Lyse Martel, a Berlin-based “Color, Materials, and Finish” (CMF) designer and strategist in the mobility and consumer electronics industries, was featured in a 

 with Doreen Lorenzo. Their conversation explored the emotional dimension of circular design and how combining craftsmanship and emerging technology can shape design strategy, drive material innovation, and create new sensory experiences.

Martel has spent the majority of her career in the automotive and consumer electronic sectors, working with brands like Bang & Olufsen, Hopium, and NIO. Most recently, she directed a circular design project at Volkswagen Group, where she was tasked with introducing longevity, adaptability, and recyclability across all design touch points for the automaker brand. Circular design, according to Martel, is about designing products to stay in use longer and with easier repair and reuse. She acknowledges the business challenges of circularity but sees growing industry momentum driven by regulation and consumer demand.

Martel shared how she draws inspiration from neuroaesthetics, the science of how aesthetics affect the brain and emotions, to create more intuitive and emotionally engaging environments, such as calming car interiors or tactile surfaces that make sustainable materials more appealing. “It’s really about how shapes, colors and textures support the digital experience; all the micro-details working together to help the user feel at ease,” she explained.

AI also plays a growing role in her work, helping her visualize concepts and identify local materials for sustainable use. “As the digital world increasingly shapes the physical one, I think there’s real potential in using these new, hyper-sensory AI-generated visuals to inspire physical experiences. Neuroaesthetics helps us design for emotion, and AI can help translate those emotional cues into visual concepts that, when made real, feel meaningful and multi-sensory,” Martel said as she reiterated her belief that CMF invites designers to gently shift the visual language and open up new emotional possibilities.

Designing for Emotion in Emerging Technology 

The City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and ForeFront Power conducted a “Flip the Switch” ceremony to celebrate the completion of solar energy and smart battery storage projects at three sites: the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility, the Northeast Surface Water Treatment Facility, and the Southeast Surface Water Treatment Facility. 

At a combined 27 MW-DC in size, the DPU projects are expected to save over $122 million in ratepayer dollars by 2045. The crown jewel of the portfolio is the 19.6 MW system at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility, which is the largest commercial solar and battery system in the U.S. to date.

The City of Fresno DPU developed its “behind-the-meter” solar and storage portfolio in partnership with ForeFront Power, a leading developer of solar energy and battery storage assets in the U.S. and Mexico. The portfolio was constructed by local union labor from the IBEW Local 100, creating 120 local jobs in the process. Each DPU site features rows of ground-mounted solar modules fitted with single-axis tracker technology, enabling the modules to follow the sun’s movement across the sky to capture the maximum amount of abundant Central Valley sunshine. The DPU portfolio has a combined output of 47 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, enough to power 6,000 homes.

“I am so proud of this extraordinary achievement that is putting Fresno on the map and honoring our commitment to building a sustainable Fresno,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer. “Powering these citywide projects and DPU with renewable energy is one facet of the City’s comprehensive plan to lower our energy costs, secure critical infrastructure, and increase our environmental sustainability. By energizing this massive renewable energy portfolio to support our public utilities, Fresno is showing the rest of the country that clean power is a valuable tool in serving our communities.”

“We are honored to partner with the City of Fresno to realize their visionary energy plan,” said Dr. Ruben Fontes, CEO of ForeFront Power. “The DPU sites are unique in their scale as well as their impact. By generating and storing clean power on site, DPU reduces its reliance on costly grid electricity and can pass those savings back to ratepayers. Moreover, the batteries installed at each site ensure that energy is always available to power the City’s essential infrastructure.”

Fresno DPU's Landmark Solar & Storage Portfolio Comes Online 

The City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and ForeFront Power celebrated the completion of a 27 MW portfolio of solar energy and smart battery storage assets at three of the City's water and wastewater treatment facilities. At a time of escalating operational costs, the solar and storage projects are expected save DPU over $122 million in ratepayer dollars by 2025. The crown jewel of DPU's new renewable energy portfolio is a 19.6 MW system at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility, which is the largest commercial solar and battery system in the U.S. to date.

's Global Managing Director, and Nathan Matthews, an Associate Director at the company, took the stage at SXSW Austin 2025 to share their perspectives on what's next for the design industry. 

Nathan Weyer hosted the interactive workshop, 

Pitch Camp! How to Win New Clients at Your Creative Agency

. The two shared stories from their time at McKinsey, frog design, and Philips Design. 

Humanizing Digital Experiences Through Adaptive Interfaces

, in which they discussed how tech brands are embracing adaptive interfaces to prioritize personalization, inclusivity, and safety in their digital products.

