North Carolina

Climatetech finance

Heron Power raises $140M to modernize electrical transformers

Transformers are an old technology that’s in short supply. Tesla alum Drew Baglino thinks his startup can help meet rising demand with new solid-state hardware.

By Jeff St. John . 18 February 2026
Solar

Is solar really overrunning farmland? Data in North Carolina says no.

Arrays occupy a “minuscule” share of farmland even though the state is a solar leader, a new study finds — belying claims from the Trump admin and others.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 29 January 2026
Solar

North Carolina may use batteries to give new life to old solar farms

A Duke Energy proposal backed by clean energy groups would let older solar farms renew their expiring contracts on favorable terms — if they build storage.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 27 January 2026
Solar

After Helene, rural North Carolina turns to solar and battery hubs

More than a year after the storm’s devastation, clean-energy microgrids are springing up in remote areas thanks to a program that could become a national model.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 20 January 2026
Hydropower

Why is Duke Energy retreating from a major pumped-hydro expansion?

North Carolina’s largest utility was poised to double the capacity of its Bad Creek facility. Now, it’s backing off, casting doubt on state emissions targets.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 15 January 2026
Solar

North Carolina training site pairs sheep grazing with solar

A state university just opened a unique agrivoltaics demo site where sheep farmers and solar developers will learn what it takes to share land.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 16 December 2025
Virtual power plants

Duke Energy wants to spend on battery incentives to save on power plants

The utility already rewards North Carolina homes that let it tap their batteries. It now proposes doing the same for businesses, local governments, and nonprofits.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 8 December 2025
Solar

One North Carolina company’s plan for keeping rooftop solar going

Home solar tax credits expire this year, but through 2027 installers can pass on the savings from a separate incentive to customers who are willing to lease panels.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 6 November 2025
Utilities

North Carolina mulls how to manage power demand from data centers

Load flexibility was a big topic at a recent state gathering of policymakers, industry, and advocates. But questions remain about how to best put it into practice.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 23 October 2025
Utilities

Duke Energy backs off renewables after North Carolina cuts climate goal

The state repealed the utility’s 2030 emissions target in July. Duke’s response? A plan to slash solar and wind, double down on gas — and burn more coal.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 2 October 2025