Batteries

A Massachusetts town uses batteries to help its grid — and its schools

Batteries can serve double-duty, shoring up the grid and providing backup to buildings when the power goes out. This project shows how.

By Jeff St. John . 7 October 2024

A computer rendering of Wakfield Municipal Light & Gas Department's battery and generator 'energy park' — A computer rendering of the Energy Park battery-and-generator project being built in Wakefield, Massachusetts, to provide grid services and backup power for two local high schools. (Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department)

Podcast

Is the Inflation Reduction Act a win for EVs and batteries?

The complicated gymnastics of qualifying for the new federal EV and battery tax credits.

Play

By Shayle Kann . 41 min . 29 September 2022
Energy storage

Tesla grid battery fire shows young industry's failures and successes

The latest fire at California's Moss Landing battery complex was contained and didn't cause any injuries, but it still highlights the need for better safety systems at storage facilities.

By Julian Spector . 28 September 2022
Energy storage

ESS inks largest-ever US flow battery purchase with Sacramento utility

The innovative deal will supply 2 gigawatt-hours of storage over multiple years and includes provisions for workforce training in and around the California capital.

By Julian Spector . 27 September 2022
Solar

Puerto Rico’s solar users are still among 'fortunate few' with power

Most Puerto Ricans remain in the dark after Hurricane Fiona, thanks to a grid plagued by problems. Owners of solar-plus-battery systems are faring better.

By Maria Gallucci . 23 September 2022
Batteries

In Utah, thousands of homes feed the grid stored solar power

Utility Rocky Mountain Power teamed with sonnen to set up a virtual power plant that's thriving. Now it plans to expand the model across Utah and Idaho.

By Julian Spector . 14 September 2022
Electric vehicles

NYC may ban e-bikes in public housing following a spate of fires

Critics say the move could jeopardize the livelihoods of delivery workers and are pushing to make charging safer, easier and more affordable.

By Maria Gallucci . 1 September 2022
Batteries

Lunar Energy enters solar+battery field with $300M investment

Sunrun, SK Group and others back the startup's plan to break into a crowded market with integrated home battery systems and broader energy controls.

By Jeff St. John . 26 August 2022
Solar

How Puerto Rico could call on rooftop solar to avoid blackouts

Puerto Rico energy officials mull plans for "virtual power plants" to boost an island grid faulty enough to catch heat from chart-topping rapper Bad Bunny.

By Maria Gallucci . 16 August 2022
Energy storage

Energy storage wins a long-sought victory with Inflation Reduction Act

A dedicated grid-storage tax credit will unleash a new wave of development for technologies critical to meeting U.S. climate goals.

By Julian Spector . 12 August 2022
Batteries

This utility keeps customers cool during heat waves while saving them money

Vermont’s Green Mountain Power helped thousands of customers get home batteries. Now it taps them at peak times to prevent high costs and grid outages.

By Julian Spector . 11 August 2022