This story was originally published on Utility Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Utility Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Highly leveraged solar-only installers may struggle after federal tax credits for customer-owned residential systems expire on Dec. 31, but independent home energy installation businesses have proven surprisingly resilient over the years and will adjust to the new normal more readily than assumed, Enphase Chief Marketing Officer Marco Krapels told Utili ...

Core Insights - The majority of Americans feel unprepared for grid instability, electricity outages, and extreme weather, leading to increased demand for home battery storage and solar solutions from Sunrun [1][3] Group 1: Rising Demand and Grid Strain - A national survey indicates that homeowners are losing confidence in traditional utilities' ability to meet rising energy needs, driven by factors such as AI and data centers [2][4] - 80% of respondents worry that data centers will increase their electricity costs, and 68% are concerned that their utility provider cannot keep up with growing energy demand [9] Group 2: Impact of Outages - Nearly 87% of Americans have experienced real consequences from power outages, including spoiled food and interrupted access to medical equipment [6] - 81% reported at least one power outage in the past year, with 60% facing up to three outages [9] Group 3: Desire for Energy Independence - Homeowners increasingly view distributed energy resources as a solution for personal resilience and public benefit, with 62% considering home battery storage systems [7][10] - 91% believe that home solar and batteries strengthen the grid, and 92% are willing to share excess energy with neighbors during peak demand [10] Group 4: Sunrun's Role and Solutions - Sunrun's home storage and solar systems are positioned as scalable solutions to stabilize the grid and provide families with more control over their energy [8] - The company emphasizes that every home with storage and solar contributes to America's energy future, lowering costs and enhancing national security [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported quarterly revenue of $363.2 million, with a gross margin of 49% and operating income of 27% on a non-GAAP basis [4][41] - Non-GAAP gross margin for Q2 was 48.6%, slightly down from 48.9% in Q1, while GAAP gross margin was 46.9% compared to 47.2% in Q1 [41] - Free cash flow generated in Q2 was $18.4 million, with total cash and marketable securities remaining flat at $1.53 billion [4][44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company shipped 1.53 million microinverters and 190.9 megawatt hours of batteries in Q2 [4][40] - Domestic battery production increased, with shipments of 46.9 megawatt hours in Q2 compared to 44.1 megawatt hours in Q1 [7] - The battery channel inventory was normal, while microinverter channel inventory was slightly elevated [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue increased by 3% in Q2 compared to Q1, driven by higher seasonal demand, while international revenue mix was 75% U.S. and 25% international [11][12] - In Europe, revenue increased by 11% in Q2 compared to Q1, with overall sell-through up by 5% [17] - The U.S. solar market is showing signs of improvement, with rising battery attach rates contributing to increased momentum [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on innovative financing structures to maximize tax credit capture and expand lease financing availability [15][51] - A multi-pronged strategy is being executed to lead the industry through transitions, including partnerships with third-party owners and aggressive reduction of soft costs [15][39] - The company is advancing its battery technology roadmap, with the fourth generation battery systems launched in June and a fifth generation expected to deliver a 50% increase in energy density [16][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects a 20% drop in total addressable market (TAM) in 2026 due to the expiration of the 25D tax credit, but is implementing strategies to mitigate this impact [54][70] - The company anticipates continued growth in the U.S. and seasonal softness in Europe for Q3, with revenue guidance set between $330 million to $370 million [24][45] - Management believes that structural shifts in the market, such as increasing utility rates and demand for energy resilience, will create sustained demand for residential solar plus storage [14][40] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $30 million worth of shares in Q2 as part of a $1 billion share repurchase program [44] - The company is actively engaged in over 50 virtual power plant (VPP) programs worldwide, unlocking new revenue streams for homeowners [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the creative financing structures for TPO providers? - The company is in discussions with TPO customers to bring lease financing access to long tail installers, aiming to prevent market erosion [51][52] Question: How does the company plan to manage elevated microinverter inventories? - Management expects demand to increase due to the 25D credit, which will help normalize channel inventory levels by year-end [60][66] Question: What is the expected safe harbor revenue for Q3? - The Q3 revenue guidance does not include any safe harbor revenue, as the company is awaiting clarity from TPO partners [64] Question: How does the company view the TAM for 2026? - The company expects a 20% reduction in TAM, with shifts in the leasing and cash loan markets impacting overall demand [70][72] Question: What are the pricing strategies in a declining TAM environment? - The company plans to innovate on products to reduce costs, which will allow for flexible pricing strategies to capture more volume [78][80]

Core Insights - ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc. has acquired Air Temp Service Co., a leading HVAC provider in New Jersey, for 1.5 million shares of ConnectM common stock [1] - The acquisition enhances ConnectM's Owned Service Network segment and allows for cross-selling of distributed energy solutions to Air Temp's existing customer base [2] - ConnectM aims to leverage its Connected Operations applications to monitor Air Temp's HVAC equipment, integrating performance data into its Energy Intelligence Network to improve predictive capabilities and increase recurring revenue [2] Company Overview - Air Temp has over 25 years of experience in providing reliable HVAC services, known for quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer care [4] - ConnectM is focused on powering the next generation of electrified equipment and distributed energy, with a proprietary Energy Intelligence Network platform designed to optimize energy efficiency and support sustainable innovation [5] - The strategic addition of Air Temp aligns with ConnectM's mission to accelerate the transition to a smarter, cleaner energy economy [3]