Solar

California’s rooftop solar is a benefit, not a cost, to the state

A new study finds rooftop solar will save California $2.3B this year — a rebuttal to the ‘cost-shift’ math that’s led regulators to stifle solar growth.

By Jeff St. John . 15 November 2024

(Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Climatetech finance

First Solar cashes in with sale of IRA tax credits worth up to $700M

The Ohio-based solar giant says it's the first major deal to use new tax-credit transfer provisions, which help firms maximize the value of clean energy subsidies.

By Eric Wesoff . 3 January 2024
Solar

Chart: The US installed more solar in 2023 than ever before

The industry saw 55% growth over 2022, according to forecasts — but headwinds threaten to temper the momentum in the years ahead.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 15 December 2023
Solar

Innovative solar tracker startup Sunfolding has folded

Sources say the 11-year-old startup is winding down after struggling to gain a foothold in the multibillion-dollar solar tracker market.

By Eric Wesoff . 8 December 2023
Marine transport

Is solar the future of boating? This engineer turned boat-builder says yes

David Borton is on a mission to make solar-electric boats mainstream. The Solaris, the first-ever Coast Guard–approved solar boat, offers a window into his vision.

By Dan McCarthy . 5 December 2023
Climatetech finance

An IRA grant could help low-income residents in New Hampshire go solar

The state is seeking $70 million in federal funding and partnering with housing advocates to expand access to solar power for low- and moderate-income residents.

By Sarah Shemkus . 4 December 2023
Batteries

California regulators cut incentives for rooftop solar even further

The CPUC insists it wants people to add batteries to solar systems to help the grid. But it just cut the compensation that households can earn by doing it.

By Jeff St. John . 4 December 2023
Solar

California’s rooftop solar policy is killing its rooftop solar industry

New projects have cratered and job losses are mounting in the six months since California regulators slashed the value of home solar systems.

By Jeff St. John . 1 December 2023
Solar

AI-powered permitting is speeding up solar deployments in California

Symbium has signed up 22 California cities to try out its software, which uses automation techniques to slash the time it takes to process solar permits.

By Jeff St. John . 30 November 2023
Solar

Chart: Here's where utility-scale solar is located in the US

Though a few states are leading the way, big solar installations are spread all around the country — and many more will get built in the years to come.

By Dan McCarthy, Maria Virginia Olano . 24 November 2023
Solar

California makes it harder for schools, farms and rental housing to go solar

Regulators have slashed the value of shared-solar systems, starting in early 2024. School districts, community advocates and politicians have expressed outrage over the decision.

By Jeff St. John . 17 November 2023