Commercial Solar Guy
@commercialsolarguy.com
Solar (tech/finance/project) news.
Consult/Develop/Construct: https://commercialsolarguy.com/
Editor: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/author/johnweaver/
Professional: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfitzgeraldweaver
Born 336.74
Cambridge, MA, USA, Earth
Consult/Develop/Construct: https://commercialsolarguy.com/
Editor: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/author/johnweaver/
Professional: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfitzgeraldweaver
Born 336.74
Cambridge, MA, USA, Earth
Pinned
Melissa Hortman, who was assassinated last night, was the Speaker of the Minnesota House in the 2023-2024 session, when Democrats ran the state government.
That means she had a leading role in shepherding the many landmark reforms that Dems adopted in that period—an important legacy. Brief 🧵.
That means she had a leading role in shepherding the many landmark reforms that Dems adopted in that period—an important legacy. Brief 🧵.
Thank you Representative Hortman
Solar panel snow cleaning robot
February 10, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Solar panel snow cleaning robot
That is a solar panel!
‘140 Wp/m2 - 112 kWh of electricity per m2 per year on a south facade. Aging resistant ceramic paint.’
www.linkedin.com/posts/lauren...
‘140 Wp/m2 - 112 kWh of electricity per m2 per year on a south facade. Aging resistant ceramic paint.’
www.linkedin.com/posts/lauren...
February 10, 2026 at 12:24 PM
That is a solar panel!
‘140 Wp/m2 - 112 kWh of electricity per m2 per year on a south facade. Aging resistant ceramic paint.’
www.linkedin.com/posts/lauren...
‘140 Wp/m2 - 112 kWh of electricity per m2 per year on a south facade. Aging resistant ceramic paint.’
www.linkedin.com/posts/lauren...
'Over six years, ERCOT 1,470 battery IX apps...453 projects have exited queue so far, only 27% operational...more recently, projects are dropping after receiving IA...Modo estimates ~85% with signed IA will be built...under 10 MW, 96% of projects that exited queue reached operation'
ERCOT BESS interconnection applications drop 50% in H2 2025 as faults in the boom emerge - Energy Storage
New data out of Modo Energy suggests only about 85% of large batteries with signed interconnection agreements are likely to be built, as queue timelines stretch beyond four years.
www.ess-news.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:03 AM
'Over six years, ERCOT 1,470 battery IX apps...453 projects have exited queue so far, only 27% operational...more recently, projects are dropping after receiving IA...Modo estimates ~85% with signed IA will be built...under 10 MW, 96% of projects that exited queue reached operation'
“41 year old panels. recently decommissioned from a project in Mass. 30 watts. Originally around $22/watt.”
old.reddit.com/r/solar/comm...
old.reddit.com/r/solar/comm...
February 9, 2026 at 11:51 PM
“41 year old panels. recently decommissioned from a project in Mass. 30 watts. Originally around $22/watt.”
old.reddit.com/r/solar/comm...
old.reddit.com/r/solar/comm...
'“open-door” scenario...maximizes oxygen & remove barriers to propagation...creates higher combustion intensity...100% state of charge...all active fire suppression disabled...thermal propagation contained to single unit...cell temps in neighboring containers did not exceed safety thresholds'
February 9, 2026 at 11:47 PM
'“open-door” scenario...maximizes oxygen & remove barriers to propagation...creates higher combustion intensity...100% state of charge...all active fire suppression disabled...thermal propagation contained to single unit...cell temps in neighboring containers did not exceed safety thresholds'
'2026–2030, Wang projected avg global PV additions 725-870 GW..China additions of 238 to 287 GW...next cycle hinges on curbing “malign” price competition...accelerating low/no-silver...perovskite-tandem industrialisation...pushing manufacturing towards smarter, greener, more integrated models'
China expects up to 287 GW of new PV capacity additions in 2026
China’s PV industry expects 238 GW to 287 GW of domestic capacity additions in 2026 as it pivots away from volume-led growth after a loss-making year driven by overcapacity and sharp price declines. T...
www.pv-magazine.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:59 PM
'2026–2030, Wang projected avg global PV additions 725-870 GW..China additions of 238 to 287 GW...next cycle hinges on curbing “malign” price competition...accelerating low/no-silver...perovskite-tandem industrialisation...pushing manufacturing towards smarter, greener, more integrated models'
An interesting thought exercise:
We should search for coal in the universe, as guidance toward where advanced societies may be - because the tools needed to develop global communications, were dependent on coal technologies.
