Guides and how-tos

Solar

Solar is helping schools save big. Your district could be next.

Nearly 9,000 K-12 schools nationwide have installed solar panels. Here’s how you can help your district tap into the cheap, clean energy source.

By Akielly Hu . 31 October 2024

EV charging

Go ahead, rent that EV. Just make a charging plan before setting out

Renting an EV can be a great way to test out the tech before committing to ownership, but there’s a learning curve for drivers, especially around charging.

By Alison F. Takemura . 23 August 2023
Guides and how-tos

So you want to electrify your home. Do you need a panel upgrade first?

If your home’s running on 100 amps or below, you might want an electrician to upgrade your panel and electrical service. Here’s what to know.

By Alison F. Takemura . 31 July 2023
Guides and how-tos

What's a home energy audit — and should you get one?

To kick off Canary Media's new Electrified Life column, we break down what to expect from an energy audit and why it's a smart starting point for home electrification.

By Alison F. Takemura . 18 July 2023
Guides and how-tos

DOE's new tool helps you get your share of the climate law's billions

The Biden administration launched a hub to walk you through the process of accessing Inflation Reduction Act incentives for energy audits, heat pumps, EVs and more.

By Alison F. Takemura . 14 June 2023
Guides and how-tos

6 ways you — yes, you! — can help advance the energy transition

Canary Media's quick guide to practical steps you can take to curb climate pollution and move us toward a better world.

By Julian Spector . 21 April 2023
Heat pumps

10 questions to ask if you want to get a heat pump

Will you need to overhaul your electrical panel? What if you live in a cold climate? Will a heat pump save you money? We walk you through the basics.

By Julian Spector . 7 February 2023
Guides and how-tos

What are public utility commissions? A beginner's guide

Utility regulators hold the keys to the transition from fossil fuels. Here's how to engage with the clean-energy gatekeepers you've never heard of.

By Julian Spector . 12 October 2022
Guides and how-tos

Electric utilities 101: A breakdown of the basics on US power providers

Utilities and their regulators can be confusing and opaque. Here's a handy introduction for people who want more clean energy in their community.

By Alison F. Takemura . 12 October 2022
Video

Video: The 6 key elements of a just energy transition

Produced with The Solutions Project and narrated by Mark Ruffalo, our new video breaks down the basic elements of a very complex concept in just 2 minutes.

By Canary Creative . 20 September 2022
Guides and how-tos

What does 'just transition' really mean?

Here's a primer on the term advocates use to describe the shift to a clean energy economy that benefits everyone.

By Alison F. Takemura . 15 September 2022