Both sessions offered their participants insights on design as a tool for connection, demonstrating how creative leadership can create meaningful, user-centered experiences—whether for end-users or for B2B customers. 

forpeople Spotlights Design Leadership at SXSW Austin

 took the stage at SXSW Austin 2025 to share their perspectives on what's next for the design industry. 

Designer Fri Forjindam and writer Taiye Selasi, both African expats and self-identified “Afropolitans”, were featured in a 

 with Doreen Lorenzo. The two first met in Tangier, Morocco, at 'Between the Two of Us', a gathering of business leaders, artists, futurists, and activists hosted by the 

. Their conversation with Lorenzo delved into their shared mission of building a new creative economy in Africa and amplifying the continent’s storytelling traditions on a global scale. 

Forjindam, chief development officer and executive creative director at 

, integrates stories into physical spaces, events, and transformative experiences. She shared how her work brings African storytelling traditions to life through immersive entertainment spaces. “Humanity started in Africa. Stories started in Africa—community and relationships and entertainment and folklore,” Forjindam said. She emphasized the importance of showcasing Africa’s diversity, noting, “We are adapting stories that are uniquely African to create physical spaces that can help a city chart a new path culturally and economically. Rather than simply repackaging stories for profit outside Africa, we want to tap into what already exists and use themed entertainment to help a city envision and build a more prosperous future.”

Lisbon-based writer Selasi, whose career in storytelling spans literature, film, and essays, reflected on the shifting perceptions of African identity in today’s global landscape. “It occurs to me that being an African in the 21st century is an interesting exercise in self-building. That powerful beginning that we all had in Africa was disrupted by the political process of colonization. Coming out of that, thoughtful Africans around the world have started building new notions of self. And the concept of Afropolitan experience is my contribution to the self-building project of the 21st century," she explained. Selasi also spoke about the global relevance of African stories and the need for high-quality, authentic content that resonates beyond borders.

Both women recognize the importance of vision in shaping the future of African storytelling; and while investment is necessary, the drive to create is already there.

Fri Forjindam & Taiye Selasi Discuss Africa’s Newest Creative Boom

 with Doreen Lorenzo. The two first met in Tangier, Morocco, at "Between the Two of Us," a gathering of business leaders, artists, futurists, and activists hosted by the 

, a trusted leader in solar energy, battery storage, and fleet electrification services, was selected by the 

 (LOC) to provide EV charging and fleet electrification solutions to cities across the state. This partnership aims to make it easier for Oregon municipalities to transition to clean energy by offering cost-effective and accessible EV infrastructure solutions.

"It's an honor to be selected for this Master Agreement that enables us to help LOC members electrify their fleets with our customizable, turnkey solutions, and position Oregon as a leader in the clean fleet category," said Rachel McLaughlin, Chief Commercial Officer at ForeFront Power. "By leveraging this contract, Oregon cities can accelerate their fleet electrification initiatives with confidence, knowing that ForeFront Power will provide the technology, support, and flexibility they need to meet their goals."

The partnership gained attention from media outlets like 

Electric Vehicle Charging & Infrastructure

, which emphasize how the agreement will simplify the transition to electric fleets for public sector organizations.

League of Oregon Cities Awards ForeFront Power EV Master Agreement

 CEO Steph Speirs recently penned an op-ed in the 

, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding trust to unlock the full potential of solar energy in New Mexico. With a focus on transparency and accessibility, Solstice aims to combat the mistrust and aggressive sales tactics that have impacted the lives of New Mexicans.

In the op-ed, Speirs writes, “Clean energy should work for everyone, regardless of income, credit score, or homeownership — and especially for disadvantaged communities that suffer from higher energy burdens and energy insecurity.”

Speirs pledged that Solstice is committed to winning the trust of residents and delivering community solar in an ethical and equitable manner. With Solstice, New Mexicans can trust that their transition to solar energy is rooted in fairness, sustainability, and community benefit.

Solstice Op-Ed Highlights Solar Energy Potential in New Mexico

Icelandic digital transformation consultancy 

 was named a finalist in the Creative Design category of the 

 for its work with luxury adventure cruise line 

Gangverk partnered with Lindblad Expeditions to lead a complete overhaul of the company’s digital presence with the creation of a visually appealing, intuitive, and mobile-friendly website. Gangverk also leveraged its tech partners such as Algoliolia, Contentful, and Twilio Segment, to integrate key platform upgrades that enhanced both user experience and the backend operations. As a result of the website revamp, Lindblad Expeditions saw a 23% increase in new leads and a 30% rise in bookings.

The Skift Awards recognizes those who are pushing the boundaries of design, creativity, and innovation in the travel industry by celebrating the achievements of brands, agencies, and tech companies shaping the future of travel. The award program’s Creative Design category salutes initiatives that shine in crafting compelling digital experiences, with a focus on user experience, user interface design, new technologies, and tangible results.

