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Harnessing sunlight for electricity is on the rise, and now, researchers at the University of North Carolina are delving into a promising avenue: turning air pollution into cleaner fuel using those very rays. Imagine this: storing intermittent solar power as methanol, a fuel that could later be utilized to power our energy needs. That's the vision outlined in a recent paper by Gabriella Bein and her colleagues. Solar energy has its limitations — it's not always available when demand peaks. But the team at UNC aims to change that by converting solar power into liquid fuels for later use. Inspired by nature's photosynthesis process, where plants convert carbon dioxide into energy using sunlight, they're pioneering a new approach. Their work, based at the Center for Hybrid Approaches in Solar Energy to Liquid Fuels (CHASE), is backed by significant government funding. By employing a technique called methyl termination, they're modifying the surface of silicon, a key component of solar cell technology. This modification enhances silicon's ability to convert carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide using sunlight. The beauty of it? Carbon monoxide can be turned into fuels like methanol, known for its cleaner burning properties. While methanol may not offer the same mileage as gasoline, it's a step towards greener transportation solutions. The UNC team's process boasts an impressive 87% efficiency rate in producing carbon monoxide, without generating unwanted byproducts. What's more, it relies solely on sunlight to drive the chemical reactions, making it a cleaner alternative to traditional methods. According to Jillian Dempsey, CHASE's deputy director, this breakthrough could revolutionize fuel production: imagine harnessing sunlight to create fuel, essentially reversing the combustion process. Meanwhile, across the pond in Cambridge, another group is developing artificial photosynthesis techniques to produce fresh water and hydrogen fuel using solar power. While these advancements may not yet have widespread impact, there are immediate steps we can take to maximize solar energy's potential. Home solar technology is becoming more accessible and affordable, thanks in part to tax incentives. Despite the initial setup costs, the long-term savings and environmental benefits make it a worthwhile investment. And let's not forget the health benefits — reducing reliance on fossil fuels means cleaner air for everyone, potentially alleviating respiratory issues like asthma. UNC's efforts to harness sunlight for energy production represent an exciting frontier in renewable energy. Four years into their research, they're pushing boundaries, with hopes of securing funding to bring their technology to fruition within the next five years. As Dempsey aptly puts it, there's a pressing need to shift towards sustainable energy sources to combat climate change and meet our growing energy demands. And initiatives like these are paving the way for a brighter, cleaner future.

Josh Brumm, Energy Storage Manager, and Chris Wahl, Electric Vehicle Development Manager, represented us at the Florida Solar and Storage Summit in sunny Orlando Florida! Take a look at some of the pictures from the event, and the awesome afterparty. Thank you Hoymiles and IronRidge for your support!

Get ready Get ready to plug into some good news! The Biden-Harris Administration is sparking positive change with a series of electrifying actions aimed at supercharging America's electric grid and accelerating the clean energy revolution. Since Day One, President Biden has been leading the charge towards a brighter, cleaner future. Now, with unprecedented support and a toolbox full of innovative solutions, the administration is flipping the switch on a greener grid that will not only slash pollution but also turbocharge job growth and lower energy costs for families. First up, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is rolling out a suite of standards to clean up fossil fuel power plants, cutting greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants. These standards aren't just about saving the planet – they're also expected to generate billions in benefits for public health and the environment. But the EPA isn't the only one on the move. The Department of Energy (DOE) is plugging in $331 million to build a new transmission line, creating thousands of union jobs and boosting the grid's capacity to deliver clean power. Plus, with new rules to streamline permitting and speed up environmental reviews, upgrading the grid has never been easier. And it doesn't stop there! The administration is launching a nationwide effort to upgrade 100,000 miles of transmission lines over the next five years, unlocking massive potential for clean energy growth. By investing in cutting-edge technologies and streamlining the permitting process, we're not just powering homes and businesses – we're powering progress. President Biden's bold investments are also sparking a manufacturing renaissance right here in the USA. With billions in tax credits and support for clean energy projects, we're creating good-paying jobs and building a more resilient supply chain for the future. And let's not forget about offshore wind, geothermal energy, and solar power – the administration is pulling out all the stops to accelerate deployment and bring clean energy online faster than ever before. But perhaps the most exciting part? The administration isn't just focused on building a cleaner, more resilient grid – they're committed to ensuring that every community benefits. From low-income households to coal and power plant communities, the Biden-Harris Administration is leveling the playing field and ensuring that no one gets left behind in the transition to clean energy. So, let's celebrate the power of positive change – because with bold action and a commitment to progress, we're not just building a better grid, we're building a brighter future for all. Let's plug in and power up for a cleaner, greener tomorrow! Read the full White House Fact Sheet

