Tesla is reportedly in talks with Chinese solar PV equipment suppliers to purchase machines worth $2.9 billion to make solar cells and modules in the US as it advances its 100 GW solar capacity plan for the US. According to a Reuters report, among the Chinese companies, heterojunction (HJT) solar manufacturer Suzhou Maxwell Technologies is in discussions with the US automobile giant. Deliveries are expected to be made once the Chinese authorities clear the same. Earlier this year, Elon Musk said Tesla and SpaceX are separately working on building 100 GW/year of solar PV manufacturing in the US within the next 3 years to feed AI data centers (see Elon Musk Says SpaceX, Tesla Eye 100 GW/Year US Solar Manufacturing).
California’s Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 868 (SB 868), a measure that aims to legalize balcony solar or plug-and-play solar in the state. Sponsored by Senator Scott Wiener and backed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the Plug and Play Solar Act, SB 868, aims to cut energy costs by letting residents install up to 1,200‑W solar units without complex utility approvals. The bill also sets safety standards requiring UL certification and automatic shutoff during power outages to protect workers. EWG says this moves the bill towards affordable, safe, and simple solar for renters and apartment dwellers. California is among 30 US states that seek legislative support for balcony solar (see 30 US States Taking Legislative Action For Balcony Solar).
US renewable energy and storage projects developer rPlus Energies has secured over $650 million in debt and tax equity financing for its 520 MW DC/400 MW AC Blacks Creek Energy Center in Ada County, Idaho. The debt package, led by Santander Corporate & Investment Banking and KeyBanc Capital Markets, will support project construction. Once the project is online, it will transition to a long-term loan. Santander also provided a tax equity commitment. Blacks Creek will supply solar power to Idaho Power, supporting Meta’s Kuna, Idaho data center and other regional demand. The project adds to rPlus’ growing portfolio in Ada County, which includes nearly 1 GW of operating, under-construction, or contracted solar capacity.
Utility-scale solar PV company Avantus and Toyota Tsusho America (TAI) have completed the 159 MW DC/125 MW AC Norton Solar Project in Runnels County, Texas. TAI has signed a long-term Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with Toyota Motor North America for the plant’s full output. The project, built with engineering support from RES, created nearly 250 construction jobs and will continue to benefit the local economy, said Avantus. The company touts a clean energy portfolio comprising about 24 GW DC of solar and 75 GWh of energy storage in development across the Western US.