Gangverk Named Finalist in Creative Design for Skift Idea Awards

, an Icelandic digital transformation services and solutions provider, as its Rising Star Partner of the Year in the 

. Gangverk has closely partnered with Fullstory to demonstrate the impact of behavioral data for their shared clients, showcasing their commitment and collaboration in achieving success together.

“Fullstory is a key partner in Gangverk’s mission to help create the next generation of customer experience leaders,” said Gangverk’s Head of Marketing, Doug Cirillo. By continually enhancing our understanding of user behavior and creating engaging customer journeys, we’re helping our clients achieve business growth across increasingly competitive industries.

Fullstory’s Partner Program is a global network of world-class organizations working together to accelerate customers’ digital transformations and help them get the most from their customer experience and data technologies. The annual Fullstory Partner Awards celebrate companies that have demonstrated the highest levels of innovation utilizing the Fullstory platform and commitment to the success of joint customers.

Gangverk Earns Fullstory 2024 Rising Star Partner of the Year

 2024, one of the world’s leading mobility events. Watson joined 

, ‘AR and VR in mobility: how these technologies are enhancing the user experience’ and ‘Human-centred design: auto concepts for the car of tomorrow’, which focused on the future of electric vehicles, autonomous technology, and the evolving in-car experience. His expertise, shaped by Forpeople’s extensive work with global automotive brands, delved into how design can help address consumer needs and shape the future of mobility.

Watson addressed key themes surrounding trust-building for EV and autonomous vehicle brands, the importance of creating seamless in-car digital ecosystems, and designing flexible spaces that anticipate future mobility needs. From years of in-depth insights and research, he stressed how brands must close the divide between technological advancements and consumer expectations to create experiences that feel both intuitive and personal.

MOVE 2024 brought together leaders from across the mobility sector to discuss how emerging technologies, like AI and smart infrastructure, are disrupting the industry. Watson’s perspectives emphasized the importance of human-centered design in crafting mobility solutions that are sustainable, accessible, and future-ready.

forpeople’s George Watson Speaks on Next-Gen Mobility at MOVE 2024

, a top community solar solutions provider, is tapping into artificial intelligence to enhance customer retention and promote energy equity. The company’s AI-powered churn model was featured in 

 for its groundbreaking approach to managing subscribers.

Developed by Solstice, the AI model examines customer behavior and engagement trends to anticipate and reduce churn, helping community solar providers build lasting relationships with their subscribers. This forward-thinking strategy not only strengthens project stability but also ensures that more households, especially those in underserved areas, can continue to enjoy the benefits of clean energy savings.

“We’re at an incredible inflection point in the energy transition,” said Solstice CEO Steph Speirs. ​“There’s been focus on the supply side, but there’s a lot more technology that could be applied to the demand side to improve both the customer experience and the perception of projects in the community. We wanted to apply machine learning lessons around customer behavior and start to improve the metrics that developers care most about for community solar projects.”

By using AI-driven insights, Solstice equips community solar developers with data-backed strategies to boost customer engagement and retention—helping the industry move closer to its goal of inclusive clean energy access.

The company’s efforts in AI-based subscriber management have earned widespread industry recognition, further solidifying Solstice’s position as a leader in community solar innovation.

Solstice Uses AI to Improve Customer Retention in Community Solar

, a new entity dedicated to helping commercial fleets navigate the complexities of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Penske Energy will provide advisory services and turnkey solutions to support fleet operators in adopting EV technology with confidence and efficiency.

“We’re pleased to form the Penske Energy venture to support the commercial fleet electrification work accelerating across the U.S.,” said Dan Taylor, chief strategy officer at ForeFront Power. “The ForeFront Power team brings over a decade of experience working together to develop critical energy infrastructure for organizations ranging from airports to manufacturing facilities, food and beverage organizations, hospitals, and universities. The Penske Energy team is here to guide organizations through the entire process, from system design, to understanding incentives, to assisting with implementation and ongoing operation.”

Penske Energy will provide fleet operators with comprehensive EV charging and energy infrastructure advisory consulting, including strategic and operational planning, technology assessment, infrastructure designs, and practical project implementation.

“Together, we will create synergies benefitting commercial fleet customers by leveraging Penske’s deep fleet expertise along with ForeFront Power’s infrastructure and renewable energy development expertise,” said Drew Cullen, senior vice president of fuels and facilities at Penske Transportation Solutions.

The launch was covered by media outlets such as 

Penske Energy Drives the Future of Fleet Electrification

Fast Company World Changing Ideas Awards 2024

 for revolutionizing the plant-based food industry by cultivating real fat for meat alternatives. Hoxton Farms creates fat that replicates the taste and texture of traditional meat through a sustainable process that combines stem cells from pigs with plant-based nutrients. Bridging the gap between plant-based and conventional diets, their unique innovation offers a more sustainable and ethical alternative while reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.

