Solar

Solar

Alabama Power can keep charging steep rooftop solar fee, judge rules

The standby charge, among the highest in the nation, is “chilling” solar in the sunny state, critics say. Alabama Power says the fee is needed to maintain the grid.

By Dennis Pillion . 1 April 2026
Solar

Balcony solar bills make inroads across New England

Energy affordability woes are pushing all six states to advance legislation allowing DIY, plug-in solar panels. A bill is even nearing the governor’s desk in Maine.

By Sarah Shemkus . 27 March 2026
Clean energy

The world built more solar and wind than ever in 2025

Growth is the name of the game for renewables as countries scramble for much-needed electricity and the tech gets cheaper.

By Ysabelle Kempe . 27 March 2026
Solar

Ohio blocks big solar farm, despite apparently fake public comments

Regulators acknowledged the suspicious comments but deferred to local government opposition to Crossroads Solar, continuing what some see as unfair siting practices.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 24 March 2026
Solar

‘We’re harvesting the sun’: A huge solar project grows in California

A sweeping plan to build 21 gigawatts of solar plus batteries on 136,000 acres could be a lifeline for Central Valley farmers facing devastating water shortages.

By Jeff St. John . 24 March 2026
Solar

Balcony solar bill gains momentum in Illinois

More than two dozen states are considering bills that would make it easier for households to adopt plug-in solar arrays. Illinois could be next to pass one.

By Kari Lydersen . 19 March 2026
Solar

The fight over California’s community solar plan is heating up

Regulators are long overdue on their mandate to create a community solar-storage program. And critics say the plan that is in the works is “fatally flawed.”

By Jeff St. John . 17 March 2026
Solar

A chapter of California’s rooftop solar battle closes

A court upheld the state’s latest net-metering policy, which drastically cut payments for solar power sent to the grid and is predicted to discourage rooftop installations.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 13 March 2026
Solar

Virginia to become second state that allows balcony solar

Residents of the state will soon be able to use the tech to lower their electricity bills. Gov. Spanberger has made affordability a top legislative priority.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 12 March 2026
Solar

A food bank cut costs with solar. A local Goodwill noticed.

After a North Carolina nonprofit put up rooftop solar, a nearby Goodwill headquarters did too, a move that will save energy and boost a job training program.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 10 March 2026