West

Solar

Are long-promised solar perovskites finally hitting mass production?

Tandem PV has built an automated factory line in California to produce glass coated with materials that it says can improve solar panel efficiency by one-third.

By Julian Spector . 20 April 2026
Virtual power plants

As utility costs rise, can ‘background’ smart thermostats offer relief?

Millions of smart thermostats auto-adjust temperatures to cut power bills or prioritize clean energy. Some utilities are mulling how that tech can help the grid, too.

By Jeff St. John . 20 April 2026
Electric vehicles

California bill would limit EV-charging access in affordable housing

Legislation backed by developers would waive EV-charging requirements for new low-income housing projects, just as the state looks to build 1 million more units.

By Alison F. Takemura . 13 April 2026
Geothermal

Fervo Energy inks big turbine deal to build more next-gen geothermal

The Houston-based startup signed a deal with Turboden America for up to 1.75 GW in power-plant units to turn more of Earth’s heat into clean electricity.

By Maria Gallucci . 9 April 2026
Batteries

AES pulls out of San Diego area battery project after local opposition

Was the developer pushing the boundaries of proximity, or are today’s new battery designs just fine for residential areas?

By Julian Spector . 9 April 2026
Heat pumps

Bay Area startup introduces flat-rate, single-room heat pumps

Merino Energy says its through-the-wall heat pumps are faster to install than ductless systems. They’ll be available for $3,800 — installation included.

By Alison F. Takemura . 7 April 2026
Electrification

These Palo Alto kids are pushing the city to promote induction stoves

Middle and high school students in the California town are urging officials to tell residents about the harms of gas stoves and the benefits of cleaner cooking.

By Alison F. Takemura . 6 April 2026
Batteries

Nation's largest urban battery to take center stage near San Francisco

Developer Arevon has begun building a 1-gigawatt-hour storage project in Daly City, near the Cow Palace arena, where it will serve up clean energy at night.

By Julian Spector . 3 April 2026
Clean energy

Arizona cuts key renewables policy as clean energy market takes off

Regulators said ending the state’s renewable portfolio standard would save customers money, but the official economic analysis undermines that assertion.

By Julian Spector . 31 March 2026
Virtual power plants

Will California fund or kill its thriving virtual power plant program?

Gov. Newsom’s administration has proposed ending a program that’s brought a gigawatt of grid relief online. Lawmakers want to know what will replace it.

By Jeff St. John . 31 March 2026