, Fractile is redefining the capabilities of large language models with its chip technology. The company's next-generation chips perform AI model inference 100 times faster than traditional hardware, allowing for near-instant responses in applications ranging from healthcare diagnostics to financial fraud detection. Fractile is paving the way for transformative advancements in AI scalability and accessibility by eliminating hardware bottlenecks and improving energy efficiency.

The Fast Company World Changing Ideas Awards commends disruptive innovations that address critical global challenges through creativity and ingenuity.

Hoxton Farms & Fractile Honored in 2024 WCI Awards

, spoke at SXSW Austin 2024 as part of the panel discussion 

Tomorrow’s Journey: The Future In-Car Experience

, shed light on how autonomous vehicles are redefining the travel experience—shifting from passive transportation to dynamic, personalized journeys.

The growing importance of trust and safety as autonomous vehicles take control, and how innovative design can help passengers feel secure and comfortable was a major theme. Watson and his fellow panelists also spoke to how AI, augmented reality, and natural language processing are enabling richer, more intuitive interactions, allowing travelers to make the most of their time—whether working, relaxing, or socializing while on the move.

“Looking forward, it’s clear that the future in-car experience isn’t just about technological innovation, but about spaces and experiences that actively support our physical and mental needs, while being mindful of the environment,” said Watson. “The way we interact with our cars and perceive mobility is set to undergo a significant transformation — and we’re working to turn this vision into reality.”

Attendees learned valuable ideas for how businesses and designers can adapt to meet evolving consumer expectations and the importance of creating human-centered experiences that go beyond just transportation.

forpeople Explores the Future Car Cabin at SXSW

, a leading developer of commercial and industrial solar energy and battery storage projects in the U.S. and Mexico, announced that two of its projects—the 

 Solar Energy Portfolio—have received the prestigious “Top Project of the Year” Award from the 

ForeFront Power collaborated with Fresno USD to develop a 17.5 megawatt-DC (MW DC) districtwide solar energy and storage portfolio—one of the largest of its kind on a K-12 school district property in California—while also partnering with Tracy USD to create a 5.3 MW DC distributed solar energy portfolio featuring solar parking canopies across 18 district sites.

Jessica Hunt, Co-President of Environment + Energy Leader, expresses her admiration for this year’s winners: “The introduction of six distinct categories in this year’s awards program not only celebrates the breadth of innovation within the industry but also highlights the specific areas where companies are truly making an impact. A win is a testament to these companies’ outstanding efforts and leadership in driving forward the sustainability agenda.”

E+E Leader Leader Honors Two ForeFront Power Projects

E+E Leader Honors Two ForeFront Power Projects

, a leading developer of commercial and industrial-scale solar energy and battery storage projects that also offers fleet electrification services, and 

 2024 to share first-hand experience and insights on accelerating EV infrastructure for fleet operators. Key strategies and lessons learned from implementing EV charging solutions in the education sector were discussed.

ForeFront Power’s Senior Origination Manager, Sam Zantzinger, and Sales Associate of Fleet Electrification, Henry Gentle, took the stage at NAFA alongside Tracy USD’s Director of Facilities, Planning & Construction, Jamie Quintana, for their panel session, “Charging Ahead: Powering California School Transportation with Fleet Electrification.” The discussion examined the evolving landscape of fleet electrification for California public school districts, offering insights into procurement strategies and the potential benefits for districts considering the transition to electric vehicles.

“The exciting part about planning for these projects right now is all of the available money out there, and the fact that so many of these programs are stackable,” said Henry when discussing potential incentive structures. “When you build an infrastructure project, you might be able to receive a tax incentive at the same time, and then combine that with a local grant or a utility make-ready program.”

Throughout the panel session, Jaime shared firsthand experience partnering with ForeFront Power to procure Tracy USD’s renewable energy assets, while Sam and Henry described how other public agencies could take their own EV infrastructure projects from conception to operation.

ForeFront Power & Tracy USD Speak at NAFA 2024

 was recognized by Great Place To Work® and Fortune magazine for its outstanding workplace culture, placing on the 2024 

 lists. These achievements highlight the company's dedication to fostering an inclusive, engaging, and supportive work environment.

ForeFront Power is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the 2nd year in a row. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at ForeFront Power. This year, 99% of employees said it’s a great place To Work – 42 points higher than the average U.S. company.

“Being named to Fortune’s Best Workplace Lists is a testament to the incredible team we have here at ForeFront Power,” said Ruben R. Fontes, ForeFront Power CEO. “This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace culture built on mutual respect, ensuring every employee feels valued, empowered, and inspired to grow.”


