Solar

Batteries

Why North Carolina’s electric co-ops are turning to grid batteries

From the suburbs to the barrier islands, the state’s local cooperatives are using aggregated battery systems to weather outages and protect consumers’ wallets.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 4 June 2026

Solar panels on a field with a battery surrounded by trees, a lake, and what looks like farmland — Wake Electric’s solar-plus-storage installation in Wake Forest, North Carolina (Wake Electric)

Solar

Thanks to two new laws, more Virginians can save with community solar

The legislation expands subscription-based solar farms from 250 to 875 megawatts and is the product of the state’s “new affordability politics."

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 1 June 2026
Solar

In new attack on solar, lawmakers spread myths about potato farms

Misinformation about renewable energy fuels local pushback to proposed energy installations and could threaten farmers’ livelihoods.

By Austyn Gaffney . 1 June 2026
Solar

This AI tool helps community solar developers connect to the grid sooner

Startup MeanderX maps bottlenecks on distribution lines in Illinois and seven other states, so projects can avoid lengthy delays.

By Kari Lydersen . 26 May 2026
Clean energy

The grid is in better shape this summer. Thank solar and batteries.

Nationwide grid reliability has improved since last summer — and new solar and batteries, not aging coal plants, are the main reason.

By Jeff St. John . 26 May 2026
Clean energy

Another first for renewables: Wind and solar outgenerate gas in April

It’s a milestone moment that shows just how much clean energy has matured in a short amount of time — and a lot more growth is on the way.

By Dan McCarthy . 22 May 2026
Clean energy

24/7 renewables could happen sooner than you think

Grouping wind, solar, and batteries together can already be more affordable than building a coal or gas plant in prime locations, new report finds.

By Julian Spector . 21 May 2026
Solar

This Vermont town embraced a wind farm. Solar is a different story.

Vermont aims to wean off fossil fuels faster than most of America — but large-scale solar projects are facing resistance from locals across the rural state.

By Austyn Gaffney . 21 May 2026
Solar

Where does balcony solar stand in your state?

Dozens of states are considering legislation to allow residents to use DIY plug-in solar. Follow the efforts here.

By Sarah Shemkus . 20 May 2026
Solar

How big can solar go? These 3 projects show us the gigascale future

A handful of sensationally large developments are underway around the world, testing just how big solar can get.

By Julian Spector . 19 May 2026
Solar

Solar to overtake coal on Texas grid for the first time ever this year

The Trump administration likes to cast renewables as a socialist scam, but solar has soared in the competitive markets of the Lone Star State.

By Julian Spector . 18 May 2026