PowerBank stays active in New York solar scene | Projects Weekly
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This week on Projects Weekly, PowerBank Corp. is making solar energy moves in the Empire State with two projects in upstate New York. Elsewhere around the country, Xcel Energy has gotten approval for the second phase of its “first of a kind” utility-led VPP program in Minnesota. Due south of that on the Gulf Coast of Texas, GridStor and Swiss energy firm Axpo have inked an “energy storage agreement” for a solar and battery project in Galveston County. In Illinois, a trio of companies have installed about 50,000 square feet of rooftop solar for Kingspan Insulation, and two government buildings in Miami-Dade County got similar treatment in Florida. In California, PearlX and Metonic Real Estate Solutions have installed a distributed power source on a new apartment building southern central California. Keep reading for all the details!
PowerBank announces $1.1 million incentive from NYSERDA for New York solar project
Rochester, New York-based solar developer PowerBank Corp. has announced that its Jordan Rd 2 solar project has received just over $1.1 million in incentives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)’s NY-Sun solar program.
Bright spot: With a solar power capacity of 7.1 MW, the Jordan Rd 2 project will deliver enough energy to power about 895 homes in New York every year once operational. The company says once completed, Jordan Rd 2 will be operated as a community solar project for the state of New York.
“PowerBank’s proven expertise, with over 100 MW of completed projects and a development pipeline exceeding 1 GW, underpins the project’s execution,” the company says. “SUUNStrategic partnerships and institutional-grade development capabilities position PowerBank to deliver reliable, high-impact renewable energy solutions.”
The project and the NY-Sun program aim to take some of the strain off of the Empire State’s local power grid, representatives say. The NYSERDA-led solar program is “making solar energy more accessible to homes, businesses, and communities” through various incentives on all levels.
The project also advances the state of New York’s path to 10 GW of installed solar by 2030. As of late 2024, NYSERDA reports that New York leads the United States in community solar capacity with 6 GW installed.
Minnesota PUC advances new VPP program, modernizing energy grid
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved phase two of Xcel Energy’s Capacity*Connect project, a first of its kind utility-owned virtual power plant (VPP).
After its completion in 2028, the project will deploy up to 200 MW of battery systems across the distribution grid in Minnesota. The batteries will range from 1 to 3 MW each, the utilities commission says, and will be cited close to homes and businesses to ensure grid reliability.
“Capacity*Connect represents a vital step toward modernizing the energy grid and meeting the growing electricity needs of our communities,” says Commissioner Hwikwon Ham. “By leveraging innovative battery technology and Virtual Power Plant models, we are not only ensuring a more reliable and resilient system for all Minnesotans but also creating a more equitable energy future that delivers real value back to the communities.”
Bright spot: The VPP program also includes commitments to “equity and local workforce development,” the commission says. Xcel has also been advised to consider placing energy assets in “underserved communities” across Minnesota, and to partner with Building Strong Communities, a Minnesotan construction apprenticeship program.
“The Commission also asked Xcel to report on whether lessons from its behind‑the‑meter VPP pilot project in Colorado could be applicable in Minnesota and help inform the state’s approach,” the commission says.
GridStor and Axpo announced BESS swap agreement in Texas
Swiss energy company Axpo and utility-scale BESS developer GridStor have announced an “energy storage agreement” for the Hidden Lakes Reliability Project in Galveston County, Texas.
Beginning operations late last year, the project supplies 220 MW / 440 MWh of battery energy storage along the Lone Star State’s Gulf Coast. Worth 100 MW, the corporate partnership is backed by GridStor and will enable Axpo to pass “price predictability” along to Houston-based retail customers.
“We are proud to work alongside Axpo to support long-term pricing predictability for Houston residents and businesses,” says Chris Taylor, CEO of GridStor. “Our collaboration with Axpo to develop a bespoke transaction structure that unlocks financing for battery storage also contributes to more stable retail electricity rates for customers.”
Bright spot: The companies say this agreement is proof of concept for innovative, financeable battery storage solutions. GridStor currently manages 530 MW / 1.3 GWh of battery storage projects, plus a pipeline of over 3 GW in development across the U.S.
Shimon Schaff, origination director for Axpo in the U.S., says the agreement will focus on the supply of energy itself in the U.S., and further focus on presenting risk management solutions to American energy developers.
“At Axpo, our mission is to help customers achieve their desired energy risk profiles through tailored solutions,” Schaff says. “Our platform is built to give our customers and industry partners direct access to our trading capabilities and resources.”
REC Solar, Kingspan Insulation, and Dynamic Energy install rooftop project in Illinois
Independent power producer REC Solar, commercial solar developer Dynamic Energy, and Kingspan Insulation North America have completed an 881 kW rooftop solar system at Kingspan’s main manufacturing facility.