In addition to these accolades, ForeFront Power was featured for the second year in the 

San Francisco Bay Area Top Workplaces 2024

 for its exceptional workplace environment.

ForeFront Power Earns 2024 Workplace Excellence Awards

 celebrated the completion of a 17.5 MW districtwide solar energy and storage portfolio with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Hoover High School in Fresno, California. Developed in partnership with ForeFront Power, a leading developer and asset manager of commercial and industrial-scale solar energy and storage projects, the Fresno Unified solar portfolio is expected to save the District over $40 million throughout the 20-year lifespan of the system.

"This project represents a significant step forward in our efforts to provide sustainable, cost-effective energy solutions that benefit both our students and the community," said Bob Nelson, Superintendent of Fresno USD. "By partnering with ForeFront Power, we are not only reducing our environmental impact but also creating long-term savings that can be reinvested into our schools."

The portfolio includes solar parking canopies, shade structures, and battery storage systems across multiple district sites aimed to help Fresno USD reduce its reliance on traditional energy sources and lower operational costs.

As part of its collaboration with ForeFront Power, the District benefits from a real-time performance monitoring platform that enables officials to generate reports and track environmental offsets and cost savings. The partnership also provides customizable renewable energy curriculum support, enriching STEM education programs for Fresno Unified students.

Fresno USD & ForeFront Power Complete Solar Project

ForeFront Power, a leading provider of community solar and commercial- and industrial-scale solar energy, battery storage and electric vehicle charging services, was chosen as one of four approved vendors in the 

 (PAVE) Program, a new initiative launched by the 

School Project for Utility Rate Reduction

 (SPURR). The program is designed to help public agencies in California transition to EV fleets by providing streamlined access to EV charging infrastructure and related services.

"We're honored to be selected by the SPURR PAVE program to electrify transportation in California and beyond," said Rachel McLaughlin, SVP, Sales and Marketing at ForeFront Power. "Since our founding in 2017, ForeFront Power has been in the business of saving the private and public sectors money through smart investments in distributed energy and storage. In a natural extension of the value we have long delivered, we can now help public sector customers identify the best ways to reduce fleet operating costs through investments in cleaner, quieter, and more driver-friendly transportation."

The PAVE Program simplifies the process for public agencies by offering pre-negotiated contracts and competitive pricing, making it easier to deploy EV infrastructure across schools, municipalities, and other government entities.

SPURR Selects ForeFront Power as Premier Vendor for Public EV Program

, a leading developer and asset manager of commercial and industrial-scale solar energy and storage projects, was named a 

 by the San Francisco Chronicle. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, connection, and more.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

ForeFront Power also earned a spot by Great Place To Work® and Fortune magazine on the 

2023 Fortune Best Small Workplaces™ List

“We are so grateful for our dedicated employees who have made us a part of this prestigious list,” said Yumitake Furukawa, ForeFront Power Interim CEO. “Our people make working at ForeFront Power a truly special experience every day. We celebrate and thank them for all they do to earn this incredible honor.”

The Best Small Workplaces list is highly competitive. To determine the Best Small Workplaces list, Great Place To Work analyzed the survey responses of over 32,000 employees from 

ForeFront Power Receives 2023 Top Workplace Awards

 Managing Director, Matt McElvogue, spoke at 

, an event that brought together over 1,000 global mobility leaders to analyze the future of transportation. In a keynote conversation with WIRED en Español's Rosa Jiménez Cano, McElvogue highlighted the importance of user-centered design in shaping mobility solutions.

During the discussion, McElvogue emphasized the importance of improving accessibility in transportation, stating, “We are continuing to work to improve accessibility in aerospace, and it’s a massive challenge because decades ago decisions were made about air travel for short haul flights, where they’re not actually demanded to be accessible for wheelchair users to get around, go to the bathroom, access different things on the plane.”

He also highlighted the opportunity to rethink transportation infrastructure, noting, “We’re reinvesting in infrastructure, we’re reinventing infrastructure, we’re introducing new modalities… there’s a real opportunity to not repeat the sort of sins of our fathers and these preconceptions of the past when it comes to introducing these new vehicles.”

Discussing the user experience in transportation design, McElvogue explained, “If we do better as a group and center the user and have user requirements living alongside the technical engineering business requirements from day one, we can create better experiences for people that will do more to get people in the system.”

Teague Highlights Accessibility in Transportation at CoMotion 2023

ForeFront Power, a leading developer and asset manager of commercial and industrial-scale (C&I) solar energy and battery storage projects, and HASI, a leading investor in climate solutions, have entered into a follow-on equity investment for a portfolio of distributed solar and solar-plus-storage projects located across California. 

