Solar

Land use

The challenges and opportunities of clean energy in rural America

Agricultural communities don’t always welcome clean energy developments. But projects can provide significant economic opportunities.

By Dan McCarthy, Wendy Becktold, Sarah Shemkus . 25 September 2026
Solar

Meet the solar industry’s new Republican evangelist

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty took the helm of the Solar Energy Industries Association this summer with a mandate to build durable political power.

By Julian Spector . 24 September 2026
Solar

Ohio’s biggest solar project finally gets permit after long legal limbo

Regulators’ approval of Oak Run Solar after a court forced them to consider more evidence is a rare clean-energy win in a state where it's tough to build renewables.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 21 September 2026
Guides and how-tos

How to stick up for renewable energy projects near you

Showing up at local government hearings to support a proposed wind, solar, or battery project could be the most effective climate action you ever take.

By Alison F. Takemura . 21 September 2026
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
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