Articles

Solar

Climate law incentives prompt First Solar to build another US factory

The U.S. currently produces 11 gigawatts of solar modules each year. By 2025, First Solar will be making 10 gigawatts all by itself.

By Julian Spector . 30 August 2022
Emissions reduction

Open-sourcing the grid emissions data needed for 24/7 clean energy

Startup Singularity is sharing data on hourly U.S. power-grid emissions. It wants energy markets, governments and companies like Google and Microsoft to use it — and to disclose their own data too.

By Jeff St. John . 30 August 2022
Guides and how-tos

Could you get home energy and EV incentives under the climate law?

Find out which tax credits and upfront discounts you can earn for heat pumps, solar, electric vehicles and more — and how much money they could save you.

By Alison F. Takemura . 30 August 2022
ENN

Ohio schools focus on air conditioning as they feel the heat from climate change

Districts have spent millions to add air conditioning to many schools, yet classrooms that don’t yet have cooling are still stifling on hot days.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 30 August 2022
Heat pumps

Finally, a heat-pump water heater that plugs into a standard outlet

How a public-private collaboration brought a key climate-change-fighting tool to market: an efficient 120-volt water heater that can be easily installed in homes.

By Jeff St. John . 29 August 2022
ENN

N.C. weatherization funds set to nearly double, posing challenge and opportunity

Last year’s federal infrastructure law and a surprise state funding boost from the state legislature means North Carolina weatherization programs will nearly double the budget to help residents reduce their energy burden.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 29 August 2022
ENN

To excavate or not to excavate: With toxic coal ash, that is the question

North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia are proving it is possible for utilities to remove massive quantities of coal ash from ponds where it endangers groundwater, placing it in safer lined landfills. This could be a model for other states, but challenges remain.

By Hayley Starshak . 29 August 2022
Batteries

Lunar Energy enters solar+battery field with $300M investment

Sunrun, SK Group and others back the startup's plan to break into a crowded market with integrated home battery systems and broader energy controls.

By Jeff St. John . 26 August 2022
Fossil fuels

EPA should crack down on fossil-fueled heating, climate groups argue

A coalition of activists is petitioning the Environmental Protection Agency to phase out furnaces and water heaters that burn gas and oil.

By Emily Pontecorvo . 26 August 2022
ENN

Coal ash near Illinois water wells to stay, despite residents' concerns

A quarry near Joliet, Illinois holds millions of tons of toxic coal ash. Its owner plans to leave the ash in place.

By Sarah Aie . 26 August 2022