The SUN DAY Campaign took a peek at the latest scoop from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and guess what? Solar power is still rocking the charts as the go-to for new electricity generation in the U.S. For six months straight, solar has been owning the scene, with February 2024 seeing it grab a whopping 83.64% of the new capacity. And wind? Well, it's not far behind, showing some serious growth that even surprised FERC. Check this out: in the first two months of 2024, solar brought in 78.50% of the new juice, with wind adding 20.34%. It's been a trend since September 2023, with solar leading the charge, sometimes letting wind sneak in second, while natural gas only occasionally gets a slice of the pie. Solar's got its foot in the door now, claiming 8.21% of the total installed utility-scale generating capacity, even leaving hydropower in the dust. Wind's got a cool 11.77%, and if you lump all renewables together, they make up almost 30%. Just a year back, solar was only at 6.63%, so you can see how it's been hustling. Sure, solar's not quite top dog yet; it's hanging out in fourth place behind natural gas, coal, and wind. But hold onto your hats because FERC predicts that in three years, solar could be leaving wind and coal in the dust. FERC's forecasting a mega boost in solar power from 2024 to 2027, with a "high probability" of adding a whopping 87,749 MW, way more than what's expected for wind. And get this: while coal and gas are expected to chill out, solar's party's just getting started. If FERC's crystal ball is right, by 2027, solar could be flexing its muscles, making up over 14% of the nation's electricity generation, leaving coal and wind in the rearview mirror. And if we throw in distributed solar, which is basically solar panels on rooftops, the future's even brighter. With all that sunshine power, we could be looking at renewables outpacing gas. The head honcho at the SUN DAY Campaign, Ken Bossong, is pretty stoked about solar's success. He's thinking solar has what it takes to keep smashing records and leading the charge, with renewables, including our buddy distributed solar, giving gas a run for its money in no time. Read the full article at Solar Power World.

Soligent and Sungage Financial Launch New PowerUp Program to Boost Savings for Solar Installers Since 2021, Soligent and Sungage Financial have been pivotal in providing solar installers across the nation with the tools needed to offer flexible financing and reliable solar equipment to homeowners eager to embrace solar energy. Their collaboration through the Direct Pay partnership has simplified the process for many, making solar power more accessible. This week, an exciting advancement in this partnership will be introduced at SolarCon, a premier North American solar networking conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. The two companies are set to unveil PowerUp, an enhanced version of the Direct Pay program designed to further aid solar installation companies. What Is PowerUp? PowerUp aims to alleviate the financial pressures on solar companies by offering additional volume-based discounts on both solar system hardware and financing options. This initiative means that partners can enjoy significant savings on equipment costs and financing fees, which in turn allows them to offer more competitive pricing to homeowners. With the lowest possible monthly payments, more homeowners can enjoy the benefits of solar energy, facilitated by trusted and high-quality solar equipment. Michael Gilroy, CEO of Sungage Financial, highlights the timing and necessity of the PowerUp program: “We know margins are tight for our partners given the recent fluctuation in financing rates and escalating business expenses. We are constantly looking for ways to help our partners save money and streamline their business operations, which is why we’re excited to launch PowerUp.” Luke Hutchins, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Soligent, also shared his enthusiasm about expanding their collaboration: "This initiative marks a significant advancement in our commitment to empowering solar installation companies with more robust tools and opportunities. By enhancing our Direct Pay program, we are not only able to offer substantial savings but also facilitate a smoother, more efficient way for homeowners to adopt solar energy." How Does It Work? Solar installation companies that are partnered with and approved by both Soligent and Sungage can benefit from the PowerUp program. The program offers discounts based on the monthly funding volume, available to partners funding at least $250,000 a month. For more information on how to get started or to understand more about the program, interested companies can reach out to powerup@sungagefinancial.com or fill out an online form provided by Sungage. More About Soligent and Sungage Soligent Distribution has been a leading clean energy and solar distributor in the Americas since 1979, supporting thousands of solar installers and contractors with solar energy equipment, engineering services, and project financing solutions. Sungage Financial, for over a decade, has been instrumental in shaping the residential solar industry by providing reliable and flexible financing solutions, helping solar installers to build strong and resilient businesses. As the solar industry continues to grow, partnerships like that of Soligent and Sungage Financial are crucial in fostering a sustainable future. Through programs like PowerUp, they are setting a benchmark for how businesses can collaborate to enhance the accessibility and affordability of solar energy. For further details about Soligent and Sungage, visit their websites or contact Jon Hayes at jon.hayes@sungagefinancial.com. Read Article Here: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/04/15/2863051/0/en/Soligent-and-Sungage-team-up-on-savings-for-their-installer-partners.html

