Energy equity

Solar

Will New York Gov. Kathy Hochul sign a balcony solar bill?

The legislature passed a measure to allow DIY plug-in solar panels, and clean energy boosters are hopeful that Hochul will sign it to promote affordability.

By Alison F. Takemura . 16 June 2026

Woman with brown hair in an olive-green suit and white shirt, left hand on face — The Solar Up Now New York Act, which would legalize balcony solar, awaits a decision by Gov. Kathy Hochul. (Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Solar

Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm

In more than half of U.S. states, Republican and Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation that would boost adoption of DIY solar systems.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 February 2026
Energy efficiency

In U-turn, Trump approves low-income energy-assistance funds

A new spending bill gives the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program $4 billion — a reversal from the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate it last spring.

By Alison F. Takemura . 5 February 2026
Climate justice

After Trump’s clean-energy clawback, tribes ‘turn and face the storm’

The administration ripped away hundreds of millions of dollars for clean energy projects on tribal lands. Now tribes are fighting to salvage their work.

By Jeff St. John . 29 January 2026
Energy efficiency

North Carolina families see lower bills with new Duke Energy program

The utility refers low-income customers to groups like Energy Savers Network, which provides free efficiency retrofits for long-term savings.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 9 September 2025
Solar

How affordable housing can still go solar, despite Trump turbulence

The Trump admin is trying to claw back funding for low-income solar, but projects can still save residents money if local financing fills in the gaps.

By Jeff St. John . 27 August 2025
Solar

Community solar is winning over Republican lawmakers around the US

In Georgia, Iowa, Missouri, and Ohio, GOP legislators have sponsored bills to spur community solar, which allows more people to access cheap, clean power.

By Alison F. Takemura . 29 April 2025
Virtual power plants

Haven to install free solar, batteries for thousands of California homes

The startup is tapping a new state funding pool to help low-income families access the benefits of clean energy and battery backup for their residences.

By Julian Spector . 21 April 2025
Utilities

Ohio grid disparities leave some areas with older, outage-prone equipment

Advocates want state utility regulators to take up the issue of grid investment disparities in FirstEnergy’s pending rate case.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 17 April 2025
Policy & regulation

USDA awards $6B to rural clean power initiatives

The funding will mostly go toward helping rural electric co-ops build solar, wind, and battery projects that will clean up the grid, create jobs, and save money.

By Keaton Peters . 15 January 2025
Solar

PosiGen wins another $200M for lower-income rooftop solar

Pioneering solar installer PosiGen will benefit from Brookfield Asset Management's new investment, but it could face tougher times ahead if policy changes under Trump.

By Eric Wesoff . 9 January 2025