**What Virtual Power Plants Mean for the Solar Industry—and Why You Should Pay Attention**

As someone who’s spent years diving deep into solar energy and tracking industry trends, I’ve grown used to rapid innovation, but few things have taken hold as quickly and powerfully as the idea of Virtual Power Plants—or VPPs. If you have solar panels for your home, or if you’re considering them, VPPs are something you’ll want to understand. They’re not just an energy buzzword—they’re shaping the future of how solar, battery storage, electric vehicles (EVs), and smart devices all work together to create a cleaner, smarter grid.

In 2024, the solar industry saw major strides forward as VPPs transitioned from theory into serious policy and utility action. The Virtual Power Plant Partnership (VP3), a coalition focused on changing regulations and expanding support for VPPs, recently released a progress report that highlighted unprecedented legislative and utility movement across the U.S.

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### VPPs in a Nutshell

A Virtual Power Plant is essentially a network of small, distributed energy resources—like home solar systems, EV chargers, smart thermostats, and battery storage units—that work together as a single, coordinated energy source. Think

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/04/21/legislation-and-action-ramps-up-for-virtual-power-plant-industry/

**How Hail Damage is Shaping Risk Mitigation in the Solar Industry**

Climate volatility is reshaping how solar companies approach project design, insurance, and operations. One growing concern? Hail. Although hail damage only accounts for about 2% of filed insurance claims in the large-scale solar industry, it represents over 50% of the total claim costs. That’s a staggering statistic—and one every solar company and homeowner considering solar panels for your home should understand.

In the past, solar developers may have viewed extreme weather events like hail as rare, unpredictable occurrences. But as climate change drives more intense and frequent weather patterns, that risk is becoming hard to ignore—especially for utility-scale projects in the notoriously hazardous “hail alley” region that stretches from Texas to the Dakotas.

### Why Hail is So Costly for Solar Projects

The vulnerability of solar panels to hail damage primarily stems from their design—glass modules sitting in open fields with little to no protection. While solar panels are more durable than many assume, they aren’t invincible, especially against large baseball-sized hailstones that can shatter a module in seconds.

A single substantial weather event can leave behind millions in damages. According to recent data, the average insurance claim for hail-d

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/04/21/addressing-hail-damage-risks-in-utility-scale-solar/

**How Tolling Agreements Are Supporting Solar and Battery Storage Growth in Arizona**

As I continue exploring developments in the solar industry, one trend that keeps catching my eye is how large-scale energy storage is becoming an essential piece of the renewable energy puzzle — especially in sunny states like Arizona. The recent developments around the Justice Energy Storage project near Phoenix showcase how energy storage, solar, and smart financial tools like tolling agreements are allowing solar companies to build out more dependable, resilient infrastructure at scale.

That’s something that isn’t just exciting from a utility perspective — but also important for homeowners who are considering solar panels for your home. Let me explain why.

### What Is a Tolling Agreement and Why Does It Matter?

If you’re new to the world of renewable energy finance, it might not be obvious what a “tolling agreement” is. In the simplest terms, a tolling agreement is a contract that allows a utility — in this case, Arizona Public Service (APS) — to control how and when a battery energy storage system charges and discharges. In return, the developer of that storage system (in this case, Strata Clean Energy) ensures that the battery system keeps running reliably and efficiently throughout the length of the contract, which typically lasts

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/04/21/strata-clean-energy-enters-into-600-mwh-battery-storage-tolling-agreement-with-aps/

**What the Mammoth Solar Project in Indiana Tells Us About the Future of Solar Energy in the U.S.**

As someone deeply invested in tracking the progress of the solar industry, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the scale and innovation of the *Mammoth Solar* project in Indiana. Clocking in at a staggering 1.6 GWdc in planned capacity, it’s not just one of the biggest in the country—it’s a blueprint for how solar companies can build utility-scale power while still respecting local communities and fostering agricultural coexistence.

### The Mammoth Solar Project: A Case Study in Modern Solar Development

The Mammoth Solar project is being built in multiple phases, with the first phase—Mammoth North—already completed and producing power as of late 2024. This 480 MWdc phase alone is a significant achievement, but it’s only the beginning. Over the coming years, Mammoth South, Mammoth Central I, and Mammoth Central II will add another 1,080 MWdc collectively. By the time the full solar array for home and utility use is online in 2026, it’ll have the capacity to power nearly 247,000 homes.

What stands out to me is the innovative dual

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/04/21/partnership-forms-to-advance-one-of-the-largest-u-s-solar-projects/

**Oklahoma Solar Development: Legislative Shifts and What It Means for Homeowners and Solar Companies**

As someone who has worked in the solar industry for many years, I’ve watched with interest as Oklahoma—a state more known for oil and gas—has recently become a surprising hotspot for solar growth. Despite currently ranking 41st in the U.S. for installed solar capacity, new data shows that Oklahoma’s solar capacity surged by more than 50% in 2024. That kind of growth doesn’t go unnoticed. Now, lawmakers are stepping in with new legislation aimed at reshaping how solar companies and developers move forward in the state.

If you’re considering solar panels for your home in Oklahoma—or thinking about investing in a solar array for home or commercial land—these legal developments are critical to understand. They not only impact the future of solar but also define the responsibilities and protections in place for both residents and developers.

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### Why the Sudden Attention on Solar Regulation?

