program. Systems based on non-Tigo MLPE devices may also be eligible for a fee-based service under Green Glove program. This expansion of the Tigo Green Glove program continues the Company’s mission to deliver quality solar as well as rapid shutdown safety by enhancing the resources available to solar installers.
“While no two commercial solar systems are alike, some best practices for design and installation are nearly universal, and the Green Glove program extends our engineering and field experience to our installer customers,”
said James JD Dillon, CMO at Tigo Energy.
The philosophy behind this program is to strengthen the connective tissue within the solar value chain, bridging the strength Tigo has in designing solar hardware with the strength our installer partners have in deploying solar. While we are separate companies, our end customers should feel confident that the various entities that bring it all together collaborate and serve them by working together.
[Source – Business Wire]
In support of the Green Glove program, training and continuing education designed to build and reinforce the commercial solar installer skill set are delivered via the Tigo Academy platform. The platform delivers an installer curriculum that connects high-quality solar and storage products to best practices during the design and installation phases. Successfully completed Tigo Academy learning modules are eligible for North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Continuing Education Credits (CEC).
About Tigo Energy
Founded in 2007, Tigo is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of smart hardware and software solutions that enhance safety, increase energy yield, and lower operating costs of residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar systems. Tigo combines its Flex MLPE (Module Level Power Electronics) and solar optimizer technology with intelligent, cloud-based software capabilities for advanced energy monitoring and control. Tigo MLPE products maximize performance, enable real-time energy monitoring, and provide code-required rapid shutdown at the module level. The company also develops and manufactures products such as inverters and battery storage systems for the residential solar-plus-storage market.
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