Solar

Solar

Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm

In more than half of U.S. states, Republican and Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation that would boost adoption of DIY solar systems.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 February 2026
Guest essay

How solar and batteries help keep lights on during Texas winter storms

The recent boom in renewables and storage in Texas means its grid is much better prepared for bad weather than it was when Winter Storm Uri hit five years ago.

By Tam Hunt . 19 February 2026
Food and farms

Fear of farmland loss slows solar and wind development

Renewable energy projects can help small-scale farmers make ends meet, but some rural residents don’t like changes to the agricultural landscape.

By Claire Carlson . 18 February 2026
Solar

Most of Virginia restricts solar farms. Lawmakers want to change that.

As more counties effectively shut out utility-scale solar, the legislature is advancing a measure that would block blanket bans and establish siting standards.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 6 February 2026
Solar

Trump may not like solar, but lots of his voters do

A new poll reveals broad support for big solar farms among right-leaning voters — especially if panels meet certain manufacturing criteria.

By Ysabelle Kempe . 6 February 2026
Food and farms

Missouri Senate considers bills to halt solar development on farmland

Proposals to stop or rein in large-scale solar projects drew emotional testimony and highlighted growing conflicts over land use and property rights.

By Rudi Keller . 5 February 2026
Solar

Are faked public comments about to tank an Ohio solar farm?

Dozens of public comments opposing the $98 million Crossroads Solar project appear to be fabricated. Ohio’s siting board may block the project anyway.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 5 February 2026
Clean energy manufacturing

California has abundant solar power. Here’s how factories can use it.

High electricity costs in California have slowed industrial decarbonization in the state. New industrial rates and other fixes could change that, experts say.

By Maria Gallucci . 4 February 2026
Solar

A rare plant species thrives amid solar panels in the Nevada desert

The Gemini Solar Project has become a haven for the threecorner milkvetch — yet more proof that solar farms can be designed to minimize ecosystem disturbance.

By Matt Simon . 2 February 2026
Clean energy

Chart: In the EU, wind and solar surpass fossil fuels for first time

The watershed moment comes as the region looks to prioritize clean, domestic energy sources over dirty coal or imported natural gas.

By Dan McCarthy, Ysabelle Kempe . 30 January 2026