Oklahoma’s geography and climate make it ripe for solar development. With 30 more days of sunshine per year than the national average, plus low land and transmission costs, the state is attracting a growing number of solar companies. But that growth has brought questions from rural communities about

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/04/21/oklahoma-house-passes-bill-to-clamp-down-renewable-energy-buildout-with-more-state-oversight/

**Why Solar Power Is Quietly Dominating the U.S. Energy Market (And What That Means for Homeowners)**

As someone who tracks the solar industry closely, I’ve seen a lot of exciting developments over the past few years. But right now feels different. Right now, the energy transition in the U.S. isn’t just a trend—it’s a transformation. Solar power is not only leading the charge but completely reshaping how electricity is being generated across the nation.

In the first two months of this year alone, solar accounted for almost **75% of all new electricity generation capacity** added in the U.S. That’s not a typo—nearly **three-quarters** of all new generation came from solar photovoltaics. This marks the **18th month in a row** that solar has led the way in new capacity. Based on current projections, solar companies are expected to ride this wave of momentum for at least the next three years.

## The Rise of Solar in the U.S.

If you’re still wondering whether solar is a passing phase, consider this: between now and 2028, federal data forecasts around **89 gigawatts (GW)** of new utility-scale solar to come online. During that same time,

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/04/21/solar-leading-new-power-source-for-eighteen-months-and-counting/

**Why the Right Adhesives Matter for Your Solar Array for Home**

As someone deeply immersed in the solar industry, I’ve seen firsthand how every component in a solar energy system contributes to long-term performance and reliability—from the solar panels for your home all the way down to the smallest adhesives used in assembling them. One often-overlooked factor in solar panel construction is how the parts are physically bonded together. Recently, a new development from the adhesive world caught my attention, and I think it’s worth sharing how it impacts both solar companies and homeowners.

### A New Bonding Solution for the Solar Market

A leading performance adhesive manufacturer has launched a new line of UV-resistant, pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) specifically engineered for solar panel manufacturers. Unlike traditional mechanical fasteners—like screws or rivets—these adhesives offer a cleaner, more consistent bond. They’re designed to be used in various solar panel applications including:

– Frame mounting
– Busbar bonding
– Junction box installation
– Cell fixation
– Panel stiffener mounting

If you’re wondering why this matters to homeowners installing a solar array for home or selecting a solar company, let me break it down.

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### Why the Right Adhesive Improves Solar Panel Durability

Most people focus

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/04/21/avery-dennison-debuts-new-pressure-sensitive-tapes-for-pv-modules/

**What Oklahoma’s Agrivoltaics Act Means for the Future of Solar and Farming**

As someone who’s spent years in the solar world, I get excited when I see states like Oklahoma embracing innovative approaches to renewable energy. Oklahoma’s new piece of legislation—House Bill 2157, better known as the Oklahoma Agrivoltaics Act—is a promising sign of how solar and agriculture can not only coexist, but thrive together. The law passed the state’s House of Representatives and is now moving through the Senate, and if you’re considering solar panels for your home or rural property, now is the time to pay attention.

Agrivoltaics is a term that might not be on everyone’s radar yet, but it’s about to become a big deal in the solar space. Simply put, agrivoltaics is the practice of integrating solar arrays with agricultural activity—think solar panels raised high enough for livestock to graze beneath, or strategically spaced rows of panels that allow crops to grow between them.

Here’s why this is a game-changer both for the solar industry and for landowners who have traditionally relied on farming or ranching.

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### Why Combine Solar and Agriculture?

You might be wondering: Why not just build solar panels on empty plots of

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/04/21/bill-to-buildout-agrivoltaics-in-oklahoma-advances/

**How U.S. Solar Manufacturing is Booming Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act**

If you’re like me and have been following solar industry developments closely, you’ve probably noticed a major shift happening right now—solar manufacturing is experiencing a real resurgence in the United States. And at the center of this momentum? The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022.

In this post, I’m diving into one of the most important recent developments: how solar companies are bringing manufacturing jobs and facilities back to U.S. soil, motivating a more robust and self-sufficient clean energy economy. Whether you’re researching solar panels for your home or staying up to date on the latest trends in solar, this is exactly the kind of shift that could impact the future of installations, rebates, and energy independence.

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### Why Manufacturing Solar Products in the U.S. Matters

The solar industry has long depended on an international supply chain. Panels, racking systems, and other components often travel across the globe before reaching your roof. But that has its drawbacks—longer lead times, higher costs, and limited control over quality. That’s why it’s such big news to see solar companies expanding production capabilities here in the U.S.

Take the recent announcement about a Canadian

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/04/21/opsun-opens-solar-racking-manufacturing-facility-in-north-carolina/

**Weekly Solar Industry Update: Tariffs, Texas Policy Shifts, and Market Moves You Need to Know**

If you’ve been exploring the idea of going solar, either by researching solar panels for your home or looking into the latest industry trends, it’s important to stay informed about how legislation, market dynamics, and global policies are influencing solar companies and the solar energy landscape in the United States. Here’s what has unfolded in the past week and what it might mean for homeowners, installers, and professionals involved in solar energy.

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### Texas Senate Passes Restrictive Energy Bill
In a move that could impact future solar and wind development, the Texas Senate recently passed a bill that specifically targets renewable energy—placing new permitting regulations, mandatory fees, and additional oversight exclusively on solar and wind projects.

This type of policy shift sends concerning signals for any solar company operating in the state and creates roadblocks for landowners and communities considering large-scale solar array for home or commercial use. For those of you in Texas thinking about installing solar panels for your home, this legislative act underscores the importance of acting sooner rather than later, as future market restrictions could increase project costs and approval timelines.

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### Major Solar Investment in Illinois Signals Commercial Growth
While Texas takes a regulatory

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/04/18/in-case-you-missed-it-six-big-solar-stories-in-the-news-this-week-8/