Solar

Food and farms

How a reluctant Iowa farming county undid a ban on battery storage

Three brothers wanted to use some land for solar, batteries, and cattle grazing. First they had to convince local officials — and the community — to allow batteries.

By Julian Spector . 8 October 2026

Field with corn and soybeans — (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Solar

Connecticut’s solar ambitions hit skepticism from a major utility

The state’s top utility has refused to sign deals for solar projects picked by the state. Will the same thing happen with Connecticut’s latest round of procurements?

By Sarah Shemkus . 7 October 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 . 2 October 2026
Food and farms

The USDA just made it way harder for farmers to get grants for solar

Even farmers who were already promised funds from the REAP program may never get them under the Trump admin’s new restrictions. Some are suing.

By Kari Lydersen . 1 October 2026
Solar

North Carolina food bank gets microgrid backup for future storms

Marshall’s Beacon of Hope was spared during Hurricane Helene. Thanks to a state grant, solar panels and batteries make it even better prepared to help its community.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 1 October 2026
Corporate procurement

Despite big Texas solar purchase agreement, Meta still uses lots of gas

The new solar project is less than half the size of a gas plant planned for Meta’s El Paso data center.

By Lauren Nutall, Inside Climate News . 1 October 2026
Marine transport

Massachusetts startup floats a versatile new solar boat

Longtime EV pioneer James Worden turns his vision to the water, with sun-and-battery-powered vessels customizable for ferry routes, tourist cruises, and water taxis.

By Sarah Shemkus . 28 September 2026
Land use

The challenges and opportunities of clean energy in rural America

Agricultural communities don’t always welcome clean energy developments. But projects can provide significant economic opportunities.

By Dan McCarthy, Wendy Becktold, Sarah Shemkus . 25 September 2026
Solar

Meet the solar industry’s new Republican evangelist

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty took the helm of the Solar Energy Industries Association this summer with a mandate to build durable political power.

By Julian Spector . 24 September 2026
Solar

Ohio’s biggest solar project finally gets permit after long legal limbo

Regulators’ approval of Oak Run Solar after a court forced them to consider more evidence is a rare clean-energy win in a state where it's tough to build renewables.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 21 September 2026
Guides and how-tos

How to stick up for renewable energy projects near you

Showing up at local government hearings to support a proposed wind, solar, or battery project could be the most effective climate action you ever take.

By Alison F. Takemura . 21 September 2026