The transaction, which reached financial close on March 30, 2023, builds upon an initial co-sponsor equity investment for a separate U.S. distributed solar portfolio that HASI made with ForeFront Power in 

“A second chapter of equity investment by HASI enables ForeFront Power to continue its leadership position in developing behind-the-meter solar and energy storage projects for the benefit of our customers,” said Michael Smith, CEO of ForeFront Power. “Solar is a mature technology that provides long-term returns to investors, while reducing electricity costs for customers and eliminating carbon emissions from the power grid.”

“We are excited to expand our relationship with ForeFront Power with this latest investment in a diversified C&I solar portfolio,” said Susan Nickey, Chief Client Officer of HASI. “ForeFront Power’s exceptional team has demonstrated their ability to deliver and operate high-quality solar and storage projects that meet pro forma expectations, and we look forward to continuing to support their growth.”

The portfolio comprises 48.5 MW-DC of commercial and industrial ground-mounted, carport, and rooftop solar, including several projects paired with battery storage totaling 3.7 MW. Approximately 36 MW of the distributed assets are mechanically complete and were funded at financial close, while the remaining projects will be funded upon completion through year-end.

Added Smith: “ForeFront Power will continue to steward customer relationships across the entire portfolio and provide its customers and co-sponsor with ongoing energy asset management services.”

ForeFront Power Nets Financing for New Solar-Plus-Storage

 CEO Steph Speirs offered insights on the impact of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapse on the climate tech sector, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for clean energy companies.

's coverage, Speirs highlighted the unique role SVB played in supporting climate startups. SVB was not just a bank — it “was a climate bank pioneer” that understood the industry’s business models and supported the industry when other banks wouldn’t.

 discussing the broader banking industry shift to increased recognition of renewable energy as a good investment. “There's a host of other financiers that are looking for an opportunity to invest in cleantech," she said. “We’ll see other financiers step into the space.”

Despite the challenges posed by SVB's collapse, Speirs remains optimistic about the future of clean energy financing.

Solstice CEO Comments on Silicon Valley Bank Collapse

Based on the most comprehensive data set on the performance of U.S. solar energy assets, 

 announced its U.S. solar energy asset management portfolio is performing 7% above the nationwide industry average.

The 2022 Solar Generation Index reports that in 2021, U.S. solar energy projects larger than 1 MW performed at 92% to Weather Adjusted (WA) P50, which is the weather-adjusted probability that a solar asset is at least 50% likely to achieve the minimum estimate for its performance. Meanwhile the U.S.-based solar assets managed by ForeFront Power, ranging in size from 60 kW to 5 MW, performed at 99% WA P50 during the same period.

“The Solar Generation Index is a reminder that comprehensive energy asset management is integral to the clean energy future,” said Yumi Furukawa, interim CEO of ForeFront Power. “With the strong performance of ForeFront Power’s operating portfolio, we are pleased to also provide comprehensive diagnostic, monitoring and operational expertise on third party-owned projects, balancing both project yields and financial savings as we would for our own assets.”

ForeFront Power’s Asset Management subsidiary helps commercial and industrial solar producers carefully balance costs with production, maximizing both energy output and financial results. The subsidiary delivers services for third-party owned assets, including community solar and behind-the-meter assets providing electricity for corporate, education, government and healthcare electricity consumers. Beyond optimizing system performance and attending to routine operations and maintenance issues, ForeFront Power helps project owners and investors track and leverage public incentives, conduct ongoing energy consumption assessments and participate in sustainability reporting.

ForeFront Power Surpases Industry Benchmarks in Solar Asset Management

, a leading provider of community solar solutions, and 

, a mission-driven renewable energy company that develops projects to benefit underserved communities, have partnered to expand access to community solar in Illinois. As part of this collaboration, Solstice has begun enrolling residents in Reactivate’s Illinois Solar for All projects, helping more low-to-moderate income (LMI) households access affordable clean energy.

This partnership received media coverage from 

The initiative is designed to bring “equitable clean energy access to communities that need it most,” ensuring eligible households can benefit from solar energy without the need for rooftop panels or upfront costs. Subscribers can expect guaranteed savings on their electricity bills, making clean energy both accessible and affordable.

"We're excited to announce that we will continue working with Reactivate on multiple projects over the coming years. Subscribers have already enrolled at record speed for the projects and we are honored to get to work with a mission-driven development partner who not only understands the energy burden excluded communities face, but is actively doing something about it," said Steph Speirs, Co-Founder and CEO of Solstice.

Solstice was founded on the belief that every household can be powered by affordable renewable energy and has partnered with developers across the country on many of the very first community solar projects serving low-income Americans

"To pave the way towards a fair and just transition to clean energy, it's crucial to establish meaningful partnerships. Reactivate's collaboration with Solstice is a major step in this direction. Our goal is to save low- to moderate-income households $50 million in energy costs by 2030," said Utopia Hill, CEO of Reactivate. "By joining forces with Solstice, we're not only investing capital, but fostering local economic development in communities that have been historically marginalized. This partnership will truly make a difference and create a lasting impact."

