Raw Market Intelligence

<div class="feat-image"><img src="https://electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/Photo-FranklinWH-Installation.jpg?quality=82&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1200" /></div><p>Ann Arbor is about to test a new way to power homes — and it could become a model for other cities.</p> <p>Starting this week, energy management company <a href="https://www.franklinwh.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">FranklinWH</a> will begin installing solar + battery storage in homes across Ann Arbor, Michigan, as part of a pilot run by the city’s Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility (A2SEU).</p> <a class="more-link" href="https://electrek.co/2026/04/28/us-city-is-putting-solar-batteries-on-150-homes-to-cut-bills/#more-465237">more…</a>

<p>At Aurora Solar, we build AI tools so that solar installers don’t have to — tools that turn aerial imagery into accurate 3D roof models in a matter of seconds. But building AI is only half the job. We also have to make sure it’s fast, reliable, and getting better over time. This post is&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2026/04/how-ai-helped-speed-up-our-ai/">How AI helped speed up our AI</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com">Solar Power World</a>.</p>

<p>Every solar salesperson knows the feeling. You had a great appointment. The homeowner was engaged, the proposal looked sharp, and they seemed ready to move forward. Then nothing. A week passes. Two weeks. You’re following up, they’re not responding, and eventually, the deal dies. In the 2026 Aurora Solar Snapshot — a survey of more&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2026/04/why-solar-deals-stall-at-the-close-and-how-top-reps-fix-it/">Why solar deals stall at the close — and how top reps fix it</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com">Solar Power World</a>.</p>

<p>2026 is shaping up to be a big year for storage. According to Ohm Analytics nearly every new installation in California and Puerto Rico, and almost half of other U.S. installs, will have a battery attached. These numbers are surpassing initial estimates and should continue to climb thanks to recent policy changes. The solar industry&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2026/04/selling-storage-the-2026-pocket-guide/">Selling Storage: The 2026 Pocket Guide</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com">Solar Power World</a>.</p>

<p>The U.S. solar market is at a critical inflection point. After the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) passed last year, and we had the subsequent scramble to sell and install solar systems before the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for cash and loans (25D) expired at the end of the year, the industry is now navigating&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2026/04/the-2026-aurora-solar-snapshot/">The 2026 Aurora Solar Snapshot</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com">Solar Power World</a>.</p>

<div class="feat-image"><img src="https://electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/Toyota-bZ-EV-range-4.jpeg?quality=82&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1400" /></div><p>The new <a href="https://electrek.co/guides/toyota/">2026 Toyota bZ </a>has an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 314 miles, but real-world testing suggests it can go even further.</p> <a class="more-link" href="https://electrek.co/2026/04/28/toyotas-new-bz-electric-suv-delivers-more-range-than-expected/#more-465213">more…</a>

<div class="feat-image"><img src="https://electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/ABB-Walmart-Apache-Jctn-AZ.jpg?quality=82&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1600" /></div><p>Walmart has partnered with ABB E-mobility to install its A400 All-in-One DC fast chargers at seven Walmart locations in the Phoenix area. The Arizona sites, along with stores in Colorado, Florida, and Georgia, are part of a broader US-wide Walmart-ABB launch.</p> <a class="more-link" href="https://electrek.co/2026/04/28/walmart-abb-roll-out-400-kw-ev-chargers-phoenix/#more-465215">more…</a>

<div class="feat-image"><img src="https://electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/Onvo-L80-hero.jpeg?quality=82&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1600" /></div><p>Nio’s budget sub-brand Onvo officially launched the L80, a five-seat electric SUV priced from 245,800 yuan (~$36,020), undercutting Tesla’s Model Y by 17,700 yuan (~$2,400) in China.</p> <p>The L80 opens pre-orders immediately, with first deliveries scheduled for May 15 — adding another aggressive competitor to the most contested EV segment in the world’s largest auto market.</p> <a class="more-link" href="https://electrek.co/2026/04/28/nio-onvo-l80-undercuts-tesla-model-y-china-price-2/#more-465205">more…</a>

<div class="feat-image"><img src="https://electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Volkswagen-cheap-EV.jpeg?quality=82&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1400" /></div><p>The ID. Polo is set to kick off a new chapter at <a href="https://electrek.co/guides/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a> as the first model from its new family of entry-level EVs.</p> <a class="more-link" href="https://electrek.co/2026/04/28/volkswagen-unveil-first-ev-entry-level-lineup-tomorrow/#more-465183">more…</a>

