Today’s renewable energy news includes announcements from Origis Energy, PowerBank, Canadian Solar, among others.
Origis Energy’s Rockhound Complex Reaches 1 GW Milestone in Texas
Origis Energy has achieved a major milestone at its Rockhound Solar complex in Ector County, Texas, bringing the site’s operational capacity to nearly 1 GWdc following the commercial launch of three additional solar phases totaling approximately 500 MWdc. The multi-phase renewable energy hub is expected to exceed 2 GW of combined solar and energy storage capacity by 2029, making it one of the largest integrated clean energy developments in the United States. The Rockhound complex, which includes the operational Swift Air Solar facilities, supplies power under long-term agreements with Meta, Occidental, dsm-firmenich, and Bekaert. Origis is now marketing the next 1 GW phase for data centre co-location and long-term corporate offtake opportunities, further supporting growing demand for reliable, utility-scale renewable energy infrastructure.
PowerBank Secures New Solar Consulting Opportunity in Nova Scotia
PowerBank Corporation has secured a new opportunity in Nova Scotia, supporting TriMac Engineering in delivering solar consulting services for the Municipality of the County of Victoria. Under a fee-for-service agreement, PowerBank will assist with the Victoria County Solar Strategy, conducting feasibility studies and technical assessments for municipal properties to identify suitable rooftop and ground-mounted solar opportunities. The work will evaluate potential system sizes based on electricity demand, site conditions, grid interconnection capacity and project economics, while also assessing available federal, provincial and utility funding programs. The initiative responds to growing concerns over energy reliability, rising electricity costs and climate resilience. PowerBank’s partnership with TriMac builds on their ongoing collaboration to develop three community solar projects totaling 12.4 MW in Nova Scotia and reinforces the company’s renewable energy development pipeline of more than 1 GW across North America.
Canadian Solar’s U.S.-Made TOPCon and HJT Modules Earn FM Approval for Severe Hail Resilience
Canadian Solar has announced that its U.S.-manufactured TOPCon and HJT Low Carbon HP solar modules have received FM Approvals recognition under the FM 4478 and FM 4480 identified component standards, making them the first photovoltaic modules listed as identified components for severe hail zones. The certification confirms the modules’ ability to withstand extreme environmental and mechanical stresses through rigorous testing, including ANSI/FM 4480 hail impact resistance, IEC/EN 61215 design qualification, and IEC/EN 61730-2 and ANSI/UL 61730 safety standards. The FM Approvals recognition enhances project bankability by improving insurability, reducing hail-related risks, and supporting long-term asset performance for utility-scale solar projects. The achievement further strengthens Canadian Solar’s U.S. manufacturing strategy and provides developers, investors, and asset owners with greater confidence in deploying high-performance solar modules in regions prone to severe weather.
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