Solstice & Reactivate Expand Community Solar in Illinois

2023 Smart Energy Decisions WISE (Women in Smart Energy) Award

 in the Project category. The award recognizes her leadership in the development of a 1.8 MW solar energy and battery storage portfolio, a project that has positioned the County as a sustainability leader in California.

In collaboration with distributed solar and energy storage provider 

, Secrest oversaw the development of three solar projects, including a 1.2 MW ground-mounted solar field at the County Operations Center and 522 kW of solar carports at Dairy Creek Golf Course and the Department of Social Services. Under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with ForeFront Power, the portfolio was completed at no upfront cost to the County and is expected to save $6 million in energy costs over 20 years. The PPA also locked in a low, fixed electricity rate while ensuring that ForeFront Power would operate and maintain the systems at no additional cost.

The portfolio offsets more than 5 million pounds of CO2 annually, the equivalent of removing 500 gas-powered vehicles from the road, while supplying clean energy to over 12 County facilities. These efforts have helped the County reduce energy costs, meet over half of its renewable energy procurement goal, and advance its Energy Wise Plan to protect and preserve community resources.

Secrest’s leadership in sustainability and renewable energy extends beyond her work for the County. She serves on the board of the Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition (LGSEC) and is an advocate for environmental education in her community.

SLO County's Annie Secrest Wins WISE Award for Solar Energy Leadership

 (JJC) solar array, developed in collaboration with the 

Solar Builder C&I Ground-Mount Project of the Year

 in the 2022 Solar Builder Project of the Year Awards.

“What stands out about the JJC project – and all of ForeFront Power’s work in Fresno County – is how impactful the switch to solar energy can be for cities and municipalities if they are forward-thinking, proactive and embrace it. Credit to ForeFront Power for focusing on these projects. They’ve become a trusted developer in their region as a result. This C&I Ground-Mount Project of the Year is just one example of many,” said Chris Crowell, Editor-in-Chief of Solar Builder magazine.

Completed in March 2022, the Fresno County JJC is a 3.84 megawatt (MW) solar array, making it the largest public-sector solar project in Fresno County. This ground-mount solar array is made up of nearly 9,000 panels and will generate 7,496,000 kWh of clean, renewable energy each year – enough to cover the annual electricity usage of 1,000 homes. The array will also cover 80% of the annual electricity usage for the adjacent JJC, a 200-acre campus that serves as a medium-security detainment facility for minors in custody and offers educational and service programs including the Floyd Farrow Substance Abuse Program, Planned Parenthood, and the Boys and Girls Club.

As a trusted source for solar industry news in North America, Solar Builder’s annual awards program seeks to highlight the most outstanding PV projects in the solar industry each year across six categories: C&I Rooftop, C&I Ground-Mount, Community, Residential, Microgrid, and Utility-Scale. The Fresno County JCC solar project was selected as one of five finalists in the C&I Ground-Mount category by Solar Builder and decided as the winning project through community voting.

Fresno County Wins 2022 Solar Builder Project of the Year

, a climate tech investor for more than a decade, today announced that 

 is part of its 11th cohort of investments.

Modulous is the Seattle and London-based construction technology company helping developers and construction firms build modular housing without capital intensive factories. Elemental selected Modulous as one of 17 industry-leading technology companies that are enabling system-wide decarbonization, supporting communities to become more climate resilient, and redesigning the built environment. Cohort 11 brings Elemental’s portfolio – one of the most robust climate tech portfolios in industry – to a total of 151 startups.

“Modulous believes the climate crisis is a catalyst for a fundamentally different approach to home-building and a future where everyone has access to safe, healthy, and sustainable homes,” said Janet Stephenson, U.S. Managing Director, Modulous. “We are thrilled to join Elemental, who provide valuable capital and talent to reinforce our mission, which is to create a sustainable home-building ecosystem with equity at the core.”

Elemental has made a direct investment in Modulous and will be an extension of the Modulous U.S. team. The combined team’s key initiatives will include physical assembly testing, a community partnership workforce program, and module construction to complete the company's first show home in the U.S.

“Today we welcome 17 teams working to redraw the big picture around our largest-emitting sectors and meaningfully collaborate with communities tackling climate change,” Elemental Founder & CEO Dawn Lippert said. “Entering our second decade of climate investing, we are betting on entrepreneurs tackling major sources of emissions -- like shipping, air conditioning, transportation and construction -- and working with every company to deploy successfully in local communities.”