<p>I remember traveling to Sydney, Australia, a couple of years ago. In nearly every city block there was a green gathering space, usually a fountain, where kids could play and spray and adults could lounge comfortably. Back in the US, I started to admire other city water refuges like artificial ... [continued]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/28/urban-wetlands-waterways-need-nature-inspired-solutions/">Urban Wetlands &#038; Waterways Need Nature-Inspired Solutions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cleantechnica.com">CleanTechnica</a>.</p>

<p>Battery system manufacturer FranklinWH will take part in a new pilot city-owned solar and battery pilot program initiative. Installations for the pilot program began the week of April 27, the... <a class="view-article" href="https://solarbuildermag.com/energy-storage/franklinwh-to-participate-in-michigan-residential-solar-and-battery-program/">View Article</a></p> <p>-- Solar Builder magazine</p>

<div class="feat-image"><img src="https://electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/Heybike-Segway-Navimow-EcoFlow-Lectric-GDs-FI.jpg?quality=82&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1600" /></div><p>Our Tuesday Green Deals are here, and headlining is <a href="https://9to5toys.com/2026/04/27/heybike-5th-anniversary-sale-mars-3-0-folding-e-bike-1199-low-more/">Heybike’s 5th Anniversary Sale</a> with up to $800 e-bike savings, which is giving folks a chance to score the <a href="https://9to5toys.com/2026/04/27/heybike-5th-anniversary-sale-mars-3-0-folding-e-bike-1199-low-more/">Mars 3.0 Folding Fat Tire e-bike with a FREE pannier bag at its $1,199 low</a> for the first time in 2026, among others models. We also have <a href="https://9to5toys.com/2026/04/27/segway-navimow-x430-robotic-lawn-mower-2299-earth-day-more-from-679/">Segway’s ongoing Navimow Earth Day Sale</a> with up to $349 savings on robotic lawn mowers for various yard sizes <a href="https://9to5toys.com/2026/04/27/segway-navimow-x430-robotic-lawn-mower-2299-earth-day-more-from-679/">starting from $679</a>, as well as <a href="https://9to5toys.com/2026/04/28/lectric-lightning-deals-xp4-750-and-xpress-750-e-bikes-1299-more/">Lectric’s refreshed 72-hour Lightning Deal Sale</a> with up to $439 savings on the <a href="https://9to5toys.com/2026/04/28/lectric-lightning-deals-xp4-750-and-xpress-750-e-bikes-1299-more/">XP4 750 and XPress 750 e-bikes at $1,299</a> (plus 30% savings on all the brand’s extra batteries). EcoFlow also launched a 48-hour flash sale that has dropped the <a href="https://9to5toys.com/2026/04/28/ecoflow-flash-sale-3072wh-delta-3-ultra-plus-power-station-1399-low-more/">DELTA 3 Ultra Plus Power Station to its $1,399 low</a> + three other offers, and we spotted EGO’s highly advanced Select Cut and Touch Drive cordless electric mower bundle at one of its best prices, with plenty more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about the hangover deals at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s <a href="https://9to5toys.com/2026/04/27/jackery-72-hour-flash-sale-homepower-3600-plus-power-station-more/">Jackery 72-hour Mother’s Day flash sale</a> (and the overall sale), the new low on <a href="https://9to5toys.com/2026/04/27/aiper-latest-4-in-1-irrisense-2-system-new-400-low/">Aiper’s IrriSense 2 smart irrigation system</a>, and more. </p> <p>Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, <a href="https://electrek.co/best-electric-vehicle-prices/"><em>Electrek</em>’s best EV buying </a>and <a href="https://electrek.co/best-electric-vehicle-leases/">leasing deals</a>. Also, check out the new <a href="https://electrek.co/shop/"><em>Electrek</em> Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories</a>.</p> <a class="more-link" href="https://electrek.co/2026/04/28/heybike-mars-3-0-e-bike-hits-1199-low-segway-navimow-robotic-lawn-mower-sale-lectric-refreshes-lightning-e-bike-deals-more/#more-465162">more…</a>

<p>Fortress Power has launched eSpire Nano, an energy storage system designed for small- to medium-sized commercial and industrial (C&#38;I) applications. It is engineered to deliver commercial-grade performance with the simplicity and speed of residential systems. The eSpire Nano offers flexible system configurations across 208, 220, 240 and 480 V, along with both AC- and DC-coupling&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2026/04/fortress-power-launches-espire-nano-ess-for-ci-applications/">Fortress Power launches eSpire Nano ESS for C&#038;I applications</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com">Solar Power World</a>.</p>

