Solar

How solar microgrids are bringing power (and quiet) to North Carolina

In areas hit by Hurricane Helene, the nonprofit Footprint Project is replacing noisy and polluting generators with solar panels and batteries.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 28 October 2024

Solar panels on the ground with people around — Workers installing a solar microgrid in Marshall, North Carolina. (Footprint Project)

Solar

BNEF says Auxin misinterpreted its research in calling for solar tariffs

Researchers from BloombergNEF say Auxin Solar used data inaccurately in petitioning the Commerce Department to consider new tariffs on imported solar panels.

By Julian Spector . 18 May 2022
Solar

Chart: US solar installations could fall 50% or more under new tariffs

If the Commerce Department imposes trade sanctions sought by Auxin, the solar industry could be set back years and lose tens of thousands of jobs.

By Eric Wesoff, Maria Virginia Olano . 13 May 2022
Solar

California heads back to drawing board on solar net-metering policy

Will yet another round of public input finally yield an equitable and balanced system for compensating rooftop-solar owners?

By Jeff St. John . 10 May 2022
Clean energy

How California can get to a reliable, 85% clean grid by 2030

A new report finds that more offshore wind and geothermal power could reduce risks of overreliance on massive solar and battery growth to meet state goals.

By Jeff St. John . 10 May 2022
Solar

Auxin Solar: A look at the mysterious company causing a big trade mess

See photos of shoddy Auxin solar panels and the firm’s desolate factory site. Plus: State data raises questions about how many panels Auxin actually produces.

By Eric Wesoff . 6 May 2022
Policy & regulation

Biden solar tariff probe pushes Indiana utility to burn more coal

The Commerce Department’s consideration of new tariffs for Southeast Asian solar-panel makers is stalling solar projects — and undermining the clean energy transition.

By Julian Spector . 5 May 2022
Guest essay

Did California actually hit 97% renewables in April? Yes and no

A close look at California’s latest record reveals a complicated quest to operate an emissions-free grid.

By Mike O'Boyle . 2 May 2022
Solar

Largest solar power plant in US secures $1.3 billion in financing

Gemini, a massive new solar-plus-storage project in Nevada, is a bright spot for an industry that's facing myriad challenges.

By Eric Wesoff . 29 April 2022
Solar

Florida Gov. DeSantis surprises with veto of solar net-metering bill

Rooftop solar in Florida gets a last-minute reprieve thanks to the Republican governor’s unexpected opposition to legislation penned by utility lobbyists.

By Jeff St. John . 28 April 2022
Podcast

How a trade complaint could crush the US solar industry

Auxin Solar has triggered a new spat in America’s trade war with China. It’s already derailing large-scale solar projects — and could create major headaches for Biden.

Play

By Stephen Lacey . 24 min . 27 April 2022