We should search for coal in the universe, as guidance toward where advanced societies may be - because the tools needed to develop global communications, were dependent on coal technologies.
Looking for advanced aliens? Search for exoplanets with large coal deposits
The combustible sedimentary rock, better known as coal, was not only crucial to the onset of advanced technology here on Earth, but it should also be key to the development of advanced E.T.s residing ...
phys.org
February 9, 2026 at 10:56 PM
An interesting thought exercise:
We should search for coal in the universe, as guidance toward where advanced societies may be - because the tools needed to develop global communications, were dependent on coal technologies.
We should search for coal in the universe, as guidance toward where advanced societies may be - because the tools needed to develop global communications, were dependent on coal technologies.
'500MW/2,400MWh Collie Battery Energy Storage System in Western Australia...country's largest operational battery energy storage system...more than AU$1.6 billion (US$1.12 billion) in investment through Synergy...640 battery containers (3.75 MWh each) & 160 inverter units'
Australia’s largest operational BESS: Synergy completes CATL-powered 2,400MWh Collie Battery
Synergy has completed the 2,400MWh Collie BESS in Western Australia, establishing Collie as home to Australia's largest operational battery.
www.energy-storage.news
February 9, 2026 at 10:27 PM
'500MW/2,400MWh Collie Battery Energy Storage System in Western Australia...country's largest operational battery energy storage system...more than AU$1.6 billion (US$1.12 billion) in investment through Synergy...640 battery containers (3.75 MWh each) & 160 inverter units'
'China’s first 10,000-ton electric containership beginning sea trials...128 meters (420 feet) length...capacity of 740 TEU (shipping containers...maximum speed 11.5 knots...10 containerized batteries...capable generating <19,000 KWh...batteries drive two 875 KW permanent magnet propulsion motors'
China Starts Sea Trials for Largest Electric-Powered Containership
China’s first 10,000-ton electric containership is beginning sea trials. The shipyard is billing the ship as the largest of its kind and a further bre...
maritime-executive.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:20 PM
'China’s first 10,000-ton electric containership beginning sea trials...128 meters (420 feet) length...capacity of 740 TEU (shipping containers...maximum speed 11.5 knots...10 containerized batteries...capable generating <19,000 KWh...batteries drive two 875 KW permanent magnet propulsion motors'
"A company in Germany specialised on building fences now also builds solar fences ☀️ this trend of utilising surfaces of buildings and constructions for producing renewable energy will become standard in the following years.'
www.reddit.com/r/solar/comm...
www.reddit.com/r/solar/comm...
February 9, 2026 at 10:17 PM
"A company in Germany specialised on building fences now also builds solar fences ☀️ this trend of utilising surfaces of buildings and constructions for producing renewable energy will become standard in the following years.'
www.reddit.com/r/solar/comm...
www.reddit.com/r/solar/comm...
India: 'four projects in: Firm & Dispatchable Renewable Energy program...1.2 GW solar. 4.8 GWh storage...₹6.27–6.28 per kWh ($0.069/kWh)...daily supply of 4 MWh per MW for a four-hour peak period'
Used to say India had "purest" cost of solar globally, now w/incentives & tariffs - no longer 'pure'.
Used to say India had "purest" cost of solar globally, now w/incentives & tariffs - no longer 'pure'.
The Four Dispatchable Renewable Projects Awarded in India’s FDRE Tranche VII Auction: What to Know
SECI has awarded contracts for four FDRE projects totaling 1.2 GW of power and 4.8 GWh of storage capacity in India's Tranche VII auction.
constructionreviewonline.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:54 PM
India: 'four projects in: Firm & Dispatchable Renewable Energy program...1.2 GW solar. 4.8 GWh storage...₹6.27–6.28 per kWh ($0.069/kWh)...daily supply of 4 MWh per MW for a four-hour peak period'
Used to say India had "purest" cost of solar globally, now w/incentives & tariffs - no longer 'pure'.
Used to say India had "purest" cost of solar globally, now w/incentives & tariffs - no longer 'pure'.
