The Solar Breakthrough That Could Help the U.S. Compete With China
The biggest investor in U.S. solar manufacturing is embracing a new technology that reduces the cost of producing the panels, potentially bolstering efforts to build a supply chain outside of China for an industry crucial to the energy transition.
Giant Batteries Are Transforming the Way the U.S. Uses Electricity
California draws more electricity from the sun than any other state. It also has a timing problem: Solar power is plentiful during the day but disappears by evening, just as people get home from work and electricity demand spikes. To fill the gap, power companies typically burn more fossil fuels like natural gas.
That’s now changing. Since 2020, California has installed more giant batteries than anywhere in the world apart from China. They can soak up excess solar power during the day and store it for use when it gets dark.
Transforming the Climate Conversation This Earth Day
On this 54th Anniversary of America's first Earth Day celebration, it is a time to reflect on how we moved from a consensus on the urgent need for environmental protection across the country to woefully underestimating the need for action about climate change.
Editorial: On Earth Day, we express gratitude for what we share
As the world turns its attention to the environment we share on this Earth Day, the tide of public opinion is turning toward decisive climate action. Statewide carbon-neutral goals, emerging carbon credit markets and incentive programs for renewable energies are quickly becoming the new reality.
Conservatives must reclaim Earth Day
April 22 marks the 54th celebration of Earth Day. Unfortunately, there should be much more to celebrate five decades later.
US solar factories need more government support to succeed, report says
March 20 (Reuters) - U.S. efforts to build a domestic supply chain for solar energy components is stalled and will require urgent government action to support the factories needed to compete with China, according to a report published on Wednesday.
The analysis by Guidehouse Insights, commissioned by the Solar Energy Manufacturers for America Coalition, said existing federal subsidies and trade policies are not enough to help U.S. producers succeed in the face of a global glut of solar equipment.
After Big Oil’s waves of consolidations, Big Solar could be next
The wave of consolidation that swept through Big Oil in the last few months is expanding to Big Solar.
Biggest solar flare in years temporarily disrupts radio signals on Earth
A NASA telescope has captured the biggest solar flare in years, which temporarily knocked out radio communication on Earth.
The sun spit out the huge flare along with a massive radio burst on Thursday, causing two hours of radio interference in parts of the U.S. and other sunlit parts of the world. Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it was the biggest flare since 2017, and the radio burst was extensive, affecting even the higher frequencies.
California may build solar panels alongside highways to power homes
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday gave the greenlight for the state’s transportation and energy officials to figure out how to install solar panels, battery storage and other renewable energy sites along highways.
The bill, named SB 49, commissions California’s Department of Transportation to establish clear guidelines for companies and public agencies to develop highway-side renewable energy.