Distributed energy resources

Solar

Mid-sized solar could help bring down electricity bills in Pennsylvania

Distributed solar developers say they could build gigawatts of projects to help ease the state’s power crunch — if lawmakers and regulators set clear rules.

By Jeff St. John . 13 May 2026

A large gray building, perhaps of corrugated steel, with solar panels on its gently sloped roof, on a grass lot — A distributed solar system on the roof of a warehouse owned by EQT Real Estate in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania (Black Bear Energy)

Distributed energy resources

Two California bills would push utilities to get more out of their grids

The state’s three big utilities typically overbuild to meet peak demand. The legislation would order them to try virtual power plants and smarter grid tech instead.

By Jeff St. John . 30 April 2026
Virtual power plants

Will California fund or kill its thriving virtual power plant program?

Gov. Newsom’s administration has proposed ending a program that’s brought a gigawatt of grid relief online. Lawmakers want to know what will replace it.

By Jeff St. John . 31 March 2026
Batteries

Base Power to launch 100-MW home battery network for Texas utility

The unicorn startup notched its biggest utility partnership yet, to install enough home batteries to rival a gas-fired peaker power plant.

By Julian Spector . 11 March 2026
Culture

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl show had a big message about Puerto Rico’s grid

The superstar climbed a sparking electric pole as the Trump administration claws back millions in federal funding meant to fix the island’s hurricane-battered grid.

By Maria Gallucci . 9 February 2026
Virtual power plants

Massachusetts tries a market for distributed energy to tame grid costs

National Grid’s new marketplace seeks batteries, EV chargers, and other distributed energy resources to help relieve stressed grid circuits. Here’s how it works.

By Jeff St. John . 21 January 2026
Distributed energy resources

A path to fast, cheap home solar and batteries: Go through the meter

New digital meter socket adapters from Tesla and others make home solar, battery, and EV charging installs a snap. But only if utilities let homes use them.

By Jeff St. John . 22 December 2025
Electrification

Electrify your home with our handy roundup before tax credits expire

You could save thousands of dollars on heat pumps, solar, and other home energy updates if you act before Dec. 31. Our explainers and guides will get you up to speed fast.

By Alison F. Takemura . 21 November 2025
Distributed energy resources

Puerto Rico’s energy future: distributed solar or centralized grid?

A judge has called for the Trump administration to reevaluate assumptions as it works to redirect rooftop solar funds toward the grid and fossil fuel infrastructure.

By Kari Lydersen . 4 November 2025
Batteries

The startup trying to make ‘DIY’ home batteries happen

Pila Energy’s batteries offer renters and homeowners the smarts of a Tesla Powerwall in a plug-and-play package. It just raised $4M to scale up operations.

By Jeff St. John . 21 October 2025
Virtual power plants

Can crowdsourcing help solve the data-center power crunch?

Data centers want to connect to the grid faster. Voltus says virtual power plants can help them do so — and cut costs for everyday utility customers.

By Jeff St. John . 20 October 2025