Solar

Solar

A new front in California’s solar wars: Who’s allowed to install batteries?

Climate groups are suing to block a state agency decision to limit battery installations to licensed electricians, saying it could harm contractors and consumers.

By Jeff St. John . 16 July 2024
Solar

Minnesota creates new ombudsperson role to help connect solar faster

Solar developers have long complained about the state’s lengthy process for connecting to the grid. The ombudsperson will work to resolve disputes.

By Frank Jossi . 11 July 2024
Clean industry

In a first, a solar microgrid will directly power an industrial plant

Timet’s facility in West Virginia will use solar and batteries to make titanium products. The durable metal is used in everything from airplanes to pacemakers.

By Maria Gallucci . 9 July 2024
Solar

The US is about to get its first solar-covered canal

Thousands of miles of canals stretch across the U.S. A pilot project on tribal land in Arizona shows the benefits of covering these waterways with solar panels.

By Eric Wesoff . 8 July 2024
Solar

In Michigan, homeowners associations can’t stop rooftop solar anymore

Tens of millions of Americans live under HOAs, which sometimes block rooftop solar for aesthetic reasons. Michigan is the latest state to protect access to solar.

By Carrie Klein . 2 July 2024
Energy equity

Community solar expands access to clean energy, new study shows

Peer-reviewed research finds that community solar makes cheap renewable power available to more people, including those who live in rentals and multifamily buildings.

By Alison F. Takemura . 1 July 2024
Electrification

New startup aims to bring ‘solar-led electrification’ to California homes

Balto Energy, founded by a longtime energy modeling veteran, is the latest startup building software to try and predict the value of solar and home electrification.

By Jeff St. John . 18 June 2024
Solar

‘Floatovoltaic’ solar panels on lakes could unlock lots of clean energy

New research finds that covering even a small portion of a lake or reservoir’s surface with floating solar panels could generate a significant amount of electricity.

By Matt Simon . 17 June 2024
Solar

Swift Solar nabs $27M to chase solar efficiency holy grail: perovskites

Many startups have tried to commercialize alternative solar panel materials, with little success. Swift says its next-gen modules will hit the market in a few years.

By Eric Wesoff . 14 June 2024
Utilities

This coal-heavy rural co-op utility is buying its first solar plants

Colorado-based Tri-State will soon serve half its customers’ electricity needs with renewable energy, thanks to new Inflation Reduction Act policies.

By Julian Spector . 13 June 2024