Solar

Marine transport

Is solar the future of boating? This engineer turned boat-builder says yes

David Borton is on a mission to make solar-electric boats mainstream. The Solaris, the first-ever Coast Guard–approved solar boat, offers a window into his vision.

By Dan McCarthy . 5 December 2023
Climatetech finance

An IRA grant could help low-income residents in New Hampshire go solar

The state is seeking $70 million in federal funding and partnering with housing advocates to expand access to solar power for low- and moderate-income residents.

By Sarah Shemkus . 4 December 2023
Batteries

California regulators cut incentives for rooftop solar even further

The CPUC insists it wants people to add batteries to solar systems to help the grid. But it just cut the compensation that households can earn by doing it.

By Jeff St. John . 4 December 2023
Solar

California’s rooftop solar policy is killing its rooftop solar industry

New projects have cratered and job losses are mounting in the six months since California regulators slashed the value of home solar systems.

By Jeff St. John . 1 December 2023
Solar

AI-powered permitting is speeding up solar deployments in California

Symbium has signed up 22 California cities to try out its software, which uses automation techniques to slash the time it takes to process solar permits.

By Jeff St. John . 30 November 2023
Solar

Chart: Here's where utility-scale solar is located in the US

Though a few states are leading the way, big solar installations are spread all around the country — and many more will get built in the years to come.

By Dan McCarthy, Maria Virginia Olano . 24 November 2023
Solar

California makes it harder for schools, farms and rental housing to go solar

Regulators have slashed the value of shared-solar systems, starting in early 2024. School districts, community advocates and politicians have expressed outrage over the decision.

By Jeff St. John . 17 November 2023
Solar

How one solar company is succeeding in coal country

Solar advocates in southwestern Virginia say being local, proving the technology works and building a coalition to support it have been key.

By Hannah Wilson-Black . 2 November 2023
Guest essay

Here’s how foundations are bringing solar to lower-income communities

Charitable foundations are using a variety of strategies to get solar panels onto the roofs of health centers, schools and other community buildings.

By Greg Horner, Vero Bourg-Meyer . 31 October 2023
Clean energy

Chart: The world is approaching a peak in electricity emissions

Electricity production is the biggest source of CO2 emissions in the world, but a new report suggests the grid’s dirtiest days will soon be behind it.

By Dan McCarthy . 6 October 2023