Solar energy

‘Valuable and largely overlooked:’ Interest in virtual power plants grows

Virtual power plant programs can be a cost-effective way to support a strained electric grid at a time when huge projected electric demand increases loom.

  • By Robert Zullo, New Jersey Monitor

California’s new rules allow solar and batteries to help out the grid

Utilities tend to treat solar and batteries as threats to their power grids. California’s policy will now tap their flexible power to benefit the grid instead.

  • By Jeff St. John, Energy News Network

Solar hits a renewable energy milestone not seen since WWII

With supply chains finally open, solar provided most of the nation's new electricity capacity last year.

  • By Tik Root, Grist

Government software that shines: Solar permitting’s bright future in 2024

COMMENTARY | By automating the permitting process for rooftop solar, cities and counties can save time and money for their building departments and homeowners.

  • By Mark Rodriguez

A Roadmap to Achieving 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy

COMMENTARY | A new clean energy procurement trend is gaining momentum in cities racing to meet ambitious climate goals. Here’s how 24/7 carbon-free energy works, how local governments can get started on this approach and where they can look for support.

  • By Andrew Light and Lacey Shaver

'Green Banks,' Poised for Billions in Climate Funds, Draw States' Attention

These banks provide financing for projects from efficient appliances to solar panels.

  • By Alex Brown, Stateline

When the Grid Goes Out, Could Solar and Batteries Power Your Home?

COMMENTARY | Researchers explore what it would take for homes and commercial buildings to ride out long power outages, of three days or more, with solar and batteries.

  • By Will Gorman, Bentham Paulos and Galen Barbose, The Conversation

New 5-State Pilot Will Link Low-Income Households to Solar Power

Households could see electricity bill savings from the program in the 10% to 50% range, according the Biden administration.

  • By Molly Bolan

Locals Worry Wind and Solar Will Gobble Up Forests and Farms

Some locals have argued that the project, which began operation in 2012, harms wildlife corridors and watersheds. Others have said it’s essential for providing clean energy and fighting climate change.

  • By Alex Brown

Solar Project to Produce Half of State Government’s Electricity

Pennsylvania announced a new solar project that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lock in energy pricing for 15 years.

  • By Andrea Noble

Cheaper Solar Power Means Low-Income Families Can Also Benefit—With The Right Kind of Help

New research finds that certain policies and business models can help with getting lower and moderate income households to install solar panels at their homes.

  • By Galen Barbose, Eric O’Shaughnessy and Ryan Wiser, The Conversation

Clean Energy Has Taken a Hit. Will It Rebound?

Leaders are steadfast about clean energy goals amid the downturn.

  • By Alex Brown, Stateline
Featured eBooks
The State of Trust in Government
Cybersecurity in State and Local Government
Building Data Literacy in the State and Local Workforce

Thy Neighbor’s Solar Panels

COMMENTARY | When our peers take actions to preserve the planet, we’re more likely to follow suit. How the human instinct to conform could help us address the climate crisis.

  • By Robert H. Frank, The Atlantic

Rising Sun: Solar Energy Growing Across the Country

COMMENTARY | Solar energy is taking off across the country, including in places that aren't obvious homes for alternative energy, as state and local governments see its benefits.

  • By Anya Schoolman and Larry Ward