Solar

Clean energy jobs

Illinois revamps clean energy jobs training for a shifting economy

State-funded hubs will focus on skills that can transfer to other sectors, like data centers. That may help workers as Trump policies threaten to upend job markets.

By Kari Lydersen . 16 September 2026

Man in white hard hat bolting solar panes to a roof — (milehightraveler via Getty Images)

Heat pumps

California moves to cut red tape for heat pumps, solar, and more

Two bills on Gov. Newsom’s desk would reduce hurdles to heat pumps and home solar and batteries, which could reduce fees by $1,000 or more per project.

By Alison F. Takemura . 14 September 2026
Clean energy

Gavin Newsom’s complicated legacy on climate and clean energy

Newsom’s 8-year term as California’s governor is drawing to an end. Here’s how he helped — and hindered — the state’s energy transition.

By Jeff St. John . 14 September 2026
Clean energy

An Idaho county banned renewables. It’s having second thoughts.

Solar developments led county officials to ban renewables in 2024. Now, the Republican commissioner who instigated the moratorium is leading the charge to undo it.

By Julia Tilton . 14 September 2026
Balcony solar

Balcony solar is this year’s clean energy superstar in the US

At the start of 2026, only Utah had legalized plug-in solar. Eight other states have followed suit in an effort to help people lower their sky-high energy bills.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 11 September 2026
Solar

Coal-to-solar project lands a rare clean-energy win in Ohio

The solar-plus-storage project faced no opposition despite growing pushback to clean energy in the state — likely because of its brownfield location.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 10 September 2026
Solar

A Virginia school district pioneers solar and battery microgrids

Roanoke City Public Schools is building the state’s first solar-plus-storage systems to keep emergency shelters going during extreme weather and cut down on costs.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 8 September 2026
Solar

Solar is now bigger than coal in China — and yet still way behind

China has more solar capacity online than coal capacity. It’s a remarkable milestone, but the fossil fuel still generates far more electricity than solar does.

By Dan McCarthy . 4 September 2026
Solar

Solar-plus-storage is having a global growth spurt

Investors spent a record amount in the first half of 2026 on projects that combine renewable energy — mostly solar — with batteries.

By Ysabelle Kempe . 4 September 2026
Solar

Where does balcony solar stand in your state?

Dozens of states are considering legislation to allow residents to use DIY plug-in solar. Follow the efforts here.

By Sarah Shemkus . 3 September 2026
Politics

Meet the super PAC working to crush clean energy's political foes

After Republicans voted to undo much of the Inflation Reduction Act, a few cleantech professionals set out to exact electoral revenge. So far, it seems to be working.

By Julian Spector . 1 September 2026