Batteries

Long-duration energy storage

The biggest grid storage project using old batteries is online in Texas

Startup Element Energy set out to prove that second-life batteries could deliver cheaper energy storage safely and at scale.

By Julian Spector . 21 November 2024

Startup Element Energy installed 53 megawatt-hours of used electric vehicle batteries in West Texas earlier this year, the largest project of its kind so far. (Element Energy)

Batteries

Battery firms set to thrive under new California rooftop solar regime

Home battery installs could double in California this year, now that the state has ditched net metering and overhauled incentives for rooftop solar owners.

By Julian Spector . 28 April 2023
Solar

How the rooftop solar industry is adapting to California's new rulebook

The state’s once-thriving industry faces an uneasy future now that California has slashed financial incentives for people to put solar panels on their roofs.

By Julian Spector . 26 April 2023
Energy storage

Tesla's battery-storage sales are growing way faster than EV sales

Deployments of Tesla batteries surged 360% as the EV maker opened a factory for grid-scale batteries. Now it’s getting into lithium refining too.

By Eric Wesoff . 24 April 2023
Electrification

Span snags $96M to become a 'Swiss Army knife' for electric homes

The smart-electric-panel startup aims to electrify a million homes with its new funding, tapping partnerships with vendors of solar, batteries and electric appliances.

By Jeff St. John . 24 April 2023
Solar

Sunnova lands $3B DOE backing for low-income solar and battery loans

DOE’s first-ever “virtual power plant” conditional loan guarantee aims to bring solar-battery systems to underserved communities and help balance the grid.

By Jeff St. John . 20 April 2023
Batteries

This NASA tech might just spur a major grid battery breakthrough

EnerVenue’s still got plenty to prove, but it already has a pipeline of orders and more than $100M in funding. A factory in Kentucky is on the way.

By Julian Spector . 17 April 2023
Recycling renewables

One of the biggest battery recycling plants in the US is up and running

Ascend Elements’ new recycling plant in Covington, Georgia is processing used lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap into useful materials for the clean energy transition.

By Julian Spector . 10 April 2023
Energy storage

Taiwan's rapid renewables push has created a bustling battery market

The densely populated island is snapping up energy storage as it strives to meet aggressive clean-energy targets amid national security and climate concerns.

By Julian Spector . 6 April 2023
Energy storage

New York has a new plan to get all the grid batteries it needs

After a slow start to building much-needed energy storage, the state says new rules will help it reach its 6-gigawatt target.

By Julian Spector . 27 March 2023
Transportation

NYC adopts e-bike rules with focus on fire safety and equity

The new policies aim to make it easier for low-income residents to access high-quality models, without banning the zero-emissions devices many workers depend on.

By Maria Gallucci . 24 March 2023