Messages with one of our lawyers:
February 9, 2026 at 9:52 PM
Messages with one of our lawyers:
‘eastern Australia’s NEM, tight negative correlation between renewables’ share and gas…Gas rarely >10% of supply…renewables climb >50%, gas approaches zero…Western AUS - Gas can surge to 60% at low renewables (below 20%)…significant gas reduction >80% renewables, near-elimination >90%+ renewables’
Gas is being squeezed by renewables – every 30 minutes
Two new charts reveal distinct dynamics in Australia's main grids, highlighting the diminishing role of gas even in short-term operations.
reneweconomy.com.au
February 9, 2026 at 6:41 PM
‘eastern Australia’s NEM, tight negative correlation between renewables’ share and gas…Gas rarely >10% of supply…renewables climb >50%, gas approaches zero…Western AUS - Gas can surge to 60% at low renewables (below 20%)…significant gas reduction >80% renewables, near-elimination >90%+ renewables’
Reposted by Commercial Solar Guy
More precisely: solar and batteries can supply 90% of electricity for 80% of the world's population at less than 80 €/MWh (including a fuel backup) with 2030 assumptions. Add some wind, existing hydro, or wait a few more years for costs to decline, and the equation just gets better.
February 9, 2026 at 6:26 PM
More precisely: solar and batteries can supply 90% of electricity for 80% of the world's population at less than 80 €/MWh (including a fuel backup) with 2030 assumptions. Add some wind, existing hydro, or wait a few more years for costs to decline, and the equation just gets better.
‘Chad’s installed solar capacity 110 MW…36.7% of electricity generation…350 MW solar, as well storage, projects under construction/development…plan to lift the national electrification rate from 12% to 90% by 2030…grid electricity costs ranging from $0.153/kWh to $0.225/kWh…oil producer since 2003’
Chad’s installed PV capacity hits 110 MW, supplying 37% of electricity
Chad has one of Africa’s highest solar penetration rates, a result of a small power system with just 12% electrification, as large-scale solar and storage projects gather pace around N’Djamena, even a...
www.pv-magazine.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:18 PM
‘Chad’s installed solar capacity 110 MW…36.7% of electricity generation…350 MW solar, as well storage, projects under construction/development…plan to lift the national electrification rate from 12% to 90% by 2030…grid electricity costs ranging from $0.153/kWh to $0.225/kWh…oil producer since 2003’
Bought a pickup truck for our electrician. Added a cap to the back for tools etc. Gotta get a decent ladder for the top and some suckers on it to do some advertising.
Will start marketing our O&M services soon.
Will start marketing our O&M services soon.
February 9, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Bought a pickup truck for our electrician. Added a cap to the back for tools etc. Gotta get a decent ladder for the top and some suckers on it to do some advertising.
Will start marketing our O&M services soon.
Will start marketing our O&M services soon.
‘CO Bar Complex - five stages…total 1.21 GW solar plus 4GWh energy storage…roughly $2.86-3.01 billion cost…$1.55-1.63 billion after tax benefits…first year of operation to generate US$264-278 million electricity sales…phases 1-2 on civil tasks…3-5 anticipate fully mobilised within 12 months’
Enlight advances US$3 billion, 1.2GW solar 4GWh BESS ‘Complex’ in Arizona
Enlight has reached development milestones for its total 1.21GW solar plus 4GWh energy storage CO Bar Complex in Arizona, US.
www.energy-storage.news
February 9, 2026 at 6:05 PM
‘CO Bar Complex - five stages…total 1.21 GW solar plus 4GWh energy storage…roughly $2.86-3.01 billion cost…$1.55-1.63 billion after tax benefits…first year of operation to generate US$264-278 million electricity sales…phases 1-2 on civil tasks…3-5 anticipate fully mobilised within 12 months’
‘Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania is preparing to introduce legislation that would reinstate solar and wind incentives that Republicans last year eviscerated, an action he maintains was “nonsensical.”’
Republican working on new clean energy tax push
The legislation seeks to revive incentives gutted last year in the GOP’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
www.eenews.net
February 9, 2026 at 5:51 PM
‘Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania is preparing to introduce legislation that would reinstate solar and wind incentives that Republicans last year eviscerated, an action he maintains was “nonsensical.”’
I think this plant in particular is going to cause issues with US polysilicon manufacturing. The facility is in Oman, which has a free trade agreement with the US which applies to solar stuff.
