Solar

Illinois Solar for All is, at last, taking off

The state’s solar equity program has been in place for nearly a decade, but it wasn’t until recently, after years of grassroots efforts, that participation surged.

By Kari Lydersen . 3 August 2026

Solar panels seen on a roof from above with playground equipment surrounded by a white fence on a lot — The Crisis Nursery in Urbana, Illinois, has more money to put toward emergency childcare thanks to savings from its solar array. (Illinois Power Agency)

Food and farms

Virginia lays groundwork to combine more solar with farming

A new state law aims to spur agrivoltaics projects where crops or livestock thrive amid solar panels, as AI power demand booms and concerns about farmland loss rise.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 3 August 2026
Solar

New York takes on the myth that solar is swallowing farmland

As the White House and viral influencers push misleading info about solar, New York says the facts show the clean energy source and agriculture can thrive together.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 31 July 2026
Solar

California was mostly solar-powered in May — a global first

No major economy had previously received over half its electricity from solar across an entire month. Thank the mild, sunny spring weather, and batteries.

By Dan McCarthy . 31 July 2026
Solar

This Texas coal mine will soon be home to a 1.2GW solar farm

Panamint Capital broke ground on a $1.7 billion solar and storage project at the Calvert coal mine. The mine and an adjacent coal plant will stay online.

By Maria Gallucci . 30 July 2026
Corporate procurement

Trump admin bans ‘new’ foreign-made inverters. What does that mean?

A just-issued national security ban appears to exclude existing inverters for solar and battery projects — but future models could face restrictions, experts say.

By Jeff St. John . 29 July 2026
Clean energy

The US clean energy boom will continue to 2030. Then things get hazy.

Despite Trump’s attacks, renewables are set for big growth over the next few years, a new Rhodium Group study says. Whether it lasts depends on some key variables.

By Julian Spector . 29 July 2026
Batteries

Want a home battery on a budget? Consider a portable, DIY system.

Power stations that recharge from the sun, a car, or a home outlet can keep appliances going in an outage. Some can even help lower electric bills.

By Alison F. Takemura . 28 July 2026
Solar

Duh, solar power doesn't work at night — but it excels during the day

Trump’s Department of Energy bashes solar panels for not producing 24/7, but the renewable energy source just got Texas through a heat wave.

By Dan McCarthy . 24 July 2026
Solar

Post–Hurricane Helene, this community is getting creative with solar

An Asheville, North Carolina, group has embraced solar to secure backup power and lower bills. Its efforts go beyond the standard rooftop array.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 24 July 2026
Solar

Solar is having its best summer yet in Europe

It was the EU’s top power source in early summer, generating a record 25% of electricity. The clean energy boom is likely to accelerate further from here.

By Dan McCarthy . 24 July 2026