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    Qcells, Onyx Partnering on Community Solar and BESS Projects in Massachusetts

    Feb. 9, 2024
    The project led by Onyx will comprise 6.2 MW of solar and 5.5 MWh of battery energy storage capacity. Qcells will provide 3.3 MW of the solar power and all of the storage installation.
    Image credit Qcells
    65c64a12296d10001ee7a2f4 Qcells

    Energy transition project developers Onyx Renewable Partners and Qcells North America are going to collaborate on two community solar projects combining battery storage in Massachusetts.

    The project led by Onyx will comprise 6.2 MW of solar and 5.5 MWh of battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity. Qcells will provide 3.3 MW of the solar power and all of the storage installation.

    Community solar offers a clean energy alternative to subscribers who cannot afford or do not want on-site and rooftop solar. The combination with battery storage will increase the impact and duration of the solar energy generated.

    “Together with Qcells, we’re forging a partnership to create cutting-edge solar and battery storage solutions for communities,” Angie Daoud, Onyx's Chief Operating Officer, said in a statement. “United by our shared vision for a sustainable future, we’re demonstrating that true success stems from lasting partnerships built on shared values.”

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    The Massachusetts project will benefit from that state’s SMART incentive program, designed to boost solar power installation. Once operational and generated into the grid, the two projects are anticipated to offset some 3,900 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, the energy-use equivalent of about 700 homes.

    Qcells will deliver its direct current (DC-coupled) battery storage technology and Geli Energy Management System software. The digital controls will optimize battery charging and discharging.

    “Qcells is thrilled to align with Onyx toward building a sustainable future,” Jin Han, Head of Distributed Energy at Qcells, said.

    The two partners plan to eventually expand the combined project development elsewhere in the ISO-New England system, as well as California ISO, New York ISO, and beyond, the companies say.

    Last year, Qcells announced it was investing about $2.5 billion to expand its solar panel production footprint at a new assembly plant in Georgia.

    Meanwhile, Onyx was tapped to deliver solar power and battery storage for a project connected to the Daniel K. Akaka Hawaii State Veterans Home in Oahu.

    About the Author

    EnergyTech Staff

    Rod Walton is senior editor for EnergyTech.com. He has spent 14 years covering the energy industry as a newspaper and trade journalist.

    Walton formerly was energy writer and business editor at the Tulsa World. Later, he spent six years covering the electricity power sector for Pennwell and Clarion Events. He joined Endeavor and EnergyTech in November 2021.

    He can be reached at [email protected]. 

    EnergyTech is focused on the mission critical and large-scale energy users and their sustainability and resiliency goals. These include the commercial and industrial sectors, as well as the military, universities, data centers and microgrids.

    Many large-scale energy users such as Fortune 500 companies, and mission-critical users such as military bases, universities, healthcare facilities, public safety and data centers, shifting their energy priorities to reach net-zero carbon goals within the coming decades. These include plans for renewable energy power purchase agreements, but also on-site resiliency projects such as microgrids, combined heat and power, rooftop solar, energy storage, digitalization and building efficiency upgrades.