40 GW represents about 100% of US polysilicon installation volume.
Will this facility wreck US poly?
40 GW represents about 100% of US polysilicon installation volume.
Will this facility wreck US poly?
United Solar inaugurates 40GW polysilicon plant in Oman #energysky -- via pv-tech:
United Solar inaugurates 40GW polysilicon plant in Oman
United Solar has launched a polysilicon manufacturing facility in Oman, adding 100,000 metric tons of annual production capacity.
www.pv-tech.org
February 9, 2026 at 4:53 PM
I think this plant in particular is going to cause issues with US polysilicon manufacturing. The facility is in Oman, which has a free trade agreement with the US which applies to solar stuff.
40 GW represents about 100% of US polysilicon installation volume.
Will this facility wreck US poly?
40 GW represents about 100% of US polysilicon installation volume.
Will this facility wreck US poly?
In late 2025, I bought into an ETF of the top 600 or so European companies. It is the rough equivalent of SPY - an S&P 500 ETF.
Specifically, I bought one that would benefit from the active devaluation of the US dollar that our regime desires.
Which do you think is the EU market vs US market?
Specifically, I bought one that would benefit from the active devaluation of the US dollar that our regime desires.
Which do you think is the EU market vs US market?
February 9, 2026 at 2:35 PM
In late 2025, I bought into an ETF of the top 600 or so European companies. It is the rough equivalent of SPY - an S&P 500 ETF.
Specifically, I bought one that would benefit from the active devaluation of the US dollar that our regime desires.
Which do you think is the EU market vs US market?
Specifically, I bought one that would benefit from the active devaluation of the US dollar that our regime desires.
Which do you think is the EU market vs US market?
‘our contact does not know how many GWs ultimately start to move…projects tied to AI/datacenter likely can secure priority…contact believes solar/BESS project in GOP congressional district, representatives, senators, and/or governor representing can help move the needle with Interior.’
Such trash.
Such trash.
February 9, 2026 at 12:38 PM
‘our contact does not know how many GWs ultimately start to move…projects tied to AI/datacenter likely can secure priority…contact believes solar/BESS project in GOP congressional district, representatives, senators, and/or governor representing can help move the needle with Interior.’
Such trash.
Such trash.
Todos
February 9, 2026 at 2:23 AM
Todos
Reposted by Commercial Solar Guy
Had to screencap this @shastingssimon.bsky.social @raviam.bsky.social @laughlax.bsky.social @costasamaras.com @shannonosaka.bsky.social Super Bowl moment
February 9, 2026 at 1:35 AM
Had to screencap this @shastingssimon.bsky.social @raviam.bsky.social @laughlax.bsky.social @costasamaras.com @shannonosaka.bsky.social Super Bowl moment
Reposted by Commercial Solar Guy
Simulated a mesh corner fault after some trip relay reset mods. Long day.
One disconnector automatically isolates and the two mesh bus section disconnectors sequentially isolate as the mesh corner is locked out. More people need to grasp the difference between auto and sequential isolation 💪🏻☺️
One disconnector automatically isolates and the two mesh bus section disconnectors sequentially isolate as the mesh corner is locked out. More people need to grasp the difference between auto and sequential isolation 💪🏻☺️
January 25, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Simulated a mesh corner fault after some trip relay reset mods. Long day.
One disconnector automatically isolates and the two mesh bus section disconnectors sequentially isolate as the mesh corner is locked out. More people need to grasp the difference between auto and sequential isolation 💪🏻☺️
One disconnector automatically isolates and the two mesh bus section disconnectors sequentially isolate as the mesh corner is locked out. More people need to grasp the difference between auto and sequential isolation 💪🏻☺️
One expects California to set winter solar records - but damn man - 117% of demand being met by solar in …checks notes…FEBRUARY!
It's the dead of winter, and California just supplied a peak of 117% of its demand with solar alone and 136% of its demand from WindWaterSolar and over 100% of demand for 6 hours.
Gas output down 58% and batteries output up 303% in 2025 v '2023
Solar+batteries replacing gas
Gas output down 58% and batteries output up 303% in 2025 v '2023
Solar+batteries replacing gas
February 8, 2026 at 4:42 PM
One expects California to set winter solar records - but damn man - 117% of demand being met by solar in …checks notes…FEBRUARY!