Solar Energy

Worker in safety vest and white hard hat installing rooftop solar panel.

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.

March 13, 2024 - Popular Mechanics

Solar panels in a green field

What Happens to Defunct Solar Plants?

In most states, solar companies are required to provide an end-to-end plan for solar power installations.

January 29, 2024 - Inside Climate News

White wind turbine sitting on ground at wind farm construction site.

States Preempt Local Control on Renewable Energy Projects

To meet ambitious climate and decarbonization goals, some states are barring local governments from restricting wind and solar development.

January 21, 2024 - U.S. News & World Report

Rows of photovoltaic solar panels in the Nevada desert with mountains in background.

Federal Plan Identifies Millions of Acres for Solar Production

The proposal targets areas near transmission lines in 11 western and southwestern states.

January 19, 2024 - Reuters

Power lines with dense icicles hanging from them against blue sky.

Texas Grid Holds Up to Freezing Temperatures

Efforts made to prepare the state’s infrastructure for winter storms after 2021’s disastrous freeze are paying off.

January 18, 2024 - The New York Times

Close-up of desert tortoise in Nevada desert.

BLM Allocates Funding to Study Renewables Impact on Public Lands

The large-scale study will assess how proposed solar farms and other renewable energy projects could impact animals, plants, and habitats.

January 1, 2024 - KLAS

Department of Energy sign in front of modernist building in Washington, D.C.

Department of Energy Moves to Improve Grid Interconnections

Adding new renewable energy projects to local grids can take an average of five years, slowing the process of reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

October 30, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

View of red tiled rooftops with solar panels and tall palm trees between houses

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.

September 6, 2023 - Symbium

Solar panels and wind turbines against sunset colors

San Diego to Install Solar ‘Microgrids’

The self-sufficient energy systems will help the city improve its resiliency during power outages.

July 13, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Bird's eye view of parking lot with solar panel canopies

Editorial: California’s Solar Potential Lies in Roadways, Parking Lots

Environmentalists are raising the alarm about massive solar farms in the unspoiled desert. Why not install more solar panels along state-owned highways and in parking lots instead?

May 22, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

Solar panels on green inclined field on old landfill site in The Netherlands

New Tax Credit Could Boost Solar Energy Production on Landfills

Incentives aimed at brownfield development of renewable energy projects could give momentum to building solar farms on an underutilized property: closed municipal landfills.

March 5, 2023 - Governing

Solar panels in a green field

U.S. Renewables To Outpace Coal and Nuclear in 2022

The production of renewable energy in the United States is on track to surpass other energy sources this year, but the nation must maintain record high production levels to meet its climate goals.

November 28, 2022 - Scientific American

Solar array and wind turbines in California with mountains in background

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.

September 21, 2022 - High Country News

Wind turbines on farm in Paulding County, Ohio

Ohio Counties Can Now Ban Renewable Energy Projects

A new state law allows counties to deny wind and solar projects in their jurisdictions, and at least ten counties have already moved to implement bans.

August 26, 2022 - Cleveland Scene

Worker standing between solar panels on roof

Rooftop Solar Hampered by New York City Fire Code

Requirements in the NYFD fire code make it costly and difficult to achieve the city’s solar installation goals.

May 26, 2022 - Grist

Solar panels in a green field

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.

April 8, 2022 - Reuters

Texas Wind

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.

April 3, 2022 - The Atlantic

Solar Installation

Grid Operator Calls for Two-Year Pause on Solar Projects, Citing Massive Backlog

The largest grid operator in the U.S. is asking for a new approvals process and two-year delay on current applications to ease the logjam of primarily solar projects in its queue.

February 8, 2022 - Inside Climate News

Solar Power

Solar Farm Moratorium to End, Despite Local Concerns

Delaware County plans to amend its solar zoning ordinance and lift a moratorium on the construction of new solar farms that was implemented after local opposition stalled the project.

January 27, 2022 - The Star Press

U.S. Department of the Interior

Navajo Leaders: Renewable Energy Transition Must Account for Equity

Native American leaders in the Southwest want to ensure their communities have a voice, and an opportunity for well-paying jobs, in renewable energy projects on Native land.

January 19, 2022 - High Country News

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