Elemental’s investment model is distinct from conventional investment in that it has centered impact and communities from its inception. It was built to ensure that massive incentives for innovation translate into commercialization and community impact that benefit communities and tech builders alike. With 26 exits to date and an exit rate of 17%, Elemental has a proven track record demonstrating the scalability of this approach. Including Cohort 11, Elemental has now awarded more than $57M to its portfolio, and those companies have gone on to raise $7B in follow-on funding. Every dollar Elemental has invested has catalyzed more than $100 in follow-on investment across the portfolio.

Modulous Raises $10M, Joins Elemental Excelerator

, successfully completed Phase 1 of its citywide solar energy portfolio, which includes solar installations across multiple city sites. Combined, these projects will generate nearly 3.4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and are projected to save the City and taxpayers nearly $9 million in electricity costs over a 20-year period.

Phase 1 of the planned citywide solar electricity generating project was completed in 2022 with a 2 megawatt-DC (MW DC) portfolio across 5 projects, comprising ground-mounted and solar parking canopy systems now at key city sites such as its Mesa Marin Sports Complex, Corporation Yard, City Hall South, Bakersfield Police Department Headquarters, and The Park at River Walk, where a commemorative ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the Phase 1 portfolio coming online and signal the next phase of the portfolio, which includes solar and storage.

"We applaud the City of Bakersfield for the sustainability leadership demonstrated by installing 2 MW DC of solar energy to power city facilities," said ForeFront Power CEO Michael Smith. "ForeFront Power takes care of every aspect of solar energy solutions for our public sector partners like Bakersfield. We want to give local government agencies an alternative to expensive, unpredictable energy expenditures with guaranteed performance and low costs from solar."

In addition to reducing energy expenses and supporting environmental initiatives, the City of Bakersfield’s transition to solar will help improve the City's air quality as the clean production of energy helps helps the City avoid emitting approximately 2,600 tons of atmospheric CO2 annually equal to taking more than 500 gas-powered vehicles off the road each year. With Phase 1 complete, the City is now prepared to expand its solar efforts even further.

The project gained media coverage from outlets such as 

Bakersfield & ForeFront Power Develop Citywide Solar Project

ForeFront Power, the developer of commercial and industrial-scale (C&I) solar energy, battery storage and vehicle fleet electrification projects, has completed a 

 for Rivian at its state-of-the-art EV manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois. 

The project’s completion was covered by clean energy trade press, including 

The solar canopy is equipped with Rivian EV chargers to make up the Rivian manufacturing plant’s outbound Solar Charging Yard.


“We’ve flipped the switch on the Solar Charging Yard in Normal. It uses our Rivian DC Fleet System to charge 72 vehicles at once. We’re also working to install a 2.8 megawatt wind turbine, which means soon, R1 vehicles will get their first charge entirely from on-site renewables.”


The project is expected to generate 1.04 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean, renewable electricity annually, and our estimates show it will avoid emitting approximately 800 tons of CO2 per year.


Rivian’s Solar Charging Yard came online in September 2022. Together with the forthcoming wind turbine on the east side of the manufacturing plant, the Solar Charging Yard will help power new R1 vehicles completely with clean energy for their first charge, before they are delivered to Rivian customers.


Rivian’s Solar Charging Yard project is a testament to the company’s climate and sustainability leadership, showing U.S. customers what a clean energy future looks like within the auto industry,” 

said Michael Smith, CEO of ForeFront Power

Rivian has signed the Climate Pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement.

Rivian EV Fleet Gets First Charge from Solar Energy

 for Rivian at its state-of-the-art EV manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois. 

Rivian EV Fleet Gets First Charge from Solar Energy 

, a leading developer of solar energy and battery storage solutions, and 

 (LASD), a top-rated public school district in California, announced that a solar energy portfolio across LASD’s school campuses received a Top Project of the Year Award in the elite Environment + Energy Leader Awards program. The project, designed to support the district’s sustainability goals, provides clean energy to multiple school sites while delivering significant cost savings.

One judge said of the LASD solar energy portfolio: “There were some interesting design elements incorporated into this project; first reducing demand through energy efficiency improvements before sizing the solar requirements, constructing and completing the project with minimal impact on school activities, implementing the project across a portfolio of nine campuses, minimizing maintenance events, and increasing awareness about sustainability by making the solar installation part of the school curriculum.”

Another added, “ForeFront Power was conscious of the school’s schedule and worked around the schools’ operations. Forefront Power Asset Management also performed asset management duties to ensure that the PV system was operating optimally.”

Thanks to the efforts of ForeFront Power Asset Management, the 1.4 MW solar portfolio has already generated nearly $1 million in savings for LASD over the past three years. Over the course of 10 years, the project is expected to achieve up to $2.7 million in savings while reducing carbon emissions by 1,754 tons annually.