The Maryland General Assembly recently approved Senate Bill 783, known as the Brighter Tomorrow Act, aimed at boosting local solar development and simplifying the permitting process. The bill seeks to reduce costs associated with solar projects and enhance their value for energy consumers statewide. With Maryland striving for a clean economy and aiming to strengthen its electric grid, this legislation becomes crucial. Maryland's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) already mandates a significant portion of energy from solar sources by 2030, but the state has lagged in meeting interim targets. The Brighter Tomorrow Act addresses this by: Increasing the compliance value for energy from specific new solar projects, making it easier for electric suppliers to meet solar targets under the RPS. Introducing a residential solar grant program administered by the Maryland Energy Administration, offering up to $7500 to low-and-moderate-income households adopting solar. Promoting the adoption of automated digital solar permitting software by local governments, aiming to enhance efficiency, lower installation costs, and facilitate wider solar adoption. Supporters like Robin Dutta from the Chesapeake Solar and Storage Association (CHESSA) emphasize the importance of such legislation in realizing clean energy goals and expanding Maryland's solar workforce. Senator Sarah Elfreth, the primary sponsor of SB783, underscores the collaborative effort behind the Brighter Tomorrow Act, citing the work of the Solar Task Force. Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo, who sponsored the House cross-file of the bill, highlights its origins in the Solar Task Force and its evolution during the legislative process to encompass multiple measures for solar development. Notably, the inclusion of the SolarAPP+ tool aims to streamline residential solar permitting. Overall, the Brighter Tomorrow Act signifies Maryland's dedication to clean energy and establishes innovative pathways for solar development, supported by collaborative efforts and informed by expert recommendations. Read the full story on Solar Power World.

Soligent, a premier distributor of clean energy solutions, is initiating a pivotal development with the rollout of their updated website. This venture is driven by more than the pursuit of aesthetic enhancement; it's a deliberate strategy tailored to meet the dynamic requirements of the clean energy sector and the needs of Soligent's diverse customer base. In an industry where innovation is the cornerstone of progress, maintaining relevance is crucial. Soligent is well aware that a contemporary, intuitive website is indispensable for providing customers with unfettered access to a vast array of products and services. The new website is designed to improve the user experience through refined navigation and functionality, making it easier for customers to locate the clean energy solutions they seek. As a company committed to positive global impact, Soligent's new website will act as a beacon for their core mission and principles, and their commitment to addressing climate change. It will narrate their story, showcase the achievements of their clients, and further promote the transition to clean energy, thus motivating a wider audience to embrace sustainable practices. The integration of cutting-edge AI technology into the website underscores Soligent's dedication to innovation and progress. Artificial Intelligence will provide a tailored experience with content curation, streamline the procurement process, and offer advanced analytics to enhance the decision-making capabilities of their customers. Through this website revamp, Soligent is not just updating its image but is strategically positioning itself to uphold its status as a clean energy leader. This step is a testament to their promise of delivering excellence and adapting to the evolving landscape of the clean energy distribution market.