<div class="feat-image"><img src="https://electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/Hyundai-IONIQ-9-Black-Ink-images.jpeg?quality=82&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1400" /></div><p>The 2027 <a href="https://electrek.co/guides/hyundai-ioniq-9/">Hyundai IONIQ 9</a> Calligraphy Performance Black Ink edition is more than just another blacked-out model, and we were invited to see it in person at Hyundai’s plant in Savannah, Georgia.</p> <a class="more-link" href="https://electrek.co/2026/04/28/hyundai-reveals-ioniq-9-black-ink-first-look-images/#more-465143">more…</a>

<p>A city-owned utility is launching a pilot program to install energy management and storage systems in homes in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ann Arbor Sustainability Energy Utility is the first U.S. city-owned utility purchasing and deploying residential solar and battery systems to support behind-the-meter energy use. The pilot will test how distributed home energy resources can&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2026/04/ann-arbor-utility-deploying-solar-storage-systems-on-local-homes/">Ann Arbor utility deploying solar + storage systems on local homes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com">Solar Power World</a>.</p>

<p>According to data compiled by solar buyer Black Bear Energy, the U.S. real estate industry has crossed 1 GW of installed on-site solar capacity. The 2025 Real Estate Solar Leaderboards shows that 1.086 GW has been installed across 2,157 project from over 65 owners and managers. The Solar Leaderboard compiles data on U.S.-based projects facilitated&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2026/04/report-commercial-real-estate-companies-have-installed-over-1-gw-of-solar-across-us/">Report: Commercial real estate companies have installed over 1 GW of solar across US</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com">Solar Power World</a>.</p>

En España, Sunwafe obtiene la aprobación de las autoridades asturianas para un emplazamiento de 30 hectáreas, y en Países Bajos, la fábrica prevista por Resilicon para fabricar 13 GW de polisilicio obtiene el estatus NZIA.

<div class="feat-image"><img src="https://electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Chevy-new-Bolt-EV.jpeg?quality=82&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1400" /></div><p><a href="https://electrek.co/guides/gm/">GM</a> beat first-quarter earnings expectations after winning a US Supreme Court decision to refund around $500 million from the Trump Administration’s tariffs.</p> <a class="more-link" href="https://electrek.co/2026/04/28/gm-still-2-ev-seller-in-the-us-but-for-how-long/#more-465134">more…</a>

With CATL and HyperStrong's 60GWh sodium-ion battery deal announcement yesterday, it's an ideal time to look at the different sodium-ion cell chemistries and battery products available for BESS today.

New federal data shows solar and battery assets will comprise nearly 80% of all new utility-scale power additions planned for the U.S. electric grid this year.

Prices for natural gas in Europe and Asia have diverged from those in the United States since the February 28 closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Utility DTE Energy has said it will forego customer rate increases for two years dependent on the success of a US$16 billion data centre campus involving a battery energy storage system (BESS).

<p>A much-discussed “return to coal” by some countries in the wake of the Iran war...</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org/world-will-not-see-significant-return-to-coal-in-2026-despite-iran-crisis/">World ‘will not see significant return to coal’ in 2026 – despite Iran crisis</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org">Carbon Brief</a>.</p>

<p>&#160; Exciting Job opportunity in Concentrating Solar Technology: SolarPACES TCP Executive Secretary Position The Executive Committee of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Solar Power, Thermal, and Chemical Energy Systems Technology Collaboration Programme (SOLARPACES TCP) invites applications for the position of the SOLARPACES TCP Secretariat. Submit your application by June 20, 2026. See full application text [&#8230;]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.solarpaces.org/callsecretariat/">CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: IEA SOLARPACES TCP Secretariat</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.solarpaces.org">SolarPACES</a>.</p>

<p>Indianapolis-based Bila Solar has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system (QMS) at its solar panel assembly facility. ISO 9001:2015 certification signals that an organization has put in place a quality management system designed to support consistency, accountability and continual improvement. To achieve certification, Bila Solar implemented a formal QMS aligned with globally&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2026/04/bila-solar-achieves-iso-certification-at-indianapolis-panel-factory/">Bila Solar achieves ISO certification at Indianapolis panel factory</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com">Solar Power World</a>.</p>