Located in Mendota, Illinois, the facility marks Kingspan’s third solar installation across North America, the company says.
The solar projects are incremental steps in Kingspan’s Planet Passionate sustainability program. As part of the program, the company has committed to adding solar systems on all wholly-owned sites, and achieving 60% renewable energy use, by 2030.
Kyle McEnroe, President of Kingspan Insulation North America, says the installation is “another step forward” to embedding sustainable solutions in the country’s energy grid.
“Bringing solar power online at our manufacturing site is a milestone of which we’re incredibly proud,” he says. “This project is a tangible example of our Planet Passionate commitment in action as we continue to reduce operational carbon, increase our use of renewable energy, and invest in long-term solutions that strengthen both our environmental performance and our business.”
Bright spot: The installation makes use of 50,000 square feet of Kingspan’s industrial roofing space, and will generate 1 GWh of renewable energy every year. That translates to offsetting about 870 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year the project is up and running.
“As companies increasingly seek strategies to lower emissions and strengthen supply chain sustainability, this project shows how clean, reliable, and affordable solar energy — delivered through a long-term power purchase agreement — can help achieve those goals,” says Robb Jetty, CEO of REC Solar. “By owning and operating these systems, REC Solar is proud to support Kingspan’s leadership in renewable energy and their continued progress in sustainability.”
Ameresco, Miami-Dade County partner for rooftop solar installations
Energy infrastructure company Ameresco has partnered with Florida’s Miami-Dade County under a Guaranteed Energy, Water, and Wastewater Performance Savings Contract (ESPC), the company says.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ameresco will implement energy conservation measures across the Miami-Dade Children’s Courthouse and the E.R. Graham Building, the office of State Attorney Katherine Fernandez.
Dr. Jason Grant, senior energy resilience program manager of Miami-Dade County’s Office of Real Estate and Development, says the solar systems will be “critical energy infrastructure upgrades.” Further, the systems will allow the two facilities to remain reliable and efficient for the county at large.
“This project also enables the County to make meaningful progress toward our broader sustainability goals,” Grant says, “while prioritizing the critical services our residents depend on every day.”
Bright spot: The infrastructure upgrades match with the county’s long-term renewable energy and sustainability strategy, the company says. Using the on-site solar power, along with energy-efficient LED lighting and modern energy technology, the project will help to lower the county’s operating expenses.
“Ameresco has a longstanding partnership with Miami-Dade County to deliver solutions that create long-term value for the community,” says Lou Maltezos, co-president of Ameresco. “We’re proud to continue that partnership through this ESPC, working closely with the county to advance practical improvements that strengthen their facilities and support operational priorities.”
PearlX, Metonic install 997 kW solar system at California apartment buildings
Energy infrastructure firm PearlX has announced the full commercial operation of a 977 kW solar system at Millennium Apartments in Palm Desert, California.
Developed by Metonic Real Estate Solutions, the newly construction 330 unit community is “a concrete demonstration of PearlX’s Energy Estate model,” the company says. This framework treats multi-family buildings are structures that can distribute power, rather than simply consume them.
With American energy prices spiking thanks to data centers and rising electrification, PearlX views the 20 million multi-family buildings in the U.S. as “an untapped distributed resource” the company says.
“PearlX is proud to unlock the energy estate with Metonic,” says Michael Huerta, co-founder of PearlX Infrastructure. “Together we are building the infrastructure that enables energy affordability and grid resilience under the same investment.”
Bright spot: The new solar system serves all 330 apartment units as well as the complex’s common areas. The system also includes shaded carports, which PearlX says is a “high-demand amenity” in central southern California.
“We are excited to be working with the energy experts at PearlX to help us boost NOI, lower resident energy costs and increase property value over the next 30 years,” says Kassie Inness, president of Metonic.
PowerBank announces 5 MW distributed solar and battery project in New York
PowerBank Corp. has also announced a new community solar and battery project in upstate New York, also eligible for incentives through NYSERDA’s NY-Sun program and Retail Storage Incentive Program.
Known as the NY-Conklin Hill Rd project, the 5 MW solar and BESS project is still in the preliminary screening analysis process, PowerBank officials say. Once approved for interconnection, the firm will work to complete the site’s permitting process and secure financing for construction.
“The rapid growth of wind and solar power and the rising demand for electricity from data centers are making batteries a necessity,” the company says. “They store surplus renewable energy for when it’s not windy or sunny, and maintain a balance between energy supply and demand. There has been a 90 percent drop in the cost of batteries over the last 15 years as new factories have come on line, resulting in significant growth in this sector globally.”
Bright spot: This project also advances the state of New York’s efforts toward 10 GW of distributed solar by 2030. Additionally, the site adds to the state’s tally of batteries and energy storage, where it hopes to reach 6 GW by the end of the decade.