Soligent Expands Service: Introducing Statewide Residential Delivery Across Florida Dallas TX – [02/01/2024] – In a significant stride toward revolutionizing clean energy access in the Sunshine State, Soligent is thrilled to announce its "Advantage Florida" initiative. As the premier distributor of clean energy technology in North America, Soligent is set to broaden its horizon with an ambitious program designed to cater to the burgeoning demand for renewable energy in Florida. Commencing on January 29, 2024, this initiative marks a pivotal advancement in Soligent's mission to champion the clean energy revolution, spotlighting Florida's pivotal role in this transformative journey. Expanding Operations for Unmatched Customer Service At the heart of "Advantage Florida" lies Soligent's steadfast dedication to excellence and innovation within the clean energy realm. This strategic expansion, originating from our Orlando Distribution Center, aims to significantly enhance delivery speed, efficiency, and reach, ensuring that every Floridian has seamless access to our comprehensive range of solar products and services. This initiative reflects our commitment to fulfilling the growing need for sustainable energy solutions, solidifying Florida's position as a key player in the national clean energy landscape. Prioritizing Cost-Efficiency and Accessibility Understanding the essence of affordability and accessibility in advancing clean energy adoption, "Advantage Florida" introduces significantly reduced rates for statewide residential deliveries. This pivotal move is designed to ensure that Soligent's top-tier solar products and services are more accessible to Floridians, removing financial barriers and fostering a wider adoption of clean energy solutions across the state. Fostering Community Engagement and Awareness Recognizing the crucial role of community involvement in propelling the clean energy agenda forward, "Advantage Florida" encompasses a comprehensive strategy to engage both existing and prospective customers. Through a blend of targeted social media campaigns, impactful email marketing efforts commencing on January 28, 2024, and interactive customer-facing events, Soligent aims to educate and connect with the community. These initiatives are tailored to underscore the benefits of solar energy, the unique advantages of partnering with Soligent, and the enhanced convenience our statewide residential delivery services offer. Rallying Towards a Sustainable and Prosperous Future "Advantage Florida" embodies a collective call to action for all clean energy stakeholders in Florida—from homeowners and community leaders to investors and industry allies. Soligent extends an open invitation to join this transformative expansion endeavor. This initiative transcends mere market growth; it symbolizes our shared vision for a sustainable, energy-efficient future for Florida, setting new benchmarks in the clean energy sector. About Soligent Soligent holds the title of the largest distributor of solar and clean energy products across North America. With a profound commitment to propelling sustainable energy solutions globally, Soligent empowers its partners and customers with unparalleled financing, logistics, and design services. Our mission is to make clean energy an accessible and affordable reality for communities worldwide.

Soligent is a great company to partner with. We’ve been ordering from them for years. They have excellent customer service, prices, and delivery protocol. We’re glad to be partners and look forward to a long professional relationship. -Thomas Sbrega, Owner at Sbrega Electric Bass Lake, CA – Sbrega Electric specializes in residential solar energy paired with battery storage and is based in Coarsegold, CA – the gateway to Yosemite. Living off-grid and developing a passion for renewable energy solutions resulted in an adventure of over 10 years in the solar industry. Thomas Sbrega founded Sbrega Electric in January 2018. Keeping up with the latest technologies, they are able to give their customers what works best for their needs and budget. They pride themselves on customizing energy storage solutions, expert design & installation, and always being available for their customers for the life of their system. System Specifications: 15.4 kW of power, 22kWh of Battery Storage, 12kW of potential power Module Wattage: 40 X 385W panels = 15.4 kW Inverter Size: Sol-Ark 12k Racking: IronRidge

