As the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) policies take hold, interest in the US solar and storage market is stronger than ever and it shows in full form at the RE+ 2023, at Las Vegas. One of the country’s largest renewable energy tradeshows launched on September 12, 2023 at the Venetian Convention and Expo Center with companies choosing the platform to unveil new products and solutions.
After Nextracker kickstarted the RE+ 2023 on September 11, 2023 with the announcement of its 6th dedicated steel fab at Las Vegas, on day 1 of the tradeshow India’s Gautam Solar and South Korea’s LG unveiled plans for US solar module and ESS manufacturing fab (see Nextracker Expands US Manufacturing Capacity). As Black & Veatch sees corporate interest in solar growing, BroadRange Logistics announced a new solar-focused warehouse. New energy storage products were launched by Canadian Solar and Greenverse.
Gautam Solar’s TOPCon modules: Participating in the RE+ 2023 show, Indian solar module manufacturer Gautam Solar has revealed it plans to open a solar panel production factory in the US with 1 GW annual capacity. While it does not share any more details about these plans, the company is exhibiting its n-type TOPCon solar modules certified by UL. It is also offering solar power plant design and remote monitoring at no extra cost for the US customers as a comprehensive solar solutions package. Its n-type TOPCon solar modules portfolio includes 435 W to 580 W products with efficiencies ranging from 21.77% to 22.45%. Additionally, it is also displaying mono-PERC panels in 3 power ratings of 415 W, 450 W and 550 W, based on bigger M10 cells.
Gautam Solar is exhibiting at Booth No. 16095 at Sands Level 1.
LG’s US market strategy: LG Energy Solution also announced the 1st large-scale energy storage solutions (ESS) battery production plans in the US as part of its 4 market strategies to grow in the country. Its annual production capacity will be 16 GWh. The Queen Creek, Arizona fab will come online in Q1/2026. The other 3 strategies include plans to:
- Line up its fully integrated system solution—from cell production to DC-AC integration to software-as-a-service products;
- IRA benefit eligibility with a localized supply chain, and
- A competitive edge in the LFP technology.
Planning to become a fully-integrated system solutions provider in the country, LG said it will initially invest $2.3 billion in the country with more to follow. At RE+ this year, LG is displaying LFP Liquid Cooling Container and stackable residential ESS products such as enblock S and S+, among other products.
While making the announcement at RE+, LG said demand for ESS is larger than supply; hence there is great scope for localized energy storage production capacity. It will be eligible for a 10% IRA adder since it plans to do everything at the US fab, including cells. As for anode, which is the most difficult material to localize, LG will develop suppliers in the US and also utilize existing suppliers in Korea and elsewhere
LG Energy Solution’s Booth No. 13086 is at Sands, Level 1.
New storage product from Canadian Solar: Canadian Solar launched a new grid-tied energy storage solution called EP Cube Lite at the show on day 1. This ‘lower-cost’ product expands the manufacturer’s EP Cube residential energy storage line. Scalable and customizable from 6.6 kWh to 19.9 kWh capacities, the EP Cube Lite is compatible with most existing PV systems. Targeted for the residential solar segment, Canadian Solar says the system can be easily expanded later to a fully featured EP Cube, providing backup power and additional features such as electric vehicle (EV) charging using the Smart Gateway.
Canadian Solar is exhibiting at Booth No. 2516.
Black & Veatch report: Global EPC firm Black & Veatch launched its 17th annual 2023 Electric Report at the event. Based on a survey of over 650 US electric industry stakeholders, the report presses for proactiveness amid headwinds of electrification, climate change and cyber threats. Analysts stress on the need to modernize the grid to boost the country’s resilience as well as renewable energy. At least 55% respondents placed utility– scale solar or distributed solar energy on their priority list to invest in, in the immediate future, followed by transportation fleet electrification and/or charging infrastructure. The report is available for download on its website.
Black & Veatch is available at Booth No. 5743.
Greenverse in California: Home energy backup solutions provider Greenverse is at the tradeshow with its PowerPillar Solar Energy Storage System. This ‘revolutionary’ and ‘most cost-efficient’ energy storage system is now accessible to installers in California, stated the company. The DC-coupled system comes with integrated smart energy management options. Greenverse claims that the built-in automatic transfer switch can help cut down each install by $3,000 to $4,000 that would otherwise be spent on costly electrical upgrades and extra components. The company has built this product in synergy with outdoor portable solar power solutions company Jackery.
Greenverse is exhibiting at Venetian Booth No. 7505.
New solar warehouse: Warehousing and logistics company BroadRange Logistics has launched its solar industry-focused 3PL warehouse. It comes with inventory financing and warehouse cost deferrals tailored to all types of solar and clean energy companies, it stated.
Team TaiyangNews is on ground at RE+ 2023 in Las Vegas to cover the ongoing solar trade show. Send us a quick email at [email protected] if you wish to get in touch.
