Solar

Solar

Interconnection bottleneck threatens community solar success in Illinois

One of the state’s largest utilities, Ameren, takes years to approve projects. That’s creating headaches for developers racing to use expiring federal tax credits.

By Kari Lydersen . 1 October 2025
Virtual power plants

Did California just screw up the largest virtual power plant in the US?

Lawmakers axed funding for the state’s most promising effort yet to cut grid costs with solar-charged batteries and smart thermostats. Can the program be saved?

By Jeff St. John . 29 September 2025
Clean energy

Chart: Check out how fast China is shifting to renewables

China still emits more planet-warming pollution than any other country, but its furious build-out of wind and solar means the nation is scaling back on fossil fuels.

By Dan McCarthy . 26 September 2025
Solar

Plug-in solar bills are in the works in New Hampshire and Vermont

DIY "balcony" solar kits, which can save residents money and give them more independence, are piquing interest from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

By Sarah Shemkus . 23 September 2025
Solar

Solar and batteries had a record-setting, grid-stabilizing summer in Texas

Solar has set 17 power generation records in Texas so far this year, shoring up the grid alongside batteries as some gas plant developers step back.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 19 September 2025
Solar

Chart: See how solar is booming globally

The world installed 64% more solar in the first half of this year than it did in the first half of last year. The driving force? China.

By Dan McCarthy . 19 September 2025
Solar

The solar industry threw a party in Vegas, and it actually wasn’t sad

After relentless setbacks from the Trump administration, solar and storage pros are finding solace in booming demand for electricity.

By Julian Spector . 16 September 2025
Solar

Illinois' push to train workers for solar industry jobs is paying off

A state-funded hub for clean energy workforce development is creating employment and business opportunities in the surrounding community.

By Kari Lydersen . 12 September 2025
Solar

Illinois farmers find that sheep and solar arrays go well together

The agrivoltaics practice of raising sheep under solar panels is a win-win for Illinois farmers — but first the market for lamb meat needs to grow.

By Kari Lydersen . 11 September 2025
Solar

California's first solar-covered canal is now fully online

The 1.6-MW pilot system is among a growing number of initiatives to put solar over waterways. The approach could generate gigawatts of power nationwide.

By Maria Gallucci . 10 September 2025