Solar

Solar

Mid-sized solar could help bring down electricity bills in Pennsylvania

Distributed solar developers say they could build gigawatts of projects to help ease the state's power crunch — if lawmakers and regulators set clear rules.

By Jeff St. John . 13 May 2026
Land use

Confusing ballot wording may have tipped Ohio vote on renewables ban

Exit polling suggests Richland County would have elected to repeal its wind and solar ban, if not for residents who mistakenly voted in favor of the restriction.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 11 May 2026
Solar

Balcony solar bill dies in Illinois after union voices opposition

Legislation to open the door for small plug-in solar panels hit roadblocks, including safety concerns raised by the state's electrical workers union

By Kari Lydersen . 8 May 2026
Solar

Maine’s community solar boom is going bust

Maine had more community solar capacity than any other state in 2025. But a new law enacted in the name of affordability has brought development to a standstill.

By Sarah Shemkus . 8 May 2026
Wind

We bet you can’t guess which states rely most on wind and solar power

The share of power generated by wind and solar exceeded 30% in over a dozen states in 2025, which was a banner year for renewables even amid Trump’s attacks.

By Dan McCarthy . 8 May 2026
Land use

Resident-led campaign fails to reverse Ohio county’s ban on renewables

Locals pushed deep-red Richland County to be the first to nix a wind and solar ban. The close vote suggests bipartisan support for clean energy.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 6 May 2026
Solar

Virginia’s new law blocks counties from banning solar

Two-thirds of the state’s counties ban or heavily limit solar. Now, those blanket restrictions are going away, though counties can still bar individual projects.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 28 April 2026
Food and farms

Trump is blocking solar for farmers. Can the Farm Bill fix that?

REAP had been helping farmers go solar and save money since 2008, until Trump came along. A looming Farm Bill vote could seal its fate — or solve its problems.

By Kari Lydersen . 27 April 2026
Politics

Fossil fuel promoters tied to campaign to keep Ohio county renewable ban

Richland County voters are deciding whether to reject a wind and solar ban. Organizations linked to pro-gas interests have given money to keep it in place.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 24 April 2026
Solar

Solar power soared last year — and it’s not slowing down

More and more countries are hitting new solar generation records, and those that are still relying on fossil fuels have good reason to catch up.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 24 April 2026