It is always most effective to get as much product as possible from one source. I was so happy to get everything I needed from one place and that vendor is Soligent. We were able to secure our Hopville project of 125kW with: Panasonic EVPV360, SolarEdge, SE33.3KUS with P860, and ProSolar rail. We have a long standing relationship with Soligent and Vicki Wallace. I have worked with Vicki for over 10 years and she is easily the most knowledgeable and responsive sales person I work with in solar distributions. In addition, the relationship is coupled with fast shipping times and reliable stock. We were able to get things to our work site in time to fit the construction schedule. The system is up and running and the customer is very excited to log in to monitoring and see daily production. Thank you, Soligent. -Matthew Henderson, Owner at Pure Energy Group. Jefferson, OR – Pure Energy Group of Oregon has been built on a reputation of trust. Pure Energy Group has become the go-to for solar energy installations for residential, commercial and agriculture installations. Founders Matthew, Jordan and Travis built the company together after years of working in the energy industry and witnessing the lack of customer care larger companies paid towards their Oregon neighbors. Pure Energy Group have been experts in roof and ground-mounted arrays, as well as unique solutions like patio coverings and carports. Soligent is appreciative of the work Pure Energy Group does and values them as a customer. We hope we can continue to provide energy solutions and make a difference together, in the Oregon area. System Specifications: Panel Type: Panasonic Inverter Type: Solaredge Racking: ProSolar System Size: 125kW Soligent is the largest pure-play solar distributor in the Americas, supplying thousands of solar installers and contractors with solar energy equipment, engineering services, and project financing solutions. Soligent has been a pioneer in the solar industry for decades and continues to drive the market forward with innovative solutions ranging from materials management to project financing. For more information, please visit www.soligent.net.

Soligent has been excellent in providing competitive pricing and fast response time in an extremely competitive market. Their network of resources has given MSS the confidence in creating a long-term partnership. -Jake Chamberlain, VP of Operations Lower Peninsula, MI — Michigan Solar Solutions designs, installs and services commercial, residential, municipal, nonprofit, and educational solar arrays across the state of Michigan. They were founded by Mark Hagerty in 2007 and have grown to multiple offices, serving the entire lower peninsula of Michigan. With a couple thousand installations across the state, Michigan Solar Solutions maintains an A + rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has more positive google reviews online. Commercial Projects Residential Projects Visit michigansolarsolutions.com for more information. System Specifications: HomeGrid Batteries / Sol-Ark 8K, 12K, 15K Soligent is the largest pure-play solar distributor in the Americas, supplying thousands of solar installers and contractors with solar energy equipment, engineering services, and project financing solutions. Soligent has been a pioneer in the solar industry for decades and continues to drive the market forward with innovative solutions ranging from materials management to project financing. For more information, please visit www.soligent.net.

Soligent has been a key factor in our success . In today’s world, a reliable, and accountable supply chain with real people there to answer your calls and work through any issues that arise is absolutely priceless. The knowledge and experience of our sales rep (Luke Johnson) is unbeatable. It is always a pleasure doing business with Soligent and we are looking forward to many more years together! -Tom Sturk, Un-Grid Sedgwick, ME — UN-GRID is an exclusively off-grid solar installer serving the state of Maine. They are focused on delivering to their customers the highest quality off-grid systems possible with a no compromise approach to their work. They are a collection of individuals with years of experience both living off-grid as well as working in the solar industry. UN-GRID is committed to the idea that not only is off-grid more possible than ever but can function as well as, or better than, a grid connection. They work exclusively with Schneider equipment and they have recently begun using Fortress batteries (thanks to the great recommendation of Luke Johnson at Soligent). The combination of these products has allowed them to offer their clients amazing remotely monitored fully automated systems, a key factor that allows them to minimize onsite time and offer 24hr service/support for their systems! Visit un-grid.me for more information. System Specifications: (40) Aptos 440w modules (17.6kW total) APA Racking with ground screw attachment (2) Schneider XW Pro inverters (2) Schneider mppt 80-600 charge controllers Schneider AGS Schneider InsightHome (3) Fortress Evault Max battery units 12 kw Kohler generator Starlink internet connection