Solar Power
Western Solar Plan Charts Course for Development on Public Lands
The BLM’s proposed maps could open up as much as 55 million acres to solar installations.
Making Solar Energy Land Use More Efficient
How an ‘ecovoltaic’ approach can balance energy production with conservation of sensitive land.
New Solar Capacity Outpaces New Fossil Fuels in the US
Solar energy still makes up just 5 percent of the nation’s energy mix, but could grow faster in coming years.
What Happens to Defunct Solar Plants?
In most states, solar companies are required to provide an end-to-end plan for solar power installations.
Federal Plan Identifies Millions of Acres for Solar Production
The proposal targets areas near transmission lines in 11 western and southwestern states.
Gila River Canal Project Pairs Water Conservation With Solar Energy
Local leaders view the first solar panel-covered water canal in the Western Hemisphere as a ‘major win’ for Indigenous water sovereignty.
City of Vacaville Launches Instant Solar Permitting
A new state law requires cities to take steps to speed up the permitting process for solar energy systems.
The Slow Growth of Solar Carports
Placing solar panels over parking lots has multiple benefits, but higher costs have prevented their widespread adoption in U.S. cities.
Tampa Pilots Solar Sidewalks
The city is testing solar panels embedded in sidewalks as a backup power supply for traffic lights.
France Mandates Solar Panels Over Parking Lots Nationwide
By 2028, all French parking lots with more than 80 spots will have to be covered with solar panels, providing both shade and renewable energy.
How California Kept the Lights On
To stave off rolling blackouts during a record heat wave, California relied on dramatic conservation by households and a growing renewable energy sector.
Local Control for Solar; State Preemption for Oil and Gas
A solar energy facility planned for Fairfield County, Ohio is in critical condition after local governments express their displeasure.
Zoning Stands in the Way of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is cheap as ever, but zoning isn’t keeping up with the market.
Renewable Energy Powers Entire State of California—for a Few Minutes
Last Saturday afternoon, thanks to a combination of high production and reduced consumption, California’s power needs were met almost entirely by renewable energy sources.
How Renewable Projects Are Threatening a Crucial Carbon Sink
The sprawling Mojave Desert plays a key role in carbon sequestration, storing around 10 percent of California’s carbon. But the fragile ecosystem is threatened by large-scale renewable energy projects.
Local Opposition Threatens to Cripple Solar Expansion
A bevy of real and unfounded claims against solar farms is feeding a growing opposition movement in rural areas.
Renewable Energy as a Political Issue
Texas leads the country in wind energy production, but it, and other conservative states, continue to resist efforts to promote the switch to renewables.
Outdated Electric Grid Could Hamper Texas Transition to Renewables
Although Texas easily has the potential to phase out coal with the renewable energy projects in the works around the state, its aging transmission lines and outdated infrastructure could delay the transition.
Legislation Would Limit Solar Power Installation on Agricultural Land in Iowa
If SF 2171 wins approval in the Iowa State Legislature, solar will have a limited number of options for installation on agricultural land.
California Could Drastically Cut Solar Incentives
Rooftop solar customers in California could face higher costs and reduced incentives if a proposed overhaul of the state's solar program is approved by the Public Utilities Commission.
Pagination
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.